CurvyPlusStyle

Tag: Plus Size

  • Quick Pre-Fall ‘25 Wish List

    Quick Pre-Fall ‘25 Wish List

    I spent some time browsing brands fall edits and here’s a quick roundup of what I’ve added to my wish list.

    Ralph Lauren Londyn Slingbacks
    Vince Camuto Vinica Mary Jane

    You know I love a flesh-toned shoe. I can’ help it. Last year, I wanted a slingback flat and couldn’t find one that worked. I have these Mary Jane’s in black leather from last fall/winter.

    Universal Standard Callaghan Wool Coat
    Eloquii Houndstooth Column Maxi

    There’s clearly a pattern here. No pun intended. I love herringbone and houndstooth. I wish this coat was floor length.

    The true is I’m trying to pair down my wardrobe. I shouldn’t need to add much, if anything. I have so much that I don’t wear already. Of all of these things, the slingbacks and the coat are likely to end up in my closet, but I’m trying to hold off for a sale. Furthermore, it’s just pre-fall. Who knows what the coming weeks have in store.

    -k

  • Is plus-size defunct?

    Is plus-size defunct?

    Have you tried shopping online for plus size clothing lately? Have you typed into a search engine ‘white blouse plus size’ or ‘straight leg trousers plus size’? If you have, then you’ve had the same experience that I’ve had, which is every single brand or retailer on the planet shows up in the search results. At first it seems like a good thing because who doesn’t want options, but as I dig deeper into it, I realize that it is not what it seems.

    Traditionally, plus size has been size 12 and up. Most brands carry up to a size12 or 14. The problem is if you wear a size larger than 14 and you’re searching for plus size clothing, undoubtedly you’re going to get brands who carry up to a size 14, but they do not carry your size. Cue the frustration. Now that so many brands have expanded to carry more sizes, there is no longer a distinction. The lines have been blurred. It seems as if the term plus size is officially defunct. But when we asked (and continue to ask) the fashion industry to include us, is this what we really wanted?

    Back when we shopped in-person, I wanted to be able to walk into a store and find my size on the same rack as a size 6 because special shops or a rack in the back didn’t make sense and was dismissive. Misses and women’s still doesn’t make sense. But now that the lines are blurred, I’m not certain that’s what I really wanted. In fact, I miss retailers and brands that dealt exclusively with plus size because it was easier to find what I needed or to know what brand served me. Plus, there weren’t as many concerns about fit. The stalwarts get it right (often, not all the time). With this “shared” model, we’ve lost that undivided attention. It feels like a case of be careful what you ask for.

    I’m not saying we need to go back to the one rack in the back. And frankly, it’s not practical to think that every brand is going to carry every size. In this regard, the industry gave us what we asked for, but we should done a SWOT analysis because now we’ve traded one challenge for the next.

    I don’t know what the answer is. I just know it’s frustrating.

  • Plus Size Brand Review: New York & Company

    Plus Size Brand Review: New York & Company

    Recently I learned that New York & Company has plus size clothing. Years ago, I shopped with them when I was straight/standard size. Remember Lerner’s? The good ole’ days.

    It’s a decent size line with about 200 pieces and reasonably priced. NY & CO always had markdowns and this line is no different. I didn’t see anything over $40 (markdown price).

    There is lots of color. I don’t have much color in my wardrobe. I didn’t buy anything on my initial preview of the site. The thing that I do like about the line is the assortment. There are suits, jeans, sweats and party dresses. That’s promising because newer plus size brands tend to fall on one side of the spectrum or the other – work wear and non-work wear. I also like that it’s not too trendy. There are classic pieces and shapes.

    Thus far, I’ve shopped with them twice and purchased three items:

    • Wide-leg Printed Pants – I initially bought these in a 2X because I often need to size down in wide-leg pants. The 2X fit, but was too tight in the thigh and I would not be comfortable wearing them, especially sitting. I returned them and purchased a 3X, which is my normal pant size and they fit perfect and need no alterations. I searched all of spring ’23 for printed pants and came up empty-handed. While I prefer a jersey pant, the polyester will do. I like the trouser shape with the zipper and hook and eye. Often printed pants are pull-on. These with a white tank are going to be on repeat spring ’24.
    • Plaid Skirt – I bought this skirt for two reasons 1) the shape and 2) to take Christmas photos. I think I could have sized down in the skirt. It feels a tiny bit too big in the waist. I don’t like the gathers at the back of the skirt. They make my butt look bigger which I don’t need. The material is very nice. It’s a mid-weight and is unlined. There is a bit of sheen to the skirt which is nice.
    • Fleece Leggings – The leggings were on sale for $7 so why not? Also I wanted to try out fitted clothing. The size guide clearly shows they fit up to 240 lbs. I’m over than weight and the leggings did not fit my thighs, but the fleece felt great on the inside.

    The skirt and the leggings are likely going to be returned. As far as fit, two out of three is not bad. I doubt that I will shop frequently with New York and Company, but I think this is a good spot for what I call filler – pieces beyond your foundational wardrobe like a bright colored blazer, semi-sheer lace top for a date night, or cute event dress.

    Beware that exchanges cannot be done online at this time. Be sure to use the size chart and measurements to get the right size. When returning an item, a handling fee of $9.95 will be deducted from the refund. This is becoming common with a lot of brands.

    As I try other items from this brand, I’ll update the review.