Spandex Done Right

Our new Community Forum, U.P.Life Cafe has triggered some interesting conversations, several of which were started by members. "I hate spandex mixed in the fabric!" has gotten lots of participation. I'm so pleased because this is the type of conversation that allows us to discuss and think through what's good and what's not - it helps us realize that things are not 'black or white,' spandex is not good or bad. Therefore, this helps our design team create plus size clothing  that really meets customers wants and needs.

 

 

On the positive side, our members seem to value the comfort and move-ability that spandex affords. We seem to like the fact that spandex helps an item keep it's shape as we wear it and as we wash it.  However, and this was the important point made by the member who started the discussion, we like a cut, that keeps the item a little away from our bodies - not clingy. No one likes it clingy!

I went through our catalog and found a few of my Ulla favorites that seems to have it all!

Check out:

Animal Print Matte Jersey Dress, 22245 (95% poly and 5% spandex) Notice the detail at the neckline that creates a bit of a drape to the line of the dress.

Drop Cowl Stretch Knit Dress, 22247 (95% viscose rayon and 5% spandex). The gathering at the high waist creates a gentle relaxed fit through the hips.

Stretch Button Zip Tab Pant, 14821 (92% nylon and 8% spandex) Great cut! In my opinion this pant is tailored but "generously."

Seagull Stretch Knit Pants, 22636 (95% viscose rayon and 5% spandex) You're going to love this plus size pant. I don't know how Diane and Alicia did it, but this is so soft and comfortable and at the same time creates a flattering silhouette that stays through the day, thanks to the spandex.

Each of these items is designed with a cut that glides over curves and does not cling. Items that are flattering, sleek and comfortable at the same time make me very happy!

Which Ulla items with spandex have worked for you?

Babe

 

Ulla Popken Stylist & Blogger

Feel good in what you wear.

Five Dresses that Say It All

Recently, my Ulla colleagues and I were taking a look at which of our COMMUNITY pages get the most traffic. I wasn't surprised to find that our Prez, Phyliss Mosca's "Weekly Words of Wisdom," gets a lot of hits. My guess is that as women mature, it isn't so much about finding ourselves, but rather, evolving ourselves. We're smart, open-minded and driven to be our personal best - in all we do.

Of course that includes how we dress - how we present ourselves. If you look at our Dress category, I think you'll see a microcosm of what I mean. Here are five plus size dresses that telegraph my personal style evolution for dress-down, dress-up and in-between occasions.

Double Tier Knit Tank Dress, 22252 - Check out the smart and strategic placement of the tiers.
Cotton Knit Gathered Sleeve Dress, 22246 - Great color! Glow color!
Stretch Knit Shirt Dress, 22241 - This fabric moves like a dream and stays wrinkle-free.
Crepe Dress, 02283 and Crepe Shacket, 02326 - Sophisticated pairing - shacket on or off.
• Raglan Sleeve Stretch Knit Dress, 11250 - Perfectly cut to enhance a plus size figure.

I've adapted a yardstick of sorts to reflect my standards from Ulla's Weekly Words of Wisdom.

1. Beauty
Will I feel beautiful wearing it? (Feeling beautiful is empowering.)

2. Personal best
Is this my personal best? (Be your personal best. Today.)

3. Confidence
Does it transfer the confidence I need to soar through my day? (The most attractive thing a woman can wear is confidence.)

What's your opinion? If you were asked to rank these elements, what would be your number 1, 2, and 3, and why? Are there any other benchmarks you'd add?

Babe
Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist
Feel good in what you wear.