In this issue: What do you want in plus size fashions?

In my last column, I asked you to let me know what you’ve been craving for in your everyday wardrobe and if you think that retailers are creating enough for us curvy girls. 

Here is some of your feedback:

I'd love clothes in my size at places like Bebe and Banana Republic. The thing I would love, though, and have yet to see anywhere, is clothing not only sized, but shaped.  What I mean by this is clothing with some sort of designation that the article would be flattering and/or appropriate for an hourglass figure, a pear-shaped woman, a straight up and down figure, etc.  I think this would help immensely, and more of us would learn faster what was flattering and attractive on us, and waste less time looking at things and wondering why they don't look good on us. – Denise

To answer your question I say yes we need more choices, or should I say more consistent choices. I want to represent a more pulled together, stylish person, because up to now I've been all over the place, so I appreciate your mag and your input. - Patti

I'm sick of only having a choice between really cheap-looking ghetto club wear or old women clothes with about two feet of fabric from the crotch to the waist.  I too would like a 'Banana Republic-type' alternative.  I want to be able to pick up a great pair of khaki's, some finely tailored white collared shirts and sweaters that all look young, fresh, expensive and classic. My ideal would be a Banana Republic that made clothes with the same proportions they have now, just up to a size 20 or 22.  - Haley

It looks like we all want the same thing -- to look stylish and have more guidance while shopping with the help of labeling clothes for our figures -- I’m so glad I am not alone.   The good thing is we now have many more options than we did a decade before.  Let’s hope in the next 10 years we will have many more clothing options that we will forget this conversation ever existed.   

Keeping the above in mind, I’m starting to get really excited about fall fashions for curvy girls.  Here’s why:  I have been wearing size junior 11’s and 15’s and graduating to 14W’s and upwards on the “W” scale -- pretty much my entire life. So I know about plus-size clothing from every age imaginable since the 80’s.  My size has been everywhere from a size 10 to a size 24. 

I just returned from shopping at Lane Bryant and I am thrilled at the attention to detail, the quality of the fit and the youthful intricate designs they have started to create.  I feel like I’m re-living my adolescence because when I was growing up I had to wear clothes my grandmother would wear because they wouldn’t come in my size.  (At the time they didn’t have a Macys plus-junior department, Old Navy Woman or a Torrid.)

So, what did I find in LB that I just loved? 

Lane Bryant Venezia Supreme denim skirt

Black cuffed pants that come in 3 different lengths so you don’t have to spend additional funds on tailoring Dark rinse long flared skirts with modern beige corduroy paneling in the back Lightweight thin corduroy hooded blazers in a variety of colors that fits like a sweatshirt but looks more updated

A turtleneck poncho with buttons going down the sleeves perfect for the fall weather when you don’t want to put a coat on Dark stretch jeans that look so flattering yet give you the mobility and feel of wearing sweat pants.  NOTE THIS! With your comments in mind, labeling for our figures, I am thrilled that they are distinguishing their 5 different pant fits and explaining them on the label of the pants.   Also, if you are as much of a shopper as I am than you can use your real woman dollars and get $25 dollars off for every $50 you spend.  I got 15 items for only $165.  What a deal!!!!!!

Lane Bryant Turtleneck poncho

I wish Lane Bryant was this cool when I was growing up in the 80’s and 90’s because I wouldn’t have been made fun of as much with the strange wardrobe looks I had to create.  Oh, and Lane Bryant just started LB MIX for the curvy teenagers of the world.  I wish I had this when I was growing up…!)

INC International Concepts® Woman Layered Polka-Dot Top & Cropped Pant / Macys.com

Another brand that is paying close attention to our needs of updated looks is: INC in Macys & Bloomingdales.  Fashionable blazers Printed long sleeve tees with metallic print screens in high quality stretch fabrics Sweater blouses in longer lengths Modern light weight fall jackets.

All of these items really “reinvigorate me” when I wake up in the morning because I feel better when I have a pulled together look. 

I complained all my life for these styles to be created and now that more are coming I am definitely going to be supporting our industry.  I am grateful and thankful that the right attention is starting to be paid to us.  I wish all of you a happy & healthy fall Fashion season. 

Happy Shopping!