The Forties are one of my all-time favorite eras…the clothes are feminine and flattering (especially to plus-size, curvy women!), the hairstyles are gorgeous, and who doesn’t love red lipstick?

I rocked the 40s theme last night when I went to see a Babes with Blades theater production called The Double. It was a great production, with fast, witty dialogue; fun innuendos; great forties costumes; and gender-bending twists that definitely added to the plot tension…and there were sword fights! It was awesome…if you’re in Chicago, you should try to go see it!

In the spirit of the evening, I wore a tiered ruffle blue and white polka dot dress with a sweetheart-esque neckline, white bolero/shrug, red heels and earrings, and (of course) red lipstick!

Here you can actually tell the at the dress is blue!

Smitten by Lola…

Dress: Forever 21+
Shrug: Anne Taylor Loft
Heels: Me Too
Lipstick: Smitten by Lola

Plus Size Fashion Tip: Tiered ruffles and layers are your friend! They camouflage any problem areas (like my dreaded stomach roll!) and help the clothes move with you instead of clinging in unflattering ways. Some ladies stay away from ruffles and such because they think it adds bulk or draws attention, but it does just the opposite! Next time you go shopping, look for the tiered ruffles or fabric and try it on…I think you’ll be surprised at the effect!