Captive8 House of Fashion 16|24 has just received a delivery of stunning tailored shirts in charcoal, white and black.

The Tyra shirt, with its clever knot-detail is extremely flattering for the discerning plus size lady.

The tie detail not only allows for tummy room with its forgiving pleated structure, but the tie falls in such a way as to camouflage the area.

The tie also falls lower than the shirt, which draws the eye downward, creating a very slimming and elongating effect.

Wear the Tyra with jeans for a stylish week-end look, or wear with structured trousers in charcoal or black for smart evening or work-wear.

This shirt is a real timeless classic, and will live comfortably in your wardrobe for many years to come.

At R395 each – we suggest you order one in EVERY colour. Investment shopping doesn’t get any better than this!

• Available in black, charcoal and white
• Size 16 (40) to size 24 (48)
• R395 plus standard delivery charge for online and telephone orders

Place your order by  calling our share-call line – 0861 CAPTIV (0861 227848) or email info@captive8.co.za

It’s that time of year where you look out the window, at the weather forecast and back at your wardrobe and you simply can’t decide what to wear.  With the change of season the weather becomes unpredictable, leaving you uncertain as to how to dress accordingly.  It can be chilly in the mornings and the evenings, but warm during the day.   If the sun comes out then it feels like a sweltering summer’s day but if there is cloud cover or the wind picks up, you freeze if you are not dressed warmly enough

Although not in the weather forecasting business, Danelle Milward, Marketing Director for Captive8 – a ladies plus size clothing range – suggests a fashion solution to this dilemma: Layering.  “Layering is the perfect way to dress for the in between season as you can wear enough to keep you warm if needs be, but can still remove items and keep your outfit intact if it warms up.”

Milward explains how to achieve the layering effect:

Keep it snug:  “The general rule is to have no more than three layers.  The layered look, if worn correctly, can have a slimming effect, but too many layers and you will simply be adding bulk.  It is also important to remember that layering doesn’t mean shapeless.  Keep your layers fitted.  Your bottom layer should hug your body, like a cami or even a top with three quarter sleeves.  Add a gilet or a cardi over this, which is looser than the bottom layer, but still fitted and wear a jacket or coat as your outer layer.”

Keep it slim:  “In order to achieve a slimming effect, chose contrasting colours and don’t button up your layers.  For example, wearing a dark bottom layer with your lighter-coloured second layer open will divide your torso into three and as the eye will only notice the darker layer, you will appear a third of your size.  In the same way, details like embellishments, frills or patterns can be used to attract the eye and accentuate a certain part of the body.  However, keep these details minimal as you don’t want your outfit to look too busy.  Remember, to keep your look slim and balance out your look, you must pair your layered top with a fitted bottom.”

Keep it simple:  “With layers, your outfit has enough going on, so don’t clutter your look with too many accessories.  Choose one piece of jewellery or statement piece that will complete your look.  If you would like to add extra warmth to your outfit, go for a scarf or a hat and if you are wearing a plain cami, add a long necklace to make your outfit pop.”

Milward offers one last piece of advice: “Although many ladies may think that wearing multiple layers is only for the super slim, a few light-weight pieces are in fact better than one heavy one, as layers will allow you to mask the areas who want to hide, will ensure your look is not shapeless and will keep you stylish.  And it’s practical for the in between season, too.”

February is the month to celebrate love and as Valentine’s Day approaches, you may have already started to think about how to look your best for that special someone in your life.  But before you go and splurge on an outfit hot off the runway, Captive8 suggests you take stock of what men really think makes a woman look beautiful.

If you really want to dress to impress then keep it real.  High-waisted pants and jump-suits may bring compliments from your friends, but men prefer you to look like yourselves rather than a wanna-be model and socialite.  Although not many men may be up to speed on the latest fashion trends, they are visual creatures and know what clothes look good on you.

We’ve got these tips for looking your best:

Keep it feminine. Men like women to look feminine, so make sure your outfit of choice projects that.  A dress is the easiest way to look like a lady, but pay attention to the fabric, too.  Men are attracted to the softness of a woman so accentuate this with soft flowing fabrics as opposed to stiff ones.

Keep it curvy. Men want to see your figure.  So whether you are self-conscious and want to hide in a loose-fitting outfit or whether you are skinny enough to be able to pull it off and still look slim, men simply think you are wearing a bag.  Your outfit needs to be fitted and figure hugging.  Research has shown that the most attractive body shape to a man is the hour glass, so make sure your outfit either hugs you in the waist or under the bust.  This way you can achieve that perfect silhouette.

Keep it classy.  Exposing just the right amount of skin is essential to achieving ultimate elegance and attractiveness.  Miniskirts and low-cut tops are not of interest to men who are looking for or are in a long term relationship.  Instead, they prefer v-necks and rounded necklines that expose the collor bone, while knee length skirts show off just enough leg.

Keep it clichéd.  Studies have shown that colour is an important factor to men and they associate deep red with passion, so even though you may be tempted to steer away from the typical Valentine’s colour you might want to reconsider embracing it.  Surveys also show that men love the little black dress and find it very elegant on a woman.  But if you are bored of the clichés then stick to the deeper shades, as men are put off by bright colours and light pinks that make you look like a little girl.

Keep it natural.  When it comes to makeup and hair, do not overdo it.  The guy sitting across the table from you does not want to stare at a painted doll, so don’t plaster on the makeup.  Instead use it to simply enhance your natural features.  And if you are unsure what to do with your hair, keep it down.  Men love the thought of being able to touch your soft hair.

Keep it classic.  When it comes to shoes, jewellery and other accessories, less is more.  A simple heel with an almond shaped toe is far more attractive to men than a wedge or gladiator shoe, while too much jewellery can make you seem far too adorned.

When dressing up for a special occasion, women can end up looking like they are trying too hard.  If you stick to these tips when planning your perfect outfit, not only will you feel comfortable and therefore exude confidence, that special person in your life will find you the most attractive woman of the night. Your outer beauty will be at its optimum and your inner beauty will shine through.

Looking glamorous in the warmer weather isn’t only about what you are wearing. Here are 3 easy items to help you look and feel your best every day.

• Sunglasses – The most fabulous accessory is a gorgeous pair of sunglasses that will glamorise your most casual look. Make sure you get a pair that matches the shape of your face.

• Lipstick – Whatever your colour is, always wear lipstick – no matter what, when or where. It brings colour to your face and makes you look finished but not overdone. If lipstick isn’t your thing try a lip gloss in coral pink, rose or true beige.

• Play with your hair – When it’s humid outside the last thing you want to do is blow dry your hair; pull it up in a sexy ponytail or bun. No baseball caps allowed! If your hair is short, wear a glamorous hat.

With summer in the air it’s time to reflect a more laid back attitude with clothes that are cool and comfortable yet stylish and slimming. With linen trousers, every day feels like a holiday. Not only are they light and comfortable but because linen is such a versatile fabric you can dress it up or down with some simple accessories.

Warm weather demands you put on something cool. Why not try out our Evadne Skirt? The basque top is both flattering and comfortable and would go beautifully with a pair of bright coloured sandals.

Always wondered how to dress if you’re a little on the short side? Here’s how: avoid tops, jackets and sweaters that go below the hip.
A shorter body frame can look even short with overly long plus size tops, jackets and sweaters. Tops that go below the hip level will start to shorten the look of your legs even more. A top or jacket that stops just at the hip bone will elongate your shorter legs to their longest potential. Sorry ladies, but the long sweaters and jackets really only flatter a taller frame.

Time to let go of all that doom and gloom of winter and embrace the bright colours of the new season and this applies to all you curvy diva’s too! This season’s must have colours include blue, pink, yellow, orange, earth tones and white (yes it really is considered a colour this season). So pack the blacks and greys to the back of your wardrobes and move all the brightness you can find front and centre!

It’s best to have a few key pieces that work well together and can be worn in different ways for a variety of occasions. Add other versatile pieces that work for you but remember that the key to looking and feeling great is to find items that make the most of your assets, while concealing the areas you don’t like.

The key is to understand your body, celebrate the great parts, cleverly disguise the not-so-great ones, and know which colours work for you. Always draw the eye to the smallest part of your body, remember that where the line stops, the eye will stop.