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pants to fit (and flatter!) your curves

9/18/2013

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When the options in pants become slim, skinny or matchstick, it can be extremely frustrating to shop if your body type is curvy. Usually you end up with a pair of pants that is suctioned on through your butt and thighs, but gapping massively in the back. Then to cover up those issues you are usually forced into long and unflattering tops. It's enough to swear off pants altogether!

Luckily there are a few brands that have us covered and in the past few years since discovering these fits, my quality of pant shopping and wearing has dramatically improved. I have included links below that will redirect you to the a page for each of these brands that shows just their curvy styles of pants. All three of these brands carry tall and petite sizes as well so hopefully there will be a pant for you that can be worn straight off of the rack. However, it is important to note that some of these styles are available only online. I suggest taking a trip to the mall and trying on a pant (any pant!) in the curvy style at these stores to get a sense of your size so that you can order online more confidently.
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                BANANA REPUBLIC

BR offers the Jackson fit for women with curves. This fit is only available for the dress pant and suiting collection. Currently there is only one pair of curvy fit jeans available. However, BR does have ankle pants available in the Jackson fit.


The Ann Taylor Curvy fit is available in both dress pants and in denim and although many of the options are available exclusively through the website, the available selection is quite extensive.
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ANN TAYLOR
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                LOFT

LOFT has two different fits designed for curvy bodies. The Curvy fit is for their denim collection and the Julie fit is for the suiting and dress pant collection.
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footwear for fall

9/11/2013

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Although it has been 95 in Chicago this week, my calendar promises me that cool, fall weather is right around the corner. Soon it will be time to retire my sandals for until next summer because current temperatures will require closed toed shoes. While many of my friends soaking up these last weeks of heat, I am digging around in my closet looking for fun fall footwear to dust off in preparation for more tolerable weather.
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Puma Bixley Patent Mesh Flat $35
While most of us wear ballet flats year round, they are perfect for fall since they incorporate the easy slip-on design of our favorite summer sandals while protecting your toes from chilly temps. I like a sneaker inspired flat for casual wear because it is comfortable and doesn't look overdressed. Pair back with denim (or a denim skirt) for running errands- a ballet flat is more stylish than running shoes and easier to slip into! If you can't imagine going out without your sneakers, choose a streamlined pair (like this or this) for day wear instead of wearing your actual athletic pair.
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LL Bean Deerfield Riding Boots $199
When the weather gets too cold to even have the top of your foot exposed, it is officially the season of the riding boot. I love a great flat boot because it looks equally great with jeans, skirts and even casual knit dresses. If it is cool enough to be wearing boots, it is generally too cold to have bare legs so pick up some brightly colored tights to wear with your skirts and dresses.
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Hunter Original Tall Gloss Rain Boots $140
No one likes having wet feet and socks, so when the autumn rains begin, be prepared with your rain boots. A tall boot is great for tucking in your pants on your morning commute so that you don't get to the office with soggy cuffs. However, there are shorter boot styles and even waterproof rain flats available. Just remember that you'll be wearing these in spring as well so choose a bold color!
One of my favorite shoe styles for fall is the wedge bootie. It can easily be worn with any pants (not just the skinny jeans that riding boots require) and adds a modern vibe to skirts and dresses. I think that wedges are more practical than traditional heels on a bootie because it allows the shoe to be dressed up and down. Plus, fall means wet leaves, acorns and even a bit of snow so the extra stability provided by a wedge is also practical.

While I would not suggest pairing a wedge bootie (or a riding boot for that matter) with your suiting or in a conservative workplace, it is great option for transitioning an outfit from business casual to dinner out.
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Clarks Rosepoint Bud Burgundy Leather Bootie $140
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Pikolinos Lille Shootie $180
Another fun option is the menswear inspired oxford shootie (shoe + bootie= shootie). Like the bootie, it can be worn with pants and skirts, but the lace up styling makes it a better fit in the office. I have a pair I wear when I know that I will have to walk in heels because the laces and coverage on the top of the foot create a snug, but comfortable fit.
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ECCO Pretoria Shootie $160
Another shoe that is very evocative of fall is the Mary Jane and there are many more options now than the basic style that many of us wore as children. While red is always a great color choice for a pump, it is especially seasonal in fall since it picks up the hues of the changing leaves. When choosing a Mary Jane style pump, stick with thin straps (my preference is for only one or two straps) so that the lines are simple.
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Vince Camuto Callea Mary Jane Pumps $110
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