Why are fashions for heavy women so ugly?

[astro]

I took my daughter out to the mall this evening to get her some clothes for college. We visited the GAP, The Limited etc. etc, and etc. and saw lots of nice clothes and outfits, and she tried on several, but was vaguely depressed because she needs to drop around 15 -20 lbs or so to get to her ideal weight of 155-165 (she's 5'11") so she decided to wait on the clothes for a bit while she hits the YMCA .

On the way out we passed by Lane Bryant, and I was stunned. There in the entrance foyer was a collection of four of the pig-dog ugliest outfits I have ever seen. I mean seriously, you would have to seen them to believe how incredibly weird and hideous they were. It was like the designer was determined to torment heavy women with these ugly, bizzaro togs. One looked like it was made out of 1970s' shag rug carpet scraps, and other looked like it had been attacked by a button applying machine that pasted them randomly over the mud brown polyestrer top. And these were the featured outfits!

Why can't designers make nice stuff like I saw in the other stores, only bigger, for heavy women? Why all the hideous design choices?

[Stainz]

I've wondered the same thing and almost started a similar thread a while back.

ALSO, the clothes that are in the stores for "larger" women are designed with details that are the EXACT opposite of what someone with extra poundage should be wearing.

For example, the LAST thing a "larger" woman needs is SIDE pockets, which add even more width to the hips. A close runner-up is PLEATS, which add so much bulk to the tummy area.

It's so weird ...

[malkavia]

I'd like to add sleeveless shirts to Stainz list.

Trust me, if I could wear sleeveless shirts, I wouldn't be shopping at Lane Bryant.

They also seem to have a thing for horizontal stripes. Eeeee, the horror THE HORROR!

The Avenue seems slightly less mumu-esque in it's selection, but I think that both could do ALOT better.

[Incubus]

Torrid has some hip-looking clothes for young women that are a bit on the heavy side.

To be honest I always slow down quite a bit when I walk past that store. Being a thin young man, I don't have any business wandering around in a place like that, and any lingering gazes I give might be misinterpreted, so I always kind of pick it up and move on.

[CrazyCatLady]

Eh, I've seen stuff that bad and worse in the misses' and juniors' section of local department stores, so I don't think it's just designers for fat women. Given the late-70's/early 80's stuff that's currently in vogue, I'm frankly shocked that you didn't see that bad and worse as featured outfits in other stores.

There tends to be a lot more to designing plus size fashions than just taking current designs and enlarging them. You have to completely reconfigure the proportions, and rearrange the decorative elements to put them in the right place, etc., and by then you might as well just start from scratch in the first place.

You also have to keep in mind that a lot of current fashions are particularly unflattering to fat chicks, so it's hard to design hip clothes for us. This puts designers between the rock of "what kind of moron would make size 24 Daisy Duke shorts?" and the hard place of "why are there no fashionable clothes for plus sizes?"

[duffer]

You didn't say fat, so I'll take any non-porn link with pregnant women.

[BiblioCat]

Originally Posted by malkavia

I'd like to add sleeveless shirts to Stainz list.

Trust me, if I could wear sleeveless shirts, I wouldn't be shopping at Lane Bryant.

They also seem to have a thing for horizontal stripes. Eeeee, the horror THE HORROR!

Add hideous large prints to that list. I used to be pretty big (but now am just chunky), but when I was looking at dresses and skirts, they all seemed to be in large outrageous prints that were just awful. Huge swirly patterns, animal prints, over-sized flower prints, and always too bright: bright yellow and orange, or neon green and bright blue, fire-engine red, hot pink ... real eye-popping shit.

[Maus Magill]

LB used to have a nice selection, but in the last couple of years, their designers seem to have completely lost their minds.

That being said, my wife seems to have much better luck at the Casual Corner Woman.

[Sue Duhnym]

Try Elizabeth by Liz Claiborne.

I can't wear their clothes but I didn't know that until I started looking for my size. l I walked in simply because I liked the clothes in the window.

[dreamer]

It's catalog shopping but Newport-News has some very nice styles in plus size. They run a bit small (of course) so I suggest trying something low priced to make sure it's your size.

[Selkie]

Designers also seem to think that women over a certain size develop cravings for kelly green, shocking purple, rhinestones, and cheap polyester. Oh, and tight fitting spandex. I have no desire to look like an overweight 1960's Marvel supervillain, thankyouverymuch.

For the most part, I shop in the men's section rather than the women's for shirts. For suits and the like, I go to Macy's outlet store in Minnesota, which is one of the last havens for attractive clothing for larger sizes. Since Macy's is quite a long drive for me (I make a pilgrimage once every year or two), I shop there when I'm desperate. Fashion Bug and Avenue occasionally have something worth buying, but they're pretty hit or miss.

[BiblioCat]

Originally Posted by Selkie

Fashion Bug and Avenue occasionally have something worth buying, but they're pretty hit or miss.

Ugh, I think Fashion Bug is one of the worst offenders of ugly prints and weird detailing for larger sizes. The Avenue is pretty new to my area (Maryland) and I got some pants there last winter that were nice, if a little pricey. The sweaters and tops were just okay. Just not quite my style, I guess.
Dress Barn Woman usually has some nice stuff. I can always find nice dresses and skirts there. Stylish, but simple. I'm not the flashy, trend-setter type.

[BiblioCat]

Originally Posted by Selkie

Fashion Bug and Avenue occasionally have something worth buying, but they're pretty hit or miss.

Ugh, I think Fashion Bug is one of the worst offenders of ugly prints and weird detailing for larger sizes. The Avenue is pretty new to my area (Maryland) and I got some pants there last winter that were nice, if a little pricey. The sweaters and tops were just okay. Just not quite my style, I guess.
Dress Barn Woman usually has some nice stuff. I can always find nice dresses and skirts there. Stylish, but simple. I'm not the flashy, trend-setter type.

[phouka]

I used to shop all the time at Lane Bryants. I still go in every now and then, but the only thing I've purchased lately is panties and bras, and I'm about to give up on the panties, as I'm really not interested in wearing panties that go all the way up to my rib cage. The rest of their clothes, even if they are remotely fashionable, are cheaply put together and way, waaaaaaaay over-priced.

I've lucked out, though, in finding an outlet for Jones New York near me. While their prices are fairly steep, their clothes are extremely well made, classically cut, and flattering. They are great for business formal. Next time I have money, I'm going to see if they have anything a little more casual.

[phall0106]

I second Dress Barn, although it's been my experience that their sizes run large. I usually wear a 16W, however, with Dress Barn a 16W will swallow me, while I do fine with a regular 16 (or even a 14).

Lane Bryant, while I like their bras (only they make a bra that I don't feel like ripping off by noon), everything is way over priced. Even still, I don't buy bras unless they're either running a sale, or I have a coupon. In their new catalogue though, they have a pair of knee boots that I'm salivating over...(even though my calves aren't large, I simply cannot find boots that come up to my knees that will fit!)

[yosemite]

I haven't been to Lane Bryant in, like, forever. It has had some nice stuff in the past, but the prices can be too high.

I guess it is time again for me to preach my mantra about sewing your own clothes. I know, it's not for everyone, but it is a fantastic way to save money, and get clothes that fit right and are not hideous. I haven't sewn in a few years, but I think it's time to start up again.

In my case, I've got a "system." I have a few tweaked-to-the-gills patterns that I use over and over again. An 2-hour easy skirt pattern, a quick 2-hour shell top, easy elastic waist pants, and the more time-consuming fly-front jeans/trousers pattern. Oh, I also have a dress pattern that I've used several times.

These clothes are "classic" in style and I don't think will need much adjustments over the years. Sure, they won't be trendy, but they fit, look nice, and are cheap. This is not to say that I wouldn't buy store clothes too. But rather than spend $40 for that rayon shell top, I can whip up my own in 2 hours and spend maybe $12. It really can extend the wardrobe budget.

Sewing your own clothes is great for anyone at any size, but is especially wonderful to the big girl who is sick of overpaying for ill-fitting, ugly clothes.

[TeaElle]

Lane Bryant is cheap, sweatshop-made garbage. The stores are -- and have long been, but even more lately -- the bastard children of The Limited corporation, and it shows. No self-respecting woman of size should be caught dead wearing their clothes, even their few okay things, just on general principle.

The Lane Bryant catalog, run by an entirely different company and linked only in that they both accept the LB branded credit card, is even worse. Sure the pants are only $14.99, but the fabric pills, the seams unravel and they shrink two sizes on the first wearing. Plus they make you look like Dumbo's dumpy sister.

Forget that crap!

My mom and sister, both larger ladies, swear by catalog shopping from Silhouettes and Ulla Popken. They both always look very well put together, (whether they're dressed for professional or casual endeavors) never sloppy or dumpy, no wretched stripes, stupid plaids, screaming cabbage roses from hell or other crimes against fashion in general, large-size fashion especially. The prices are higher, but I think you get what you pay for.

If you're not in a position to make your own, you gotta go for quality. And for larger women, I'm afraid that's not found at the mall.

[Tikki]

The last time I was in a Lane Bryant was about ten years ago. I was looking for something nice for job interviews. The entire store was stocked with baggy, sloppy casual clothes. Not a single thing was suitable for interviews!

In the years since, I've discovered theSears Woman's View catalog. The link is to the website but sign up for the catalog because it has tons more stuff. They have sizes from 16 to 56 and up to 5X on some things. They have everything from casual and sporty to business suits. A few times a year they offer outfits for those in the medical profession, bathing suits and lovely, glittery evening gowns. They also have stylish undies and nighties and name brand bras in comfy larger sizes. They also offer a lot of nice shoes.

I've gotten a lot of use out of the things I've bought from them. The only thing I'd caution you about is to beware of ordering anything with a lot of embroidery or lacy appliques unless it's a brand you are already familiar with. Their no-name brands really scrimp on the quality of these.

But, as I said, most of their stuff looks good and is even stylish. It's worth getting on their catalog list to check it out.


Tikki--who has not received payment of any kind for the previous endorsement. ;-)

[badbadrubberpiggy]

Originally Posted by phall0106

...(even though my calves aren't large, I simply cannot find boots that come up to my knees that will fit!)

I think they only make those boots for tiny women...I'm a size 10-12, and I can't find a pair that zips all the way up. Perhaps it's a shoe-size thing? My feet are a size 7, maybe bigger shoe sizes have more calf room....


I need new boots for winter, but none of them fit!

[badbadrubberpiggy]

Originally Posted by phall0106

...(even though my calves aren't large, I simply cannot find boots that come up to my knees that will fit!)

I think they only make those boots for tiny women...I'm a size 10-12, and I can't find a pair that zips all the way up. Perhaps it's a shoe-size thing? My feet are a size 7, maybe bigger shoe sizes have more calf room....


I need new boots for winter, but none of them fit!


And more on topic - Old Navy is now selling larger sizes. I think they will be (or maybe already are) selling up to size 24 or so. And I find their sizes tend to run large, anyway. While I'm not a huge fan of Old Navy, they do have a large selection of jeans which I like, and it can be very hard to find a stylish pair of jeans if you're over a size 12 or 14.

[Time Like Tears]

I have been riding a homornally-induced weight roller coaster for years now. I am not huge or anything, but finding clothes that fit and flatter is one of the hardest things to do.

Why is it that clothing designers assume that if you have generous hips, your thighs must also be 2 feet across?

Second on the horizontal stripes thing. And the hideous day-glo and jewel toned colors designers insist on putting big girls into. And what makes people think that making otherwise stylishly designed business wear in bulky, nappy fabric will help anything?

Clothes are expensive, and you do get what you pay for in most cases. But it sucks a lot that just because I don't have $100 to spend on every outfit, I have to look dumpy and frumpy.

I have been surprised while shopping stores like Fashion Bug and Cato, on occasion, but only the clearance sales. Wal-Mart even made me happy when they brought out the Levi's stretch jeans, they fit well and are stylishly cut. It's still a constant struggle to find attractive clothes, though.

One way I shop is at the Salvation Army and Goodwill. It's like a treasure hunt, but the occasional awesome find together with the low low price makes it worth it.

[UrbanChic]

Originally Posted by TeaElle

My mom and sister, both larger ladies, swear by catalog shopping from Silhouettes and Ulla Popken. They both always look very well put together, (whether they're dressed for professional or casual endeavors) never sloppy or dumpy, no wretched stripes, stupid plaids, screaming cabbage roses from hell or other crimes against fashion in general, large-size fashion especially. The prices are higher, but I think you get what you pay for.

If you're not in a position to make your own, you gotta go for quality. And for larger women, I'm afraid that's not found at the mall.

Man, you beat me to it. I cannot believe where people shop! Fashion Bug?! Lane Bryant?! Newport News?! Dress Barn?! My goodness. I say its better to have a small amount of better quality clothing than a large amount of shoddy pieces. Believe it or not, those items look bad on you! The larger a lady is, the worse cheap clothing looks on her, in my opinion.

There used to be an Ulla Popken in a mall here, Towson Town Centre. I think they closed, though. I went in there one day because I liked the clothes in the display window. I didn't realize they store catered to larger women until I asked one of the sales women where I could find my size.

There's also jjill.com. They carry sizes up to a 28W.

[amarinth]

Originally Posted by yosemite

I guess it is time again for me to preach my mantra about sewing your own clothes. I know, it's not for everyone, but it is a fantastic way to save money, and get clothes that fit right and are not hideous. I haven't sewn in a few years, but I think it's time to start up again.

<snip>

But rather than spend $40 for that rayon shell top, I can whip up my own in 2 hours and spend maybe $12. It really can extend the wardrobe budget.

Where do you buy your fabric - because while I probably could sew (I know how, have the machine, etc. I end up not sewing my own clothes because I'd have to overalter the pattern (spending way too much time) and then pay 3x as much for fabric, when I can just spend less time and effort buying something that doesn't really fit, but isn't too bad afterall. My experience w/the rayon shell top (or more likely, the trousers with a long enough inseam) is the opposite of yours - sewing it costs more and takes longer.

[Rhiannon8404]

Originally Posted by phall0106

I simply cannot find boots that come up to my knees that will fit!)

I could never find boots to fit my calves, until last year. Sudini had a knee high boot called the Give that pulled on and laced up the back. The laces are elastic and allow for, well, give.

I was really excited. And they are totally comfortable. I walked all over San Francisco in them totally comfortable. For the first time since I was about 14 I found a knee high boot that fit. And for me it didn't matter if I was at my ideal weight or +30lbs, I could never find boots that fit over my calves.

[medstar]

My theory as to why fashions for plus-size women are so awful is that designers are convinced that women are only plus-size temporarily and will lose weight, so that they don't need or want attractive and reasonably sized clothing. My tips are to check out wwwlandsend.com and click on their women's section. There's a large section of clothing from 14-24 that looks just like the misses section, just cut larger. My other tip is check out the clothing shows on QVC and Home Shopping Network. My current favority is Citiknits because the clothes are made in an easy care acrylic/spandex knit that drapes beautifully and washes easily. When you're shopping via catalog or online, measure yourself honestly and call up if you have any questions. I love the other tips in this thread and will investigate further.

[yosemite]

Originally Posted by amarinth

My experience w/the rayon shell top (or more likely, the trousers with a long enough inseam) is the opposite of yours - sewing it costs more and takes longer.

There's a fine art to this, and I think I've almost perfected it. It helps that I used to work at a fabric store, but the prices I quote here are not "employee discount" prices.

When it comes to shell tops, find 60" width rayon. I don't know what size you are, but my size varies from 14-22 ready to wear (which translates to a size or two larger in pattern sizes). I can make a shell top out of 1 1/8 yards of 60" rayon. (There are ways to squeeze more out of the yardage, and save an 1/8 of a yard or so.) Sometimes the sleeves will be a little shorter than I'd like, but I can do it. I've even made a shorter sleeved top out of 7/8 of a yard, more than a few times. If you can find a remnant or get rayon on sale, you can make a really nice top for less than $10. Use the same pattern over and over again (so you don't have to add that expense to the project) and a few notions (I always stockpile these so I don't need to buy notions for every project) and you are all set.

Now with pants, 45" width is fine. 2 5/8 yards at (if you get an inexpensive cotton, for instance) can be $6 a yard: $15.75. Add a buck or two for notions, and that's not bad. 2 yards for pants at 60" width, and if you get the fabric for perhaps $8-$10 a yard, you can still get inexpensive pants. Same goes for skirts, etc. I have a special dress pattern (mid-calf length) that I can make from a little over 3 yards of 45" fabric (and it is flattering, too!), so at that price, I could get some nice calico on sale for $5 and make a dress for around $20. (Add a few bucks for buttons and interfacing, etc.) I have clothes made out of quilting calico that have lasted me almost a decade.

Like I said, I stick with "tried and true" patterns that I've tweaked to oblivion, so I know that they will fit, and I know what works. When I start a new pattern or new kind of style, the price is going to go up. You have to buy the pattern, for one thing, and you have to spend a long time seeing how it's going to work for you. So a "system" such as mine does take a little setting up. But once you've gotten past that, you are all set.

- yosemite, who used to sew herself a shell top almost every night, just for fun.

[Telperien]

Lane Bryant was purchased by the company that owns Fashion Bug a few years ago. Up until then, I had no problem at all finding decent clothes there. I hate Fashion Bug. They are hell, and Lane Bryant is too. I've been shopping at JC Penney's out of necessity. I also wear a lot of men's clothes from Old Navy, although I intend to stop, as that is not at all the style I need to be wearing. Not only am I overweight, I am not as curvy as a plus-size woman is apparently supposed to be. My legs are quite slim, relatively speaking, and getting pants to fit me has always been ridiculous. Can't sew either. I wish I could, as it would help so much.

[Idlewild]

I was getting clothes from Landsend.com but I find they've really gone downhill over the last year. I could not recommend them now. But your taste may vary.

I just ordered a Silhouettes skirt this week, I am looking forward to seeing how it fits. It was a totally gorgeous plaid, which is what I was looking for. But mostly I shop in the bargain basement of a big department store, because paying markup on most clothes gives me hives and I'm nowhere that I find it easy to get to fabric stores. (We just got a car though, so I will be looking for a good fabric store near Boston soon.)

The bargain basement is of course hit and miss. But I've found some really lovely designer label clothes at prices that don't even make me wince terribly much, and I drag my fashion-forward husband along to have the final say on clothes, so I do end up with very nice pieces. Just takes a bit of a hunt. (He's such a sweetie about it- hates shopping, as I do, but has an incredible eye for what will look good. It's definitely easier to find good plus-size clothes with someone like that along for the ride.)

Lane Bryant lost my custom years ago, their service was truly shocking, let alone the clothes.

[Jake]

Asto, I think larger women are beautiful, intelligent, and usually with a good sense of humor, and just plain fun to be with. Most women I care for just wear larger things than average, and that's just beautiful to me. (I'm in the larger size also!)

Jack

[Unauthorized Cinnamon]

A couple years ago, my husband accompanied me shopping for a party dress, and he finally understood what I've been complaining about.

I thought Lane Bryant was better than most, because at least they made an effort at pretty, fashionable clothes, whereas the design philosophy for department store plus sizes seemed to be, "no one will want to have sex with these fat chicks, so there's no point in making them look pretty, never mind sexy." Everything pretty much qualified as a tent. Nothing to show off curves, or display cleavage (one of the few nice things about my chunkier body). But now LB seems to be taking stuff from Arden B and Bebe and just enlarging it, and it looks weird.

It seems like the department stores are starting to catch on a bit. I agree that Liz Claiborne's stuff is passable, but it's monstrously overpriced.

The other thing I hate is that the designs are almost always for a pure apple figure. My hips are 48", but my waist is only 33". When I find a pair of jeans that fit over my hips, I'm left with a waistband that would allow me to smuggle a couple large puppies at the small of my back.

I'm afraid it's true: the only answer for this big-bootied, sway-backed, wide-hipped, small-waisted gal is to get back to sewing.

[Queen Tonya]

Another vote here for Lane Bryant's bra line, yay for choices for big girls! I hate how every other manufacturer seems to think anything over a 38C must be exactly the same and wear one single type of bra.

The seventies fads weren't kind to us the first time around, I'll be ever so happy when this particular nostalgia trip fades.

[gfloyd]

Argh, I know what you mean. I was so thrilled when I went down two or three sizes not solely for losing weight, but so that I could dress like I wanted to. Have any of you noticed that when pants get larger, they also get shorter? WTF!?! Now I can actually find pants long enough as well. This makes me happy.

[chique]

What the hell IS it with fat clothes and embroidery?

I mean, really - they take a perfectly fine button-down blouse with french cuffs and embroider Mickey Fucking Mouse on the breast pocket. Is this necessary, people?

[Telperien]

Originally Posted by AerynSun

The other thing I hate is that the designs are almost always for a pure apple figure. My hips are 48", but my waist is only 33". When I find a pair of jeans that fit over my hips, I'm left with a waistband that would allow me to smuggle a couple large puppies at the small of my back.

I'm afraid it's true: the only answer for this big-bootied, sway-backed, wide-hipped, small-waisted gal is to get back to sewing.

I find that the opposite is true. To get the waist to fit me, pants are always enormous in the hips, since I do not have those particular features. I always wonder whether the designers sing "Baby Got Back" to themselves while they're thinking up these clothes.

[tygerbryght]

astro I'd bet you can find something both you and your daughter will like at Coldwater Creek. And, an added bonus, they do not charge extra for plus sizes. Yup, you pay exactly the same price the petites and juniors pay for a given outfit. And most of their stuff is "classic" styling.

Originally Posted by Rhiannon8404

I could never find boots to fit my calves, until last year. Sudini had a knee high boot called the Give that pulled on and laced up the back. The laces are elastic and allow for, well, give.

...

I did some googling (and froogling),

Here's the site that looked the most promising.

I also found Zappos, plus some others:
Naturalizer boots
Nordstrom

They don't seem to be offering any right now, but L. L. Bean has offered them in the past, and probably will again.

I tried repeatedly to get into this site: http://www.womens-boots.com/womens-b...rge-calves.htm
but all that I got on Netscape, however I tried it, was a stupid 1 pixel gif, even though the site ID was one for which I have enabled a cookie. I even opened MSIE (greater devotion hath none) and pasted it in there, but I wound up at Zappo's again. And so I gave up on it.

And a place that offers wide-calf socks

I did not include foreign sites, or sites for ski boots or other special-use boots. If that was an error, then please do your own googling? I did see some results for motorcycle boots, and you might just find something that works for you there. If still no luck, send me an email. I know someone with this problem, and I'll send Diane an email asking her where she's buying boots these days.

I found lots of links about skiing, and some other sports, and also exercise. Another thing I discovered is that women with large calves are apparently one of those categories about which some men have fantasies.

I did not go to any of those sites. thankyewverymuch

[Ferret Herder]

Originally Posted by tamaraqueenofgoths

I think they only make those boots for tiny women...I'm a size 10-12, and I can't find a pair that zips all the way up. Perhaps it's a shoe-size thing? My feet are a size 7, maybe bigger shoe sizes have more calf room....

If you're talking about leather boots, a cobbler/shoe repairer can open one of the boot's seams, and put in an elastic piece that matches in color. This allows the top of the boot to fit larger calves. Women who have very muscular legs run into this problem as well, and apparently this isn't an uncommon thing to have done to boots these days.

[lel]

Well, about the only place I can find anything in my size at a halfway decent price is Sears, but everything there runs along the lines of extremely simple. Finding something trendy is difficult, especially when I keep thinking that I'm too old for Torrid, but too young for polyester pants.

Sure I want to lose weight, but it takes time, and what about in the meantime? I'm not going to be out of plus sizes for at least a year, even if I lose weight at a fairly rapid pace.

(And well, I wish I could sew more. I've been known to mess up basic square pillows, though.)

[Marley23]

I realize this is a complete tangent, but I'm continually amazed that any woman will shop at a store that has the word "Barn" in the name.

[Tikki]

Actually, I can't imagine buying clothes in a "Barn" either.

I've only been to Fashion Bug once. The quality of the workmanship on their clothing was appalling. Might as well go through the Dumpster behind a thrift store.

[TeaElle]

Originally Posted by Idlewild

I just ordered a Silhouettes skirt this week, I am looking forward to seeing how it fits. It was a totally gorgeous plaid, which is what I was looking for.

Oooh, is it that gorgeous multi-tone brown plaid cut on the bias? I just bought that one for my sister for her birthday. Yummy.

As for names, shopping at a Barn or a Bug or a Torrid or a Bean or a Gap is all rather bizarre sounding, IMO.

[Marley23]

Originally Posted by TeaElle

As for names, shopping at a Barn or a Bug or a Torrid or a Bean or a Gap is all rather bizarre sounding, IMO.

That's true, but shopping at a Barn carries the (unintentional, you hope) implication that you're a barnyard animal, so it seems vaguely insulting.

[kittenblue]

I love the clothes at Coldwater Creek, and now that I'm losing weight at a rapid pace, I can't wait for their store to open up a half-mile away from me, except for two problems: My weight is more in my tummy, and their clothes fit snugly through that area; and they are mostly out of my price range, unless I buy off ebay.

I have had a lot of luck buying Sag Harbor skirts and tops at Kohls, Penneys and other department stores (though I hate the name!) and only buy basic solid tops at Lane Bryant.

What bothers me the most is this: I walk through the misses department on the way to Women's, and spot a cute dress in a great print. Nice neckline, great sleeves, nice details. I get to the Women's dept., and spot the same fabric from a distance on the dress rack. I get excited, and pull the dress out, to see that instead of a scoop neck, this one has a high round neck. (Note to designers: large women have cleavage and would like to show it.) Instead of the detailed stitching on the bodice, this one is plain. Why, oh why can't they use the same details as the misses dress? They take a cute dress and make it dowdy, and I don't buy it.

And the embroidery thing bugs me, too. Especially Wal-Mart, which is famous for ugly colors in the Women's sizes and great colors everywhere else. When all I want is a nice, solid color shirt, or vest, I can only find stuff with pumpkins or animals or cartoons emblazoned on the front. I need clothes for work, not playtime in the elementary school! I need to find the time to return to sewing, too.

[GingerOfTheNorth]

Originally Posted by UrbanChic

There used to be an Ulla Popken in a mall here, Towson Town Centre.

(hijack)

Hi, local person!

[dreamer]

Originally Posted by phall0106

In their new catalogue though, they have a pair of knee boots that I'm salivating over...(even though my calves aren't large, I simply cannot find boots that come up to my knees that will fit!)

Try these Boots


I'm not trying to promote Newport-News or anything, but I bought some similar boots last year and they have built in stretch areas and fit wonderfully. I will also say that their clothing is pretty well made and their stretch jeans fit great and even come in Tall and slim sizes.

[BiblioCat]

Originally Posted by _Deva_

One way I shop is at the Salvation Army and Goodwill. It's like a treasure hunt, but the occasional awesome find together with the low low price makes it worth it.

Yep, that's what I've been doing. I don't have much luck with pants (I'm 5'4" and rather long-waisted - pants are nightmare to find), but I love hunting through sweaters and blouses and skirts and dresses. My Goodwill is pretty big, and you do have to sort through lots of stained and torn and out-of-style crap, but I've found some really great stuff.
I found a great khaki skirt, like new, and a denim skirt, very slightly worn, each $4. Both are very simple styles, and will be staples for work.
I got a basic black cardigan, silk and cotton, for $2 or $3, and a bunch of sweaters last spring for a dollar each. One's a Talbot's, one's an Anne Klein, one's a Land's End, all just basic simple-cut pullover styles. I can't wait till it gets cold!

[The 27th Evil]

[quote=kittenblue]

I have had a lot of luck buying Sag Harbor skirts and tops at Kohls, Penneys and other department stores (though I hate the name!) and only buy basic solid tops at Lane Bryant.

[quote]

I adore Sag Harbor clothes. I'm not heavy, but solidly built (lowest size 12/14) with a perma-belly, and their professional line is beautiful on my body type. If only I could find good boots without paying a mint for them now..

[Anduin]

Jcrew.com does extended calf boots. They are a bit pricy, but if you wait for their clearance sales, and also look around on the web for coupons, you can get them for a decent price. It's Italian leather, people!

[Brynda]

I just discovered CJ Banks. Unfortunately, they aren't nationwide, but if there is one in your area, it is worth checking out. Casual Corner Woman usually has nice clothes, too.

[Maastricht]

This link points to dozens of online stores that carry plus-size clothes.
After a recommendation on Opalcat's site, I checked out Size-Appeal. Size-appeal actually carries sexy, elegant, yet non-tacky clothing for apple-shaped women. Being a pear-girl myself, (AerynSun, fellow puppy-smuggler here!) their clothes aren't for me, but I really liked them, and that's rare for a plus size store.

[AllShookDown]

I like CJ Banks, too. The prices are slightly high at full price but they seem to mark things down pretty quickly. I just hate it when I see something I must have and pay full price because I'm afraid it'll be gone before it gets marked down. Sometimes they have some wonky colors but, for the most part, everything's pretty normal.

I also wish clothing manufacturers would figure out that all heavy women are not short. I have the hardest time finding slacks that are long enough. Penney's St. John's Bay pants are about the only ones I ever see in long lengths but they're hardly ever in stock. This fall they have some Lee twills in longs but the only color in stock is brown. The one thing I go to Fashion Bug for is their L.A. Blues jeans. The cut works for me and they come in longs. I tried Land's End where they hem them to order but the cut of their pants just doesn't work for me.

I'll echo what everyone else said about Lane Bryant. They have the fugliest colors and styles on the planet but I can find a decent bra there. What's the deal with bra sizes elsewhere? Does it not occur to these people that women who take a D cup just might have a chest measurement larger than 32?