Be honest: where are you shopping right now? Is there a place that you love to virtually browse, or a new store that you're just going wild over? I feel like my shopping alliances change seasonally according to what's being offered and how. For example, eShakti just came out with a new knits line that I am loving, loving, loving, and OneStopPlus has a bunch of nice straw hats. I'm also really into local shopping in person (JCPenney and Worths), and I'm keeping my eyes on Evans London to see if they surprise this year.
So tell me: what are you really digging this season? Did any shop surprise you? Are some unexpectedly weak? Is there a trend that you hate that just so happens to be everywhere?
Comment below or email me at plussize.guide AT about.com.
Comments
I like Torrid the best but there really isn’t any store I can ever just love. It is so hard to find clothes that fit me that I can only find a couple things in each store that fits.
Part of this problem would go away if they got rid of the horrific trend of the high waist (or whatever it’s called). You can barely find a shirt that doesn’t have at least a line under the bust. For anyone who carried their weight in the front it is a nightmare. I hope this trend is over soon. Oh ya, and the trend to have a short tighten at the bottom – a big shirt with a…well, it’s almost like a drop waist but with shirts. – also a nightmare for anyone with weight in the front. Both trends make you look pregnant. And having those little pleats coming off of the neckline also look like something pregnant women would wear. If there was a variety it’d be OK, but they are all like this right now.
Hey, and wtf happened to Old Navy? They only sell plus size online now? That is seriously messed up.
Sorry, I had no idea I was going to vent like that
I love the concept behind ReDress…a new vintage second hand store that just opened in February in Brooklyn. Imagine bringing in your old clothes, getting store credit for them and shopping with your accrued dollars. I traded in a bunch of things I was tired of and upgraded/”bought” a darling jacket that I adore. In this economy, it’s a great way to get your shopping fix for zero dinero. I recommend it for anyone in NYC, and if you aren’t from here, plan a visit and check it out!!!
It’s not a plus shop but I buy most of my stuff at Nordstrom Rack and they do have enough large sizes–I just have to hit it often. They also have great shoes for hard to fit. I love NYD Jeans the best!!
Lane Bryant is sometimes good–sometimes junky.
For my best outfits, I have purchased at Nordstrom’s in the Encore department and they last for years.
I like Ashley Stewart a lot because they carry modern and hip styles for the fuller figure. ALso, I will go into Cato every chance I get. They aren’t bad too.
Great suggestions/recommendations! Keep ‘em coming. . .
I like Fashion Bug. Since I’m 24, I like to have a wide range of options. Fashion Bug has “grown up” clothing and trendy younger items that I can also wear.
I like the new store in Kent, Bromley in the Glades shopping centre. Very fashionable. they seem to be running out of stock quickly in the bigger sizes but they get new stuff weekly… Jenny
Hi all,
I think we all feel the same about being curvy, the media and press and started to tell us that it is OK to be larger but this is nit reflected the Plus Size shops around. I have taken the plunge and opened Every Inch a Woman in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England which is Dress Agency just for size 18 to size 28 ladies. Prices start from £3 to £175. You bring things that you don’t wear and get 50% cash if they are sold. I also have just opened an EBay Shop this very morning.
Best Wishes to you all and take a look at http://www.everyinchawoman.weebly.com.
Love Jo
Now that I’ve made my peace with the tape measure and found that getting alterations aren’t that expensive – I have liked Silhouettes and Old Navy. But I also thrift and go consignment very heavily; the plus premium is kind of bogus, and a lot of things labeled plus frequently aren’t. SIZE 12 AND 14 ARE NOT PLUS SIZES. So a lot of “plus” shops….AREN’T. It makes shopping even more difficult for those of us who are genuinely larger sized, and the people labeling 12/14 as “XL” and “XXL” should be ashamed of themselves.
I live in Pittsbugh PA and we have a great PLUS SIZE Consignment Shop. It has a boutique feel and carries size 14 and up! It’s called PLUS Consignment Boutique http://www.plusconsignmentboutique.com
My favs are Macy’s (they carry calvin klein and Michael kors plus size lines) and Torrid.
I was reading the other comments and i really have to disagree with Judy. I think that empire waist tops are extremely flattering for women who carry their weight in the tummy area. I work in plus size retail and women are frequently saying that they think the empire cut makes them look pregnant. I know this sounds harsh, but people can tell the difference between a plus size woman and a pregnant woman. I wouldn’t recommend that you pair those tops with baggy bottoms or skirts but with fitted jeans, trousers, or capris they are very flattering. Especially if they have a wide scoop neck or deep v, all the attention is brought to your face.
Also if you think you look pregnant try a jacket over it. Jackets instantly slim all body types.
I would have to say that Nordstroms rack in a GREAT place to go, the best thing about it is that they change the stock weekly!!!! i got a $200 michael kors dress for $45 bucks last week. You really have to go back all the time to see if they have any plus sizes in at the time, and when they do, it flys outta there. As far as the new faith 21 line, i’m uneasy about the sizing. I hope the sizing is true to what a 1x or 2x truely are. I sometimes love Torrid, but then sometimes i can’t find a single thing that i like, its a love hate relationship with them, remember they are owned by Hot topic so thats why they have the more trendy type of clothing. I’m sad about old navy only being avail on line only now, which is quite a shame, but i’ve been able to find lots of old navy plus size on ebay for cheap!!! Ebay is a great place to go, but you must know your measurements!!!! As far as lane bryant goes, i used to like it but its getting a bit more matronly lately. But i love the intimates at the lane bryant cacique section!!!
I agree with Judy about Torrid. They have cool, trendy clothes, but I can spend hours and only buy one thing. The thing that bothered me lately was all the skinny-cut jeans! What plus-sized woman would choose those? Can you make me more pear-shaped, please? They only had one style of boot-cut.
I agree about Lane Bryant, too. I used to love it, but when I went last weekend, I was really disappointed by all the tunic-style tops. They look like potato sacs on me. Granted, I just had twins 6 months ago, so my body shape is a little… odd. But if the shirt fit my chest, it was too baggy on the hips.
I haven’t been to Fashion Bug since last year, but they’re always my favorite! I want to check them out soon, but I’m a little worried about what styles they’ll have, too. Why don’t stores understand that just because a style is trendy, that doesn’t mean it should be made in plus size?
I really like what Lane Bryant unveiled this season. Great bold colors and less crazy patterns.
When it comes to formal dresses, Igigi still wins my heart.
I think Ashley Stewart has some great styles this season and noticed their product looks great. Has anyone had any experience with them? I just just introduced by a friend and I was pretty impressed.
I live in PR and is very awful that in a 100 x 35 miles island, and where about 60% womens are plus sizes, there are less than 5 good stores. JcPenney, Macy’s,Rainbow,Sears (belive me is so different than in the states) and Marianne. And a few chic botique in San Juan. But you need to know the best is Roma an outlet store in Hato Rey area. If you plan to come to PR and you are a Plus size girl you need to go to Roma, prices start in $10 AND ACCESORIES ARE GOOD QUALITY. Good Luck
I do a lot of online shopping. As long as I pay close attention to the measurements, it usually works out pretty well for me. I’ve found a lot of stores on ebay that are seriously awesome. My new favorite is a store called Jen’s Fashion Plus (http://stores.ebay.com/jens-fashionplus). They have a lot of the same styles as Torrid but a lot cheaper!
Online shopping is my new best friend, lol
I live in NM, and the only places I’ve found that even cater to fuller figures are Torrid and Lane Bryant. Unfortunately, I’m a size 12-14 depending on manufacturer. Many plus-sized retailers don’t have much selection in that size range, and most “standard” cuts don’t fit my curves. Where the heck are 12-14s supposed to shop?
I’m loving J Jill this season. I’m mostly doing some virtual browsing for that dream wardrobe–but if I can hit a big sale with them I’ll go for it. They only carry plus sizes online, but their XL’s fit me well and I usually wear a 22.
I discovered a wonderful plus size online shop, http://www.bandlu.com. Clothes are trendy, but not quite as out there as Torrid. Very classy and beautiful pieces. A little pricey, but well made, so you know they’ll last a long time. I’ve never been disappointed!
whoa, i really have to disagree with Di. i’m a 12/14 on the bottom and let me tell you, i cannot fit into straight size pants. even if they fit in one place, the fit is awful everywhere else b/c the cut is based off a 4 or a 6 standard.
my favorite store is Fashion 2 Figure. i wish they’d open up online – i live near one back home but when i’m away at college i’m stuck! the prices are really good, and there’s a range of brands so you get a breadth of fits and styles. and the folks who work there are usually super-helpful.
i just shopped at torrid yesterday for the first time and it was great! perhaps a bit pricier than i would like, but i think worthwhile. there is one about 25 minutes away from school…i can’t make it a regular habit, but it’s good when i need stuff.
what annoys me the most about a lot of plus size is that the styles are so limited. i’m not into being ultra-femme, and i’m 24, so there are some styles that still feel “too grown up” for me.
My favorite place to shop is without a doubt
Ashley Stewart. Their on-line site is OK but the stores are the best. They have current styles that rival Jr and Missy sizes. Their
cuts and frabics flatter Plus bodies well.If
there is store in your area and you haven’t
shopped there, do yourself a favor and check it out.You probably won’t be disappointed.
I am a size 4X 26/28, and I shop online alot and find some really good deals. I shop Torrid, Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug and on eBay online. I am always finding free shipping coupons or 20% off coupons (mostly for LB and FB, Torrid has a Diva rewards program where I always get 5% off any order, but it’s harder to find Torrid coupon codes) I have had really good luck with 77stars on eBay, I have purchased from there store about 4 times. Good selection of Torrid, Lane Bryant, and Fashion Bug clothes and alot cheaper and usually free shipping. You can go directly to the store at http://www.77stars.com I also just placed my first order from Avenue and I am very pleased with my new sundress, will definately be adding them to my list! xoxo SAM
So many online and brick and Mortar plus size stores but still not enough. Try http://www.plussizesavings.com, shipping is only $1.97 to U.S. and Canada.
Attention Shoppers
Spent the afternoon at Natick Mall .The place is packed..Did Obama fix the economy?.Interested in hearing others experience.Better deals than last year.Gotta go shopping some more..Seems like Park City Mall is packed.
Have a good One