Jolly Deal: National Free Shipping Day!

Feel very jolly when you take advantage of National Free Shipping Day, Thursday, December 17, 2009. Use coupon Ship17 when you checkout at Sydney's Closet. Hurry, coupon lasts just one day!

Sydney's Closet Seen in Plus Model Mag

See Sydney's Closet featured in the very merry spread on glamourous holiday dresses in the December issue of Plus Model Magazine. Editors fell in love with our romantic ball gowns, sexy cocktail dresses and red-carpet formals. You will too!

Our Ship Came In with New Dresses

The long wait is almost over! The first shipment of our new 2010 Signature Collection of special occasion dresses docked in Long Beach, California Sunday aboard a giant cargo ship from Hong Kong.

Now the dresses go by railroad car to Kansas City. From there, they load onto a truck for the last leg of their 8,000 mile journey to Sydney's Closet warehouse in St. Louis from China.

If everything stays on schedule, several hot new cocktail dresses, including a pretty, plum satin, will be available to shoppers by mid-December!

Very Merry Price on Hot Holiday Dress!

Pinching pennies this holiday season? With our bestselling "Party Girl" design just reduced to a mere $69.00, you can still feel the joy of celebrating with family and friends in a new dress! Fashion bonus: matching two-tone satin shawl included! But hurry! At this very merry price the limited selection of sizes and colors in this holiday dress won't last very long!

Naughty or Nice: Depends on the Dress!

Want to look nice at the office holiday party? Dress to impress even the toughest boss wearing Carmella, our newest plus size cocktail dress. The classic Empire design fits and flatters every body shape. Best of all, it comes with a matching shawl and optional bra-friendly straps.

Play it safe and sophisticated wearing the black. You can show your holiday spirit by adding details that dazzle like strappy silver sandals. Make a bold statement wearing Carmella in red, always a happy holiday hue!

Last Call for Bestselling Mother of the Bride Dress

Last chance to special order our bestselling Mother of the Bride dress and Mother of the Groom dress called "Portrait of Love". Jordan Fashions, manufacturer of the dress, plans to discontinue Style 5011 from its popular Caterina Collection as of November 30, 2009. Brides and their mothers love the classic Portrait color that always looks elegant in wedding photos. Primrose, coral and raspberry rank as the favorite colors for Spring weddings. Hurry! Order your Style J5011 now to avoid disappointment!

Little Black Dress for Awards Dinner

We're super proud to help returning customer of Tara K. get all dressed up for the annual Chef of the Year dinner dance. This is the second year Tara shopped at Sydney's Closet flagship store in St. Louis for the big event. Can't wait to see pictures of Tara looking glam in "Party All Night", our bestselling flirty little black dress, when the Chefs de Cuisine Assocation of St. Louis honors her hubby, award-winning Chef Paul K. Congrats to the handsome Chef and his beautiful wife!

We Love Making Brides Happy!

Thanks to D.C., a customer from New York, for sending us this wonderful Fan Mail.
She's going to be a beautiful bride!

Dear Sydney:
Thank you so much! I am so incredibly thrilled to have found your website. I thought that I was going to have to have my mother make my wedding dress just like she did all my prom dresses when I was in high school. When I was maid-of-honor in my brother's wedding 5 yrs ago my sister-in-law chose a lovely dress from David's Bridal but I had to buy two of them. My Mother took them apart and rebuilt as one dress so that it would fit me. I am ecstatic to have found your website. I look forward to sending you pictures of me in this lovely dress in my April Vegas wedding next spring!

Bonny Bridal New Wedding Dresses with Jackets

Exciting news for brides who want to cover their arms! For Spring 2010, Bonny Bridal introduces jackets to match several new wedding gowns from their "Unforgettable" collection designed to fit and flatter brides who wear plus sizes 14W to 30W. Look for Sydney's Closet to sell the short sleeve jackets, available in lace, chiffon and taffeta, with the matching dresses as well as separately.

During our sneak peek of the Spring 2010 collection, we fell in love - and you will too - with Bonny's new curve-hugging chiffon with the must-have one shoulder done in dazzling rhinestones. The informal wedding dress is perfect to tie the knot on a beach (or other destination) or if you're getting married again!

Sydney's Closet on the Runway in Hollywood

Look for models with real curves to be on the runway this Saturday in fabulous formals and sexy cocktail dresses from Sydney's Closet at the Love Your Body Day Fashion Show in West Hollywood, California. The afternoon also includes free fitness and wellness classes plus a comedy show. Hollywood NOW chapter sponsors the inspiring and fun event that attracts hundreds of women of all sizes. If you're lucky enough to live in the L.A. area be sure to go!

Your Prom Magazine Dies Quietly

No one seemed to notice when Conde Nast shut down Your Prom magazine earlier this week. Your Prom died quietly, if not in silence, the same day Conde Nast created a giant media buzz ending the publication of Gourmet, Cookie, Elegant Bride and Modern Bride. Turns out Your Prom, from a business hierarchy, was tucked under the bridal titles and once they were gone so was the popular print teen title. (The web site is still up but who knows for how long?!?)

It all came to a close abruptly. The stunned Your Prom staff got less than two days to wrap up their work and be out of the building. We send a huge "Thank you" to the fashion editors and assistants who worked overtime to ship back the plus size Prom dresses from Sydney's Closet they had planned to shoot for the Prom 2010 edition.

Best of luck finding new opportunities to all the talented staffers let go from Conde Nast!

German Magazine Bans Professional Models

American magazine editors might want to turn to the pages of Brigette,
Germany's most popular women’s magazine, for a fresh approach to featuring the latest fashions, beauty and fitness. Brigette's editor, Andrea Lebert,is banning professional models after readers complained they no longer wanted to see "protruding bones" on reed-thin models. Starting next year, Brigette will feature “real women” as models, including some pretty well-known personalities.
But the magazine also intends to photograph typical women and showcase them in their everyday lifestyle roles readers can easily relate to: college student, head of the board of directors, musician or athlete.

Would you like to see such a ban issued for magazines published in the U.S.?

Cocktail Dresses on Sale Going Fast!

Shop our bestselling plus size cocktail dresses now on sale. Save big on sexy and sophisticated designs, perfect for Homecoming dresses , fall weddings and holiday parties just ahead. Hurry! Limited sizes and quantities and at these incredible prices the dresses are flying out the door!

Sydney's Closet seen on Fox News St. Louis

Did you see Sydney's Closet featured today on KTVI Channel 2, the local Fox News station in St. Louis? Reporter Margie Ellisor did a great job interviewing Phyllis Brasch Librach, president and founder of Sydney's Closet. She laughed when Phyllis, a former newspaper reporter, explained she "traded deadlines for hemlines" to launch the company dedicated to plus size dresses for special occasions.

"I love that line" said Margie. She also loved all the glam dresses. "Wow, these are gorgeous!", said Margie as images of the formal dresses flashed on the tv screen. Of course the big question of the day was how did Phyllis Smith, a Hollywood actress, wind up wearing a Sydney's Closet evening dress on the red carpet at the Sunday's Emmy Awards.

Watch the interview to learn the answer!

A big thanks from the entire Fashion Team to Steve who posts this generous and flattering fan mail online after he learns Phyllis Smith gets seen in a Sydney's Closet formal dress on the red carpet at the 61st Emmy Awards:

"My daughter found that website and those people couldn’t have been nicer. Real empathy for my daughter’s size and the selection was fantastic. Big women should run, not walk, to Sydney’s Closet".

Phyllis Smith Wears Sydney's Closet at the Emmys!

Actress Phyllis Smith of the hit show "The Office" is all smiles as she steps on the red carpet at the Emmys Sunday wearing a silver metallic jeweled evening gown from Sydney's Closet Signature Collection. Doesn't she look gorgeous!

Congratulations to Jeff Blitz of The Office for taking home the Emmy for Outstanding Director in a Comedy Series.

Sydney's Closet Dress Ready for the Red Carpet

Actress Phyllis Smith reports she'll "feel like a million bucks" on the red-carpet at Sunday's Emmy Awards wearing "Strike it Rich", a dramatic silver metallic beaded evening gown from Sydney's Closet Signature Collection. Seamstresses in Hollywood rushed to finish alterations to the dress in time for Phyllis, who plays Phyllis on "The Office", to have a perfect fit for the big event.


Watch all the glamour live Sunday, September 20 on CBS at 8:00 pm EST.

Go Behind-the-Scenes for the Photo Shoot

We've been busy for months getting ready for our big photo shoot next week of our new 2010 Signature Collection of ball gowns, red-carpet formals, Prom gowns and cocktail dresses.

With the shoot just days away, we face soooo many details but so little time!

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at Designer Alaina Wilson fitting Whitney, our gorgeous model from St. Louis, in a super sexy halter evening dress in a gorgeous gold!

Just two days left on $99 SALE!

Time is running out to shop our crazy Dress to the Nines SALE!
Just two days left to shop Nine Plus Size Dresses priced at $99 or less!
Shop for a short sleeve wedding dress, sexy cocktail dresses perfect for guests of the wedding and holiday parties and red-carpet formals.
Hurry! Sizes and quantities limited.

Headed for the Homecoming Court

Look for a beautiful blonde on the Homecoming Court at Northwest High School in Cedar Hill, Missouri to be crowned wearing a regal black chiffon dress with gold sequins from Sydney's Closet.

Sold our First 2010 Prom Dress!

Homecoming 2009 isn't a memory yet and Halloween hasn't happened.

But the hunt for the perfect Prom 2010 dress is on. Girls are already calling from as far away as Alabama asking what's available in their favorite colors and styles. And a Prom Princess from Springfield, IL just couldn't resist buying her dress this weekend after she tried on a fairy-tale ball gown in black and white. Maybe it's because the lace-up back fit her perfectly!

Phyllis Smith Gets Out of "The Office"

A very special "Thank you" to actress Phyllis Smith, who plays "Phyllis" on the hit show "The Office", for shopping at Sydney's Closet in St. Louis for a glamourous formal dress to wear to the 61st annual Emmy Awards. We're honored to roll out our red carpet for such a beautiful and talented super star!

Dress to Nines for $99 or Less SALE

It's 09/09/09 a perfect day to launch Sydney's Closet "Dress to the Nines" SALE!

Nine dresses all $99 or less for just nine days. Celebrate the calendar quirk with huge savings on cocktail dresses perfect for holiday parties, winning Homecoming dresses, red-carpet formals and even our bestselling wedding dress. Hurry! Sale ends September 18, 2009

Curious where the expression "Dress to the Nines" comes from?

Click here to learn the answer!

Coming soon! Alfred Angelo Plus Size Bridesmaid Dresses

Just back from market in Atlanta where we just couldn't resist adding the enormously popular line of Alfred Angelo designs to our collection of plus size bridesmaid dresses. Thanks to Karleen, our expert sales rep, (in black at right), who steered our buyer (in white at left) to the hottest styles for 2010 weddings.

Look for the first Alfred Angelo bridesmaid dresses in sizes 16W to 28W to arrive in our St. Louis store this October. But you won't have to wait that long to see the entire collection at SydneysCloset.com. We'll get it up in just a few weeks - so check back soon!

Brides will love Alfred Angelo's elegant, affordable designer gowns that always come in sizes 2 to 28W. Plus there's a huge selection of silhouettes in beautiful fabrics with fine embroidery, exquisite beading and delicate lace. And with 55 colors, there's the perfect hue for every bridal party!

Happy Prom Customer Returns for Her Wedding Dress

Once a Happy Customer at Sydney's Closet, always a Happy Customer. In 2005, Rachelle Morrow of St. Charles, Missouri bought a beautiful blue Prom dress from us. "I almost didn't go to my Prom because I couldn't find a dress in my size," she remembers.

Four years later, Racehlle returns for her wedding dress. She's all smiles as a dress-up consultant helps her find the perfect wedding dress. Could this be the one?!?

Congratulations Rachelle on your engagement. You'll be a beautiful bride when you tie the knot in May 2010 in the chapel at the historic Daniel Boone Chapel. And thanks soooo much for shopping with us again for one of the most important days in your life!

First Look at Prom 2010 Dresses

We're off to Atlanta in the morning for a four-day whirlwind buying spree to put together the best-ever collection of plus size dresses for Prom 2010. We'll be busy!
- Meeting with top Prom dress designers like Night Moves, Mori Lee and Faviana
- Scouting for new, undiscovered designers making their debut
- Catching all the hot styles on the runways at fashion shows
- Going behind-the-scenes with Teen Prom to get a trend watch

But we PROM-ise to find time to keep you posted.
Check back here often for fashion blasts from the Atlanta Prom Market.

Plus Size Cocktail Dresses Get Great Toasts!

Here at the NYC Preview of the 2010 Signature Collection VIP guests getting a sneak peek love the delicious colors like plum, apricot and cherry in our next assortment of plus size cocktail dresses. There's also great excitment over the prints, including a bold, graphic pattern in purple, black and white! Another sure winner: a so sophisticated little black dress in shantung silk with delicate beading on the skirt and cap sleeves. Look for it to also come in silver.

New York Preview of 2010 Signature Collection

Off to NYC to give a Preview of our 2010 Signature Collection to a VIP list of selected guests. They'll get a first look at the dreamy ball gowns, red-carpet formal dresses, sexy Prom 2010 dresses that rock and sassy cocktail dresses. New for 2010: more styles coming up to size 36!

Fan Mail from a Very Happy Bride

Thanks to Monica U of Alabama for sending us this fabulous email.

Dear Sydney,
I just received my wedding dress today, and it is absolutely LOVELY! I can't believe how wonderful it is. I'm so excited and I can't wait to send you pictures from the Wedding. I was worried that I could not find a dress to fit me, and this one is actually a little big, but it can be taken it. Again, thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Monica U

Click here to read fan mail from more Happy Customers.

Ten Money Saving Tips for Brides on a Tight Budget

Here's 10 Tips for cost-conscious Brides to save money on the wedding of their dreams and still go down the aisle in style:

1. Smaller weddings: cut costs by cutting the guest list
   
   
2. Destination weddings: say "I Do" in places near - not far!
   
   
3. Accent colors: dress up a simple wedding dress with a splash of color
   
   
4. Weekdays: tie the knot Monday through Friday instead of weekends
   
   
5. Go green: use eco-friendly decorations can be replanted or potted
   
   
6. Simple invitations: skip fancy paper and forget save the date cards
   
   
7. RSVP online: save the planet and money by not mailing reply cards
   
   
8. Sweet Things: serve cupcakes and slice a small wedding cake
   
   
9. Something borrowed: flatter family or a friend by asking them to lend you wedding jewelry.
   
   
10. Skip Extras: it's back to basics; who needs a chocolate fountain or wedding planner anyway?

Shopping for a cheap plus size wedding dress? Click here for a real bargain!

Do you have a money saving tip of your own to share? Tell us what you did to help the budget on your big day - leave us a comment!

Unwanted Fireworks Just Before July 4th

Thanks to all you loyal Sydney's Closet customers for your extra large does of patience today after a pre-dawn electrical fire knocked out the datacenter in Seattle that processes credit cards for us - and thousands more online stores. Kudos go to our diehard dress-up consultants who didn't miss a fashion beat by helping customers check out using alternative payment methods like Paypal or money order.

It took almost 12 hours, but the fire is out and problems fixed. Everything is back to normal again - just in time to shop until you drop over the long July 4th weekend using any of the four major credit cards. Have a happy and safe holiday! And call toll-free anytime: 888-479-3639 to leave a message with a live operator at our Customer Care center.

The Gift of Glam: Donating Prom Dresses

This is a tale of two dresses that started languishing in a closet in Puerto Rico and now are headed to Prom 2010 at a U.S. high school. It all started when "Bombshell", who lives in Puerto Rico, wanted to donate two pretty plus size formal dresses hanging in her closet since she was a teen.

We all know how painfully hard it is to give away evening dresses with loving memories attached to a once-in-a lifetime nights like Prom or graduation. But for Bombshell it was even emotionally tougher. Her mother was unemployed when she snagged the silver dress for 9th grade graduation where she danced all night under the moon with her boyfriend. Money was still tight when her mother scrapped together enough to buy fabric and pay the seamstress to make her green Prom dress with custom-designed appliques. Even though the dresses were near and dear to her heart, Bombshell knew she'd never wear them again.

So in these tough economic times, Bombshell decided to make a difference. Afterall, she knew firsthand the fashion plight of a teen-age girl on a tight budget trying to find an affordable prom dress. While she'd heard of charities that collect prom gowns for needy girls, Bombshell didn't know of any in Puerto Rico. Lucky for us, we caught her Tweet asking for a recommedation.

Every Spring Sydney's Closet gives the gift of glam to teen-age girls who can't afford to buy plus size Prom dresses by donating Prom gowns to charities across the U.S. that specialize in playing fairy godmothers.

We PROM-ised Bombshell we'd deliver her dresses to a charity that could get them to deserving teens. Within a week, her beautiful dresses arrived. The box decorated with colorful hearts clearly demonstrated Bombshell's love for helping others. With the donation, Bombshell sent a sweet, handwritten note saying she wants the dresses to bring joy to others as they did to her.

We only hope Bombshell's extraoridnary genorosity inspires more teens and women to send Sydney's Closet Prom dresses and evening gowns that they will never wear again. That way, we can continue to spread the joy one dress at a time.

Bat Your Eyelashes to Beat the Recession

The tried economic hunch that lipstick sales go up in a recession is turning out not to be true in 2009. An eye-popping story in the June issue of Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine points out that eye-makeup sales at supermarkets and drugstores surged 9% from 2008 and March 2009 to $260 million. Mascara and eyeliner sales lead the way. At the same time, sales of lipsticks went down the tubes, dropping 11%. If you're pinching pennies, would you buy eye makeup or lipstick as a small indulgence?

Click here to read the 10 off-beat clues from everyday life Kiplinger rounded up to help you understand where the economy really stands. Expect some investment advice to prop up your portfolio or just comic relief for the recession weary.

Tony Awards Fashion Winner

Did you see actress Chandra Wilson, star of Grey's Anatomy and on Broadway now in the hit musical "Chicago", looking very glam as a presenter at last night's Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall? In a sea of boring, black dresses, Wilson added life and richness with her choice of a stunning emerald green evening gown with a dramatic sweep train - perfect for the red-carpet. The beaded bodice and straps gave just the right sparkle - without going overboard on the bling. Loved the flattering Empire waist and sexy V-neckline that showed off her fabulous curves. Would you wear a formal dress in this color and style for a red-carpet moment in your life?

Think Pink

Trend Alert! Look for pink to be the color that pops. Not your soft ballerina pink or funky bubble-gum pink. To make a real fashion statement, go for a rich, deep fuchsia with a hint of raspberry. Wear the vivid color alone for a bold statement like our No Frills party dress shown here. Or pair it with any neutral for an instant wardrobe wakeup. Either way, you're sure to smile wearing this fun, happy color!

Spring Fashion Lift: Print Maxi Dresses

Want to wake up your Spring wardrobe with a quick and easy fashion lift that looks - and feels - fresh and new? Slip on a print maxi dress - this season's must-have trend . Be bold and dramatic in a graphic pattern or flirty and fun in a floral. Add strappy high heel sandals in silver or gold paired with matching clutch for a glam look. Or play it more casual with candy colored flip flops and an oversized straw purse.

Making Prom Dreams Come True: Happy Customer Fanmail

First off I just would like to say thank you, so much for making my prom AMAZING. As a plus size girl I always struggle to find nice formal outfits (specifically dresses), and it doesn't get any easier being a teenager. You want to look young, sexy, modest, and yet fashionable but most of the time you are limited to the clothes you find for older women.

I came to Sydney's Closet, after spending weeks searching for a place that carried prom dresses in my size. I didn't want to order a dress that I couldn't try on in the store. Prom is a really big thing in high school and I didn't want to risk it. I bought the "Strike it Rich" gown, and I received so many compliments on it. I really felt like a "goddess". In fact, I don't think that there were many who looked as "classy" as I did. I even got a compliment from a girl who I didn't know! Thank you Sydney's Closet, you can bet that I'll be using your services again in the future.

Sincerely,

Jean

What's Important When Buying a Prom Dress

What do teen-age girls care most about when buying a Prom dress?
1. How it fits
2. Being the only one that has the dress
3. Color
4. Price
That's the answers Teen Vogue got to an April 2009 survey.
What would you add or substract to the list?

Mother's Day in Hong Kong

Heading home after an amazing week in Mainland China creating the next collection of Sydney's Closet Exclusive Designs for evening, cocktail and Prom 2010 dresses.
First stop, Hong Kong International Airport. Surprise! Hostesses handing out long stem flowers with pretty pink bows as free Mother's Day gifts. Who knew they celebrated Mother's Day in China? Next stop, Taipei, Taiwan to catch the long 13-hour flight to L.A. Then Denver and finally, St. Louis.
Left the States last week with two suitcases. Coming home with three. Filled the extra one with sample dresses, swatches of new fabrics (great satin!), sketches and gifts.

Go behind-the-Scenes at Photo Shoot

Lights, camera and what action. It all happened today when photographer Brian Tucker arrived at our St. Louis photo studio to shoot Spring fresh day-to-dinner dresses and this summer's must-have trend, the maxi dress. "Millie", our perfect size 18 mannequinn, showed off her curves thanks to the talents of super stylist Alaina Wilson. Watch for the collection to be posted very soon at http://www.sydneyscloset.com/. Meanwhile, take a sneak peek behind-the-scenes at the shoot.

Prom 2009 Short Story

With the countdown to Prom 2009 underway, the short Prom dress stands out as a a top trend. Never before have soooo many teens opted to hike the hemline of their prom dress to the knee or just below the knee. No wonder short Prom dresses are flying out the door. The look is super fun and flirty. Best of all, you get a dress to wear again!

Sheer Delight, a short A-line dress with an Empire waist, ranks as the bestseller with a close tie for second place to No Frills, a taffeta with cap sleeve seen in Teen Prom, and City Lights, a sequin A-line that dazzles.

Devil in the Prom Invitation Details

Forget an Evening in Paris or Midnight Masquerade for a Prom theme. How about Seven Deadly Sins?!? That's the controversial choice made by the junior class at John Burroughs, a tony high school in suburban St. Louis. Invitations call "All Sinners. We Request Your Presence in Hell" . The After Prom Party, hosted by "the devilish Junior Class Parents", promises to "continue the sin". Has the school crossed the line of what's appropriate for Prom? The blog buzz suggests maybe so. But students defend their decision. What do you think?

New! Spring 2009 Mother of the Bride/Groom Dresses

It took no time at all for Mothers of the Bride and Groom to snap up the picture-perfect dresses from the Timeless Spring 2009 Collection. Maybe it's the trendy colors?!? Like the cappuccino that blends well with chocolate and latte colors super popular for bridesmaids dresses. Or the oh-so feminine sweetness of the mauve, blush or the drama of the ocean blue. Then again, it could be that every dress comes with sleeves or a matching jacket!

Happy Customer from Italy

Rossanna from Italy just emailed her Dynasty ballgown arrived and "it's just fabulous!" Best of all, it fit perfectly! We can't wait to see pictures of Rossana looking glam in the black and silver Dynasty with the extra added dazzle of black evening gloves.

Wow! What a Weekend Trunk Show

Wow! What a weekend party at Sydney's Closet store in St. Louis with the Fashion Team and shoppers joining in the excitement surrounding the presentation of Night Moves Prom 2009 Collection. Thanks to everyone who came to the Trunk Show from across St. Louis and the country. We welcomed new customers who drove from Kentucky and took home a super sexy Prom dress in a trendy animal print. And a mother-and-daughter shopping duo who flew in from Denver Saturday just to shop at Sydney's Closet.
Plus it was great to greet so many of our Happy Customers returning from as far as Indianapolis and Red Bud. It felt like a family reunion with cameras snapping, videos rolling and passing around Prom 2008 photos showing how glam the girls looked!

Everyone raved about the rare chance to meet Nikki Deeds, Night Moves designer, and get her great fit and flatter tips as she personally zipped customers into dresses. Nikki earned tons of compliments for Night Moves Style 5896W , the high impact graphic print dress that is Prom 2009 runaway bestseller. At one point, three customers crowded the runway in the shop wearing that dramatic Empire dress with pleated skirt on the gorgeous blue and black! If you didn't make the Trunk Show check back soon. We'll be posting photos soon!

Meet the Designer at Plus Size Prom Dress Show

Shoppers from as far away as Indianapolis are coming to Sydney's Closet store in St. Louis Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22 for our Plus Size Prom Dress Show. Everyone wants to get in on the glamour and giveaways and see the entire collection of trendy Night Moves Prom 2009 dresses in Sizes 14w to 32w.

The big attraction? Cost-conscious teens and their parents loves the chance to win a Night Moves Prom dress valued to $349.00. Plus everyone is super excited to meet the designer, Nikki Deeds and get the rare opportunity to let her be your personal shopper. Nikki knows everything about fitting a formal dress so it flatters any body shape or size. She started sewing at age 8 then got hooked on red-carpet dresses competiting in beauty pageants in college. She's spent more than a decade designing special occasion dresses.

Mark your calendar. The Prom shopping show happens for a full weekend:
Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
at
Sydney's Closet, 11840 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, MO

Everyone who comes is eligible to:
- WIN a Night Moves Plus Size Prom dress
- Get a FREE gift
- Receive a special discount coupon for big savings

Call 888-479-3639 for details, directions and to schedule a personal shopping session with Nikki. Hurry! Appointments are filling up fast!

Can't wait to see you!

Win an Evening Gown at Our Trunk Show

You could be the lucky winner of a Night Moves evening gown valued up to $349.00. Just come to Sydney's Closet Trunk Show introducing the Night Moves Spring 2009 Collection of plus size Prom dresses and plus size formal dresses in sizes 14w to 32w. Meet Nikki Deeds, the designer. Let her personally fit you in a formal dress that flatters your curves!

Register online today for the trunk show. It all happens:

Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and

Sunday Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

at

Sydney's Closet , 11840 Dorsett Road, in suburban St. Louis.

Call 888-479-3639 for more information, directions or to schedule your appointment with the designer. Hurry! Space is limited.

Favorite Satin Torsolette Now in Expanded Sizes to 52F

Our friends at Dominique Intimate Apparel get it when it comes to helping real women with curves. They shared great news today that their bestselling Style 8950 now comes up to band size 52 and cup sizes C, D, DD and F. Brides love this sexy shapewear that makes lumps and bumps go away. You will too! Check out the Miranda Satin Torsolette Style 8950. You'll want it in all three colors: black, ivory and white to wear under all your clothes!

Michelle Obama's Inaugural Ball Gown

Michelle Obama made her black-tie debut last night as America's First Lady wearing a one-shoulder evening gown designer by Jason Wu. The one-of-a-kind ivory formal embellished with buds of silk organza, rhinestones and silver embroiderly twinkled under the lights as the First Couple danced their way through 10 Inaugural Balls in the nation's capital. The Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet has to wonder if the First Lady's formal will prompt a rash of copy cats bound for off-the rack formal dresses designed for real women. What do you think? Is Michelle Obama's dress something you'd want to wear to a special occasion in your life?

Sydney's Closet Dresses On Stage at Inauguration Concert

Be sure to watch CNN at 7 pm Monday, January 19 when singers performing in the all-star cast of "A Celebration of America" go on stage of the Kennedy Center wearing white beaded evening dresses from Sydney's Closet. We're pretty proud that the wardrobe mistress of Chorale Le Chateau, the famed New York choir under the direction of Damien Sneed, selected "Love Connection" - our bestselling beaded A-line gown with matching jacket - for this historic event. The musical celebration marks the Presidential Inauguration and Martin Luther King, Jr Day. Also on stage, jazz great Wynton Marsalis and retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Look for Anderson Cooper and Soledad O'Brien to host the live event.

Mother of the Bride Dresses Just In for Spring 2009

Mothers of the Bride and Groom shopping for Spring weddings love Caterina Style 7008 with its lady-like lace bodice, elegant rhinestone brooch and hard-to-find sleeves. Plus the deep, rich chocolate (think Hershey's syrup!) compliments the color theme of so many bridal parties. It comes in a dozen more amazing colors too from buttercup to royal blue to white - perfect for an informal wedding dress!

We named this elegant mother of the bride dress "Melissa", after our customer who bought the dress before we could even get up at SydneysCloset.com. By the way, bridesmaids who want to cover their arms also love this dress. It's just one of the stunning new designs from the Spring 2009 Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom Caterina Collection by Jordan Fashions now available at Sydney's Closet. Let's us know which one is your favorite!

Inaugural Ball 2009 Dress Trends: Anything but Boring!

Looks like fashion-savvy women dressing up for the Inaugural Balls will say "bye, bye to Bush" and "hello to Obama" wearing anything but black. Customers shopping at SydneysCloset.com for long formal dresses for Inaugural Balls from coast to coast can't get enough of long formal dresses in rich, royal colors like teal, purple, and burgundy. Look for ball gowns with poofy skirts - usually reserved for Prom - to usher in the new adminisration. Pleats please ball-goers too! The hot new "Strike it Rich" dress from Sydney's Closet Exclusive Collection goes to the White House Ball in the nation's capital. "Mild Gone Wild", a pleated design done in a bold black, white and yellow geometric print, is guaranteed to attention in a sea of solids when it's worn at an Inaugural Ball in California. Last-minute plans to go to the ball or any other once-in-a-lifetime occasion? Sydney's Closet stocks thousands of plus size formal dresses ready to ship the next business day!

Sydney's Closet Seen in Cosmo Girl Prom 2009

Calls and emails keep pouring in since Cosmo Girl Prom 2009 edition hit newsstands featuring four fabulous plus size Prom dresses from Sydney's Closet Exclusive Designs Collection. "Party Girl", a classic and chic short Prom dress, (check it out on page 136) is almost sold out in black and white but still available in trendy color combo of red and fuchsia. Turn to page 166 to see fashion editors rave about "Black Tie Affair", a long formal 2009 Prom A-line prom dress sure to show off your "full-figured assets". And if you're shopping for a halter prom dress, don't miss page 179 featuring Mysterious, a super sexy Prom dresses shown in banana on a model with amazing curves. It also comes in fuchsia if a pink Prom dress is your thing!