Imagine going to the mall with your girlfriends. At a size 18, you are the largest of the group. As they prance around the fitting rooms finding tons of clothing to try on, you mope around the store looking for anything over a size 6. No such luck.
Sounds a bit familiar doesn’t it? We complain as size 10s, 16s and 20s that we can’t find anything fashionable to wear in our size. We “make it work” with straight size clothing and personalize it and put our own unique signature on it. Thank goodness for oversized garments and stretch, right?
Well, what about those plus size women who are above the standard 24/26? You know that’s the most popular cut off size for a plus size range. Plus size ranges up to a 32, ehh yeah, that can be a stretch for some clothing stores. If you’re above a size 32 where do you turn to shop if you aren’t into fatshion blogs or internet savvy? Walking into H&M or Forever 21 and “making it work” isn’t an option. You probably feel a bit left out when it comes to fashion trends. But you shouldn’t! There are places for you to shop too!
A friend mentioned on twitter that she’d never wear skinny jeans until she lost more weight. Saddened by her statement, I asked her why. She told me that she was too big to wear them…You all know I gave her the *side eye* right? I hate that she felt like she had to loose weight in order to be fashionable! Totally not true! While I will admit that the selection can sometimes be drab or matronly, there is nothing that a little creativity and the right accessories can’t fix!
Instantly, I was opening up new tabs on my browser googling sites. I partnered with my buddy Cid and she offered One Stop Plus as a beginning point. They go up to a size 44w. Perfect! Unfortunately, browsing by size is unavailable on OSP. It would have been extremely helpful if I could click a size range and everything that they offered in that size popped up. OSP gave me an idea of some sites to browse. I checked out Jessica London, Woman Within and Roaman’s for ideas.
After much clicking, I ended up on Zaftique, in which I remember features Chenese Lewis as one of their models. To my surprise, Zaftique has a larger range of trendy clothes than what is offered on OSP. I felt inspired to polyvore up some outfits for my what I am going to call a “virtual makeover” for J’Lesa.
Here are two looks that I’d like to present for her, or any other woman who is having a hard time putting some of the latest trends together in her size.
Jean is available in TALL! An awesome blazer or tweed jacket is always a fall necessity! Casual Chic by NikStar
When it's time to make a scene, add a touch of lace. Lace is definitely a huge fall trend this year. Friday night by NikStar
Both of these looks feature great pieces from Zaftique, as well as shoes from BarefootTess.com. BarefootTess I found has a huge selection of larger sized women’s shoes.
As I mentioned before, you may feel like your options for stylish, trendy clothing is limited as a fuller woman, but I think you can definitely make lemonade out of lemons by adding great finishing touches to your outfits. OSP definitely offers some great basics to start with. Every woman’s closet needs the basics. They are the base of your wardrobe. Zaftique definitely steps it up with the array of colors available in their line of leggings. This is where you can add little trends into your wardrobe. Scarves, bags, shoes and jewelry will complete your look.
Daily Venus Diva -- Daily Venus Diva.
Another great store that sells very affordable plus size clothes is Simply Fashion. Items sold in their stores are priced generally $30 and under. They have clothes that embrace all the latest trends and they sell plus and super plus sizes. It is not available everywhere however but, if you go on the website they have a store locator to see if they offer a store in your area.
Other places that you could also look is online at Old Navy. They offer plus sizes online up to size 30 but, things are cut a little roomy so someone a size 32 could find some valuable basic pieces here. Fashion Bug also goes up to size 32 but quantity of merchandise is limited and Catherine’s has sizes up to 34 which offers a little bit of something for everyone. They have some good finds especially if you know how to coordinate them with the rest of your wardrobe.
Vonnie, I’ve shopped at Simply Fashions before and their clothes don’t last generally past 2 or 3 washes.
I suppose that saying that “you get what you pay for” definitely applies to that.
Do you know of any stores that carry over a size 32? I have larger women who are size 38 and larger that want stylish clothing but once your past a size 32, it’s pretty hard to find clothing that doesn’t resemble that of a moomoo.
Any suggestions there would be great so that I can pass it on to my readers! 
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Our mistake when ordering a baseball mitt for a left handed person. Its always confusing when you have to think right hand throw left mitt. I’m right handed so I mixed up the hand when I ordered. Very helpful in correcting my mistake.