Who Is Babe Hope?

I'm Babe Hope, the author of Pretty Plus: How To Look Sexy, Sensational and Successful No Matter What You Weigh. I'm also a stylist and personal shopper for women of all ages and shapes. My goal is to help women look their personal best. I love to empower women with tools to help turn their pity party into a pretty party! This is the message of "Talking It U.P." which I am so very happy to assume the helm of today!

A big problem women who wear plus sizes have is that much of the available fashion advice comes from fashion editors who live on tofu and lettuce leaves and therefore can't understand the angst and challenge of being a large woman. I get it because I face the same mirror you do, daily. I am a large, beautiful woman.

It wasn't always that simple for me. I haven't always felt beautiful. I weighed over 200 pounds when I graduated from high school. I've been on every diet. Decades later, I'm disappointed that I invested my energy and resources in diets instead of self-acceptance and in the sheer joy of a plus size pretty party. The opportunity was there, but I couldn't embrace it. Yet it is precisely that journey that led me to where I am today.

I'm excited to start this new year with you and Talking It U.P. Stick with me and I'll share all the secrets I've learned along the way.

A New Year's toast then to us, Girlfriends...The pity party was yesterday. Today we launch the pretty party!

Babe

Let Ulla Dazzle You!

We all know you love Ulla's clothing, now come see a different side of us, our accessories! Now you can pair that little black dress with the perfect necklace, or bracelet. And don't forget, fall and winter are the perfect times to accessorize with fashionable scarves.

Come check out the side of Ulla that sparkles!

Bundle Up!

Fall weather is fast approaching; why not liven up your cool weather wardrobe with a pop of color? A great way to add some fun to any ensemble is to change your normal routine with a bright and colorful coat! We have plenty to choose from here at Ulla Popken, whether you are looking for a dramatic red, or cheereful green we have you covered!

Also, don't forget to check out some of our newest asymmetrical designs. You are sure to find at least a few items you can't live without!

Pictured: Item #05120, Flirty Swing Coat. Color: Sweet Pea

Tell Us What YOU Think!

Have an opinion about our products? We'd love to hear from you! Be the first to REVIEW our products at the NEW UllaPopken.com!

Tell us what you think about our products. Your feedback will allow us to continually improve our designs and offer the quality and consistent fit you expect from Ulla Popken.

Write a REVIEW on our products TODAY!

Everyone Loves A Sale!

Have you gotten a chance to check out our Fall Sale items? Hurry, while supplied last! You dont want to miss this chance to grab your favorite Ulla Popken looks, at a great price. The best part is that you can get some great items at a discount, before the season even begins... talk about a good deal!

Want to share your favorite Fall Ulla item? Let everyone know your picks!

Fall into Great Fashion!

All the signs are there, seeing big yellow school buses on the roads, pools preparing to close, and every once in a while a breeze of cool air comes our way. We all have to admit it; fall is on its way. Living on the east coast, we show a sign of each season, and as much as I love summer, by the time fall rolls around I am ready to welcome it. It is a nice change to wear long sleeve tee's and feel comfortable in pants. The temperature is still warm enough to wear sandals and flip flops, but enough of an evening breeze that you can comfortably wear a light jacket. You also can't help but be interesed in the new clothes that come out for fall, especially if you are the type of person who loves to see new styles and trends!

As we prepare for another change in season, remember, there is a bright-side to the end of summer, you get to go shopping!

Item #05525, Organic Flounce Jacket pictured in Spruce

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!

What girl doesn't love shoes? We have worked long and hard to find the perfect shoes and boots to offer our customers. We have taken your comments, throughts and requests into consideration when planning our new line of shoes. Ulla has the best buyer in shoes, Joe, working for you. We think we have a pretty good selection to start you off with, trust us, because Joe knows shoes.

Check them out; we dare you to not love them!

Ahhh, the Sweet Life!

Is it just me or is the weather this year absolutley crazy?! A record number of blizzards this winter, and to top it off a blazing hot summer to say the least! However, we all still have to remember that we are in the middle of one of the best seasons (vastly decided by age, kids love it- parents often dread it) of the year. The carefree days of summer, people seem to be in better moods, due to the great energy we get from the sun, or is it the wonderful creative of Air Conditioning? I know everyone around the country is sizzling with temperatures ranging from 85-95+ degrees but remember to enjoy the days of summer.

When in the sun, don't forget!
+ Reapply sunscreen every two hours to prevent from burning
+ Stay hydrated with water or sports drinks
+ Find an area that has some shade, so you can escape the heat

Want to beat the heat?
+ Got to a matinee movie
+ Take your beach chair to the waters edge and sit with your feet in the water
+ Have a water balloon fight

What are your tips and tricks to keeping cool this summer?

A $500 Shopping Spree on Us!

Meet the lucky winner of our Sweepstakes drawing, Patricia Hunt from Rochester, NY. Her name was drawn from over 5,700 entries last week.

Pat will be well on her way to shopping our catalog and online collection with a $500 shopping spree on Ulla!

We will hold our next drawing in October, enter now for your chance to be our next winner!

Sweepstakes Entry

Ulla's Fall Preview

You may have noticed our newest catalog being delivered to you this week. We are proud to introduce our Fall Preview! I know what you may be thinking, "Fall?!? Summer just started!" Yes, this is true, however, we have been careful to include items that can be worn straight through summer into fall. Take our Crochet Empire Dress, #04237 for example, this is the perfect look for both summer and fall. Pair cute sandals with this dress for those cool summer nights, you will stay comfortable with loose 3/4 length sleeves and A-line fit. By the time fall rolls around you can add leggings and flats and continue wearing this fantasic dress in style!

Pictured: Item #04237, in burgundy

Don't Forget to Cover Up!

So you're heading to the beach, let's review the checklist:

Sunglasses, check!
SPF, check!
Tropical Drink, check!
Magazine, check!

Now the only other thing you need to go great with your fantastic Ulla Popken bathing suit is a perfect cover up. Have you checked out our selection? We have the style for any preference. Need to get out of the sun? Try our Cotton Gauze Caftan, #02291. Do you want to cover up, but still get some sun on your shoulders and arms? You need our Knit Flounce Cover Up, #02598 (pictured). Want to show off a sexy suit? Try our Shimmer Lace Duster, #02454.

Come see Ulla's great selection of beachwear! Now your checklist is finally complete!

Celebrate, With Savings!

Once Memorial Day rolls around we see an increase in outdoor events, cookouts and parties. For some this holiday marks the beginning of summer, and days of leisure. If you haven't already, you may want to break out the shorts and tank tops, and make some fresh lemonade. When you have had your fill of being outside enjoying nice weather (we hope!) and gatherings with friends and family, remember you can snag some great Ulla items without even leaving the comfort of your own home!

We will be available to take calls this coming holiday weekend everyday from 8am-12am EST and of course, you can shop at any time you would like online! We look forward to hearing from you.

Have a great Memorial Day.

Join Us!

If you have not visited our Facebook page yet, come check us out! Discover what many already have, you will see behind the scenes of our photoshoot, have a chance to take part in special promtions and sales as well as talk with other Ulla fans!

Become a fan, click HERE!

Back to the Drawing Board!

Its that time again, we would like to know how we can improve. We know you have been thinking it, so please feel free to let us know!

How can Ulla Popken improve?

Behind the Scenes: An Ulla Popken Photo Shoot!

Have you ever wondered what goes into making a new catalog spread? Have you thought about the number of people involved to make it all happen? We have taken some insider, behind the scenes photos of our latest photo shoot. Our winter 2010 collection was the focus of our adventure in beautiful Aspen, Colorado

To check out more photos visit our Facebook page!

Our April Sweepstakes Winner!

Congratulations to Sonia Parsons from Delmar, MD! She is the lucky winner of our $500 shopping spree! Her name was chosen from over 4,700 entries.

Don't forget to sign up for our Sweepstakes; we will draw our next lucky winner in July!

Just think of all the great Ulla Popken clothing YOU could get with $500 (on us!). Remember there is no limit to the number of times you can enter... I wonder who will win the next time around!

Let the Good Times Roll!

I am sure it is no shock that most of us feel better when we are in the company of friends and family. Often times all it takes to make your day a little better is to be surrounded by people you care about.

Enjoy the spring weather that is upon us and take this time to spend time with your friends and family. Go for a walk in the park, go on a shopping spree with friends, or just sit and relax! It may just be a little thing that can make a big difference.

It's Your Chance!

Now is your chance to ask us at Ulla a question that has been on your mind. Maybe you have been wondering where our last photo shoot took place, or what it is like to work here! Maybe you have a comment, suggestion or idea on how we could improve our catalog.

We are all ears, lay it on us!

Heat Wave!

Watch Out! Maryland (and the rest of the eastern shore) is preparing for a heat wave this weekend. Break out the swimsuits, frozen drinks and reserve your spot on the beach! Maybe wishful (and a little extreme) thinking but I can't help but be excited about the upcoming 80 degree temperatures we will be experiencing in the coming days. With lingering thoughts of the double blizzard that hit us a mere 2 months ago this warm weather could not have come at a better time. Hopefully this beautiful weather will finally get rid of all my memories of snow. Imagine this, for the first time in a few years us ladies will be able to wear much needed spring colored dresses, and open toed shoes for Easter and not freeze!

Enjoy this coming weekend's weather, and for many the extended Easter Holiday from all of us at Ulla Popken!

It's all in the Signs!

Thinking of myself as having a goodwill personality and carefree nature i have found myself using the phrase "it's a sign" more and more. To some it's a hopeful way of thinking everything will work out for them, or that the stars are somehow aligning to perfectly meet with ones needs. To others it is a way of looking on the bright side of life. After all, you will notice the more often you have a positive outlook the better you will feel. You will also notice more and more people are naturally attracted to a positive attitude!

I am by no means a motivations speaker, but I encourage you all to acknowledge the many 'signs' life throws our way!