Over at Fast Company, there’s an article called Three Things Professional Women Should Stop Apologizing For.  In the article, author Amber Mac received the following advice from Lisa Bloom, the author of Think: Straight Talk for Women to Stay Smart in a Dumbed-Down World:

“Women need to stop apologizing for routine workplace events. Ladies, every time the word ‘sorry’ is about to fly out of your mouth, think: Have I actually done something wrong? Or has this just become a verbal tic?”

In the post, Amber goes on to list three things she sees professional women apologizing for in the workplace.  Number two on the list is appearance.

The reality is that you don’t have to be involved in broadcast journalism to feel the never ending pressure to look “runway ready” at work.   Women are constantly judged by our appearance and for those of us who are wearing clothing in the double digits – the pressure can be positively crushing.

I am a plus size business woman and my daughter is currently a plus sized student in medical school.  I was raised in an oppressive environment where physical perfection was a requirement from my parents.  I raised my daughter differently – moving across the country to lessen my parent’s harmful impact upon her.  It worked.

The other day, we were traveling and I was on my pity pot about being “plus sized”.  My daughter turned to me and said, “Bullshit!”  She then proceeded to tell me about her male professor who weighs close to 500lbs and retired from an incredibly successful practice to teach at her school.  When I pointed out that he is a male – and as a man he can get away with being overweight without being deemed a failure as a human being, she countered with another professor – this one a female doctor who is also classified as morbidly obese who is also a sought after speaker for her expertise.

She said, and I quote, “Mom, these people walk in there not thinking but KNOWING that they are the shit.  Their size has nothing to do with their ability.”

Ah – if she weren’t going to be a physician – I’d encourage her to be a motivational speaker.  She certainly cost our local plastic surgeon a client with that conversation!

Click here to get this in size 14 and up

My enthusiasm for colorblocking for plus size fashions obviously knows no bounds.  My passion was ignited by the first outfit displayed in the post Colorblocking 20120: Perfect for Full Figures.  Then I found more curve flattering plus size office options and shared them in “Let’s hear it for colorblocking“.

Then I found the figure flattering dress you see to the left.  This dress is poetry in motion and is perfect for special occasions.    It’s a polyester crepe with polyester knit lining.   It’s machine wash and that means easy care.  The empire waist flatters every full figure.  The ruffled sleeves crown the seamed bodice Full, swingy skirt is in contrasting black.

Think you need bright “color” for colorblocking – guess again.  Black and white are not only colors – they’re both classic neutrals which means this colorblocking find is going to be a foundation piece in your wardrobe.

While chartreuse may be “hot” now – black and white will always be considered a classic and timeless color combination.

Click here to get this in size 14 and up

Which brings us to another timeless and classic look which illustrates how figure flattering colorblocking can be for full figures.

The dress to the right does everything right to show off your curves to their best advantage.

The pretty, two tone fabric is matched by the drape neck for a dramatic look.  The draped neckline helps to visually lengthen your face and your torso.  The solid color lower portion of the dress helps to visually slim ample hips and thighs.

The muted colors make this another timeless addition to your work wardrobe.

Both dresses on this page are offered by One Stop Plus – so be sure to use the discount codes to save even more when you add these two colorblocking winners to your wardrobe.

Click here to get this in size 14 and up

The newest trend in fashion is called colorblocking and it’s a curvy girls best friend.

Forgive my for being excited – but it’s been a long time since the world of fashion has offered anything that is figure flattering for a “real” woman with “real” curves.

Colorblocking is the answer to my full figured fashion prayers!

Take this nifty little number to the left – the empire waistline is extremely flattering for anyone who isn’t sporting a perfectly defined  six pack in the ab region. The plunging neckline will help to slim a fuller face and the just below the knee length of the skirt (assuming you’re in the 5’5″ range)  is perfect for work or after hours.

Not only is this a fashion PLUS – but it’s also versatile and will take you through all the seasons of the year effortlessly.

Pick up this business must have from One Stop Plus

Click here to get this in size 14 and up

Colorblocking fashion must haves don’t stop there though… check out this figure flattering little number to the right.

This black A-line duster-length jacket is trimmed in this year’s hottest color choice – chartreuse. The chartreuse blocking at the slightly belled 3/4 sleeves and at bottom hem creates a fashion forward statement which works great in any office.  Included is a sleeveless empire waist dress in solid chartreuse which has scoop neck and back zipper.

Have fun with bold colorblocking options and use the dress under the jacket as a firm fashion forward foundation. According to The Business of Color in the blog post Color Inspiration Chartreuse

“One interesting characteristic of chartreuse is how easily it can change personalities. Paired with grey and cream, chartreuse can become very sophisticated. Paired with raspberry and blue it becomes playful. Any way you use it, it’s a wonderful way to bring color in your life!”

Don’t miss out on this year’s hottest color chartreuse used in this season’s hottest design trend – colorblocking.

Click here to get this in size 14 and up

The hot new look for Spring 2012 is called COLORBLOCKING and it’s a full figured girl’s best friend – literally.  However, this is a time when you’re shopping online that you need to be smarter than the average bear – because when you look at the example of colorblocking in the photo to the left, you’ll see an outfit that makes a skinny woman look awful.

I’ll bet when you first glance at the image to the left your first impulse isn’t to click on that image to find out how you could get that outfit into your wardrobe because the pencil thin model looks like crap in it.   However, if you’re sporting sexy curves – then you’ll make this outfit ROCK.

Ah- one of the rare times when it sucks to be skinny – Spring 2012 and colorblocking.

Here’s the skinny on this dynamic colorblock design. It’s polyester – which means it’s machine wash. YEAH!  The single button jacket has an elongated notch collar and mock flap pockets. About 34′ Sleeveless scoop neck shell with side slits; abt. 29′ Elastic waist skirt with back kick pleats; abt. 32′ Plus size pantset, special occasion skirt suit -3-Piece Colorblock Skirt Suit, sizes 14W to 34W

Click here to get this in size 14 and up

To the right is an example of colorblocking that works for EVERY body – whether or not it’s sporting sexy curves or not. However, for those of us who are trying to camouflage how amply we’ve been blessed – this is an absolute winner.

This flattering colorblock design creates a fabulous hourglass effect. The black jacket helps to create a slimming effect – and as for the red – well that’s a power color that makes a statement.

That statement – “I’m here – I’m fabulous – I’m a force to be reckoned with!”

It’s polyester and that means machine wash. Black jacket with bold red blocking at collar, faux flap pockets and single button3/4 length cinched sleeves; abt. 26′Solid red dress is sleeveless with princess seams, full bottom and back zipper in sizes 14W to 34W.  Too bad it only comes in Lipstick Red – because once you try this beauty on – you’ll be wishing you had it in at least  three different color combinations!

This long lean monochromatic suit makes a great first impression.

Who doesn’t love a sale?

The only thing I love better than finding a business suit that makes me feel invincible is when I can save money buying it!

I’m sure you do too – which is why I’ve created this resource to share plus size clothing discount codes I find as I peruse the web searching for plus size women’s business clothing.

OK – I have a confession to make.

When I pick up a great sale – I usually spend all that I saved on fabulous accessories – but to be honest – I probably would have accessorized the outfit anyhow so in the end, it’s a definite win!

After all, buying clothes to wear to work is about investing in your future and your career.

I’ve created this page to keep you up to date on breaking online sales from various plus size fashion retailers. Bookmark this page and check back often – because I’ll be sharing coupons which allow you to snag everything from free shipping to huge discounts – just by clicking on the right link!

I’ve set these links to open in a new window – that way you can shop til you drop and then come back here to make sure you can find the code you need to score the savings you deserve.

PLUS SIZE BUSINESS CLOTHING DISCOUNT CODES:

Here’s what I’ve found recently – let me know  if you find any as well.

• 40% Off Sitewide Lane Bryant & Cacique products
• Take 40% off Denim from Lane Bryant
• All Cacique Bras Buy 2 Get 1 Free
• Get $15 off $50, $25 off $75, $35 off $100 with Code OSPCOUPON20 from OneStopPlus.com
• Jessica London offers 40% off your highest priced item when you buy 2 or more with code JLA4428
• Jessica London also offers $20 off $80, $30 off $160, $40 off $120 with code JLA5429

Click here to get this in size 14 and up

You don’t have to look like one of the boys too look professional at the office – and the fashion finds we’re featuring here are proof that “stylish” and “professional” can co-exist hand in hand when it comes to plus size business suits for women.

Let’s begin with this eye catching pant suit featured to the left.   It looks great in Chartreuse as featured, but also comes in a variety of other office friendly colors.

Pick this up an take 30% Off your highest-priced item + Free Shipping on orders of $75 or more from Jessica London. Use code JLA4736.

If  you’re lucky – and you can not only pull off wearing Chartreuse but you’re also in an industry which will allow you to be adventurous with the color you choose for your suit – go for it.   You’ll definitely turn heads.

For the rest of us,  if you’re looking for a timeless classic – pick this up in the “office friendly” neutrals of Heather Grey, Black, Dark Navy and Chocolate.

The  jacket features a shawl collar with covered buttons down the front and shapely princess seams which end in a slit car wash hem.  The pants have an elastic waist for a more comfortable fit.

The monochromatic tone is a plus size fashion MUST!

Ready – Set – Impress!

This peach skin powerhouse comes in Women's Petite as well!

The soft peach skin pant suit featured to the right is as comfortable as it is flattering.  Start with the color choices – Chocolate is shown here but it also comes in a beautiful rainbow of colors including:  Sage, Deep Grape, Black, Berry Pink, Gunmetal, Dusty Pink and French Lilac.

This comfortable yet professional looking pant suit is not only made of fabric which screams “touch me” = the pants have a comfortable elastic waist.  Did I mention that the matching tank top is included in the set?  You’ll be mixing and matching these wardrobe essential pieces with just about everything else in your closet when you’re not wearing them all together for the ultimate in style and comfort!

Pick this up this weekend and 30% Off your highest-priced item + Free Shipping on orders of $75 or more from Jessica London. Use code JLA4736.

Studies have shown that women who own their own businesses – or who make it to the board room – prefer the color purple – which is the color you’ll see this pant suit in if you click the image to the right.  Pick your favorite colors and be sure to add this to your business wear wardrobe.

This is another plus size monochromatic fashion PLUS!

Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more. Use code JLA6731.

Triangle Shapes Rejoice!

The Pantsuit option for women who need to add volume on top

It’s not often that plus size women who are sporting a perfect hourglass shape will be envious of the fashions their plus size sisters who carry most of their curves below the waist can wear – but the pant suit to the left  is one of those rare outfits.

This professional pant suit was “made to order” for plus size women who want to visually add volume on top.   Not only is this office stand out machine washable – it also supplies these other “plus size fashion must haves”

• a V-neck to lengthen your silhouette
• single button border print jacket which is light on top – dark on the bottom
• an empire waist
• back tab details

Can it get any better?  Only if the pants come with elastic waist – which they do!

Hourglass figures – eat your heart out!  This plus size pant suit was made for women who are classic triangle shaped!

You'll definitely feel feminine in this beautiful pant suit!

Look Professional – Feel Feminine

Just because it’s a man’s world doesn’t mean you have to DRESS like one of the boys.  Embrace your feminine side with yet another peach skin pant suit.

As soft as silk and much easier to care for, peach skin is a wardrobe must.  This plus size fashion find includes the pants, jacket & tank top.

This is another fashion find for plus size women of every shape!  The basis of the outfit is monochromatic – but the beautiful floral jacket makes a distinctly feminine statement – even when you find yourself swimming in testosterone at the office.

These four fabulous pant suits just go to show that you don’t HAVE to confine yourself to just wearing skirts to work.  Embrace comfort without sacrificing  fashion with these four fabulous plus size business suits for work.

Business clothing for plus size women doesn't have to be boring!

There’s nothing worse than going shopping and not finding anything in your size – however a close second to not finding anything in your size is to not find anything you like in your size.

Maybe you’ve been there- shuffling through the racks – wondering if the buyer for this particular department store thinks the only women who wear a size 14 and up aren’t employed in the workforce.  Perhaps it’s just me.  I will confess – I am completely afflicted in trying to figure out exactly what people are thinking and that’s rarely a good thing when it comes to shopping for plus size business clothing.

I feel a rant coming on – so instead I’ll ask you to join me as we look at plus size clothing options that are ANYTHING but boring!!

Plus size business clothing doesn’t have to be boring!

We’ll begin with the classic tailored plus size suede blazer – shown in Blue Sapphire to the left.

This is a great piece for your fall wardrobe.  You can throw this on over last season’s sheath dress and VIOLA – instant cold weather fashion!

It also comes in two additional shades – Berry Twist and Slate so you might be tempted to pick up all three.  If you do – you’ll find yourself pairing these suede blazers with practically everything you have in your closet.

This notched collar black Nassau jacket creates a slimming line for plus size figures.

Looking FAH-BU-LOUS is never boring!

Who says basic black has to be boring?

I just love this lightweight jacket in black.  Pair it with a brightly colored open necked blouse or your favorite sheath dress to create a slimming and professional fashion statement.   While it looks great in black,  even better news is this fashion stapled comes in a wide variety of colors including: deep navy pinstripe, camel, graphite, ivory, deep taupe, soft taupe and white.

My sister is truly a plus sized fashionista – and when she finds a great staple for her business wardrobe – she buys it in every color possible.  This is one of those fashion finds where you’ll want to do the same.  The jacket is fully lined but it’s a rayon blend – which means it transitions beautifully from season to season.  Some colors – like white – tend to limit themselves to particular seasons – but colors like black, taupe, navy blue and graphite can literally be worn year round!

Other Flattering Finds

Window pane check makes this blazer stand out. The long jacket creates a figure flattering long vertical line.

Jewel neck blazer with pearl trim. Be sure to pair with a black skirt or pants to keep the lines long and vertical!

This suit is monochromatic slimming magic with a mandarin collar jacket over a matching sheath dress.

This business appropriate black sheath dress comes with a tweed jacket to make you look polished and professional

Let’s face it – even if you’re the CEO of your company – you don’t NEED to spend every day in a business suit.

Some days a simple, stylish dress is all you need to make things happen and get things done.

One great option would be the slimming black dress featured on the left.

The black sheath dress underneath is a timeless wardrobe staple.  It’s a quick and easy to way to look polished to perfection. The long jacket follows the timeless plus wear business fashion tip of helping to create a long, unbroken vertical line.

The classic sheath plus size dress  has princess seams, back vent and back zip.  The long tweed jacket has contrast piping, hidden snap close and front slit pockets. The best news of all – they’re both machine washable and both the dress and the jacket are fully lined.

When you wear this kicky number – you may feel like dancing as well!

Skip the jacket – not the professional statement

Who says you need to wear a suit to look professional?

The dress featured to the right has to be one of my favorite plus size dresses for work.

This smooth stretch ponte plus size knit dress with round scoop neck just goes to show you don’t have to be wearing a jacket to look professional at work. This particular dress is a comfy blend of rayon,nylon and spandex.

When you’re a plus size woman and you see “spandex” listed in the fabric – think “order one size larger for flattering fit”.  Remember – size is just a number – and no one is going to be inspecting the size tag inside your dress.

Who would dare to do so when you look this smart and professional?

It gets better.  This comfy professional number is machine wash.

Machine wash makes this a must have fashion find in my book.  After all – it doesn’t get any better than looking this good and saving a  trip to the dry cleaners.

Sometimes less is definitely more

Comfort meets style in this figure flattering dress.

The best reason to choose a dress for work is because it’s a quick and easy way to create a slimming monochromatic silhouette. The dress featured to the left is an excellent example of how slimming monochromatic can be – even when it’s not done in basic black.

Of course, this dress does uses more than a single color to create a slimming line for your figure.

First full figure fashion plus – a plunging neckline.

The second full figure fashion plus is the higher neckline at the back with shirring that continues to the front creating a crossover effect.   VERY visually appealing and slimming.

Talk about a “win-win” situation –  this plus size dress provides weekend level comfort with an office level of  professionalism for your work week wardrobe.

I hope you see that dressing professionally for work doesn’t have to mean you must wear a business suit to the office each and every workday.  Sometimes – a dress is the answer to “what should I wear today?”

Plus Size Business Suits Online Shopping Review: My Habit

Plus size clothing selection:

Display of Merchandise:

Accessory Selection:

Site Navigaton:

Skip it for fashions – Hit it for shoes and accessories

I just got an email from Amazon inviting me to take advantage of “free, instant access to the 3-day, limited-quantity sale events at MYHABIT.COM – a new membership-only fashion destination.”

Oh Amazon – I know you want me when you whisper these sweet nothings into my email inbox:

• Free access
• Sale
• Fashion

Say no more – HELL YEAH I’m going to click!!!

To say it was a quick descent into plus size hell would be an understatement. 

Now – that’s not to say there’s nothing of value for the plus size woman inside the gates of MyHabit.    Fabulous designer shoes, scarfs, handbags and jewelry all await the eager plus size shopper – but when it comes to the clothes you’ll wear on your body – well MyHabit has it’s own wing in plus size fashion hell.

Now – normally – I can deal with such fashion realities.  Normally – I can raise my middle finger, hold it high and tell the best of them to take a long walk on a short pier – in trucker-esque language.   Not this time….

See – My Habit is the future of online shopping.  Instead of using static images to showcase the clothes – the site uses video with models moving to display the garments from various angles.

I’ll be honest.  It hurts – it really hurts.

Perhaps it hurts so bad because I was recently shopping online for plus size clothes to wear to the office.  One of the sites I visited completely pissed me off because the images they were using were just so BAD I can’t imagine that ANYONE would want to wear them.

Just because I’m “curvy” doesn’t mean I have given up and am going to wear a mumu to work!!!

The clothes in the images at this online plus size retailers didn’t fit the model well.  Maybe “regular” models are regularly dressed in ill fitting clothes – I don’t know – I don’t pay attention to those images anymore.   What I can tell you is i won’t buy something online that doesn’t even look good on the perfectly proportioned “plus” size model… for while I am plus size – I am FAR from perfectly propeortioned!!!

For example, on this offensive online plus size clothing store, they had placed the model into a “business suit.”   Her mouth was smiling – but here eyes revealed her pain.  She knew the ill fitting jacket she wore was paired with an even more ill fitting pair of pants.  She knew the jacket was too small and obviously too short to be flattering on anyone with hips – let alone hips AND full breasts.   However, it didn’t take long to see the TRUE source of the model’s pain.  One glance and your attention would be RIVETED to the poor thing’s crotch.  Not only were the pants too tight and pulling across the hips and thighs – the rise was too short – creating an unflattering image which is commonly associated with a Middle Eastern Beast of Burden (a.k.a. a camel).

You won’t find such disturbing images at MyHabit.com   What you will find are impossibly skinny bitches young girls who are build like they just recently graduated from the toddler’s clothing section- flitting across my screen – teasing me with fabulous fashion finds at ridiculously low prices.

I’ll just have to console myself with a pair (or two) of designer shoes with a $225 retail price tag for less than $80.  Seriously – the shoes are as AMAZING as the prices.

The selection of shoes I saw today also stopped at a size 10 – so if your creator made you with plus size feet to support your curves – you should save yourself the heartache and skip the MyHabit descent into fashion hell entirely.

Maybe not – there is still really good stuff to score – from handbags to scarves to candles to jewelry.

Oh MyHabit – how is it possible that I loathe you and love you at the same time.   Maybe I should direct my hatred at the designers who think a 12 is plus size and lovingly embrace you for allowing me to pick up the fabulous shoes and accessories that will make my business wardrobe stand out!

In the end – MyHabit is a great place to for women of any size to pick up high end designer shoes and accessories at bargain basement prices. If you want to pick up something for your man or your kids – there’s stuff for them too.

But honestly – from me to you – when was the last time you picked up something decadent for YOU!!!

Decadent doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg – when you score a bargan at MyHabit.

Pick up the phone all your best friend – I’ll be she agrees with me. You owe it to yourself to pick up either a FABULOUS pair of shoes or a FABULOUS piece of jewelery. I could tell you what’s playing right now – but it’s going to be different by the time you get there so find out for yourself.

Big discounts on high end designer fashions – just not for your body – just your feet, arms ears and possibly arms (handbags).

This open plus size jacket that buttons at the neckline is professional yet feminine.

Looking great at work is something we should all strive to do – but it’s even more important for women who are sporting ample sexy curves.  When you’re searching your closet for what to wear to work keep the following fashion tips in mind.

Think Long Vertical Lines

When you’re pulling together an outfit for the office, remember that blazers, jackets  and cardigans can help to create a long, unbroken vertical line.

This visual trick works best with long (hip length) jackets, blazers and cardigans.  Wear them unbuttoned  – or with just a single top button as shown to the left – for maximum vertical lines.

If you opt for the cardigan sweater to create long vertical lines – be sure to avoid clingy fabrics.   Make sure the sweater does indeed create a LONG vertical line.  There’s nothing less figure flattering than a poorly fitted cardigan sweater which clings to your bulges and ends at your widest part.

Remember – the key is you want to create LONG VERTICAL LINES.

Monochromatic doesn't have to be black to be slimming.

Think Mono- Monochromatic that is.

Pick a color and run with it when it comes to the outfit you’re wearing to work today.

It’s well known that dressing mono chromatically in black  is slimming – but it works for other colors as well.

When you’re dressing mono chromatically – remember  that choosing various hues of a single color also counts when it comes to creating a sleek and slimming silhouette.

This is good news for plus size women who don’t want feel like they’re trying to channel Morticia Adams on a daily basis.

Monochromatic is generally slimming for all colors – so don’t be afraid to experiment with various colors and hues.

Elongate your neck and slim your silhouette with this monochromatic V-neck sweater plus blazer.

Think open necklines to elongate your neck.

V-neck sweaters, sweetheart necklines and vertical cowl neck sweaters are just a few of your “plus size fashion friends”.  Open necklines are another way to create the long vertical lines that every business woman – big or small – should be seeking

When you opt for a V-neck sweater – and pair it with a monochromatic blazer as shown at the left – you’re doing triple plus size fashion duty with a single outfit.

The V-neck sweater at the left helps to create a visually appealing “long vertical” line as is peeks out from under the blazer which is also helping to create a long vertical silhouette.   Because both the V-neck sweater AND the blazer are the same color (mono-chromatic) – there is no “break” in the vertical lines created by the two individual elements.

When you choose visually slimming V-neck sweaters – make sure you avoid “breaking” the visual line with a choker style necklace.

Stay tuned – we’ll be bringing you more plus size business wear fashion tips as our editor finds them.