When Fox 9's Alix Kendall asked if I could round up some affordable plus size fashions for a segment Wednesday on "The Buzz," my goal was to avoid Lane Bryant. Don't get me wrong – I think LB has some great, trendy looks for reasonable prices – it's just difficult to imagine a curvy woman that has not already shopped there. Plus size shoppers are compelled to stick to the malls: the department stores and a couple of chains, like Torrid along with strip center staples like Catherine's – seem to be the only options. That's why I was so pleased to be able to pull spring fashions from two Twin Cities-based boutiques: Corset in Hopkins goes up to size 3X or 18 on most items and larger sizes can be ordered. Maple Grove-based Bandlu.com (pictured), an online boutique (I keep working on them to open a store) takes its inspiration from Anthropologie, but in sizes up to 5X and at prices that rarely climb over $60.
Some additional local resources for larger sizes:
- Nani Nalu at 50th & France for swimsuits that fit D-cups, and larger
- La Bratique at 50th & France and Allure on Grand Avenue in St. Paul for lingerie in sizes the department stores don't offer
- Plums Plus Size in Columbia Heights for consignment clothes (several other consignment shops have a plus size section, including Clothes Mentor with five locations and more to come and Upscale Consignment in St. Louis Park, Woodbury and Inver Grove Heights)
-Andrea's Vintage and Bridal in Minneapolis sells some plus size vintage wedding gowns
-LaRue's in South Minneapolis offers artfully made, natural fiber clothes in larger sizes
Of course the reality is, the broadest selection of plus size options are online. A few with some momentum: Abby Z. on HSN, Ashley Stewart, Roamans and eShakti. Also check out Igigi and Kiyonna.