Open thread while I'm out of town

I'll be out of town for the next few days on a work trip. Did you know that I work for Six Apart? Yup, I'm on the support team for TypePad. Now you know!

Anyway, while I'm gone, feel free to leave a comment on this post about whatever you want (as long as it's, you know, not mean). Is there a question you want me to answer? Something bugging you? Something you want to rave about? Have at it! I'll still be watching comments so again, no meanies.

Comments

[Weevil]

Here is a thing that drives me insane: CAPRI PANTS. I have the patented East Indian 'chicken leg,' where all the, uh, meat is at the top and it tapers down to two tiny bony ankles and weensy size-six feets. These legs look nice in flowy skirts that hide the top part of the drumstick, but in capris, they just look like I'm trying to walk on sausages. Are there capris out there for short, chubby ladies? Does anyone else suffer from this in the summer?

[maggie]

Every year I take my sister out for a day away from the kids for Mother's Day. While I haven't taken her out yet (we are planning sometime in June...our schedules just didn't work out for us on Mother's Day), I'm trying to research different places to shop. She is a size 18 on bottom, probably a 16 on top and has a "mommy belly", a pooch that makes her look like she is still preggers. I love her to death and it breaks my heart having to shop with her because she practically breaks down because she can't get anything to look good on her. I've found out that there is an Avenue in our town as well as a Lane Bryant. Can you give me any tips on how to dress her and what common stores (Macy's, Dillard's, places like that) typically have good plus sized clothing? She's not a skirt or dress wearer, but I think I can talk her into trying some on. Thanks in advance if you comment on this. :)

[Anne]

Maggie, I'm writing in from England so I don't know if there is a sale going on right now, but if there is, then I really recommend Talbots woman. Their clothes are well-made, and can be really classic and elegant. Of course, they are made more for apple shapes, but the collections vary. I wish I could spend the day shopping with my sister! So jealous!

[Sylvia]

As a follow-up to Weevil's comment - can you suggest some resources and advice for plus-sized petites? I'm 5'2" and a 16/18 and I always have a hard time finding flattering clothes.

[Carrie]

I'm looking for shopping suggestions; I'll be traveling through the US on my way to visit family in Toronto and want to make a pit stop or two to do a bit of shopping. I'll be driving over to Portland, ME then through Mass. through to NY state (Albany, Rochester, heading up north)... I'd like to visit LB, Avenue, Torrid, maybe a Macy's and a Target? Any good malls or shopping areas to visit through those areas?

[Maggie]

Maggie,

Oh darn! I just wrote a novel about kohls and was even putting together some outfits from their site when explorer crashed. poo!

Well, check out Kohls if you're 18/20 and under. Your sister should fit in fine. Classy trend-forward wear to be found.
Vera Wang is my favorite, I have her swing cardigan in two colors.

~maggie too

[kate]

Carrie - In the Buffalo/Rochester areas - there are some good malls. which all seem to have either an Avenue or a Lane Bryant. There's a great plus size store in Toronto too - I wish I could think of the name of it. Enjoy your travels!

[Wendy O'Donnell]

In Toronto, you have lots of choice. Plus size stores include:

Talbots Plus - Bloor Street
Addition-elle-in most malls
Laura Plus-in most malls
Reitman's has a plus section
The Bay has a nice plus size section
Toni Plus - pricey
Pennington's - not in downtown Toronto-but in power centres
The Answer salon -on Yonge St., North of Eglinton