If you want to make a tribute to Micheal Jackson this Halloween then look no further than Big Gals Lingerie. I realize the name is deceiving but they have some excellent costumes this year (for private and for partying). And besides looking gorgeous they go up to size 12x — the largest size I’ve seen on the market for plus size costumes (and lingerie).

Michael Jackson is a popular costume choice every year among boys and men but Big Gals Lingerie has introduced a series called Pop Queen which highlights popular costumes eras of the pop idol. There are four different designs to choose from: The traditional Queen of Pop, Dirty Diana, Thriller, and the Military version.

Personally I like the traditional Queen of Pop and the Military versions the best. These are high quality costumes so don’t be shocked by the prices ranging from $136 to $175 depending on style (sizes 5x on up there is an additional $5 to $10 charge). The upside is the shipping is free!

***
Topic Links
* Get your own Pop Queen plus size costume from Big Gals Lingerie
* Where else to find plus size pirate costumes
* More costume ideas
* 10 Last Minute Costume Ideas

Retro fashion is coming on strong this year so you can expect retro costumes to be a hot item as well. There are a few that are particular appealing to plus size ladies every year — in other words, they never seem to go out of style.

One of my favorite long time shops for plus size costumes is Halloweenie. I’ve worked with them for years and while their website and graphics are not as high tech as many of the other shops, they have always been reliable. I kind of consider them the underdog of costuming which is another reason I like to recommend them.

Four costumes in particular stand out for today’s retro theme: the plus size flapper (up to size 20), putting on the ritz (up to size 3x), plus size Mae West (up to size 3x), and the plus size maverick (up to size 24). These plus size retro costumes range in price from $37 to $57. For the feather boas check out your local $1 store. I know ours carries boas all year round. You can get a few and tie them together to give you length or volume — and it will save you a few bucks.

***
Topic Links
* Get your own retro plus size costumes from Halloweenie
* Where else to find plus size pirate costumes
* More costume ideas
* 10 Last Minute Costume Ideas

It is hard to believe that it is the last days of September. Next up? Halloween — boo! There are so many options for plus size costumes this year. Some are standards and some are new. Every day this week I’m going to share some of my favorite costumes from my favorite shops.

First up is Artemisia Dance Designs. It doesn’t sound like it from the title but they deal in costumes for wedding, Halloween or festivals. Here are two of my absolute favorite items:

This Medieval Renaissance Gown for $114.99 is available in sizes S to 3x
(they have other gowns that go up to 4x)

There is a matching burgundy cloak to go with the above dress but I absolutely love this Navy Crushed Velvet Hooded Cloak for $69.99. They have a red one if you want to do your own red riding hood or black for your own vampire/witch/wizard.

***
Topic Links
* Get your own Medieval costumes from Artemisia Dance Designs on eBay
* Where else to find plus size pirate costumes
* More costume ideas
* 10 Last Minute Costume Ideas

One of Swimsuits for All’s best selling swimsuits is the Beach Belle Seeing Spots Sweetheart Tankini (I know, long title). I love the patterned top with its pink and white bubbles and the sexy slit up the front of the black swim skirt. It is currently on sale for $49 and is available in sizes 18 to 24.

***
Topic Links
* Get your own plus size swimwear from Swimsuits for All

Swimsuit for All has announced that they will donate 12% of every swimsuit order to the Susan G. Komen for a Cure for the month of October in honor of breast awareness and finding a cure for breast cancer. When shopping use the code: KOMEN12.

***
Topic Links
* Get your own plus size swimwear from Swimsuits for All

A little sale or two to get you through the weekend! Don’t forget to check out last week’s plus size promotions that may be still in affect.

Catherines is offering 40% Off Regular-Priced Items and 30% Off Clearance Items (Friends & Family Event)
Coupon code:
When: September 27, 2009 (SUNDAY ONLY)
Visit Catherines for plus size clothing

Swimsuits for All is giving 12% of your order goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Coupon code: KOMEN12
Expires: October 31, 2009
Visit Swimsuits for All for plus size swimwear

Old Navy is offering 15% off any purchase of $75 or more, plus free shipping!
Coupon code: ONPLUS15
Expires: October 8, 2009
Visit Old Navy for plus size clothing

JMS is offering Playtex Secret and Bali Bras for $14.99
Coupon code: NA
Expires: October 18, 2009
Visit JMS for plus size bras

DesignerShoes is offering 40% off on the DAILY SPECIALS
Coupon code: NA
Expires: NA
Visit Designer Shoes for regular and wide width shoes

Yoga Accessories is offering free shipping on $50
Coupon code: AFFS7856
Expires: October 12, 20009
Visit Yoga Accessories

CJ Banks is offering $20 Off Orders of $80 Or More + Free Shipping!
Coupon code: NA
Expires: October 3, 2009
Shop CJ Banks!

Target is offering free shipping with a $50 in Women’s
Coupon code: NA
Expires: NA
Visit Target for plus size clothing

La Grande Dame is offering 20% off sweaters
Coupon code: SWEATER
Expires: October 2, 2009
Visit La Grande Dame for plus size clothing

Macy’s is offering free shipping with $99
Coupon code: FALLSALE
Expires: September 27, 2009
Visit Macy’s for plus size clothing

Have a beautiful weekend!

I was updating some links and ended up visiting Swak Designs. They have always had some cute reasonably priced fashions but they have some down right steals in their “bargain basement” (not the same as their sale rack). All things I found were under $20!

***
Topic Links
* Get your own bargains from Swak Designs

Monif C has introduced a few more designs for this season. One of my favorites is this Roxie Beaded V-Neck which will be available in October (they’re taking pre-orders). The top/dress comes in combo sizes 14/16, 18/20, 22/24. It is shown on the website in black worn bare legged but the red is definitely hot.

It seems like everyone is taking on the leggings in their latest fashion shoots. I have to admit they are starting to grow on me as they being paired more and more with better pieces. I do like them paired with this top. I like the shoes too (and give me some of that hair)! The dress is currently retailing for $175.

***
Topic Links
* Get your own Roxie Beaded V-Neck dress from Monif C.

The U.S. is not the only place to look for affordable and fashionable plus size swimwear. With the internet taking a shopping trip over the pond is as easy as a few key strokes. One of the most popular plus size clothing retailers in the UK, Evans, happily serves American and Canadian customers.

This Metallic Striped two piece bathing suit is available in sizes 16 to 30. The top is £18 and the bottoms are £12 which is about $27 for the top and $18 for the bottom, U.S.

Evans has reasonable shipping to the U.S. too about $12 with the conversion.

***
Topic Links
* Get your own plus size swimwear from Evans UK

The fall season is my favorite time of the year. It’s when there seems to be the most options for clothing and the temperatures encourage us to wear more of them. This week is definitely the week for new arrivals.

Over the pond Evans they introduced their fall line in a snazzy fashion magazine type spread (click on their catalogue to see 48 pages of options). There were a number of pieces I liked that are not available yet and are listed as “coming soon. Tease.

Of the ones ready to ship I found two pieces I like and one I heart. And I have to add that the images seen here do not do them the justice that the catalogue images do; so check out the catalogue. All three pieces are available in sizes 14 to 32 (be sure to check out their sizing information before ordering).

The Belted Utility Jeans – £35 (about $58)

The Ditsy Printed Longline Top – £35 (about $58)

And my absolute favorite piece is this long Military Coat for £75 (about $123)

Yes, this is a UK company but they deliver to the U.S. for about $13 which is more reasonable than most retail deliveries from the U.S. to Canada — go figure.

Don’t forget to enter their $250 shopping spree while you are there!

***
Topic Links
* Get plus size tops and denin from Evans
* Other places to find plus size denim