Ask me anything!

Need advice? Looking for a particular item? This post is the place to leave a comment and ask questions. Feel free to ask me about anything. Please keep in mind that I may not be able to answer every single question but I will do my best to answer as many as I can.

Note: Thanks for your questions! I'm going to temporarily close the comments on this post so I can get caught up and answer any questions I haven't gotten to yet. Thanks for your patience!

Comments

[Peanuts]

How about *really* big clothing? Bigger than size 32? Where does one go if you're bigger than the biggest sizes at the big size clothing stores? What do other super-size women do?

[JenLovesPonies]

My cousin is getting married the first weekend of October in the middle of Illinois. What should I wear to fall-yet-maybe-still-hot-yet-maybe-freezing wedding? I have to go light a candle or some other stupid thing during it, so I have to look presentable. The details: the wedding is indoors at 2:30, with a reception dinner. I am size 14/16ish, with 7.5W shoes. I own many black skirts, but apparently one can't wear black to weddings. I don't have a ton of money to spend, so I would like to get a dress or skirt/shirt and hopefully shoes for $100 or less. I prefer not to shop online unless I am complete sure of sizes. I have a Torrid nearby, and I think a Lane Bryant, and maybe an Avenue, but that might be a hike, and all the usual other stores found in any mall in America. What should I wear?

[Sara]

Do you (or any of your readers) shop at Silhouettes? I think their catalog styling is awesome, but the one dress I ordered from them I had to send back because it was frumpy and basically a bag on me. Anyone else have better experiences?

[joan]

I've shopped at Silhouettes and I almost always order a size smaller than what the size chart says. I'd say about 95% of the clothes they offer are very generously cut.

[Laura]

I am moving to Chicago this winter and was wondering where a young plus size hipster can get a fashionable coat to keep her warm without breaking the bank. What should I look for in a coat?

[Cait]

Hello!
I now feel great my new wide calf boots, but where are the wide calf knee socks? I hate wearing nylons/tights, but the regular socks bunch unattractively under the boot. Any advice?

Thank you!

[BwayBaby]

Where do the tall ladies shop? I'm 5'10" and I wear an 18/20 at Lane Bryant (most online places I've looked at, I'm a 22 or 24). Most of my height is in my legs so I'm always looking for nice work pants in Tall Plus sizes. I've had good luck (sometimes) at both Lane Bryant and Avenue - but are there other places? Why do the Plus Size departments assume we're all short? I mean, I'm glad they have the Petite department (I sometimes have to buy jackets here because I'm so short waisted), but why can't they offer choices? Thanks!

[Lala]

hi pretty pear!

i am looking for a pucci inspired dress and i completely forget the designer who does plus size "pucci". on the website there are mostly black models and dresses are in the $300 range. can you help me out? i know i've seen it on your website before. thanks!
Lala

[lnz]

I'm currently planning a trip to Europe next spring, my first time over there, and I'm looking for shopping recommendations. Do they have many options for plus-size clothes? Specifically, I'm going to be in Paris, Florence, Madrid & Barcelona. Any suggestions would be great!

[Alexis]

Thanks, Colleen for your note on the Fashion Victime blog on AOL Black Voices. Your site is great for plus-sized fashions. The Pretty Pear is amazing!

Alexis

[Carrie]

Any suggestions for finding modern plus-size fashions for those of us up north in Canada? Some online retailers offer international shipping while others don't. I'm an 18/20, and had luck with Torrid, Lane Bryant and Silhouettes but not much else. (Although I must say, I haven't actually found things that fit properly with Silhouettes, they seem to cut things differently, pieces are boxier). There are few plus-size retailers in Canada, however, most of them aren't offering modern clothing or anything suitable for career wear. Appreciate any suggestions! Thanks.

[Deborah Friedman]

Hi

I think your blog is great. I am in the process of creating one through my site, Plus Size Plum for sexy lingerie. I'd love to invite you to check it out. I also carry designer plus size lingerie.

Thanks,
Deborah

[dowdydiva]

Carrie, have you tried Addition Elle? It's a chain I visited in Montreal. Great casual and career wear. I have a track suit I have worn into the ground from them, and wish I had enough room in my suitcase to bring more clothes home.

Here's the link:
http://www.additionelle.ca/en/index.cfm?hasFlash&

And they have a Marina Rinaldi store in Toronto, I've heard. Those clothes are pricy, but to die for...

[Jennifer]

I am Canadian and going to Houston for work next week. What American plus sized stores can I look for at the Galleria and other large malls? I usually shop at Reitmans and Addition Elle here in Canada but are looking for more selection. Thanks.

[JC]

I will be visiting Chicago the weekend of October 19, and have been looking for non-chain, plus size clothing stores - without much success!

Any tips would be appreciated - thank you

[FFG]

Hi,

OK, I have a fashion conundrum. My usual policy is to stop shopping at stores that don't treat their zaftig customers right. For example, if a store hides the Women's Plus section back in a dark corner by the restroom, or they move their plus collection to only online, I'll stop giving them my money. The dilema: Old Navy now only carries Plus on their website, right? But, they carry my perfect pants. Something about their stretch, low-rise, bootcut trousers just fits me like a glove...er...a really well-proportioned pair of pants, anyway. What to I do? Let go of Old Navy because I can't shop in the store with the skinny girls, or keep buying my favorite pants? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Claire]

I finally found a fantastic grey tweed blazer (Avenue) and some great fitting dark rinse jeans (Right Fits - just had to OD on the Febreze a few times...) All the fashion stuff I've seen says that I can wear these two items together, but I have NO CLUE what to wear under the blazer... I could probably find a camisole somewhere, but I tend to get hot in jackets and usuall wind up taking them off. My arms are not made for public display - so HELP!!
What should I be wearing, and what shoes do I wear as well? Thanks for this blog and for your time.

[Claire]

Oh, and FFG, I had to give in on Old Navy, too. I get really frustrated with stores that, as I put it, would be glad to have my money but would really rather I not set foot in their store. But darn it, those Diva jeans are amazing, and a lot of their plus size tops are just so currently styled that I wind up giving them my money anyway. Hopefully they'll just naturally see the light and make it so we can shop...but try not to feel bad for giving in - we all have our weaknesses!!

[Catherine Cantieri]

First off, thanks for providing such an awesome -- and necessary! -- resource.

Now for the query: I'll be visiting New York at the end of October and would love to do a little plus-size shopping while I'm there -- but I can't think of any designers or shops to visit. What would you recommend for a shopping spree in NYC?

[Carrie]

Thanks Dowdy Diva for the suggestion, re: Addition Elle. I've shopped there, we have one in our local mall. I fall in the petite section for their store, b/c so much of what they sell is made for tall girls. Most of their tops are at least 30" in length and their average inseams seem to be about 32-33". Thankfully, they offer modern pieces and for that reason, I've shopped there a few times. The other major retailer we have is Pennington's and their clothes aren't modern, and suit an older demographic I think. Reitman's has a plus-size section (at the back of their stores!) and I've purchased a lot of my clothes there. However, I'd like to have more options... I'm open to shopping online, and have had some success with Lane Bryant and Torrid. My mail delivery person said "you shop a lot" when they delivered my last order-- I almmost died with embarrassment! I wanted to say to her "well, I can't find clothes that fit me in most stores, so I have to shop online!" but chose not to. :)

[Pretty Pear]

Carrie - the maintenance workers in my apt. building sign for all of my packages and hold them for me in their office. Let's just say that we've become good friends :)

[Carrie]

That's hilarious! I'm glad I'm not the only one dealing with the "um, yeah, that's another pkg for me" awkwardness! :) I remember stammer, while turning ten shades of red, that "it's cheaper to shop online" and the mail delivery person was looking at me like I had three heads. On days that I work from home, I've decided to not answer the door. sometimes they'll leave the pkg behind my screen door, other times I get a delivery slip and have to go to the post office for pick-up.

[Tricia]

Catherine, for New York Plus Size shopping, there are a few:

Monif C. on 38th Street- trendy/sexy clothing, www.monifc.com
Eilenn Fisher - more conservative/classic clothing
Lane Bryant - the usual Lane Bryant stuff, good for casual seperates
Ashley Stewart - 125th Street, colorful, funky clothing
Daphne's - www.daphnes.com

If you are looking for traditional brands like INC, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Bloomingdales & Macy's have those sorts of lines.

Good luck!

[Meg]

Is it just me or does Lane Bryant have some extra fug tops this fall? The prints are super loud and fabrics are largely synthetic. I'm fat, not blind. They wouldn't try to sell some of that crap to skinny girls. Express and The Limited have the same parent company. Have you seen the cute stuff on offer in either of those stores this fall? My needs are no different than a woman whose a size 6. I want something cute, well made, and hopefully out of a material found in nature. The stuff on LB's web page looks nothing like what I see in either Glamour or Vogue. What's even more tragic is that there are some styles shown now (baby doll tops, trapeze shirts, a-line, wrap dresses, etc.) that are hugely translateable to fatty fashion. And yes, LB does some of these styles but, c'mon, have you seen some of that stuff.

I don't know...maybe it's just me.

[Veronica]

OK, so it's gotten a bit chilly in the South. Well, chilly by our standards.

I'm having my engagement photo session super soon and have been looking for a snuggly sweater to pair with a nice pair of cords or jeans. I've had no luck. Where are the great sweaters this season -- you know the ones that flaunt what God gave you up top while camouflaging mid-section flaws? Maybe I'm morphing into a bridezilla, but everything seems old lady-ish and bland...

I'm a relatively new reader of your blog but have been religious about reading it! Any directions you'd suggest for the sweater-venture this season?
Thanks!

[sandra]

How do I get out of black zone?

For all my adult life, I've worn black clothes. Black on black on black. It's easy, it's slimming (apparently), but it's now BORING! What are some basics I can start with to get out of the black zone?

[Mimi Stratton]

I went to my local Talbot's yesterday. In years past, I remembered, they used to devote some floor space to the Women's sizes and Women's Petites. There was not a single area left to Women's sizes anywhere in the store. Once again, women above size 12 have been shunted to the online-only area of a major store's marketing plan.

[Tiffany]

I'm eyeing the Marilyn convertible dress from Monif C. But for $195 I'm not sure if I want to take the risk. The 20 different ways to tie the dress is exciting but I'm not sure if any of them will look good on me or if I'll even be able to tie it myself! Has anyone here bought the dress?

[G Mama]

Where oh where can I find knee high leopard print boots for wide calves with no taller than a 2" heel and not an outrageous price????

[Bekki]

I'm in a bit of a shopping tight spot. We're travelling to South America over Christmas, and I'm in need of a sundress type thing for nicer nights out. I'm thinking tank or short sleeves, maybe with a v-neck.

It'll be fairly warm where we are, but the whole area is fairly casual. I do have a cute dress for New Year's Eve, but need something else...and of course it's totally the wrong time of year to be searching for this type of thing!

I'm an 18/20 at Lane Bryant (or a Red 3 in their Right fit jeans :) ) Thank you SO much for anything you might find!

[Shannon]

I live in Seattle and winter is approaching, which means rain. Often it seems to just mist rather than rain and I hate umbrellas. I have one of those short packable rain jackets from Land's End, but I would like to invest in a thigh-length waterproof jacket of some sort, preferably not too warm. I'm about an 18 on top and 24 on bottom, which makes long-coat-shopping difficult. Have you seen anything which might fit my needs?
Thanks!

[Vicki]

Have you heard about a new store (Fashion to Figure), founded by grandchildren of the "original" Lane Bryant? I would be interested in hearing your take on their prices, service and quality.

http://www.fashiontofigure.com/welcome.htm

[Eve]

Hi,

I really like your blog, and check it as often as I can. I'm also pear-shaped so the advice you give is truly appreciated. I was wondering if you ever came across good 'ski' clothes - especially pants. I have a ski trip coming up and I'm amazed at the lack of info out there for plus size ski clothes. If you do/have come across something, would you post about it? Thank you :)

[Michelle Holem]

Hi there,

I usually just read comments on your site but I just have an issue that has really been bugging me and I knew that this was the place to say it.

A couple of days ago, I was looking at the oldnavy.com website and wanted to purchase some activewear. I looked at the price in the Plus size section and then checked out the regular women's section. I couldnt believe that the same item in the regular women's size was half the price as in the plus size. I was already mad.

Today, I get an email for 20% off Friends and Family coupon (in-store only) ... of course, there are no plus sizes in store. I call Old Navy customer service. The lady told me basically that because Plus size is not in store ... we cant use the coupon online. I am so so so upset right now. I buy alot of stuff at old navy, now Im thinking, why should I? Why do I want to give my money to a company that doesnt even want it?

Thank you for being an outlet for plus size women.

Michelle

[bunnah]

Where do girls with big "girls" go to get measured? I would love to go to a professional to be measured, but I don't think many of the boutique shops would carry my size? (I'm, at a minimum (I think) a 44D.) Help?! (FYI... I'm not sure where you're located, or if anyone will have any ideas for my local area, but I'm from the DC area.)

Thanks, I love your blog!!

[Nicole]

My DH is going to be in Chicago for business for a few days. He's staying right downtown at The Allerton (701 N. Michigan Ave.) and has offered to try to shop for me a little bit. Is there anywhere within walking or easy public transport distance? Bonus points for the holy grail of plus-sized maternity clothes... :)

Thanks!

[Tracy]

I love the plus tommy hilfiger clothes and normally go to Macy's 2 or 3 times a year in order to stock up on huge quanities of his sweaters, tops, and jeans. However, during one of this shopping trips just a couple days I was told that Macy's no longer carries tommy hilfiger in plus sizes and I haven't been able to find another store online that offers it. Any ideas on what is going on?

[Mae]

Hello!

I was wondering if you knew of any stores or online stores that are selling white or red belts that would go with a pair of jeans. I have been searching for a long time but I keep coming up with 'garder belt' results. Please let me know if you know of anywhere that sells those colors in belts! Thanks!!

[Sweet___Pea]

Ok, this question might involve TMI, but I thought I'd ask anyway, because I'm sure some of your readers have the same problem.

So, being the fat girl that I am, means that I sweat... especially my feet. I have a ton of cute ballet flats and similar shoes, but I hate to wear them because if I can't wear regular socks with them, the shoes are soon ruined because... well, sweaty = stinky after a while.

So what do you (or your readers) do about cute shoes that don't need or look-good-with socks? It's not so much an immiediate problem right now, since it's winter, but Spring is coming up in a few short months.

I've tried those little sock-lette things that aren't supposed to show, but they always end up poking out around the rim of my shoes anyway.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

[Miss Laura Mars]

I'm very much a Right Fit Yellow (my hips are only 7 inches bigger than my waist), and I can fit into anywhere from a juniors 19 to a 15 usually. What I would really like is some junior plus resources, or even just clothing lines that fit like junior plus. I am 43 bust, 38 waist, 45 hips, so often straight sizes don't go large enough in the waist. I'm aware of Alloy, but what else it out there?

[Erica]

I want to help my Mom find the perfect Mother-of-the-Bride dress. My wedding isn't for quite awhile, but I know it will take some time for us to shop around. To describe her: she just turned 50, but she acts likes she's 21; she has short, curly blond hair; she's tall (5'10" maybe?); and wears 18/20 (top) and 22/24 (bottom). We're looking for a modern, chic, and formal (but not black-tie/ballroom formal) long dress that would be worn in early October...So far, the dresses we find are frumpy, dumpy, and ugly...or just not quite right. To get to the point, do you have any suggestions of shops that would have what we're looking for?

[jan hampton]

What do you thinkk of the swimswear solutions videos at jms.com?

[Lucy]

Do you know of any sites that will tell me what types of clothes maximize my frame? I need clothing that's actually flattering, not just "ok." I'm not strictly an apple or pear- more of a rectangle, really and don't know how best to work what I've got.

Thanks!

[M]

First of all, I love your site! I'm a long time lurker, lol. Secondly, I need some advice. ;-)

I'm starting a new job in two weeks. The office that I'll be working in classifies their dress code as Business Casual. I did ask if jeans were appropriate (since I saw people wearing them during my interviews there). "Jeans are okay, but we dress Business Casual..." was the reply?

I've been unemployed for two years so my casual wardrobe is pretty much non-existent.

I'm not sure where to start to rebuild my work wardrobe. What key pieces should I start with so that I'm not repeating outfits on my 2nd week of work?

I'm a 24P and lately I feel like the shirts I see in Lane Bryant or Avenue are just getting tacky! I'd like to stick to classic pieces...

Help!!

[Clementine]

I'm looking for something classic and cool to wear to my brother's beach wedding in Texas this April. It won't be a formal wedding so I'd love to have a classic A-line, V-neck cotton sundress, something like the things you see at Ann Taylor in the warmer months. Problem is, I'm a size 20/22 with a short torso; I've never seen a dress like this for a larger woman! If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears. Thanks!

[Diane]

Ok So I've tried on aproxmaitely 29-30 pair of jeans over this past month in search of the "perfect jean." From low end to high end. It's been a horrible experience. My conclusion is that they don't exsist for me. Do most plus size gals have this same problem? And why don't they make the "True Religion" and other designer jeans in plus size? I mean, what they don't think we would pay for them? I don't get it and it pisses me off! Thanks for letting me vent.

[ChristianeF]

Hi Colleen!
I been reading your blog for a few months now and I love it love it. You've given some really great advice (and not just on fashion). I've never posted before, but now I have a clothing conundrum.
Two of my friends are getting married in May (one at the beginning, one at the end) and I have no idea what to wear. To make it a little more complicated, both weddings will have essentially the same group of people, so I need not one outfit, but two!
Any ideas on something a short (5 feet), chubby (20-ish, but not very chesty) girl could wear both times (perhaps with some changing of accessories?) without being laughed at? I'm thinking dress, but I'm not married to it (haha). Preferably not too expensive. (Fussy fussy.)

Thanks!!

[Panic]

Hi. I've recently started reading your blog and I love it! I've already purchased some of the things you talked about. So down to the problem...summer is getting close and I need a new bathing suit. Most of the ones I've seen have giant floral patterns on them. And not cute ones like funky board short flowers, granny's curtain flowers. Any advice? Maybe that's a question for later when they start stocking those things, but thought I'd ask?

[FeFe]

So I've noticed that you've been really excited about Lany Bryant's new lingerie, how they're finally meeting the demand for sexy, fun panties and babydolls. However, I haven't seen anything about Torrid's items, which have long been cute and perky and, dare I say it, Sexy? There are some adorable items right now, including ruffle-butt panties, lace thongs, and LOTS of babydolls. Their intimates are what I live on and if I didn't have 44G's I don't think I'd go anywhere else!

Is there something about their lingerie that disinterests you? I'm curious why there seems to be little mention of Torrid's items in conversations like these! thanks!

[Colleen (Pretty Pear)]

Is there something about their lingerie that disinterests you?

No, there just isn't enough of it that I like that's on the website currently to warrant an entire post. I tend to like LB's lingerie better for selection and quality but I do like Torrid in general and have included a few of their lingerie pieces here and there over the years.

I'm planning some special posts for Valentine's Day, so expect to see Torrid items in those posts.