The Pretty Pear

So... what DO you like?

We've had lots of discussion recently about things we don't like and things we like but could like more, etc. So, tell me: what do you really love, when it comes to clothing? Are these things that you can find and can't get enough of, or items you've been hoping will fall out of the sky and into your happy little hands?

Personally, I'm content with knit tops that are comfy but stylish, jeans that fit perfectly, and cute flats or sandals. I'm not a very fussy dresser and I definitely gravitate towards casual, easy clothing. I dress up on occasion but I'm not really one for a whole OUTFIT! on a day to day basis. Don't get me wrong, I think I look awesome, I just don't usually spend a lot of time putting together an entire look.

I do like empire waists because my chest and waist are about the same size (pear!) and I like to make my cha-chas look a little bigger, if possible. I tend not to wear woven tops with buttons and the like because it's hard to find those types of shirts that fit well in my shoulders, bust and belly all at the same time. I inevitably have to stick a cami underneath and leave the bottom few buttons undone. That's just life, I guess. At least layering looks pulled-together?

I will say that having proportionally bigger hips does make finding tops and bottoms that fit well pretty difficult but that seems to be the case for just about anyone. I think Lane Bryant is on the right track with the Right Fit line and I'm hoping they'll come out with shirts, too.

I'm trying to think of specific things that I like...

• Cotton hipster panties and the Right Fit line from Lane Bryant. I just wish the jeans came in more inseam lengths, I'm between petite and average and it's annoying!
• The cotton/spandex v-neck camis from Torrid. Those always come in fun colors and I love them.
• Kiyonna's knit tees, I seriously want every last one.

I'm sure I could think of more but those are my favorite favorites.

Time for more comments: what do you love? What would you love if it came in your size? Bonus: what trend or style are you sick of seeing and wish would go away?

Something we need to discuss.

I'm posting this a little hesitantly because I don't really like to inflict my own personal style on people (No, seriously. I really don't. Unless they ASK... or if they read my blog, ask me about clothing in general, or mention clothing in my presence...) but there's something I'm pretty sick of seeing. Man, I wish plus size retailers would find a new thing to beat me over the head with.

This is an example from Target but this style is every. freakin. where. Basically, that whole print, empire waist, contrast hem, faux "kimono" look. I'm over it. I know I'm not alone, either. And you know what? I blame Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear for this one. The style is technically flattering on those who want to accent their bust and deemphasize other various body parts but COME ON.

This look is tired. TIRED.

To be fair, I'm not seeing as much of this style this season but still, it's over. Done! Because I said so. I think we're ready for a new look for all of the plus size retailers to jump on. This one was easy - empire waist, spotlight on the boobies, skim over the belly. I get it. In fact, I still like it in some incarnations. I'm sick of the crazy print + contrasting hem, mostly.

Overall, I'm just sort of bored in general and want new, fresh, fun styles. I know plus size retailers aren't as adventurous when it comes to trends but man, they sure leech onto a specific look when they realize that people will wear it. I just think they hold onto that look for too long. Let's move it along, people.

Found: green handbags that aren't $250!

So, I've been lusting after the bag I posted about last week and now it's not even available on the Zappos website. I'm taking that as a sign that I should look elsewhere. I remembered a few places I hadn't looked yet and lo, I've found a few great bags that are in my budget:

• Ring Satchel from Nine West, on sale for $30
• Large Suede hobo, also from Nine West, on sale for $100
• Nine & Co. Big Shot tote from Kohls, on sale for $20
• Merona large satchel from Target, $25

I'm sure there are more out there but those caught my eye the most. Now I just have to decide which I like best. What do you think?

Got to let it be.

I always feel bad when I go a few days without posting here but, in my own defense, I've been stressed out lately. I'm giving myself a little break, especially because tomorrow is my birthday. Woohoo. I'll be back in full swing next week.

In honor of me, I demand that you watch this video of my favorite Madonna moment ever. It's awesome on so many levels.

Love it or hate it?

From Old Navy, tie back ruffle shirt in fiji pink: "Cool comfort meets casual style in this cute top featuring ruffles at the shoulders and neckline. Tie-back at the waist lets you find the perfect fit." Also available in white, $26.50, sizes 1X - 4X.

What do you think? Love it or hate it? Is this top fun and fresh or too young and frilly? How would you wear it? Or would you rather dust your coffee table with it? Share your opinion in the comments!

Bag lust

I've been searching all over the internet for The Perfect Green Bag. It's become a minor obsession that's left me feeling mostly disappointed. I do believe that I've found my ideal bag, though: this gorgeous patent tote by Fossil. This bag is the closest I've found to what I'm looking for. The color, shape and size are all perfect. The only problem is the price.

At $240, it's outside of my price range. But instead of doing what I'd usually do, which is find a cheaper alternative that I don't like quite as much and would probably end up not using because it's not perfect, I'm going to see if I can save my pennies and splurge on this bag a little later. I'd use my birthday next week as an excuse but I already ordered a new laptop (which I actually need), so there goes that plan.

If I do end up buying this bag, it will be the most I've ever spent on a single accessory. I'm hesitant but I do love it so we'll see. Hopefully a cheaper, just as perfect alternative will present itself to me.

Hey, you. YOU.

I give and I give and I give to you people. With your questions (that I totally ask for) and your comments (that I love). Well, it's your turn to help me out. Well, not me, but kind of.

I was contacted recently by a reporter from a Big Deal Newspaper. He's researching the plus size market and products for fat people, etc., you know the deal. He's looking for personal stories from actual fat people to complement the rest of the piece. More details and info after the link.

Update
I've decided to close the comments on this post because I'm not getting the type of responses I was looking for, though I do appreciate your stories. If you'd like to talk with the reporter about the types of things he asked about, please use the contact form and I'll provide his information.

20% off at Kiyonna

What's with all the great coupons lately? I'm not complaining, that's for sure. You can save 20% off at Kiyonna through next Saturday with the code FRIENDS20. The discount excludes denim but you can use it on sale items. There's no minimum order so if you've had your eye on something special at Kiyonna, now would be a really good time to snap it up.

Two days only: $20 off at Torrid

Hey, another great coupon! The fates want me to buy new spring clothes, I guess! Save $20 off your purchase of $100 or more at Torrid through Sunday. They've just added a bunch of items to clearance, too.

40% off at Lane Bryant!

I love Friends and Family coupons! Save 40% off your purchase at Lane Bryant through March 9th with the code 000409797. Happy weekend!

Ask Me Anything, the wedding edition!

Erica asks:

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?

Long dresses can be tough, especially if you're looking for modern and chic. It'll be extra hard to find one with sleeves that isn't at least a little frumpy, so I'd toss that idea out the window and find a wrap to wear if it's chilly.

I personally really love the plus size selection at Nordstrom. If you search for "Cachet plus" in the search form, it'll return several dresses that your mom might like. The wrap dress in plum pictured on the left is a gorgeous example that just so happens to be on sale for 70% off.

I'd definitely look for an A-line cut because of her top and bottom size differences. For dresses like this, check the size chart and order by the bust size. You can then have it altered to shorten the straps, nip in the waist, etc. Luckily, your mom is model height so the length shouldn't be much of an issue with a long dress.

From ChristianeF:

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.)

You know who should be the official patron saint for short, fat women everywhere? Nikki Blonsky. She works it! The dress she has on in that picture is the Maya chiffon dress from IGIGI. It's likely more formal than what you're looking for but I wanted to show you a fabulous shortie in a formal dress as inspiration.

You didn't mention what type of wedding these are, so I'm assuming they're of the basic day ceremony, evening reception variety. Since you're wearing the same dress twice (which is fine, by the way), you'll probably want to look for something simple and understated. That doesn't mean the dress itself has to be boring but it shouldn't be a bright color or print that's immediately recognizable.

Here are some options:

Mia dress from b&lu
This comes in black but the red and blue are prettier and not so gloomy for spring weddings. It looks like it'd be easy to hem. You could wear gold accessories for one wedding and silver for the other, etc. Easy.

Olivia Harper Charlotte Dress from Cherished Woman
Not inexpensive but it's pretty and I kind of just wanted to link to it.

Mossimo V-Neck Dress from Target
Hey, it's $30 and you might be surprised at how nice dresses from Target can be, especially if you're only really planning to wear it a few times. Even then, I've noticed that their plus size dresses are pretty awesome. What's even better is that there are about 9,000 Target locations so you can probably try on dresses in person. Amazing!

I hope that helps, ladies. Have fun!

What's with the "tummy slimming" jeans?

Avenue has them, a pair just popped up at Old Navy, and Lane Bryant has a whole line of tummy slimming pants and jeans. Basically, they're jeans or pants that have some sort of stretchy panel that, according to Old Navy, "lines the front waist for a contoured silhouette [and] keeps your curves in check." Avenue's will "smooth your shape" and Lane Bryant's claim to "firm and flatter your figure."

First of all, what?

Second, I think I understand the point but in practice, doesn't slimming just the lower half of your tummy look kind of... weird? Like, if the top portion of your stomach, above your belly button, isn't "slimmed" but the bottom portion is, doesn't that look strange?

I guess I'd need to try a pair of these suckers on to really get it but there's something very weird about the whole concept to me. Maybe I'm over thinking it. This wouldn't be the first time I put way too much thought into pants. But seriously, do we need body shapers in our jeans now? Aren't jeans supposed to be fairly comfortable? Further, do these types of pants exist in misses' sizes? Are thin women keeping their curves in check, too or are they allowed to have bellies?

Color me confused, I guess.

Fashion Day on QVC!

I know, this is kind of dorky but I do love the QVC. Fashion Day kicks off tonight at 10 PM Eastern with Chloe Dao (y'know, from Project Runway) and runs until midnight tomorrow. You can see the schedule here.

Try it on: Spring items from Old Navy

Shopping from Old Navy's plus section is an adventure into the unknown. You have to be willing to order a bunch of stuff without really knowing what you're going to get. I generally just order several items that I have a good feeling about (fashion intuition, I guess) and then return what I don't want.

I really don't mind this process because I can just hop on a bus to return everything but I know this can be a pain in the butt for a lot of people. They do pay for return shipping on women's plus items but you still have to buy the big-ass-envelope to put the stuff in and I've heard of people having issues with the online return process.

I personally haven't had any issues returning purchases and I've been shopping with Old Navy online since they started carrying the women's plus line. I've ended up with some items that I really like and they keep coming out with cute stuff, so I'm sure I'll continue onward with my Old Navy Adventure. The whole Old Navy thing is a little controversial but I'm not really upset enough about anything to boycott them.

Anyway! I recently tried a few items from the spring selection. Usually, I keep the shirts that I order and have to return most of the pants but this time, the exact opposite happened! I have details and reviews of each item I tried on after the cut.