Yesterday I went #plussizeplease shopping. Meaning I went shopping in my local store's straight and junior sizes, for items I would buy if they came in a size that would fit on my body. Now obviously I would not be able to buy them ALL. But there are some that I seriously would buy right away, and those that I could hold off on. Anyway, here are my finds, personal opinions, and experiences. I know I am not alone in the world of plus size shoppers seeing adorable clothes that just are not available to me.
Stores & Brands Visited
Nordstom
Nordstrom BP
Kate Spade
White Black market
Ann Taylor
Forever 21
Laundry by Shelli Segal
Maggy London
Kate Moss
Zella
Nike
These dresses were found at Nordstrom - Left to Right
Maggy London - Sizes 0 -16
I really loved the print. And I have been wanting to add more color to my wardrobe, especially for spring.
Laundry by Shelli Segal - Sizes 0 - 16
I thought this was a cute girls night out dress. I like to look classy. LOL. But really loved the illusion sides with contrasting print.
Kate Moss Top Shop - Sizes 0 - 12
You are probably going to see a lot of white dresses in this post. I think I am going through a phase. Anyway. I love Kate Moss. And this dress is adorable. The polka dot texture is amazing and it is really high quality. If only I could get one.
Right - Plus Size Section at my Nordstrom ( maybe they are expanding it?)
Now junior sized sections like BP are full of memories for me. I vividly remember school clothes shopping with my best friend and watching her try on all these cute clothes, and I got to just sit there. Feeling like I didn't belong, like I was ugly, and fat. (13 year old Ian there) Even some of the jewelry didn't fit my wrists and fingers.
Now I got a thick skin at a young age for these kind of experiences. I had to. I am sure many of you did too. But as an adult I am kind of like... meh. I have mostly been celebrating the brands that celebrated me. But why not tell designers that we really want to wear that dress?
I guess what really bothers me is that junior brands market to younger girls, and are priced more affordably, this really limits clothing options for Plus Size, Junior High and High School girls. The tiny corner they call the plus size section at my Nordstrom (Flagship store which is 6 Stories) has mid range brands, that most parents can't afford for school clothes. Not to mention they are styles for mostly people in mid to late 20's and beyond.
Not to hate on Nordstrom. In fact this is probably my favorite place to shop. I just hope they bring in more brands which would expand the section, and add junior plus in store.
These days, (thankfully) there are many more options for 14 or 16 + sized girls of all ages. I didn't find a Torrid until I was a senior in High School. Until then, I was stuck with Old Navy, Macy's (not young and trendy for me) and maybe some Target. And that was only 5 years ago.
Now I am lucky to live in a large city, and in the age of the internet. Seattle has some pretty decent plus size shopping, and the internet is worldwide. However it would be nice to be in the UK and shop at an Evans, or New Look... the list could go on.
Zella - I want to look stylish at the gym too. Zella actually does a pretty good job at providing plus sizes for active wear. But not every style is available in both straight and plus. Like this one. It actually reminds me a little of Battle Star Galactica. I think that's why I snapped this pic.
Zella - I love the color, but unfortunately not available in plus size. At least in my Nordstrom.
Nike - Come on Nike...
Left to Right
This store is on my Wishlist of places I want to shop at. I could have added a lot more from WHBM but this dress was my favorite in the store and actually out of ALL of these items. I love the textrue and the chunky neckline. I want to marry this dress. Sigh... #plussizeplease
Ann Taylor - 00 - 18 (ALMOST fits me, just wanted to ad these beauties, but not all dresses are available in the 14 +)
Also on my Wishlist. I was able to just walk by Ann Taylor and fall in love with this little blue number... Classic lines, darts, and texture for days.
Ann Taylor -
Dem Stripes. I love this.
Forever 21
Now Forever 21 does have a plus size section in SOME stores. I am lucky because my store does have a Forever 21 +. And it seems to be getting larger. It's still a small section compared to the other junior/straight size sections in a 3 story building. But I am incredibly happy we have it in Seattle. Here are some snaps from my Forever 21.