Style Council: Sizes and Numbers

I figured I should tell you guys that I am a size 22 in pants and 5'11" tall. This is just a reference for when you see the "My Outfit" posts. Every body is different and everything looks different on everyone's body. It is important to keep that fact in mind when reading fashion blogs and fashion articles. Read fashion tips for inspiration not for imitation.

Ok, now that I have said that here is my point/advice for the day. It is important to try everything on when you are shopping. I rarely find an item that looks the same way on me that it did on the hanger. Watch where the seams fall, where is the hem line? Is it laying on your widest part?? Then don't buy it!

Part of the reason shopping for plus size clothing is so difficult is because the people doing the designing are not plus size (some stores excluded). They are making clothes they think we want to wear. So either the clothes are frumpy because they think we want to hide our curves, or they are "skinny" clothes that have just been blown up, clothes that are not flattering to our body types. This is why I recommend trying everything on.

Also, your clothing size is just a reference number. Every store seems to have a different number guide for their clothing.  In reality it seems you are a different size for every store. I know at Lane Bryant I am between a 18/20 22/24 in tops, and at Torrid I am between a 2 or a 3 and it still depends on the style of the top. But then if I go to Old Navy or Target, I feel like I wear a bigger size. So don't be afraid to go a size up, it is just a number, your actual size has not changed.

I feel bad for the girls that are too worried about numbers and they end up looking worse because they squeezed into something that did not fit them. No one knows your numbers except you. Unless you are me and share it on a blog on the internet for the whole world to know :P

So ladies, keep this is mind when you are shopping! Also, if you have any experiences with sizing issues feel free to share them! I am sure everyone can relate and you probably now have new found advice to share.

Lastly, thank you everyone who came from Plats. I appreciate you joining us!

Clothing Store Reference Guide

This will be our shopping reference post. I am going to list all the clothing stores that sell plus size clothing with initial reactions/thoughts about the store. The list will never be complete, so as we shop more places - even if they are only regional- we will add them here. So, if you have any new stores be sure to share!

Lane Bryant - Great professional clothes and occasionally you can find a great "piece" for your wardrobe. Usually high quality and will last a while.

Torrid - Probably the most modern plus size store. Their seasonal collections can be unpredictable, and quality clothing is not always up to par. This is wear I buy all of my skinny jeans. Also, you can sign up for a free Dive Style card which give you 5% off every purchase.

Avenue - Very similar to Lane Bryant, but less variety - may be directed at an older demographic.

Fashion Bug - Basically a "bargain" Lane Bryant. I believe they are sister companies. Lower quality, but still variety.

Deb - They now have a plus size section. Their sizing runs small and quality is low - but great for low cost items and plus size teens. This is where I bought my formal dresses in high school. It is not easy to find a low cost prom dress in plus size.

Dress Barn - I have never found something to buy here as I feel it is not very modern but I always look because their clothes seem to have quality and sometimes you can get lucky!

Old Navy - Love their style, and affordable! Sometimes the clothes run small.

Catherine's - I have never shopped here, but it is a sister store to Lane Bryant and Fashion Bug.

Target - (Submitted by reader Lauren)  Target is a store I'd like to add. Depending on your local store, the plus section can be a loaded with goodies or sparse- for me its the latter. Either way, target.com has been a great resource for a even bigger selection of plus items if you don’t mind paying a little extra for shipping. I totally agree. I checked out target the other day, fashionable items at a great cost.  

Don't be afraid to go into stores that seem 'too old" or "too young" or "too whatever", because style and fashion is about creativity, what an article of clothing may look like on a hanger can transform into something completely different on you and if paired with accessories.

Okay - that is all I have for now. Make sure to share, so we can see this list grow.