Twinkling lights and starry nights and the glow of freshly fallen snow. Shimmering tinsel and flickering candles and perfectly polished silver. There’s something magical about the holidays that inspires everything and everyone to sparkle and shine. And that, ladies, includes you.

Plus size fashion brand Penningtons is in the business of helping you put on the glitz this Holiday. With everything from glamorous gowns to flashy accessories, you’ll have the ammo you need to steal the spotlight wherever you set foot.

I see sequins

Semi-formal outings and office parties call for a certain amount of elegance, but not over-the-top glam. Sequin-embellished tops offer a perfect balance between the two, whether you pair them with brand new dark-wash denims or classic black Savvy-Fit slacks.

Top holiday picks: the silver sequin and berry-colored tank, the all-over silver sequin top, and the black sequin cardi.

Classy accessories

If draping yourself from head to toe in glitter isn’t your cup of tea, perhaps I could interest you in a few sparkling accents. Penningtons is bursting with classy, must-have holiday accessories that’ll turn up that “wow” factor in an instant.

Top holiday picks: the black sequin evening clutch, the black glitter belt, stackable pearl bracelets, and oversized cocktail rings.

Golden combo

Unquestionably one of the most noteworthy color combinations of the season, black and gold pack a one-two punch when it comes to dressing for special occasions. Get ready for some real red carpet-worthy glitz and glam

Top holiday picks: the stunning strapless black and gold gown with a belted empire waist, gold-toned stackable bangles, and sparkling gold sequin pumps.

‘Tis your time to shine, ladies—and Penningtons has all the ooh- and aah-inducing apparel and accessories you need to make an entrance, take center stage and steal the spotlight this holiday season. Find these and more top holiday picks at Penningtons’ online boutique today.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

It’s a mistake that seems all too familiar: November rolls around and you figure there’s still plenty of time to plan for the holiday rush.

But before you know it, your neighbor’s Christmas lights are twinkling, Nat King Cole is singing about chestnuts, and the stores are stuffed with last-minute shoppers—just like you.

Leave those days of procrastination behind you, ladies: kick-start the season with some pre-holiday prep, and take your first step towards hassle-free festivities

1. Make lists

Some of you might think that because you have more time, you can just wing it and do things as they come to mind. Rookie mistake.

Writing down your to-dos, prioritizing them, and checking them off as you go along is imperative if you want to stay organized. To get into the spirit, here is a list of the kinds of lists you could create:

• Christmas gifts for your family and friends
• Holiday essentials (Christmas tree, lights, ornaments, wrapping paper…)
• Guests you’re inviting to your holiday dinner party
• All holiday events you’ll be attending (and the outfits you’ll need)
• Menu for the party you’ll be hosting, and grocery list
• Your own Christmas gift wish list (strategically left lying around…)

2. Find stocking stuffers

Penningtons has tons of stunning stocking stuffers that are perfect gifts to slip into the toe as a special surprise. My personal picks include a pair of teardrop filigree earrings, round cubic zirconium studs, leather gloves with animal-print cuffs, a 16-piece stackable bangle bracelet set, a long glass bead necklace… The list goes on.

3. Shop now, wear it later

Penningtons’ holiday collection is already coming out, so get first dibs on sparkling sequin tanks, timeless LBDs (and matching accessories), lacy little numbers and wild animal-print designs—all of which will take you through the holidays in high style. Shop for your plus-size fashion essentials now, and show them off later.

4. Cook and freeze

While you can’t exactly roast a turkey a month before it’s due, you can however get other menu items out of the way, like pastry shells, hors d’oeuvres like mini quiches or parmesan melts, and first courses like soup.

Need holiday recipe ideas? This fancy yet simple purée for six people will make an impression every time.

Butternut squash and ginger soup

Ingredients:

• 2 butternut squashes, cut in half lengthwise and seeded
• 2 tablespoons pure olive oil
• 2 cups sweet white onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 cups chicken broth

Preparation:

Bake the squash at 375°F face down on an oiled baking sheet for a little under an hour, or until it’s soft. Peel it, put it aside. Heat oil in a stockpot over medium-low heat, and mix in onion, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Let simmer for 10 minutes, add in the chicken broth, bring to a boil and reduce heat, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Purée all the soup in your blender, season it to taste, let it cool.

Divide soup into freezer-friendly containers, and put away until the holidays. When the time comes, top off each serving with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with parsley.

And if I were you, I’d double the recipe.

So how about it? Ready to make your lives easier this holiday season? Start things off at Penningtons in store or online today, and be the envy of everyone around come December 20 when you have every to-do list checked off and done.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

They say variety is the spice of life, and in a modern world where most of you style-savvy ladies have a matching handbag for every pair of shoes you own and a distinct ringtone for every person you know, it’s no surprise that you’d want the same rule to apply to the layers you wear to stay warm.

So in an effort to keep up with the times (and your ever-so fashionable ways), Penningtons has created a collection of outerwear designed for various degrees of cold. And within each assortment, you’ll find pieces that suit every style, budget, and occasion.

Warm

Although summer may still be hanging on for dear life—be it by a thread—the colder temps are quickly catching up to us. This in-between seasonal situation calls for lighter jackets that speak to your sense of style.

Penningtons’ edgy pleather motorcycle jacket bears a rocker-worthy appeal, while the double-breasted peacoat is a classic and feminine choice. And for those of you who need a coat that’ll keep up with your active lifestyle, go with a lightweight quilted jacket or a soft-shell anorak.

Warmer

Think mid-October nights and early November days. The sun may very well be shining but those sneaky arctic winds will chill you to the bone if you don’t cover up with the right coat.

Make a statement with a structured military-style jacket, fight the elements in a hooded pleather trench, or go country chic with a double-breasted plaid wool jacket. Whatever your style, top off your look with a colorful scarf and matching gloves.

Warmest

When the first snowflakes dance their way to the ground and the degrees drop well below zero, it’s time to pull out the big guns. Luckily, with Penningtons you’ll never have to choose between fashion and efficiency.

Be ready to match the winter landscape in a beautiful white quilted polyfill jacket with a cinched waist and faux-fur hood. Flaunt the ultimate in stylish warmth: a faux leather toggle jacket with a spill-out faux-fur yoke. Or gear up for the coldest days of the season with a red-hot parka.

Now, if all of the above isn’t the perfect excuse to stock up on outerwear essentials, I don’t know what is. Fashion meets function meets variety. It’s a modern woman’s dream come true.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

What do I love most about fall? The colorful landscapes, the sweet scent of apple crumble and pumpkin pie, and spontaneous weekend getaways with family and friends to secluded little cabins (or, you know, spas) somewhere up north.

If you’re under the impression that such a relaxing escapade gives you the right to live in your sweat pants for three days straight, think again. Get ready to enter Penningtons’ ultimate comfort zone where keeping cozy has never looked so cute.

Cozy combo #1

Chase the chill away on a sunny autumn day: over a simple cotton tee and stretchy leggings, slip into a gorgeous khaki poncho featuring fringe detailing and an allover cable knit pattern. Liven up the look with a multi-colored scarf and you’re set for a stylish walk in the woods.

Cozy combo #2

Keep your comfort zone monochrome: start with an oatmeal-colored cable knit hooded cardigan, and layer on a matching cable knit scarf, hat, and mittens. Tone-on-tone combinations are simple yet unmistakably chic.

Cozy combo #3

Be bold when fighting the cold: use bright layers and accessories to jazz up an otherwise neutral outfit. Complement a basic heather gray cardishawl sweater and a pair of dark-wash denims with an eye-catching orange cable knit scarf.

Ready for a weekend in the wilderness? Do it in style. Visit Penningtons in store or online for a full array of fashionable fall selections that’ll keep you warm, looking cute and feeling comfy.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

Penningtons? Miracle worker for full-figured beauties? You bet.

Wisteria Lane meets Nashville in this fall’s lineup of preppy-chic clothes by Penningtons. Blouses, cardigans, and sweaters typify the country club-worthy look, while blue jeans, stripes, and plaid motifs inject a cool southwestern appeal.

Plaids

Evocative of both private schools and farm country, plaid patterns share a similarly dichotomous role in this fall’s lineup of preppy-friendly fashions.

Upgrade an earth-toned plaid cotton twill blouse with a pair of brown savvy-fit boot-cut pants, a skinny belt, matching stilettos, and oversized hoops—a look that can be made casual in an instant with rolled-up sleeves and your favorite worn-in jeans.

Looking for something more feminine? Try a plaid savvy-fit skirt on for size and pair it with a crisp white blouse and cardigan: you’ll have the smart schoolteacher look down pat (and the Bree Van de Kamp seal of approval).

Stripes

This past summer’s nautical stripes give way to equally preppy variations during the cooler seasons. Indeed, stripes large and small are peppered across knits in shades of black, camel, navy and grey—a trend that exemplifies casual aristocratic style.

Slip into a long hooded rugby-striped cardigan and alternate between a denim skirt, chic jeans, and stretchy leggings. Throw in some chunky jewelry and ballerina flats, and you’ll have several options to pull off a polished, laid-back outfit that is as suitable for the yacht club as it is for a rustic lakeside cottage.

Denim

A symbol of all-American style, denim has infiltrated our wardrobes at every level. Once strictly reserved for casual attire, clean-cut blue jeans—especially in darker washes—have become for fall and winter what khakis are for spring and summer.

Seek out the perfect pair from Penningtons’ Ideal Match Collection, and mix and match with chic articles and accessories for a look that is both refined and relaxed.

Penningtons’ selection of prim and proper fall pieces each demand a casual, country-inspired counterpart, and vice versa, thus allowing plus-sized women to achieve the season’s four C’s:  coverage, class, comfort, and confidence. In other words, everything you need to look and feel fab.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

Penningtons? Miracle worker for full-figured beauties? You bet.

You know that tingly feeling that comes with commanding respect—even awe—from a room full of peers, not only because of your ultra-professional appearance, but also because of your indisputable sense of style?

Imagine having that feeling every single day.

Penningtons’ fall 2011 collection of career-ready clothes will give that weekday wardrobe of yours a boost that’s bound to turn heads. It’s a new day for full-figured professional women keen to showcase their true selves at the office and beyond. And here are a few examples of how it’s done.

Style gone wild

Unleash your animal instincts with a combination of wild prints and leathers in earthy autumnal hues. Balance out a busy leopard-print blouse with a pair of classic black Savvy Fit pants, and top off the look with a fall-perfect cognac-colored moleskin blazer. Fiercely fashionable—fashionably fierce.

Simply sophisticated

Staple #1: a black Savvy-fit pencil skirt. Staple #2: a black comfort poplin and jersey blouse. Staple #3: a tailored herringbone blazer in flannel grey. Together, these career classics create an outfit that is simple yet unmistakably elegant. Throw in some pearls and a pair of oversized shades for a look that’ll never go out of style. (Think Jackie O meets Michelle O.)

Oh-so boho

Casual Fridays call for something free-spirited and fun, and bohemian-inspired pieces fit the bill perfectly. Try a fluid (and therefore flattering) picot-trim peasant blouse over a pair of black stretchy (and therefore comfy) dobby bootcut pants. Add a colorful paisley scarf and stackable bangles into the mix, and you’re set for your last workday of the week…and the evening that follows.

In dire need of spicing up your 9-to-5 style? Visit Penningtons online or in store for a full view of their fall 2011 lineup of career-appropriate fashions, including chic pants, skirts, blouses and jackets. Time to get down to business, ladies.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

October: a month that matters

The month of October has a lot to offer. Fabulous fall fashions, gorgeous landscapes of colorful foliage, fresh apples right off the tree… And more importantly, 31 days dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, a disease that strikes home for many of us—both directly and by way of friends and family.

October is a month of empowerment. It reminds us of our strength, of our sense of purpose in the face of adversity. It rallies us together in the spirit of hope and courage. It proves to us that we are resilient. That we are survivors.

For Penningtons, October is a month that matters.

Help the cause: buy two bras

Out with the old and in with the new. For the entire month of October, for every two bras you buy, Penningtons will donate $5 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Not only is this an easy way of giving to an important cause, it’s a perfect excuse to revamp your lingerie collection. (As if you needed an excuse.)

Exclusive bra fit clinics

Buying a bra can be daunting when you are full-figured, so just in case you need extra support (pun intended), Penningtons offers special bra fit clinics where friendly and qualified experts help you find what you need.

And on October 7 and 8 you can help kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with exclusive bra fit clinics that feature a wide variety of bras with cups ranging from C to G and H for a whole lot less. Plus, you can enter to win one of two $25 gift cards!

Might as well match

Well, if you’re going to buy new bras, it only makes sense to buy matching panties. Take this opportunity to browse Penningtons’ stunning selection of bras, panties, and matching sets to build your lingerie wardrobe. Remember: when it comes to looking and feeling good, every layer plays an important part.

Make a difference this October. Shop online or stop by a Penningtons store near you, buy a couple bras, throw in some panties, and help us in the quest to find a cure for breast cancer. It’ll bring new meaning to loving your curves.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

As we reluctantly watch summer ride off into the sunset (insert sobs here), Penningtons is more than ready to make its big fall 2011 debut. The good news is that this normally nostalgic season has a few bright surprises in store. First up on the program? Soft color palettes, delicate details, and an air of graceful elegance—all incontrovertible evidence that fall fashions are overflowing with femininity.

Color me pretty

The summer’s neon brights and pure whites give way to dusty pinks and muted greys. A color palette that is normally reserved for spring, these sweet pastels are the foundation you need to create a ladylike allure this fall. Even a simple pink T-shirt with dolman sleeves and a flower appliqué can give a laid-back look an ultra-feminine appeal.

I love lacy

Much to the style-loving lady’s delight, lace is making a major comeback. Antique chic meets modern glam in a few of the season’s key pieces, notably Penningtons’ Ity lace-knit blouse (perfect for your daily 9-to-5) and the shirred lace insert top perfect for Saturday nights).

Flowy boho

A fluid bohemian-inspired blouse is as feminine as it gets. The romantic ruching, the chiffon fabric, the playful ruffles... It’s a failsafe formula to bring out your inner flirt. Top picks for the season include the dainty pin-tuck and lace blouse, the allover floral print peasant blouse, and the ditsy floral print georgette blouse.

More ladylike things to look forward to? Tiered tanks, flattering sweaters and cardigans, and a brand new collection of delicate accessories. It’s time to bid summer farewell, ladies. Fall is the new feminine fad in town.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

There’s no denying it: being a woman is fabulous. The ability to bear children, being blessed with a curvy silhouette, and the right to own as many shoes as there are days in the year are definitely part of my top 10. But let’s be honest: womanhood also comes with a unique set of complexities. And finding a pair of pants that fits right is one of them—especially if you’ve got a full figure.

Penningtons gets it. Not only are their Ideal Match pants specifically made for plus-sized ladies, they’re also designed to suit their various shapes and sizes.

Straight Fit

Body type: small hips and thighs and a fuller waist.

No need to endure pants that dig into your mid-section, ladies. Penningtons’ Straight Fit designs are wider at the waist, slightly narrower around the hips, and fall straight down to flatter your overall shape. Optimize their potential by pairing them with a chic yet relaxed tee and classic heels.

Slightly Curvy Fit

Body type: a waist slightly smaller than the hips.

Caught in the middle of two fits, your figure walks the very fine line between straight and full-on curvy. You’ve got a gorgeous hourglass silhouette, which requires pants that cinch your waist and hug your hips. Make sure to complement your Slightly Curvy pants with a top that draws attention to your beautiful curves.

Curvy Fit

Body type: a smaller waist and fuller hips and thighs.

Say goodbye to a short back rise and hello to a flawless fit: Penningtons’ Curvy Fit pants are specially designed to suit your sinuous silhouette to ensure maximum comfort. Slip into a pair of black Curvy Fit slacks, ballerina flats, and cozy up with a hip-length cowl-neck sweater.

Savvy Fit

Body type: all of the above.

I like to call them the miracle pants, with their 360-degree flat waistband that offers comfort and control, regardless of your shape or size. Choose the style that best suits your figure, pick your pleasure among Penningtons’ Fall 2011 tops, and you’ve got everything you need to look and feel sensational.

Now that you’ve found your Ideal Match Pants, it’s onto the next mission: 365 pairs of shoes to choose from and only two feet. Oh, the complexities of being a woman…

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

Ever feel like “Plain Jane” is your middle name? Like getting dressed every day is an ongoing bore-a-thon? Like kids, work, errands, pets, and everything but your fashion sense holds a prime position on your list of priorities?

You’ve got a clear case of the busy modern woman.

I get it—believe me, I get it. Simplicity is your best friend, which means that easy wear is all you can manage before kick starting yet another day in the fast lane. But perhaps in an effort to keep things simple, you’ve overlooked key elements that’ll help define your style with minimum effort: the details

Please allow me to take you through a hassle-free journey into the world of beading, sequins, embroidery, ruching, and other embellishments that’ll change the face of your wardrobe—while you multitask your way through your daily to-do list.

Tops: beading and embroidery

Step away from the worn-out tanks you’ve had since ’93 (you know who you are) and step into style with Penningtons’ selection of bead- and sequin-embellished tops, which are just as easy to slip into on your way out the door, but way more exciting to look at.

And for you curvy ladies out there who want to keep the focus away from your hips and on your upper body, these attention-grabbing designs are perfect picks:

• The black, orchid, and sage tanks with embroidery and beaded detailing
• The sequin-embellished tank top in black or chestnut
• The wild leaf-print halter with detachable wood beads

Side note: for bust support that will accommodate all these different straps and necklines, check out Penningtons’ multifunction bra.

Capris: drawstrings, cuffs, and zippers

We love convertible clothing. Why? Because you can get more out of what you buy. Capris take first prize for versatility this season (well, okay, they share it with the 3-in-1 convertible dress), putting them high up on your most-wanted list.

Bonus: their functional drawstrings and pockets, rollable cuffs, and extra zippers make for eye-catching details that’ll take your look from drab to fab in an instant. Here are my top picks:

• The pull-on cargo capris with ruched leg detailing
• The pull-on denim capri
• The capri with cargo pockets and zipper details

And don’t forget that in all cases, accessories are an easy way to top off your look. Fan favorites this season include multi-bracelet sets, dangling teardrop earrings, and textured hoop earrings.

The lesson in all this is that if you don’t have the time to primp in front of your mirror with alternate outfits because real life just won’t let you, then you need to equip yourself with the right apparel: the easy-wear kind with integrated embellishments that’ll make you look perfectly put-together.

Details, ladies. It’s all in the details.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

Some allow you to show some leg. Some highlight your curvy silhouette. Some offer style, coverage, and comfort, all in one. But the one thing they all have in common? They are, without exception, designed to bring out your inner flirt.

Now, I don’t know about you, but that’s all the convincing I need to gear up for a hot new season with Penningtons’ sweet and sassy summer skirts.

Here are three new looks that’ll take you from office, to weekend, to casual-chic get-together—all with minimum effort and maximum impact.

Down to business

By definition, the Savvy Chloe fit is constructed in such a way that it flatters every type of plus-sized figure. So when it takes the form of a perfectly tailored pull-on pencil skirt—with horizontally cut details, no less—you can be sure it’ll hug your curves in all the right places.

The 9-to-5 look: Pair this sophisticated knee-length design with a chic cowl-neck tank top, and top it off with a pair of elegant circular earrings. Throw in some black peep-toe pumps and your set for a day at the office.

A weekend affair

Long, flowing, breezy, with a bohemian appeal, the dip-dye maxi skirt is reserved for laid-back days when you want to mellow out in style. Its length gives you the coverage you need to feel confident, and its smocked waistband and light linen fabric ensure ultimate comfort.

The weekend look: Complement this billowy piece with a simple Seattle fit Henley tee, featuring eyelets, crochet embellishment, and an ultra-flattering V-neckline. Take this boho-chic look to the next level with beaded T-strap sandals, and a pair of dangling teardrop earrings.

Cute and casual

Stand out at your next social gathering with a fun and fabulous denim skirt. Fashionable yet unpretentious, this little A-line number is perfect for a casual dinner, a Sunday brunch with friends, or a Friday night cocktail with colleagues.

The social look: Dress up this pocket-embellished skirt with a stunning screen-print tank top (the red one is top pick), a pair of ballerina flats or high-heeled wedges, and your favorite hoop earrings. Simple, smart, and oh-so stylish

So whether you’re looking to showcase your fabulous legs, gorgeous curves, undeniable sense of style—and, of course, your inner flirt—Penningtons has the summer skirts you need for work, play, and beyond.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

As full-figured beauties, there are certain trends that simply do your curvy silhouettes justice more than others. This summer, bohemian blouses and tanks are right at the top of that list (along with fluid maxi dresses).

Not sure how to spot a boho-inspired top? Please allow me to enlighten you with some simple tips and trends.

Flower power

Quintessential summer prints, flowers put a vibrant, hippie-chic spin on any outfit. The best part? They can be dressed up with an elegant black skirt, or dressed down with a stylish denim skort.

Summer essentials: On a casual day, slip on a light and billowy ditsy-print peasant top. Its laidback appeal, playful pattern, and gathered neckline make it the ultimate bohemian blouse. Need something a little dressier? Go for the printed halter with rosette appliqué. Both, I assure you, will become instant wardrobe staples.

Paisley prints

Almost as characteristic of the boho-chic trend as the floral print, the paisley motif bears an unmistakable ‘70s flair that gives a cool, vintage feel to any outfit.

Summer essentials: The paisley print top with bead embellishments is a very flattering and distinguished design that’ll take you seamlessly from work hours to happy hour, to after hours. Or, if you’re into warmer tones that infuse your wardrobe with an earthy appeal, the printed tank with empire waist has your name on it.

Tiered designs

Layers of fabrics, colors, textured, and jewelry are all big components of bohemian-influenced fashion. In that spirit, Penningtons brings you a gorgeous selection of tiered tops (which, incidentally, also give your curves the necessary coverage for you to feel confident).

Summer essentials: Keep with the floral theme, and take the tiered cap-sleeved top on your next night out. Comfortably lightweight, and feminine without being overly sophisticated, it’s ideal for casual summer evenings. Need a party-perfect top? The trendy zip-front tiered tank top is as chic as it is unique. All eyes on you, guaranteed.

Most importantly, you mustn’t forget that the key to an authentic bohemian outfit is the jewelry. Long earrings with dangling disks or eye-catching bronze teardrops; layers of metallic bracelets or multi-chain necklaces… All are essential ingredients in cooking up an oh-so boho look.

On that note, I wish you peace, love, and happy shopping.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

Despite the fact that days are longer in the summer, it always seems like they fly by in the blink of an eye; which is usually what tends to happen when you’re having fun.

Sun, heat, water, sky, flowers, grass, leaves, trees… There isn’t a thing that I don’t love about this blissful season; but there are a few things that I favor over others—notably those that induce satisfactory sighs, which suggest a state of complete and utter contentment. (You know the ones.)

So without further ado, please find below my ultimate summer hit list, which I hope you will enjoy as much as I do.

1. Summer reading

The things we used to dread most as children are more often than not a source of sheer pleasure when we grow up—summer reading is no exception. Get hooked on a thriller, a romance novel, or an unauthorized biography—whatever floats your boat and carries you off to faraway lands where you can get lost, happily, for hours on end. Sigh.

2. Gardening

There’s something irresistibly organic about spending hours under the sun with your hands in moist soil, the sound of birds chirping, and the intoxicating smell of summer in the air.

Whether you’ve planted flowers or vegetables, watching them grow and thrive under your care is as rewarding as it is relaxing. Tending to a garden is simply soothing for the soul. (Plus, nothing beats ripe tomatoes right off the vine or a bouquet of freshly cut flowers…)

3. Sunsets

Can words accurately describe them or even remotely do them justice? Probably not. So I’ll just say this: be it only once over the summer, find yourself a seat in front of a gorgeous landscape facing a sunset, and take in the world, time suspended, while the last fading rays of the sun warm the earth and paint a picture in the sky that is bound to leave you breathless. It will lift your spirits and nourish your soul.

4. Meteor showers

If you’ve never seen any, get ready for the light show of a lifetime. In the wee hours before dawn, these shooting meteors light up the night’s sky with blazing trails that disappear as quickly as they came. I usually favor the Perseids, which see their peak somewhere around mid-August. Trust me: it’s worth the sleepless night.

5. Picnics

Remember these? They’re often dismissed as a childlike activity, but we forget how much fun it is to pack up a cute little lunch comprised of fresh fruit, finger food, and chilled drinks (or wine…), take a pleasant stroll to a nearby park, and sit in the shade for an afternoon while the kids spend their energy and the adults catch up on some much-needed R & R. Picnics deserve more credit, quite frankly.

Now, I must tell you that I’m only limiting my hit list to five picks because I have a maximum word count. If it were up to me, I’d have added fresh fruit cocktails, outdoor festivals, children playing, cicadas singing, popsicles and ice cream cones, fireworks, calming lakefront views, wild roses…

Well, you get the picture.

Enjoy your summer, ladies. May it be the best one yet!

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

Ever notice how summer has this way of unleashing a sudden desire to stand out in a crowd and steal the spotlight? I like to call it my wild side. How very fitting, then, that one of the season’s most celebrated crazes is the eye-catching tribal trend.

Penningtons invites you to give free reign to that wild side of yours with an assortment of head-turning, notice-me-now tribal designs that’ll make you the talk of the next party for all the right reasons.

Jungle fever

Animal prints and tropical leaf motifs come together to form eclectic patterns that might very well keep you hidden in the jungle, but that have no chance of going unnoticed at your next soirée.

Editor’s picks: The leaf-print halter top with wooden bead embellishments (a perfect complement to your Ideal Match jeans) and the bead-embellished printed shift dress. Pair either of these showstoppers with a cute white cardishawl for extra coverage.

Color me wild

Bold, fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow blend beautifully with bright blues and greens to form a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns reserved only for fearless fashion lovers.

Editor’s picks: The short-sleeved cold-shoulder top in Tuscany orange print (can you say scene-stealer?) and the bohemian-chic sleeveless dress with metallic stud embellishments (available in olive green and yellow, or various shades of blue.)

Black and white boho

Put a contemporary twist on the boho-inspired tribal trend by keeping it in the black-and-white print zone. It’s a timeless color scheme that is easy on the eyes and begs for layers of colorful accessories.

Editor’s picks: The flowing black and white peacock-print maxi dress (with adjustable straps to boot) and the black and white feather screen print tunic. Break out the statement-making jewels, accessories, and footwear.

So how about it? Ready to channel your inner wild thing (and make your stylish heart sing)? Shop Penningtons’ fierce selection of tribal-themed pieces and add them to your list of can’t-live-without summer essentials—along with beaded T-strap sandals and gorgeous oversized sunglasses. Ooh, la, la.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

Break out the SPF 45, the glamorous sunglasses, the oversized sunhat, and take it all in: the sunshine, the heat, the blue skies, and the vitamin D. It's summertime and it's feeling pretty darn good.

For you lovely ladies who are ready for some new summertime swimwear, Penningtons has the figure-flattering tankinis you need to look and feel fabulous by the poolside. Here are the season's top 3 picks:

1. Black tankini with floral accents.

A formfitting yet forgiving piece, this black halter-tie tankini will smooth out your curves and enhance your silhouette, while its delicate cluster of exotic flowers will highlight your feminine side. Complement this minimalistic top with a pair of black wide waistband shorts and you’ll be all set for a day under the sun.

2. Black tankini bandeau with colorful bursts.

Punctuate your summertime style with splashes of red, orange, and yellow, set on an intricate background of modern floral designs. This contemporary tankini bandeau with adjustable straps and drawstrings is for the bold beauty who doesn’t shy away from bright colors. Pair this piece with a cute skirtini to get the look down pat.

3. Black and white tankini halter with D-ring.

Inject your swimwear with a hint of elegance by sticking to a classic combination of black and white. This chic halter creation (which can also be paired with the above-mentioned skirtini) calls for bright accessories, like a gorgeous turquoise bracelet and matching cocktail ring, or oversized hoop earrings. It’s poolside glamour for the sophisticated lady.

In all three cases, layer on the accessories as you see fit, and bring along a conveniently chic cover-up that you can wear at a nearby café over lunch.

With a lot more where that came from, Penningtons offers plus-size women a wide selection of swimwear designed to smooth out your silhouette and hug your curves in all the right places. Now all you need is some sunscreen and some fresh-squeezed lemonade, and you’ll be ready for some fun in the sun.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

If there has ever been an item of clothing that you should own in every color and pattern, it’s the maxi dress. Just like flip-flops are to your feet, the maxi is effortless to slip into, breathable and easy to wear, and ever so stylish in its simplicity. It’s your ideal summertime partner in crime.

But just in case you need convincing, here are three top reasons why the maxi dress is one of the season’s gotta-have garments.

1. It's easy, breezy—and washable

Made from ultra-light fabrics, these fluid creations don’t cling to your skin but rather invite the air to circulate and keep you cool while you enjoy the sun. And more than just easy to wear, it’s machine washable and easy to care for.

Editor’s pick: The white with black print strapless maxi dress  screams fresh summer style with its graceful lines and pure tones. Pair it with flat T-strap sandals and a filigree ring with turq stone and you’re dressed to impress.

2. It's boho chic

Bohemian-inspired fashions have invaded our wardrobes in the last few years and are showing no sign of fading away anytime soon. Tribal and floral patterns, flowing fabrics with a romantic edge, and layers of jewels… The maxi dress fits right in.

Editor’s pick: The 3-in-1 convertible maxi dress with floral print is begging for your favorite accessories, like textured metallic bangle sets and dangling disk earrings.

3. It's versatile

This is the type of adaptable dress that can take you seamlessly from a casual afternoon of window-shopping to an evening out on a chic city terrace. All you need are the right accessories to dress it up or down.

Editor’s pick: The stunning studded black maxi dress epitomizes effortless elegance. It can be worn with nothing more than a pair of sandals by day, and layered with a few key jewelry accessories by night.

Now that I have you all convinced (right?) I invite you all to buy at least three: it’ll be the best purchase you’ve made all summer and it’ll last you for seasons to come. For a full selection of colors and styles, visit Penningtons today.

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons

It’s the simple things in life that get me excited. The launch of a new Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor. An unexpected encore at a free outdoor show. And—the latest on my list—3-in-1 summer dresses, courtesy of Penningtons.

We all know that the key to easy-wear style is versatility, and Penningtons’ convertible dresses are here to prove it. Long or short, they are the season’s most coveted wardrobe essential.

Short and sweet

This stunning printed summer design with foil embellishments can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Wear it with straps and flip-flops, switch it to halter and heels, or wear it strapless with a bolero. Easy, breezy—beautiful.

Long and lovely

Depending on your style, you can opt for a long black maxi dress or a colorful floral creation with splashes of blue, green, and yellow. Either way, you can wear them with or without straps, and pair them with layers of lovely jewelry.

Denim delight

Cute and casual, this little denim number is the ultimate adaptable summer staple. Not only does it go from straps to strapless in an instant, but you can also pair it with a summer T-shirt and wear it as a skirt!

Discover versatility at its best with a Penningtons’ 3-in-1 dress. It’ll take you effortlessly from one occasion to the next in high style!

Cate Cadbury, Style Consultant for Penningtons