Have You Found Your Style?

As plus size women, do we really have the luxury of finding our style? Or is it already chosen for us in the somewhat limited options available?

Over the past few years, I've really felt like I've had plenty of choices in regards to clothes. I check out ASOS and City Chic regularly and always find more that I can afford. My saved folder on ASOS is always plentiful and I spend much more money on clothes than I really should. I adore my wardrobe and I love piecing together outfits.

After I had my nails done yesterday, I did something I rarely do these days: I wandered into a few mainstream retail clothing stores. There was nothing to fit me in these stores and I found it painfully triggering. It made me feel like something was wrong with me. In my mind, the shop assistants were giving me "slimming glances" and wondering what I was doing in there. I perused the racks, feeling bitter disappointment to be reminded of how easy it is for women to find clothes in smaller sizes. There are items of clothing on my wishlist that just aren't available in plus sizes. For example, I've been after a tailored cream wool coat this winter. I can't find one in my size. I would love a houndstooth trench. I can't find one in my size.

I know I should be grateful that the plus size fashion industry has come a long way, but I have to admit that sometimes I still feel that unless you are into peplums, skater dresses and blazers - well, good luck to you. I love a pencil skirt with a peplum as much as the next gal, but I've always been a bit weird and quirky in my tastes and sometimes I struggle with options. I would probably define my favourite look as boho. Try finding these outfits in plus sizes!

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I've actually bought a few similar pieces from ASOS standard sizes (size 18) but ASOS Curve are a bit more limited. I haven't had much luck with other plus size brands either.

I'm really looking forward to the day when plus size brands give us more options so that we can fine tune our styles a little more. Because I can tell you what - I've got enough peplums and blazers to last a lifetime!

Grease Vixen

Adelaide people, pay attention! Have you been to Grease Vixen on Prospect Road? It's a cute little shop (maybe not so little) that stocks vintage inspired rockabilly, swing and pin up style clothing for men and women. There is also a lot of genuine vintage items available, from radios to gloves. The most exciting part is their range of plus size clothing! While not a huge selection, many of the items go up to a 2X, and even some 3X and 4X (the lady says she's battling with suppliers to get more, too). I purchased two dresses and a genuine vintage apron. 

The prices are varied. For brands like Hell Bunny, you're looking at around $100 for a dress (many would go for cheaper on eBay). Some dresses were more, others were significantly less. But the quality is there. 

This dress cost me $80 but it's brand new and the quality is lovely. It's 2X and I'm pretty sure the brand is CollectIf. I loved wearing this dress! I'm also wearing Target shoes.

Dress Surprise!

I was looking through the plus size dresses at Savers yesterday and found a dress from Witchery. It was labeled as Large, and it looked quite roomy. I tried it on and loved it! The fabric is soft and cool; the colour a lovely pink champagne. 

Even secondhand, it was rather pricey for a thrift store at $17.99, but I was so thrilled with it, I didn't mind paying a little extra. Part of the joy was finding something that fit me by a brand I assumed wouldn't have anything to fit me. I've been into Witchery many times - to look at scarves! Next time I go in there, I won't be so shy to check out some of the clothes. 

These shoes are Ted Baker jelly sandals which I purchased from David Jones in the after-Christmas sales for only $40 (originally $100). They're a little small, but I WILL BREAK THOSE SUCKERS IN! Love, love, love them.

Thanks for stopping by x

Hello Etsy, Goodbye Pennies

I've been having some trouble finding decent vintage dresses on eBay, especially in the plus size category. The day I discovered Etsy, I breathed a sigh of relief, "Ah, so that's where they've been hiding!"

Home of all things vintage and homemade, Etsy has been around six years or so, but it's fairly new to me, and navigating it has been heart-stoppingly exciting. Who knew there was a women in Canada who makes baby booties to look like spats? Or a jewellery maker who reveres David Bowie's face as much as I do...

In the picture I teamed it with my luscious 80s inspired City Chic blazer. Now I can keep The Goblin King close to my heart. 

I'm overwhelmed by the talent out there. Not to mention the array of unusual vintage pieces I've come across (and bought). Some of them will be the focus point of upcoming blogs, no doubt. 

What makes the Etsy experience so sweet, is the condition in which the items arrived. Nearly everything I've received has been beautifully wrapped and ribboned, usually with a handwritten note of thanks. Just gorgeous.

Have you checked out Etsy yet?