There is something about the term “plus size” that has never sat well with me. Am I an equation? If you add a size 6 to my size 16, does that give you the theory of fashionable relativity? That’s the thing about sizes—we cannot become defined by them. We have to do our curvy best to navigate our way through stylish waters.

For the curvaceous set it can be hard to find flattering clothing without looking like you’re ready for retirement or 10 years late for a Marilyn Manson concert. Igigi has answered the call. No, it’s not the name of a Saturday morning children’s cartoon but a contemporary label founded by Yuliya Raquel to “transform the world’s view of beauty.”

I have to admit I was skeptical. Many years of leaving stores with cheap or not-so-cheap garments made of flimsy material that was only a tad bit flattering has left me a little plus-shy. Listen up all my voluptuous ladies and raise your hands up: I finally found something worth my style dollars.

Raquel’s designs get the three elements of what makes garments for our bodies sing: fabric, color and structure. Let me tell you about two looks that went on my must-have list.

Dresses are your best friends, and I stockpile them for all occasions. A style that hits right above the knee is probably one of the most flattering things you can ever wear because it maximizes the positive. One of the best parts of working for MyShape is that I know the whole gamut of plus size styles we have (there are so many). So when I go gaga over something, I sign in to my Personal Shop, just like you do, and order.

Igigi got me to sign in immediately. From the time I slinked into Igigi’s Kamryn Viscose Stretch-Jersey Dress (which just happens to be on sale now), my feet did a little dance. Bright colors are nothing to be afraid of, I reassured myself. They are instantly slimming and make me stand out from the crowd in a good way. I was also impressed by the medium weight of the fabric and the lining underneath. It molded to the natural curves of my body while the lining smoothed out my least favorite peaks and valleys. A day I don’t have to fuss with my beloved Spanx goes in the record books. Dresses also break up my body into threes: a little highlight on the chest, exposed arms and a chance to show off my great legs.

Everyone needs an LBD. I need several. For those who have been reading BusinessWeek instead of Vogue, that means a “Little Black Dress,” and believe me, Coco Chanel was right when she said an LBD is an essential to any stylish wardrobe. Since the holiday season calls for party clothes for social events (and hopefully a little romance), I want a new LBD that fits the bill but doesn’t break the bank.

’Tis the season for the Anais Jewel-Neck Viscose Jersey Dress, and it’s perfect for any height, especially petites (OK, so I’m not petite, but it works for me too!) This dress really opens up the body with a sweetheart neckline that’s embellished with faux jewels, so I won’t be wearing distracting necklaces with this one—another cost-saving factor. Those gorgeous jewels bring all the attention upward to my collarbone and face. Yes, I like my face! In this case having people say you have a pretty face is not a read-between-the-lines message—it’s a compliment caused by a great dress.

Having a few extra curves does not mean you have to sacrifice quality for style or vice versa. Designers like Igigi are beginning to understand that we crave the same looks as our single-digit sisters. This cannot be defined by words but rather by the way we feel when we find dresses that get it just right. Now that is a plus.

The cooler months can be hard for Ps. Let’s be honest: when it’s warm out, there isn’t a V-neck maxi dress, tank or tee without your name on it. But how does one cover up while still maintaining a hint of playfulness? Try a boatneck.

BCBG Max Azria’s Kimono-Style Tunic Top takes the cut of a traditional boatneck and turns it on its bow. The straightness of the neckline widens shoulders to equalize your proportions. When the bustline and shoulders are aligned, the focus is diverted from the chest. The pale coloration with that bold stripe of black at the neck draws attention up instead of down, while a hint of ruching makes the silhouette slightly slimmer and adds visual interest. Cascades of the sleeve hit right at the waistline to create a more balanced shape, highlighting curves and creating proportion all at once.

Maximizing the shoulders accentuates the upper body while creating a little cleavage control. Now that summer has passed, there are new ways to flaunt your beautiful shape without letting it overwhelm you.

Our shopping spree giveaway is almost over, so if you haven’t already, now’s the time to sign in to your Personal Shop™. We still have four days left, which means four more winners. Each day you sign in—through Saturday, 10/31—you’ll be entered in that day’s drawing for a $500 MyShape shopping spree. And don’t forget that, since it’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re also donating $500 every day to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation to help fund breast cancer research—all because of support from our fabulous members.

Don’t have a Personal Shop yet? You’re not too late to enter! Just create your shop today and start signing in.

Congratulations to everyone who’s won so far! Here are some words from a few of our lucky winners:

“OMG!!!! I read and reread this email and can hardly believe it is true. Thank you so much.”
– Lana

“I am stunned! What a wonderful, unexpected and delightful treat! I am looking forward to using the gift certificate. My many and sincere thanks.”
– Claire

“Thank you very much for the good news! I thought it was a great initiative of MyShape to collaborate with breast cancer research in this way, and of course I am very happy to be the winner of the giveaway!”
– Maria

“Wow, that is so wonderful. I have been in such despair about my body image lately, and this is just such an antidote.”
– Kate

“Perfect jeans for real women with real booties” are the big news in fashion since Oprah declared the Boyfriend Jean from CJ by Cookie Johnson her favorite jeans on today’s show. Orders and phone calls about the jeans have been coming in nonstop at MyShape.

It’s no wonder that Oprah has fallen for this style. The Boyfriend Jean features a rolled leg, moderate distressing, a contour-fit waist and a relaxed fit, making it incredibly comfortable and great for women with curves. And MyShape has the CJ by Cookie Johnson line and several jean styles ready to be matched to your measurements.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, MyShape is giving away a $500 shopping spree each day and donating $500 a day in the month of October to breast cancer research.

Enter the MyShape $500-a-Day Shopping Spree Giveaway by joining MyShape today. Just register for a FREE Personal Shop and sign in to your shop every day in October to be automatically entered in the daily sweepstakes. With a Personal Shop each woman is treated to a free personal styling service that provides her with looks that match her measurements, flatter her shape and reflect her style.

MyShape is also donating an additional $500 a day to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation “to end breast cancer in our lifetime.” MyShape members can take pride in knowing that every time they create or sign in to their Personal Shop during October, they are supporting the fight against breast cancer.

Sometimes the command “Be confident!” is much easier said than followed—and really sounds quite trite. Like most teenagers, I spent too much time obsessing over my “weak” chin, my upturned “hog nose” (as one of my classmates termed it), my perpetually frizz-tastic hair. Then, at 17, I read a magazine article on how women in France define beauty and personal style, and I learned about an empowering little phrase that completely altered the way I viewed myself.

Trust me, I’m not some slobbering Francophile who thinks our beret-and-scarf-wearing sisters across the pond have all the fashion answers. But in this case they’re really on to something, and it’s even bigger than fashion. The French have a term, belle laide, that celebrates the magnetic appeal of individuality. The belle laide or, translated literally, “beautiful ugly” woman (though, unfortunately, there’s truly no comparable term in English) may not be a conventional beauty whose features fit an arbitrary golden metric of proportional perfection, but she doesn’t hide what some would call her flaws. In fact, she flaunts them. If she has a high forehead, she doesn’t cover it with bangs. If she has very thin lips, she doesn’t try to create a painted illusion that they’re fuller. She embraces what is distinctive about her physical features, and in doing so emanates an irresistible self-assurance.

This idea extends from the face to body shape. Sure, an hourglass figure is gorgeous…but so is an athletic figure with elegant broad shoulders, and so is a figure with a smaller bust and goddess-like curvaceous hips. No matter what shape you are, you’ve got features that differentiate you from every other woman—so why not proudly play up what makes you you?

Who wants be one of a million clones, no matter how “perfect” those clones try to be? Why should any of us want to look just like anybody else? When we acknowledge and own what makes our bodies unique, we make a visual statement that we’re not only comfortable with ourselves but value ourselves. And that is the most attractive fashion statement of all.

Like millions of viewers I have fallen head over heels for AMC’s Mad Men. Every Sunday I am pinned to my sofa, intoxicated by Dapper Don and the days when any issue could be solved by a gin and tonic, even at nine o’clock in the morning. More enthralling than the story line is the focus on a time when real women had curves and really showed them off. Don’t worry, S, no need to look into purchasing a time machine. Designers have embraced this mad mad world with designs that have your shape written all over the seams—polyester free.

Trina Turk’s Statuesque Ponte Dress with Embellishment blurs the lines between retro simplicity and modern glam. The empire waist shows off your narrow waistline while making your overall shape appear longer. The great thing about sheath dresses is that they are fitted at the hips—and believe me ladies, it is not a bad thing to show off the natural curvature of your body. Clothing that tends to be fitted is the perfect complement to your shape and always makes you appear proportioned. Look for a touch of embellishment or subtle playfulness at the shoulder or neckline. This helps to add more dimension to the upper body and saves you a little cash on jewelry.

Take a cue from a bygone era, a time when women dressed for every occasion—even gardening—and show off your best assets in one easy piece that is demure…with a hint of swank.

There are days I just want to give up on wearing pants. I know you understand how I feel, petites. For years, pants haven’t seemed to love me back. Sure, I’ve hit the petites sections in stores, but styles seem so limited. I was envious of all the fashionable options my taller friends had. So I hit their racks and made the local tailor my best friend. But I’m tired of having to dole out the extra money to get things hemmed to be petites friendly and the waiting period before I can enjoy my purchase. Just because I’m more diminutive than the next girl, I’d appreciate instant flattering-pants gratification.

Since becoming a member at MyShape, I can believe in pants again. (And I’m not saying this just because they give me a paycheck.) Only pants that fit my measurements appear in my Personal Shop, so I no longer have to browse racks for the right size. And neither do you, pretty petites, because I’ve found some great office-ready pants for our many shapes just waiting for you to discover.

For As like me I’ve found the ultimate easy-living bottoms in Tribal’s stretch-gabardine pants sans buttons and zippers. I can just slip them on and enjoy how the slightly flared leg makes me appear taller, while on Ss the detail flatters their curves. These pants look so great I’m tempted to get them in every color: charcoal, black and navy. A petite P will also benefit from the contour-waist style as the lower, wide waistband lengthens the torso.

With fall upon us these straight-leg corduroys in black and brown will be a welcome addition to the wardrobes of Hs and Ys. The pants’ stylishly stitched back pockets add some interest to H bottoms, while Ys will appreciate the texture of corduroy, which adds softness that balances out strong shoulders.

The straight-leg appeal continues with Liz Claiborne’s indigo stretch-cotton Jackie pants that petite Es will love to pair with heels, keeping their bodies looking lean and long. Ms also can go Jackie chic as the slightly lower waist and straight-leg style keep their proportions super sleek. And the pants’ classic trouser design has “I mean business” all over it, offering a confident look all day long.

Women of every shape are covered—beautifully—when they have a Personal Shop. Because at MyShape, when I’m in my Personal Shop, it’s not about being petite—it’s about just being me.

Oh, fall—must you come so soon? As temperatures start to drop, it’s time to find that perfect fall jacket that works well for your curvy plus size figure. But by no means do plus size women have to settle for boxy looks that are totally unbecoming or opt for a plain choice that doesn’t reflect any sense of style. As my colleague Sheila says, “Plus is not a minus!”

Plus size figures come in all shapes, so you should choose the jacket that fits well and reflects the way you live—and it doesn’t hurt to look stunning in it too! Are you all about style, all about function or a combination of both? Here are some styles at MyShape to keep plus size ladies looking fabulous—and warm—next season:

Who needs to go basic black when Gayla Bentley has so many lovely options? There’s this great black dotted crepe jacket featuring a single-snap neck closure that is oh so chic. With its princess seams, slight flare and feminine collar, it beautifully shows off the M or S hourglass while creating a nice shape for an H. To really stand out in a crowd, this silk organza wrap jacket is a winner. And pay no attention to people who say that you can’t wear white after Labor Day. Flattering on an H and E, the extra-wide collar accentuates the shoulders and neckline, and the tie belt gives an H a nice waistline or sits easily around an E with a wider middle. Another good fit for an E is this jacquard jacket. The wide collar draws attention up, and the single hook closure allows the front to skim a wider middle.

Take a very vintage turn in this long cotton-modal jacket from Chalet. Ideal for A, Y and P shapes, the sleek bodice with a fuller skirt balances a Y’s strong shoulder line and a P’s full bust, while the full skirt skims an A’s hips. For a more casual style, Neon Buddha’s drawstring stretch-cotton jersey jacket works well on Hs and Ys. Available in three colors—chili, sage and stone—this jacket features pockets that balance Y shoulders and fill out H hips.

With so many wonderful jacket options for fall, you’ll be ready to greet the new season in style!

My mom’s getting remarried in October, so I’ve been scouring the MyShape website for the perfect dress for the occasion. There won’t be a bridal party, but there will be a reception…so the wedding’s still a great excuse to wear something new and a little fancier than any outfit I already own. After work on Friday I visited our warehouse to do a little trying on—and testing of my Personal Shop’s recommendations.

First up: a chocolate brown stretch-sateen dress by Donna Ricco. I met this drop-dead gorgeous sheath while writing product descriptions a couple of months ago and immediately fell in love. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in my shop. Drat! But I decided to give it a try in the size I’m most often matched with. I stepped behind the curtain in our ShapeMatch team’s makeshift dressing room and shimmied into the dress…and as I zipped up the side, I realized why MyShape hadn’t chosen it for me. It wasn’t exactly too large or too small; it just wasn’t cut to fit me. The straps reached a little too high, making them slip off my shoulders, and the front was slightly baggy even though the dress looked fine over my hips and back.

I should have known to trust my Personal Shop and not wasted any more time sighing over this gorgeous piece that’ll look fantastic on someone else. Is it in your shop? Somebody needs to enjoy it! The curve-hugging silhouette and shirred chiffon bodice that adds a little oomph to the bust make it dazzling for an M (just not my particular M shape) or H.

Dress number two was a satin-twill beauty by Suzi Chin. Now, I have to mention, in case you’re eyeing it that the photo of this dress doesn’t reveal just how rich the color looks in person. This dress is purple—okay, “aubergine” according to the designer, but to my eye really, really purple and not as dark as I would expect aubergine to be. I was surprised when I first saw it but, as it turned out, pleasantly surprised. This option was chosen by my Personal Shop, and not only did the intense color flatter, but the dress fit beautifully. The neckline was subtly sexy, revealing only a hint of cleavage, and the pleating around the midriff made me forget any worries about the lustrous fabric outlining my belly.

I adored the Suzi Chin dress, but I’d saved another amazing contender for last: a Nanette Lepore in some of the most beautiful jacquard I’ve ever seen. Now, normally I wouldn’t consider a bubble-hem dress since it’s such a youthful look. There’s something different about this one, though. Asymmetrical gathers and a weightier hem make the full skirt look almost sculptural, and the sweetheart neckline forms curves that complement a straight shoulder line—an altogether great design for an M, or a Y or H for that matter. I was afraid this dress would be too short, but it only fell about two to three inches above the knee. (I’m five foot six with longish legs.) As with any Nanette Lepore dress, there are so many convenient details too…bodice boning, detachable straps that button to the bodice, even a built-in partial bra band inside that keeps the bodice secure.

Help! I can’t make up my mind!