The Plus Size Thread - All are welcome!

[LaurieAnn]

I love the dress Texastess. It's very chic and timeless and can be dressed up with accessories. You'll be able to get more than one wearing out of it and I tend to like clothing like that.

Also as an FYI I just received fall catalogs from Boden USA and J. Crew. Though these catalogs certainly aren't traditionally plus size they both had some interesting items that would work on largers frames. The Boden USA catalog has some great Kimono style dresses, wrap dresses and pencil skirts. Their sizing is British so a size 20 equals a US size 18. The catalog and website contain a size conversion chart. I've purchased items from them before and find their items to be be well made for the price.

The J. Crew catalog had some beautiful riding boots with extended calf sizes. They looked like they would cost much more than their price.

I'd post pictures but am really not sure how to do it. Sorry.

 

[stilettogirl84]

I love JCrew online- you can find a lot of nice thing for size 14-16 there

AND size 11 shoes

 

[classic1908]

^^
I have even seen size 12 J. Crew shoes online/catalog.

I like getting the cashmere sweaters on sale there, particularly when they have an extra 20% off on final sale. I got one in jade, and am thinking about one in pink.
As an older poster, I'd like to see what Forth and Towne is going to be like. I know they're opening in L.A. and there's talk about San Diego. Forth and Towne has 18s and 20s in store -- unlike parent Gap, which only has those sizes online and at the outlets. I'd love to see Banana extend sizes, but I doubt that will happen as long as they are trend-ish and fashion-driven. I can get into most BR 16/XL tops, sweaters and jersey dresses. Forget the pants.

 

[LaurieAnn]

Classic1908, do you know if Forth and Towne is going to have an on-line portal? I'm about 5 hours from the LA area and don't get there often. I do get to the Bay Area to shop about twice a year. I'm "of a certain age" as well (45) so I utilize many of the catalogs and web sites for purchasing classics. I would also love to see Banana Republic expand their size range. I'm just out of their XL size but I check their web site and stores for styling ideas.

 

[texastess]

I have looked at J. Crew and they have some great things. Problem is, I think I will need sleeves since it may get a bit chilly in Monterey. I have a Talbots nearby and while their clothes are usually a bit mature looking, I am going to see if they have a few wrap dresses I can try on.

 

[stilettogirl84]

about Jcrew- I was just talking about in general- not for your wedding guest dress.

Personally, I NEVER wear anything sleeveless.

 

[texastess]

about Jcrew- I was just talking about in general-

How do their sizes run? I don't live near one so I will have to order online.

I need everyday clothes, badly!

 

[Luxx]

Plus sized girls! What is on your shopping list for Fall Winter? Its so hard to find good inspiration and ideas when you're plus sized so I'd love to know what everyone plans on wearing / buying / would like to buy this fall.

Here is my list thus far:

F/W 06

- Velvet Blazers, loads of them

- Tweed Wide leg Trousers

- Burberry Trench Coats: Beige & Black

- Hermes & Missoni scarves

- Cropped Peacoat: Love the A.P.C. one but I doubt they have my size

- Pencil Skirts

- Knee High Boots w/h Thick Heels

- Wool Capelet

- Fitted Leather Jackets

- Oversized Sweaters & Cardigans

- Skinny Jeans

- Trouser Cut Jeans (I've been looking everywhere for a pair of these)

- LOADS of Flats of all sorts, especially the new Tahari snakeskin flats & the BCBG Tweed flats

- Platforms, esp the sky high Chloe ones

- A Brocade Coat (I would just kill for the Burberry gold brocade coat from two seasons ago, sigh)

- Flat black slouchy boots

- Military Inspired Jacket

- Missoni Cardigan

- The perfect white blouse w/h tie neck

- Oversized handbags esp. from Chanel or Derek Lam

- Lots of black, white, tan & grey with jewel tones thrown in for good measure

- Long layered chains with delicate charms or tiny beads


Looks like I really have my shopping cut out for me please share your lists!

 

[classic1908]

Classic1908, do you know if Forth and Towne is going to have an on-line portal? I'm about 5 hours from the LA area and don't get there often. I do get to the Bay Area to shop about twice a year. I'm "of a certain age" as well (45) so I utilize many of the catalogs and web sites for purchasing classics. I would also love to see Banana Republic expand their size range. I'm just out of their XL size but I check their web site and stores for styling ideas.

Hi LaurieAnn,
Very good news...Forth and Towne's site says it's coming to San Francisco this fall as well as L.A. I looked at the site, and it doesn't appear that they have online shopping right now. It's a preview of what's in stores, and the stuff looks good.

 

[texastess]

What about something like this for the rehearsal dinner? I could get a twill jacket to wear over it...

www.talbots.com

 

[texastess]

Luxx, your list is so organized. Mine is much more when the mood strikes me shopping. I'll give it a try. Please note I am a high school teacher, so budget and comfort are key!

Here is my list thus far:

F/W 06

- Twill Blazers, 2-3 in earth colors

- Denim jacket that has a shpe to it

- Wide leg Trousers

- 4-5 pair boot-cut jeans that are appropriate for school

- 2-3 pair of some FIERCE boots with heels, so I look a bit taller. Since my calves are HUGE, I have to buy the shorter ones

- Cropped coat that is proactical for the days I have watch. I must stay outside and be certain this is no fighting or kissing going on, so I may have to throw down;-)

- A-line Skirt that is practical for class

- Fitted Leather Jackets

- Oversized Sweaters & Cardigans - as many as I can afford. I LURVE me some cardigans! School color is Orange, so I always look for a few of those. After all, Texas is all about the football season!

- Two decent pair of tennis shoes for casual Fridays

- Platforms

- Nice messenger bag

- The perfect white blouse - then I'll buy TWO

- 2 dresses - one to wear to the wedding of my nephew, the other to wear to the rehearsal

- Lots of cute small earrings, nothing too distracing

- One or two retro conceert t-s to sneak in under my jean jacket on a Friday. My kids get a kick out of that!

But thanks Luxx, for making me actualy think about what I want!

Plus sized girls! What is on your shopping list for Fall Winter? Its so hard to find good inspiration and ideas when you're plus sized so I'd love to know what everyone plans on wearing / buying / would like to buy this fall.

Here is my list thus far:

F/W 06

- Velvet Blazers, loads of them

- Tweed Wide leg Trousers

- Burberry Trench Coats: Beige & Black

- Hermes & Missoni scarves

- Cropped Peacoat: Love the A.P.C. one but I doubt they have my size

- Pencil Skirts

- Knee High Boots w/h Thick Heels

- Wool Capelet

- Fitted Leather Jackets

- Oversized Sweaters & Cardigans

- Skinny Jeans

- Trouser Cut Jeans (I've been looking everywhere for a pair of these)

- LOADS of Flats of all sorts, especially the new Tahari snakeskin flats & the BCBG Tweed flats

- Platforms, esp the sky high Chloe ones

- A Brocade Coat (I would just kill for the Burberry gold brocade coat from two seasons ago, sigh)

- Flat black slouchy boots

- Military Inspired Jacket

- Missoni Cardigan

- The perfect white blouse w/h tie neck

- Oversized handbags esp. from Chanel or Derek Lam

- Lots of black, white, tan & grey with jewel tones thrown in for good measure

- Long layered chains with delicate charms or tiny beads


Looks like I really have my shopping cut out for me please share your lists!

 

[JATE]

I haven't tried the skinny jean style yet, though I really like the look when I see it. Because I'm both short and plus size I'll most likely stick with boot cut jeans or trouser style jeans with heels even though boot cut is supposedly out right now. Those styles just give me a longer line, especially the trouser style, which are difficult to find.

Laurie Ann,
What do you consider "plus size"? I am a 34-28-38. I am rather wide and with flat curves and have sort of an athletic/boyish form. My thighs are about 20 inches. I found a great pair of skinny jeans at the Gap..I like theirs because they are skinny but stretching so they fit YOU not the mannequin...and they also have an ankle length showing alittle ankle actually helps to elongate the leg..I wear a size 6 in these jeans which I don't think is considered plus size but I think that you should really check out these jeans in your size...pairing them with a beautiful tunic or capelet for fall would be smashing for you I'm sure.

 

[LaurieAnn]

What's on my list for fall, etc.

OOOhh, Forth and Towne is coming to San Francisco! Yeah! I'm looking forward to shopping there. I should be able to find some clothes which are more fun and up-to-the-minute than I usually wear.

As for skinny jeans, I wear about a size 16 which is definately "plus size" on my 5'2" frame. I did look at the gap website and saw that their stretch skinny jeans went up to size 20 and came in a short inseam length so I may be able to try them with some platform pumps and a tunic. That would be a fun look.

Texastess, I like the skirt and top you picked out for the rehearsal dinner. The skirt also looks as though it would be work appropriate for you.

Great idea on what we'd like for Fall/Winter. Here's my list:

Pencil skirts: black and tweed. (Have already ordered a black one.)
Wool trousers in charcoal grey and camel
Denim jacket w/ mandarin collar
Suede car coat
Classic black pumps (Have already ordered a pair of Bruno Magli's)
Black platform pumps
Cheetah/Leopard print ballet flat
Wide calf equistrian boots from J. Crew
Kimono style dress just for fun (Have already ordered one.)
White shirt with a perfect fit (Hah! Dreaming is free!)
Blouses with tie necks to go under my v-neck sweater collection
More V-neck sweaters
Cashmere sweaters in ivory, camel, navy, grey, burgundy, black
A single-breasted trench coat (hard to find)

My big purchases for this Fall which I made on a trip to San Franciso in July are a Hermes Kelly handbag, black with palladium hardware, a Michelle watch and a cashmere scarf in deep burgundy from Burberry. I've already purchased several pair of trousers and have some good basic skirts and sweaters from last year. Last year I also purchased a velvet jacket and two pair of velvet pumps which I can wear this year as well.

I have an idea where I can find most items on my list but if any of you have suggestions for where I can find good quality wool trousers and a single-breasted trench coat (in khaki) I'd love to hear from you.

 

[classic1908]

My buying tends to be a bit random because I frequent clearance centers such as Off Fifth, consignment shops and thrift stores, even. What's available does drive my shopping, and I often buy out of season.

But I always have a a target list. For instance, I love the classic shift and A-line dresses and jersey dresses. For skirts, I want full skirts.

Shoes, if I can find any Manolos at deep discount and sizes 40.5 to 42, I'll take them. Boots are a different story because of my large, muscular calves.

Bags, again will be driven by what I find and the store's layaway policy, for consigners.

 

[masquerade]

speaking of off fifth, i just got an mj flap bag from there. may not keep it though (i spent like 60 hours pay on it)

im just a college student so my wardrobe is really jut a lot of jeans and tshirts.

id love to find wide legged pants though. that would be the one thing i can really think of. i really like the idea of those

 

[stilettogirl84]

How do their sizes run? I don't live near one so I will have to order online.

I need everyday clothes, badly!

compared to what? They're a bit snug compared to Banana Republic- which are more generous.

 

[classic1908]

Another FYI. If you are a classic/conservative dresser, Ann Taylor has expanded its online sizing to 18, a misses' cut.

 

[stilettogirl84]

I love ann taylor!

 

[LaurieAnn]

Another FYI. If you are a classic/conservative dresser, Ann Taylor has expanded its online sizing to 18, a misses' cut.

Thanks for the information. That's good to know. I like to wear skirts because my lower legs are in quite good shape and they show off my shoes. It'll be nice to have another place to check for them.

 

[texastess]

I currently wear a lot of banana republic, eddie bauer, etc.