Do you start bringing out your tank tops at the first sign of summer? Or do you hold out and wear shirts with sleeves even in the scorching sun?

Summer can be tough for women who are self-conscious about big arms -- you want to stay cool and look season appropriate, but you don't want to bring attention to your least favorite body part. Don't worry -- we're here to help you find clothes you love that also flatter your figure! Check out the gallery for some basic rules for ladies with larger arms.

From time to time we at Styledash will cover items and topics that seem only tangentially related to fashion -- from a schlumpy anti-fashion celebrity to kitchen supplies, and it might be cause for confusion -- why spend the space on a fashion blog to talk about seemingly non-fashion things?

We understand how this is perplexing because not only is this blog called "Styledash", which implies a commitment to fashion coverage and therefore unsurprising dealings in fashion commentary, but the idea of a "fashion thing" vs. a non-"fashion thing" is peculiar. We're not sure that there's a dichotomy at all, really -- in fact we are pretty certain that every thing, to an extent, is a fashion thing.

Something we've noticed lately is the sudden prevalence of relatively inexpensive wedding dresses on the Internet. It started with Lane Bryant's now-dwindling Bridal collection of dresses and separates, all priced at around $150 initially and now on sale for about fifty bucks a pop. Then we noticed that David's Bridal has an online gown collection with dresses for all sizes priced under $250. Now Torrid has a few new wedding options for the curvy bride, all priced under $250.

Sounds great, right?

In light of the Talbot's overhaul, they might want to turn to fellow women's retailer Chadwick's for inspiration. Their clothes are tasteful without being matronly, youthful without being too young, and classic without being boring.

We first encountered Chadwick's on our hunt for a pair of heeled oxfords (we were going through our menswear phase then) and have been keeping up with their collections ever since. It's important for a girl to have a go-to source for a nice dress appropriate for Easter/meeting the parents/ sorority tea/your cousin's wedding, especially bigger girls because we know, WE KNOW how depressing it is to be offered long, shapeless dresses with ridiculously large flowers again and again like so many floral pup tents. Check out the gallery of our favorite selections from the most recent catalog.

Who do you picture wearing clothes from Talbots? Here at Styledash, we had many opinions -- some of our moms wear at it, some of us secretly love individual items from the store, but most of us thought of it as being for a "grandma-ish" demographic. Apparently, that sentiment is shared by "all the chain's customers." As a matter of fact, even customers who were 65 or older felt that Talbots' styles were made for older women, saying the clothes were "too traditional" and "dowdy."

In honor of March Madness, Styledash blogger Lauren Perdue is bringing you the scoop on what really matters in this year's tournament -- fashion. We know two of the teams we're featuring today technically lost last night, and are no longer in the tournament, but this isn't a sports blog, so we prefer not to bother ourselves with these sorts of trivial details.

Oh, Texas.

Texas, Texas, Texas.

When the Powers That Be were coming up with UT's school colors, they tossed around blue and orange, yellow and orange, etc. but finally settled on burnt orange, causing a headache for the style conscious ever since. Myself included.



However, there are cute items to be had in this signature color, such as the Nike Womens' Track Jacket ($59.99), this zip up jacket with really cute embroidery ($39.99), and these super cute Bevo earrings ($6.99). But there are also many logo items in different colors so you can support the 'Horns without looking jaundiced.

If you want to go the fashionable route (and you know you do) then there are actually quite a few sweet pieces in shades from pumpkin to deep red orange to mimic the heavily-trademarked color. Consider this strapless Lotta Stenson top for $69 and the DARLING Rachel Pally Tie Detail tank for $79.99, both from Bluefly.com. If you've got more to love then YOU will love this drop-waisted dress for $29.50 from Old Navy. Hook'em!

In honor of March Madness, Styledash blogger Lauren Perdue is bringing you the scoop on what really matters in this year's tournament -- fashion. We know two of the teams we're featuring today technically lost last night, and are no longer in the tournament, but this isn't a sports blog, so we prefer not to bother ourselves with these sorts of trivial details.

As I was perusing through the Sweet Sixteen teams to see who I'd cover this round I ran into a conundrum. A blue, blue, red, red, red, orange, blue blue conundrum. Thank you, Michigan State, for being green. I know it's not easy.

And what a lovely shade of green it is! Not too dark, kinda kicky! I like it. And I really like this short-sleeved raglan shirt by Nike for $21.95- the way the sleeves are cut in kinda like a halter is flattering on many shapes. My first instinct was to look for a jacket because obviously Michigan's cold, and this one is my favorite- the fleece hoody zip-up jacket ($55) would be warm without being bulky, always a plus!



And if green is not your color then by all means keep it to your bag with the fabulous Marc Jacobs supply tote ($98).

A more stylish option would be this va-va-voom mock wrap dress with removable belt for $128 at Dillard's. Curvy girls can mix it up in a green and white print dress ($58, Torrid) with flattering graduated pattern. All these looks will be a great way to show off that Spartan Spirit!

In honor of March Madness, Styledash blogger Lauren Perdue is bringing you the scoop on what really matters in this year's tournament -- fashion. We know two of the teams we're featuring today technically lost last night, and are no longer in the tournament, but this isn't a sports blog, so we prefer not to bother ourselves with these sorts of trivial details.

Madness is upon us and it's time to suit up and root for your favorite team/alma mater/whoever won't mess up your bracket. But let's face it, when the founding fathers of these schools chose their mascots and colors, they weren't putting fashion at the forefront. If your colors aren't that great or you're stuck supporting State U's Fighting Angry Badgers, you might eschew dressing for your team. But worry not, Basketball Jones- Styledash is here to help you find the most stylish outfit possible, even for your less-than lovely teams.



Washington State is actually pretty fortunate because red is ubiquitous and therefore it's easy to buy chic wardrobe pieces that translate easily from gametime to all the time. If you do want to rock the logo, try these earrings ($7.98)
for a subtle look and this tee with a subtle stripe for $24.98 is also very cute.

For a different twist one team spirit this fabulous dress by A.B.S. is figure-flattering and the style translates easily to post-game drinks for $126.00 at bluefly.com. And this $29.50 cross-front halter from OldNavy.com is just for plus-sized girls! Check it out and cheer for the Cougars in style!

Trends begin with trendsetters, and SXSW 2008 was no exception! There were certainly outfits that spoke volumes; appropriate for a convention celebrating expression through film, music and interactive technologies, but there were definitely some recurring pieces that stood out more than others. Get the cutting-edge creative look with SXSW style and Austin flair!

Boots you can walk in:
Flat, kitten heel, or low-heeled boots with cunning little details carried some of the most fashionable ladies of SXSW throughout their day, and even the guys liked to shake it up with boots and dark denim. These amazing suede boots with frog-closure detail are available via Duo.com for about $283 (£140), and they even come in a wide calf! Also try this flat boot with leather ties by Rizzo at Nordstrom ($179.95). Men should have a look at "Derrick" by Hugo Boss, a pull-on boot with dress-shoe styling at Nordstrom for $350.

Lightweight jackets/blazers:
Keep the wind away but enjoy the warm sun in light jackets in bright colors for spring: try a tipped blazer from Chadwick's on sale for $29.99, or this 3/4 sleeved number from Lane Bryant in a brilliant blue ($49.50).

Badass laptop bags:
Everyone at SXSW has to stay connected to events, media, and whats going on back at the office, so naturally there were some pretty hip laptop bags. I sing the praises of Casauri bags- cute as a button and solid construction in various styles to suit your preference. I myself have one in slate blue and couldn't have made it through the week without it!

Goodbye SXSW fashionistas, and remember- we'll always have Austin!

One of the most talked about portions of Rip the Runway is always Size Sexy -- a collaboration by designers who are committed to dressing women who don't fit in standard sizes. Plus size and really tall women need clothes, too! And, the women modeling these designs were truly the women for which they were made. There weren't a bunch of size 14 models with big boobs -- we had some women with some size out there, and they were working it just as well as their size 6 counterparts.

Three collections were shown, each with its own draw:

Qristyl Designs are from a woman with real curves, so she knows what curvy women want. For the most part, she was right on -- the sexy, flowing fabrics were exquisite, and while I might not have agreed with the choice of the hotpants, I'm sure there are women who have searched high and low for them in a plus size cut. However, I have to draw the line at the tapered legs -- bigger ladies aren't generally trying to make their thighs look bigger.

Monif C. was a little shinier, but the designs were really beautifully done for plus size women. You don't have to be a size 10 to wear a hot little dress, you know!

Six Foota is for really tall women who want to embrace their height and feel empowered through fashion, and I think they did it really well. The designs were gorgeous, with some high fashion touches, but were still totally wearable for the fashionable six foot female.

Be sure to check out the gallery of these designs and others from Rip the Runway!

The South by Southwest Conference is a hub of activity, emerging technology, and the latest and greatest bands, films, and ideas. Naturally, it brings together brilliant minds in music, film and interactive technology, and some of these people know how to dress. Leave the Hawaiian shirt at home- when on a business trip or at a convention, you can up the fun and comfort without losing presentation. Take tips from these guys- how to dress down and still be all business.

After a recent post on how to flatter various figures, I received comments from two girls with the same issues -- they're quite tall (about six feet tall), and curvy, but not overweight.

At about 5'8" with broad shoulders, I run into issues with fit, often having to find long lengths in pants or letting hems out when long lengths aren't offered, and sometimes having to go up a size in jackets to accommodate my shoulders. These girls have it worse because they'll run into problems like that nearly every time they go shopping.


For girls in this predicament, I offer the following advice:

If you've ever watched an episode of TLC's What Not to Wear, you have seen the importance of dressing to accommodate your body type. It seems like people should know this instinctively -- choose clothes that accentuate the positive and disguise the negative aspects of our bodies. However, in an era of skinny jeans and cap-sleeve tees, it's hard for women (and men, too, I'm sure) to sort through the trends and find pieces that flatter their body but look like they're still from this season.

Well, ladies, I -- er, I mean iVillage -- has a fabulous tool (thanks for bringing it to my attention, Chatterbox). It's called the Figure Flatterer (clever, I know), and it gives you tips on what to wear (or avoid) if you dislike certain body parts. For example, if you have Big Arms, it gives you a rundown of the best jackets, dresses, and accessories, as well as examples of shirts and necklines you should not wear, EVER.

Regardless of what you're trying to show off or hide, keep this in mind -- if it's not the right size, it will look wrong. You can follow the Figure Flatterer's advice to a T, but if you insist on wearing a size 6 and you need to bump up to an 8 or a 10 for certain styles, swallow your pride and do it, because wearing something that fits properly is the quickest way to flatter any figure.

We're getting ready for the Oscars this Sunday! As part of the fun, we're taking a look at the five films nominated for Best Costume, and giving you the inside track on how to get the look. Check it out!

You say you want a revolution? The breezy look of the lovestruck teens in Across The Universe reflected the sweeping changes in America during this coming-of-age musical told through the Music of the Beatles. Evan Rachel Wood's fair (bland?) features made the perfect blank canvas for the texture, bright colors, and billowy motion of 60s and 70s-era clothing.

For a breezy look of your own, try this cute (and WAY flattering) gauzy top from Lane Bryant for $39.50. Put it all together with flat-ironed hair or crazy texture, and weathered denim jeans or a cute denim skirt cut close to the body to offset the ease of the top.

Natural makeup and beaded jewelry are always a good idea when you wanna be retro, and don't forget a shaggy-haired boy with a beat-up military jacket (like this one at Gap for $98.) Let love rule!

The fantastic Forties fashion of La Vie En Rose sings almost as well as Edith Piaf herself. The high drama of crimson lipstick and black lace conveys a smoldering je ne sais quoi, a mystery, foggy as the story itself, told through flashbacks of Piaf's memories.

Channel the glamourous chanteuse in this lined black lace frock, $178 from Kiyonna, or this beautiful shift by Adrianna Papell available at Dillard's for $93.80. Both would be tres chic with tight curls or a low chignon, pale skin with neutral eyes, kohl eyeliner and a bold lip. A pair of black or red kitten heels or slingbacks and a strand of pearls finish the look.