It can be impossible to be perfect all the time, LOL! Most women browse through previous photos of themselves and think, "What ever possessed me to wear that plus size dress! What was I thinking back then?"

We are all fashionistas, but we also make fashion mistakes! Here are a few tips to help keep women in check of their plus size clothing failure!

1. Beware when you "Mix & Match" your plus size clothes! Many plus size woman think that buying a variety of styles and designs particularly on sale is a smart move. Sure, it saves you money but you can end up disappointed when you try to match these plus size clothes with what you have in your closet. So, you put it away in hopes of finding a plus size top or bottom that can coordinate with it, only to find out a year later that it's still hanging in the closet! Yes, I too have made the same mistake!

Don't get me wrong saving money on discounted clothing is great, BUT bring a top,bottom, or dress with you when you are shopping. Try them on together. Ask the sales women what she thinks. This is your chance to save and correctly "Mix & Match."

2. Fashion magazines and TV shows can bite us in the butt! Don't become a fashion victim! Read clothing reviews in Vogue or watch the "Fashion Police" for inspiration and creative combination's for putting together a plus size clothing wardrobe.

3. Many plus size woman cling to classic styles however, I suggest for the moment to put away your favorite pair of plus size jeans and replace them for a more updated plus size dress. For example, what I do when I want to update my look is simply add some color, like a scarf or a separate over my 3x dress. Simple touches will gain you compliments and visual style.

Keep in mind these simple tips when you confronting the "army" of your wardrobe. You are the commander-in-chief!!!Plus! I promise you that you'll always look fresh and updated in your clothes! Now march into your wardrobe! Your orders are to Mix and Match and send me a photo of you "before" and "now." Good-luck!

-Lisa MetCalf

Labels: clothes, clothing, plus size clothing, women's plus size clothing

I was reading the other day that approximately 1 American discards more than 50 pounds of used clothing each year. The majority of clothing purchased in the USA is by women for women. Therefore there is a lot of regular and plus size women's clothing available for reuse, resale and recycling. In fact, only 5% of clothing ends up damaged and unwearable; the rest can be passed along to family, friends or given to nonprofit groups like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Homeless Shelters and thousands of churches and organizations.

Perhaps you might be like me, "Oh I love that top! Sure I'm gonna wear it again!". I said that 5 years ago! So I suggest women of all sizes from small to plus - go through your closets and donate last year's top or dress. I know most of you women are busy and can't get to a physical location, however there are recycling bins. Today, most organizations have big metal bins located on parking lots at malls or gas stations. I recently bagged a dozen of my plus size blouses and when I was passing a big PINK bin for breast cancer I "dumped" my donation! In fact, Big Brothers and Sisters have a pick-up service for clothing. When I called, the volunteer told me they are lacking women's plus size clothing especially sizes 3x, 4x, and 5x. She then added, "Remember plus size women need clothes too! Go now! Recycle your unwanted loved ones!"

Women make a difference! Let's help other plus size ladies! Trust me, you'll feel great about it and always remember the "closet rule"; for every piece you buy, remove two pieces from your closet. Think about it - you will have room to shop for new clothes!

- Lisa MetCalf

Labels: clothes, clothing, plus size, plus size clothing, women's clothing, women's plus size clothing