Sydney's Closet

Oh My - Sydney's Closet Starry Nights Ball Gown in O, The Oprah Magazine!

2012-01-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

Oh! What a huge fashion scoop. Sydney’s Closet “Starry Nights” ball gown, Style SC3018, seen on page 142 of the February 2012 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine!

A team of dream experts from the esteemed mag gave Samantha, a highway construction worker from New York, a chance to gaze into the mirror and have her true fashion-and-beauty soul gaze back. Her reflection showed Samantha’s inner Princess staring back wearing Starry Nights in a jewel-toned violet with black.

“In 12 hours I’ll be back in a hard hat and boots tearing up concrete. Right now, though, I feel like royalty,”she told the magazine’s dream team when photographed after the dramatic hair, beauty and fashion makeover.

Now it’s your turn to be a Princess! Click out Starry Nights at Sydney's Closet to see more pictures of this bestselling evening gown available in three glamorous colors sure to win over any Prince: Black Cherry, Black Sapphire and Black Violet.

A Fresh Perspective on Plus Size Dresses by Fashion Students

2011-12-08T12:54:00.000-08:00

When Beth Glascock of the Fairy Godmother Project (helping needy High School teens get dresses for Prom) needed plus size prom gowns, she asked the students at the O'Moore College of Design in Nashville, TN for help. They quickly took on the project to create new dresses using material from old ones.

The Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet thinks it is such a great idea to have design students make plus size Prom dresses that we just had to share it in hopes other communities could do the same to help curvy teens in their local high school get a Prom dress of their dreams.

Sydneys Closet Fashion Team Home From Designing Trip to China

2011-11-12T06:59:00.000-08:00

Sydney’s Closet Fashion Team back on the ground in the USA after a super successful two weeks in China designing the Fall 2012 and Prom 2013 Collections. Jet lag keeps us feeling foggy and on the brink of coming down with the flu. Nothing unusual after two-days traveling 8,500 miles from Guangdong Province to our world headquarters in St. Louis. We hope by the end of the week we can begin to feel normal again! Meanwhile, we’re organizing notebooks bulging with fabric swatches from Asia’s giant textile markets.

We’ll match up the silky satins, smooth chiffons and crisp taffetas with sketches of dramatic new party dresses for Homecoming 2012, cocktail dresses for Holiday 2012 (we haven’t even celebrated Holiday 2011) and Prom 2013 dresses to suit every personality. Now we can’t wait to see the first samples when they start arriving in January. We haven’t finished unpacking, and we’re already planning our next trip to China. We’ll go in the Spring to finalize the samples for our photo shoot.

China Trip Fall 2011 - Fashion, Seafood and Budweiser

2011-11-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

A highlight of the Fashion Team’s visits to China is always feasting on authentic Cantonese cuisine. Chaozhou, the city in Guangdong Province where we spend most of our time, is known worldwide for seafood caught fresh from the nearby China Sea and vegetables just hours from the garden.

Entrance Chaozhou Restaurant

No need for a menu at a seafood restaurant in Chaozhou where customers select from the day's fresh catch.

At the hotel breakfast, we pass on the cauldron bubbling with “porridge with 1,000-year-old eggs”. We join the locals as they peel a whole baked sweet potato, wrap it in their hands and bite into it like a candy bar.

After a morning and afternoon designing in the factory showroom, it is customary for the owners to invite us to a local restaurant. Many American customers ask to eat more familiar fast food like KFC and McDonald’s now available in Chaozhou - although very expensive. But the Fashion Team bites (bad pun!) at culinary adventures that give us the chance to sample dishes foreign to menus back home:

- Blood red clams steamed in fish stock

- Oysters fried with eggs and bamboo

- Papaya baked with honey

- Lotus root stuffed with rice

- Egg yolks baked into sliced pork

- Rice rolled into a log with peanuts and vegetables then sliced

- Whole fried fish in the original sweet and sour sauce

We order ice cold Tsing Tao beer to wash down the spicy foods and have to laugh when it is always served in small juice-size glasses with the “Budweiser” logo in red.

China Trip Fall 2011 - Jet Lag, Sequins, Fabric, and Tea

2011-11-03T12:12:00.000-07:00


Fashion Team in China inspects SC8062, our sexy one-shoulder metallic ribbon dress arriving for Holiday 2011.

After several frantic days on the ground in China, Sydney’s Closet Fashion Team is still reeling from jet lag! But every day is better.

At one factory, we check production on our sexy sequin one-shoulder mini dress. We’re thrilled to find everything perfect from the fit to the stitching. The shipment is set to leave China right on time! That lands this hot silver and gold metallic ribbon dress in the USA just in time for you to celebrate the holidays in style!

At another factory we struggle with a tough decision. Which color chiffon we found at the fabric market to use on the new Fall 2012 cocktail dress.

It’s not easy. But finally we settle on an emerald green for a body-hugging strapless sheath. We save a rich taffeta in brilliant gold for a high-low hem design we created for Prom 2013. Once we drape the fabric on a mannequin

we realize the proportions of the skirt are off. So it’s back to the drawing board where we add another layer to the hem and move the zipper from the side to the back of the dress for an easier fit.

During the long day designing, our Chinese friends keep us going with endless cups of hot tea freshly brewed in tiny cups!

Sonsi Launches Fashion Genius - Designing You From Head to Toe

2011-11-02T15:37:00.000-07:00

Sonsi has launched an interactive design program ~ Fashion Genius.

Fashion Genius helps you put complete outfits together, not just tops and bottoms. They go up to the earrings, down to the feet, in to the undergarments and out to the handbags.

The easy to use tab system lets you start with outfit sets or you can pick a specific item from their site. And no worries in trying to remember what items you've picked, or what outfits you like or have worked on...you have the option to save things.

The Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet thinks this is a fun way to mix and match, and group things together on one easy page. And it's great to be able to save it and recall later, to either purchase or change it.

Miles of Fabric - Sydney's Closet in Chinese City of Shaoxing visiting Textile City.

2011-10-31T05:14:00.000-07:00

The Fashion Team spends the day in the ancient Chinese City of Shaoxing, home to Asia’s legendary Textile City. We’re on the hunt for new fabrics that will inspire the designs for our Fall 2012 Signature Cocktail Collection and our 2013 Signature Prom Collection. But where to start? Our senses are overwhelmed by the miles of open stalls, each about the size of a small bedroom, that sprawl over multi-story buildings on both sides of the river. We calculate that if we put the 15,000 fabric suppliers here under one roof it would be big enough to fill 15 Wal-Marts!

Our translator guides us through the maze to our first stop where we discover a new chiffon that is super soft and comes in yummy colors. It’s perfect for draping a formal evening gown. We make a note to create a dramatic beading pattern for a one-shoulder strap. We climb an ancient stone stairway where shoe shine vendors cluster at the top next to the street vendors roasting chestnuts in a commercial size wok.

There we take the foot bridge across the river where waves of lotus plants float past us. Over the next five hours we wander through the market stopping when an eye catches an interesting fabric. We struggle to find a lace worthy of an informal wedding dress. We carry a shopping bag that soon fills with fabric swatches:

tulle flocked with tiny dots sure to make a Cinderella-style ball gown for a Prom Princess
dramatic black and white floral prints in chiffon great for making a splash on a maxi dress
sequins sewn in silver, black and blue chevron print ideal for a red-carpet formal

All that shopping builds up a appetite. We stop for a traditional Chinese meal of fried bean curd, cauliflower with cloves of garlic, strips of marinated beef stir fried with onions and a small white fish steamed with soy sauce and ginger. There is no translation available for the wild green vegetable that comes mixed with tiny pieces of tofu. We decide it’s a mix between parsley and spinach and only wish we could eat it when we return home!

Pics credit to Bronson Pics via flickr...we forgot the cameras in our hotel rooms. Too many things on our minds ;-)

Ladies of All Shapes & Sizes - Embrace Who You Are & Think Positive

2011-10-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

"Your life is your garden, your thoughts are the seeds. If your life isn't awesome, you've been watering the weeds." ~Terry Prince

Today's post is a friendly reminder to all of our Sydney's Closet friends...remember all of your positive qualities, and embrace them :-)

You are beautiful; you are talented; you are a thinker; you are a believer; you are smart; you are funny; you are loving; you are a diva; you are caring; you are a Mom, Wife, Sister, Friend; you are WOMAN!

What can you add to the list? ;-)

One Stop Plus Launches OSP Mag - a Publication Dedicated to Curvy Women

2011-10-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hot off the presses is the new OSP Mag from our good friends at One Stop Plus! The new publication will speak to curvy women about fashion and lifestyle.

In the first issue topics range from denim fashion, to shoes, health issues facing plus size women, makeup and men. In her first editor's letter, Nancy LeWinter explains that OSP Mag is "for fascinating and fashionable plus-size women, not just the one page dress-your-size articles in other magazines."

Nancy LeWinter who has been a leader at other top magazines, including Glamour, Vogue and Marie Claire, Esquire, and Mode, is the current Editorial Director of OneStopPlus.com®

The Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet send congratulations to One Stop Plus on the release of OSP Mag! We are sure it's going to be a hit, and highly recommend you check it out.

'A Star is Born' Little Black Dress Now Available - with *FREE Shipping

2011-10-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

Sydney's Closet is thrilled to announce that A Star is Born is now available! This fun and flirty little black dress is absolutely stunning, and sure to be a hit for any occasion you wear it to.

Order by November 1, 2011 and get *FREE ground shipping! Use exclusive coupon code: SC80566

Sparkle all night when you wear this fun strapless party dress in flattering Empire waist design. Shirred netting softly adorns the strapless sweetheart bodice. A satin band with beaded embellishment accentuates the waist. The A-line knee-length skirt sparkles with a silver glitter border at the hemline. Optional straps and matching shawl included. Perfect for holiday parties!

Bestseller Back in Stock: 'Not Forgotten' by Sydney's Closet

2011-10-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

Great news for all our patient customers who reserved “Not Forgotten”, our bestselling formal dress with jacket.

The chic style is back in stock in both solid black and black with slate!!! Watch for an email or call from The Fashion Team if you reserved your size or color. No wonder the beaded lace is soooo popular. The bra-friendly beaded bodice, hip-length lace jacket and flowing chiffon skirt make SC4001 the perfect polished look for any big night and a favorite choice of customers shopping for Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom dresses.

Details include:

Lace fabric
Polyester chiffon fabric
Satin
V-neck neckline
Bra-friendly straps
V-back
A-line skirt
Floor length
Beaded bodice
Jacket long sleeve
Matching jacket included
Fully lined

Lady in Red - Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Vibrant in Red

2011-10-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, added another page to her beautiful style book when she wore this stunning Beulah London Sarai dress to a fund raising event recently in London.

You too can have your Lady in Red moment! Be proud, be loud, be bold! Check out these gorgeous red gowns by Sydney's Closet in a variety of styles including jewel-neck, one shoulder, spaghetti strap & sleeves, and materials from chiffon to satin.

Phoebe

Ruffles and Flourishes

Drama Queen

Express Yourself

Shining Star

Sonsi Partners with Plus Size Supermodel Emme

2011-10-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

Sydney's Closet Fashion Team is thrilled to share with you that plus size supermodel Emme has teamed up with Sonsi, the award-winning online shopping and social destination for women sizes 12 and above.

Direct from the newswire: "'From Emme's Closet to Yours', a four-week campaign designed to give women wearing plus sizes inspiration when it comes to achieving their full fashion potential, day or night. Using Fashion Genius™, Sonsi's revolutionary new online "style and fit" technology, Emme will create and share head-to-toe looks to take her through every occasion of her life, from business meetings and yoga workouts to family activities and evening events."

Sydney's Closet began working with Sonsi in 2011, and we are delighted with this newest campaign! We are looking forward to it's launch tomorrow, Monday, October 17th! Check it out and let us know what you love about it.

Plus Size Celebrities - Popularity or Acceptance?

2011-10-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

If we sit back and think about it, Sydney's Closet has seen society coming around as a whole to accepting plus-size celebrities. And now, more than ever, they are being looked at for their pure talent...on the inside, not just what shows on the outside. Below is only a handful of the many talented and lovely celebrities that have grabbed our attention in the last year as being outstanding role models for the plus size community. Do you have a favorite, or someone who has made a difference in your life?

Melissa McCarthy

Kathy Bates

Loretta Devine

Nikki Blonski

Mo’Nique

Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe

Gabby is wearing a Sydney's Closet Exclusive in the above photo.

Shades of a White Wedding Dress

2011-10-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

White: a color without hue at one extreme end of the scale of grays, opposite to black. A white surface reflects light of all hues completely and diffusely. Most so-called whites are very light grays: fresh snow, for example, reflects about 80 percent of the incident light, but to be strictly white, snow would have to reflect 100 percent of the incident light. It is the ultimate limit of a series of shades of any color. (Dictionary.com)

Long gone are the days of only having "white" wedding gowns to choose from. For example, the gown shown above - Sydney's Closet Eternal Grace - is actually Ivory. Too many, at quick glance we would call it White. But for many brides the shade can be very important. It may be a factor in the wedding theme, bridesmaids dresses, or personal taste.

It is important to know the specific names of the shades of white, and what shades they each represent. As you can see by the few examples we pictured here, the difference can be quite a bit.

The Trend For Two, Even Three Wedding Dresses For The Big Day

2011-09-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

The trend of having two wedding gowns for the big day is nothing new. Quite often a Bride wants a more free-flowing gown for her reception...to dance the night away. They second gown is sometimes also in a shorter style, and sometimes even a color other than white.

Most recently our Fashion Team saw Kim Kardashian's wedding nuptials, and the pictures that followed, which included 3 gowns from Vera Wang! The gowns were defined as: Nuptials / First Dance / Dance Reception.

Another celebrity will soon be following trend. It is rumored that Shannon Tweed has chosen three gowns for her long awaited wedding to KISS lead Gene Simmons. Speculation is that all will be low cut, and contouring to the body. We will find out soon, as the wedding date is said to be Saturday, October 1st!

The Queen (Latifah) is in the House!

2011-09-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

Queen Latifah is an inspiration to many, for many reasons. She is a Grammy Award winning singer, a Golden Globe & SAG Award winning actress, and is sure to win it big with her new fashion collection 'Queen Collection' on HSN - Home Shopping Network. At Sydney's Closet we applaud her for being a confident, sophisticated role model to young girls and plus size ladies...and for her great fashion sense.

Our Fashion Team had great fun browsing thru the collection, and noted that most of the everyday wear items were under $100. The designs are practical, quite stylish, with a sense of sophistication as well.

A Twist on Bridesmaids Gowns - Varying Styles & Colors

2011-09-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

Not only have Bridal Gowns evolved over the years, so have Bridesmaids Gowns. And with even more creative thinking, the Bridal party is getting even more makeovers in styles and colors. We've pulled together a few of the ideas we found, including the collective Bridesmaids styles in the hit movie 'Bridesmaids'.

Varieties include:
*same color / different style, same length
*same color / different style, different lengths
*2 colors / same style
*multiple colors / same style
*multiple colors / different styles

Which is your favorite?

Bravo to Melissa McCarthy - Emmy Winner & Dress Designer!

2011-09-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

Melissa McCarthy was radiant and beautiful at the Emmy Awards last night! And that was even before she won the Emmy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series!

Her deep purple dress looked regal, and draped her body in just the right way, with a tasteful dip in the front for a V-neck opening. In a phone call to The Ellen Show today she said she helped design her dress with designer Daniella Pearl. In UsWeekly she is quoted as saying she didn't find anything out there she liked. The Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet would have loved to outfit her with a gorgeous gown :-)

Sydney’s Closet is a Fashion Fairy Godmother

2011-09-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to Carol from Georgia for sending us this thoughtful and sweet note after she bought “Meant to Be Noticed, our bestselling short sleeve formal dress in flowing chiffon. It’s great to know that Sydney’s Closet is a Fashion Fairy Godmother who makes dreams come true for Princesses! Now we can’t wait to see pictures of Carol looking glam on the high seas!

Dear Sydney,

This is a BEAUTIFUL dress, and I was looking forward to wearing it on our cruise in October. How disappointed I was to find that while it zipped close, it was somewhat tight through the mid section. I kept looking at other web sites and at Sydney's Closet for a larger size in black, but was so disappointed to not find anything.

Then today, the sun shown!!! Just like magic the size appeared on the website and when I called and spoke to the representative, she assured me it was in stock and she would reserve it pending the return enclosed.

I cannot express to you how happy I am at this moment and how disappointed I was when I could not find a replacement size. Your company and that dress have made me feel like a princess; although a large one, still very much a princess.

This will be a fantastic and once in a lifetime cruise and Sydney’s Closet has made it possible.

I will always be in your debt.

Thank you all,

Carol from Georgia

Which Celeb From Cast Of TLC’s ‘Big Sexy’ Would You Most Like to Meet?

2011-09-14T12:40:00.000-07:00


TLC’s Big Sexy cast members from left, Nikki Gomez, Heather Roach, Audrey Lea Curry, Leslie Medlik and Tiffany Bank are seen with Lane Bryant Technical Design Director Richard Zielinski - via Daily Venus Diva

When we read the Sept 11 post on Daily Venus Diva, and saw the picture, our first thought was "Wow, they all look like fun ladies!" And of course the Sydney's Closet Fashion Team started picturing each of them in our gowns :-)

Which cast member would you most like to meet?

Nikki Gomez - Model, Photographer and Stylist.
Heather Roach - Business Owner, Personal Shopper, Stylist, and Wardrobe Consultant.
Audrey Lea Curry - Makeup Artist, Fashion Designer, Fine Artist, Stylist and Model
Leslie Medlik - Stylist, Personal Shopper, Wardrobe Consultant
Tiffany Bank - Model, Actress, Host, Writer, Producer

Getting Married - the Kardashian Style

2011-09-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

By now most of us have seen the photos of Kim Kardashian's wedding dress, the bridesmaid dresses and the Mother-of-the-Bride's dress. Let's chat!

What did you think of Vera Wang's Princess Look Wedding Dress that Kim wore, with the full tulle ballgown skirt, basque waist and lace appliqué? And what about her 65-Carat Diamond head band? One could consider it a nice alternative to a tiara, or a throw-back to the 80's.

In a rather unique change of custom, the bridesmaids and Mother wore Ivory. Maybe it was Kim's way of making her family feel all-inclusive in her special day. Or it was an attempt to stay as close as possible to the Black and White theme.

Finally,with regards to the very large bow on the front of her Mom, Kris's dress. She is a stunningly beautiful woman, with a fabulous curvy body...she certainly didn't need the bow to detract or hide anything. A smaller bow, if any, would have been better.

Overall the event was truly beautiful, including the gowns. It was classy, but light hearted, and full of smiles. And if anyone stole a bit of the day away from Kim, it was her adorable nephew, the Ring Bearer :-)

From Missouri to Canada...Sydney's Closet Sizes Up Glamour

2011-09-06T05:23:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to Patti S., from Canada for sending us this kind and oh-so complimentary email. It means the world to all of us on the Fashion Team here at our headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri to know that we have Happy Customers around the world! Now we can’t wait to see pictures of Patti looking glam in a party dress from Sydney’s Closet. And the Fashion Team looks forward to helping her size up glamour for many more special occasions.

Dear Sydney,

I ordered a dress that was shipped August 25 or 26, and it is August 31st and I am WEARING IT! Please accept my thank you for your superb customer service. I live in the North West of Canada, in a small town, and allowed more than a month for the dress to arrive, as it can sometimes take a very long time to receive items in this region. I bought the dress for an event that is over 6 weeks away, and actually thought the dress would be a size or two too small (it was on sale, but not my size, but I ordered it anyway). I am delighted.

Thank you so much!

Patti from Alberta, Canada

As Seen in USA Today - Sydney's Closet Dress Giveaway

2011-09-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Animal Magnetism

Sydney's Closet Style SC7041
Available Nov 1, 2011
SEEN in USA TODAY

In a stunning 24 page special edition supplement, Media Planet showcases the beautiful faces and styles of the plus size community. Featured on the cover are the gorgeous plus size models Tara Lynn, Marquita Pring, and Candice Huffine. Gwendolyn L. DeVoe (Creative and Executive Producer of Full Figured Fashion Week) says, "We love the skin that we are in right now and challenge retailers and designers to step up to the plate to bring us more fashion choices that work for our various lifestyles."

That's exactly what Sydney's Closet does for you - we size up glamour! We offer a large selection of gowns to suit any special occasion you are attending. Think prom, homecoming, wedding, cocktail and more!

Sydney's Closet is proud to team up with Media Planet USA for the Great Glamorous Evening Gown Giveaway! Enter now for your chance to win the dress of your dreams...drawing will be done Oct 1, 2011.

Entry form on MediaPlanet USA's Facebook Page - Sweepstakes Tab

A first for MTV Reality TV - Plus Size Chelsea Settles

2011-08-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

Let's hear it for the girls, the plus size girls! In a bold move, MTV has cast Chelsea Settles in their newest show, aptly titled 'Chelsea Settles'.

Chelsea is 23 years old, and has always been inspired by the fashion industry, and a huge fan of Kim Kardashian. So what is holding her back from going for her dreams? Her size and her lack of confidence. With her bubbly personality, and gorgeous face, will she be able to win over the fashion industry? And will she be able to tough it out with her trainer?

In a press release from MTV they said she will have "an opportunity to expand her social life by confronting the social phobias that have been holding her back," [She'll have a chance] to take control of her weight in an effort to get healthy."

Chelsea would look fabulous in many Sydney's Closet gowns, don't you agree? ;-)

Sydney's Closet Debuts Plus Size Prom 2012 at Atlanta Apparel Mart

2011-08-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

We recently debuted our Prom 2012 Collection of plus size dresses at the nation’s biggest Prom market at the Atlanta Apparel Mart. The experience is unlike anything you can imagine unless you've been there! The Mart has over 4,000 permanent showrooms, along with temporary showrooms, so there is never a shortage of things to look at.

At our showroom buyers from across the U.S. and around the world came to get a first look at Sydney’s Closet plus size dresses for Prom 2012! It was great to see stores return who already carry our dresses, and to show them thru the new designs. We were excited to also open up many new stores who will now be carrying Sydney's Closet!

The Fashion Team was tired but thrilled to open our showroom early and stay late to help everyone who wanted to buy our ball gowns, red-carpet formals and short Prom dresses. Prints were a big hit, including a tie dye with a full skirt that’s very Retro! The top selling long formal was an eye-catching limeade satin with a lace-up back and sweep train. Very red-carpet!

Special thanks to the Fashion Editors from Teen Prom and Seventeen Prom for visiting us!

Sneak a peek at fabulous plus size Prom dresses from Sydney's Closet coming to stores near you for Prom 2012.

Mary Jane from Sydney's Closet gives buyers at the Atlanta Prom Show a close up view of a new shimmer chiffon that is a big hit!

The ride up on the glass elevator at the Atlanta Apparel Mart gives buyers a great view of the circular hallways lined with showrooms.

Rachelle, Melinda and Roanna from TJ Formal in Joplin, MO pose for a photo after visiting our showroom in Atlanta.

What do you think of our cute male model?

Thanks to (from left) Catherine, Cassey and Jane from Teen Prom magazine for visiting our showroom in Atlanta. We can't wait to see the Prom 2012 edition hitting newsstands in December!

Mary Jane and Phyllis are all smiles as they pack the collection after a super show showing Sydney's Closet Prom 2012 plus size dresses to buyers from around the world!

Are you stuck in a shopping habit routine for your clothes?

2011-08-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

If you watch most people's shopping habits, they have a routine. They go to one grocery store, one general store, or perhaps they go to a store that combines the two. The same is often true for their clothes shopping.

If you need a particular piece of clothing, do you automatically go to a familiar store? If you do go to the familiar store, do you stick close to items or styles you've purchased in the past?

What about colors...do you find yourself sticking to blacks or browns, solids?

We challenge you to step outside of the norm, and try something that inspires you due to color or design. Let your comfort zone guard down and have fun! You may be surprised by how great a new style or color looks on you...making you feel better on the inside as well!

And don't just stick to discount or clearance items. Often if you spend a little more on a few key pieces you really like, that fit you well...they will soon become some of your favorite pieces, and you will love wearing them! Plus you will realize the value for how often you wear these special, key pieces.

At Sydney's Closet, our Fashion Team strives to offer a great variety of dress styles and colors in Cocktail, Prom, Wedding, Bridesmaids and more!

Sydney's Closet Fashion Team having a blast at Atlanta Apparel Mart

2011-08-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

Fashion Team having a blast opening our showroom in Atlanta early – and staying late – to help
all the buyers who want to see Sydney’s Closet plus size Prom dresses for Prom 2012. We’re sooooo proud to be the only designer at the Atlanta Apparel Mart Prom 2012 Show dedicated exclusively to creating frocks that rock for teens with real curves in hard-to-find sizes 14 to 40!

Loved seeing our friends from Seventeen, Teen Prom and Teen Vogue prowling the market
in search of trendy Prom dresses that will end up on the pages of their big Prom editions that hit the newsstands in late December. Buyers loving our flowing chiffon print dresses and candy dishes piled with miniature chocolate bars!

If you’re at the show, please come see us in Showroom 10N302. Can’t make it to the show but want to become an authorized retailer of Sydney’s Closet? Call our world headquarters at 888.479.3639

Sydney's Closet at Prom and Bridal Show at the Atlanta Apparel Mart

2011-08-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the buyers from across the U.S. and around the world who visited us yesterday during Preview Day of the big Prom and Bridal Show at the Atlanta Apparel Mart. We were very busy in Room 10N302 having fun showing our Spring 2012 Collection of plus size dresses for Prom 2012, Bridal and Evening. The Fashion Team loved seeing our friends from stores that already carry Sydney’s Closet Signature Collection.

Buyers from TJ Formal in Joplin, MO got an extra big hug! We were relieved to know that their huge store and homes escaped any damage from the deadly tornado.
We’re super excited to welcome stores from Mississippi, Indiana and Pennsylvania to our ever-growing list of retail partners authorized to carry our Signature Collections.
Of course it’s still too early in the show to pick the top sellers, but if Preview Day is any indication , style SC3028, a dreamy one-strap ball gown with beaded bodice and tulle skirt
layered in violet and blue is going to be a glam slam! So will SC7048, a one-shoulder A-line formal dress in an attention-getting multi-color graphic print with a dramatic sweep skirt.
We re-open the showroom at 9 AM Wednesday when the five-day show officially starts. If you’re in Atlanta, please come see us at the show! We’d love to show you the line.

8 Dresses...$88 Each...8 Days...up to 70% off!

2011-08-08T18:24:00.000-07:00

The Fashion Team has chosen some of our very popular dresses and gowns for our Crazy Eights Sale! This is a great time to buy your Homecoming dress, Prom dress, Formal dress, or any special event you are planning on attending in the near future!

Make A Splash

All About You

At First Sight

Secret Rendezvous

Beyond Words

Blossom Burst

Shades Of Color

Sweet Revenge

Influences from William and Kate's Royal Wedding

2011-08-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

There were many of us who sat and admired the beauty, elegance and charm of Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding. Some watched for stars who were in attendance, while others for the feeling of magic with the horse drawn carriage and castle. And many of us were also watching all the details of Kate's gown, veil, jewelry, flowers, and any other tiny detail that fascinated us.

While most of us cannot afford such an extravagant affair, we can take the details and create them in a more budget-friendly manner. Naturally, our Fashion Team adored Kate's wedding gown! The beautiful lace overlay was softening, and elegant. At Sydney's Closet we have choices that are similar with the lace overlay on the bodice. Shown below is a long sleeve, matte satin gown, with lovely detailing on the bodice and skirt, which is carried over onto the lace sleeves. Next is a matte satin strapless with a lace bolero included, with the lace detailing carried onto the gown and onto the skirt also. Finally we have a lace bolero sold separately to add over a strapless gown.

Facebook Reunites High School Prom Couple...True Love is Found

2011-08-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

You don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day to fall head over heels for this true love story.

Kellie Crossen went to her Senior Prom at Fox High School in Jefferson County, Missouri with Terry Black. After high school, the two went their separate ways. Several years later, Terry knocked on the door of her parents’ house. He left after her Dad told Terry that Kellie had married. Terry also got married. Years went by...Terry got divorced and so did Kellie.

The Internet arrived and Terry started searching for Kellie. He found her on Facebook. “I never forgot you”, he told her. Terry pursued Kellie with an endless stream of flowers: wildflowers, tropical flowers and 120 sweet baby roses in mixed colors. Sometimes new bouquets arrived even before the old ones died. On Valentine’s Day 2011 he gave her a diamond necklace and matching stud earrings.

Three decades after the couple danced at Prom, they will the knot on September 10^th, 2011 at the Cave House in Bonne Terre, Missouri. We’re honored that Kellie found the wedding dress of her dreams at our flagship store in St. Louis. Now we can’t wait to see the pictures of Kellie and Terry!

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

2011-07-31T13:30:00.000-07:00

Something Old, Something New

Something Borrowed, Something Blue

And a Silver Sixpence in her Shoe

This is always a fun tradition to compare with brides of all ages, and crossing all generations. There are varying definitions of what each item stands for, but overall they are collectively meant to bring Good Luck to the Bride for a long and happy marriage.

There are also many variations of what items are used for each. We've collected some of our own results from the Sydney's Closet Fashion Team, and added some we've heard from others.

Old: handkerchief, gloves, wedding gown, heirloom wedding ring, broach, undergarment,

New: wedding dress, jewelry, garter, shoes, bridal lingerie

Borrowed: jewelry, purse, ring bearer pillow, fancy hair clip, veil

Blue: bow on a piece of wedding day lingerie, lingerie, detailing on bridal hankie, ribbon around bridal bouquet

Sixpense: penny in the shoe

'Fashion Star' Partners With Macy's, H&M, and Saks to Pick New Design Star

2011-07-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet is excited about the new reality show on NBC - 'Fashion Star'!

There will be 14 unknown designers competing against each other in weekly fashion shows in front of a live audience. Elimination comes when a designer has no retailers purchasing their design offerings from the show.

Mentors include Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos. The Jessica Simpson Collection includes a wide variety of clothing, shoes, handbags, fragrance and luggage. Nicole Richie is known for her clothing designs, which includes a maternity line for Pea in the Pod, and a few other labels which she sells in department stores. John Varvatos is an American contemporary high fashion menswear designer, including footwear and leather accessories, including bags.

What design features do you think the mentors and judges will be looking for? What do you think the next hot trends will be?
We'd love to hear your ideas here or on our Facebook Fan page - Sydneys Closet

Sydney's Closet Photo Shoot: Fall 2011 Cocktail Collection and Prom 2012 Collection

2011-07-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

From left, super talented models Yanderis Lodos, Kelsey Olson, Caralyn Mirand and Denise Bidot flank Phyllis Brasch Librach, center, President and Founder of Sydney's Closet.

The Fashion Team and Models had a fabulous time at yesterday's photo shoot for Sydney's Closet Fall 2011 Cocktail Collection and Prom 2012! These gorgeous ladies modeled evening gowns, ball gowns, cocktail dresses, and prom dresses. The models loved some of the sexy cocktail gowns so much, they placed orders already!

It took a crew of more than a dozen to pull off the incredibly smooth two-day shoot: photographer, photographer’s assistant, videographer (look for very fun behind-the-scenes video coming soon!),stylist, hair, makeup, wardrobe mistress, dressers, and alterations. One big reason the shoot ran without a hitch is that Mickey Librach acted as production assistant coordinating every last detail from what to order for lunch to making sure every model held up a style number before we shot a dress!

We loved shooting at Studio Altius in Maplewood. It’s a super spacious and comfortable space complete with dressing room, makeup stations and full kitchen with counter and bar stools. The hottest place to chill was the comfy lounge with a large flat screen showing images straight from the photographer’s camera. We’ll definitely be shooting there again!

Fashion team member Ann sewing

Ann fitting model Caralyn Mirand


Models Denise and Caralyn get a caffeine jolt before they head for hair and makeup

No time to change so Anne takes out the wrinkles while Yanderis still wears the dress!

Jessica Dana does a quick after lunch touch up on model Denise Bidot's makeup

Yanderis Lodos is all smiles as makeup artist Kasey Lamm gets her ready to go on set

Technical Designer Anne Warmer fixes delicate beading on a 2012 Prom dress so it's perfect for the photo shoot

Hair Stylist John Napoli curls the long golden locks of model Kelsey Olson

Anne and Phyllis decide make the final tough decision on which model wears what styles!

Getting ready for the Sydney's Closet photo shoot

Production Coordinator Mickey Librach finalizes the lineup for the models with the photographer's assistant

Phyllis loves the creative ideas of videographer Rick Dilly as they get ready to roll

The Crew on day one

Location, location, location...for saying "I do"!

2011-07-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

Over the years wedding dress styles have changed to help fit not only the different body styles of brides, but also their personalities. Brides and Grooms have also given creativity to the venue where their wedding is held.

Church: Traditionally weddings are held in a church, synagogue, or similar place of worship. This is probably still the most common of venues. It's familiar, and often most comfortable for attendees.

Back yard: For a variety of reasons, the Bride and Groom may choose to have the ceremony in the back yard of a parent's house, or perhaps a friends. Often an arbor is made, and if the weather is unpredictable a tent can be used for cover.

Beach: Also on the simple side is a beach wedding. The bride may chose a shorter, more casual dress, and the groom in more casual attire as well. With the wind in your hair, and the sand in your toes, the mood is often more playful and relaxed.

Vineyard: One of the newest "hot" venues is to say your nuptials at a vineyard. These venues are catching on to the new craze and some even help you create the reception on the grounds as well. Some bridal couples are wine enthusiasts, and others love the idea of an outdoor wedding, but want something more than the back yard or different than the beach.

Mansion: For the Bride and Groom that want a bit more, there is the option of renting out a mansion. Some offer the wedding on the grounds, some inside, and many include the reception at the same location. As you may have guessed, these weddings tend to be a bit more upscale, both in style and in cost.

Yacht: Taking it totally off land you can rent a charter boat , aka Yacht. It's a bit more tricky to hold the ceremony on board, but you do keep everyone in one area to then have the reception as you cruise the waters.

Bridesmaid Dresses - the Long and Short of it

2011-07-10T05:56:00.000-07:00

Over the years we’ve seen the trend of Bridesmaid dresses go between long and short, with tea length in the middle. There isn’t a right or wrong, it’s merely a preference of the Bride, and perhaps that of her bridesmaids.

Remember the old rule of “pick out a bridesmaid dress they will be able to wear again.” Be honest…how many of you were bridesmaids year ago? Was there ever a bridesmaid dress you actually wore again, or wanted to wear again?

Thank goodness styles have progressed, both from an overall design, to also a variance in lengths. The option to choose a shorter Bridesmaid dress for a hot season, or an outdoor wedding has never been easier. And what if it’s a wedding earlier in the day, where a tea length dress is more fitting for a lunch reception. At Sydney's Closet we offer you a large selection of beautiful Bridesmaids gowns to fit your every desire!

Maybe the new rule should be: Be honest about what you want…it’s your day! And if you want to get your Bridesmaids opinions, be open to listening to them ;-)

Adele Rocks the Music World and is Fashion Forward

2011-07-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

There are plenty of female role models to choose from in today’s society. One that Sydney’s Closet likes to keep an eye on is Adele. Adele is a fashion forward woman who loves herself and all of her beautiful curves, and works hard for the things she is passionate about.

Although only in her early twenties, Adele has released two successful albums already. Both albums contain songs which have won her numerous awards such as: Critic’s Choice in the BRIT awards, Best Album in the European Border Breakers Awards, UK Artist of the Year in the Glamour Women of the Year Awards, and many others. Through all of her accomplishments and adventures, Adele has made one thing clear: she loves her body!

In an interview for Rolling Stone, Adele is quoted saying, “I don’t like going to the gym. I like eating fine foods and drinking nice wine…I don’t make music for eyes, I make music for ears.” Adele has stayed strong to her likes and has no problem showing it. Her attitude is the perfect example of how every woman of all shapes and sizes should feel about themselves. Here at Sydney’s Closet, we don’t just think you’re beautiful, we KNOW you are!

Sydney's Closet honorable mention in St Louis Post Dispatch Buzz Around Full Figured Fashion Week

2011-06-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

Recognition from the press is always appreciated, and when it's from your very own town, it's quite endearing. A shout-out of huge thanks to Debra Bass for including Sydney's Closet in her latest article, Can plus-size and high-end designer fashion meet in the middle? It has been great fun to hear many shoppers at the store talk about reading her article!

In the article Debra does a great job of summarizing the third annual Full Figured Fashion Week, which just wrapped up another successful weekend in New York. Increasingly designers and retail stores are realizing the need for bigger and better fashions for the plus size woman.

Plus size model Fluvia Lacerda who modeled for Sydney's Closet Spring 2011 Collection, was honored as the Plus Size Commercial Model of the Year.

Sydney's Closet was proud to be one of 15 designers from the U.S., Canada and Europe to be showcased. Two of our lovely gowns were included, and were very well received by the FFF crowds!

Fluvia Lacerda - Sydney's Closet Model & now also Commercial Print Model of the Year!

2011-06-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet is absolutely thrilled for Fluvia Lacerda for being honored as the Full Figure Fashion Week Award for Commercial Print Model of the Year!

“The fact that I won this award is a major deal and I’m very passionate about my work, mostly because I feel that I represent the body image of many women,” says Lacerda. “I'm not only a healthy woman, but one who wears a size 18 and am confident about it.”

Fluvia can be seen below as our beautiful cover bride of our Spring 2011 Bridal catalogue. She also modeled numerous other bridal gowns and prom fashions. She is a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who now resides in New York. Fluvia brings confidence and style to her profession as a size 18, as well as femininity. And lets not forget an edge of "hot" from her native Brazil.

Featured on CNN & in the FFF Finale - Sydney's Closet is Dressed to the Nines!

2011-06-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

Can someone please let us know when are feet hit the ground, because right now we are on Cloud 9!

Sydney's Closet Fashion Team was tickled to be a featured designer at the Full Figured Fashion Week 2011 in NYC, sponsored by our dear friends at Sonsi. It was a fun filled event, with fashions ranging from casual to glitz and glamour.

Attendees from across the world got a first hand look at the wonderful plus size fashions available to them, and a look at fashions to come. Designers and stores are realizing the need to be more real with their plus size fashion, and the options available to women of all sizes. Every woman deserves the right to look and feel

The finale show on Saturday was attended by 1,000 customers, and showcased more than 25 designers. Sonsi set the mood with being first to the floor, with 12 fabulous looks. Sydney's Closet is extremely proud to have been the final featured in the Sonsi collection with Dressed to the Nines (shown below)!

Even more recognition was given by CNN Living with their article Plus Sized Women: It's our turn for fine fashion. CNN showcased the designs showed by Sonsi, including Sydney's Fashion, and did interviews with
Mara Urshel (Owner of Kleinfeld), and Gwen DeVoe, the executive producer of FFF. They agree the need is there, by the consumers, but now we need to get more designers to listen.

Our "Jersey Girl" mani's extended plus-size family is growing!

2011-06-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

"Edinburgh College of Art has become the first fashion school in the UK to introduce size 18 mannequins to train the designers of the future." In May, 2011 plus-size mannequins started appearing in Australia's Myer Department Store.

Along with the rise in need for plus-size clothing, the industry realizes the need to make sure the clothing is designed to fit properly. As with many clothing when it's designed, a mannequin is very beneficial. However, most female mannequins are a made for a Size 6, with some going up to a size 10-12.

At Sydney’s Closet we drape and design our plus size dresses on a fit mannequin that conforms perfectly to a Size 18 from on our size chart. We call her “Jersey Girl” because we bought her from a company in New Jersey and shipped her to our headquarters in St. Louis. She even has arms, so when we design dresses with sleeves or jackets we can be sure to get a great fit.

Not only is it important for the designing aspect, the true plus-size mannequins should also be used in shops that sell plus-size clothing, so the clothing is displayed properly, and not draped on then pinned back on a smaller mannequin.

Rock-on Jersey Girl!

Full Figured Fashion Week is Rockin' New York City!

2011-06-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

The 3rd annual Full Figured Fashion Week will be heating up the city of New York staring today, June 16th at the Affinia Hotel, and finishing on June 18th with a fashion show finale Saturday evening at The Marriott Marquis in New York City.

The FFF event is for the plus-size industry and its consumers, models, designers, retailers, bloggers and more! Sydney's Closet is proud to be part of the Sonsi team, and will have gorgeous dresses from our Signature Collection shown!

Over 1000 attendees are expected this year, and at last report tickets were almost sold out. If you are lucky enough to be attending the event in person, we would love to hear from you! Tell us what fabulous fashions you are seeing, and remember...we always love pictures!

Happy One Year Anniversary to Sonsi.com!

2011-06-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

As they approach their One Year Anniversary, Sonsi.com has many things to celebrate!

Sonsi.com is an award-winning online shopping site exclusively for plus-size women. They recently did a head-to-toe makeover that is modern and fresh, and expanded. In their revamp they have created “Style Your Way™ outfitting tool”, helping plus size women take the guesswork out of finding the perfect outfit to match the occasion.

Since launching in June 2010, Sonsi.com quickly became a hot spot for plus size women to shop and do social networking. They have continued to expand the fashion lines offered, including yours truly, Sydney's Closet!

This week Sonsi.com is once again off to Full Figured Fashion Week in New York, where they are sure to wow the audience with their beautiful selections of fashions.

First 2012 Prom Dress Sold!

2011-06-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

It’s never too early to shop for Prom 2012 dress. Just ask the eager customer from West Virginia who already bought SC7020, the dress we call “Dramatic Effect”, to wear to Prom 2012!

No wonder! The super sexy Prom dress is a must-have in a striking combination of black satin paired with an eye-catching black and white whirling print. The asymmetrical blocks of alternating print and solid fabric wrap the silhouette in a very figure-flattering pattern. A sweep train adds an oh-so red-carpet look making this stunning strapless design perfect for a night as big as Prom 2012. Optional straps and shawl included!

Buying a Prom Dress ahead of time has great advantages! You get that gorgeous gown you absolutely fell in love with and avoid the disappointment of having it sell out. Plus you get part of your Prom expense out of the way very early; and you often get a fantastic deal saving big bucks on your Prom gown! (And who doesn't love a bargain!)

Many of the hottest Prom 2011 dresses from Sydney's Closet are now on Sale! Quantities and sizes are limited, so hurry over to grab your favorite today! Need help with sizing? Just call toll free: 888.479.3639 and a Prom stylist will personally assist you in selecting a dress that fits and flatters your curves.

Wedding Trends: Tried-and-True, or Here Today-Gone Tomorrow

2011-06-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Over the years many wedding trends have tried to take flight. Some become instant hits and continue to be repeated year after year, and others fizzle out after just one to two years. Let's have some fun and touch on a few that have recently been on our minds.

Candy Bar: One of the most yummy trends there is! The Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet is sure this is a trend that will stay. Who doesn't love being able to pick and chose delicious candy and chocolate treats to snack on? The best ones are those who offer up small paper bags to you can take some home with you too ;-)

Photo Booth: This is a terrific idea, especially if there is a master copy of all photos given to the Bride and Groom as well. We've seen this master copy worked into a video montage with music also. We predict this trend will continue on for a while.

Video Booth: Another sure hit of a trend. This is a nice way for guests to leave a personal video message to the Bride & Groom. It's usually less formal, and can be lots of fun for everyone.

Dancing down the aisle: We think this trend is fizzling out. It was fun while it lasted but lets leave dancing for the reception.

Trash the Dress: While it pains us to think of anyone trashing their gorgeous Wedding Dress, we have seen some very artistic photos from brides who have done this type of photography session. We predict this trend will stay for a while longer.

Have you seen any new trends at weddings you've attended recently? What do you think will be the "next big wedding trend?

Italian Vogue Strikes a Plus Size Pose

2011-06-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

Peer pressure doesn’t just happen in your teenage years, but it can certainly be the impressionable starting point of how you live your life and your self-esteem.

Italian Vogue recently featured three gorgeous plus size models on their July issue ‘Real Beauties’.

Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani shares her thoughts: 'Curvy women are back in all their splendour. The exuberance of a body with rounded lines is much more alluring and sexy.' She added: 'A growing number of readers are now asking to see – even in fashion magazines – a real world, made of real people who are not obsessed with staying thin, but are able instead to naturally accept and respect their bodies as they are.'

Remember the incredible uproar over the now infamous Lane Bryant commercial in which they featured a plus size model in lingerie? It was applauded by the plus size communities and supporters, and censored by many television stations from main stream viewers. Instead of being censored, the stations would have been more productive to have given their audience the choice to watch or turn the channel.

In a time when we are trying to empower young girls and women, the Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet applauds Italian Vogue in their quest to do just that! Bravo for their bodacious and bold editorial move!

How do you feel about the editors' decision in Italy to feature three women with real curves on the cover of their slick magazine? Would you like to see editors of American fashion magazines make a similar decision? If so, what would be the perfect way to dress plus size models? In lingerie. Red-carpet evening gowns. Denim and leather jackets. Tell us what you think! We'd love to hear from you. The timing is perfect. We're just starting to cast plus size models for our next photo shoot in July that will feature Sydney's Closet plus size Prom dresses for Prom 2012.

Happy Customers

2011-06-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

The Fashion Team loves getting fan mail from our Happy Customers. Even better, we love sharing it with you. Here’s some of the latest – and greatest - emails and letters from shoppers who found the dress of their dreams at Sydney’s Closet. Hope you enjoy reading these comments and the fabulous photos of our curvy customers looking very glam!

Happy Mother-of-the-Bride
Dear Sydney: I purchased the “Beloved” mother of the bride dress for my daughter’s wedding and loved it. It was almost a perfect fit according to the sizing chart. It only needed to be hemmed. The dress is a little more purple in person than in the pictures, but it is gorgeous. I received so many compliments. I am so glad to have found your website and this dress. Thank you!
Christine from Pennsylvania

Happy Prom Princess
Dear Sydney,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I ordered my daughter's prom dress from you. We measured carefully and it looks amazing. I cried and told her how fabulous she looks. I can't thank you enough!
Pamela from New Jersey

Happy Prom Princess

Dear Sydney, I just wanted to drop you a line and a few photos. My daughter Rakeda looked lovely. Thank you very much for helping her make such a flattering selection. Sincerely, Viola B. from St. Louis, MO

Happy Bride
Dear Sydney, I bought the “Unspoken Love” informal wedding dress, and I love it. The dress fits nice and flows very BEAUTIFUL. Just because you’re a plus size lady doesn’t mean you can’t feel like a PRINCESS on the most important day of your life! I felt BEAUTIFUL, and I’m very happy that Sydney’s Closet is around for us plus size girls!

Mary

Now we want to hear from you!

The Low Down on High-Low Dresses

2011-06-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

Trend Alert! For 2011, Prom dresses with high-low hemlines are all the rage.

What's a high-low dress? It's really simple. The front of the dress features a skirt with a shorter length skirt. The back of the dress dips low to the floor. The result: the best of both worlds in one dress. The front is styled with the fun of a flirty cocktail dress that hits at or above the knees. The back of the dress drapes with the elegance of a formal evening gown.

Now the trend extends to almost every special occasion dress.
We're spotting high-low hemlines on wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and evening dresses. Style savvy shoppers love the chance to show off their great legs and create a real head-to-toe glam look with show-stopping shoes.
Designers just want to have fun with the hi-low hems whether they use chiffon, taffeta, satin or lace fabric. Some create a real fashion pop by lining the skirt in a contrasting color or playful polka dots. Others make a fashion roar by lining the dress in a bold animal print.

Here at Sydney's Closet, the Fashion Team is working hard on a high-low dress for Prom 2012. Of course, the new design is still under wraps. But we can tell you the 2012 Prom dress will feature a form-fitting bodice with a sweetheart neck and a skirt that skims the knees in the front and falls to the floor in the back. The look is sure to make a dramatic entrance - and exit- at Prom 2012!

Do you think this trend is tasteful? tracky? trashy?
Would you wear a high-low dress to Prom 2012 or to your next special occasion? Let us know. We'd love to hear from you!

Pink Prom Dresses Rule

2011-05-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

For Prom 2011, girls just got tickled Pink. We can't keep Pink Prom dresses in stock. They fly out the door! in all styles from fairy-tale ballgowns, to baby doll short Prom dresses to stunning red carpet formals.

Everyone it seems wants to wear some shade of that color from the palest baby pink to deep rich fuchsia.

No wonder. Nothing is as pretty as pink!

The color is soooo feminine. From a very young age, every girls dreams of wearing a pink Prom dress.

Pink softens and lights up your face to flatter every skin tone. Pink dresses lift everyone’s spirits on a night as big as Prom. Charm any Prince in a sweet ballerina pink dress. Be bold in fuchsia, a hot color! Shop for every shade of pink: bubble gum, carnation, coral, fuchsia, magenta, salmon and rose.

Think pink is just for little girls! Rethink that color. Pink, really a toned down version of red, is a softer, less violent red. Pink is the sweet side of red.

For Prom 2012 dresses, look for pinks to get lighter and softer in shades closer to Ballerina pink, and cotton candy.

What's your favorite shade of pink? Tell The Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet.

Making Prom Dreams Come True

2011-03-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

"My name is Katina F. I went to the women’s boutique today and I bought a dress Sydney's Closet donated. I just want to say “Thank you so so much” . I really love it. It’s red, and I wear a Size 22W. It was really hard to me to find my size for a good price cause my parents really didn’t have the money. I just want to say “Thank you so much” …because this is my first Prom ever.
Sincerely, Katina F."

Katina, you’re very welcome! PROM-ise to send us a picture of you looking very glam at Prom 2011. We hope to be able to help you for your next Prom!
Sydney’s Closet loves nothing more than making dreams come true for deserving girls who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford a plus size Prom dress.
We work with several exceptional organizations in St. Louis and across the country whose network of talented volunteers work year-round to collect gently used or new Prom dresses that they either giveaway, lend or sell at a nominal price.

Prom Dress Trend # 10: Painterly Prints

2011-03-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

Want to rise above the rest of the crowd at Prom? Show your creativity wearing a Prom dress inspired by an artist's canvas. Modern art your thing? Go for a bold abstract print that is sure to pop in any color. If clean lines aren't for you, consider a Prom dress splashed with flowers. Any flowers work from tiny buds favored to full blooms. A romantic at heart? Borrow the color combination artists capture when they paint a rainbow. In any design, the art of Prom dressing can be a stroke of fashion genuis.
This is the 10th and last trend in our series of the Top 10 Prom Dress Trends. Which ones do you think are winners. Which ones are loosers? Any trend so strong you think it can survive for another Prom season. Tell Sydney what you think. Just leave her a comment below. She'd love to hear from you!
And remember, PROM-ise to send picture of you looking glam at Prom 2011.

Prom Dress Trend # 9: Rosey Disposition

2011-03-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Looking to make a dramatic fashion statement at Prom 2011? Wear a Prom dress embellished with floral rosettes. The trend, ripped right from the runway, adds an oh-so girly detail. Nothing is more feminine than flowers.
The rosette detail adds a fresh 3-D look to what otherwise might just be a boring dress way too plain for a night as big as Prom. Rosettes work on an fabric from chiffon to taffeta and come in just one color or a combination of colors for an even stronger fashion statement.
You'll never know where a rosette will bud! This year the twirls of fabric fashioned into flowers are all the rage on straps of one-should dresses. But they don't stop there. Rosettes are also in full bloom on skirts and even trains to create a real red-carpet look coming and going.
Just because you're wearing a Prom dress decorated with rosettes, doesn't mean you have to give up fresh flowers. The trick is to pick a flower from Mother Nature that's simple and doesn't compete with fabric rose on your dress.
Check back tomorrow when we wrap up our series of the Top 10 Prom Dress Trends. This time we shine the spotlight on the Painted Lady. You won't want to miss this trend that borrows patterns and colors directly from an artist's canvas!

Prom Dress Trend #8: Cut it Short

2011-03-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

On the hunt for a very fun and oh-so flirty look for Prom 2011? You'll love short Prom dresses! The trend is all the rage. When you hike up the hem you get to show off your great legs. Plus, it's so much easier to dance. Pair a short Prom dress with a pair of stilettos for a sexy look. To keep from looking underdressed for such a big night, avoid wearing a short dress that's too plain. Just because the hem is higher doesn't mean you can't bring on the bling!

For a super trendy look, go for a short skirt with layers of tulle edged at the hemline to form a circle of waves.

There's never been more choices of prom dresses cut short in plus sizes. Discover your fabric fabrics: satin, chiffon, and taffeta. And select from all the hot colors including pink, red, blue and yellow. You'll even find prints available in shorter skirts. Bows, feathers, sequins and rhinestones add just the right amount of dazzling detail.

After decades of seeing a sea of long formal dresses at Prom, you're sure to be ahead of the fashion curve wearing a skirt above - or at - your knee!

Prom Dress Trend # 7: Flower Power

2011-03-16T18:41:00.000-07:00

Prom is in full bloom this Spring as dresses-inspired by the garden steal the scene. The flower power trend buds in all sizes, shapes and colors - just like Mother Nature! No matter what the flower, be certain the look is always pretty and very feminine.

For a new twist, spin on the dance floor wearing a muted floral ball gown satin skirt covered in layers of multi-color tulle.

Looking for a great girly look that's oh-so fun! Burst onto the fashion scene for Prom wearing style SC7023, shown here. Fashion-savvy editors at Seventeen mag featured the flowing chiffon Prom gown splashed with bright pink roses on aqua background in the big Prom 2011 issue!

Visit here again tomorrow. That's when we focus on the trend for short Prom dresses. Cutting it short is the eighth in our series of Top 10 Prom Dress Trends.

Prom Dress Trend # 6: Shady Lady

2011-03-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Struggling to find just the right color plus size Prom dress? Not sure if you want to go for a deep dark shade of a color or the same color in a lighter shade. Now you can have it both ways! Just go with a dress in an ombre fabric, a hot trend for Prom 2011. Eye-catching ombre gowns have colors that subtly graduate from light to dark. That creates a stunning look sure to put you in the limelight in a sea of solid and print Prom gowns.

Wondering what the word ombre means? It comes from the French for shaded. That prompts Sydney, in her "Get Gorgeous Guide to Prom Dresses", to appropriately call this trend "Shady Lady".

Feeling romantic for a night as big as Prom? Check back tomorrow to catch "Flower Power" , trend # 7 in our series on the Top 10 Prom Dress Trends. This blooming look is ideal for Spring.
But first leave a comment here to tell Sydney whether you want to be a "Shady Lady"!

Prom Dress Trend # 5: One-Shoulder Starlet

2011-03-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

Looking to make your entrance at Prom 2011 a real red-carpet moment? Then opt for a one-shoulder dress , a design that's all the rage with Hollywood's hottest stars from girly Taylor Swift to mysterious Twilight vixen Kristin Stewart.

What makes this design so popular when dressing up for a big night out? It's strikingly simply but still soooo sophisticated. In a sea of strapless dresses, you're sure to stand out wearing a one-shoulder Prom dress. Plus, the look works in three of the most popular fabrics for evening gowns: chiffon, taffeta and satin.

Don't let the asymetircal look throw you off your fashion balance. Sydney's "Get Gorgeous Guide to Prom Dresses" points out there are endless ways to wear a gown with one shoulder. In the most basic design, look for a simple narrow strap to extend from the top of the bodice across the shoulder in the same fabric as the dress. In the most elaborate interpretation, a wide strap reaches across the shoulder hidden under dramatic embellishments such as ruffles, feathers, sequins or flowers.

Do you think this fashion twist is here to stay as a design staple? Or is it more of a passing fad? Sydney would love to hear what you think! Tomorrow we feature the sixth in our series of Top 10 Prom Dress Trends . If you're a "Shady Lady" you'll love this trend that focuses on ombre fabrics!

Prom Dress Trend # 4: Lollipop Colors

2011-03-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

Want to know the must-have colors for 2011 Prom dresses? Take the fashion cue for cool hues from some of the best-ever lollipop flavors: bubblegum, grape, orange, lemon and strawberry.

Sydney's "Get Gorgeous Guide to Prom Dresses" lets you in on this little fashion trick. If you want to find the sweetest and most flattering color associated with candy on a stick, you must start by knowing which colors flatter your skin tone.
Dark-eye brunettes and Prom princesses with dark complexions will look ravishingly delicious in bright pink flavors like bubblegum or mouth-watering shades of yellow like lemon-drop.

Light-eyed brunettes and natural blondes stand-out in gorgeous grape. Fiery redheads and golden-eyed brunettes make head turns in yummy shades of deep lime. Are you a blonde or strawberry blonde? Take center stage in a tasty orange.

Not sure if your skin tone is cool or warm. Stand in front of a mirror in natural light wearing no makeup. Look for blue, pink or reddish undertones in your face if you have a cool complexion, or golden undertones in warm complexions.

No matter when your skin tone, you can find delicious lollipop colors for your Prom dress. Looking for a celebrity-inspired trend right from the red carpet? Check here tomorrow to learn more about Prom Dress Trend # 5: One-Shoulder Starlet. Meanwhile, tell Sydney what's your favorite color Prom dress!

Prom Dress Trend #3: Graphic Design

2011-03-12T16:11:00.001-08:00

For the fashionistas weary of animal prints, never fear! This year jungle patterns aren’t the only wild patterns causing a fashion uproar for Prom 2011 dresses. Everyone is going crazy for eye-popping graphic prints! The power-packed designs are guaranted to get attention on and off the dance floor.

Want to be an up-to-the-minute Prom princess who makes your Prince Charming swoon? Take a fashion cue from Sydney's "Get Gorgeous Guide to Prom Dresses" and wear a ball gown with a satin skirt in funky geometric swirls covered in multi-color layers of green and yellow tulle.

Feeling bold - and beautiful? Make a real pattern play wearing a sweeping one-shoulder satin gown in a dramatic abstract print that combines aqua, black and turquoise. Sequins and a sweeping train add just the right amount of sparkle and sophistication. You'll make a grand entrance coming and going!

What's your opinion of this popular trend? Tell Sydney. Check back tomorrow to get the scoop on Prom Dress Trend #4: Candy Colors. And keep coming back through March 20th. You don't want to miss a single of the Top 10 Prom Dress Trends!

Prom Dress Trend # 2: Easy Breezy

2011-03-10T19:42:00.000-08:00

Relax! Choosing the perfect Prom dress is a breeze this year. Just go with fabrics that flow easily, a hot trend Sydney spots in her "Get Gorgeous Guide to Prom Dresses."

Chiffon, more than any other fabric, moves with grace reserved for a true Prom princess. Satin offers a slinky and sexy alternative that assures you'll make a grand entrance.
Fortunately, chiffon and satin dresses are not only practical for Prom; they’re hot on the red-carpet this season.

Best Actress winner Natalie Portman looked amazing wearing a chiffon gown to the Oscars. Selena Gomez, wearing a red chiffon gown at an Oscar Party, smiled with Justin Bieber on her arm!

Best of all, free-moving dresses in chiffon or satin look great on a variety of figures. Try an A-line satin skirt to flatter a figure fuller in the middle and bottom.

Leave Sydney a comment here to let her know what you think of this hot Prom dress trend. Return tomorrow as our Top 10 Prom Dress Trends continues with Trend # 3: Graphic Prints.

Prom Dress Trend #1: Animal Prints

2011-03-10T05:25:00.000-08:00

Release your wild side at Prom with animal prints, the first hot style in Sydney’s “Get Gorgeous Guide to Prom Dresses”. It's a fashion jungle out there with the hunt for the perfect 2011 Prom dress on. But leave it to Sydney, the Prom pro, to spot the trend for untamed glamour for Prom 2011.

Look for fierce leopard, tiger and zebra print dresses to make a fashion roar this year.
Animal prints are purrfect for boisterous bombshells who want to stand out at Prom. Sydney’s trick to pulling off this wild trend is to keep your look classy. That way you avoid looking like you bought your dress at a Las Vegas casino circa 1985.
Leopard prints are by far the most popular animal print. But unfortunately those spots are also the hardest to pull off without looking like Tarzan’s girlfriend. If you’re in love with leopard, Sydney suggests trying the print in cooler, more subtle colors, like blue or black and silver.
Another way to rock this trend is to skip spots and go with zebra striped dresses like the one Miley Cyrus wore at this year’s Grammy’s. Now the stripes are all the rage - on and off the red carpet. Pump up the party adding a splash of bright color like hot pink to the black and white pattern.
If you’re going for a sophisticated look for Prom, choose a dress trimmed or lined with an animal print trim. Feeling fashion bold? Unleash your wild side, wear a short Prom dress in an overall animal print.
Would you wear an animal print to Prom? Tell Sydney!
Be sure to check back tomorrow when Sydney’s "Get Gorgeous Guide to Prom Dresses" features Trend Two: Easy Breezy Fabrics !

Top 10 Prom Dress Trends

2011-03-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

Finding your dream Prom dress is oh-so-fun. But fast-lane fashionistas don’t always have time to trek through the infinite styles for Prom 2011. Sydney, the Prom pro at Sydney’s Closet, solves that problem with her “Get Gorgeous Guide to Prom Dresses”.
She zeros in on what’s hot – and what’s not – so you can stop stressing out about what to wear to Prom 2011. You can just focus on looking amazing and having the time of your life!

Sydney’s Prom dress guide launches tomorrow, March 10, and goes through March 20th. Each day Sydney will feature one of these Top 10 Prom Dress Trends for 2011:
1. Untamed Glamour: animal prints call your wild side
2. Easy Breezy: go with fabrics that flow like chiffon
3. Prints Charming: novel, bold graphics get attention
4. Candy Land Colors: yummy hues like lemon drop and grape
5. One-Shoulder Starlet: design detail seen on the red-carpet
6. Coming Up Roses: floral rosettes add 3-D touch
7. Shady Lady: one color fades from light to dark
8. Painted Lady: patterns splashed with color
9. Flower Power: pretty, feminine florals
10. Cut it Short: hike up the hem to knee

Check back tomorrow when Sydney showcases her first top trend: animal prints. This fierce style creates a real fashion uproar! Remember: come back each day for 10 days so you don't miss a single scoop on what's hot for Prom dresses.

Be sure to leave a comment. Sydney loves to hear from you!

Mardi Gras Dresses to Impress

2011-03-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

Who says Mardi Gras dresses must be the traditional gold, purple or green color? A very Happy Customer at our St. Louis store just selected a satin floral print dress with beaded neckline to wear to the Mayor's Ball, a Mardi Gras Masquerade. She's sure to impress the The Honorable Mayor and Mrs. Francis G. Slay when they hold court at St. Louis City Hall this weekend. The multi-colored flowers splashed on a white satin background won her over the minute she zipped the formal dress. "I didn't want to wear dark colors," she said. "I wanted a fresh breath of Spring. Now all I need is may mask".

Prom Dresses Big Hit on the Runway

2011-02-28T07:12:00.000-08:00

Backstage at the Girls World Expo in St. Louis four fabulous models from St. Louis area high schools are all smiles as they pose with Phyllis Brasch Librach, president and founder of Sydney's Closet, after the fashion show. The crowd clapped, roared and whistled when Diamond, Jordyne, Kate and Justice hit the runway wearing our trendy Prom dresses. Way to go girls!!!

Red Dresses Rule at the Oscars

2011-02-27T18:05:00.001-08:00

Red ruled on the red carpet tonight at the 2011 Oscars as Hollywood's top celebs favored the eye-catching color for their formal dresses. Co-host Anne Hathway made a grand entrance wearing a curve-hugging fire engine strapless gown by Valentino. Jennifer Lawrence looked like the ultimate screen goddess in a slinky, slip of a formal dress by Calvin Klein. Sandra Bullock stood out in a crimson Vera Wang evening dress that was classy and classic. Jennifer Hudson, although technically not in a real red, came close in a stunning deep tangerine halter by Atelier Versace that showed off her fabulous curves.

Mardi Gras Gowns 2011 What's Hot

2011-02-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

Look for bold prints to make a dramatic fashion statement at Mardi Gras balls in 2011. Customers in Alabama and Louisiana are snapping up SC7026, our new one-shoulder satin we named "Absolutely Abstract". It fits the formal dress code for Mardi Gras balls where women must wear a long evening dress or a ball gown. Shoppers who prefer to pass on prints are buying formal gowns in traditional Mardi Gras party colors: purple, gold and green. Which design in our Mardi Gras Dress Collection would you wear to be the Belle of the Ball?

Black and White Formal Dress Alway Right!

2010-09-16T06:33:00.001-07:00

Feel confident when you R.S.V.P to any special occasion knowing you can just reach into your closet for Hypnotic, our new evenning dress with jacket. You'll love the bra-friendly straps, sexy V-neckline and flowing A-line skirt that flatters every body type. Your choice of the timeless color combination of black skirt and white bodice, the always chic all-black or pump up the palette with a deep, rich amythest. Wear the jacket if you want to cover your arms or bare it all by leaving it off. SC7010J comes in sizes 18 to 38. Just in but already flying out the door for weddings, military balls and cruises.

Boots and Brides Party in Dallas

2010-09-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

Brides really do wear boots in Texas! So did models wearing the latest wedding dresses at the Boots and Brides party held tonight during the Dallas Bridal Show. Manufacturers and buyers kicked up their heels after a long day of selling - and buying - dresses for everyone to wear to the wedding from the bride to wedding guests. Thanks to our hosts, The Knot and Dallas Market Center, for staging a real Texas hoe-down complete with cowboy hats, Tex-Mex bites to eat and line dancing to a live Western band. Y'all gave us a great time!

SCSC Debuts at Dallas Bridal Show

2010-09-10T03:39:00.000-07:00

Fashion Team up at dawn! We're on a plane to Dallas for the debut of Sydney's Closet Signature Collection (SCSC) for Spring 2011 at the big bridal show oepning tomorrow at the Dallas Market Center.
Super excited to be showing our fabulous assortment of new plus size dresses to buyers from stores all over the U.S. Mexico and Canada:

SCSC Prom 2011 dresses
SCSC Informal wedding dresses
SCSC Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom dresses

Today we set up. Tomorrow buyers come for the four-day fashion event. We're in Booth 13-9116 through noon Tuesday, Oct 14. See y'all there!

Plus Size Bridesmaid Loves Her Dress!

2010-09-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Sydney:
I am a plus size woman and my sister was getting married. I've never been in a wedding before so I figured finding a plus size bridesmaid dress was going to be so difficult. I found Sydney's Closet website and ordered this dress. It fit perfectly! I had to have it taken in some and a few alterations but nothing major. I am in another wedding coming up soon and will be ordering this dress in another color love it soo much.
Mrs. B

Another Happy Customer Sends Fan Mail

2010-09-05T12:13:00.001-07:00

This fan mail just in from another Happy Customer who bought "Ready for Fun", a flirty party dress from Sydney's Closet Signature Collection of plus size cocktail dresses.

"I am super excited I bought this dress!!! I purchased it for a friends wedding, but after modeling around my room, it's classy enough for a date night :) I even got a wolf look from my husband ;) very happy with the size. I didn't feel it ran small, very true to size. Thank you very much Sydneys Closet for a very positive dress buying experience!!"

Signed simply "Very Happy Customer"

It's Great to Win a Plus Size Dress!

2010-08-31T16:40:00.000-07:00

Jill Jones and Gail Garland, from Jillian's dress shop in Zainesville, Ohio, are all smiles after Phyllis Brasch Librach, president of Sydney's Closet at far right, announces their shop won the Prom Dress Giveaway at the August Atlanta Apparel Mart. Congratulations also to Dream Gowns in Panama City, Florida, another lucky winner of the Prom dress giveaway from Sydney's Closet Signature Collection for Prom 2011.

Heading Home from Atlanta Prom Market

2010-08-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

Fashion team heading home to St. Louis after a super successful launch of Sydney's Closet Signature Collection (SCSC) for Prom 2011 at the Atlanta Apparel Market. Wholesale dress buyers from stores around the country loved having our designer, Alison Wilson, personally show them the new designs of ball gowns, red-carpet formals and short Prom dresses for 2011 Prom.

Black Dresses Back on the Red Carpet

2010-08-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

Black is back big time on the red carpet as a long list of Hollywood celebs strolled the red carpet at the 62nd annual Emmy Awards last night. Eva Longoria, Julianna Margulies Kathy Griffin, Kate Goesslin, Heidi Klum and Mindy Kaling - just to mention a few - opted for the drama of black. Do you think the color choice is eternally elegant, oh-so classy and always glam for formal dresses?

Prints Hot for Prom 2011!

2010-08-28T04:05:00.000-07:00

Trend Alert! Look for bold, novel prints to make a big fashion splash when it comes to hot trends for Prom 2011 plus size dresses. Wholesale buyers seeing Sydney's Closet Signature Collection (SCSC) at the Atlanta Prom Market can't order enough of the contemporary print patterns to put in their stores for Spring 2011. Everybody's favorite: a one-shoulder formal dress in an eye-popping black, turquoise and aqua graphic accented with beading!

Sydney's Closet Signature Collection Shortened to SCSC

2010-08-26T05:51:00.000-07:00

Sydney's Closet Signature Collection is such a big mouth full when talking about the fabulous plus size dresses we design, manufacturer and sell to curvy women and teens around the world. What about just saying SCSC? It's simple, straightforward and so much faster to speak and write! The Fashion Team even came up with this bold and beautiful new logo that captures the abbreviation in great style. Tell us what you think?!?

Ready to Debut SCSC Prom 2011 Dresses

2010-08-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

End of a very long day setting up our showroom 10N307 at the Atlanta Apparel Mart for the debut of the Sydney’s Closet Signature Collection of Prom 2011 dresses:
Every style:

*steamed – how did they get so wrinkled during shipping!
*racked by style number.
* tagged with new SCSC Prom logo (short for Sydney’s Closet Signature Collection)
* labeled with style, color, size and price

Bright flowers in the vases. Mannequin in the window dressed to impress in a red-hot ball gown. Candy dish filled with chocolates. Order and registration forms on clipboards.

We’re tired but totally excited and ready to greet wholesale buyers from across the nation shopping for 2011 plus size Prom dresses when we open at 8 A.M. Thursday, August 26th for our first appointment!

Introducing Spring 2011 Collection in Atlanta

2010-08-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

Fashion Team in a frenzy getting ready to leave tomorrow for Atlanta to introduce our new Sydney's Closet Signature Collection (SCSC) of plus size Prom dresses for Spring 2011 at the country's biggest Prom market. Soooo many details to think of!!!

Are there enough black velvet dress hangers?
Will the signs be ready in time?
Can we keep the candy dish full of chocolate treats?
How much overweight will our stuffed bags be?
Got to stop at the bank!

We're all very excited! It's our first time to show at the annual five-day event where store buyers from across the U.S. shop for trendy Prom dresses to sell next Spring.

Are you a buyer going to market to buy plus size dresses wholesale? Please visit us in Showroom 10N307 at the Atlanta Apparel Mart Thursday, August 26 through Monday, August 30, 2010 to see our collection of plus size Prom 2011 dresses, plus size informal wedding dresses and plus size Mother of the Bride dresses.

See y'all there!

Miss Universe Regal in Red Evening Gown

2010-08-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

Miss Mexico won the heart of the judges last night at the Miss Universe pageant last night in Las Vegas when she swept across the stage in a dramatic one-shoulder evening gown with flowing chiffon train over a sheath skirt. Who wouldn't fall in love with Jimena Navarret, a striking 22-year-old beauty from Mexico City with coal-black hair, deep dark eyes and a soft, warm smile?

Red, a color of romance, ranks in the top five colors shoppers at Sydney's Closet favor. Looks like we have a lot of passionate customers! Are you one of them?

Fashion Intern Sends Us Yummy Gift

2010-08-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

Loving every delicious bite of the edible fruit bouquet sent to us today by Amanda Stumpf, our extraordinary summer fashion intern from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. It's really the Fashion Team that owes Amanda a big "Thank You" for all her help from mundane tasks like taking inventory to sketching new designs for plus size cocktail dresses to helping curvy customers find the dress of their dreams at our St. Louis store. Wishing Amanda a world of success in her final semester at college - and beyond!

Shipping 2011 Signature Collection to Prom Market

2010-08-17T05:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone helping to pack the Spring 2011 Sydney's Closet Signature Collection (SCSC) to ship to Atlanta Americasmart where the plus size Prom dresses will be shown next week for the first time to wholesale buyers going to the nation's biggest Prom market. It's a colossal job we've conquered in five easy steps:

1) We line up all the dress samples on rolling warehouse racks - the collection looks great with all the vibrant colors and textured fabrics!

2) We double check every sample we want to show to buyers is in the line-up. We don't want to forget a single style on our line sheet!

3) We fold the dresses - very carefully - in huge freight cartons, the same ones the factories ship to us from China.

4) We number each box on the outside "Box 1 of 12" "Box 2 of 12" in big red letters etc so we can track delivery of our entire shipment when it arrives at the mart dock in Atlanta.

5) We weigh each box then create a UPS label for the shipment to Atlanta plus a return label to send the boxes back to Sydney's Closet flagship store in St. Louis after the show. The entire shipment gets moved to our dock on rolling carts for pickup!

If you're going to Atlanta to buy 2011 Prom dresses wholesale please accept our invitation to see our collection in Showroom 10N307.

Gabby Sidibe Wears Sydney's Closet Again!

2010-07-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Celebrity sighting! We're honored and flattered that actress Gabourey Sidibe again selected a sexy cocktail dress from Sydney's Closet Signature Collection to wear when she stepped out for a big night in Hollywood .This time Gabby looked so summer fresh and happy smiling for the cameras in our Ameila satin dress in apricot at the press party to premiere the new tv series "The Big C". Gabby plays a hard-to-handle student whose teacher, actress Laura Linney, is fighting stage four cancer.

It was just over a month ago that Gabby wore another cocktail dress from Sydney's Closet Signature Collection to the BET Awards!

Secret Celebrity Shopping at Sydney's Closet

2010-07-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Famed Hollywood stylist to the stars asks us to send sexy plus size cocktail dresses from the Sydney's Closet Signature Collection for a super celebrity to wear on the red-carpet at a premiere in August. Wish we could share names, but we're sworn to secrecy!

Cattin' Around on the Set

2010-07-19T16:07:00.000-07:00

Our friend and fan Catherine Schuller dropped in on the set of our NYC photo shoot with her camera man to get a sneak peek at our Spring 2010 collection for her Cattin' Around series. We took one look at the gorgeous blonde with fabulous curves and wisked her off to hair and makeup so she could model our new collection of Mother of the Bride dresses in plus sizes. Good thing it wasn't a real wedding. Catherine would have upstaged the bride she looked so glam - especially in the champagne lace mock two-piece with long sleeves!

NYC Photo Shoot Behind-the-Scenes

2010-07-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

It's a wrap! Finished a fun, frantic and fabulous photo shoot at Dream Studios in New York. Thanks to our amazingly talented crew for capturing the true glamour of the new Sydney's Closet Signature Collection of Prom 2011 dresses, cocktail dresses and formal dresses!

Actress Phyllis Smith Shops at Sydney's Closet

2010-07-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to actress Phyllis Smith from "The Office" for shopping with us today at our St. Louis store. Phyllis, in town for a short trip to see family, left a very happy customer with two fabulous frocks she 'll wear this fall on the Hollywood party scene.
This is the second time we had the honor of personally helping Phyllis in our flagship store. Last year Phyllis looked very glam on the red-carpet at the Emmy Awards wearing a silver metallic evening gown from Sydney's Closet.

Congratulations to Plus Model Magazine

2010-07-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Plus Model Magazine celebrating their fourth anniversary in virtual print!

None of the magic would have happened without the uber talented editorial direction of Maddy Jones, the driving force behind the mag. We can't even imagine the plus size industry existing without Plus Model mag to keep us up-to-the minute on fashion, beauty, arts and modeling. Click here to start reading the July 2010 anniversary edition now. You won't be able to stop turning the pages!!!

Gabby Sidibe in Sydney's Closet on the Red Carpet

2010-07-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

Fashion Coup! Actress Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe opted for "Good Times Roll", a sexy cocktail dress from Sydney's Closet Signature Collection (SCSC) when she stepped out on the red-carpet at the 2010 BET Awards after bash at a trendy Beverly Hills restaurant. The original Empire A-line design, in waves of purple, cream and black satin, makes a bold fashion statement perfect for a young, hip actress to look very glam for a big Hollywood night out! Top designers nationwide compete to dress the talented star of the award-winning film "Precious". So Sydney's Closet considers it a real honor that Ms. Sidibe selected an original SCSC design for such an important event!

Tyra Names Winner Teen Model Search

2010-03-05T07:22:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Sheridan Watson, the 17-year-old winner of Tyra Banks' "Fiercely Real Teen Model Search." The curvy teen from New Jersey wears a Size 14. Tyra, in an effort to redefine "plus size", renamed that fashion industry term "Fiercely Real". Maybe she's onto something. Afterall, the average American woman weighs 144 pounds and wears a Size 14.

Look for Sheridan to appear on the pages of Seventeen magazine and for Tyra to continue the search for for a curvy teen model model again next year.

NEW! Little Bright Dress Sizes 14-36

2010-02-19T11:03:00.000-08:00

Say so long to the winter blues, when you slip on Ameila, our new cocktail dress in silky smooth satin. You'll love the bra-friendly bodice with flattering faux wrap design and tinest of cap sleeves. For day, pair the knee-length dress with contrasting tights in high-voltage colors and add boots. For night, pin on the rhinestone brooch at the hip for just the right amount of bling, slip on sexy sandals and rhinestone earrings. Style SC8033 comes in Plum, Cherry and Apricot. Available in an extended range of plus sizes 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36.

NEW! Flowing Chiffon Formal Dress

2010-02-18T15:51:00.000-08:00

Unveiling Hypnotic, style SC7010, a flowing chiffon evening dress that's bra-friendly. The V-neck, Empire waist and A-line skirt will flatter every figure type. The sequinned bodice adds just the right amount of bling. Brides looking for an informal wedding dress love this style. It's perfect for garden or beach weddings and it packs very well! Also available in a deep sapphire blue or fuchsia. This plus size dress comes in sizes 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 and 34. Matching chiffon shawl included. Hurry, going fast!

Just in! Pleated Empire Evening Gown

2010-02-17T14:45:00.000-08:00

Who says girls with real curves can't wear pleats? Introducing "Simply Sublime", SC7002, an Empire evening gown with a perfectly pleated skirt designed to hide a thick waist and any tummy bulge. The trick here is to be sure the pleats fall softly. If the dress is too tight, the pleats pull and that draws attention to the figure flaws you want to hide. The double row of beading under the bodice brings the eye up, another way to keep the focus away from the waist and belly. This plus size formal dress comes in sizes 14 to 34 in Banana or Fuchsia for a real blast of fresh color.

Unveiling New Plus Size Ball Gown

2010-02-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

"Bewitching" Style SC3002 is just in and already a bestselling ball gown! Maybe it's the mystery of the deep, dark olive green that makes this ball gown such a favorite. Or the dense beading along the bodice? For sure, the lace-up back makes for an easy fit. Matching one-inch bra-friendly straps and shawl included. Available in plus sizes 14 to 32.

NEW! Baby Doll Party Dress

2010-02-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

Pump up any party wearing this chiffon baby-doll party dress with criss-cross beading on the plunging V-neck bodice. Available in fuchsia and bright green - two juicy colors ideal for a short Prom dress! Or opt for black to add a little magic to any after five event. We call this style SC8039 "Oh Baby", which is what people will say when they see you in this fresh, fun dress. Available in plus sizes 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 with matching chiffon shawl included!

New Arrival! Evening Dress with Sleeves

2010-02-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

This is "What a Romantic", our newest plus size formal dress available with short sleeves. If you're looking for an overall figure flattering design, Style SC7013 works for you. The V-neckline, beaded band at the Empire waist and A-line skirt suit everyone's shape and size. Stunning in black or striking in burgundy. Available in extended plus sizes 14 to 36.

NEW! Perfect Plus Size Cocktail Dress

2010-02-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

Introducing "Essence", our perfect plus size cocktail dress available in elegant Shantung silk. With this chic dress in your closet, your always dressed to impress no matter what the event! Style SC8034 comes in stunning silver or dramatic black, making it eligible to be your favorite new Little Black Dress! Essence offered in an extended range of plus sizes 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 with a matching shawl.

Just in! Ball gown with Corset Top

2010-02-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

Introducing Sunset Serenade, Style SC3010, the newest taffeta ball gown from our 2010 Signature Collection. Lots of teens asked for ball gowns in bright, bright colors. So for Prom 2010 dresses, we took the hue cue by selecting this burst of eye-popping orange that reminds us of the rays from an unforgettable sunset. The corseted bodice adds a sexy and slimming style that we dressed up with delicate beading trim at the neckline and dropped waist. Best of all, Style SC3010 comes in hard-to-find plus sizes 14 to 36 with optional bra-friendly straps and shawl.

Trend Alert! Ruffle Up Your Style

2010-02-11T02:52:00.000-08:00

Add a little frill and thrill to any special occasion wearing, SC8040, "High Contrast", our new chiffon cocktail dress with ruffled skirt. The classic black and white color combination makes this dress a year-round addition to your wardrobe that's perfect for any special occasion. Wear it with the same fashion confidence to a holiday party in December and then as a wedding guest in June. The rhinestone brooch adds just the right amount of bling! Complimentary matching black shawl included. Available in plus sizes 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32.

New! Plus Size Halter Evening Gown

2010-02-10T02:21:00.000-08:00

Introducing "Once in a Lifetime", Sydney's Closet Style SC3003, our newest A-line evening dress. We wrestled long and hard with what to call the color. But finally decided on "Plumberry" because the irridescent taffeta looks plum until the light catches hints of blue as deep as berry. The halter neckline, A-line skirt and Empire waist flatter every figure shape and size. Available in plus sizes 14 to 32 with a complimetary shawl included!

Introducing 10 New Plus Size Dresses!

2010-02-09T09:23:00.001-08:00

Starting Feb. 10, and for the next 10 days, we launch a special blog series introducing everyday one hot new plus size dress from our 2010 Signature Collection.

Discover dreamy ball gowns, red-carpet evening dresses, sexy cocktail dresses and trendy 2010 Prom dresses in all the latest styles and must-have colors.

Learn which dresses come in extended plus sizes 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38.

Find out never before revealed behind-the-scene design details.

Check back every day. You don't want to miss exclusive offers we post just in this special blop series!