I care about fashion. I do. PROMISE. My problem is that usually fashion doesn’t care about me. I can flip through catalogues or dress racks and find infinite outfits that I would love to wear. Sadly these outfits are just not available to someone with my ample hourglass.
Big girls want to look good. We DO. When we see another big girl out in the world looking fabulous we can’t help but gravitate towards them to find out – WHERE??!!! Where did you get that shirt? Those pants? That dress?
Lately plus sized fashion has gone in two directions. There are clothes that enhance and show off our figures and then there are clothes that punish or exaggerate our proportions.
Have you seen the shirts with elastic at the waist? Do you know who looks great in that shirt? People at the end of their 2nd trimester. Why on earth would a larger sized woman want to stretch elastic across one of the widest parts of her body allowing a balloon of fabric to poof out?
I am now in search mode for things to wear to BlogHer in August. I have a lot going on at the conference: I am leading two geek sessions, working a few hours in a booth, and then speaking on stage. I don’t want to stress out about looking ok. I simply want to look great.
Last year I was leaning towards black and white (or navy and white). This year, after all the dark that I have been through, I want to be bold and in living color. I am looking at one of these dresses from Igigi to be THE DRESS.
I now need to focus on casual stuff – things to wear during sessions, when I am in the booth, and when I am doing blog audits in the geek bar.
Suggestions, input, ideas are welcome!
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
No suggestions just comiserating….hiding my head. I need to go shop ewwww
These dresses are so lovely…I’m feeling number three.
Also, that elastic thing? I’m with you. And that elastic part always hits me just below the widest point, making said point appear even wider. Fantastic.
I like one and two. I also have a question of a personal nature. What size are you. You can e-mail me back, not asking you to post it. I have a dress that was mine when I was larger that just came back to me. It was one of my favorite dresses ever and it’s way to big now. If it’s something that might fit you I’d love to forward it on.
Oh, can I ask the same question as battynurse? I might have some clothes to send you. Email me yo.
Also, would it be too single white female of me to order dress number 3 too? I am not going to BlogHer so it wouldn’t be too creepy…
Modcloth carries some really sassy, figure celebrating clothes for all kinds of sizes. Their plus size selection maybe limited, but you might find something fun and casual there. I vote for #3.
I am so angry at these stupid new shirts with the elastic. And I’m angry at myself for gaining more weight and being unable to fit into last year’s clothes. I can’t find a damned decent thing to wear this season. Usually I can find SOMETHING, but this year’s fashions are atrocious.
Those elastic at the bottom shirts don’t even look good on me and I hate them too. Such a stupid design.
I like the style of dress #2 best, but I think the color of #3 would be perfect for you.
I amreally digging on #3. It is elegant while still maintaining a casual air. 2 just seems too “too” to me. And i like 1 but it seems super casual.
I abhor clothes shopping. I am hoping that will change as I continue to dedicate myself to doing yoga almost daily, and swimming several days a week. Not what you would call a fitness buff, but something has to change. I would like to own one pair of pants that weren’t split open in the thighs… Such a good look. Ugh. I love you and can’t wait to hear about Blogher!!
I would rather have all my teeth pulled without anesthesia than go shopping for clothes for me! I feel your pain.
Oh, and as you all ready know, I am CRAZY about #3!
Love the color of the second one, but the cut and fit of the third. All three are beautiful, though!
OK, here’s my non-useful comment…I like the bodice/sleeves of 3, the length of 1 (well, maybe just below knee length), and the color of 2. Put those together and you’ll have a perfect dress!
I’m pretty sure there is no one who enjoys those elastic bottom shirts. Who are they making them for???
If you can stand digging through the awful fabric/teen trend pieces, Torrid has some ok stuff. Cute tunics/crops and an adorable black & white maxi skirt. The selection is slightly better online than in the mall store.
#3 is the most flattering to the model (and so might be for you?) but of the dresses themselves, i like #2 best.
My opinion is based on (1) being a plus-sized gal myself, and (2) working in a mainstream clothing store where I see women of all makes and models trying on items that may or may not look good on them.
I think you’ll get the most wear out of dress #1. It can be worn alone or you could add a jacket for a different look. It has lots of different colors you can play up with accessories. And I think it’s the safest length for you. If I recall correctly, you’re pretty tall. So if it’s a bit shorter on you than it is on the model, it’ll still be a decent length. But if dress #2 or #3 is a touch too short for you, it’ll be super obvious because they are SUPPOSED to be maxi length.
Dress #2 is a beautiful color but the style and the solid color make it less versatile. I’m not sure how formal this shindig is going to be, but it’s the dressiest of the three.
I love dress #3 because of the colors and the sleeve size (excellent for concealing bra straps!)
Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll look beautiful
Good news! I work for one of those curvy women stores. We have heard many women say that they hate that elastic or band around the bottom of the shirt. It very, very likely won’t be around much longer.
It does look good on a few body types though.
As I’m choosing items for my customers to try on, I’m very honest about some items not flattering certain body types. I always try to pull something similar that will suit their shape.
I totally wish I was there to take you shopping!
Oh and I like #3. The first has an odd bustline that won’t fit like that on all women. #2 looks like it will cling to every place you don’t really want it to. See the way the model holds it away from the body??#3 allows a bit of grace for any size bust and the bottom fabric looks like it falls nicely w/o clinging and the pattern allows for concealing any extra around the midsection.
Here are two things you should know for the future:
1. http://www.redressnyc.com/
and
2. http://www.facebook.com/pages/NYC-Fat-Girl-Flea-Market/127560480625463
I love the look and color of number two, but I like number three too (and that seems to be the overall fave). You’ll look pretty in all of them, though.
Add me to the elastic waistband haters, and lovers of dress #3.
Ugh, that elastic. Evil.
I think that for maximum bold and colorful effect, the patterned dresses are best. I like #1 best of the two, but I know that you are a fellow member of the Tall Gals Club. Those lovely dresses that are supposed to hit mid-calf end up at knee or higher and just look awkward. So I vote #3.
I have been practically living in maxi dresses this summer. I’ve been lucky enough to find really cute ones at places like Ross, and I even snared a cute one from Target. The cuts can be tricky, which means unlike blouses, I usually have to try them on, but when I find just the right one, it’s like a match made in heaven.
I voted on your FB page for dress #3, but I think they’re all really pretty.
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