Barbeques, State Fairs, Music Festivals… Oh My! In continuation with my summery themed posts, I’d like to talk about staying cool and looking awesome in the summertime.

Warm weather can be a tricky thing to navigate. My hair gets frizzy, my face shines brighter than the sun, and finding comfortable clothing that I feel good in can seem impossible!  Now, as much as I talk about being confident in ourselves and just wearing what feels right, it can be hard without the cover of gorgeous wintery layers. It’s ok to need the safety net of a flesh-covering shirt, but you can look good and keep cool while you do it!

My favorite summer staple of ALL TIME are a good pair of cotton/spandex legging. Or several. I wear them all summer long with a pair of cute flats and usually a skirt over it (but I’m on the ‘leggings ARE pants’ side of the eternal argument…)

I love the zipper detail at the ankle of these leggings ($29). Leggings like this breathe well in warm weather, but can keep you covered if you’re not a big fan of exposing your legs. And on top of it, they will look cute with virtually ANYTHING that you pair them with!

But, if you’re a fan of feeling the breeze on your legs, I suggest grabbing this seasons hottest item, the maxi skirt. These ankle length skirts are flowy, romantic and oh so chic. They’re absolutely perfect for a date night or a music festival. Pair it with a simple t-shirt and a great pair of heels!

This super chic border print maxi skirt ($49) can be dressed up with heels and a button up blouse, or dressed down with a bright solid t-shirt and sandals. Perfect for a day of listening to music outdoors!

And my last summertime essential (for now), is the lovely and loose-fitting Kurta.

Seriously. HOW CUTE IS THIS TOP!? The Border-Print Kurta ($49) would look perfect with those leggings we talked about earlier. I love it’s effortless style and the belted waist gives the top the perfect amount of structure.

Summer weather doesn’t mean you have to hide behind bland t-shirts and flip flops. Throw on a flowy skirt or top, pair it with something more fitted for balance and get ready to have an amazing time!

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ABOUT THE BLOGGER

Amalia Nicholson is a plus-size blogger, fashion enthusiast and advocate of beauty at every size. She currently resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota where runs her personal style blog, Double Vision.

Spring and summer fashion in 2011 is going to be marked by a couple of trends, and one is lace. This pretty, delicate embellishment is showing up on sleeves, hems and necklines after designers began incorporating it into the season’s hottest looks.

Here's an example of a lace-trimmed blouse that would look hot with a pair of jeans or tighter-fitting pants.

This plus-size tunic features lace insets in the sleeves and neck--another fun way to work lace into your wardrobe.

And finally, to add a hint of lace that peeks out from underneath a shirt, this cami, in print or black, is a great idea!

Now that warm spring weather is on its way, it’s time to resurrect the peasant style! This loose-fitting, fun and stylish look doesn’t work so well when you can’t be outside in the sunshine or need to wear a coat, but it’s great for spring and summer.

This peasant tunic is great to pair with jeans or leggings. It’s simple and comfortable while still being trendy, and comes in several feminine prints.

Another peasant tunic in a different style is this one. It has a self-tie belt to give it some shape, but looks equally great with jeans or leggings.

And if you really want to rock the peasant look, this plus size maxi dress is a good way to pull it off. Throw on some sandals and hip jewelry and you are ready to go. The pullover styling, loose sleeves and scoop neck make it extra comfortable.

Go get your peasant on!

I keep reading the word “surplice,” but when I looked it up in the dictionary, all I found was the definition that describes a priest’s garment. Fortunately the internet came through, and I found this description here.

“In fashion, a surplice is a diagonally crossed neckline and/or bodice. It is also thought of as a ‘faux wrap’ style and creates a deep v-shaped neckline. The surplice is a fashionable and very feminine look used for women's clothing, yet, ironically, it was inspired by garments worn by men.”

So there’s your fashion education for the week! But what does surplice look like?

Here’s an example of a surplice design in a tunic top. Notice the flattering design of the neckline and bodice.

Surplice dresses are also lovely, and the faux wrap is a great look on almost any figure. This pretty print with the ruched bodice goes anywhere.

And surplice bathing suits are classic and slimming, too.

Now that you know what surplice is, you can find ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe for a great new look!

Yes, February 14 is just around the corner, and whether you’re hitting the town with your significant other or going out with your single friends, now is the time to think about what you’re going to wear. This is the time to look good!

Want a dress? This black boatneck dress is sexy and incredibly flattering with trim that shines. And this Surplice dress hugs the slim parts of your body to emphasize your curves in the best way possible. The red version is a head-turning favorite.

But if you’re thinking you’d rather go with pants and a hot top, there are so many options! The vintage lace top is feminine and pretty in pink (or black, if you prefer) and this embellished blouse with flutter sleeves and chain necklace detail is also a sophisticated choice. And for shear georgette style, check out this delicate-looking pleated tunic.

What do you plan to wear? See more Valentine’s Day options here.

Want to take advantage of a hot new trend in printed clothing? These status print pieces are just the ticket for making your wardrobe pop.

Wear this status print shirt jacket over everything! Great for layering with a winter coat or wearing as a light jacket when the weather gets a little warmer. This kind of jacket can be great when you just need something to warm you up just a little bit.

This status print blouse comes in five fabulous designs. Simply pull it over your head and go. (Then watch heads turn!)

Another great status print blouse with a very trendy chain design. The cool v-neck style and loose-flowing fabric make this another really flattering piece for all kinds of weather.

Keep watching the web for more status print style!

It doesn’t hurt to think ahead (and ignore the winter for a bit) … so today I want to point out four plus-size tunic tops that will work for you throughout the spring. When it gets too warm for one, it’s time to move on to the next!

February – Stay warm and snug in this cozy velvet tunic top. It’s soft, flattering, and so perfect to wear this winter with jeans or other pants. Make it dressy or casual depending on your mood.

March – This plus-size scoop-neck tee comes in four color combos that will stand out as the weather (hopefully) gets a little bit warmer. The gathered scoop neck and three-quarter sleeves make it great for layering, too.

April – This pretty, chiffon tunic is the perfect top to celebrate the return of spring! The bright colors, light fabric, and embellished neckline add tons of fun flair.

May – Time to bear arms! You’ll be ready for warm spring sunshine in this flowing sleeveless swing shirt that clings in all the right places. Enjoy being warm and stylish as you swing into summer!

2011 is here! And that means new clothes! (Or it can, if you’re into that sort of thing. Which I am.)

Anyway, check out some of the cool new finds for plus-size women:

This ¾ sleeve tunic is pretty much perfect to wear anywhere. You can wear it with jeans on the weekend, nice pants to work, or leggings or skinny jeans when you go out. It’s feminine, stylish and incredibly versatile.

A simple t-shirt, but with a cool ribbon embellishment that makes it more fun than a plain t-shirt would be. This shirt works really well with a cardigan thrown over it for warmth on cooler days.

Another very versatile piece is this embellished kurta with pretty bead accents. It’s insanely comfortable to wear pretty much every day, and works best with pants that are a little more fitted.

For more new clothes, check out all the options here.

One trend I’m seeing a lot of these days is vintage clothing—or new clothing in a vintage style. There are so many cool looks from “back in the day” that are being incorporated into clothes and shoes.

This vintage lace top is one example. With its pretty style and delicate ruffles, this piece is old fashioned and completely modern at the same time. It’s such a fun way to incorporate a new trend into your rotation.

This vintage beaded tunic is another way to bring classic old style into your wardrobe. Simple, but elegant.

Either of these tops would look great paired with jeans or black pants and these ruffled booties or these button booties, both of which were inspired by Victorian-era shoes.

Old is new again, so take advantage of this fun new trend!

Do you have a New Year’s party to attend? And the bigger question: do you have something to wear?

New Year’s Eve is a fun time to get glitzy and let your hair down. Something like this Sparkle top is a great idea—lots of colors, pair with black pants and you’re ready to go.

Another idea is something like this deep-v tunic, which you can accessorize with a fabulous necklace and pair with stand-out shoes, like these leopard print heels.

And this abstract print red and black tunic would be another great option, since it has the sparkling embellishments around the neckline to add that extra touch of pizzazz. Some black boots and a fun bag and you’re on your way!