Fashionable Plus Size Activewear . . .

Let me tell you a wee little bit about the winter in my neck of the woods.  It snowed . . . It rained . . . It was cold . . . It was miserable . . . and I . . . well, I ‘blossomed’!  Now nothing fits the way I’d like it to.

In that everyday I’m tempted by something I’ve come across amongst the suppliers Chris and I have come to love, I’ve made a conscious decision to get off my derrière!  Time to get out of my ex’s old sweatpants and my ancient sweatshirt and ‘get out there’ looking ‘stylin’ - LOL.

I have never been terribly svelte but that hasn’t stopped me from loving clothes . . . and shoes . . . and bags . . . and accessories - hence the creation of this site.  It just seemed so much easier shopping on-line as opposed to wandering around some of the monster malls that are within miles of where I live.  Within half an hour of hitting the shops I used to find they all started to look the same to me – didn’t have my size – staff were too busy with their friends or checking their electronic devices to help me and all I wanted to do was get out of there!  Now, where’s the exit? And where did I park?

With the daffodils ‘cautiously and optimistically’ bursting forth in bloom, I’ve decided that it’s probably safe for me to stick my nose outside the back door and hit the pavement . . . walking . . . (definitely don’t want to overdo it!) . . . Time to get out of these old sweats which had me searching amongst the folks Chris and I have found that might have fashionable active wear for my initial forays communing with the pavement.

This was definitely not as simple as I thought it was going to be!  I found lots of women’s workout clothes that might well fit me in a month or two (or three, with luck) that I’d love to have, but, what about right now?  I needed to find something bigger than a size 12.  Why?, I wondered, is this proving to be so difficult.  To me, it made sense that there has to be more than a few of us who find ourselves with a few extra unwanted pounds.  Curiosity had me googling why women gain weight and, amongst the reasons, I found:
►  Stress, which often leads to ‘comfort eating’
►  Emotional, psychological issues/factors
►  Boredom – Work?  College?  Long hours?
►  Finding – making! – the time to shop/prepare nutritional snacks and meals
►  Pregnancy
►  Lifestyle changes such as getting married!  (Hmmm, tell me more!)
►  Becoming less active – ie:  Seasonally brought about,  changes in routine . . .
►  Eating the ‘wrong’ foods!
►  Aging . . . (Now I’m really in trouble!)
►  Stopping smoking
►  Medications such as antidepressants, birth control pills & corticosteroids
►  and, my personal nemesis – not eating regularly.  I wait until I’m ‘starving’ then snack as I’m preparing a ‘decent’ meal.  By the time my meal is ready I’m no longer hungry but feel that I must eat at least some – or all! - of what I’ve prepared because, it’s ‘better’ for me than whatever I ate earlier that was ‘quick ‘n easy’. (Hmmm, ‘quick ‘n easy’ - that could potentially sequel into a whole other story LOL, but I’ll spare you!)

Looking at some of the weight gain triggers it’s no wonder I pack on the pounds every winter (and sometimes in between).  I just know I’m not alone when it comes to battling those extra pounds so why is it so difficult to find anything to wear to exercise in that is quality made AND that feels good AND moves with me AND that flatters?  Why?  Why?  Why?

In answer to my own question I learned that the average dress size for a woman in North America is between 12 and 14, yet a 12 is the biggest size many women’s sportswear lines are available in.  Even more disturbing was learning that many sportswear manufacturers call it a day at size 10!  They tend to cater to the body type that is long and lean as opposed to curvy or muscular.

Don’t get me wrong.  While they do seem to be the minority, one can, with some careful shopping find brick and mortar shops that carry plus-size active wear.  I just know, that when it comes to me, when I’m feeling down on myself because nothing fits properly I’m not quite so keen to hit the malls and struggle to find (A) those shops that carry plus size clothing and (B) have a ‘decent’ selection of workout clothing.  I find I get discouraged and disheartened and frustrated far too easily which usually leads to me doing something that is definitely not in my best interest!  “Sure I’ll have whipped cream on my mocha!”

As I’ve just realised I’m up up over 800 words – a potential blog faux pas! – it’s probably a good time to introduce you to Junonia, if you haven’t already had the good fortune to discover them for yourself.  As I contemplate the day I’ll fit my dream tankini it’s good to know that Junonia is there to keep me grounded and comfortable ‘getting out there’ and not looking like the proverbial sack of potatoes!  (In case you can't tell I’m having one of those, ‘Don’t be so hard on yourself’ days but as soon as I start exercising again I just know there’ll be fewer and fewer of them.)

It’s said that when you look good you feel good . . . regardless of your size . . . so, on that note let me go and see what I can find to tempt us both!

Needless to say, there is far more to be found at Junonia than I have displayed here.  I hope you'll do yourself a favor and check them out for all kinds of terrific active (and leisure - my specialty) wear finds.

If you swim, walk/run, embrace yoga, work out in the gym or train, bike, hike, golf, play tennis, ski or enjoy adventure travel and are looking for something from QuikWik® or that offers UV/sun protection you owe it to yourself to check out Junonia.

As always . . . 'Tanks' for dropping by . . . and good luck AND don't forget to have some fun!

Hilary

About Hilary Schultz

Swimwear 2011 | Designer Trends

Which designers are appealing to swimwear fashionistas world-wide?

. . . There can be no definitive answer.  Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which designer you like and why.  However, based on popularity, according to Swimspot - who supplies many top department stores and boutiques across the country - Athena, Luxe, Next, Hurley, Splendid and Guess are proving (so far!) to be this seasons runaway best sellers.

Athena swimwear appeals to the sophisticated and demure shopper . . .

The Luxe collection manages to be sleek, sexy, wearable and yet sophisticated!

Next, appeals to the active woman.  Their active wear is sure to appeal to those of us who are always on the go!

Hurley lends itself to the 'bold' and 'today's' fashion colors . . .

Splendid swimwear has been inspired by Splendid apparel.  From Splendid you'll find swimwear created with the highest of quality and the softest of fabrics in brilliant colors.  The end result is a fun and functional swimwear collection.

You may very well feel that Splendid is a familiar name but not quite sure why?  Chances are that you have come across the Splendid name in magazines and lifestyle TV shows where it is touted for its fashion forward attributes and its popularity amongst the 'rich and famous'!

Guess swimsuits and bikinis are definitely head turners with a reputation for being hot and sexy!

During a visit to Swimspot you'll find numerous designers worthy of a 'look-see' with some of them offering 'Mix 'n Match' combinations - 928 combinations when I last checked!  Be sure to check out Swimspot's 'Bikini Builder' for more details.  Here you can put together the (swim) outfit that best suits your active lifestyle or the perfect tankini set or a trend setting bikini combination of your own making!

There's something for every body type, in a multitude of styles and colors and sizes and prices - it's like being a kid in a candy store without any of the stress one can experience when shopping in the 'flesh' - so to speak!

As always, 'Tanks' for stopping by!

Hilary and Chris

About Hilary Schultz

Bikini trends for 2011 . . .

This season, the trends are varied which is always a good thing because it allows us to choose the look that best suits our body type, personality, needs and comfort zone.  In this blog we're going to focus on bikinis.

One of this seasons hottest trends is, what is known as, the bandeau top.  In the simplest of terms, it can be said that a bandeau top is a band of material that is worn around a woman's breasts.

Today, the definition of a bandeau top is a little more varied.  It is not unusual to find that current bandeau tops may well have a detachable halter top that goes around the neck.  Side stays, a center front V-wire, O-rings or a twisted center front are also popular bandeau styles.

In addition to bandeau tops, bright and/or bold colors are expected to play a major role in this seasons swimwear trends as are, what the trade calls, novelty solids.  Ruffles are also expected to be a huge hit!

Before I go, I must say that I love all these hot new Racer Back, Cross Back, Sports Bra and Halter Tops for working out in, chasing after the kids on the beach or simply enjoying a game or two of beach volleyball.  Always nice to know that 'the girls' aren't going to be making an unscheduled, impromptu appearance!!!  Here are a few of SwimSpot's favorite active wear bikinis for 2011 . . .

Next time we will share with you some of the Designers/Brands that are making a big 'splash' this season! 'Til then, 'tanks' for dropping by!

Chris and Hilary

About Hilary Schultz

FlipFlops by the hundreds!

Seriously . . . HUNDREDS!

And who doesn't love them?

FlipFlops!!!

They've got (yup, hundreds!) of FlipFlops . . . Womens's Flip Flops . . . Men's FlipFlops . . . Kid's FlipFlops . . . from all the big names - you get the picture, I'm sure!

I love all things "shoes" and not only do these folk have FlipFlops but they have sandals and clogs and those cool 'curved sole' toning shoes that are all the rage and all kinds of hip and happening slip-ons!  It's like a virtual smorgasbord for your feet!!!

All kinds of great footwear to complete your beach/ poolside ensemble!

You, a new tankini and a great new pair of FlipFlops!  Does life get any better, LOL?  (Nah, no need to answer that one - but it's a start!)

Happy flipping . . . 'er, flopping . . . WHATEVER!

Cheers,
Hilary and Chris

About Hilary Schultz

Swimwear - The OOH-LA-LA kind!

And who doesn't like a little ooh-la-la?

You've got to dance around Shabby Apple's website a wee bit to get to the swimwear, but that's half the fun however if you wish to head straight to the swimwear page you'll need to click first on 'ROAMIN' Holiday' then, off to the left on the new page, under CATEGORIES you'll find 'swim' - click and ENJOY!! . . .

Personally, as I've already shared, I'm easily distracted(!) and always have to check out the 'kids' line first which is found in the main menu bar and then everything else if the truth be known!  (BTW - Aren't those little girls and their dresses just adorable?)

Anyway, hope you have lots of fun on Shabby Apple's site.  Catch up with you again soon!
Hilary

Written by Hilary Schultz