This season, I've been working hard to offer you a lot of vintage plus-size selections after getting a variety of requests about buying vintage. This piece is a round-up of all those vintage Etsy finds and guides I've put together, so that you can have an easy click around. If you need to find something on Etsy, and you're not sure if they have your size, this is the place to get looking.
While dresses were the main feature this time around, you can rest assured that blouses and skirts are next up at About Plus-Size.
1. Etsy Dresses - September, Part I
This was one of my first shopping excursions this month, and an exciting one at that. I found a fantastic fall-ready brown dress, lots of funky finds, and a piece that sold very fast, too! I'm not afraid to pick out my favorite dresses and more, even if they are odd, and this one orange find was quite the novelty selection. There were a few more expensive pieces on the list, yes, but many were quite affordable.
2. Etsy Dresses - September, Part II
A list made later highlights polyester and 1940s finds in a happy spread of varied selections. The cheapest piece on the list was $12 -- perfect for students and budget-watchers -- and went right up to the over-$100 category for those willing to make an investment on their wardrobe. The 1950s semi-sheer navy dress was one of my favorite finds, while that previously mentioned red number gave me a Mary Tyler Moore Show thrill.
3. Etsy Dresses - September, Part III
The third Etsy list for the fall features a Mexican smock dress with a special vibe, plus a great number of dresses to buy now and save for spring. If you want to cut down on the competition, your best bet is to shop for spring now and store away those pieces for warmer weather. My favorite piece on this list was definitely the Pink Mac, #8, which puts other rainwear to shame. The runner-up? I think it was the primary stripe color dress, which is cute, simple, and affordable. Look for a wider variety of sizes in this list, too.
4. Plus-Size Guide to Etsy Shopping, Part I
Shopping on Etsy can be confusing, especially for those who have stuck to eBay all these years. With Etsy, you definitely have a lot more wiggle room, and I address that in a list that covers:
- The Basics - How to shop, how to not.
- Search Terms - What search terms are most effective.
- Eras - What eras of inspiration work well for what body types.
- Shopping Boundaries - When to hold back.
5. Plus-Size Guide to Etsy Shopping, Part II
This edition expanded upon the first with finer points about bargaining, deals, synthetic fabrics, and misconceptions -- a nice hodgepodge that's worth a gander if you want to look at Etsy with fresh eyes. More details on the article include:
- Buying More From One Seller - Saving on shipping can be easier when you stock up in a single Etsy store.
- Avoiding Shopping Competition - Forgetting to check yourself when a piece looks like it might sell can blow your budget in a heartbeat.
- Vintage "Traps" - Are you psyching yourself out about your vintage buy?
6. Plus-Size Guide to Etsy Shopping, Part III
Now we get to the tough details with plus-specific Etsy suggestions, including measurement tips, alteration details, and cautionary bites. If you're an experienced home sewer, you might be familiar with a few of these mentions, but others could be in for a doozy in the tailor's shop. Highlights include:
- Measuring Armholes - Why do it?
- When Not to Let Out a Hem
