Plus Size Fashion
Hanes Develops Plus-Size Brand for Wal-Mart
What: Hanes is branching out from the world of basic tees and under garments. After spending years as the go-to brand for comfy cotton t-shirts, Hanes has decided to launch an all new plus-size apparel brand called JMS exclusively for Wal-Mart. Available at more than 3,500 Wal-Mart stores nationwide, JMS—or Just My Size—will reportedly feature “trend-right styles” such as modern knit sweaters and leggings with sizes ranging from 16 to 28. Even better, the company says none of the clothes will be priced over $22.
What JMS Says:
“The JMS woman embraces her curves,” said Maria Teza, marketing director for JMS. “So often plus-size women see stylish clothes in the Missy department that they can`t find in the plus-size department. Now she can find those same styles in just her size.”
What We Say: Not to be a Debbie downer, but this doesn’t look very fashion forward. What’s fashion forward about a t-shirt? If nothing else, it’s great to see a company like Hanes taking a stand and making clothes that fit women of all shapes and sizes, and we hope maybe it’s a trend that will catch on for more apparel companies.
Too Fat to Be a Plus Size Model?
This photo has been causing quite stir in the magazine industry. The photo is of plus size model Lizzie Miller- whose size 12/14 body pushes her to the upper limit of the size when it comes to being a “plus size model”.
I was just in Hollywood, where the fascination with plus size is borderline obsessive (think of all the plus size shows on television- From “Biggest Loser” to “More to Love” to “Ruby”) and the belief, even when presented with evidence to the contrary (all of those shows are extremely popular and covers of Essence Magazine with comedian/actress Mo’ Nque are often bestsellers), is that people really don’t want to see “normal” sized women in magazines or television. The strange thing is that often the editors/producers saying this are plus size women themselves (big myth dispelled: a majority of people in Hollywood ARE NOT thin).
Are these “tastemakers” right? Or is this belief perpetuated by self-hatred?
The Shrinking Plus-Size Apparel Market
What: To no one’s surprise, apparel sales have been going down over the past year - but the plus-size market has been hit especially hard. This is a bit counter-intuitive, as the number of plus-size women in America (and the world) is actually increasing. So, how could this be? Well, there are a few possibilities - full sized fashionistas aren’t always as open to buying clothes that’s marketed as plus-size. Some prefer (or are forced) to shop online - in privacy - for such items.
What They Say:
According to the NPD Group, a market research company, the overall women’s apparel business is down about 5 percent and plus-size is down almost 10 percent from the 12 months ending in May 2009 compared to the same time the year before.
What We Say: We’re not sure what the latest trends are, but if department stores ignore the plus-size customer, they’re ignoring a significant chunk of the population. We don’t predict the plus-size market will disappear, but that it might be introduced to shoppers in a different way in the near future (ie Old Navy’s move to put their plus size section online-only)
If you’re a plus-size fashionista, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this…
Lagrandedame.com: Site Review
The Lowdown: Here at TBF—and in just about every group of real women we’ve ever encountered—one of our biggest shopping complaints is the lack of fashionable options for women who aren’t a size 8. Finding affordable options that you’d actually want to wear out of the house is even harder. And while Lane Bryant is great, it is not all things to all women—so we’re always encouraged to see alternatives for the stylish, curvy AND budget-conscious among us. Lagrandedame.com piqued our interest particularly because it is founded and run by REAL women who know the frustration of not being able to leave the dressing room with something fabulous that fits.
Our Review: We’ve been disappointed at first glance by plenty of plus-size retail sites—with items that are cheap, but just not as stylish as they should be. This is not one of those cases—the first item on the home page is a stand-out belted green silk dress that we’d buy in a second. Delving a little deeper, we found jackets, skirts, blouses, suits, and more dresses, all stylish, flattering and in sizes up to 24. The site is easy to navigate, with a section devoted to sale items (which, quite frankly, is where we always end up before long).
The prices? Okay, so it’s not Target. The aforementioned silk dress is on sale for $250, but it is silk and kinda fabulous—but in this economy, might be a budget buster for many of us. Fortunately, there are cheaper options that are worth a look as well—like this versatile and flattering Olivia Harper Milly Dress, for $149. Still too rich for your blood? Move on to this Ruffle Sleeved Dress by Zen Knits, on sale for just $34. The selection isn’t vast by any stretch of the imagination, but we found something we liked in every category, and that’s all that really matters isn’t it?
The site also shows a green side offering a “Round-Up” program to offset emissions resulting from shipping, and eco-friendly shipping tips, and their blog and subscription newsletter offer tips on plus-size fashion.
The Verdict: Yea. Not as budget as we’d like, but affordable overall, particularly for stylish wardrobe staples like suits and special occasion dresses—remember, you need to think cost-per-wear, not bottom line price, to find real value.
Plus Size Bridal Gowns on a Budget
Q: I am a plus-size bride in dire need of a beautiful wedding dress on a budget. I live in the New York area and everything seems to be in a size two.
A: There are many options out there for brides on a budget, including plus-size brides. Here are a few:
Lane Bryant.com
The fashionable plus size bridal company has created a line of beautiful and budget bridal gowns for plus size fashionistas. Collection features simple sleeves dresses, similar to the weddings dresses designed by J.Crew, for under $150 dollars. Read my review of the line
The Bridal Building
1385 Broadway
New York City
This is the place where many designers have their showrooms and sales offices. These showrooms are open to the public on Saturdays and you can find designer dresses from 30% off retail prices. Tailors are available on the spot.
The Bridal Suite of Manhattan
262 West 38th Street, Suite 1701
New York, NY 10018
Tel: 212.764.3040, Fax: 212.764.3018
Contact: Bernadette Pleasant
bpleasant@BridalSuiteNYC.com
A large selection of styles and prices. Call ahead to see if they are having a trunk sale.
Last Call Neiman Marcus
Woodbury Commons (Central New York) and Franklin Mills (outside of Philadelphia, PA.)
These outlets of the high-end Neiman Marcus store carry a wonderful selection of gowns, for up to 80% off their retail price. Sizing is hit or miss, though I have spotted plus-sizes before.
Kleinfields
110 West 20th Street
New York, New York 10011
Phone (646) 633 4300
e-mail: info@kleinfeldbridal.com
THE place to shop in New York for bridal gowns is Kleinfields and the store featured on TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress”. Brides travel here from as far away as Washington, D.C. Kleinfields has a large selection of gowns to fit every size and price range. Call ahead for an appointment.
David’s Bridal
location: wherever there’s women…but one Manhattan location on 25th and 6th Ave
A large selection of affordable, but somewhat plain, plus size wedding dresses.
Local Thrift Shops
Thrift shops can offer wonderful bridal treasures, if you don’t mind wearing a second-hand dress. It’s always worth taking a look at your local Salvation Army or Goodwill stores. In New York City, also check out Housing Works Thrift Shop in Chelsea.
If you can’t find your perfect dress at any of these stores, try finding it on the internet. Online bridal shops like CocoMyles, Watters.com and Bridal Shop at Yahoo can offer a wide range of sizes and cheaper prices because there is little store overhead. Also try eBay, which has a huge selection of plus-size bridal gowns, some new and some not so new. When using eBay, make sure you ask for several pictures of the item and purchase with a credit card that has buyer protection—not a debit card. That way, if any problems develop, you might be able to get a refund from your credit card company.
Happy Shopping,
The Budget Fashionista
Forever 21 Plus Size Line ‘Faith21’ Now Available Online
What: Forever 21’s new plus size line (finally), called Faith 21, is now available online at forever21.com
Why You Should Care: Previously, the pickins’ at the budget fav was slim to none for those who wear a size 12 or higher. Now sistas with a bit more back (and front) can score the same fashionable finds as our slimmer friends. The drawback? The selection is small and the cut is Junior Plus Size, meaning the fit is 1 to 2 sizes smaller than the size you wear at a store like Lane Bryant.
Some of Our Picks
1. Botanical Floral Chiffon Blouse, $19.90
2. Floral Stain Evening Dress, $27.80
3. Lace Trim Top, 17.80
4. Triple Block Knit Dress $22.80
Shop Faith21 online or Find a store near you
Summer Wear for Plus Size, Alexandra Neel Shoes, New York Times Looks at Facials, Emma Cassi
Need help sorting through the zillions of beauty how-to videos on YouTube? TalkingMakeup picks the top ten.
Decor8 checks out the blog of Emma Cassi, a talented jewelry designer with the prettiest creations.
The New York Times has doubts about the benefits of regular facials. Aestheticians and dermatologists weigh in with completely opposite opinions.
The Shoe Goddess swoons over a gorgeous dream shoe: the amazing Alexandra Neel Verushka Corset Ankle Platform Sandal. $770. Eep!
Plus-Size Styles Coming to Target
What: Target’s hopping on board the latest trend, stylish clothing for plus-size gals, with a new line from LA-based Pure Energy. We’re not sure why it’s taken so long for designers and retailers to appeal to the majority of female shoppers out there - most of us aren’t pencil thin - but Target’s new line is a sign of things to come for sure. This April, bigger women can look forward to Pure Energy tops, bottoms, dresses, and denim, designed just for them, at Target stores (and online). These items will be cheap, too, ranging from $16.99 to $29.99.
What They Say:
“The Pure Energy collection features brightly colored, dip-dye and burnout tank tops, flowing floral skirts and maxi-style dresses, sophisticated nightlife pieces and a variety of in-style denim including skirts, capris and jeans.”
What We Say: We think this step makes a lot of sense for Target; plus-size women care just as much about style as petite women and this fact has been neglected by the retail industry for years. However, we’re not 100% sold on the new line, which includes tops with very thin, nearly see-through material, and white white shorts. We don’t guess that will be very flattering, but once the line launches later this spring and we can try it on in the dressing room, we’ll have a better idea.
Mossimo Spring 2009 Collection for Target Offers Affordability, Plus Sizes, and California Chic
Overview: For Spring 2009, Target’s banking again on Mossimo Giannulli’s trademark “fresh” and “no-fuss” style that we’ve all come to expect from the Mossimo line. Meant to be mixed and matched, easily layered and worn with a casual but feminine air, the 2009 beachwear inspired line has great potential at first glance. Tops are reminiscent of a 60’s inspired glamor (think Mad Men, bold sailor stripes, cardigans, flutter sleeves and fun prints). Mossimo’s accessories are the most fashion forward in the line; embracing many of the most popular trends of the last year-gladiator sandals, wide waist belts, bright jewel tones and big beads.
The most enthusiastic designs are the dresses; soft colors such as cobalt blue, bright coral and sunshine yellow, casual knee-length hems, delicate looking fabrics and adorable prints. Mossimo definitely wants us to ooh-and-ahh about the possibility of layering these pieces with belts, sweaters and jewelry, and the transition from beachy days to breezy nights (and even to work.)
New Plus Size Line: Target recently added the Mossimo for Target Plus Sizes. (See: Is Plus Size In?) No hard news yet on whether this line is simply a plus-size version of the regular line, or something different altogether. Target’s dropped hints that the line, in size 1X through 3X, will include “basic knit tops” that are “revamped with draping, ruching or braided trim,” and “dolman- and flutter-sleeve blouses” which suggests that these pieces are different from the rest of the Spring 2009 women’s products (*sigh*).
The Warning Label: The popular flowy, tiered tops don’t necessarily go with the Mossimo loose bermuda shorts and chunky wedge heels. Be careful when pairing loose clothing; considering breaking up the silhouette with some fitted straight leg jeans, narrow gladiator heels or sandals with thin straps.
And, of course, check out the Mossimo for Target line in person, first. Spring is the perfect time to market bold, bright new colors that we all want for our closets. But, Spring is also the time for mass produced cheap (aka “affordable”) lightweight fabrics that don’t cost a lot to make. That being said, we think Mossimo is perfect for on trend items at a price that will allow you to maximize your cost per wear (See: Fashion Advice: The Cost Per Wear Ratio).
Save 30% Off at Lane Bryant
Save 30% off at Lane Bryant March 7th- 8th
The Deal: Coupon is good for 30% off your entire purchase (except SPANX) on March 7th & March 8th—plus you’ll earn $25 Real Women Dollars for every $50 you spend in the store. The coupon also has a promo code, so you can use it online. early on March 6th.
Get It: Download the coupon above to your desktop, print it out, and bring it in store.
Forever21 to Launch Plus Size Line
Attention.. Attention…
Forever21 is launching a Plus Size line this May called “Faith 21”. The California based retailer, who probably read this article on wwd about how the plus size market is where the money is at, joins the likes of Anna Wintour in recognizing that those of us who “got back”, also “got cash”.. ..And you know, Forever21 only copies the trendiest of trends, so Plus Size is definitely “in”.
What Do You Think of This Trend?
Save Up to $15 On Plus Size at Avenue.com
The Deal: Save up to $15 on your order at Avenue.com with code.
The Lowdown: Get $10 off $60, or $15 off $85 or more at Avenue.com, just in time to update the wardrobe for spring. First things first—the images on Avenue.com make you feel like you’re shopping Kmart, and that’s not a compliment (sorry Kmart). If you can get past that, however, you’ll find some versatile pieces at reasonable prices which, for plus size girls, is often waaaay harder than it should be.
As we’ve noted before, look for black and white to be all over this spring, and since Avenue’s more colorful offerings tend to be of the wallpaper-and-sofa-cover variety, we’re thrilled to find something sophisticated and on trend like this ruffle hem glam dot blouse, for $34.90. And since we want—nay, need—a little spring color too, combining that with the b&w trend in a fab and flattering sheath dress, like this kiwi ribbon tie sheath, for a mere $37.90? It’s all good.
Shop: Avenue.com
Is Plus Size In?
What: Ms. Anna (Wintour), Vogue’s Editor in Chief, is generating buzz throughout the fashion industry via her props of Grammy winner Adele’s plus size fashion sense. Some say a plus size fashionista on the cover of Vogue is in the works.
From Nancy LeWinter, OneStopPlus.com- “62% of all American women (18 or older) wearing a size 12+, and yet the plus size market is still overlooked,” says LeWinter. “Fashion is fashion no matter what your size….. Having worked at Vogue for years, it’s great to see their new found respect for women of style no matter what their sizes. The plus size market is finally receiving the recognition it deserves”“
What We Say: Remember the story Oprah told to Vogue Fashion Editor at Large Andre Leon Talley, about how she had to starve herself to a size 6 to be on the cover of Vogue, in which ALT responded, without missing a beat, “Miss Anna don’t like fat people?” Well, “fat people” do buy magazines and, Ms. Wintour, who is faced with a decreased in ad sales due to the economy, understands this all too well. Hopefully we can get soon get to a point where STYLE becomes more important than SIZE.
Redress NYC: A New Spot for Plus Size Fashion Lovers in New York
What: Redress NYC. A slamming new consignment shop/ vintage boutique for plus size fashionistas in Brooklyn, NY. Located in the Boerum Hill section, Redress NYC is one of the first consignment/vintage shop to specialize in sizes 14+.
Prior to the opening of the store, plus size shopping in New York fell into three categories: Somewhat stylish, but poor quality (Ashley Stewart, plus junior lines at Macys, places we do shop), Muumuus for Ladies who Lunch (Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord and Taylor which we love at times, especially during a sale), and cool, but out of our price range(Monif C, Lee Lee Valise, whom we heart like Target, but can make a sista go broke). Redress offers plus size fashionistas a solid, affordable, alternative to this option.
What I Like: The space is incredible, at least 2000 sq feet, which is something you will not find in Manhattan for any store, yet alone a plus size store, with a large selection of both mall based plus size brands like Lane Bryant and Torrid
and classic vintage pieces from the 30s, 40s, 50s, etc expertly curated and arranged by the store’s owner Deb Malkin. The actual quality of the vintage pieces were perhaps the best I’ve ever seen in any consignment shop, regardless of size classification.
Most of all, there was no digging cause Deb has already done it for you. I love the hunt as much as the next bargain hunter (more about my longtime love affair with Sally’s boutique), but sometimes you just want to go into a store and shop without the drama. Prices fall in the $15-$600 price range, with items from mall stores on the low end and the vintage items commanding the big bucks.
Also, I loved the bathroom. You can tell a lot about a place from its bathroom and Redress has the best store bathroom I’ve ever been in. Seriously… Painted flowers, smelly hand soap and lotion. Made me feel special and welcomed, like Deb really did put some thought into the store and her customers. You feel good about shopping there because the store wants you as a customer- something you rarely get as a plus size shopper.
What I Didn’t Like: First, if you’re looking to make some cash off your clothing, the price paid for garments is low, compared to the amount in which Redress would sell it for (ex: y$5 for a shirt that they would sell for like $30), so you’re probably better off heading to another consignment store to sell your items (plus size garments are often the top sellers at consignment shops). However, you can opt to get paid in store credit, which is a much higher payout (almost twice as high in my case) and a good option if you’re more interested in recycling your clothing than cash in your pocket. Some of the vintage pieces were crazy expensive, like $500 expensive, which is way too much for handmade (ie something your grandma sewed for you or your mom back in the day) garments. However, I did find a rare pucci-esque print dress with a front slit up to my waist for $70 in store credit. Cheap? Nope. Unique? Yes.
The Brooklyn location, especially for visitors and those of us who live in Manhattan, isn’t the most convenient but the store is located in a cute, hipster, neighbor and the F train stop is nearby.
Yea or Nay: Hells to the Yea, but keep in mind that it’s not extreme budget and if you’re taking the train, make sure you have a flexible schedule.
Store Details:
109 Boerum Place
Brooklyn, NY
between Pacific + Dean
f/g train to Bergen Street stop
Store hours
Thursday - Saturday / noon to 9pm
and Sunday / noon to 7pm
You can reach owner Deb Malkin and Re/Dress:
deb@redressnyc.com
or 718-522-7960
Juicy Couture’s New Plus Size Line
Juicy Couture, the designer line behind the rise of velour, has just launched a plus size line that is being sold exclusively online at Nordstrom.com. The line is no where near “cheap”, but it’s a triumph for plus sized fashionistas because fashion tends to diffuse downwards (meaning the more high end designers who create successful plus size lines, the more stylish lower priced/sale/clearance plus size clothing available).
Now if they could just make more items for petite fashionistas!
Torrid Announces Plus Size Bridal Collection
Torrid, aka the hipper mall based plus size shop, recently launched a bridal collection available online at Torrid.com
. The collection features dresses (from $140 to $220), lingerie, and accessories (like the hat shown above).
While the accessories are pretty cute (if anyone decides to get the wedding hat shown above, PLEASE send us a photo… I just love that hat), $220 is pretty pricey for a dress from Torrid, especially considering the questionable quality of some of their garments.
We Love Colors Launches Colorful Plus Size Tights Line
I have a big butt AND 4ft of legs. Even when I was a size 8, I had to purchase Queen sized tights because regular tights just weren’t long enough. What I soon found out was that the hoisery industry, apparently, believes that plus size women are color-blind and only like to wear shades of black or brown.
Enter the folks from We Love Colors, who recently released a line of lyrca tights in plus sizes (160-375lb) in over 45 colors. Yes, 45 colors. We’re talking blues, purples, yellows, you name it. The tights are pricey- $15.00 a pair is signficantly more than my Wal-Mart bought “Just-Her-Size”, however you would be hard pressed to find a pair of yellow plus size tights anywhere else.
Visit We Love Colors,
Note: We Love Colors, please hire a real stylist. The outfit on the model is sccccaaarryyy.
Plus Size Prom Dresses on a Budget
If you’re a curvy girl looking for the perfect prom dress, finding something special on a budget can be especially challenging. We’ve done a little footwork, however, and found some picks that just might do the trick, and leave you enough cash to buy a fab pair of shoes, too.
Classic black with a little sparkle, $49 at alight.com
Pleated halter dress in attention-grabbing red, $54.99 at Fashion Bug
Necessary Objects liquid silver dress, $75, at Macy’s
A satin and chiffon formal dress, in 13 colors, $44.99 on Amazon.com
Black halter dress with jeweled detailing, $78 at Torrid.com
Fashion Advice: Conservative Fashion Tips for Plus Size Student
Dear Budget Fashionista,
I am a plus size, 28 year old college student that is currently working in a pizza restaurant. Where should I start? I have taken the quiz in your book and it said that I am conservative.
Answer: First take a deep breath. A long deep breath. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your closet. First start with the Perfect Ten, the ten things every woman should have in their closet and adjust them for your lifestyle.
As a college student, you might want to focus on purchasing a pair or two of nice jeans, jeans that you can dress up with a nice pair of black pumps and a nice top (don’t wear these jeans to work). Avoid low-low rise jeans and jeans with sequins, embroidery and other types of embellishments (no Baby Phat or Apple Bottom jeans). Look for jeans that have a wider leg and/or a boot cut. Make sure when you sit down the seams of the pants aren’t stressing (you can tell if the jeans are stressing because you will be able to see the seams stretch, like it’s about to pull apart). Try stores like Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Avenue, Marshalls, Ross, TJ Maxx (which often has nice plus size jeans for less than $20) for jeans. Wal-Mart
also makes a good quality jeans.
Then you want to look for tops, purchasing at least two tops for every pair of jeans/pants you in your closet. Why? Because you can wear the jeans over and over again and no one will notice, but it’s harder to do the same with tops. Since you’re more on the conservative side, look for collared shirts (wear them tucked in if you have defined waist) and shirts made of cotton, rather than clingy knit materials. Always make sure you iron your shirts. Check out the stores I listed above, but also don’t forget to look at Dillard’s, Macy’s and Lord and Taylor’s, which often have amazing sales on summer items that you can also work during the fall months.
You’ll also want to check out wrap dresses, in black or brown, because you can instantly dress them up (for interviews, meetings, church, etc) or dress them down (for school, night out). Make sure it’s a dress that makes you feel good, feel beautiful, and wraps completely around without showing too much cleavage. Wal-Mart’s George Plus Size line and Target’s Plus Size Mossimo line is a good place to look for these dresses.
Also visit these sites, which have excellent tips and advice for plus size women:
BBW Magazine, Curvychicks Online, and Bombshell Magazine.
Again, start small, even $10 or $20 a month can go a long way in building your wardrobe.
Tina Knowles Launches Line for HSN
Who: Tina Knowles, Beyonce’s mama and the woman behind her “Barbie in Vegas” look launches a fashion line called Miss Tina for “Forgotten” women ages 30-50 on the Home Shopping Network.
What the fashion heads say: WWD—“....I love the fact that the sizes go all the way up [2 to 24],” (Tina) Knowles said. “There’s a forgotten woman who wants a pencil skirt, too, or a blouse that’s a little lower cut. Beyoncé has backup singers who are full-figured women. Being a woman over 50, I try to think about the things I have going for me and the things I want to hide, like my arms. I’m giving them options with shrugs. I’ve been a stylist for so many years, I know how to accentuate the positive.”
What I say: I’m all for offering more options to the “grown and sexy” fashionista, but Mrs. Knowles has a reputation for going a bit over the top with her designs, with a tendency for a more gaudy than fashionable look. Plus the price points are high- from $39 for a t-shirt, $250 for a suede hobo, $150 for a pair of boots.
Also while we can appreciate the nod to sizing (sizes 2-24) and to age, the philanthropic spin that is being put on this and other celebrity backed lines is a bit condescending . Like Sarah Jessica Parker and the Bitten line, it makes business sense to target your line to a wide ranges of sizes. However, I can see Mrs. Knowles actually wearing some of the clothes from her HSN line on the red carpet and for that, I’m totally willing to give it a try.
Turn in to HSN on August 15th to learn more.
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