The Pretty Pear

Brrr!

I guess it's time to start thinking about sweaters, boots and coats. To ease us into the long winter ahead, here are some of my picks for the new season.

Maxi down coat
Sometimes you need a super warm, puffy coat that covers your butt. That's just how life works. This super warm, puffy coat is available in black from Lane Bryant in sizes 14/16 - 26/28 for $190.

Gigi Boots
Unless I can find a pair I like more, I'm going to order these and see how they fit, if they're warm and comfy, etc. I will be snipping off those fluffy things if I keep them, though. It's a cute touch but not really my style. Available from Avenue in sizes 8 - 13 wide in black or brown, on sale for $35.

Belted wool-blend coat
There was a really cute green version of this coat that I wanted to showcase but I guess it sold out. A lot of people seem to be confused about the 3/4th sleeve coat. My answer to that is: long gloves! It's definitely a look and very vintage, in a way. I think it's adorable. The down coat from the beginning of this post is definitely for "It's freezing and I'll be outside for a while." This coat is "It's cold but I'm not playing in the snow or anything." Dressier. It's available in sizes 1 - 4X from Old Navy is on sale right now for $57.

Ros Hommerson: Trot
Have you ever thought to yourself "Self, I could really use a pair of red, suede, knee high boots!" but were unable to find them? Well, here ya go. They also come in black but, I mean... red suede. The best part is that they have an 18.5" shaft and come in medium. wide, and extra wide widths. They're $176 from Zappos, which always ships for free and has excellent customer service.

Right Fit from Fashion Bug

Did you know that Fashion Bug has a Right Fit line? There are two styles of pants and three styles of jeans. Two of the three jeans style have tapered legs, though. I don't quite understand that decision but the bootcut style looks promising:

L.A. Blues Rodeo Right Fit stretch jeans

They're on sale currently for $22 but retail for $27, which I think is more than reasonable for jeans that fit perfectly! They come in black sandblast, the dark sandblast pictured above, and medium sandblast in Right Fit sizes 1 - 10, in short, average and long lengths. I don't know if the selection is the same in stores.

I've heard that Fashion Bug's sizing runs on the smaller side but I'm not sure if that's true of the Right Fit, or if the fit is similar to the Lane Bryant Right Fit jeans. Has anyone out there tried these jeans from Fashion Bug? How is the fit? I wish I had a store near me but I'm going to see if I can figure out the sizing and order them online. I'm definitely curious!

Oh, and this is interesting - the Right Fit line at Fashion Bug also comes in misses sizes, not just plus sizes. I think that's great because I know that women at every size have trouble finding jeans that fit properly.

Obama tees in plus sizes

This is a nice little surprise. Whenever I look for t-shirts online, of pretty much any kind, I just automatically look at the men's tees. They're just more likely to come in bigger sizes. But I was curious and took a peak at the Obama store and yay, they have a few tees that come in women's plus sizes, some up to 4X. They're a couple dollars more but that's fine, I think. I'm ordering this one. I wish they had a size chart, though. I'm assuming that it's standard sizing, where an XL is 14/16. So I'm hoping that a 3X is a 22/24 and that will fit. I'll shove myself into it anyway, if it doesn't!

Dressing Women Of a Certain Size - WSJ.com

On Style: Dressing Women Of a Certain Size - WSJ.com.

The average woman's size in the U.S. approximates a 14, but fashion designers generally don't make anything larger than a size 12. It doesn't take an economist to see that supply is out of kilter with demand for large-size designer duds.

I haven't had a chance to read the full article yet but I wanted to share anyway. Via Jezebel.

yawn.

I don't know what it is about this time of year but it's a lot like the middle of winter, at least in terms of fashion. All of the new stuff for summer is already out and it's still too early to think about fall. Frankly, I'm bored.

There's also the fact that I've looked at pretty much every plus size clothing website on the internet and it's just all so uninspiring. I want new, fresh, exciting! I'm sick of seeing the same styles over and over. Nearly all of the major players in the plus size game are guilty of regurgitating the same stuff they have been for the last few seasons, just in different colors and patterns. Boring!

I've been thinking about which site/product I want to cover for the next Try it On post and I can't think of anything I'm willing to spend money on reviewing. If you have any suggestions, let me know. But it better be exciting 'cause I'm bored to death over here.

A new look at avenue.com

Avenue has updated their website to make it easier to use and much more engaging. Check it out today and save 20% off a purchase of $100 or more.

For the blushing bride

This isn't a post about wedding dresses. In fact, this is a post about everything but wedding dresses. I assume that if you're getting married this spring/summer, you already have your perfect dress all ready to go, so let's look at some plus size bridal items that put a little fun into your nuptials.

Kiyonna's Bridal Boutique has adorable bride-themed tank tops and undies that can be worn as comfy pajamas before or after your big day. You could also wear one of the sparkly tank tops under a jacket for your bachelorette party or bridal shower. I especially like the ones that say "Wifey" and "The Mrs."

Torrid also has a special bridal section with a small selection of dresses for the bride and bridesmaids, accessories and white lingerie. I especially like this embroidered bustier and cheeky short set.

Hips and Curves has a section of plus size bridal lingerie that ranges from very naughty g-strings to nice foundation pieces to wear under your dress.

Avenue has a nicely varied selection of sweet and sexy plus size lingerie, including white lingerie for the bride.

If you're headed for a tropical honeymoon, be sure to check out Old Navy Women's Plus summer vacation checklist for swimwear, coverups, sundresses and comfy warm weather separates. I also like Old Navy for feminine but non-fussy pajamas.

Wow... ten dollars?

I bookmarked this leopard print trench by Jones New York from Macy's awhile back, meaning to include it in a post about spring jackets. And hey, guess what? It's marked down from $250 to $10. Ten dollars. It's only available in size 3X and I'm sure there are only a few left. Seriously, ten bucks.There are tons more great deals in Macy's clearance section.

Avenue at One Stop Plus

Avenue now has their clothing, shoes, and intimates available on One Stop Plus, which also features brands like Jessica London, Woman Within and Roaman's. I think it's pretty safe to say that One Stop Plus easily has the largest selection of plus size clothing online. I love that they allow customers to post product reviews, which can be extremely helpful when shopping online.

And I have coupons!

• $20 off orders of $80 or more with code WW18674
• 30% off one item with code WW18682
• Free Express Shipping with code WW20464

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.

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.

Great deals at Silhouettes Outlet

Silhouettes really knows how to do an outlet the right way. Everything is marked way, way down and there are a ton of good items. Here are some pieces that I like.

Left to right:
Cotton print tunic marked down to $17 from $44.
Crossover dress marked down to $40 from $90.
Vintage leather boot marked down to $75 from $130.
Plaid Skirt marked down to $20 from $40.

Old Navy update

Well. I wasn't expecting so much conversation about this but I'm glad to see it, here and over at Shapely Prose. Some wheels must've clicked at Old Navy HQ because I just got this email from their customer service:

Thank you for your e-mail regarding our Women's Plus line.  As you know, as difficult a decision as it was, we have removed the Women's Plus line from all of our Old Navy stores.  Please accept our sincere apologies for any disappointment this may cause you.

We welcome you, however, to take advantage of our Friends & Family Days offer.  To do so, simply print your e-mail and place an online order in any Old Navy store and it will be honored.  Alternatively, use the promotion code [I'm leaving the code out, it looks like a one use only code] to receive 20% off online or by telephone by calling [ON's 800 number].  Our online representatives are available 24 hours a day to assist you with questions or order placement.

This isn't the same response that other people have gotten so they must have received enough phone calls and emails that they decided to start offering the coupon online, but probably only if you actually contact customer service.

I just want to reiterate that my goal here wasn't necessairly to get the coupon. Now that I have it, I probably won't even use it (though.. am tempted. ARGH!) My goal was just to point out to them that not offering the coupon to customers who can only shop online was unfair and that I was disappointed. This is called an "opinion." We all have them and I encourage you to share yours whenever you can.

Old Navy does it again

Michelle left a comment on the questions post that I wanted to get to right away:

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 couldn't 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 I'm thinking, why should I? Why do I want to give my money to a company that doesn't even want it?

I agree, Michelle. So I just wrote an email to Old Navy's customer service:

Hello,

I received a 20% off Friends and Family coupon in my email last night. I'd very much like to use this coupon but as a plus size woman, I'm only able to shop for clothing from the Old Navy website.

I'm aware that the coupon is in-store only, and I know that you'll tell me I can't use the coupon online. But I want you to know, as someone who runs a popular website for plus size women, that this continued exclusion of an entire group of consumers is not a wise choice. If almost half of the people in our country are considered plus size, do you think it's a great idea to lose the opportunity to sell your products to them?

I've been a loyal customer of Old Navy for several years, even after the plus size selection was removed from stores and became an "online exclusive." That was disappointing on many levels but when I saw that the website was being well stocked and the line had continued even stronger than before, I decided to give Old Navy the benefit of the doubt.

I'm not going to throw a big fit over an in-store coupon. I just want you to be aware that not offering these same promotions to your online shoppers, especially those who have no choice but to only shop online, is a bad choice and will cause consumers to question Old Navy's integrity.

Thank you for your time.

I'm not sure I'll hear anything back but I'll post it here if I do. Old Navy's customer service contact information can be found here if anyone else would like to share their thoughts with them.