Reviewing the Racks: Clique to Know

Happy Monday Folks! Those of you who have been fans & followers of Belle-Noir Mag for awhile know that a few years ago, every Monday was Beautiful You Monday. We stopped it for awhile, but with so many great new designers, online shopping stops, and more out there for us plus size ladies to take advantage of, we decided to bring it back! And we are kicking it off with one our our favorite features: Reviewing the Racks!

Name: Clique to Know

Location: Exclusively Online (http://www.cliquetoknow.com/)

Claim to Fame: "Clique To Know is a new members-only site dedicated to all you curvaceous women out there. Love fashion? Need a designer fix? Adore securing a bargain? Then Clique To Know will be your one-stop shop for fabulous luxury fashion at discounted prices from US size 10 and upwards." - From their website.


Price: $$$$ - From reviewing the website so far, I have seen not only some designers that I have never heard of but whom have some gorgeous designs for plus size ladies, but I have also seen some fairly decent prices if you are looking to add some new staples to your wardrobe. My only disappointment was that, as a size 26/28, there were not that many options on the site when I looked on July 22. However, they often have an Igigi by Yulia Raquel sale--and you know how I feel about Igigi. *happy sigh* I am eagerly looking forward to seeing what is offered, as the last Igigi sale had some great dresses that I did not recall seeing on their website.

What to Look For: The key to this site, ladies, is to keep lookingand sign-up for their mailing list! New sales start every few days or so, and as the old saying goes "the early bird catches the worm". I look forward to purchasing some items from them and giving you a full review.

Have you checked our Clique to Know? Have you ordered anything from them as of yet? We'd love to know your thoughts!

Reviewing The Racks: Old Navy

Welcome to another Beautiful You Monday here on Belle-Noir Mag! Recently, I've read quite a few posts on different blogs about plus size women and their search for finding quality clothing. Last week's beautiful you Monday was about a great up and coming fashion designer, Qristyl Frazier (who, BTW, will be showcasing her designs at Curves & Cocktails at NYC on April 25--had to slip the shameless plug in!). And two of the comments that were left really stood out and were the inspiration for today's post:

One Anonymous Poster wrote: "I think her designs are really nice BUT come on why are plus size clothes sooooo expensive big girls on a budget like nice things too! Who wants to pay $160 for a denim dress???"

Another Anonymous Poster wrote: "I would pay $160 for a denim dress that is different from all of the basic trenchcoat/shirt style demim dresses I see in the catalogs. But it would be a splurge for me...a treat for a birthday, etc.I do agree that a lot of times plus size clothing is expensive. Where can a girl go to get nice clothing at an affordable price?Belle-Noir, maybe you can shed some light on this?"

So yes, I will conceed that $160 might be pricey for a denim dress, especially in these difficult economic times. But while I would have to agree with the 2nd anonymous that it should be a splurge item, rather than a major staple piece, the question is still out there: where should plus size ladies look to add some fashionable but affordable pieces to their wardrobes?

So today, we are Reviewing The Racks and the retailer in the spotlight today is none other than Old Navy!

Name: Old Navy

Claim to Fame: "For more than a decade, Old Navy has been famous for bringing customers on-trend apparel and accessories, as well as updated basics, at a surprising value, all in a fun, energizing shopping environment. From Old Navy’s Item of the Week — a special item at a special price each week — to its much-talked-about advertising campaigns, Old Navy is still the place to go for the latest fashion at amazing prices."--from the Old Navy Corporate page

Location: Exclusively Online. Yes, this is my one major bone to pick with Old Navy. I'm not sure how you can boast about a "fun, energizing shopping environment" when you limit exactly who can share in that environment by not offering your plus sizes instore. However, unlike shopping at the store, you can almost guarantee that they will have your item in your size unless it is sold out. Their plus items go from size 16 to 30.

Price: $ Let's cut to the chase, ladies. If you are looking for affordable pieces that can rejuvenate some of the items you already have in your closet, OldNavy.com is where it's at. Looking for some cute blouses to throw under your suits and over your skirts for the summer work season? Check out Old Navy. Looking for cute but afforable sundresses for Casual Friday, or brunch with the girls? Old Navy's got it! Getting ready to go on the summer vacation of a lifetime that has left little money to buy a new vacation wardrobe? Old Navy carries everything from the crop pants you crave, to the bathing suits and coverups for lounging by the pool, to skirts and dresses to wear as you dance the night away.

What to look for: Sign up for the OldNavy mailing list and opt to receive emails specifically about the Women's Plus Size collection. You will be first to hear about new items, and be the first to hear about their special $10 and $5 sales (even before you see the ads on TV).

Reviewing The Racks Overall Rating:Three out of five hangers. Old Navy might move up to a perfect five hangers if they bring back the plus size section in their stores. They do get a high rating, however, for providing affordable and fashionable pieces that any plus size fashionista can use to bring a touch of color to their wardrobe.

What do you think ladies? Will Old Navy be part of your spring & summer wardrobe?

Reviewing The Racks: Old Navy by Belle-Noir

Reviewing The Racks: Igigi

Happy Monday everyone! I know that things were all quiet on the Eastern front here last week. But with good reason! We have some major announcements coming up later this week.

This is our first fashion related Beautiful You Monday of the year, and in the spirit of the New Year, we are debuting a new column: Reviewing the Racks. And we are starting with one of our favorites, Igigi.

Name: Igigi (pronounced "ee zhee zhee")

Location: http://www.igigi.com/ and at various boutiques in 14 states in the US.

Claim to Fame: "Sexy, Sophisticated Plus Size Clothing in sizes 12-32"

When Igigi says that they have sexy and sophisticated plus size clothing, they are telling the truth. From the most elegant of evening wear to stylish workwear, Igigi is for the woman that is looking to stand out in the crowd as being elegant and classy.

Price: $$$$ - Igigi is not for the faint of heart or for the shallow of pocket. Their clothing is a bit on the pricey side, but with good reason. When you purchase one of their dresses and try it on for the first time, you immediately feel like the garment was catered specifically for you. The fabrics that they use are high quality--and the majority of their items are manufactured right here in the United States! Not only that, but when you order from Igigi, your dress comes on its own hanger and their evening gowns come with a garment bag!

What to look for: Sales, sales, sales! Be sure to sign up for the Igigi mailing list with the quickness! Their emails have sale codes that can save you between 40 and 70%. Also, be sure to check their sale pages. I purchased this dress literally less than a week ago which was originally $150.00 for $35.26 after 60% off on the website and by using a coupon code that I received from being on their mailing list. My only caveat to shopping this way is that certain sizes tend to go quickly.

Overall, I have yet to find anything that I can grade Igigi down for. I don't believe I ever will. I've ordered one full length evening gown (which I wore to a Black Tie affair and--no fooling--got a compliment from Andre Leon Talley!), one cocktail dress, and two dresses that I have worn to church. I got them all on sale. And am in love with all of them.

As I stated at the beginning, I know that first look at Igigi, your first instinct will be, "But Aja, they are kind of expensive." I've purchased expensive clothing from other plus retailers that did *not* live up to the price tag. I promise you ladies, Igigi does. If you are looking for that perfect dress to wear to an upcoming wedding (note: ladies, they also have several wedding style gowns you can choose from) or to another special event, or are just looking for something sexy yet classy to wear to the office, check Igigi out.

Reviewing The Racks Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 hangers!