The Summer Evans [site: www.evans.co.uk] collection is bright and cheerful with many styles such as hippy chic, modern safari, cool blues, summer nights, red hot trends, new romantics, and fab florals to name but a few, all show cased in a great online catalogue.

Being a bit of a hippy chic myself I rather like this colourful floaty collection from the Evans hippy chic collection with the long full skirts and dresses and the gypsy style tops. For the summer, the Rainbow Printed Maxi Dress is ideal with strappy sleeves, tie bust, and full long skirt with horizontal bold rainbow colours. This dress is perfect for summer days and evenings in 100% cotton.

The Modern Safari collection from Evans combines the catwalk tan colours with animal and tribal prints for a truly striking look. The combination of Harlem pants with a satin animal print top is great for day and evening wear while the embellished top with the flattering waterfall jacket and ruched trousers is a fantastic casual look. Again it is the dress in this collection that I really like.   The Tribal Print Dress is full length with a wide gathered hem has an eye catching chocolate coloured tribal influenced print and heavily embellished neckline.

The Cool Blues collection from Evans is very evocative of cool refreshing rivers or the sea on a hot summer’s day. Combining jeans and blue printed tops is a very good way to achieve this look. The Blue and White Top is a good example of an ideal top for this look. This short sleeve crinkle top uses different prints in horizontal blocks.

The new summer collection from Evans is so fresh that not all of the garments are even available yet!  Keep an eye out for the Maxi Embellished Dress from the Summer Nights collection. This dress is sizzling in black with a gold embellished neckline or grey with matching embellished neckline.

Another collection worth waiting for is the New Romanics collection. I am showing my age but I loved these styles the first time round, all lace and frills and would love the opportunity to wear them again!

The online Evans catalogue of the new summer collection is fantastic, a great way to showcase the new collection and what is available now and coming soon. Just click on the item of clothing you like and it takes you directly to that item in their online store for more information. Take a look today for great summer inspiration site: www.evans.co.uk.

Both Ulla Popken and Emilia Lay, companies based in germany,  offer up to the minute fashionable plus size clothes offering a unique European style. The stunning collection of clothes from Emilia Lay is designed for the top end of the market in sizes 12 to 24 (UK size). These high quality clothes are perfect for fashion conscious women in their mid 30’s up who want comfortable plus sizes in exclusive designs. The Emilia Lay collection offer high fashion and elegant casuals, style-safe business fashion, and accessories; and all the sizes are at the same price. The styles of clothes at Emilia Lay are as individual as the women who wear them. You can order the feminine collection online or from their catalogue. You can visit Emilia Lay online at their site www.emilialay.de.

The Office Collection is much tailored with blazers and tailored trousers in blacks and whites. Use of bold colours is also effective with floral prints and blocks of colour in reds, purples, oranges, and yellow. Jackets are detailed with contracting piping and hemming detail, and pinstripes feature.

Dresses are bright and colourful making good use of floral prints and bold stripes. With stylish choices for day and evening, you will not be disappointed with the range. One of my favourite is the Druckkleid Dress available in orange of lilac. This dress is a generous V-cutout in an asymmetrical flowing style with a white circular print.

The range of tops is extensive with casual weekend styles, floating summer tunics, stripy blouses, and fitted tunics, in varying summer colours. One top I like in particular is the Tunika which has a gypsy look, in white, with embroidered detail at the waist and neck.

The collection continues with a wide selection of jackets, nightwear and lingerie, beachwear, shoes, and accessories.

In contrast Ulla Popken [site:www.ullapopken.co.uk] offer women of today the opportunity to develop their own style, regardless of size. Their collections don’t change every season, they change every month! This gives women the opportunity to wear original clothes and show off their individual style with ease. The Ulla Popken collection is available online and from their stores. In just the same way as Emilia Lay, Ulla Popken offers fashion for every day, feminine business outfits, and fashion for special occasions. Their target audience is also for women in their mid 30’s up; however, their designer style clothes are at a much more affordable price, in sizes 16 to 38.

The spring collection from Ulla Popken is very feminine and stylish with floating styles, modern chic tailored lines, and street style casual looks; all in lovely colours of green, purple, blue, red, white, and black. Floral prints are also prevalent as are stripes.

Whether you want to be Retro Chic, Glam Garden, or Indian Princess in a UK size 10 to 22, then the clothes range from Coleen Bow is for you! Their beautiful clothes are showcased in a fantastic new web site.  The clothes are for women of today who do not want to forget about femininity, softness, and delicacy. Coleen Bow it is a woman of today who wants women to enjoy fashion regardless of size. The important elements of fashion are the use of natural, light, soft, pleasant, comfortable and practical forms without compromise on the look. Coleen Bow it is a woman of today, a modern woman, who wants to make a success of her life, to be happy.

Coleen Bow was created by two sisters who decided to link their competences to create products which resemble all the women. Sonia and Nathalie launched the first collection in 2007. Sonia’s background was based in a press office and Natalia was a freelance fashion designer. But why Coleen Bow? Coleen represents the feminine form and Bow was the name of the very first IT girl, Clara Bow. She was a splendid actress of the thirties, mischievous and curvy.

The clothes from Coleen Bow are very feminine and the colours of the website reflect the collection. The images are very good and the flash site is very effective and easy to navigate. The clothes are really well showcased on the site and make you want to buy them. The home page grabs your attention with simple animation. You can join the Coleen Bow community on Facebook or Twitter.

Retro Chic includes natural colours of cream frilly blouses, printed tee shirts, linen style trousers, and long floaty cardigans.

Glam Garden is all about large pretty purple florals, tones of brown, and denim. This is a great look for the secret flower child.

Indian Prince reflects colours of beige and orange with embellished dresses, printed Tees, and wide legged trousers.

There are 48 Boutiques across France and you can buy online. For every purchase you receive points which can be used against the next purchase. Visit the Coleen Bow site at www.coleenbow.com

Watch how the collection was put together for the website:

Emma Plus is a clothing shop specialising in designer plus size clothes and is based in Brighton. They also offer complimentary alterations on the clothes they sell. They do not have a mail order or online service because they believe their offer is too unique. In other words they sell good quality designer clothes that they then alter to fit you perfectly. They do intend in the future to offer a small selection online. And of course you can still check out their clothes online!

What is definitely worth a visit is the Emma Plus Blog and forum. This blog was started as an open access debating forum for plus size women who are interested in fashion and want to discuss their ideas and opinions with other like minded people.

The Emma Plus Blog wants to be able to promote and discuss large size fashion as in the past the words large and fashion have not been linked together. This blog aims to change that. The Emma Plus Size Blog also aims to help and advice it’s users about design and style in the real world.

“If you’re looking for a drop-dead sexy party dress in a size 22, for example, or a mother-of-the bride outfit in a size 30, we will try to give you relevant information and interesting ideas that always have fashion and design integrity.” They will also impart their knowledge on plus size fashion which they have built up over the last 20 years.

They also want to find out about other peoples views and experiences so they can improve their own knowledge to share with other people, and to be able to fully understand what larger women really want from fashion.

It is easy to become a contributor to the Emma Plus Blog as no registration is required. Just leave you comments, observations, or questions with an email address.

This is the latest post on the blog and reiterates a problem writer for the Times Alex (Times writer Alex Clark’s take on Evans Clothing) has in regard to plus size clothes and height:

Subject: Height

Hello Emma,
I have just come across your website and look forward to visiting your shop. My problem when shopping is that I am a 20/22 but only 5ft 2″ and find nothing fits properly. Trousers often loose there shape when taken up or sleeves too long! Do you cater for this problem? I live in Kent and would like some idea of your price range before traveling please.
Thank you
Carole

The understanding reply states that a lot of clothes are designed for European women who are taller than women in the UK, hence the problem. However, as at Emma’s the clothes are altered and fitted correctly for the customer, the problem can be easily solved.

Visit the Emma Plus site here

And the Blog/forum here

The New Look [site: www.newlook.co.uk] sale for tall women is an ideal way to get the latest trends at a fantastic price. Whether it is a top to complete the new nude look, a skirt for the denim look, checks for the modern country girl, large floral prints, or nautical strips, the New Look [site: www.newlook.co.uk] sale has it all for tall women.

In fondant pink, the Studded Butterfly Top is an ideal top for the nude trend. This scooped neckline, bat winged top has butterfly and peacock feather print with sparkling stud embellishment. This is a very flattering top for tall women over 5ft 6’. And it is a bargain at £8.00, reduced from £16.00.

Another great nude trend top which is very flattering for the taller woman is the Silk Hanky Hem Vest in prawn cocktail pink. This sleeveless top has a racing back and a scooped neck in a silky flowing fabric. It has been reduced from £16.00 to £8.00.

Both these tops would look fantastic with a pair of indigo jeans or jeggings, or how about the Belted Mini Skirt in a blue denim? This lovely trendy skirt with pocket and zip detail with a studded belt has been reduced from £22.00 to £12.00.

If it is the nautical look you are after then the Knitted Dress in a blue pattern is ideal. This knitted dress has a scooped neck and long sleeves with vertical blue and white wide stripes in a ribbed knit. This dress is proportioned especially for tall women and has been reduced from £20.00 to £15.00.

For a modern country look the Long Line Check Shirt is just the top needed to add a bit of yee ha to your wardrobe! It is a buttoned down shirt with a granddad collar and long ruched sleeves. The shirt tucks in at the waist in a very flattering style and has a lovely aqaua check. This shirt has been reduced from £15.00 to £10.00.

My final pick of the sale clothes at New Look [site: www.newlook.co.uk] for tall women is the Floral Print Dress reduced from £25.00 to £18.00. This pretty dress has a dainty floral print of pink, white, and purple flowers on a black background. It has a frilly round neck line with a keyhole and self fabric tie. The dress also has short sleeves, an elasticated waist and a wide ruffled hem.

Denim never seems to date since it became popular on the high street in the 50’s and later by mods in the 60’s. Peach is a fabulous colour to match with denim and is fresh off the catwalk as nude becomes a fresh trend for spring/summer 2010. The two trends togehter create the perfect Peach and Denim look.

And Evans.co.uk [site: www.evans.co.uk] has the perfect clothes to help you get the Peach and Denim look. Obviously the easiest way to add denim to a denim look is to wear a pair of jeans or denim jeggings. I must admit to have been a bit skeptical of jeggings in the past but since buying my daughter a pair can see the full merit of them. Jeggings allow you to get the skinny jean look but have far more flexibility and therefore are more comfortable and easier to wear. But as they are more heavy weight than normal leggings, are made from a denim style material, and have the same stitching as jeans, you really cannot tell them apart. Indeed, I constantly ask my daughter: “are they the jeggings or the skinny jeans?”

The Indigo Denim Jeggings from Evans.co.uk [site: www.evans.co.uk] are great value and look fantastic with jean stitching, studs, and pockets. They are a perfect way item to add to your wardrobe for the Peach and Denim look. Add the blue Denim Jacket which because it is a lighter stone washed blue does not look like denim over kill. This jacket has a very flattering shape and lovely stitched detailing. Finally complete this look with the Pastel Floral Print Top which is a grey short sleeved top with a V neck and peach and blue floral print. Add a statement bag for a complete outfit.

Indigo coloured denim is a great colour to team with lighter denim as the contrasting colours break up the overall denim look. The Indigo Straight Leg Jeans are very stylish and have extra stretch for added comfort. These jeans would look great with the Blue Denim Shirt which has front pocket detail, long sleeves which can be rolled up, and dainty pearl buttons.  This shirt has a long line so would look fantastic loose over a pair of jeggings or jeans. Perfect for layering under the denim shirt or wearing on its own is the Peach Crew Neck Top which has long sleeves.

Wide leg and boot leg jeans are a great way of balancing out the hips. The Wide Leg Belted Jean which is in indigo blue is a great addition to the wardrobe and a way of perfecting the Denim and Peach look. Complete the look with the fantastic 2 in 1 Peach Embellished Top which has a very flattering loose cami which has a rounded neck embellished with stitching and beads; and an even more flattering waterfall cardigan layered over the top with long sleeves. This top is great for day and evening wear. Complete the outfit by accessorizing with a bag and hair pieces.

Log on to Evans.co.uk [site: www.evans.co.uk] to see their full range of denim and peach clothes.

Along with the many new fashion trends for spring summer 2010 is the metal and lace trend. But are they mutually exclusive? After looking at what is available, many lace dresses and tops are incorporating the other trends such as nude and metal. But what is available? Here is a selection.

The Black Lace Shirred Hem Top from Dorothy Perkins [site: www.dorothyperkins.co.uk]is a great example of a pretty lace top in the new lace fashion trends. This lovely black lace top has a round neck with key hole detail at the back, short loose flowing sleeves and is elasticated (shirred) at the hips to create a loosely pleated hem. The top has a black cami lining with strap sleeves.

Also from Dorothy Perkins is the Nude beaded Lace Bubble Dress. This dress combines both the nude and lace fashion trends to create a stunning dress which is also available in grey. The sleeveless dress is made of lace fabric over a pink lining. The round neck is embellished with a wide band of small beads.

The metal fashion trend works well with the nude fashion trend as can be seen in the DP Nude Romantics collection, as the greys and pinks complement each other well. As do metal and lace as seen in the Grey Beaded Lace Bubble Dress above and the Grey Slinky Lace Dress which was featured in Fashion Week. This later dress has ¾ length sleeves, a rounded neck which is lower at the back, and has lovely floral lace over a white lining which creates a stunning effect.

The Silver Sparkle Top has real wow factor in a flattering asymmetrical style. This top is in metallic grey with a really intricate rounded neckline of stitching in different threads.

New Look Inspire [site: www.newlook.co.uk] have embraced the lace fashion trend with a couple of eye-catching tops. The Twin Layer Lace Vest is very pretty with a pink lining with an overlay of black floral lace. The sleeveless top has a rounded neck with a racer back, and is ruched at the sides. This top is also available with a grey lining.

Another great top is the Flutter Sleeve Lace Top in black lace over a black lining and layered frilly sleeves.

Evans [site: www.evans.co.uk] has a lovely Grey Lace Dress which is perfect with leggings. This dress is in a pretty floral lace with a waistband which creates a flattering shape, a round neckline, and short loose sleeves.

Following the metal trends, Evans also has The Metal Disc Embellished Top. This top is grey with a rounded neck which is embellished with metal discs in a floral pattern. The sleeves are loose and the hem has a tie. This top is in a very flattering shape and would look great with jeans.

To further add to the metal trend accessorise outfits with silver jewelry such as necklaces and bangles.

Check, denim, and boots are still in fashion this season. The cowboy look is as strong as ever with an added urban and western twist. Here are some picks on how to get the western chic look.

From the New Look Inspire range [site: www.newlook.co.uk] the Longline Check Tunic is an elegant and modern twist on the classic check shirt. This pretty shirt is in a small aqua green and grey check has a V Neckline and buttons down the front. The elasticated waist creates a flattering style and the contrasting reverse adds style. There is pintuck detailing on the shoulders and the sleeves are ¾ length with a turned hem. This top would look fantastic and would create a real western style with a pair of black or stone washed blue boot leg jeans.

Evans [site: www.evans.co.uk] has taken the western theme and added lace for a really trendy SS10 look with the Black and White Check Tunic which would look really good with a pair of black leggings or thick tights and boots. This dress has large black and white check with small check on the bib and on the button down seam. The sleeves are short and puffed and the wide pleated hem has lace attached to it. The dress also has a flower embroidered on the skirt and a tie around the waist to create a very flattering look.

For a really bright western chic look no further than Debenhams [site: www.debenhams.com].  The Black and Pink Checked Summer Dress by Henry Holland is stunning. The large black and print checks are very eye-catching and the dress is very stylish with shoulder straps, a tie around the waist, and large patch pockets on the skirt.

From Dorothy Perkins [site: www.dorothyperkins.com] I just love the Blue Denim Stud Shirt. Denim is the hall mark of cowboys and girls, and with the twist of studs on the shoulders and pearl buttons, DP has definitely created western chic!  This long sleeve short also has stitched detailing on the front and back, and two breast pockets.

The Green Check Shirt from Dorothy Perkins is also very pretty in a light fresh green and white check with a collar and short sleeves. This short has a very flattering shape and would look great with jeans or denim skirt for the cowgirl look.

Of course, no cowboy look would be complete without the cowboy boots! And Debenhams have the perfect pair: the Rhino Cowboy Boot, available in black or tan. With a wedge heel and pointed toe, these boots also have stitched detailing and studs on the body of the boot. Yee Ha!

A great new trend the SS 10 is the nude look.  Not going nude but nude and neutral colours in sheer dresses, gypsy styles, and frilly clothes to name but a few. But how best to get this stunning new look? Here are some suggestions.

From the New Look Inspire collection [site: www.newlook.co.uk] the Longline Lace Vest in prawn cocktail is a fantastic start to your nude wardrobe. With a lining and lace overlay, scooped neck, and longline style, this sleeveless top is very pretty.  Team with the Roll-Up Linen trousers to complete the nude look.

Or why not choose the Antique Lace Top? This top is as equally pretty with puffed short sleeves and elasticated hem. The lace panel at the scooped neckline continues onto the sleeves for a very pretty nude look.

The Bow Belt Shift Dress is the perfect plus size clothing dress to wear to get the nude look. In a prawn cocktail pink, this dress has short sleeves, a fitted top with wide waist band decorated with a patent pink bow belt, pleats folds from the waist creating a flattering shape to the thighs.

Dorothy Perkins [site: www.dorothyperkins.com] is blushing in pink and delicious in peach. Their nude collection is stunning. The Nude Ruffle Longline Vest is very cha cha with gorgeous vertical ruffles on the front of the sleeveless top with a scooped neck line.

Another very flattering piece of plus size clothing is the Peach Necklace Top. This is a very pretty top with short flutter sleeves, a scooped neck line which is slightly gathered, and an asymmetric hem line. As an added bonus, this top also has a detachable necklace.

These tops would all look great with the Black Washed Jeggings, designed to look like skinny jeans.

Evans [site: www.evans.co.uk] is a dedicated plus size clothing store with up to the minute fashions and an ideal place to shop for the nude look. The Peach Embellished 2 in 1 Top is very flattering in pretty in an asymmetrical style with waterfall effect. The pretty cami has a jewel encrusted neckline whilst the outer layer has long sleeves and open waterfall front.

The Necklace Motif Top is a very trendy top incorporating the large print and nude look. In a flattering godet style, this top has short sleeves, a round neck line, and bold floral print with necklace design.

Long Tall Sally is a one stop shop for tall fashion and advice for tall women of 5’7 plus in their 30’s and up. And with spring around the corner LTS have three new styles to tantalize you with; Moroccan Days, True Blues, and Modern Classics.

Moroccan Days from Long Tall Sally is an ideal collection for those planning a holiday in the sun. The collection is full of flowing skirts and tops in warm colours of pinks, purples, and browns, along with staple black. This collection will really get you in the mood for lazy days in the sun and you will look stunning!

The Filigree Skirt is a cotton long women’s skirt which can be worn in spring and summer. To keep the chill off team with a denim jacket. The skirt is in a dusty purple with embroidery around the waistband and hem. It is in a maxi style and has a side tie.

The Kosmari Dress is ideal for a hot spring day. It is a sleeveless maxi dress with a brown animal print. This curve skimming dress would look fantastic with heels.

The Cantorelle Tunic is very sexy chiffon tunic with paisley print and a sleeveless lined under dress. The sleeves are long and elasticated at the cuff.

If you are not planning a spring or summer with sun then the True Blues collection from Long Tall Sally is more suitable and very New England. This smart casual look is very sophisticated in these cool colours.

The Waterperry Top is very summery and a very pretty top. It has sheer sleeves and a V neck line with embroidered detailing. The aqua blue makes for a very eye-catching top indeed. Pair it with cropped jeans and switch between tan and gold accessories.

The Honesty Top is an every day top that would look great with jeans. It has vertical stripes of blue, long sleeves, and a rounded neck with buttons.

The Marsden Jacket is very much in the military style but in turquoise blue. The funnel neck collar has two buttons and a button down front. The shoulders have a butttoned lapel which add to the militry look.

Unforunately Spring does not mean it is time to sop work and so the Modern Classics from Long Tall Sally bring a touch of class to the work wear wardrobe. In these clothes you will feel and look very elegant.

The Maya Skirt is stunning in a tiered design made from light cotton in black with paisley print. This full skirt is ankle length and would look fantastic with either flat shoes or heels.

The Acaia Top is a simple black top that is very versatile as it can be teemed with trousers or skirts. It is a simple long sleeve top with a cowl neck. This top has a very stylish shape.

There are many more stylish clothes in the spring collection so log on to the Long Tall Sally site and take a look.