Ok, I don't have ALL the answers!

I was a little worried that no one would submit questions. I'm glad I was wrong. Keep them coming, I love it. Having said that, I knew there'd be questions I might not know the answers to and that's where you come in. Let's see...

Inz asks:

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.

I was wondering where plus size ladies shop in Europe in this post last year and there are a lot of great comments. Does anyone out there have more tips for Inz?

Carrie asks:

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... There are few plus-size retailers in Canada, however, most of them aren't offering modern clothing or anything suitable for career wear.

DowdyDiva suggested Addition-Elle, which I've heard good things about as well. Where else can one find nice plus size clothes in Canada?

Speaking of Canada, Jennifer asks:

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 found this directory of stores at the Galleria and now I kind of want to visit Houston. Wowza. I'm not seeing a Lane Bryant but most malls do have one of those. They have a Torrid, which is great for trendy stuff. The department stores, like Nordstrom, should have a nice plus size selection. And look at all the shoe stores! Fun! Anyone out there in Houston have suggestions for Jennifer?

Here's one I can answer. JC asks:

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

The only non-chain plus size store in Chicago I know of is Vive La Femme. Their website is under construction but the address is there so you can map it. If you're going to be downtown, head to Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, Ashley Stewart, Macy's (it's not that great but eh, worth a shot), the Avenue on State Street and the Lane Bryant on Wabash. I spotted another plus size store in that general area but the name escapes me.

Finally, Catherine asks:

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?

I honestly have no idea, Catherine. Any New Yorkers out there have suggestions?

If you've asked a question that I haven't answered yet, don't fret. I'll answer it very soon.

Comments

[Pamela]

For Catherine going to NYC:

You must go to Brooklyn to check out Lee Lee's Valise - it's my all time favorite store. It's kind of pricey, but sometimes they have good sales, and the sales people are great. Monif C also opened a new store in Manhattan; I haven't been, but I've heard good things about it. And the Macy's at 34th St has a pretty fantastic plus size section. Plus, Lush is right there if you need yummy bath stuff.

[BwayBaby]

Oooh...someone beat me, I was also going to mention Lee Lee Valise's -- very cute, but pricey! Also...thank you for the mention of Monif C - I didn't know they had opened a store here in Manhattan!!! Sweet!

Also near Macy's at 34th is the Lane Bryant store and Avenue is near 43rd St and 3rd Avenue. Also, Lord & Taylor and Sak's both have Plus size floors -- a bit on the pricey side as well, but sometimes you can find deals and sales. I bought a beautiful silk jacket at Lord & Taylor's for a Cabaret show of mine for around 40% off once!

[ladyloo]

As a Canadian living in the US I can tell you that although Addition-elle isn't bad, it's basically a slightly younger Catherine's. Which is to say I always find the clothes there to be too old and ill fitting for me - especially when I worked there through college!

Having things shipped to Canada from the US is a total rip off. But I wonder if buying Lane Bryant stuff, or any plus-sized store stuff off of eBay might negate some of that brokerage s...tuff? It might also be the best way to go now that the Canadian dollar is worth more then the American.

[Silvia]

Trip in Europe? Well, it depends how big a size you are. In specialized stores you can find up to a size 22-24 max.
Paris? Well... you can sort of forget it - go for shoes (if your feet is not wide), bags and scarves. Maybe you can find a ULLA POPKEN (German brand, also carries very large sizes).
Florence? If you see a ELENA MIRO or MARINA RINALDI they have nice (and pricey!) stuff. In Rinascente or COIN they have some plus sizes.
Barcelona nd Madrid could be more forgiving - I was amazed at the choice in their El Corts Ingles plus size department.
YOu would have been a lot luckier if you went to Germany, UK or Holland.
I am a size 18-20, and in Holland I can actually shop in normal sizes stores!
Enjoy your trip - luckily there is more to Europe than plus-size clothes!!!!

[dowdydiva]

If money is no object, and you want beautiful clothes, hit the Marina Rinaldi store. I have clothes from there from Off 5th that are unbelievable well made and luxurious.

Also, I've heard that Century 21, the designer outlet, has a nice +size department.

[Online Clothing Browser]

Trip in Europe? Well, it depends how big a size you are. In specialized stores you can find up to a size 22-24 max.
Paris? Well... you can sort of forget it - go for shoes (if your feet is not wide), bags and scarves. Maybe you can find a ULLA POPKEN (German brand, also carries very large sizes).