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When I was a plus sized beauty my biggest gripe was that there was never anywhere to go shopping. I was a size 18-20W and I felt horrible in just about everything I owned. It seemed the only stuff I could find in my limited price range made me look like a sack of potatoes. Nothing was ever flattering. Nothing ever quite right.
I don’t want anyone else to have to live like that. Looking fabulous is everyone’s right no matter what size! So here are some shops (online and at the mall) to visit to find that inner-whatever-your-personal-style diva.
Remember ladies: Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Just because you can’t find a top to those jeans at that store doesn’t mean there’s not one for you at the next. And if it doesn’t make you feel fabulous, it’s not worth buying.
1) Lane Brynt
Yeah, this is a no brainer. I didn’t start this list off with Lane Bryant because it’s the most fab place, but because it does have something that every girl needs. A good bra. Vicky’s (Victoria Secret) can get kind of pricy for us larger busted ladies and I found that LB had a good quality product for an excellent price. But don’t discount them too quickly. They have some cute separates and are a good place to get old standbys (i.e., black pants, solid colored tees, dresses) to outfit your wardrobe. The prices are a little more on the high end but the clothes are well made and well worth it.
2) Macys
Believe or not they have a really good selection of very cute things for plus sized girls. It’s not all your mama’s clothes. I personally only shop the clearance racks at Macys. They have some excellent deals. You can get plenty of items to augment your look from here as long as you buy off season. For example, swimsuits are super cheap right now. Getting ready for next summer, anyone?
3) Mechanical Bunny
The internet is a place full of wonder and majesty. And also clothes. So for our more punky/goth/just alternative ladies out there (of which I am clearly one!) Mechanical Bunny has what you’re looking for. Their stock is rather small but it does have diversity. They also add new items constantly, so check back often to see what they’ve put up.
4) Torrid
Their stock is awesome! Little school-girl skirts, drop dead sexy dresses, sultry shirts and tops. And the clothing quality is good, as well. They have a different sizing system (instead of 18, 20 it’s 1, 2, 3) but there is a comparison chart on their site. There’s a range of prices, but it’s all still pretty reasonable.
5) Dots
This is a chain store that carries plus sizes as well as junior miss. The clothes aren’t the best quality, but they’re cute and cheap. It also caters to a variety of styles, so it’s a sure shot that you’ll find something you like there if you dig. There’s no online shop so you’ll have to look for a location near you. Well worth it; a little bit of cash goes a long way there.
6) Fashion Bug
This is another chain store. Same do as Dots for the most part, just a little more well-known. The store is stocked with very cute things and has a little more to offer if you are looking for more professional attire. You will have to pick through some ugly stuff, but the deals you will find are well worth the time.
7) Target
Probably the easiest place to shop. It’s darn near everywhere, including the web! The clothes are super cute and nicely priced. Once again, STALK the clearance rack! Tons of styles for work and play. The clothes are of pretty good make and everything is reasonably priced. A great stop no matter what your style is!
So I hope this little list helps you out. There are a ton of other places to go to as well. Old Navy, Forman Mills, not to mention the slew of little boutiques that can be found all over the place if you look hard enough. Chime in if you have any other goodies!
Happy shopping, lovelies!
[Photo courtesy of dapperdiva.com]
30 Comments
As an employee of the wonderful place known as Target, I would say that 90% of the full figured women who shop there are dissatisfied with the selection and quality of our plus size section. A lot of times they just take misses clothes and add a couple of yards onto it…just sad.
Whatever, I don’t feel like FAT people should be accommodated…there’s a reason why you don’t feel comfortable in your clothes.. If the doorway of your house was too small would you buy a new house with a bigger doorway?
Toughen up and lose some got damn weight.
Seriously Stephanie? Some people are obese because of their genetic makeup. Despite trying they physically cannot lose weight, it’s how their body was designed. I even know a lot of overweight people who are in better shape than I am and I’m not big at all.
No one should have to feel uncomfortable in their own skin. We should all do our part and accept everyone for who they are. Why should people who are overweight be excluded because of their size? That’s just stupid.
wow, stephanie, you are an asshole. last time i checked, this is america. it is a consumer culture that doesn’t discriminate. do you think people with skin cancer from tanning should be accommodated by health care? or should they toughen up and deal with being pale? screw you.
Wow Stephanie… way to be a sizist, ignorant idiot. I bet you’re related to Mimi Roth. haha
Sometimes weight is not a matter of eating too much or not exercising. A fair amount of people have physical disabilities or health conditions that make them not the “acceptable” size of the modern day models. Also, size has been linked to genetics, so even if people diet and exercise, they may not fit into your standards of what is acceptable. So, it’s not an issue of “toughening up” to lose weight.
I’m a bigger girl and, honestly, I like being this way. There are LOTS of other plus size, beautiful women out there that feel the same way as me. Why should we be neglected and ignored by fashion designers just because we are of a bigger size than others? Is it your opinion that we should just wear trash bags instead of clothing?
Why should we lose weight just to be accepted by people like you?
I’m healthy (contrary to others’ opinions I actually like to work out and love eating veggies and fruits), happy and love being a unique, plus size gal… oh, and I LOVE shopping at Torrid.
I’m def. going to have to try some of these other stores… awesome blog post!!
yeah stephanie, rough comments. its not always everyones fault if theyre heavy, and to think so is discrimination.
Ouch, Steph. You got me right here, beneath the fat where I’ve learned to care less what people say about my size.
Fashion Bug is made of win and awesome. None of the bras fit me there, but that’s to be expected. Groan. Still, I’ve got some killer tops from there! My favorite capris are also a fashion bug original. I also own a pair of Torrid Tripps, but I’ve never heard of Mechanical Bug. Must check out.
You are a doll.
Stephanie… I don’t think that society should have to tolerate cunts like you.
If people like you ran the free world, we wouldn’t have the fair housing act, Civil Rights Act, or the Equal Opportunity Employment Act.
Seriously, Grow up.
Geez Stephanie… go back in time and hang out with Hitler.
Its okay, Steph will probably be on intervention next week for her ‘neurosis contributing to bulemia-nervosa.’
Not to make light of the bulemic, or those who need help, but I’m sure she has her own inner-demons that she fights every day, and thinks they world should accept.
….like being a lonely BITCH! haha
“the* world,” typo.
p.s.- I’m not skinny-bashing either, because I’m pretty tiny. (Just thought I’d add that in there too, before someone flips their shit.)
lol i like the intervention joke
Wow. Awesome post. I work at a store called Avenue/the avenue/avenue plus. Its along the same line as Layne Bryant, but a tad bit different. Its definitely aimed at older women, but I not only work there but I shop there too. They carry skinny jeans (*gasp* I know), cute tops, plus sized bras (frilly ones as well as no-nonsense ones) wide shoes and all of that. Like I said, very cute, not toootooooo expensive, and the clearance/sales kick ass. Sizes 14-32, shoes from 8-13W. Check us out! Avenue.com
So even though others have replied to her, I want to add my two cents in for Stephanie.
At 172 lbs and 5′4″ I probably feel better about myself than you ever will, and its sad that you need to attack others to feel okay about who you are. I work out 4-5 days a week because I enjoy it and it helps me start my day better. I don’t get angry when I meet girls who are taller than me and weigh 120 lbs but have never exercised and eat anything and everything they want because if thats what works for them than I don’t care–it’s their body, not mine. Maybe you should figure out why you hate your own body before you attack others.
Great post Donyae… I know I def appreciate getting tips for good stores because shopping isn’t easy for anyone, regardless of their size.
The lady pictured is not a good example . . . Her outfit could have been so much better.
http://www.digitalfuntown.com/showpage.php?showid=6
Interesting steph, so does this mean you but a new personality when people think your a bitch?
I guess certain people haven’t noticed women come in ALL shapes and sizes.
Personally, I come from a family of large latino women. I were a size 18/20 shirt and 20-22 jeans. I don’t see why I should feel bad for my size just cause someone can’t accept it. The way I see it, if people can’t accept me then whatever, I dont need them in my life, I’ll just put up with those kinda people if I have to (ie: work, school, etc).
I’m a guy who stumbled upon this page while looking up what to bring to college, i don’t even know how i got here, so don’t ask.
But I had to say, screw you plus size girls. Your not attractive, stop pretending you are. I hate this god damn trend.
you are fat.
fat
fat
fat
that is not a good thing. don’t say you’re proud of how you look, you’re just compromising because you’re either too lazy or unable to lose weight and this is how you deal with it. you secretly hate yourself on the inside, you look disgusting naked, and in general hate your life.
I have so many things i want to say right now.
To Christine:
you’re argument about tanning and skin cancer. that is a completely different situation. “Would you make them suffer being pale.” what the hell, last i checked being pale isn’t a health concern. how would someone suffer if they’re pale.. If someone gets skincancer from tanning, it’s common sense to stop fucking tanning. If you’re fat, get off your plus size ass and do something about it.
To the rest of the cult of plus size:
STOP COMPROMISING. LOSE WEIGHT.
Not because the society tells you it’s acceptable but because you’ll be healthier, more attractive, and a better role model for your children. You are not being a rebel by being comfortable in your fat skin, you’re just making a joke out of your life.
I’m sorry, I hate my life so i’m taking it out on all of you. this is actually my cry for help.
WOW…Jeff you need help!!!
I think this was a very nicely written article to help those people who ALREADY feel bad about their bodies try to find something that makes them feel wonderful.
I know that when I was younger, I was heavy, and when I was diagnosed with Diabetes, I had to work my goddanm but off (literally) to loose 70 lbs.Now that I’m size 11, I feel so much healthier. And you know what, Because of my genetic makeup, I cant loose anymore weight without looking anorexic. Bones are not sexy, just ask my boyfriend.
BUT, my sister is in the same predicament I was when I was a pre-teen. But you know what, she cant loose the weight. The BC she takes prevents it. She can’t go off the pill or her hormones would be royally fucked.
So, lets see, she either has to choose having THE WORST MENSTRAL CYCLE EVER and being a couple sizes smaller, or being perfectly healthy and size 18.
Well…To all those who commented and think this is a clearly acceptable trade off for women like my sister, fuck you.
You make life so much harder for people like my sister without thinking about it.
has this fast food, grease loving, overeating, extremist society really convinced people that it is FABULOUS to be obese? maybe you should ask your doctor how fabulously obesity effects your health. gross. this is not a slippery slope comment, so im not saying everybody should be super, heroin chic skinny, but JEEZ stop stuffing your face and excusing it because you are being fooled into thinking FAT is the new black!
I just have to say, please stop bashing people who are overweight. Like others have said, sometimes it’s not their fault. And if it is their own doing, who cares? It’s not you, let them be. I don’t think it’s fair to discriminate against people based on appearances whether it be race, weight, age, gender, etc. I personally am thin but have several overweight friends and family members, and they are the nicest people you will ever meet! Isn’t that what matters? Who cares if you’re fat, skinny, tall, short? Hopefully one day everyone can be comfortable enough in their own skin to accept others as they are.
Very nice article.
OMG you guys, obese and heavy are different!
If you’re a plus sized girl and you’re comfortable in your skin, more power to you! There is absolutely nothing wrong with that and I think that your comfort in a real body is amazing!
But, when you are so big that you’re having health problems, you should try to do something. Not to fit in, but so you can be healthy. My great aunt was obese and it killed her, I don’t want to see anyone else have to go that way.
But these are very different. If you take care of yourself and your genetics give you a bigger body shape, I will never EVER judge you. Not all plus sized women and men are obese. There is definitely a difference that some people seem to be missing. Be healthy and happy and you won’t have to worry about what anyone else thinks of you!
Hold you heads up ladies, if you are healthy and confident, you are beautiful
Jeez, this has turned into a Fat War.
I’m 20, 5′4, 180 lbs. I’m a size 14-16 and I’m VERY happy.
I’ve been bulimic, I’ve dieted, I’ve been a size 8.
Now I ENJOY my cupcakes, my french fries, and my ice cream while watching Sex and the City.
And I feel absolutely NO different about myself in a smaller size or a larger one. Being skinny or a size 2 doesn’t build confidence or make you beautiful.
To all the fat haters: Yeah, I probably could lose a few pounds but changing my diet or exercising more, but It’s my choice not to.
And to the idiot who said something about claimed “pale people don’t suffer” in the skin cancer analogy: If pale people didn’t like the way they looked they wouldn’t go tanning. So clearly it’s bothering them. And in the same way “pale people” go tanning because they’re unhappy with their skin tone, I happily rip open a packet of Twinkies.
Skinny chicks in low-cut shirts and ass-bearing jeans? Pass. Body size can’t buy class.
There is a difference between being a bit overweight and really fat/obese.
Health and Weight do not always match.
There is a difference in being ‘ok’ with a problem you have that you can change and being happy about it.
If you’re overweight, 25+bmi (and you don’t have a low % body fat) then your fat ass needs to lose some weight.
It’s like saying “I’m stupid and I’m ok with that”. Say that loud and proud. You have an obvious fault that you can correct through some hard work, but your lazy ass just doesn’t care.
Don’t give me all these bullshit excuses that apply to probably less than 5% of the population(and i’m being very generous). 100 years ago, 3/4th of the US population was not overweight. Our genetics have not changed that rapidly. It’s our lazy habits that contribute to our problem.
I don’t think I have EVER met ONE person who has lost a significant amount of weight(in a healthy way) and said that it wasn’t one of the best decisions of their ENTIRE LIVES.
You say it’s not my problem?
Q: What is the cost of overweight and obesity?
A: Total Cost: $117 billion
Direct Cost: $61 billion*
Indirect Cost: $56 billion
Thats a low figure compared to others I have found ranging up to 300+billion, and it’s only getting worse.
I’m not talking about class, fitting in with society, your personal decisions… i’m talking about a shitty habit, that negatively effects other people.
I’m not talking about skinny hoes who eat carrots for 3 meals a day, cause thats just as stupid.
I’m sure when hurricane Katrina was rolling along, allllllll the fat asses came out and helped for hours on end to build the sand bag wall. O wait, someone who can hardly walk, let alone run or do anything physically demanding for any long period of time isn’t going to be much good in helping are they? They are probably going to be inside(in the words of the post above me) “Now I ENJOY my cupcakes, my french fries, and my ice cream while watching Sex and the City.” since they would probably have a heart attack to move at any kind of a pace. I have a feeling New Orleans had more than their fair share of cupcake asses.
Your body and mind are both valuable tools in your life. To treat either one like crap is stupid.
I think it’s so funny how passionate people are about other peoples weight. If you don’t like people that are overweight who gives a shit??!! NOT ONE PERSON on this planet is perfect so maybe being overweight lets you see my imperfections a little more easily but I will still know that you have problems too. As far as plus size girls not being attractive I think thats really a matter of opinion, I know plenty of guys that would prefer a bigger over smaller girl. So thanks to the assholes who turned this great article into something bad. Go fuck yourself.
what about the 100billion dollars?
O, i guess that doesn’t really matter, my bad. you’re right, who cares about you taking my money cause you’re lazy.
I just have to say: snarktastic, “it is a consumer culture that doesn’t discriminate”
Are you fucking kidding me? America doesn’t discriminate? You’re out of your mind, sweetie.
Jeff & Stephanie both have valid points. They just suck spectacularly at getting those points across, with tact and a smidgen of consideration. John, your comment is excellent. And I think most of the rest of you people attacking them have far less considered opinions.
To Stephanie and Jeff:
Stephanie, thanks to people like you, I now have an anger problem. Meaning the other day I nearly ripped some chick’s hair off because she was talking RIGHT BEHIND ME about how wide my ass was.
Jeff, thanks to you and guys like you, I haven’t found a boyfriend yet that is actually happy with the way I look.
And why don’t I lose weight?
because even if I did, it still wouldn’t be good enough for people like you two. I could starve myself, be anorexic, whatever, and would you think I was pretty? no, no, no, you NEVER WOULD, So here’s my view:
Why bother to make people like you two happy when I can just focus on my twinkies instead? and seriously, those twinkies make ME happy.
Also, FYI most people don’t get skin cancer from tanning until their 40’s or 50’s, and if they’re still alive then(because I find these same people often never drink water, and smoke, and drink), skin cancer will be the LEAST of their worries.
So FYI…..if I measured my life by the worth that the internet peoples like Stephanie and Jeff gave to it…I would have committed suicide by now. Which should tell you something.
(and if you’re too stupid to figure that out, then here it is, spelled out for you: I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU THINK!!! HAHAHAHAHAH)
And back to the article….Layne Bryant is too expensive. I shop there most of the time, though, because Torrid’s stuff is on par with Hot Topic’s(aka thin material which I don’t like). Really the best thing to do is try bargain stores. I get most of my clothing from buyout/sellout places and a lot of my t-shirts a guy’s shirts(which fit just fine, beleive it or not). I also love sewing so there’s a lot of stuff in my wardrobe that I’ve tailored to fit me.
Alloy carries plus size, and there’s an online company named Alight, which I’ve never ordered from, but Seventeen recommended it.
Really you but stuff at normal plus-size places, you just have to tailor it a bit to suit your body shape. As for me, I tend to tight-lace a lot, so I have a weird waist, and large hips. Plus I’m very picky about my pants/jeans so I invest in pants from layne bryant, t-shirts from various places, and skirts I tend to make myself(because both skirts and shirt sleeves tend to run too short on me….I never can figure out why. I’m not freakishly tall or anything. Maybe I’m just a modest prude).
(I’m a size 24-26 and around 5′10″)
Neona
Damn your fucking fat!!!! Size 24!!! You’re like a whale.
Rovelyn
Damn you are ignorant!!!! Over 9000! You’re like a close-minded retard.
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