2016 Extended Size Spring Style Guide: Beyond The Size

So, this post started out as a list of some of my favorite places to shop. Then as I was literally writing out a draft of that post, I received two emails that changed my direction. One was from someone who wanted to know where I shop at, and the other was from someone who said they were going on vacation and wanted to know what I think they should take.

That got me reminiscing about the days, when I would go into the store, and look for my size and buy it. No matter if I liked it or not. It was my size ( size 20) and fit reasonably well (actually too big), so it came home with me. How pathetic was I?

I know this is the plight of so many plus size women! I hear it all the time. Especially young plus size women. It’s as if there’s no in between, there’s overly sexual ( a whole other post right here) and then there’s frumpy! Well later for all that!

Fast forward to today, ( size 22-24) I love shopping straight size trends and look for classic pieces to keep my wardrobe ever fresh!

Now, I can do outfit of the day posts all day long, and I still get the same question. Where did I get this or that? I want to make this as easy as possible. Below I’ve highlighted some of my favorite straight size 2016 Spring Trends, and listed the stores where you can pick them up.

Cold Shoulder: This is definitely a more feminine trend that looks great on plus sized women. The bare shoulders draws the eye up to your beauty.

Florals: You’ll see this one in small and large prints, appliques, and even combined with other trends. After all Spring Showers Bring May Flowers!

Ruffles: So, I’ve seen some articles describe this trend as “Spanish”  however, be careful where you choose to display the ruffles they could add unwanted volume if the are sitting on the wrong curve!

Lace: Most recently, Beyoncé strutted a white lace number at the White House Easter Egg Roll. Yes just like that, all the lace pencil skirts went up! Lol. You see lace on skirts, dresses, shirts as the main fabric or as accents.

Stripes: Yeah, so that ” Big Girls Can’t Wear Stripes” not today! We are blurring the lines and rocking vertical, horizontal, and even diagonal stripes!

Romance: This one has the potential to be dangerous! It’s uber sexy and sometimes called “Daytime Lingerie”. I think you get the picture. Satin, sheers, laces, nets, but it can all be done in good taste. So let’s keep the raunchy out of romance ok.

Denim: This is one of those ever fresh categories. Like when was jeans ever not a trend?

Tulle: Yup, it’s still in! Yay! I love tulle skirts, you can dress them up with heels and a nice blouse, or down with Jean shirts. They go with sandals, sneakers,t-shirts and they fit great on everybody’s body. You can’t mess the look up!

Where I shop in store or online:

Fashion To Figure- mostly online but there are stores in Jersey. The clothes fit true to size and they always have sales.

Tip: Sign up for the email lists, I shop when they have discounts via email.

Burlington- In store, I have one close to my house and one close to my job. So, I’m always checking the racks.

Tip: If you like it, get it right then, because chances are it’ll be gone quick.

Eloquii-  Only online. The clothes are a great quality for the price! These pieces last through washing and wearing and they are very fashion forward.

Tip: Same as above, I shop when they have deals and coupons via email.

Asos Curve- Online Only, again the clothes are great quality the sizes are true to size.

Tip: Make sure you by US sizes they not UK sizes. I know a few people that made this mistake.

Torrid- Both instore and online. They absolutely have the best fitting jeans! They always have sales and they have the loyalty rewards for being an insider.

Tip: Use your insider points, and buy ” staple” pieces, because the prices are not cheap.

Ashley Stewart-  For years this was the only place I shopped but as of late ehh! It’s still a great resource, but things have changed.

Rebdolls- Online only, I love them but you have to get the extended sizes fast because they sell out quickly! A lot of these pieces are a little young for me. But they are great for the plus sized millennial woman.

Lane Bryant- In store just because it’s close to my house. Sometimes the prices take me down though! I try not to shop in a rush, but if there is ever a last minute need, I go there.

Full Beauty.com- Online only,You can usually find any and everything on this site! That’s their whole niche. Wide shoes, classic trends and the new in thing ” Swimsuits For All”; you name it they have it!

Do you have a favorite store? Drop it in the comments below!