Budget Friendly Spring Styles for Curvy Women

April 1, 2009 Since curvy women come in all shapes and sizes, what looks great on one is not guaranteed to have the same result on someone else's curves. Michele says. So choose wisely when you're wading through the new offerings for spring, and recession-proof your choices by using your basic pieces from your current closet.

Making an investment in a good shapewear is a MUST for all-over lift and smoothing to prevent side bulging, Michele adds. Shapewear is the key to updating your curves and smoothing your looks for every outfit you put together from your wardrobe. The "Shimmer & Shape" collection by Lipo in a Box (www.lipoinabox.com) brings a fun, fashionable and flirty twist to shapewear. Michele says the gold metallic thread in these garments shimmer as you move. She recommends a convertible camisole that's shapewear you don't mind showing! Wear it under a jacket, shawl or sweater; it has a built in underwire and is a great staple to have in anyone woman's wardrobe.

LOOK #1 Model: Leslie James

  • Shimmer & Shape Camisole Two colors: Nude or Black /Gold Metallic thread. Price $68. In sizes – XS-XL Style # 56632 also in a Matching Hi-Waist Panty Version - Style #56821 Price $52. This matches the cami & goes up to a size 3X. Available at www.LIPOINABOX.com, www.UNDEROLOGY.com or www.QVC.com
  • Top it all with a basic white shirt
  • Black pencil shirt. Disguised as a basic, our sophisticated pencil skirt has the details to separate itself from the pack. Flattering waistband sits low on hips and features two button-flap details that deliver a sleek& stylish twist on this 9-to-5 favorite. Sizes 16 thru 30W. Style#580299. Sale price at $24.50 at www.OldNavy.com
  • Women's Plus Belted Trench Coat from Old Navy. It's no mystery why the trench coat remains a style staple season after season! Smooth twill and a tie-belt add classic sophistication to any look. Trench coat in coral for a dose of color and you're off between the raindrops Color: Coral. Sizes 1-3X. Style #634029. Sale price $34.50 at www.OLDNAVY.com
  • LOOK #2 Model: Nicoletta

  • We all have these in our closets as a staple: Boot cut jeans! This style can downplay fuller thighs and a dark wash also makes legs appear longer. Dark denim is great to wear when you want to look a bit more dressed up and polished. If you're looking to update your jeans, try a Refined Flare Jean in Dark Indigo from Avenue. This flattering flare leg jean has the elegant polished look of a trouser. Perfect for work or for everyday! Modern fit-designed that sit's slightly below your natural waist. Cotton/Polyester/Spandex. Women's Plus Sizes 14-26. Style # 3077277A. Sale price $19.99 at www.AVENUE.com
  • Mix in a linen jacket with a mod print from Avenue. Hand pockets. Seamed detailing throughout. Machine Wash. Sizes 14/16-26/28. Style # 3648565A. Price $59.90 at www.avenue.com
  • Try colored camis under this jacket for a look that says "70s Hippie Chic."
  • Douse it with dramatic accessories of bangles & sunglasses for less than $10
  • NOTE: Slim-leg denim is not new for this season - but will be worn with a '80s-inspired oversized blazer over skinny jeans with gladiator gold high sandals. If that is too trendy for you, take inspiration from the runways by swapping the boxy blazer for a bright color boyfriend cardigan with a skinny pink belt.

    LOOK #3 Model: Kim Hurley

  • Accentuate your hourglass figure with pretty belts worn at the small of your waist - cinch everything! Show off your tiny waist with a statement belt.
  • Try it with the ever faithful shirtdress in bright red from a brand new eBoutique from California - www.lagrandedame.com . This button front shirt dress with a tie waist is figure friendly & not the least bit stuffy but sexy with its sophisticated silhouette. Red Cotton Shirtdress by Designer Melissa Masse. Cotton with a touch of Spandex. Wash cool & iron or dry clean. Sizes 1 thru 3x. Colors: Red or Black. Sale price $188.30 at lagrandedame.com

  • LOOK #4 Model: Ashley Carman

  • If you are curvier on the bottom, draw the eye away from the hip area by wearing a bold print with a fuller skirt. This year's all-over floral print dresses will make you shine for under $50 in Black and White is a true stand out. A cute button tab detail adds some extra style to this sleeveless floral printed dress with a touch of pleating. Lined. Machine Wash. Tab Front Floral Cotton Lawn Print Dress. Women's Plus Sizes 14-26. Style # 3627470A Sale price $39.99 at www.avenue.com
  • We cropped the sleeves and the length of our must-have V-neck cardigan: a perfectly sweet layer over summertime dresses. Cropped V-neck cardigan from GAP.com also available in petite and tall. 100% Cotton SIZES: S thru XXL (fits to a size 20) style# 635777. Price $44.50.
  • MICHELE'S LOOK:

  • Michele is wearing a purple wrap dress in raw silk by Amai Unmei from LaGrandeDame.com
  • MORE SPRING STYLE TIPS:

    Even if you're financial outlook is looking "partly cloudy", Michele Weston says try some low-priced picks for your wardrobe mix. One of the best tricks for brightening up a wardrobe is with accessories. Adding few colorful bangles, patent-leather wedge sandals and a bright handbag can add trend and freshness to any wardrobe!

  • Peep-toe patent pumps in teal from OldNavy.com that are the perfect work shoe. Pair them with your neutral suits for just the right "slice of color." Plus, for under $20 bucks, they're a great way to update your look without splurging on a whole new wardrobe. Sizes 6 – 11. Style# 644133 at www.OldNavy.com
  • Valley Hobo Bag. Pick stitching detail adds interest and added style to this slouchy hobo bag. Snap closure. Interior zip pocket. Measures 18" L x 10 1/2" H x 3" W. Color: Yellow. Style # 3727439A. Price $16.90 at www.avenue.com
  • Gauzy Fringed Scarf . This lightweight scarf is an easy way to give any spring outfit some added style. Fringed trim. Dry Clean. Imported. Measures 76" x 40". In 6 Bright colors. Style # 3715063A. Price $10 at www.avenue.com
  • Tricia Patent Strap Wedge Slide. Gold tone accents enhance the glam vibe of these strappy patent wedges. Gold tone accents. Imitation cork wedge. Cloudwalkers by Avenue. Approx 3" wedge. WIDE WIDTH ONLY 7-13. Colors: Gold, Red or White. Style # 3919920A. Sale price $29.99 at www.avenue.com
  • Snake Embossed Thong Sandal. An embossed snake design adds an exotic touch to these colorful sling-back wedge sandals. Faux stacked wedge heel. WIDE WIDTH ONLY 7-13. Colors: Pink, Teal or Brown. Style # 3358023A. Price $18.90 at www.avenue.com
  • Make a difference with purchases from lagrandedame.com. They have partnered with The Round Up, a Boulder, Colorado.-based Renewable Choice Energy (RCE) company.

  • At checkout, a client is given the option to Round Up their total purchase to the nearest dollar.
  • The extra money collected is put towards purchasing carbon offsets.
  • La Grande Dame will report on the amount of carbon offsets that are purchased and their environmental impact on a quarterly basis. This is an easy way to help make the world a cleaner place.
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