Passing the Baton

The Ulla-blogging baton is being passed to two very capable writers, Joan and Diane. I hope you'll visit them at uplife.ullapopken.com

Should you wish to contact me, please email to
babehope1@gmail.com

Feel good in what you wear!
Babe

My New Address!

Hi Ladies,

Ulla Popken has developed a beautiful "new and improved" Community Site called UPLife, which will be the new home for my blog. I hope you'll visit me there!

uplife.ullapopken.com

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

Be – You – tiful, but Be You!

Readers, you might remember my friend Marie and her careful step into the risky waters of dating at  “a certain age”. Well, John asked Marie to meet his family! I guess things have progressed, and I am so happy for her!

Funny, I remember back 25 years to meeting my husband's family. On one occasion I met his two good-looking sisters and their boyfriends, his mom, dad and grandmother. Of course I wanted to make a good impression. I thought about looking pretty, svelte (as much as I could trick/fabricate), carefree and comfortable all while looking fashionable, sexy and wholesome. Whew!

Talk about contradictions...I was a panic-attack waiting to explode!

·                  sexy  – but wholesome

·                 fashionable – but not a big spender

·                 pretty – but not too much make-up

·                 confident – but soft-spoken

You get the picture. Trying to be all things to all people was a lot of work - in fact, too much work. And of course, it can't work. 

When you walk into the lovely Ulla Popken offices in Glen Arm, Maryland, you see this sign: 
Be-YOU-tiful. It sort of brings a lot of this rambling into perspective. Yes, by all means be beautiful, but be YOU.  

Too much planning, contriving, hiding is exhausting. It drains one's energy tank and leaves nothing left with which to enjoy meeting the people who love the “special someone” you are starting to care for. Sometimes, reflective of the craziness and obsession of looking beautiful (read, thin), we lose ourselves. 

Marie, my green-eyed, lovely, curvy, 50+ friend chose this plus size dress to wear and here's her reasoning:  Ulla's Lace-Trimmed dress, 31245 

·                   one-piece dressing is easy and always looks put--together and finished

·                   viscose spandex is always comfortable

·                   from Ulla's new Gently Shaped™ Collection, flattering a woman's curves 

·                  the lace is sexy, youthful and appealing but still provides appropriate coverage – a tasteful balance

Getting back to Marie, the best part, she reports, was that with this simple, lovely outfit, she was able to focus on meeting John’s mother, his two grown children, their spouses and the grandchildren, ages 2 and 6, but still have a good time and look great!

Two other Ulla Gently Shaped™ dresses strike me as good go-to choices as well. The first: Ulla’s Faux Surplice Knit Dress, 32253, in “fragrant” Hibiscus or  “comfy” black. The second: Ulla’s Ancient Inspirations Empire Knit Dress, 32254, choose either Brown Multi or Black Multi, coordinating with similar-toned accessories you already have for an easy pulled-together look.

Do you have a favorite great looking, easy, go-to outfit?

Babe

Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist

Feel good in what you wear.

A Jacket instead of a Bonnet

While Easter and Passover have deeply significant religious themes, both traditions include welcoming springtime; the egg, a symbol of springtime and rebirth is shared by both traditions. It’s hard not to love springtime and the potential of rebirth. It's not surprising then, that many women love this time of year, which seems to call for something special to wear.

The first time I saw Ulla's Rainbow Hues Tweed Jacket, 31321, I knew I wanted it for Easter! The jacket is a wonderful combination of tweedy texture and vibrant colors which bring an extra dimension of chic. Check out the contrast rope edging, pointed lapels, decorative buttons. I love that the jacket is shaped with light shoulder pads. 

But why invest in another jacket?

Think of a jacket as not only a frame for your face but a frame for your torso as well. A well-designed jacket provides the shape and coverage we curvy women seek. As our curves get softer, all women, especially more mature women, benefit from the defining lines and proportions of a great-fitting jacket. Frankly, an excellent jacket can be “heavenly” for women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

How do you know if it's an excellent jacket for you?

Five check points:

Shaping check:

Does the jacket provide gentle shaping? Does it follow your contours but improve them? Does it impose a bit of hourglass shaping to your torso?

Shoulder check:

A defining, flattering shoulder line is critical. The line should meet the edge of your shoulder. If the shoulder line of the jacket goes beyond your natural shoulder line, you'll appear larger and frumpy.

Neckline check:

The neckline of the jacket should be prominent. I particularly like the V-neckline of this plus size jacket; it lays flat, and cuts the visual width of your upper body while framing your pretty face. Another good neckline choice is Ulla's Relaxed Knit Blazer, 31563, with its soft, curved lapels that lengthen your look. This jacket comes in great colors, Cerulean, Hibiscus and Black.

Sleeve check:

The sleeves should taper in a bit to make the arm look trimmer and longer.

Length Check:

The length of the jacket should end either above or below your widest point. Personally, I prefer the coverage of the latter.

There are moments in one's life that ache to be celebrated, observed, remembered, or all three. When I think about that one photograph that seems to capture the day and last through the years - I want to be assured that I looked my personal best and I felt good in what I wore. How do you measure the worth of a jacket?

Babe

Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist

Feel good in what you wear.

A Tonic of Accessories

Love this quote:  "Remember that always dressing in understated good taste is the same as playing dead." Susan Catherine 

Let's channel the wit and eye of the sardonic fashion writer, Susan Catherine, to follow-up on my previous post, in which the subject was beating the blahs. February isn't quite over yet, so let's talk about using accessories, jewelry specifically, to declare victory over the blahs and skyrocket your style.

First, identify your best colors. How? Select from a few items -- plus size tops or plus size dresses in colors you love. Next, hold one item at a time next to your face. Which item/color makes your eyes pop and sparkle, and makes your skin clear and luminescent? That's your best color!

Second, choose tonal accessories, especially jewelry. Yes, tonal accessories will layer, deepen and enrich the impact of your best color. Tonal jewelry will allow for variations of color and texture and provide opportunities to catch and distribute light on your face -- right where you want it.

Third, bigger is better. Frankly, it's what separates the WOMEN from the girls. Choose items that mix tonal colorations, metals, stones on a grand scale. This is where faux is formidable -- it renders jewelry an affordable, ageless ally and offers an instant focal point. Remember my formula of fade and focus, in other words to camouflage the negative and draw attention to the positive. 

Here's an example of how an inexpensive, but gorgeous, big-scale set of jewelry boosts your style quotient and becomes the focal point for three different outfits:

Ulla's Blue Lagoon Necklace, 32052 and Blue Lagoon Earrings, 32051

Paired with:

Ulla's Batik Beauty Sundress, 32246

Ulla's Floral Splash Duster Set, 32444

Ulla's Matte Jersey Empire Dress, 81207, in Leaf Multi.

Do you prefer the Blue Lagoon Necklace and Earrings worn together or separately?

 

Babe

Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist

Feel good in what you wear.

"Earth Laughs in Flowers" and So Can We

February, Valentines Day notwithstanding, can bring the blahs. What to do? Go for something cheerful: bring on the vibrancy of florals, the joy of petals: yes, wear some flowers! The insight of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Earth laughs in flowers," is spot on. 

Ulla’s Tropic Fantasy Floral Knit Tunic, 32550, is a great changeover piece. The fabric is dense, high quality 100% cotton, toasty enough for cooler weather but will breathe and transition beautifully into your spring wardrobe. The vibrant background of jungle red gets the energy flowing, and the sheer beauty of the sketched turquoise blooms helps you count on balmy days just ahead.

On a practical note, this plus size tunic has a scoop neckline, 3/4 sleeves, side vents and a relaxed fit. It’s machine washable and has a length of 32 inches.

Fashion presents the opportunity to wear art, to personify it, and even to transport you to a place you desire to go.

The important role flowers may play in our daily lives is documented in many sources. One recent source, a behavioral research study conducted by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, reveals that people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when fresh cut flowers are present in the home. The research has further proven that flowers make people happy when they receive them,” Etcoff says. (http://aboutflowers.com/health-benefits-a-research/home-ecology-of-flowers-study.html)

So I wondered, is this effect limited to fresh cut flowers? Who’s to say that this impact is achieved only by fresh flowers? Perhaps the ahhhh experience can come from seeing or wearing a stunningly beautiful floral design. 

One last suggestion, you can also surround yourself with flowers in Ulla's 

·      Empress's Garden Beaded Tunic, 31421

·      Tunnel Waist Dress, 31257

·      Happy Garden Print Knit Pants, 31623

I can guarantee they will chase those February blahs once and for all! Hey now, there's more than one way to get flowers! Personally, I am uplifted by wrapping myself in a glorious floral arrangement! How about you?

Babe

Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist

Feel good in what you wear!

You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression

Did you know you start talking before you open your mouth? It's called body language, and it’s worth a fortune. In the early moments of meeting someone, a first impression is formed.

The New Year brings new opportunities -- if you see it that way.

My long time friend and gorgeous green-eyed, curvy, 50+ client, Marie, met a man through an online dating service and after much cautious communication and more than three months of "holiday-responsible" delays (yeah, right!) - they're about to go on their first date. YAY! 

Motivated by Babe's Spring Picks, Marie wanted me to suggest a plus size outfit, from Ulla's latest collection, which would be appropriate for when she meets John (yes, that's really his name!). They've planned to meet at a casual restaurant, equidistant from both of their homes, for early drinks and dinner on a Saturday night. 

My thoughts---extrapolated into “what to wear” on a first date:

First, given you never get a second chance to make a first impression, make the most of it! Choose a plus size top, in a color that you know is your best -- a color that makes your skin glow and your eyes light up. Choose something stylish and special; but something that centers attention on the woman inside and not the top itself. 

Second, still all about Fade and Focus, choose a plus size top with a neckline that opens up and frames your pretty face. Choose a cut that is designed for you, one that you know drapes and glides over your curves flatteringly and which you will not have to "re-position" or tug at. Choose a plus size bottom that is sleek, lean and comfortable. Fade reduces the prominence of less flattering features and Focus puts the spotlight right where you want it – we all have “a best feature,” and we deserve to have it shine.

Third, "Feeling beautiful is empowering™," and I might add that feeling beautiful makes you also feel warm and desirable. After teasing Marie about the three months it took to finally set up a date, I know she is taking a risk - putting it out there, and nobody likes to risk rejection. Mustering confidence after a series of disappointments is no small task. That is precisely why the energy that comes from a new outfit is called for -- it boosts confidence!

Finally, the all-important body language – want to look more beautiful? Make eye contact, lean in but keep your spine straight, use your hands confidently, smile and don’t forget to laugh if something’s funny. By the way, dressing the part helps – it just does! 

So, here's the outfit Marie chose to wear: 

Cascading Colorblocked Knit Jacket, 31565 and Viscose Spandex Knit Tank, 14572, in Pacific and Mint

Stretch Ponte Knit Slim-cut Leggings, 14622, in Black

Leopard Button Wedge, 25939, in Black Suede

Deep Sea Dangling Necklace, 31027

Deep Sea Dangling Earrings, 31034

Do you have a “first date” outfit that boosts confidence?

Babe

Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist

Feel good in what you wear.

My Favorite Item of the Year 2012

When I look back at my wardrobe of 2012, something rather unexpected seems to figure prominently, Ulla's Stretch Ponte Knit Slim-cut Leggings, 14622. I'd like to share why this is so.

I may have mentioned this to you before, but… I was blessed with "thunder thighs." I've always had large, heavy AND muscular thighs. When I was much younger, and played sports, they were indeed a blessing. However, as fashion became more important to me, they seemed to grow into a big problem. 

I seemed to be restricted to wide cut pants, which always needed to be bought a size or two larger than needed through the waist and hips to accommodate my thighs and to avoid that "sausage syndrome". So what happened was I was wearing full tops and wide-cut, plus size bottoms.  As my insights into creating a more flattering silhouette were honed, I continued to wear long, relaxed fit plus size tops, but I started to seek out more narrow bottoms. But...always mindful of my thighs, not too narrow - so this was a challenge.

This year Diane and Alicia, Ulla's design team, encouraged me to try our Stretch Ponte Knit Slim-cut Leggings in size 20/22. I'm so glad they did! These leggings have given me a youthful, current edge and I love it. First, the fabric is substantial enough to hide my "cottage cheese." (Charming, I know!) Second, the knit fabric and elastic waist fit me perfectly, and I might add, stay perfect through the day, getting in and out of the car, after I eat, etc. The cut is sleek, provides something akin to a custom fit and actually creates a lean silhouette.  Finally, these narrow, sleek, plus size bottoms are the perfect proportion for Ulla tops, great embellishments with a comfortable, relaxed fit.

So as I reflect on my wardrobe of 2012, I give Ulla's Stretch Ponte Knit Slim-cut Leggings two thumbs up!  It's funny how something so simple can mean so much.

Please share your '"favorite item of the year!"

Babe

Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist

Feel good in what you wear!

I Love Boots

I mean, I r-e-a-l-l-y love boots. I love the various contemporary styles of boot-wear and how they can instantly boost your style quotient.  For many years, however, I suffered from “boot envy”. Yes, it's true. My extra large calf and my need for a double wide width kept me an outsider looking in at the boot-wearing world. Forgive the Christmas metaphor, but it felt like I was left outside, gazing into a window of a warmly decorated living room, fire roaring, family gathered around the tree, singing carols and sipping eggnog, and there I was, on the outside, in the cold. I think you get the picture.

Ulla's selection of wide calf boots , however, has invited me in! Ulla covers me in every style and merrily, at an affordable price. 

Here's what I'm lovin'. One style was on my Christmas wish list; can you guess which one?

Low-Heeled Ankle Boot 

Ulla's Leg-lengthening Ankle Boot, 25922, gives style and extra height with its 2" stack-look heel. The boot is 4" high from the top of the heel, with a comfy tricot lining and a non-slip synthetic sole. It's perfect for pants or jeans.

Flat Knee-High Boot

Ulla's Stretch Back Riding Boot, 25930, is a comfortable riding-style boot with a wide calf that has two 

s-t-r-e-t-c-h panels forming the entire back, to conform to the shape and width of your leg. There is a pretty buckle strap accent at the rear ankle. The boot is 14" tall from the top of the 1" stack-look heel. This boot is so versatile with jeans, pants, and leggings, and of course, skirts and dresses. I love the clean, crisp “riding” style.

Dressier Heeled Boot

Ulla's Patent Trim Dress Boot, 25929, is a tall boot with a touch of sass. With patent and sueded angled trim on the calf and at the ankle, it has a square toe and is 15" high from the top of its 2 1/4" stacked-look heel. This is a beautiful pair of boots! Oh my, this boot just polishes any outfit!

Wedge Boot

Ulla's Versatile Wedge Boot, 25926, has a pebble-grained texture making it casual, but still stylishly tailored. It has a rounded toe and it is 14" high from the top of the stacked-look wedge heel. Personally, I wear this boot several times a week – very easy to build an outfit with. This is a low wedge boot that will take you anywhere in smooth, sleek style.

So, I dropped a few hints – and yes, I received a pair of Ulla's Stretch Back Riding Boots, in brown, for Christmas! Love 'em!!

Which style would you pick?

Babe

Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist

Feel good in what you wear.

One Gorgeous Jacket

Ulla's Tweed and Chenille Plaid Jacket, 25323, is a star! In fact it was just featured in November by Marie Claire magazine’s plus size fashion blogger, Nicolette Mason, the "Big Girl in a Skinny World".

A go-to jacket for many occasions, its festive, regal red plaid pushes it to the front of my closet during the Holiday Season.  It's a richly textured designer-style plus size jacket with a polished look that can be worn over pants or skirts. 

It has pretty winged lapels, patch pockets, fringed trim, and faceted dressmaker buttons over hidden snaps. I love the fact that it is shaped with light shoulder pads, but still has a comfortable relaxed fit.

Here are three ways I'm wearing this winner jacket this season, over...

1. ... a white tee and jeans. As a thoroughbred look through and through, I'll never get over jeans and a white tee. As I've matured, I love the juxtaposition of a designer style jacket over a pair of great classic jeans. Ulla's Stretch Denim Boot-cut, 14823, has just enough stretch for comfort but not too much so that the jeans loose the silhouette I'm after. (The jeans come in a Slim-leg cut, 14824, as well, and both styles are available in a shorter length with a 28 inch inseam.) Try Ulla's Split Neck Tee, 31561, in white, for a crisp, high quality look and great coverage.

2. ... Ulla's Matte Jersey Black Tank, 94568, and Slim-leg Pants, 02635. This outfit was among my favorites in Babe's Picks. It is a sophisticated look and comfortable as can be. Is there a better combination?

3. ... Ulla's Matte Jersey Dot Sleeve Maxi Dress, 31254. Why? The sleeves of the dress are nicely cut so there is minimal bulk, but they give me the option of removing the jacket if I get too warm. I also plan on wearing the dress, alone, on New Year's Eve!

In your opinion, how many wearings of an item make it an investment piece?

Babe

Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist

Feel good in what you wear.

Pearls, Pearls, Pearls … Especially for the Holidays

Ulla’s gorgeous plus size clothing  is complemented by the addition of the right jewelry. Completing your look with a jewelry “layer” provides dramatic impact and rich interest with its light and movement. Here’s the perfect example: Ulla's Carolee Pearl Collection. Whether you make it a holiday treat for yourself or a friend, or put it at the top of your Ulla Wish List,  it makes the best sizeless, ageless, and timeless gift around.

Carolee's Pearl Rope Necklace, 15970, is a full 72 inches—yes, six feet—of lustrous faux pearls to wrap and drape in an assortment of ways; to work with styles from classically elegant to fun and flirty. Choose from three colors: white, charcoal and gold-colored. Their beauty is represented in Ulla's photography, but there is so much more to admire: their substantial feeling of quality and their gleaming luminosity. They are commensurate with the stature of us curvy ladies! You need to feel, hold and wear these pearls to appreciate their beauty.

Carolee's Pearl Snake Bracelet, 15972, wraps your wrist in lustrous faux pearls. It stretches to fit everyone and completes your understated day-or-night look when paired with the matching pearl rope necklace and Carolee Pearl Stud Earrings, 15971 (a 12mm size 'pearl') and is a real knock-out with one of the Carolee drop earring styles Ulla offers.  For me, an “average” 7-and-a-half-inch bracelet is not big enough, so I love this bracelet because it fits perfectly.

I do love earrings, always have. Perhaps the most important piece of jewelry you can wear is earrings. Why? Earrings gather light and direct it to the face. If your best feature is your eyes, smile, skin or hair, earrings will help spotlight it. When it comes to jewelry, earrings can offer high impact for little money. Carolee Pearl and Pave Earrings, 15975, are stunning, mixing pearls with elegant pave crystals for a fresh approach to a classic look. They are made for pierced ears and are one inch in length.

I can dream, can't I? Carolee Crystal and Pearl Earrings , 22056, transport me to the glamour of fine jewelers of world renown. These earrings are spectacular: sparkling crystal leaves enhance two faux pearls to create a pretty and delicate pierced style, one and one half inches long. Very special for the holidays!

Jewelry is a sophisticated addition that helps you shine on the outside the way you shine on the inside. It’s a “must” for the holiday season. Use jewelry to add radiance and balance your proportions. The jewelry we curvy women wear must be proportionate to our “real estate”. It presents the opportunity to be spectacular!

If you'd like to view Ulla's Carolee Collection, click here.

And, we'd love to hear about a favorite piece of jewelry in your personal collection.

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

Holiday Magic

Once in a while an item comes along that just makes an outfit. Often it is a plus size top that seems to inspire many outfits and stretches your wardrobe to take you many places. Such an item is Ulla's Allover Beaded Vest, 25330. One of the things that really pleases me about our Allover Beaded Vest is its versatility. I can see it as the anchor piece in a continuum of outfits ranging from dressy to casual, thereby taking me just about every place I need to go during the holiday season. Now that's plus size clothing magic!

Elegant

Allover Beaded Vest, 25330

Contrast Edged Blouse, 25431, Silver/Black

Stretch Knit Velvet Pants, 05614, Black

Mixed Media Flat, 24918, Grey

Well-Heeled

Allover Beaded Vest, 25330

Knit Turtleneck Dress, 75209, Merlot

Feather Pump, 25938, Black Suede

Social

Allover Beaded Vest, 25330

Pintuck Trim Tunic, 24436, Poppy

Matte Jersey A-line Skirt, 21620, Black

Scrunch Suede Boot, 25925, Red

Fun

Allover Beaded Vest, 25330

Waterfall Sharkbite Knit Tunic, 24560, Red

Stretch Ponte Knit Leggings, 14622, Grey

Colorblock Skimmer, 24915, Grey/Burgundy

How would you wear Ulla's Allover Beaded Vest?

Babe

Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist

Feel good in what you wear.

Lengths Graded by Size

Some customers ask, "Why does Ulla grade the length of some tops by size?" In other words, just because I'm bigger doesn't mean I'm taller. This is certainly true and I'd like to share how it works and the options you have. 

First, Ulla's design team always offers options. If we offer a certain style graded by size, we usually offer a similar style in the same length for all sizes. For example, Ulla's Crochet Detailed Top, 14561, is graded by size, from 29 - 33 inches. It has rich embroidery, relaxed fit, 100% cotton knit and comes in great colors: Autumn, Navy, Peacock, and Aubergine. Ulla's Braid Ribbon Knit Tunic, 24557,  has a standard 34 inch length. It, too, is embellished with loops of ribbon braid creating a lace-like effect at the open neckline, it's a relaxed fit and made of 100% cotton and it come in jewel tones too, Merlot and Baltic.

Another example is Ulla's Contrast Edged Blouse, 25431, graded by size from 29 - 33 inches.  It's a soft, 100% rayon crepe blouse, shirt collar, button placket front, long sleeves with adjustable button cuffs, chest pocket and relaxed fit. Ulla's Chest Pocket Shirt, 14451, comes in a standard 32 inch length. It too is made of 100% rayon crepe with long sleeves and classic button-down styling with chest flap pockets. Both come in a bounty of classic colors.

A third example takes the form of a jacket. Ulla's Matte Jersey Swing Jacket, 94567, is graded by size from 29-33 inches. On the other hand, Ulla's Matte Jersey Jacket (love the shawl collar!) - 24546, comes in a standard 32 inch length. These jackets are both made of the same excellent, wrinkle resistant, easy to wear Matte Jersey fabric, and come in a range of beautiful colors that really make a wardrobe work-hard!

Why is it necessary to make both options?

Women carry weight differently, in different places. Each of these places affect how a top drapes, how it falls - how long it appears. For example, I take up 'length' by my large bust and tummy. One Forum member made the astute comment, that the V Neck Teal Chenille Sweater, 25556, I wore in Babe's Picks looks much shorter on me than the model. This is because my bust pulls the sweater out, thereby shortening the length. Other women take up length with extra weight on the back, midriff, hips or tush. 

Thankfully, Ulla offers both options. You'll know which one's right for you and then can streamline your picks. If you are shorter and don't want tops that are too long, you can choose tops that come in a standard length. However, if you are shorter but notice that where/how you carry weight causes the top to seem shorter than you'd like, you can choose the graded length options.

I know Ulla's design team, Diane and Alicia (and me too,) would appreciate your thoughts on this sizing issue.

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

Are you a curvy petite diamond?

The curvy petite diamond is probably 5'4" or shorter, wears plus size and finds herself having to shorten the inseam of pants and the sleeves of tops and jackets. Sound familiar?

Tips:

We want to keep patterns on a somewhat smaller scale, put together tonal or monochromatic outfits, avoid excess fabric and opt for fabrics that conform just a bit, wear a bit of a heel when comfortable and choose footwear with a narrowed toe box.

 

Pants:

Here's the news: 

Ulla has three styles of plus size bottoms that are a break-through for the petite curvy woman. Yes!!

Check out these styles:

Ulla's Short Stretch Denim Slim-leg Jean, 24844, has a 28 inch inseam (the regular cut has a 31 inch inseam) and comes in denim and dark denim shades. This is a classic denim in a sleek fit that stretches to your body's contours with front button-and-zip closure.

Ulla's Short Stretch Denim Boot-cut Jeans, 24833, also with a 28 inch inseam, stretches to your body's contours too with a front button-and-zip closure. The leg lengthening boot-cut fit flatters every figure. The fabric is 99% cotton/1% spandex. Both jeans can be machine washed.

Ulla's Short Stretch Twill Button Pant, 24832, comes in black and khaki. It's a well-tailored pant with button zipper front, back darts and slash pockets. Enjoy the relaxed fit, with 97% cotton/3% spandex fabrication. This pant, too, is machine washable. The inseam of this pant is 27 inches (the regular cut has a 30 inch inseam.)

Tops:
Ulla's Beaded Fantasy Floral Knit Top, 24554, has a well-scaled print of exotic blooms and swirls, and also 3/4 sleeves and 100% cotton fabric. Notice the bottom of the print, gorgeous blues that will melt over jeans for a sleek tonal look.

Ulla's Contrast Edged Blouse, 25431, is soft, drapey and lightly textured moss crepe with simple but striking standout accents. This is a striking plus size top that won't overwhelm your shorter frame. It is a long-sleeved top, the buttoned cuff  however, will help you fold the sleeve back and shorten to your desired length. Check out the colors combinations: Rio Red/Black, White/Black, and Silver/Black.

Ulla's Crochet Detailed Top, 14561, has rich tonal embroidery and crocheted neckline trim. It's 100% cotton knit with 3/4 sleeves. It comes in gorgeous colors, Autumn, Navy, Peacock and Aubergine.


Jackets:

Ulla's Matte Jersey Swing Jacket, 94567, paired with a matching Tank Top, 94568 is a perfect "twin set." The jacket is going to fall at the upper to mid thigh, the fabric is soft and drapes beautifully and the sleeves are 3/4 length. I love the rich jewel tones, Plum, Rio Red, Deep Teal and Black.


Dresses:

Ulla's Chandelier Print Inset Knit Dress, 25222, will require a hem but it will be well worth it. Here's my thinking, curvy petite women are used to hemming dresses. Simply hem to the most flattering part of your leg. The tonal, elongating qualities of this dress are quite flattering and are worth the effort and small expense to get a customized fit. Everything else is perfect for you: long, slimming seams, 3/4 sleeves, stretchy soft fabric, 97% viscose rayon/3% spandex and it's machine washable.

Footwear:
 

Consider Ulla's Cap Toe Skimmer, 24917. It has cap toe piping and a narrowed toe box. The tonal detail provides interest without distracting for a simple, elegant look.

Ulla's Ghillie Pump, 24910, has a 1 inch heel and a bit of a rounded toe. It is made of micro-suede with cut-out vamp and faux tassel tie. The smooth piping detail adds interest and keeps the look sleek.

Please share your tips for the curvy petite diamond!

Babe

Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist

Feel good in what you wear.

Are you a Heart Shape Diamond?

The heart shape diamond is broad and full in the arms, shoulders and through the ribcage but narrower through the hips, thighs and legs.  We want to keep the fabric soft and flowing so it doesn't cling to puffy areas along the back.

Tips:

Keeps the fabrication soft and beautiful. Avoid defined waists and choose tunic length tops that end at hip, which will smooth out and fade the fullness at waist and tummy line and draw attention and bring focus to the hip line, which is trimmer. Patterns at the hip, therefore, are good choices. Keep the cut of pants slim.

Tops:
Ulla's Gold Rush Embellished Tunic, 25424, is a perfect choice. Boho style and lavish goldtone embellishments of metallic embroidery, velvet ribbon, sequins and beading come together in an eclectic combination especially rich at the bottom of the garment, bringing focus to your trimmer lower half. The fabric is semi-sheer georgette and is lined through the body; with long, sheer illusion sleeves.

Another, more casual option is Ulla's Color Collage Knit Tunic, 25563, with a resounding crescendo at the lower half. Every color of the rainbow makes an appearance on this lively border print plus size top.

Jackets:
Ulla's Midnight Garden Jacket, 25322, is made of a chenille-textured jacquard that feels luxurious, and looks lavish in deep black with golden floral designs. It is edged with decorative loop trim, accented with metallic dome buttons. The firm fabric will not cling to puffy areas and the trim at the Mandarin collar and hip creates well-placed focal points.

Pants:
Okay, so you know I'm going to recommend Ulla's Matte Jersey Straight-leg Pants, 02635 to pair with the Gold Rush Tunic or the Midnight Garden Jacket. I love this pant! It's a soft knit essential and has a smooth resilient feel and natural wrinkle resistance. So comfortable, so easy with a flat elastic waist and slim fit.

Ulla's Stretch Ponte Knit Slim-cut Leggings, 14622, are an easy mate for the Color Collage Knit Tunic. These pants are go-to for the heart shape diamond.

Dresses:
Ulla's Split Neck Knit Dress, 25230, is a super choice for opening up a wide upper torso. It's an easy-going dress accented with a split, draped kerchief-look collar in both front and back. The plus size dress comes in two soft, interesting colors, Baltic and Carbon.

Another good choice is Ulla's Button Accent Knit Dress, 25231, precise rows of fabric-covered shank buttons flank the half-zip front below the round neckline, and thereby draw a vertical line through a wider upper torso. This dress comes in Eggplant and Black - give the Eggplant a try!

Please share your tips for the Heart Shape Diamond!

Babe 

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

Are you an Emerald Shape Diamond?

Emerald shape diamonds are straight up and down, much in the way models are - mostly everything looks good! Emerald Diamonds are wide and full from the shoulders and arms through the hips, thighs, and legs, and have no significant indentation at the waist.

Tips:
Plus size Emerald Diamonds want to avoid styles that emphasize the natural waist and should instead opt for styles with empire waists. Choose embellishments that create interest and depth. Keep tops long and choose dresses with what I like to call "hot spots."

Tops:

I'm crazy about Ulla's Crocheted Lace-trim Tunic, 25425! It's an empire plus size tunic in a richly elegant print finished with a paisley border. Beautiful scalloped crocheted lace edges the surplice V-neckline. Ulla's Waterfall Sharkbite Knit Tunic, 24560 comes in gorgeous colors, Poppy, Emerald, Bayberry, Lagoon and Black. What a soft knit! The face-framing draped waterfall neckline softens the 'squareness' of the torso and lengthens the overall silhouette.

Twin Sets:
Ulla's Entwined Floral Burnout Duster Set, 25350, turns heads. Love the longer 34 inch length, the matching scoop-neck tank and the overall dramatically beautiful floral motif and color palette. Above, when I suggested interest and depth - the burnout sheer print technique makes this set a great example of added dimension and stature.

Dresses:
Continuing the theme of the waterfall neckline is Ulla's Waterfall Beaded Knit Dress, 25225. The 'hot spot' on this dress is embellished beading at the shoulders. Very pretty - very smart. Ulla's Intricately Beaded Empire Dress, 25228, is a graceful chiffon tank dress richly embellished with a deep band of beading that defines the empire waist.

Pants:
The Emerald Diamond has no disproportionate areas. Choose Ulla's Stretch Button Zip Tab Pant, 14821, stretchy, soft, with a silky surface texture that allows tunics to drape and not grab. This plus size pant is available in Espresso and Black.

Please share your tips for Emerald Shape Diamonds!

Babe

Ulla Popken Blogger & Stylist

Feel good in what you wear.