I was so, so, so excited when an intern (who happens to share my name!) from Jessica Simpson Collection contacted me to try out an item from their line and then give an item away to a reader. I can’t brag enough on how nice my interaction with R. was, and I can tell that this company is excited to expand into plus-sizes. Jessica Simpson Collection carries high quality plus size dresses and separates, and most of their items are in sizes 12-20, although they told me that some of their Fall 2012 styles will be extended to sizes 22 & 24. Currently, you can order products from their direct site (linked above), or from Macys, Dillards, Lord and Taylor, amongst others.

So you might be wondering what a woman who is size 26/28 is doing working with a brand whose sizes only go up to a 20, but after trying on a JSC piece in NYC, I realized some (I haven’t tried on all styles!) of the pieces would work for me. Since I knew sizing could be an issue, I picked a style that looked like it eased through the hips, and I’ve been wanting to add more maxi dresses to my closet, so a perfect match was made!

I chose to review the Jessica Simpson Collection Plus Size Floral Maxi in a size 20, and I will say that my measurements are probably at the max for this dress at size 26/28.

This dress seemed perfect for a garden party (even though I’ve never been to one!) or a summer wedding or some other elegant summer event. The lining has some spandex in it, so it’s very easy to move around in and is not restricting at all. The top layer is a gorgeous, flowy material with delicate pinks, greens, creams, and oranges.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about the front v-ish design of the gray straps, but I found them very supportive and they added a new style to my wardrobe. Although I neglected to take a picture of the back (oops), there is a stretch panel that accomodates various bust sizes and the grap strap below the bust opens at the back to be tied into a bow.

My favorite design aspect of the dress is that right under the bust the fabric gathers and waterfalls down (aren’t you impressed with my very un-fashion-y vocabulary), but it’s flat against the hips until it hits the bottom of the him where it gathers and creates more volume again. It’s very rare that I see details that are like “Wow! They are really thinking about my body here!” but it’s obvious that Jessica Simpson Collection understands that the curve of the hip is beautiful and should be shown off with a clean line rather than hid under lots of fabric.

At 5’4″ and at the max size for this dress, the length was perfect for me. I was wearing silver, flat sandals here, but I could also wear a slight heel with it. If you are smaller than me, the dress lay longer and have a more billowing effect.

The best thing about all of this is that Jessica Simpson Collection wants to give one of you an item from their line!

The winner will be e-mailed with 3 possible choices (one being the dress I’m wearing here), and then YOU can select which style you would like to win! Again, these are sizes 12-20, but as you can see in this dress, you may be able to fit even if you’re a larger size. That said, if it doesn’t fit, it’s still yours, so you’re free to give it to a loved friend or family member to enjoy!

Make sure to leave a valid email address. The giveaway entries close July 18th at 12:00AM, and I will announce the winner soon after! This giveaway is open internationally 🙂

So how do you enter?!

You can do 1 or all 3 of the following options to be entered up to 3 times for the giveaway. You must leave a valid e-mail address, and I will check to make sure you have completed the steps before announcing the winner.

1. Follow JSCollection and me (@theplussideofme) on Twitter and tweet the following: I’ve entered to win @JSCollection plus size dress via @theplussideofme http://wp.me/p1a7CH-vZ Leave a comment linking me to your tweet!

2. “Like” JSCollection on Facebook. Leave a comment with your FB name!

3. Post about this giveaway on your blog/tumblr and leave a comment here with the direct link to your post!

I had to leave you with this gem from when a bug flew in my face. Such a fox!