What Laura Wore: Laura is reworking her closet this week and looking super chic! {similar blazer, similar tank, jeans, similar shoes, similar scarf} She wore this for a lunch date.

What Jo-Lynne Wore: striped sweater by M. Rena from a local shop, Joe’s Jeans – Visionaire Skinny in Raisin Deep Purple (high waist skinny jeans . . . be still my heart!!), Dansko Brinkley boots, silver bold link bracelet and chunky hoop earrings

What Melissa Wore: She wore this fab cape (picked up on Nordstrom Rack for a song, similar here}), striped shirt from LOFT (similar), red jeans from Old Navy (buy here) and boots by Matisse. She wore this out running errands and pulling styles for a magazine shoot.

What Trina Wore: Trina wore this to church and shopping.  Purple micro rib tank from Target, navy DIY cardigan from sweater {how to here}, peacock scarf {gift from a friend}, Taylor skinnies from Delia’s, Fallen boots by Fergie bought at Belk {at Endless here}, woven chain bracelet {DIY here}, and faux turquoise ring from Rue21 {identical here}.  The polish is Glenn and Oscar from Julep.

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I wish I were writing about somebody – anybody – else this week.

Anthony Williams was, by far, my favorite designer on Project Runway: All Stars. He’s witty and charming, and of course, incredibly talented. I always felt like his designs were the most wear-able and well constructed. He was thoughtful and interesting, and I was sad to see him go.

It seems I wasn’t the only one – the sentiment was the same across the board when Anthony chatted with myself and other reporters after his exit from the show:

What made you come back for another season of Project Runway?
“I had worked on Single Ladies on VH1 and made some money and I wanted to take the summer off. Then I got the call and I thought, ‘Oh, I don’t have anything else to do, so why not?’”

You ended up getting a lot of fabric from the street and then not using much of it. Did you think you were taking a risk by going in that direction?
“To be perfectly honest, I know that people don’t see this through the power of editing but that challenge changed so many times. At the beginning, it was that 50% of your look on the runway had to use 50 % of your fabric, and then it was Joanna was saying that it was aboutdesigning streetwear clothing, which it wasn’t. It was just supposed to be inspired by the clothes you found from people off the street. I know that Kenley used less than 50% of her materials, but when the girls left the runway, the writing was on the wall. It was just a perfect TV moment, how convenient that all the girls were safe.”

Do you think there were others who deserved to go over you?
“I think that the foundation of the show is fashion design. So I think beyond anything, at the end of the day, it was a fashion design challenge. Most definitely, there should have been someone else eliminated in that process. Michael Costello – I didn’t think what he created was amazing, you know? But it’s all about perspective. From my house and my friend’s home, they thought someone else should have gone home but if you had been Jerell’s friends, they probably would have thought I deserved to go home.”

Is there anyone you’re supporting now that you’re gone?
“That’s a good question. I want everyone to succeed but if I had to name someone to win, I’d say Rami. Being in the experience, everyone is edited to be a certain way but being there in person, he was one of the most genuine people and he actually was a fighter. I’ve been watching the show and some people come off really weird this time around. To know how hard it is and how badly he wanted it and to see him put the time and work in and not just coasting by, I think he definitely deserves to win.”

What did you think about Kenley helping Kara on her design in the workroom?
“I don’t thinkthat anything is wrong with that. You know, I think it’s a sad day when reality TV has convinced the world that the only way to be competitive is to be conniving and creating alliances against other people. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with people helping each other. The reality is that no matter who wins that show, you can’t do whatever it is you think you want to do after winning, you’ll need a team of individuals to help you do it. Someone you knew before may be your boss one day. The reality of it is, we all have to have help. I didn’t think anything was wrong with it and I thought it was weird that other people were so catty and bitter about them helping each other when in all honesty, it’s none of their damn business.”

Do you think they were being so catty and bitter on camera to keep themselves around?
“You know what it came across as very strategic. The way Mila lifts up her face and she’s all gorgeous and painted perfectly and Michael Costello is leaning over her shoulder, but if it were me in that situation I would be more concerned with the fact that my fellow competitor is distracting me trying to tell me what somebody else was doing.

What can we expect to see from you next?
“I really figured it out – my journey through Project Runway was not about making clothes. It’s kind of like, going on the show was me finding out that I’m a good designer but I can be even better. What helps me is my personality – I love designing clothes and it’s fun, but my strength is in working with people and I think I would be featured best in a host capacity. I don’t have to have people tell me what to say, I’ve studied people long enough and can relate to them well enough that all I need is a cameraman and the lights, a director, a producer and we can go. I’d like to pursue possibly having my own show, but not a show that celebrates me, a show that uses me as a catalyst to celebrate other people.

“At the moment I’m working as a stylist on Single Ladies and believe it not, I’m reading a script – you’ll see me doing a walk-on role as myself in a sitcom coming up very soon. I still travel as one of the fashion directors at Macy’s, so my life is very full. I have a lot to get over in this whole process, but it wasn’t about me. Project Runway and All Stars go into the TV history vault. It’s just another television show, successful or not. But it was the human experience and what we all learned through it that’s important.”

When Old Navy‘s plus size division went strictly online the plus size community was in an uproar but Old Navy stuck to their guns and I have to admit they have done a great job with their plus size online shop. When you visit their site it is easy to find their plus size section which offers plus sizes from 16 to 30. What impresses me, beyond the bright colors, easy to find style selections, and fun every day styling is that there are so many items to choose from and that it really has become a one stop shop for affordable clothing options for women on a budget.

Casual Chic – Total Cost $116

Business Woman – Total Cost $130

Date Night – Total Cost $200

If you have not visited Old Navy because they do not carry your size in store I highly recommend you check out Old Navy‘s exclusive online plus size clothing store. You may be delightfully surprised in what you find.

United Styles is a new company that not only custom makes a dress for you – but YOU get to design it! FUN! I was so excited to try. Just go to their site and get started!

There are a zillion options. I decided to go with a wrap dress in a print. I chose long sleeves, so I can wear it now Within about a week, this package arrived on my doorstep:
It was my fitting dress! They make a sample dress for you to try on and make sure that your custom dress has a perfect fit!
How cute is it? I had to take a picture, despite my dirty mirror.
And this was just the test dress! I sent along my modifications – the fit was perfect, but I requested that it be two inches longer. One week later… TA-DA!!

I could not resist that fun print! Prices hover around $100 for a custom piece. So a little pricey for every day, but for a special occasion or for some where you really want to stand out and not be wearing the same thing as everyone else, its perfect! I was very impressed with the incredible quality of the workmanship and the fabrics. My mother-in-law is an fantastic seamstress (she made my sister-in-law’s wedding dress!) and she said that the dress was incredibly well-made. She couldn’t believe it was customized and fitted through the internet!

I highly recommend UnitedStyles! Follow them on Facebook and Twitter to keep updated on what they have going on!

What would YOU love to  try and design? A dress? Top? Jeans?

disclosure: i received a dress to facilitate this post. i was not compensated financially and, as always, all opinions are my own.

Apparently that’s the $50 question that some New Yorkers were faced with in this episode.  That and wondering if the exchange is entirely legal considering they had to walk home slightly nude in exchange for money.

Each designer was challenged to find a ‘muse’ on the streets and convince them to give their clothes to the cause.  The designers would have to create a new look using these clothing items.  After being turned loose it was clear that only Austin and Michael were the only ones actually looking towards what could be created rather than just going for whoever looked like they would take their clothes off.  Anthony appeared to be turning it into a game rather than a challenge.  Apparently he’s quite the smooth talker.

Back in the workroom some of the designers struggled with creating an outfit that incorporated the muse fabric/clothing.  And the resulting runway was evident of that.

[spoiler alert]

CHALLENGE WINNER: Mondo,who definitely stuck to his muse.  The skirt is interesting, although a tad short.  He had a great patterned maxi to work with so he was already ahead of the game.  I’m not crazy about the jacket with the skirt, it seems too busy for such a bold bottom.

PERSONAL FAVORITE: Mila.  I know the judges called it ‘NYU Grad Student Safe’ but I cannot get over those pants.  It’s like catwoman casual.  And that top is definitely along the lines of something you would see in Asos or TopShop.

SENT PACKING: Anthony.  Sure he didn’t even give a nod towards his muse, but compared to some of the other outfits, I was surprised he was given the boot.

PERSONAL WORST: Jerell.  Seriously?  How was he NOT sent home?  This look was absolutely atrocious.  Sean Avery said it best: “Lady Gaga and Gwen Stefani at Burning Man on acid.”  I’m not even sure which portion of it is the worst.

Who do you think should have won?  Been sent home?  Sound it out on Rate The Runway!

Missed our previous recaps? Catch them here: Episode 1  – Episode 2  -  Episode 3  -  Episode 4

The collection is whimsical, fun, colorful and feminine at the same time.

What do you think about this collection?  Do you have any favorites?  Mine are the lace dresses and the purple floral dress.  So pretty!

The icing on the cake:: You can get 15% off this new collection through this link.

What Trina Wore: I wore this to church and grocery shopping – I bought this sweater yesterday and I couldn’t wait to wear it!  Navy and white striped cardigan by AB Studio from Kohl’s {or similar}, coral tank from Target {similar}, peacock necklace from F21 {similar}, Blanc Bomb ring by Jewelmint {50% off your first piece with code MINT}, navy skinnies by Marc Allison jeans {similar}, taupe suede booties by Steve Madden {similar here}.

What Melissa Wore: I’ve been trying to add more color to my wardrobe, so this outfit was a perfect!! The cardigan is really old from LOFT {similar} – I bought it on clearance for like $10 and I wear it all the time. One of my best buys! The shirt and belt are also from Loft clearance  rack {similar}. Jeans are old ones from Target – but I think they look a little frumpy here. May need to revisit these. {buy similar here} Shoes from Target are also no longer available {similar here}. I wore this running errands.

What Jo-Lynne wore: embellished tee from LOFT Outlet, black hooded drapey sweater from Nordstrom, gray skinny cords from Bloomies on sale end of last winter, black flats by Nine West (years ago), and a long silver necklace (not sure where it’s from.) I wore this running errands.

For more style, check out…

The trick to wearing a dress made of such a bold color is to keep the details to a minimum.  You want the color to be the main event.  For casual outfits, try working raspberry accents in with floral patterns.

Here are some amazing finds under $100 to add a pop of raspberry to your wardrobe!

Modcloth All That Razz Dress

Pleat Neck Key-Hole Shirt from Express

Anthropologie Raspberry Jacquard Dress

Raspberry Denim from TopShop

BCBG Jodeci Pump

Fossil Teardrop Raspberry and Gold Necklace

Studio M Pleated Georgette Top

Sperry Top Slider Marion Ballet Flat

Cotton Sateen Pencil Skirt from Express

Peugeot Raspberry Watch

Every woman should have a nude colored trench for every day function or when another piece of her outfit is the main focus. But I strongly believe she should have a trench with a little pizazz that either finishes off the look or makes a statement with a monochrome base.

The signature trench coat is a fun piece to wear and always gets compliments unfortunately many plus size women forget to finish off their already polished outfit with fashionable and functional outerwear. Here are a few of my suggestions:

From Anna Scholz — The Babydoll Frill Mac (Regular $390 but on sale for $80)

From Ashley Stewart — The Belted Animal Print Trench Coat ($60)

From Carmakoma — The Grey Pelleport ($260)

From City Chic — The Spotty Trench Coat ($118)

From Igigi — The Rainy Day Trench Coat in Navy (regular $195 but on sale for $130)

Pattern is my first choice for a signature trench but it often scares people off. If you do not want to step into the illusion of full body pattern then consider an eye popping solid color or charming accent detail to make your signature trench pop out from your usual neutral look.

Last night’s SAG Awards were full of stunning gowns along with too many that failed to impress.  Sure it’s not the ‘prom night’ that the Oscars are, but the SAG Awards are still a decent reason to don a show-stopping gown.

My favorites?

It’s no surprise that Dianna Argon ranks in my top 3.  She has such a classic style and knows how to dress for her body type.  Her braided hairstyle adds some youthfulness to her sophisticated, flowing gown.   Sofia Vergara gets me every time in this silhouette.  The pleating on the bodice of this Marchesa confection adds just enough interest but doesn’t overpower the brilliant color.  And Jayma Mays was my surprise favorite at this event.  Her Reem Acra gown was absolutely breath-tasking.  This shimmer.  The shape.  And the little peek of lace on the back.

Lea Michele needs to take some posing lessons from her fellow glee-er Dianna.  Why does she always look insanely uncomfortable?  I have to say, her silver slit-to-where gown isn’t half bad,  but her posing takes all the femininity out of it.  Kristen Wiig wore a fantastic halter Balenciaga gown and promptly ruined the entire outfit when she threw on the choker.  I was on the fence with Zoe Saldana.  I want to like it, but from far away doesn’t it resemble a white maxi dress with a sheer slouchy sweater thrown over it?  Busy Philipps was on her way to the grocery store and somehow ended up on the red carpet.  Rose Byrne’s sparkly white jumpsuit definitely stood out.  I think my irk is the combination of the strong hair cut with the strong anti-gown outfit.  It is giving off a bit of a masculine vibe.

Who do you think rocked the red carpet last night?  Who’s on your worst dressed list?  Let us know!