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

"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!

The Low Down on High-Low Dresses

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!

New Plus Size Dresses Arriving Every Day

There's never been so many choices of plus size dresses at Sydney's Closet. Everyday more boxes of beautiful dresses in plus sizes arrive. The closet is bursting with styles to flatter every curvy woman's figure and fit her lifestyle. Just today, the Fashion Team unboxed another addition to the our new - and growing - collection of Designer Prom Dresses with the arrival of Faviana 9160, an amazing satin A-line with a beaded bodice. The Sky Blue color is perfect for Spring! There's no questions this plus size dress we call "Jillian" is going to be a bestseller!

Be Merry Dress Up in a Party Dress

T'is the season to be merry and nothing gets you in the mood more than putting on a new party dress. Slip on Galaxy, the sexy cocktail dress designed exclusively for Sydney's Closet. Experience the joy of constant compliments wearing this romantic lace dress hand-beaded with just the right detail to sparkle. Matching beaded bolero jacket with sheer 3/4 sleeves tops the trendy plus size dress. Galaxy available in sizes 14 to 34 the sophistication of black or richness of plum with lilac. The little black dress never looked so good for the never-ending party scene this holiday season. Cheers!

Sydney's Closet Featured on About.com

We're soooo flattered!
Plus-size fashion and lifestyle journalist Meieli Sawyer Detoni writes in her recent column that she can't stop thinking about our best-selling Illusion dress when her mind turns to holiday dresses. And thanks again Meieli for steering plus size women to SydneysCloset.com so they can R.S.V.P in style to a holiday party this November or December.