General Tips

All right. Here are some general tips I've learned along the way. As I figure out more ins and out, you betcha I'll post them.

This mostly applies to people in the size 26-28 range. I also should be up front - after finally reaching peace with my body and my self, and becoming the badass I always wanted to be, of course I started losing weight (I credit that to also finally finding specialty doctors who listen to me). I'm down a little over 20 pounds since last summer. That's fine - even at my thinnest, when I'm so skinny my shoulder blades feel like they're cutting through my skin when I lie down, I'm still a size 12. It's just how I'm built. And even then, I bought my bras from Lane Bryant because nowhere else fit as well. So even if this weight loss sticks, I'm still going to have a lot to say here.

"Plus size" shops usually start at size 12, after all.

But for now - Good work clothes in sizes 26 - 28 are particularly hard to find. Yet I've had some danged good successes. Some of these sites also go to 30 - 32, so take heart.

I also want to note again my height, and a couple of other factors that go into these being my favorite. I'm 5'9" so I tend to try to find places that realize big girls can also be tall girls. And long-armed girls.

I also have a waistline, unusual for my size. And dammit, if I'm blessed with the great genetics (thanks, Mom and Dad!) to have a waist line at this weight, I want it acknowledged!

So here are the places that have really come through for my particular type. And photos of outfits from all of them will come as I get through my work weeks ahead.

Igigi - Holy cow, guys, if you want retro, classic dresses, blouses, and suits, this place is completely amazing! I've picked up some really classic looks there. Classic work blouses, empire waist dresses, I feel like a queen, I tells ya! Plus, they often tend to run slightly large, which is admittedly ego-boosting. I could pull off a 24, but for combined sizes, I tend to go 26/28. When they go on sale, I hoard.

Kiyonna - Again, this place is amazing! I have a lot of the blouses, various iterations of the Bellini, I wore a maxi dress when I performed at the Lincoln Center as part of a 300-person choir (I can die happy now), but my absolutely favorite? The wrap dresses. Oh, the glorious wrap dresses! I cannot express enough my joy at the wrap dresses! SEE? I DO HAVE A WAISTLINE!!!! 4X covers my sizing needs perfectly. Again - when they go on sale, I hoard.

Simply Be - British imports, just like my husband! :-)
I could live in the Suits and Career section of that website. A 26 fits absolutely perfectly. The cuts are very tailored and classic. I particularly like pairing the Mix & Match blazer (usually 28 inch) with the Mix & Match 28 inch pencil skirts. I've also picked up quite a few nice blouses, and casual skater tunics. This last fall, I fell in love with, and caved in to purchase, a gorgeous trench coat. I get compliments on it every single time. Items ordered here take a while to ship because - imported! - but the clothes are so very, very worth the wait!

I mentioned Lane Bryant third mostly because everyone knows about Lane Bryant. But I've also got some great suits, sweaters, blazers, and blouses there. And I love, of course, that they sell their Lena line in tall sizes, hooray! Lane Bryant also tends be my go-to for winter coats.

Torrid - Ah, I love my Torrid! I get some of my edgier pieces there. I've gotten some really kick-butt Blazers there, like a two-tone cobalt blue and black, mid-line zipper jacket. It loves me, and I love it. I also am completely in love with the Jetsetter pants (I own at least three pair) and - again! - TALL SIZES! I also love, love, love many of their empire-waisted blouses for casual weekends.

Avenue - Love the leggings and jeggings. They aren't your standard lightweight leggings. These things are pants in everything but name, and make my weekends (and when I'm wearing knee-high boots, my casual Fridays) comfy as all get out. I also rely on them for my knee-high boots. The calf width is so amazingly perfect, the heels are not to high and wonderfully stable, and very stylish. I also love their leather Blazers. There is something about the leather Blazers I can't explain, but they're amazing and I feel like quite the badass in them. Well, I AM a badass, but these jackets let me display it to the world.

Eloquii - I only recently learned that Eloquii expanded its size range, so I'm still experimenting here. I recently picked up a nice, crisp, white blouse with a series of pleats around the midline, and it looked quite sharp. I'll keep experimenting and let you all know.

Ashley Stewart - Here, I focus in on the faux suede Blazers. The cut for the Blazers is just beautiful, and unlike anything you'll see anywhere else.

Tahari - While I can't really pull off the pant suits, Tahari skirt suits fit really well. Tahari stops at a size 24, but they must be either cut big, or that waistline (bless you, waistline), lets me get away with them. Classic, tailored cuts, I love you!


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