vive la femme » mai tai

vive la femme

Offering the latest looks & trends exclusively in sizes 12-24 for Chicago’s stylish women of size.

All long skirts, handknit sweaters, and a ton of medium-weight jackets are now on a progressive sale at vive la femme, starting with 40% off all the way to 90% off!
All long skirts, handknit sweaters, and a ton of medium-weight jackets are now on a progressive sale at vive la femme, starting with 40% off all the way to 90% off!
A classic design in a timeless silhouette, this dress is made from a wonderful stretch material that conforms to curves to really show contour and shape.
We also unpacked a round of our awesome crinkle tanks and tunic hoodies, both if which feel like pajamas and travel like a dream. Colorways include periwinkle, olive, and black for the hoodie, and apple green and periwinkle for the tank.
Enjoy two new styles from NYDJ, a dressy deep indigo trouser cut and an ultratrendy bootcut in a soft, lightweight spring denim.  The gray pair is more of a midrise to accommodate smaller waists and womanly hips.
Here is a new babydoll dress in a fresh purpley-blue. Happy and swishy, the neckline and bodice offer girly detailing and the length can translate to a dress for shorter gals and a versatile tunic for those with longer legs.

No time for foofy pleasantries and airy politesse! Here are the facts. We have tons of new clothes and we’re having a sale. Let’s explore.

All long skirts, handknit sweaters, and a ton of medium-weight jackets are now on a progressive sale at vive la femme, starting with 40% off all the way to 90% off!First things first: You want sale? You got a sale! SKIRT FLIRT, BETTER SWEATER, AND JACKET RACKET! All long skirts, handknit sweaters, and a ton of medium-weight jackets are now on a progressive sale at vive la femme, starting with 40% off all the way to 90% off! Labels include Comfy, Zen Knits, and Pure Handknit. Let the games begin!

This piece comes in rich chocolate brown, sleek authoritative black, and bold purple. Pair with the new trousers from Comfy, also in this image, for a fabulous look that conveys an undeniable dose of curvaceous confidence.
Need some weekend options that are both stylish and ultra-comfortable? Look no further than this structured hooded jacket from vive la femme favorite, Comfy USA. Popped with a darling hoodie detail, the belted design and rich fabric impart this piece with an upscale sense of weekend chic.

Enjoy two new styles from NYDJ, a dressy deep indigo trouser cut and an ultratrendy bootcut in a soft, lightweight spring denim. The deep blue features a nigh waist to fit fuller bellies.

Lots of great daywear and workwear and here and ready to rock and roll. Gunning for that promotion or off to a crucial interview? Then check out these new long cardigans from igigi perfect to punch up simple trousers and a clean tank. This piece comes in rich chocolate brown, sleek authoritative black, and bold purple. Pair with the new trousers from Comfy, also in this image, for a fabulous look that conveys an undeniable dose of curvaceous confidence. Also, check this 50’s shirtdress out! A classic design in a timeless silhouette, this dress is made from a wonderful stretch material that conforms to curves to really show contour and shape. Can’t you just see this with some pearls and kitten heels? VERY Mrs. Cunningham, this.

Need some weekend options that are both stylish and ultra-comfortable? Look no further than this structured hooded jacket from vive la femme favorite, Comfy USA. Popped with a darling hoodie detail, the belted design and rich fabric impart this piece with an upscale sense of weekend chic. We also unpacked a round of our awesome crinkle tanks and tunic hoodies, both if which feel like
pajamas and travel like a dream. Colorways include periwinkle, olive, and black for the hoodie, and apple green and periwinkle for the tank.

Denim, denim…come and GET ‘EM! Enjoy two new styles from NYDJ, a dressy deep indigo trouser cut and an ultratrendy bootcut in a soft, lightweight spring denim. The deep blue features a nigh waist to fit fuller bellies, while the gray pair is more of a midrise to accommodate smaller waists and womanly hips. Gorgeous! We were really excited to see these and Amanda took the gray pair but immediately.

Finally, we have some new “cheap-n-chic” options from LA-based label, Mai Tai! The staff-fave “flippy skirt” is available once again, and here is a new babydoll dress in a fresh purpley-blue. Happy and swishy, the neckline and bodice offer girly detailing and the length can translate to a dress for shorter gals and a versatile tunic for those with longer legs. This piece also comes in a neutral taupe and of course basic black.

Mark your calendars! vive la femme is pleased to welcome a new line of fabulous plus-size clothing, Lotis! Designed to effortlessly translate from work to weekend, this cosmopolitan line represents the epitome of sleek, chic, and sophisticated. Please join the owners and designers of Lotis Clothing on March 18th from 6p to 8p as we celebrate their new Spring Collection 2010, arriving at vive la femme in May. Samples of the line will be available for preview and pre-order. Delightful nibblies and swanky cocktails will be served, and as usual friends and family are welcome!  www.lotisclothing.com.

Hey sassy sisters and party people! If you like the Zen Knits line, then the time is nigh for you to sashay on in to vive la femme!

We just unpacked SIX BOXES of new ZK pieces and they are rad. Highlights include softly structured pants in black and brown, two babydoll tunics, a two-tone tube dress, a ton of tops, and a SLEW of tanks and shruggies! Colors include ghost gray, dusty purple, and deep teal green. ZK has quickly become a marquee line here at vive la femme for its comfy fabric, clean cuts, and gorgeous colors.

How about some cheap-n-chic pieces? Just in and perfect for this weekend’s festivals and fairs, a spaghetti strap ruched-front babydoll dress in black and brown for $35! Pop it with a slouchy shrug (also just $35!) in hot yellow, happy violet, or raging red for an easy-peasy look that works with any number of shoes and accessories!

MORE cheap-n-chic? Alrighty then! Check out the new BADAZZ off-the-shoulder top from Mai Tai in black, turquoise, or mocha! Really fun and funky, this top is very hipster, very Saturday-night’s-alright, and VERY affordable at only $35! Also take a peek at the sweet vintagey floral babydoll top in shades of green, blue, and magenta. Vurrrrrrry pretty.

Mark your calendars! On Thursday August 6th from 5p to 7p, we welcome jewelry company Stella and Dot for a fall accessory shopping party! Inspired by the ladylike styles of yesteryear, this company is all about the modern, confident woman! I am so excited to bring this line to vive la femme, as I feel it perfectly matches our vibrant and playful fashions - wait until you see the spyglass necklace and distressed metal hoop earrings! Check out their latest offerings at www.stelladot.com.

Finally, join us on Tuesday August 11th from 5p to 7p for a Designer Reception as we welcome our newest line, Kingley and Posh! Meet the owners and designers and get a sneek peak of their classy and work-friendly line of structured separates! We’re going to take pre-orders on this delivery, because believe you me it’s going to FLY.

We’ve got tons of new stuff to ensure lots of smiles this weekend!

Check out the latest round of cheap-n-chic tops, all priced for $35!  Choose from the ruched bustline tee, the flutter sleeve top, or the ribbed pullover for a shot of easy breezy summer style priced for your shopping pleasure. Colors include silvery gray, juicy tangerine, and dusty rose.  Pretty!

Just in from Mai Tai, a darling kimono tunic/dress!  Very sleek and chic, this silhouette looks great as a standalone dress for petites, or a striking tunic for the long legged among us.  Choose from deep purple, edgy navy, or basic black.  Because the lines are so clean and the shape so sophisticated, this piece can take a real range of shoes and accessories to make the look your own!

Two new dresses from igigi are here!  Mod mademoiselles and groovy gals will love the Pucci-print minidress in gray, yellow, and orange and vintagey vixens will thrill to the mocha eyelet sundress!  We only order a handful of pieces from this label, so stop in soon to check ‘em out.  They go fast…

Just in today from Kiyonna, TONS more of the ballet wrap Bellinis!  We brought in a major shipment in all colors and sizes because, basically, THEY ARE AWESOME.  I have two, Stephanie 2.0 has THREE, and Amanda and Hannah each have one.  Join the club!

Speaking of Amanda…she is putting the finishing touches on her newest summer skirt, a sweet and sassy yellow and white floral print that is pure sunshine!  Paired with any simple white tee or tank, this skirt is a real go-to for casual outdoor events or BBQs.  As usual, they are handmade with love right here at vive la femme!

Mark your calendars!  Tomorrow we welcome bodyworkers to vive la femme for a casual meet and greet!  Join us from 5p to 7p and speak to massage therapists, Pilates instructors, and acupuncturists in a friendly, size-positive atmosphere.  This event is free, but we do need a final RSVP list, so please call or email! We’re also participating the neighborhood sidewalk sale, so stop by for lots of sale items.  One item is $10, two for $15.  Please bring CASH.

On Thursday August 6th from 5p to 7p, we welcome jewelry company Stella and Dot for a fall accessory shopping party! Inspired by the ladylike styles of yesteryear, this company is all about the modern, confident woman!  I am so excited to bring this line to vive la femme, as I feel it perfectly matches our vibrant and playful fashions — wait until you see the spyglass necklace and distressed metal hoop earrings!  Check out their latest offerings at www.stelladot.com.

Finally, join us on Tuesday August 11th from 5p to 7p for a Designer Reception as we welcome our newest line, Kingley and Posh!  Meet the owners and designers and get a sneek peak of their classy and work-friendly line of structured separates!  We’re going to take pre-orders on this delivery, because believe you me it’s going to FLY.

We’ve got our on fireworks happening here at vive la femme!  Stop by to celebrate the liberation of your own personal style with five new shipments!Just in from Kiyonna, their pintuck vneck babydoll dress in black and red!  Perfect for the busty ladies among us, this dress can be worn to work with *pop* tank top and maryjanes, or on the weekends with foxy jewelry and bitchin’ heels.  Comfortable and packable, this dress is a clean canvas for many occasions!

Back from Olivia Harper, more babydolls in periwinkle or black with the front slash detailing!  These frocks work well on petites and hourglass shapes.  Super chic and very unique, our darling staffer Hannah took one and wore in with legging and sandals, and we’ve also seen it work wonderfully for outdoor weddings and business travelers.

Got sundress?  Check out the new ruched-top tube maxi dresses from our awesome junior LA label in awesome patterns and colorways of white/floral, cream/brown/turquoise and purple/orange.  Amanda just snagged one and is popping it with a Kiyonna summer cardigan in berry, and I tried the purple/orange one with a tangerine topper and LOVE-DED IT.

Also, just in from killer LA label Mai Tai, a sweet floral sundress PERFECT for those with small chests and womanly hips.  As usual, you know who you are!  Colorways are teal/tangerine and yellow/purple, and the straps are adorned with a funky wooden bead.  Adorable!

Finally, we have a MAJOR shipment from Missphit, including a reorder on the floaty lavender or black swing blouse in summer silk, and two new darling blouses — one a button-down gingham in black/white or red/white, the other a ruffle front button in deep turquoise or sleek black.  So cute for picnics and BBQs!

Holiday hours! We are open Friday 11a to 7p, Saturday 11a to 3p, and Sunday 11a to 5p.  Stop by and enjoy the best of vive la femme’s summer style this holiday weekend!