The Plus Size Thread - All are welcome!

[LaurieAnn]

Who makes great but not too expensive ($70 or less) dressed for plus size women? My issues are my shoulders and upper back/bust. I'm built kinda like a swimmer but have an hourglass so it balances out. I'd like to wear more dresses.

Hi thefrancofille; you might want to try www.alight.com for plus size dresses near the price range you are looking for. Some of the items from the Blue Plate brand can be rather fun. Good luck!

 

[classic1908]

I don't know if it's the store responding to demographics or whether it's the store determining what demographics it wants as shoppers. There's a difference, ya know. For instance, Lucky Jeans go up to a size 18 yet if you go into a department store that sells it, it will only carry up to size 14. If you're a 16 or 18, you are SOL. Why? It's because the store has determined that in the Contemporary department, its DESIRED customer ranges from size 0 to size 10 or at most 12. They don't want the business of a 14 or a 16, even though it's still in the misses range.

I've been a 14-16 misses for over a decade. I never had trouble finding clothes in my size at any mainstream store up until about two or three years ago. All of a sudden, 0s and 00s starting showing up on the racks and the 14s and 16s vanished. When the fashion industry and retail decided their muses were Mary Kate Olsen or Nicole Ritchie, clothes for larger-sized women started disappearing. The assumption these days is that we either get our stuff online, so our offensive fat doesn't taint the eyes of the swizzle stick customers, or we'll be embraced by under the big tent of the plus sized market. I say big tent because that's how most plus sized clothing fits a misses sized gal.

My mom is a 16-18 and it was a nightmare to find a dress to fit her for my brother's wedding. She had to order it from Spiegel because the stores had diddly squat over a bloody size 8.

Good point. I had to strafe a poor salesperson at BR a few weeks ago because they decided not to carry XL/14-16 in Monogram in store. I am one who likes to try on things.
And my tailor is one of my best friends.

 

[thefrancofille]

Hi thefrancofille; you might want to try www.alight.com for plus size dresses near the price range you are looking for. Some of the items from the Blue Plate brand can be rather fun. Good luck!

Thanks! I'll check it out.

 

[thefrancofille]

What do you guys think about the footless tights trend on a plus size body? I had been tempted to buy some for a long time and bought some today. I think as long as my upper thighs are covered (with a long shirt or dress) it would look good. Is anyone else wearing these?

 

[elegantly_wasted]

I think if you have some height to your body structure footless tights can look ok if you're short give them a miss they will cause a stumpy effect...

as for clothing i've been noticing smaller sizes staying on racks and missing out on my sizes.... all 14s and 16s (australia) are the first to fly out the nice stores like portmans and 6s and 8s are all that are left... I've been seriously thinking in just buying burda and making my own clothes... that way they tailor to fit me rather than trying to tailor my body to department stores... it gets annoying because our bodies are not generic reproductions (this goes for slim figured men and women as well)...

 

[thefrancofille]

I'm getting a few new pieces for the new year. I'd really like a black dress (wrap style or shift), a dress with a nice print or bold color (ie red) and a few shirts (oxford style, wrap style, etc). I'm going to look online but probably pop into Macy's. What are some good online places to check out? I know about avenue and LB and torrid (REALLY not my style) and someone recently posted about alight. What other sites do you guys use? I know some regular stores carry up to size 16 or 18 but I've decided to try a pluz size fit because even at those sizes, the clothes from the regular stores don't address my problem areas (my back/bust and arms).

 

[classic1908]

I think if you have some height to your body structure footless tights can look ok if you're short give them a miss they will cause a stumpy effect...

as for clothing i've been noticing smaller sizes staying on racks and missing out on my sizes.... all 14s and 16s (australia) are the first to fly out the nice stores like portmans and 6s and 8s are all that are left... I've been seriously thinking in just buying burda and making my own clothes... that way they tailor to fit me rather than trying to tailor my body to department stores... it gets annoying because our bodies are not generic reproductions (this goes for slim figured men and women as well)...

Good luck on the sewing. If I were patient, I'd take some classes myself because I want to make certain things I can't find (tailored day dresses in natural fibers) in the stores.

 

[PinkRae]

I love the Juicy Couture tracksuits, and am so happy they finally come in plus size!

 

[frk-frost]

Queen Latifah looked great yeaterday IMO: http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jezebel/2009/01/84203352_10.jpg

(from Jezebel).

 

[shelleybean]

Try Spiegel!!

I'm getting a few new pieces for the new year. I'd really like a black dress (wrap style or shift), a dress with a nice print or bold color (ie red) and a few shirts (oxford style, wrap style, etc). I'm going to look online but probably pop into Macy's. What are some good online places to check out? I know about avenue and LB and torrid (REALLY not my style) and someone recently posted about alight. What other sites do you guys use? I know some regular stores carry up to size 16 or 18 but I've decided to try a pluz size fit because even at those sizes, the clothes from the regular stores don't address my problem areas (my back/bust and arms).

Hi Francophile, This is my very first post on TFS. I hope I know what I am doing. Have you tried looking online at Spiegel? If you don't want anything too too trendy, but nice basics that you can wear almost anywhere, try them out. They have some really nice pieces in their Signature Luxury Fabric Collection. Try the Two-Way Stretch Collection. The best thing about the SLFC is that all of the pieces go together and are all from the same dye-lot (so you can get the matching jacket or whatever). They are also what I would consider VERY reasonably priced. Not only that, but they go from misses size 2-18 and women's size 14W-24W. You should have no problem finding a fit thats good for you, plus you can always have it slightly tailored if it isn't perfect. I have always found that if your outfit is fit really well to your personal body shape, you will always feel and look fantastic. I am a pretty standard size 12 (I'm 5'7") but have big boobs and sometimes have to get a 16 on the top and have the entire thing altered just so the buttons don't pull across the bust - majorly annoying! MMkay, thanks for letting me post to this great forum for the very first time. I will add it to my favourite threads or something.....now if can just figure that out....

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Welcome to tFS Now that you've posted, you're subscribed to this thread. Click on User CP & you'll see it listed when someone's posted to it. Voila!

 

[BlkLadyLaw]

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.

http://hautelegaldiva.blogspot.com

 

[thefrancofille]

Hi Francophile, This is my very first post on TFS. I hope I know what I am doing. Have you tried looking online at Spiegel? If you don't want anything too too trendy, but nice basics that you can wear almost anywhere, try them out. They have some really nice pieces in their Signature Luxury Fabric Collection. Try the Two-Way Stretch Collection. The best thing about the SLFC is that all of the pieces go together and are all from the same dye-lot (so you can get the matching jacket or whatever). They are also what I would consider VERY reasonably priced. Not only that, but they go from misses size 2-18 and women's size 14W-24W. You should have no problem finding a fit thats good for you, plus you can always have it slightly tailored if it isn't perfect. I have always found that if your outfit is fit really well to your personal body shape, you will always feel and look fantastic. I am a pretty standard size 12 (I'm 5'7") but have big boobs and sometimes have to get a 16 on the top and have the entire thing altered just so the buttons don't pull across the bust - majorly annoying! MMkay, thanks for letting me post to this great forum for the very first time. I will add it to my favourite threads or something.....now if can just figure that out....

THANKS for this! I'm checking the site now. I found a LBD (with sleeves!) when I went to Macy's in New York. They have a nice plus size section compared to the Macy's in my city. It was a Tahari brand on sale for $88.

I've been looking at pics of Keely Shaye Smith in her thread on the star style section and she's been inspiring me. I think she's fantastically gorgeous and dresses very well.

 

[thefrancofille]

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.

http://hautelegaldiva.blogspot.com

great post!

 

[BlkLadyLaw]

igigi dress

I wanted to recommend this Igigi dress. I know they have dressed a lot of plus sized celebs and I went to browse their sale items last week and picked this dress. It is amazing on and so sexy and chic. The material and proportions were perfect. Very well made.

 

[thefrancofille]

^ Thanks for the link. I've looked at Igigi before and wondered about the quality. I'm not sure a square neckline would work on me, but I'm browsing for other items now.

 

[thefrancofille]

SO, after doing some shopping and being utterly confused about my size, I realize that I can wear a 16W comfortably, but not a regular 16. (I haven't tried a regular 18 though.) This helps me in terms of shopping online because most regular 16s don't fit me across the back and arms.

 

[thefrancofille]

I'm ordering this dress: http://www.igigi.com/shop/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.display/product_id/673

I'm getting the 14/16 and hoping it fits since I can't return it!

I'll be waiting for this one to go on sale. . .
http://www.igigi.com/shop/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.display/product_id/691

 

[frk-frost]

Both dresses are very nice

 

[classic1908]

I wanted to recommend this Igigi dress. I know they have dressed a lot of plus sized celebs and I went to browse their sale items last week and picked this dress. It is amazing on and so sexy and chic. The material and proportions were perfect. Very well made.

This is an interesting look. Most Igigi I've seen looks like it's more designed for women with breasts, which I'm definitely not. I probably am between an A and B cup now.

I haven't been here in a while. I've sort of pulled back with shopping. I need to catch up.

In terms of online shopping, I live in Southern California and still prefer to do brick and mortar if possible. I've gotten interesting online things, however.
At Ann Taylor, there was a beautiful orange peel lightweight wool dress, a misses' 18, that I bought and am "exchanging" because it was drastically marked down.

I've also gotten nice things at Banana Republic in XL and 16.