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Igigi Review 2011

Taking a Look at What's Offered

By , About.com Guide

I love writing fresh reviews for you at About Plus-Size, and in this one, I want to take a closer look at Igigi. Igigi's made-in-San-Francisco pieces are elegant and very careerwear-worthy, and this time, I wasn't just impressed with the excellent quality of the pieces, but how beautifully they fit.

I have started to move away from clothes not made in America, and it's not cramping my style in the least. What's going on with Igigi right now? I have the scoop right here!

1. Construction

I reviewed two pieces from Igigi this season, a beautiful career jacket and a stunning blouse. The fabric is thick, the stitching is straight, and the fit is ideal. Igigi's pieces remind me more of a professional dressmaker's creation... many plus labels couldn't execute this quality.

There's an obvious sacrifice that companies make when it comes to their collections, construction, and pricing. Many are not willing to give us the quality that we want, but that we don't often see (I could name names, but I won't!), for a fair price. Igigi does.

2. Fit

I find some Igigi pieces better suited to hourglass figures, and other looks to apples, and yet others to athletic or pear. You really have to know your body shape to shop at Igigi, but they provide a simple guide to help you. Sashed jackets, for example, are better suited to a curvier frame, as opposed to one that is straight up-and-down. 

3. Fabrics

I already touched on the fabrics that Igigi uses – they are awesome – but I think it is necessary to elaborate. The fabrics from Igigi are excellent, to the point where these pieces will stand out amongst other wardrobe necessities.

You can't go wrong with Igigi solid-color pieces, but please watch the care directions and dry clean only when it's indicated. You don't want to mess up pieces like this with improper care. I'm a die-hard hand washer, but I don't take chances with my Igigi. Be especially cautious about anything that directs you not to tumble dry, because that can destroy a soft knit piece very quickly. I speak from experience.

4. Value

You're going to pay more for your Igigi pieces than some plus separates, but I think it's totally worth it. After all, the famous survey showed that French women buy 5 pieces a season to add to their closets... and then they make those pieces count. Cutting back on our closets and buying only quality items can't hurt!

For those concerned with price, I recommend stalking Igigi sales and clearance items at the end of each season. The prices drop just enough to appeal to another budget level – great for women looking for a career change, those who are taking entry-level positions, interns who want to dress for success, and more.

5. Varied Tastes

Igigi always puts out enough of a varied collection that we can select style favorites. I am partial to the solid-color separates, and I don't particularly like the pieces with strong graphics. But there are plenty of positive reviews about these selections, and I know that others will love them (just not me).

6. Think It Over

Igigi is one of my favorite plus-size shops, and if you are interested in supporting a quality plus label that's made here in the States, it's one of the best. It's a great place to browse, a good place for sales, and the pieces there right now suit a lot of different body types and tastes. Why wait?

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