Spiegel - I have several nice basics like tops, wrap dresses and pencil skirts from here
Bloomingdales.com - I tend to like Sutton Studio the most out of what they carry
Nordstrom.com and Nordstrom Rack stores
Neiman Marcus/Barrie Pace/Saks - (mainly I buy Tadashi and other Evening/Cocktail dresses here...I rarely seem to find day clothing that doesn't seem matronly)
Lane Bryant - rarely shop their anymore but I do like the new stretch slacks they have that are color coded to different body shapes for fit; I have several pants there that I have had for years. Beyond that Lane Bryant and Ashley Stewart can be a good source for a fun summer top or tank tops.
Ebay - once I find brands that make things that I like I save the names of them on ebay (INC, Sutton Studio, Sweet Pea, etc.) and my size and get alerts; sometimes the same thing that is still retail at Nordstroms will be on here for more than half off
Denim Jeans - I tried several brands this past year to find the best fit on me and for my 6ft curvy shape and large hips/thighs but a smaller waist my favs right now are Svoboda and surprisingly Rocawear; I usually buy them on ebay
St. John - size 16 and XL can often accomodate a size 18; the knit can be blocked up a size and sometime fit an 18 perfectly off the rack; of course it is expensive but you can find pieces on ebay, the outlet in Vegas, Saks Off 5th and Nordstrom Rack for a bargain; I feel it is worth the money to have a few quality jackets from there. I wear them with jeans for a dressy casual look and to work with slacks/skirts. I've never tried a size 50 Chanel jacket before so for now these are my high end jackets.
Lingerie - my fav bra/panty sets came from Bare Necessities.com and are by Lunaire and for my honeymoon I found some sexy pieces from hipsandcurves.com
Also everything will not be perfect for us off the rack especially if you are not the standard fit model shape per the size charts...despite how we dread buying a higher number...you may have to size up sometimes to make something fit your bust or hips/thighs and then the waist will be too big; I've found a good tailor and sometimes have her take in the waist on my jeans or make other alterations to my shape as needed on my favorite pieces.
Beyond that... since the high end designers ignore size 18+ and therefore we don't have a ton of options at couture prices (could be a good thing!)...the bulk of my shopping budget goes to high end handbags, shoes, scarves.
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