My mama taught me to suck in my gut. She taught me a lot of things. Mostly about math, engineering, and working hard. Of course she also had those “motherly” tips- the things I remember most vividly as a child. You know which ones I’m talking about. The things only a mother can tell you do….and get away with.

She would tell me that her mother used to contract her abs throughout the day. How it helps strengthen your stomach and back muscles for better posture. “Pull your belly in” advice. Well, she was correct.

According to Daily Mail’s recent article “Why leggings make you fat: Wearing them ’causes lazy muscles and leaves legs and stomach flabby”  - your firming gear may have you looking smooth, but only for now.

Physiotherapist Sammy Margo explains: “Leggings feel good and look great and I am as addicted to them as anyone, but there is a downside.

They hold in and support the quadriceps (thigh muscles), buttocks and core muscles in your tummy,  and do the job the muscles are supposed to do.

As a result, the muscles are allowed to relax and switch off, so when we reveal our bodies for the first time as summer approaches, they are not as svelte or firm as they otherwise would be.”

Ever found yourself packed into a pair of Spanx under your favorite jeans, only to catch yourself belly’d out? Yea…me too. Going into Summer, my new resolution is to stop hiding my body under shapers and start loving my body for what it is right now.

The buy some better fitting shorts! I’m in love with Torrid’s Plus Size Sophia Bermuda Shorts…

 Enjoy your Mother’s Day, and be good to those mamas. 

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Tags: belly, body, fat, shorts, summer, torrid

Ever struggled through the 3 months of Spring to find that perfect fitting swimsuit, and still came out frazzled? Yea- it happens to the best of us. With a quintessential “pear shape” I’ve resorted to making my own swimsuits. Not this year though! I’m going to try my best to bring you a series of top-notch plus size swimsuits, and today we’re mixing it up with my favorite Summer drink!

1. Sugar Skull Print Tankini – Torrid

Click here for Torrid coupon!

2 through 4 are from Swimsuits For All

Click here for a huge savings from Swimsuitsforall.com!

4. Infinity Blu Plus Size Cove One Shoulder Swimsuit

Summer just calls for a cute suit, floppy hat, and savory summer drinks. This is my favorite for the moment.

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Tags: color, coupons, drinks, summer, swimsuits, torrid

When I was 10, I accidentally gave this boy in my class a “Be My Valentine?” card. You know, the little cardboard cutout type with 28 to a box and they cycle through the same 5 sayings? Apparently this lone card snuck its way into the pile. In 5th grade fashion, his peers let out embarassing ‘ooous’ and ‘ahhhs.’ I sunk 10 years back, wishing to disappear all together.

…And that’s when I stopped recognizing Valentine’s Day. ;]

Whether you’re single, taken, or all sorts of confused- Valentine’s Day need not be a stressor. Nowadays it’s a retail holiday built around the consumer, so take advantage of these plus size clearance sales!

Torrid is now an online world of plus size bustiers, chemise, and sensual babydolls in their classic color combinations. And all of their plus size lingerie is Buy One, Get One 50% off! Here’s my favorite new arrival…

You definitely do not need a relationship to feel sexy. I usually slip into bed wearing a silk nighty and wake up feeling more confident than ever. Most women do need a good bra to get us through the busy day though. Right now One Stop Plus is having their annual 75% off full figured bra sale!

Keep an eye up! I’ll be bringing you the best plus size fashion sales each week. Especially as it gets closer to that infamous holiday.

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Tags: babydolls, bras, chemise, one stop plus, plus size, plus size bras, plus size clothing, plus size lingerie, sexy, torrid, valentine's day

This week has given me an entirely refreshing and profound respect for parenting- especially single, working parents! I am caring for my nephews, and after only three days I am already exhausted. With the morning routine, shuttling around, homework, projects, and making meals- I don’t know how people do it all. I’ve also come to understand the benefits of online shopping when you’re a busy worker bee. Lucky you, January is just the right month for killer clearance sales on plus size fashion!

Stores are full speed ahead, and already aiming for Spring. I’m more of a last minute shopper, and that means bargains! I’ve been perusing some of Plus Size Steals favorite clothing websites, and put together a list of the best sales currently in motion. All for you-

1. Lane Bryant should be every woman’s hero this week. Bras are buy 2- get 2 free. Do you know how difficult it is to find quality bras at a deal? I’m sure you do, so stock up now sisters!

2. Torrid is always having some sort of sale, but this week I’m really digging their Buy One Get One Free accessory sale.

3. One Stop Plus has their Winter coats at 60% off! Already covered? January is the month I pick up really inexpensive items that will get me through next Winter, as well. Like boots….

4.  I love Delia*s for their variety of styles, especially boots. They are marking all Winter gear 50% off!

5. I don’t post enough from New York & Company, but this week is a must! Depending on your receipt total, you’ll get 40 to 50% off your purchase. And they have their “Big, Big Sale” going. Up to 80% off everything. Eek!

Have fun, ladies!

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Tags: boots, clearances, lane bryant, plus size, plus size trends, sales, torrid, winter

There is a special day after the eye of the “Black Friday” storm has passed. Cyber Monday. A day that knows nothing of the department store lines, or frozen fingertips, and the sales are for everyone! 

I’ve hand sifted through our favorite plus size sales, and found a few you would be crazy to miss!

This top is great for layering. Today only Torrid has all of their clearance 50% off!

And this cardigan may be a match made in  heaven. Especially with Lane Bryant’s 50% off everything sale!

BoGo + extra 20% off + Free Shipping at Famous Footwear!

Take a click here for even more sale tips and coupon toppers for the best plus size clothing!

Have fun shopping!

xoxo

-CaseyK

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Tags: cyber monday, cyber monday sales, famous footwear, lane bryant, plus size clothing, plus size fashion, plus size sales, torrid

When I think of Berkeley, California, I think of creative innovation, unique style, and I imagine walking through the streets embracing everyone I meet. Ok, so it wasn’t everybody, but there were a few stranger hugs. All in genuine conversation.

Then my friend Toni and I strolled into a Middle-Eastern import store, where we met the very lovely Ginger. No, I am not describing her hair color. That is actually her name! So you can imagine my admiration from the start. :]

Ginger is a beautiful plus size woman, leading an artistic life in the city of Berkeley. Well go on, see for yourself…

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Tags: berkeley fashion, berkeley street style, old navy, plus size, plus size clothing, plus size fashion, plus size street style, torrid

Last year it was Snookie from MTV’s Jersey Shore. This year, I have a feeling the streets will be scattered with glitter, towering heels, and meat?

Uh… let’s hope no one goes as far as to clone that Lady Gaga costume. Really, there are many other flashy creations to choose from when it comes to the Lady Gaga Halloween Costume. For 2011, you’ll have a chance to see them all!

Beyond this pop star’s cloning, there is buzz about Amy Winehouse being a popular pick for Halloween costumes. Hm…too soon?

More importantly, this year’s trends leave a lot to offer the plus size woman! Lions, and tigers, and…kittens? All sorts of furry wild creatures have inspired costume picks from your favorite plus size clothing companies.

Monsters, Vamps, & Zombies are frighteningly big this year. With the Zompocalypse televeision show, “Walking Dead,” hitting its second season just weeks before Halloween, the streets will be alive with dead costumes.

Remember laying in front of the television, watching those colorful 1980′s cartoons? Now’s your chance to fulfill some of that nostalgia. Retro board game & television characters are always a hit. From Waldo to Rainbow Bright!

One of those Halloween trends that never gets old? Go on and pick your favorite movie character! Whether it be from the last year or 20 years ago, it’s always a hoot going all out on one of your cherished movie pals.

I’m no Maureen O’Hara, but this would be fun….heh heh

Ok…only if I get to carry a shotgun. ;D

Happy hunting!

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Tags: 2011 halloween, amy winehouse, halloween costumes, lady gaga, plus size, plus size costumes, plus size halloween, plus size halloween costumes, plus size trends, plus size trendy, torrid

From Salt Lake City to Sacramento and now sunny Los Angeles, my train travels are on hold for a moment. Really though, would you be able to deny an extended Summer? Right now, it’s 96 degrees and bright as ever.

Yesterday I actually had to take a backpack full of my own plus size clothing down to the thrift store and swap for some lighter frocks. After a 4 mile bicycle ride to the city of La Verne, in wool shorts, and a sweater… I felt more like stripping down and taking a swim in the town fountain.

The train trip from home to LA, and everything in between has been one long, raised eyebrow. I have spent the last year in Salt Lake City, where I was introduced to the “hipster” style, first hand. I boarded the train, and 15 hours later ended up in California’s Capitol City: Sacramento. I then biked through downtown up to Sacramento State University, where I spent 2 hours at a poetry show. The whole time…not a single hipster in site! Even after a night out, then a week in Chico, another awesome college town….I was shocked. I saw one. Only one “hip” individual sporting the well known “ironic” style.

It wasn’t until after spending a day at the LA County Fair, then biking through multiple LA cities, and observing the La Verne college crowd -that i went ah-ha! I have come to the conclusion that thee “Hipster” is not dead. [Sorry America]

Southern California’s style is diverse and relaxed. Maybe it has something to do with the perfect weather, combined with the laid back mentality. Whatever it may be, the plus size women I have encountered and befriended, are incredibly down to earth!

First curvy beauty, Rachel Mckibbens! Gorgeous human being, inside and out. Look her up! Her poetry will change your life.

This particular evening, I was drawn to her tights. Remember Torrid’s purple leaf tights from my last blog? Yep! Same tights! I’m thinking Torrid should be contacting Rachel. She wears their plus size fashions so well.

After I left Sacramento, I spent days in a mountain town with no chance of catching any fashionable women under the age of 70. So once I hit the LA area, I was constantly on the lookout for beautiful, stylish, plus size women.

I believe her name was Zara. She was stunning, dressed in what she called her “most casual” style, and perfectly applied eye makeup.

I especially adored her shoes. Courtesy of the thrift chain, “Buffalo Exchange.”

 I sat at a local coffee shop in La Verne, with an “interesting” green tea/espresso smoothie. This was the happening spot for curvy passersby. I met this lovely woman from China. She hardly spoke any English, and probably hardly understood mine. She caught my eye with her tunic top, authentically fabricated in her home country. I also admired her boots from Forever 21. It isn’t often that I see a curvy gal pull off a tucked jean look.

Sand colored boots are what’s “in” for plus size Fall fashions of Southern California. I particularly loved hers…

I am heading North next! Cannot wait to see what the Bay Area will bring. I’m sure it will be all sorts of sexy!

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Tags: california, fashion, forever 21 plus, Los angeles, plus size, plus size clothes, plus size clothing, plus size dress, plus size fashion, plus size legging, plus size street style, plus size trend, plus size trends, plus size trendy, plus size vintage, plus sizes, poetry, rachel mckibbens, sacramento, southern california fashion, street style, torrid, vintage

The minute that I heard Kate Middleton was “bringing back hose,” I wanted to kiss her royal feet. I don’t know about you, but pantyhose should be every plus size woman’s best friend. It’s my go-to fix for smooth curves, and legs.

I’m not going to force feed you all one hundred reasons why I adore this (apparently) outdated accessory. I will say, though, I’m pretty sure my eye and my thighs have fallen in love with this season’s tights. A more modern cousin to the pantyhose. Not to mention, way more spicy. Poppin’ up in every color imaginable, they are my must have, absolutely need, gonna get 12 pairs…Fall accessory. Just sayin’. Heh heh.

I think I just spent two hours fishing the web for plus size tights. Phew. Imagine sliding an Art History book into your fingers, now close your eyes, and open to any one of the pages. That’s what it’s like! There are tights available in any print imaginable! Okay, okay…I’ll stop ranting, and just show you my favorites!

 See what I’m sayin’? That’s purple leaf print. Dreamy.

The white is much more elegant, but still unique. I must say, Torrid’s plus sizes are always paired with the best shoes! These tights look great with an oxford, or even Fall’s hottest footwear…the bootie!

I love the color mustard. It can be difficult to pair with if you aren’t accustomed to bright tights. Think earthy neutrals! I would love these with a tan or camel brown wedge.  Always remember…chic must be comfortable! :0]

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Tags: avenue, colored tights, fashion, Kate Middleton, one stop plus coupon code, pantyhose, plus size, plus size clothes, plus size clothing, plus size fashion, plus size legging, plus size tights, plus size trend, plus size trends, plus size trendy, plus size vintage, plus sizes, style, tights, torrid, torrid sale, vintage

We were trying to convince my 14 year old nephew to be a Carebear. My siblings and I set around the living room, working our creativity into group costume ideas. 1980’s cartoons kept popping up. Some how the older nephew was hit with “Carebear.” He’s a tall, built football stud with hair that would automatically get him a job with any surf company in Southern California. Even he realized the irony in such a costume. Maybe he is just secretly nostalgic for reruns of the bright fluffy bears.

It made me realize that the best costumes are the ones people least expect. Like telling a joke. People get a really belly laugh when you say something unexpected. With Halloween costumes, my favorites are always pieced together by hand. Usually something silly, or a costume that’s done so well that it becomes a piece of artistic expression.

A few years ago I was rushing around last minute. I had not a single idea in mind for Halloween. This led a friend and I into the closest thrift shop. After 5 minutes, I had found a long yellow sweater dress. A few red felt letters later….

Another bottle of Heinz mustard was created. In fact, a perfect costume for a plus-size woman like myself. Curves are a requirement in this case. Anyway, I enjoyed this costume because it was easy, glued by me, and a lil’ silly.

I’m personally a fan of creatively unique costumes, typically made from second hand goods. Yet, this year I’m seeing more and more options whipped up for the plus-size costumes. Some pretty good ones, too!

Zombies? ohhh yes!

Sally from the Nightmare Before Christmas never gets old.

I’ve picked only costumes that come from quality online plus-size shops. Even better, I know of a few coupons to get these double cheap. Plus-size coupons are a must for this Halloween! A little tip…Torrid & OneStopPlus.com have the best costumes at pretty wicked prices after these coupons. Good luck!

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Tags: halloween, one stop plus, one stop plus coupons, plus size, plus size costumes, plus size halloween, plus size trends, torrid, torrid costumes, torrid coupons