I love Lee Jeans. Truly, I do. I've worn them since I was a young girl. What I like about them is that they fit my curves, and they're super comfortable. I've been fortunate enough to be able to review some of their more recent items and am so impressed with how the brand has evolved. They come in a variety of fits and styles. I just saw on their Facebook page the other day that Lee even has sweaters now, and they're beautiful.

Lee is rather active on Facebook. In fact, they're hosting a chat this Thursday afternoon from noon to 2:00pm Central time to talk about finding the perfect jean fit for your body. The folks at Lee know that finding jeans that fit can be an incredibly daunting task, and they're bringing in their Trend Manager, Rachelle Moley, to help. Rachelle will be on hand to answer all your questions about finding jeans that fit. She'll also give tips on what's hot this season in jeans and will talk about the colors, fits and styles you'll want to be on the lookout for. Rachelle's main job at Lee is to scope out the latest trends and to make sure those trends are incorporated into Lee styles each season.

So come by the Lee "Find Your Fit" live Facebook chat Thursday at noon Central to find out all the inside denim secrets and trends for this fall and to learn how to finally find that great fit for you. I'll definitely be there!

Have you ever purchased prescription glasses online? It may seem a little strange to some. You may wonder how you'd ever manage to choose a pair that flatters your face without trying them on. You'd be surprised at what great frames you can get online and how well they can work for you. I've purchased glasses for myself and my children online several times, and I've never been less than satisfied. You can get prescription glasses with lenses included for less than $100 at many sites online. Let me tell you a little about my experience.

The Process

The first thing you'll need is your most recent prescription. If it's been awhile, head to the eye doctor and get an exam. Just ask them to write down the prescription for you. I got an eye exam at my local Walmart for $50. Not bad considering I don't have insurance. Be sure you get what's called the PD included in your written prescription. This is important for getting the correct size frames.

Next, do a little shopping online to find the site that has the best selection and deals. It's a good idea to look for testimonials on the website or for written reviews online. If you have a friend or relative who's bought glasses online, be sure to ask about their experience. I've actually purchased glasses from several different companies and have had good results. I once bought a pair of prescription sunglasses, including lenses, for just over $50. I love those glasses and don't know how I ever got along wtihout them.

This picture shows me in one of my favorite pair of glasses bought online.

Choosing Frames

It really isn't that hard to choose frames that work for you. You know yourself and are familiar with your facial shape. If you've worn glasses for awhile, you have an idea of what looks good on you. I always have a tough time when looking for glasses because I want to try on every single pair. Then I forget which ones I liked best and have to go back to my pile of keepers to try them on again. It's actually quite a pain. I've found it to be easier to buy glasses online. I look for styles that are similar to ones that have worked for me in the past. For example, I usually just check out the half frame glasses, which makes things a little more manageable. Then I look for colors that I like and I know will work with my red hair. Then I narrow it down. Usually, one pair will stand out from the rest, and that's my choice. This same process has worked for my kids' frames. My daughter is very small and has a petite face. I knew we had to look for delicate frames. She wanted pink. So we eneded up going with a little pink pair that she absolutely adores.

Give It a Try

You really don't have anything to lose, except outrageous eyeglass cost and the frustration of trying on endless pairs of glasses. Some sites even allow you to upload a picture to virtually "try on" different styles. It's pretty cool. And many sites offer free shipping and returns if you're not pleased. How can you go wrong? I say go with your gut and choose a frame that you think will work for you. If you're not happy with the process or don't like your frame, just send the glasses back.

Have you ever bought glasses online? What did you think? I'd love to hear about your experience!

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Wow, I spent this weekend going through bags and bins full of clothes that were in our storage unit. I have SO many old clothes and shoes that I haven't worn in years. The good news? Many of the clothes now fit since I lost 25lbs! And I was excited to find some very cute long-lost shoes for summer that I hadn't seen in ages. I'm set for summer. But my three kids? Not really.

We hit a consignment sale and picked up a bunch of clothing a couple weeks ago, but I wasn't able to find any shoes for them. Buying summer clothes and shoes for kids is kind of tough for me. They grow out of things so fast and are so darn hard on their stuff during the summer months when they're outside playing, that I really hate to spend a lot of money.

My daughter is kind of like her mommy, a bit of a shoe fiend. She has lots of cute flips flops, sneakers and sandals. They're easy to find, too. I pick them up on sale racks and even at yard sales. My poor boys, though, are totally lacking in the shoe department. My 12 year old has only one pair of sneakers. He's the hardest of all to buy for. I don't remember being this darn picky at 12. The worst part about buying for him is that I have to take him with me to be sure the shoes fit and that he's going to like them. I just haven't had the time to do that recently. So he's wearing sneakers and complaining about sweaty feet!

My little guy has a pair of cheap-o plastic Spiderman sandals that are getting him by for now. His feet grow fastest of all my kids. I know I'll need to get him something else before the end of the summer. I'm thinking these baby flip flops are adorable, and they're at a price I can afford. I'm just hoping we only have to buy one more pair before summer's over. The boy just never seems to stop growing!

How about you? What are your tips for purchasing summer shoes for multiple kids without going broke? I'd love to hear them!

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Fashionistas, listen up! If you're dying to attend New York Fashion Week, but just can't make it, you're in luck. You have a chance TONIGHT to see a live broadcast from Fashion Week with some of your favorite designers, including Isaac Mizrahi and Charlotte Ronson. So for those of us who just can't get childcare or come up with the funds to travel to the Big Apple, we actually have the opportunity to get in on the action!

You can view the event LIVE tonight, February 15th, from 6:30 - 8:00 EST on Ustream. You can even ask question via Skype. Just connect with DesignerDishLive. This once in a lifetime event is being hosted by PopSugar, Vidicom and Ustream. Let me know if you plan to be there, okay? I've got a prior commitment and will have to miss the entire thing.

By the way, PopSugar is owned by Sugar, Inc., the amazing women's media company that just so happens to power the OnSugar platform that runs my blog. Love them!

Anyone who's looked at this blog can guess that I like clothes and makeup. I also like saving money. Put the two together, and I'm a very happy girl. When it comes to fashion, I'm always ecstatic to find great deals on plus size clothing. Ideeli is a website that offers discounted merchandise such as clothing, makeup and home items, and this week they've got a fabulous section of plus size fashion from designer names such as Taylor, Seven7, Evan Picone, Donna Ricci New York. Antik and Michael Kors. Nice, huh?

Here are some of my favorite pieces from this event.

The prices on these items are dramatically less than their retail cost. If only it weren't between pays for me, I'd be spending some money at Ideeli today! This amazing sale ends tomorrow, but they've always got new sales with fantastic bargains. You must be a member of Ideeli to take advantage of these unbeatable prices, but it just so happens that I have an invitation link. Sign up for Ideeli using my link, and I'll earn a $25 credit when you make your first purchase. Once you're a member, you can pass along a membership invite and start earning credits as well.

I adore Ideeli and have made many purchases from this amazing site. So go take a look and sign up today! Don't forget to let me know what you find - I love hearing about the deals my friends score. :)

Lee is one of my favorite brands in jeans. I've sung their praises here in the past. I've worn Lee since I was a young girl. Lee jeans are great for curvy gals like me. There's always plenty of room, and they seem to just fit like a glove. Not to mention, the price is always right. I've definitely learned to appreciate that aspect as I've grown older!

I recently learned of a contest Lee is having in which one winner will get a $500 shopping spree to Lee.com. Head on over to Lee's Facebook page to enter. Who couldn't use some new clothes for the holidays? If you win, I wear a size 18 (but striving for a 16) and like boot cut jeans! Thanks.

Hurry, this contest ends 11/15.

I'm one happy mama. In preparation for the Type-A Mom Conference, I allowed myself to do a little shopping online. Anyone who knows me know that I'm frugal when it comes to fashion. While, I went a bit above my $5 - $10 per item comfort zone in some cases, I'll tell you that it wasn't by much. Here are a few of my favorite pieces purchased from some amazing retailers.

Sweater - J. Jill     Jeans - Lands' End

This sweater is so soft and comfortable. I think that may be J. Jill's trademark, and I just love it. The jeans from Lands' End are amazingly comfortable, and they fit well. At the price of around $15, I wasn't afraid to give skinny jeans a try, and I really like them.

Jacket, Top and Pants - J. Jill     Scarf and Shoes - Lands' End

That jacket was my big splurge at $40, but so worth it. It's soft, warm and comfortable. It reminds me of my favorite jean jacket from college. And the pants are from the Pure Jill collection. I could live in them. The Lands' End shoes? Cute, comfy and $9.99, baby! I wear them everywhere.

Entire Outfit (except shoes) - Lands' End

You'd think horizontal stripes would not be a curvy girl's best friend, but this sweater is so soft, that I just don't care. Plus, it's great fun to wear something bold and different from my usual solids.

Vest and Pants - Coldwater Creek

I love this outfit. Again, it really seems I'm going for the soft and comfy in clothing lately, but I don't want it to look like I'm wearing my jammies either. This outfit adds just enough structure to be fashionable. The vest came with a belt, but tying it wasn't flattering on me, so I removed it. Each of these pieces was around $10. Not bad, eh?

In my opinion, Lands' End, J. Jill and Coldwater Creek have some of the most beautiful, but comfortable, clothing for plus size women - all at prices that are within reach. Admittedly, I shopped the sale and outlet sections. I also used coupons from magazines and discount code sites like Retail Me Not. In today's economy, it really only makes sense to shop for bargains, especially when you have a family. But don't forget to treat yourself once in awhile, moms. It's amazing how far a new outfit or piece of jewelry can go to improve your mood and self-confidence!

So do you think I did good? Have you found any great bargains for yourself lately that have made you feel great?

I wrote about Amanda Jaron awhile back when I was sharing my favorite finds in plus size accessories. Amanda is an amazing designer whose jewelry is featured on HSN. Besides her unique designs and beautiful pieces, what I really love about her A. Jaron jewelry line is that it's obvious that Amanda designs with all women in mind. She makes rings up to a size 11, for women of all sizes. She offers collections for women of various budgets. And, oh, what style!

Right now, Amanda has a few incredible offers on her jewelry, with the proceeds going to charities that benefit women and girls. The first organization she is working on behalf of is PACE, the Lee Pace Center for Girls. PACE provides young women and girls in need with counseling, education, training and advocacy. This is definitely a cause I can get behind, as I'm sure you can as well.

Amanda is selling her Growth rings, regularly retailing for $199.99, at a 75% discount, with a percentage of the proceeds going to PACE. Check it out. You can get this beautiful ring for only $49.90! The ring also comes in an aqua blue color. I think I want both! And the ring is meant to be a reminder that each day we are growing to be the best we can be. Love that!

Also benefitting PACE is the Growth cuff bracelet. It's a bit pricier than the ring, but the statement it makes is huge! This bracelet retails for $559.00 and is being sold for only $279.90 to benefit PACE.

Amanda is also offering a special pre-order promotion to benefit the American Cancer Society. She's selling a special edition of her famous cupcake ring at a price of $99.00. This is a phenomenal price for such a gorgeous, substantial ring. It's set in sterling silver with your choice of crystal quartz stone - Chocolate, Clear, Light Strawberry, Dark Strawberry, or Vanilla. The rings won't be shipped out until November. Take a look.

So which of these lovely baubles would you choose? Take a look around her Etsy store and be sure to keep an eye out for A. Jaron on HSN!

The kids went back to school yesterday. Whew! I can't believe how fast this summer went by. In fact, it few by so fast that I neglected to write about one of my favorite summer staples - this dress from IGIGI.

I've written about IGIG before and vowed that I would own one of their dresses one day. I did, indeed, eventually own an IGIGI dress. In fact, I got two to wear to Blissdom last year. (If you click on the link, you'll see that the dress I'm wearing in the photos is from IGIGI.) I love those dresses. They're gorgeous, unique, well-fitting and comfortable.

So when I was given the opportunity to review an IGIGI dress, you know I jumped at the chance. I've worn this beautiful turquoise dress all summer. Here are a couple pictures. The first is from that fabulous day of beauty I wrote about in the spring; the second is on a date with my husband to see the comedian, Carlos Mencia.

But I didn't just wear this dress for special occasions. I wore it for everything. It's made of knit material, so it's casual. It's comfortable and fits like a glove, making it something I could reach for to wear for everything from running to the store to visiting with friends. Not only do I feel physically comfortable in the dress, but it makes me feel emotionally comfortable as well. I'm confident that I look nice in this dress and will wear it anywhere. Just ask my family - they're probably tired of seeing me in it!

So, thank you, IGIGI, for providing me with this gorgeous dress. The packages I've received from IGIGI have always arrived in a timely manner, and I've never been disappointed. If you're a plus sized woman looking for beautiful clothes, don't hesitate to check out IGIGI. There's something to fit  every body shape and most budgets. Be sure to check out their sales for affordable items you'll love.

If you'd like to see another blogger wearing a stupendous dress from IGIGI and hear how it makes her feel, head over to Secret Agent Mama's post for her point of view!