Designers and retailers are now offering plus-size women of all ages the opportunity to wear fashionable, feminine, and trendy clothing. Clothing sizes 14 and above are categorized as plus-size and can be found in specialty shops catering to sizes 14 and up exclusively or as selections within a size-inclusive collection.

Plus-size fashion designer Katia Bernardi told me how she styles and designs her collections. She also gives a few insightful tips to help plus-size women find the perfect fit.

Sandra Roussy:

First of all, tell me, do you prefer the term plus-size or size-inclusive? And why.

Katia Bernardi:

I prefer the term plus-size as it is clear, and the customer knows what to expect. Oftentimes, we see some brands use the terms extended sizes and fit-wise which do not correspond to the measurements of a true plus-size.

Sandra:

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you study to become a fashion designer and how long have you been in the fashion industry?

Katia:

I have been in the Fashion Industry for over 35 years. I studied Fashion Design in Montreal, Canada, at Lasalle College. I have designed ladies’ sleepwear, childrenswear, and ladieswear. The last 20 years have been dedicated to designing plus-size fashion for the Montreal brand Claire France, a division of Boutique Marie-Claire.

I have also volunteered as a stylist for Dress for Success and have seen first-hand how a simple outfit can completely change a woman’s posture, humor, and attitude and help her walk out feeling confident and ready for the workforce. I love how Fashion can achieve such an incredibly positive impact on a woman’s life.

Sandra:

How long have you been designing for plus-size women, and have you seen a change in the industry over the years?

Katia:

For the past 20 years, I have been working in the plus-size Industry. Thankfully, I have seen how far we have come and the evolution of the plus-size garment. In the past, the lines of the garments were boxy, square, and completely shapeless.

Of course, la couleur du jour was black!

Fast forward, and today we see plus-size to be just that, fashion. I believe that fashion has no size. We have injected bold colors, prints, and gorgeous flattering lines where the woman’s body is celebrated and not hidden. There are no limits – a plus-size woman can wear anything a regular-size woman can!

Sandra:

What does your workday as a fashion designer look like?

Katia:

A day as a fashion designer is very much about communication and being on top of the evolution of the collection. As we have over 61 boutiques, we need to make sure our deliveries are on time and that we have the best quality garment to offer our customers.

I approve the fabrics, colors and qualities, work on the garment fittings with our fit technician, and have daily communication with our suppliers overseas to ensure everything is on track. When we start a collection, this is where the magic happens!

Sandra:

Where do you get your inspiration for your collections?

Katia:

Europe shopping trips are the basis of our inspiration as well as trend books and our internal trend meetings. We put together different themes each month with specific color stories. As a design team, we all work together to ensure that every piece of the collection can be mixed and matched.

For example, the print colors of our tops will match perfectly with our bottoms. Our coats will have scarves that complement the colors perfectly. We also have accessories, footwear, sleepwear, swimwear, and lingerie to complete the collection and make our boutique a one-stop shop!

Sandra:

Do you follow trends, and if so, do you find it difficult to apply them to your designs? As we know, the fashion industry mostly promotes thin models and curvy women don’t always feel represented.

Katia:

Regarding trends, we have seen how plus-size women have a seat at the table more than ever today. We can find representation on the runway, in the music industry, and with top influencers as well. The work needs to continue to make sure each body type is represented, and body shaming must stop.

When designing our collection, we take into consideration the trends of the season and we make sure to keep women’s needs at the forefront. Office attire, weekend wear, and all-day comfort. We want to make sure a woman has everything she needs to complete her wardrobe with the latest looks, and most importantly, to help her look and feel beautiful.

Sandra:

Is there (if any) difference between designing plus-size and regular-size clothing?

Katia:

When designing a plus-size collection, we have access to easy-care fabrics with a focus on comfort, stretchability, and quality. Our pants have a fabulous tummy tuck panel that gives support where support is needed. We also have carefree fluid fabrics for extra comfort and versatility. Our lengths vary from petite women 5’4” and under to taller women measuring up to 5’10”.

Sandra:

What are your styling tips for plus-size women over 50?

Katia:

I have had several opportunities to assist our customers in our boutiques on various occasions. One tip that I often share is to not judge an outfit on a hanger; one must try it to see the full effect. Nine out of ten times, the customer is pleasantly surprised at the results.

The reason is that many people have a form of body dysmorphia where they do not see their full potential. Being an observer, I can see the customer’s potential and have no preconceived ideas. They try on the dress, pants, or top I suggest and come out of the changing room pleasantly surprised with how amazing they look in their new outfit. So basically, be FEARLESS!

Sandra:

What are your fitting tips for plus-size women over 50?

Katia:

No two people are made the same, regardless of shape or size, this is when a tailor or seamstress is your best ally. Sometimes all you need to perfect a look are small adjustments made to a ready-made garment. Shorter blazer length will add inches to your physique as will a pant that is too long. Take the time to have the garments tailored to your needs for a polished look.

Find Katia Bernardi’s collections at Claire France.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you wear plus-size clothing? What is your favorite plus-size brand? Where do you shop for your plus-size clothing? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Do you find it difficult to throw out items that no longer serve you? Are you hanging on to old photographs or articles of clothing?

I hung on to court case divorce documents, which piled three feet – yes, three feet worth – in my closet for 12 years. Just last week, I finally dumped them where they belong, in the dumpster. I don’t know why I kept them. Maybe I was hoping to find a pathway to redeem my wasband.

Perhaps I secretly hoped to nail him for the wrongs he committed, and just in case, I had my proof stored in boxes, ready to be copied, whipped out at a moment’s notice. Whatever fantasy I engendered, it was time to get rid of bad rubbish.

The Liberation of Cleansing

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘out with the old, in with the new.’ When you release yourself of the old”, you remove the old “thinking.” I divorced myself from past pain, sorrow, and revenge thoughts by throwing out those divorce documents. In another bold move, I dumped four thousand five hundred physical photographs of my past into large industrial-sized garbage bags.

I took each photo album and chose five pictures to keep. I thought more than that wasn’t worth saving, especially if I couldn’t remember the people or events clearly. I saved the creme of the crop and discarded the rest, which liberated me.

Are there any items you are having trouble parting with that need to go in the trash?

Beyond the Physical

While physical items allow us to experience the sensations of past smells, tastes, feelings, and touchpoints easier than having to summon them just from memory, emotional baggage is far heavier in all meanings.

Processing your past ensures you will move into a new phase of your life. And stages are not just based on age but act as transitional points from one way of thinking to another. It’s as if you wake up and suddenly have a new surge of energy. Did this ever happen to you?

The Benefits of Processing the Past

What happens when you process old crusty emotions is miraculous. Did you notice that when you let go of someone who had not served your greater purpose someone else showed up who was better for you?

Although this is not a perfect example, it worked for me. A few years ago, my closest friend died of breast cancer. I was distraught for many months and meditated on our relationship. I bought into the concept of lack and what I was missing since she was gone.

At some point, I changed my sad mantra into one of hope. My morning meditations began with an “I hope to find another dear friend to replace my lost one.” And what happened? When I least expected it, I met a new friend who became closer to me than the one I had lost, just as I had imagined.

I left behind the sadness of losing a friend and replaced it with enduring fondness for all the people, places and events that miraculously moved my life. And so can you!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

When was the last time you threw stuff out that were weighing you down mentally? What did you get rid of and why?

Madison LeCroy’s White Belted Lace Dress on Her Instastories

Southern Charm 2023 Instagram Fashion

What do ya know, another gorgeous photo of Madison LeCroy in another gorgeous white dress. This time she was debuting a white belted lace mini dress that is just so cute. It’s kind of giving classy adult tea party which I am here for. But as for the tea that you’re here for (where to get it) welp go ahead and grab your napkin money because of course it’s spilled below.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her Zimmermann Dress

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Photo Credit: @madison.lecroy

Originally posted at: Madison LeCroy’s White Belted Lace Dress

Kyle Richards’ Black Leather Feather Trim Pants on Instagram

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 2023 Instagram Fashion

Kyle Richards’ celebrated her friend’s birthday in style wearing a pair of black leather feather trim pants. I think these pants are sooo chic looking and great to take any winter outfit to the next level. And even though it may not be your birthday today (if it is Happy B-day!) there’s still no reason you shouldn’t gift yourself a fab new pair of pants.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her Lamarque Pants

Click Here to Shop Her Nalebe Mules

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Click Here to Shop Her Stella McCartney Clutch Pre-Owned

Photo Credit: @kylerichards18

Originally posted at: Kyle Richards’ Black Leather Feather Trim Pants

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If you’re even remotely interested in skincare, you probably already know that incorporating an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum into your daily routine is essential to fighting off visible signs of aging while also protecting the skin from—and reversing—pollution damage, free radicals and the sun’s harmful rays.

Vitamin C is lauded for its unrivaled power to visibly fade dark spots, soften the appearance of fine lines, combat dullness, and improve overall elasticity (read: firmness). Unfortunately, it’s an active ingredient that’s pretty challenging to stabilize, making skincare products made with it among the pricier ones on the market.

While there’s a slew of popular (and effective) vitamin C skincare products available in an array of different price points and formulations, the coveted C E Ferulic Serum by SkinCeuticals is one of the most raved about and best-selling options you’ll find today. It’s also one of the most expensive. While paying the price for good skin is considered a worthy investment for some, we did some research to track down actual dupes for this coveted serum that have similar formulations of active ingredients but cost a fraction of the price.

RELATED: This Vitamin C Serum Makes Skin So Glowy & Smooth, Shoppers Are Calling it a ‘Real Life Filter’ & It’s 33% Off

Courtesy of Skinceuticals.

One of the reasons that the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum is so hard to mimic is its unique and patented blend of active ingredients (15 percent L-ascorbic acid, 1 percent vitamin E, and 0.5 percent ferulic acid) in each bottle. This is important because if the formulation isn’t properly balanced, not only might it be less effective, but because vitamin C has a pretty short shelf life, it can go “bad” as early as one to two months after opening the bottle. To prevent this from happening, SkinCeuticals has formulated and packaged the serum to remain stable and effective for up to six months after opening the bottle. (Light exposure can essentially destroy vitamin C’s potency, by the way.)

If you Google this ever-popular serum, you’ll find plenty of reviews from beauty editors, dermatologists and loyal users of the product touting its skin-transforming benefits and promising that it’s worth the steep price tag. However, if you can’t fathom tossing out nearly $200 on a serum, you don’t have to. We gathered up six solid options that reviewers swear deliver comparable results without the price tag.

Courtesy of Typology.

Typology Antioxidant Serum with 3% Ferulic Acid + 3% Resveratrol

Typology is the French skincare brand that’s no frills and all efficacy. It’s simple ingredients list is powerful and rivals brands that retail for way more for essentially the same thing. “I absolutely love this product and how it has changed the texture of my skin,” wrote one shopper. “I won’t be without this product!”

Courtesy of Timeless.

Timeless 20% C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum

Like the SkinCeuticals serum, this $20 dupe is formulated with 20 percent vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid, one percent vitamin E and 0.5 percent ferulic acid. It also contains hydration-boosting hyaluronic acid for added anti-aging power. This serum’s blend of active ingredients is a near dupe to the original.

Mad Hippie.

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum with Vitamin E

In addition to vitamin C, Mad Hippie’s serum contains vitamin E, ferulic acid, konjac root and hyaluronic acid. One reviewer who has tried both serums wrote, “The Mad Hippie formula works just as well, feels better going on because it has more slip and has produced the results that I expected of it. My skin’s overall texture has improved, brown spots have faded and my complexion is brighter. As a skincare junky who has tried just about everything, I highly recommend it!”

Courtesy of Paula’s Choice.

Paula’s Choice BOOST C15 Super Booster 15% Vitamin C with Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid

Like the SkinCeuticals serum, this $50 vitamin C product contains nearly the same blend of the holy trinity of actives. It contains 15 percent stabilized vitamin C with a pH of 3.0 and a blend of peptides. Another bonus of this product is that you can either wear it alone or mix it in with your favorite moisturizer or primer without it pilling up under your foundation.

Image: Peter Thomas Roth.

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum

The trio of powerhouse ingredients, 20 percent vitamin C, three percent vitamin E, and two percent ferulic acid, combine in this rich and moisturizing serum. The opaque jar with a pump dispenser is designed to keep light, air and bacteria from mixing with the delicate vitamins and actives in the formula so that it stays potent (as the name suggests) and stable for longer—meaning the last drop will be just as strong as the first.

Courtesy of Drunk Elephant.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum

While the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum is another cult favorite when it comes to skincare—and certainly not the most wallet-friendly option on the list—it’s still almost 50 percent cheaper than the SkinCeuticals serum. This serum also is formulated with its own patented blend of antioxidants, including 15 percent of vitamin C, as well as vitamin E and ferulic acids (these percentage levels aren’t listed), plus pumpkin ferment extract and pomegranate enzyme, which help to accelerate the turnover of dead skin cells.

It has a 3.3 pH level, making it less irritating on sensitive skin, and claims to last up to 72 hours—even when the product’s been rubbed off. Endless reviewers of this serum claim that it reduces the appearance of their pores, restores luminosity to their skin and is less sticky (and therefore under-makeup-friendly) than other vitamin C serums on the market.