Simply Be Part 2 Post #11

I have been getting catalogs from SimplyBe for about three years and have never ordered from them. About two weeks ago I found a dress that I really liked on their online site so I decided to give them a try. I also took a look at their sale items and purchased a classy looking black cardigan for $14.99. I only have one other cardigan that I purchased from Lane Bryant in a royal blue, and it really wasn't true to size. So I needed one just to have for chilly evenings. My items arrived today and I couldn't be any happier. It does take longer for them to get to you because they are coming from overseas. So keep that in mind. I believe it took about two weeks for my order to reach me.

 $69.99

$14.99

The cardigan is also available in grey in some sizes. It originally came in about six different colors, but most of them are sold out. When I did a search for black cardigan, the results showed three pages of choices. There are tons of dresses to choose from as well. 

Unlike some sites that charge shipping unless you are buying $75 or $100 in merchandise, SimplyBe ships for free if you order $40 worth of clothing. It's not hard to hit that minimum. Although this is not a site that is purely devoted to plus-size women, the sizes go up to 28/30 which in the US is equivalent to 24/26.

Activewear for Plus-Sized Women Post #10

Many plus-sized woman are into yoga and other active sports. This blog entry will explore different sites that offer activewear options. There are mega sites that have sections for activewear. Plus there are sites that just sell activewear. I will share some of both with you.

The first site is Old Navy. There is one page of activewear selections. If you catch it at the right time you can get some good buys. Tip: If you are an E-Bates member, you get 8% back at Old Navy.

Full Beauty has quite an extensive collection of sport themed attire. They have a special promotion right now. If you buy one, you get one free. There are some restrictions so read the disclaimer. On this site you will find yoga pants, bike shorts, swimwear, and jogging suits to name a few. You can also purchase footwear.

Lane Bryant also offers a nice selection of activewear. Most of their items are quite slick looking and very fashion forward. You should check them out if you are looking for new pieces for your wardrobe. They offer, jackets, cooling shorts, yoga pants, socks, and sport bras.

Now for the sites that pretty much specialize in activewear. Some of them include missy sizes, but all of them offer activewear in plus-sizes.

Fractal 9 offers leggings, shorts, and capris.  They are beautiful and very colorful. Take some time to check them out. Pull down the Shop menu to locate the plus-size clothes.

Malesh Activewear is a site that only caters to plus-sized women. Their motto is "To offer quality activewear for curvy women at affordable prices." The prices are affordable, the offerings are limited. I believe this site will grow as people become aware of it. There is a blog connected to the site that features recipes and newsy information.

Lineage Another site that offers activewear. The sizes range from 0 to 30. Tops and leggings are available among other offerings. There is a blog on the site, but it has not been updated in quite a while. I do like the fact that they also have items for children. Although not as reasonable as Malesh, you still may come across some interesting finds.

Rainbeau Curves The first section I would hit on this site is the clearance section. You can pick up tops for $14.95 and yoga pants for $16.95 and they are mighty cute. Sizes run from 1X to 5X. The Blog on this site is worth reading and watching, because they have taken the time to insert videos. New arrivals run in the 30 to 50 dollar range. This site is a must!

Although there are additional sites that offer plus-sized activewear, I have chosen to highlight the sites listed here. If you think other web sites should be included here, please leave them as a comment.

Simply Be Sale Pages Post #9

Simply Be is a company from the United Kingdom. They have oodles of sale pages. I was blown away by the number of dresses on sale. I believe there were around 650 different ones. Not every dress posted is available in every size. (BTW their sizes run from size 8 to 28.) You can search by size so that you can find the dresses that are available in your size. Dresses on their site fall into the following categories: party dresses, maxi dresses, evening dresses, work dresses, swing dresses, and wedding dresses. The prices are pretty good, too!  They even have a section for weddings which includes dresses for bridesmaids, mothers of the bride, and guests.  Here are just three of the dresses that are currently on sale.

In addition to dresses, Simply Be also sells tops, denim, slacks, t-shirts, skirts, swimwear, shorts, jumpsuits and rompers, shoes, nightwear, and accessories. The variety for each category is extensive. Just a note about the shoe section...The shoes and boots come in three widths, D, E, and EEE. That is important to know because some plus-size sites only carry shoes that are D width.

If you become a VIP for Simply Be you can take 15% off your first order. That means applying for a Be card and using it on your first order. There are plenty of perks that go along with being a VIP. You will receive $20 off your second order if you spend over $100, you will get a special gift on your birthday, you'll have early access to sales, in addition you will get special offers and discounts that are exclusive to all Be card members. Another perk is the ability to earn up to $50 in vouchers each month. Check out this page about the Be card.

Forever 21 #8

I'm not sure how long Forever 21 has been selling plus-size clothing, but there are some cute offerings for the under thirty crowd. Actually, some items could be worn by people over thirty if you are young at heart. I just ordered three things from their site; a cranberry top I plan to wear this fall, an elephant print kimono, and a teal knit poncho that was originally, $30, but was on sale for $15.90. Shopping on the site is easy because you can filter by size. (I figured that out after being disappointed that the first half-dozen things I looked at didn't come in my size.)

Elephant Print Kimono $14.90 Sizes XL/1X and 2X/3X

After I checked out, I found an adorable dress that I would have ordered if I noticed it when I was shopping. I like the cut of the dress and figure the pattern is good for fall with a shrug worn on top. The dress was only $17.90. Just about everything is priced reasonably. The sale prices are even better.

Tribal Print Dress $17.90 Sizes OX, 1X, 2X and 3X

I decided to order because I want to see if the clothes run true to size. Once I receive my order I will add some additional comments here. Hopefully, I will be pleased with my purchases.

BTW...I didn't have to pay any shipping costs. That always makes me happy! I checked back and found that it is a special, for July 4th sales.

To go directly to the plus-size section on Forever 21, just click the following link:   Forever 21 Plus-Sizes

Followup: My package arrived and I was pleased with the blouse and the poncho. The elephant print kimono is adorable but ran a tad small. I held on to it, though, hoping that one day it will fit.

Plus-Size Lingerie #7

Plus-size gals like to look pretty just like everyone else; even in the bedroom. On the sites listed below you will find lingerie that is in good taste and lingerie that is more risque'.  Check out these sites. I hope you can find what you are looking for.

Hips&Curves "Your Ultimate Plus Size Lingerie Boutique" Here you will find a large variety of items, including but not limited to garter belts, peignoir sets, corsets, costumes, and sleepwear.

Lane Bryant-Cacique On this site you will find new arrivals, bras, panties, seriously sexy lingerie, sleep & lounge, and shapewear.

macy's If you are looking for hosiery, shapewear, gown & robes, or bridal lingerie you may want to check out what macy's offers.

Torrid This is a plus-size site that has a selection of intimates. Some of the categories are bra and panty sets, bridal, shapewear, and sexy lingerie.

I'm sure you will be able to find some intimates at other major department stores. The online sites I have listed above have a decent amount of items. I was very surprised to find that there are just a few companies offering pretty things for us larger girls. If you know other sites please feel free to include them in the comments section and I will add them to this very short list.













      

Sizes Are Sometimes Not What They Seem #6

When ordering online, sizes can be deceiving. It pays to looks at the sizing information located on the website. At least that will give you a general idea of what to expect. For example if you normally wear a 2X don't assume that a 2X from every web site will actually fit someone that is a 20/22. The sizing guidelines are there to help you. The other day I saw that a 2X was made to fit a 16/18. I have also found that if you are a 2X that also wears a size 22, most times you will have better luck ordering something that is a size 22 rather than a 2X. Some sites even have their own sizing hierarchy,  using a scale of 0 to 4 to represent XL-3X. It really can be confusing.

On the same topic of sizing I have found that clothes at Lane Bryant and Avenue have a tendency to run small. When in doubt order the next larger size. I know that is frustrating especially if you have just lost weight and are happy to be a size 20, you hate the idea of ordering a 22/24. However, if you want it to fit properly you may have to do so. If I am ordering for a special occasion and not sure if something is going to fit, I will order it in two different sizes to make sure that I have something to wear, vs. nothing. I just return that other one. I know that means you will incur extra shipping charges. If the occasion is important it is worth the extra money.

If you are shopping in a brick and mortar store you find size abnormalities all the time. When I go to Macy's I find that certain brands are smaller and would not actually fit you in your normal size. Lucky Brand has a tendency to run small, so does NY and Company, Alfani, Karen Scott, and Calvin Klein. On the other hand INC., and Charter Club run true to size. Those are my findings you may not follow the same pattern.

Please stay away from RoseGal. It had some cute looking clothes, but...when they arrive they are smaller than you are hoping for, and made very cheaply. I ordered a size 3X black capri. What came is something that will fit a 10 year old. I am giving it to my niece and I am not even sure that it will fit her. One of the tops I ordered came in a 2X instead of a 3X and I don't even think I will fit someone that wears a 2X. The clothes come from China, they take a long time to get here, and the quality and sizing is poor. I also ordered a couple of necklaces from them because they were unique. One broke as I was taking it off. I learned my lesson. The ironic thing is that after I placed my order I saw a posting on Facebook that warned people about the site. I wish I had seen it before I ordered from them.

Web Sites That Cater to Curvy Gals Post #5

There are some retailers that figured out that Curvy Gals are a large subset of the female population. They created retail stores just for plus-sizes. Hooray!!! Now they are reaching out by selling their wares in online storefronts. There are three well-known businesses that fall in this category. Lane Bryant, Avenue, and Catherine's. These three companies still maintain stores but they also have lucrative online businesses. It works out great for people that are not located near the retail stores. Avenue is 30 miles from my home, Lane Bryant is a little closer at 15 miles, and Catherine's is also 30 miles away.

Lane Bryant has the following categories on their web site: New Arrivals, Apparel, Livi Active, Designers, Sixth & Lane, Shoes and Accessories, Swim, Cacique Intimates, Sale, and Fast Lane. Most of the categories are self- explanatory, but Fast Lane is a little ambiguous. You have to click on the menu name to discover exactly what the title represents. There you will find Curated Capsule Collections, Next Level Finds, Limited Time, and Limited Editions. Currently there are two sub-categories: Precious Metals, and Basic Training.  The Precious Metals collection showcases metallic looking tops, shorts, and one dress. They range in price from $44.95 to $99.95. Basic Training contains items that are loosely based on military styles. The prices start at $49.95 for a studded tank. A grommet-trimmed dress sells for $119.95. I check out the sale category and buy off season. You may run into problems with size availability, patience pays off if you check the sales frequently. Shoes come in one width only, W(wide).

Avenue has clothes for sizes 14-32. There is a special category for Special Sizes. That would be for sizes above 22/24.  The other categories on their site are What's New, Tops, Bottoms, Dresses, Swim, Shoes & Accessories, Intimates, Special Sizes, Sales & Clearance. One important fact to note, is that Avenue offers "Web Exclusives" on their site. Avenue is offering an additional 30% off of clearance items as of 5/5/2016. One example is black tights in size C/D for $2.88. I did a quick check of their jewelry offerings and was disappointed with the length of their necklaces. Some plus-size women need necklaces that are 20'' to 22" long. Most of their necklaces were under 18" long; many were 13" to 14" in length.  While is it convenient to purchase shoes on the same that you are purchasing apparel, the downside of Avenue's offerings are the fact that the largest width offered is W(wide). Some curvy women need WW and even WWW shoes.

Catherine's clientele is the more mature woman. The company is owned by the same people that own Lane Bryant. The fashions offered are colorful, comfortable, and appropriate for the older plus-sized woman. The web site offers Collections, Black Label, Tops, Bottoms, Dresses, Swim, Intimate, Active, Accessories, and Clearance. The sizes range from OX-5X. Bathing suits are either $109.00 or $119.00. There are some shoes offered for sale but there is a limited selection. The only width offered is W(wide).

Plus Size Maternity Clothes Post #4

After spending hours online looking for plus size maternity clothes I have come to the conclusion that this clothing niche is in need of an update. The choices for curvy pregnant women are very basic and there are very few outlets. I feel this is a travesty. When I was pregnant I was lucky because I had a mother that could sew. She made me a few tops that I rotated with the brown, navy, and black maternity pants I was able to find. I had one dress that I wore for special occasions. The slim pickings that are available now are not much better. Why don't designers realize that heavier woman want to look their best when they are with child.

I got interested in this topic because my someone in my family is currently pregnant with her second child and we are having a hard time locating clothes for her pregnancy. I will share the minimal list I have some up with and I am hoping that some of my readers will share other alternatives.

Amazon The selection is very limited. But it is worth a shot to look at what is available.

EBay Don't pass up the chance to purchase pre-owned maternity clothes. This site may have something you have been looking for . You can also ask the seller if the item run large or small.

Etsy-There are a few items here that just might work. Check them out!

Kohl's Maternity-We found some luck at Kohl's. Hopefully you will too. The selections are limited by most of them were produced by Motherhood Maternity and run true to size.

Motherhood Maternity-This company has always been at the forefront for plus size maternity. I checked at one of the brick and mortar stores and was told that they were asked to ship all of the plus size maternity clothes back to the warehouse. After checking online, I discovered that the inventory is meager. They did say they were going through a transition to new styles. That was about a month ago. I haven't seen any changes.

Mommylicious- This online store has some cute palazzo pants and dresses, They are quite pricey. It is worth checking out though. You may find that one special piece.

The above list is all I was able to find. I am sure that there are other retail outlets in other countries. Perhaps readers will live leave some Url's or suggestions in the comments.

YoursClothing I am adding this fabulous site on May 15, 2016 because I just came across it. There are some cute maternity clothes available here. They have skirts, pants, tops, dresses, etc. Please take the time to check this site out. This company is from the UK but the prices are in American dollars so I am sure they ship to the US> I like the prices.

Plus-Size Swimsuits Post #3

Swimsuit shopping is dreaded by everyone. It is especially hated by women of size. If you know your size, it is not difficult to order from online retailers. I have ordered three swimsuits in the past three years from online sites and they have all been a good fit. By ordering online you can find one in a style you normally wear, or you can branch out and try something completely new. If you are unhappy with an online suit, you can return it if the sanitary guards are still in place. Don't be afraid to try.

Swimsuits seem to be on sale right now on most sites. (May 4, 2016) I compiled a list of places to look online for swimsuits. I also included the current price spreads for each site. Although there are separates offered at of of the sites my prices reflect the one-piece and swimdresses that are offered. Hopefully you will find a suit that you like from one of these web sites.

Amazon $9.00-$75.00

Avenue  $70.00 & $100.00

Catherine’s $99-$129.00

Forever 21 $29.00-$33.00

Full Beauty $24.00-$75.00

JCPenny $29.00-$55.00

Kohl’s $29.00-$77.00

Lane Bryant $50-$130.00

Land’s End $65.00-$159.00

Macy’s $46.00-$174.00

ModCloth $59.00-$104.00

Nordstrom $94.00-$178.00

Sears $35.00-$70.00

Swimsuits for All  $30.00-$50.00

Swim Outlet $22.00-$196.00

Target $25.00-$35.00

WalMart $22.00-$35.00

Most sites have the following styles available: one-pieces, swimdresses, tankinis, and two-pieces or bikinis. I noticed that on several of the sites the two-piece options were priced by the piece instead of pricing a tankini top with the matching bottoms. I guess if you want a skirt bottom vs. a pants bottom that makes sense. You can mix and match.

Some of the web sites also offered coverups. Sometimes it is hard to find a good coverup. My experience with coverups has taught me that black ones are usually hotter, and that long-sleeved ones are a nuisance. Give me a crisp white, short or three-quarter sleeved one any day. I am not a fan of the coverups that are sleeveless, but that it my personal preference because I have droopy arms like most older people.

Great Find Post #2

Today while reading Email I came across a wonderful site.  JDWilliams offers fabulous clothing in many different categories. So fabulous, that I ordered 2 items; a cute little cocktail number in black with gold flecks and an adorable bathing suit.  The dress was only was only $31.49 and the bathing suit was a mere $62.50. On some of the other sites I have looked at lately, the bathing suits start over $100.00. I am pleased with what I found at this British-owned web site.

Check out the dresses, tops, slacks, intimates, shoes, and swimwear at

JDWilliams. You will be amazed at the selection you will find there. Here is blurb from the web site that describes their philosophy.

"JD Williams brings you stylish plus size women's clothing designed to flatter your figure in sizes 8-28. Find fashionable clothes for your sophisticated style with JD Williams's designer plus size clothing. Choose from our great selection of plus size blouses, shirts and other elegant styles. Many of JD Williams's pants and skirts are available in short length making them great fitting clothes for petite women. From slim fit to bootcut jeans and pencil to flowing skirts, you'll find all of the looks you love."

There is an extensive SALE section. I believe it was 25 pages of sale items. You can choose by size to see what is available in your size without wasting time looking at items that will not fit. I was surprised to see that the shoes come in wide, wider, and even wider widths. Many times I have gone to sites for plus sizes that only sell shoes in normal widths. This is a one stop shopping mall. Enjoy your visit.

My items arrived today, just a few days after I ordered them. That's because they were sent from England by Air Mail. That's service if you ask me. It's ironic that they got here much sooner then items that have been ordered from U. S. companies.

The dress is wonderful. It has an attached slip for modesty which really pleased me. I don't have to worry about finding a slip that is the right length. I was a little concerned whether the dress would be long enough for me. I am 5'6" tall. The bottom of the dress falls just below my knee. I am looking forward to wearing this at a black tie occasion.

The bathing suit fit perfectly and is high quality. It will go well with the perfect coverup I purchased at Marshall's earlier in the season. I am becoming a fan of JDWilliams and plan to look at the site whenever I am looking for something new.  It doesn't hurt to mention that since the site is from England, you will be able to have clothes that no one else has.

Department Store Plus Collections Post #1

Welcome to my blog. For as long as I can remember, I have been wearing plus-sized clothing. My exposure to plus-sized fashions has survived, high school, college, a wedding gown, maternity clothes, and 36 years as a teaching professional. I have been searching for fashionable clothes that fit for a very long time. The choices used to be very slim. It seemed like fashion designers were afraid to cater to those of us that were not in the normal "misses" size range. Thankfully the dark ages of plus-size shopping are no longer an issue. With the cell phone, tablet, or computer and a connection to the Internet, the choices available to us are plentiful. I plan to highlight many of the sites I have located on the net.

I think it is important to note that I am almost 65 years old. I certainly don't feel that old and definitely don't want to look that old. For many years the plus size fashion industry made clothes that looked like they were made for granny's. New designers are bringing stylish pieces to plus sized outlets. Just this week I read that Christian Siriano has created a brand new line for Lane Bryant. There are other designers that have figured out that curvy women have money to spend and want to look good, too. 

The purpose of this blog is to gather sites that are available now and put them in one easy place to make shopping easier for those of us that are plus sized. I will also spotlight unique items I find that I believe others will also like. Although I am older, I will also highlight clothing for younger women.

Today I am going to share web site links for U.S. department stores that have a decent amount of plus-sized inventory. This list is not exhaustive, I am only sharing those collections I am aware of. If you know of additional sites, please leave the URL in the comments section and I will add stores that are recommended, to this list.

Department Store Links-

belk

Dillard's

JCPenny

Lord & Taylor

macy's

NORDSTROM

sears

Target