Would You Dare?

Posted on May 30, 2012 by

Just this morning the Today Show interviewed a very brave young woman
named Gabi Gregg because she dared to bare in a plus size bikini for the blog
XOJane. What they were most interested in was her posting herself in a bikini on
vacation and then daring, or encouraging, other plus size women to do the same.
She called this gallery of all plus size swimsuits the “Fatkini Gallery” and so far
31 women are featured. While the interview talked about women being confident
in bigger sizes and wanting to support that, it took a turn when the interviewer
started to ask her about health and obesity. Without batting an eye, Gabi was
quick to speak to the point of being big and beautiful by saying, “we have to live
in our bodies and be happy in the bodies we have right now regardless of where
we are in our journey to health”. When asked if she was trying to lose weight
she said she was always interested in being healthy but that “my health is not
determined by my size”. “I believe that my measure for health is how good I
feel…I don’t base it on a number on the scale”. Would you dare to add your plus
size bathing suit picture to the gallery on XOJane.com?

Posted in Home | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Can Linen be Modern? 4 Ways to Wear Plus Size Linen For Summer

Posted on May 25, 2012 by

Can linen be modern? Can you wear it without looking like wrinkled? Can you wear it to work, a party or church? Some of us love to wear plus size linen but others shy away from it coveting that classic and always elegant look plus size women who know how to wear linen capture every summer. Some of the ways we learned how to wear linen at Jessica London include the following:

Wrinkle-free!

Pure linen is admittedly more difficult to keep from wrinkling. Some linen looks are OK wrinkled. The big shirt, for example, can get a little crinkly as the day goes on but it’s accepted as a loose, untailored look. Dresses and suits however are best when woven with another fabric such as rayon or cotton to keep the fabric a little stronger and smoother.

Head-to-Toe Color

Linen capri and pant sets in head-to-toe color may seem like a lot of the same color to wear all at once but if done right, this can be a great linen look for summer days and even work. Definitely don’t shy away from the neutral hues either. A linen pant set in a traditional khaki color with some animal-print accessories or a white tee layered underneath can look very modern.

The Blazer

The classic double-breasted blazer has been a style staple in most women’s wardrobes forever and it never looks out of style. It can be worn with linen pants to work, over jeans for a casual look and now there are more shapes and cropped versions that can be worn over dresses. It’s so versatile you can never have too many colors.

The Sheath Dress

The shape of this dress had varied throughout the years and all the trends from 60’s iconic chic to 80’s shoulder pads but it is always in style and a style essential for summer.

For plus size dresses it’s important for your linen sheath to be structured and in a substantial woven blend that will resist wrinkles and not gap or lose its shape in the heat.

Variations on the classic sleeveless plus size sheath dress include ones with cap sleeves, ones decorated with embroidery and ones with contrast banded empire waists.

Posted in Home | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Do You Live Life to The Max?

Posted on May 23, 2012 by

Whether you’re a full-time mom, a student, working or busy doing everything in between, do you feel like you’re living life to the max? When reality sets in and gets in the way of our desires to live every moment to the max, there’s no reason why we can’t dress to the max! The maxi dress is one of the most popular plus size dresses of this summer and now it’s better than ever in new colors, fabrics and prints too.  Feeling like you’re stuck inside on a beautiful day? Bring the sunlight inside with the brilliant color and shine of a beaded maxi dress. Want to get beachy at the office? There’s no reason why you can’t throw on a flared knit tank dress, add an espadrille and a shrug and head into work. If you read this blog and feel like you aren’t living life to the max, take a break, call a friend, make some plans, treat yourself to something just for you, and remember that you deserve it! And watch our “Live Life to The Max” Jessica London Maxi Dress Video for inspiration.

Posted in Home | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

In the Swim of It! Don’t Get Overwhelmed by Swimwear Shopping Anxiety

Posted on May 18, 2012 by

We know it’s sometimes overwhelming to go plus size swimwear shopping and trying on swimsuits in a department store can border on traumatizing for some of us so we’re here to tell you not to let your waves of swimsuit fear drag you under!
First of all, shop online and try the plus size swimsuits on in your own home on your own time (try on over underwear, of course…). Unlike plus size dresses or a suit that you will most likely be wearing under florescent lights with heels, a swimsuit is going to be worn in natural light with sandals so your bedroom mirror is just fine. Returning shouldn’t be a problem either, especially if you look for online coupon codes that offer free shipping or free returns. It’s worth it to order a bunch of colors and styles to find the “one” and return the rest. Not only will you have more success, you’ll feel in control of your swimwear shopping which will relieve anxiety.  Aside from the task of trying one on, often, plus size women are given the impression that they have to spend a fortune on a swimsuit. So you already aren’t sure what to buy, then your options are limited, then you’re expected to pay much more for your plus size bathing suit! Hold the flood! Most plus size swimsuits whether a plus size one piece suit, a bikini, tankini or plus size swimdress should cost you under $100 unless you are shopping designer brands like plus size miracle suits that have extra benefits like exclusive patterns or built-in slimming features. Sometimes it pays to invest in something when you know it’s from a trusted expert, but if you don’t want to break the bank with your plus size swimwear and still get a high quality, flattering suit, you can always find a Jessica London Plus Size Swimsuit that will keep your budget afloat.

Posted in Home | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Go ahead, Cheat on Us… A Little.

Posted on May 16, 2012 by

While we hope to always be your one and only, the new website Fullbeauty.com may just steal your heart with the way they adore your curves as much as we do. This new website specializes in plus size lingerie, plus size bras and shapewear to make your great-fitting plus size dress even better. There is no better place besides Jessicalondon.com to find the sexiest and most supportive plus size underwear to wear under your plus size dresses except maybe Fullbeauty.com. This website doesn’t just offer you great choices in sizes and selection but also the top brands from true experts in lingerie. Brands include Chantelle, Elomi, Freya, Comfort Choice, Dreams and Co, Seven til Midnight and more. For the best way to know what bra size you are, check our bra size chart and here are some tips for what to wear under what dress.

Cotton Jersey Sundress: With a jersey dress like this with slightly thinner shoulder straps, try a tube dress shaper for a slim and smooth look or if you only need bust support, the wirefree bra by Playtex has thin straps to go under this dress.

 Linen Dress With Sash: Wrap this lovely linen dress over a seamless shaping slip and you will be the most confident and feminine woman in the room.

Shirtdress in Cotton Twill: A shirtdress is flattering for every shape and does not cling so you can be lax with what you wear under it. Maybe go for a lace cami bra and matching panty to feel sexy under its somewhat utilitarian shape.

To read more about fullbeauty.com, click here.

Posted in Home | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Plus Size Dresses Eye on Style: Island Inspired

Posted on May 11, 2012 by

Tropical touches always show themselves when the weather heats up because we all love how brights and whites and looser fabrics look and feel under the sun, but trend-wise, some tropical touches can be hard to pull off. Back in the 80’s palm trees were popular along with pink flamingos but this Summer 2012, the “island” feel comes from softer prints and flowing shapes like the printed maxi tunic dress to evoke a beach bohemian feel.  These trends are about the freedom of a getaway or a summer vacation at the beach. But don’t worry, for those of us who live in reality, they are very translatable plus size trends and you can easily wear a printed tunic or the simple white shirt you can layer over everything, tie or button loosely to the office. Throw on your tiered maxi dress with a long cotton cardigan for everyday shopping (in air conditioning) and don’t forget floral sandals to complete that island vibe. A pleated maxi skirt is also part of this island trend and that can definitely be worn to work and also on the weekends no matter what you are planning for this summer.

Posted in Home | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Get Your Plus Size Fashion Passport Stamped!

Posted on May 9, 2012 by

Fashion Passport 2012, a plus size fashion show celebrating curvy culture took place last weekend in Puerto Rico. The show featured plus size models ranging in sizes from 12 to 18. According to their Facebook Page, Fashion Passport Plus Size Edition is ” An event to inspire and motivate women and teens, sizes 12 and up. To build confidence, and celebrate our extraordinary curves.“ While Jessica London fashions were not featured at Fashion Passport 2012 in Puerto Rico, we did shoot our latest collections there and all of the bright colors and “muy caliente” looks of the season were well represented. Some of our plus size clothing collection and plus size summer arrivals that we thought were perfect for the island backdrop of Puerto Rico included our breezy linen blend capri set in colors like deep turquoise, exotic lime and pink coral, our peasant style maxi dress, in an earthy, exotic purple and gold print, our printed crinkle cotton maxi skirts, and our plus size wear-to-work suiting in an updated pearl pink hue, shot at the Puerto Rico Convention Center.

Posted in Home | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment