The Plus Size Thread - All are welcome!

[LaurieAnn]

I remember Richard Metzger because I have some "how to dress" type books that feature plus-size women wearing some very nice clothing by his label. Sadly, I don't think he's in business any longer.

 

[classic1908]

I remember Richard Metzger because I have some "how to dress" type books that feature plus-size women wearing some very nice clothing by his label. Sadly, I don't think he's in business any longer.

I still have some old Modes with the models wearing Metzger's clothing. He did beautiful things. Now that I remember, he may have tried out for the first season of Project Runway.

 

[3RingCircus]

I still have some old Modes with the models wearing Metzger's clothing. He did beautiful things. Now that I remember, he may have tried out for the first season of Project Runway.

Richard did try out for P.R. - I recall there was a bit of media hooha with some plus-size models, signs and whatnot trying to get some publicity going during the audition process but to no avail. As far as I know Richard does a bit of fashion styling work and still makes clothes but not in the same volume - prob just made to measure for clients. If anyone wants to try to reach him you could prob do that through Michele Weston's website (they are pals) at sellingstyle.com.

 

[writergal28]

Richard did try out for P.R. - I recall there was a bit of media hooha with some plus-size models, signs and whatnot trying to get some publicity going during the audition process but to no avail. As far as I know Richard does a bit of fashion styling work and still makes clothes but not in the same volume - prob just made to measure for clients. If anyone wants to try to reach him you could prob do that through Michele Weston's website (they are pals) at sellingstyle.com.

Isn't it sad that non-standard size designers often have focus on custom clothes rather than volume?

 

[classic1908]

Isn't it sad that non-standard size designers often have focus on custom clothes rather than volume?

The way that volume will be achieved, IMO, is if designers such as Metzger or a petite specialist can get hooked up with a deep-pockets backer. With plus, because of the aesthetic stigma, I think it'll be harder.


Switching subject, picture of Jennifer Kate Hudson and ALT. ALT is a hot mess, but I love him:

 

[classic1908]

Dr. Patricia Wexler

She looks like a petite tweener (10-12).

Wearing Carolina Herrera at Fashion Group International's Night of Stars:

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ I'd say more 16-18 for Dr Wexler ...

classic, you just about put my eyes out with that pic of ALT Post a warning next time will ya

 

[classic1908]

^
OK, I'll give you a warning.

It's possible that Dr. Wexler is 16-18. I have seen CH 16s and 18s at Off Fifth. Because her clientele skews older, I'm not surprised that she goes beyond the 12 or 14 that most high-end RTW designers cut off at.


Here is Marjorie in a look that doesn't work. The blouse makes her look stouter in the torso:

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ I believe CH also does custom work for some of her plus-size clientele. Given Dr Wexler's empire, I'm assuming she could afford that ...

I feel the dress is too diaphanous (sp?) for her, but the photo angle is also non-ideal ... would be better coming straight on I think.

Yes, I think the band at the bottom of Marjorie's blouse is too wide and hitting in the wrong place. I have a blouse that has a drawstring closure at the bottom that's very flattering ... (also a double ruffle down the middle, voile).

 

[LaurieAnn]

Oh I love Andre no matter what. He's just a "gulity pleasure" of mine. In his most recent Vogue column "Letters from Andre," he talks about going through some stressful times and gaining back all the weight he lost. He's gone back to the Duke University weight management clinic and has successfull lost the weight again and is in the process of using some alternative/holistic medical and pschological practices to help keep it off.

I had no idea what Dr. Wexler looked like. I'm short as well and have the same "tummy" and am now between a 14/16 on the bottom and 16 on the top (thanks to working hard the last three months to lose10 lbs.) so it's nice to see another petite woman.

 

[fashionista-ta]

Congratulations, LaurieAnn, that's great I bet this is making for much easier shopping for you ...

I would still love to see pix of your fall purchases ...

 

[LaurieAnn]

Congratulations, LaurieAnn, that's great I bet this is making for much easier shopping for you ...

I would still love to see pix of your fall purchases ...

Thank you Fashionista-ta . It is making shopping easier for me and consequently I'm finding myself to be even more selective with purchases than ever.

One positive is that I can fit in more items from regular departments as opposed to just the plus-size departments so I have a greater selection of items to choose from. Along with that I can also choose to purchase an item because it fits me well and looks good on me as opposed to having to settle for something less flattering or that I like less just because it fits. Also, all of my current clothing drapes much better on my body so I look better in what I already have. That's positive reimforcement for me when the going gets tough.

 

[classic1908]

^^
I've always shopped misses and plus, depending on availability. I mainly buy plus bottoms although I'm dissatisfied with the presence of elastic and such.

Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes at a Glamour magazine award presentation. I sort of like this although it's a bit prom-esque:

 

[cait]

I too am right on the miss/plus border. For the most part that works out fine, I tend to choose pretty basic bottom pieces anyway. Dresses are a whole lot trickier and I guess I avoid them. Hadn't thought about it before today.

Actually, this was on my mind earlier: I've become fixated on StyleDiary and was suprised by finding a few ladies who prefer dresses and practically collect them. That was interesting for me because I'm all about seperates. And so far I haven't really find anyone there who looks plus. A few curvy girls, but not plus. Any of you ladies have pages over there? Or any favorites, plus or no? I'm looking for more real-world inspiration.

^^^^Ms Rimes looks better than usual, the color is gorgeous and the neckline works well on her. But the waistline is kind of odd, and the length worries me for some reason. I would've done something a little retro with the hair too, but that's just my taste.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ I have always been about separates too ... I have always believed it gives you more scope for creativity and more bang for your buck. My wardrobe has always been heavily weighted toward separates, but I think at this point I haven't bought a dress in years.

 

[LaurieAnn]

I'm all about seperates as well. I find it's easier for me to put together a figure-flattering look if I focus on my top and bottom looks seperately with an eye to making each half balance. For example: a jacket with peplum and/or princess seams paired with an a-line or fluted skirt, or boot-cut or trouser style pants.

I tried to buy into the "ease of wearing a dress" thing that the fashion press has been pushing for the past few years by purchasing three dresses. Only one of them gets consistent wear from me; my faux wrap dress. The other two just took up space in my closet and are now residing at a fine consignment store.

I finally gave up (for a while at least) on searching for a flattering LBD. I've created my own for this holiday season by putting together a new purchase Simply Vera Wang skirt with a silky black top that I already have. The look isn't too bare for me and I'm held in in the right places.

 

[classic1908]

I actually prefer dresses, but cannot find what I'm looking for, particularly in the plus market. I like natural fibers and structured shapes. So, I still have a decent set of separates.

 

[fashionista-ta]

pendleton-usa.com

I'm all about seperates as well. I find it's easier for me to put together a figure-flattering look if I focus on my top and bottom looks seperately with an eye to making each half balance. For example: a jacket with peplum and/or princess seams paired with an a-line or fluted skirt, or boot-cut or trouser style pants.

I tried to buy into the "ease of wearing a dress" thing that the fashion press has been pushing for the past few years by purchasing three dresses. Only one of them gets consistent wear from me; my faux wrap dress. The other two just took up space in my closet and are now residing at a fine consignment store.

I finally gave up (for a while at least) on searching for a flattering LBD. I've created my own for this holiday season by putting together a new purchase Simply Vera Wang skirt with a silky black top that I already have. The look isn't too bare for me and I'm held in in the right places.

That's exactly the beauty of separates--one new piece & voila, a whole new outfit And usually more than one. You can also get the fit of each piece exactly right.

Btw, I got a Pendleton catalog last night & noticed they have plus sizes. Their selection is pretty impressive I think. For example, this skirt is available 14-24W ($154) and 4-18 misses ($148



Or this "seasonless" wool for $124 plus size:

 

[LaurieAnn]

I think I would have better luck with dresses if I could find more natural fibers and structed shapes as well. Something that holds me in.

About 23 years ago I purchased two fully-lined wool dresses in neutral colors and structured shapes at the old I.Magnin department store in San Francisco. The cost then was $125.00 each and I wore those two dresses once a week each from Fall through Spring for 11 years until they just gave up. And damn did I ever look good in them! They would both still be instyle and look good on me (though in a different size) today. Those are the kinds of dresses I have trouble finding now.

 

[classic1908]

Marjorie G., Museum of the Moving Image, NYSD.com

Speaking of dresses, I like this one, particularly the raspberry color. She's pictured with Jackie O-favoring socialite Jennifer Creel (left