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.
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February 03, 2010
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I know that to avoid LB is hard...
How about Avenue? I also get great plus size deals at Macy's, Kohl's, JC Penney as well.
Posted by: Anna | February 03, 2010 at 08:21 AM
Hi Ali, I watched The Buzz this morning & I cannot imagine ANYONE would spend more than $9.99 for NWT plus sz item, exactly like the items you had on the show ! I shop only Ebay & the only other store I shop for my 3X body is Unique Thrift in Columbia Heights, I can go with $100, my little shop cart, combine that with a 50% off sale day & I have a totally new sexy trendy wardrobe, I have a NWT Torrid blazer I got last wk, $54, I got it for $4.95. Ewww to LB & Catherines, although in a pinch I would shop Deb, Dots & Fashion Bug, because the girls are young, they are honest about what looks good(tyvm!) & won't send me home looking like a freak in something that ages me 10 yrs ! LOL
Posted by: ANNIE | February 03, 2010 at 09:45 AM
It's amazing how many more options are available for plus size women now, as compared to even just three years ago! Asos Curve, Faith 21 (Forever 21's plus size sister), Alloy, and Missphit are a few more of my favorites.
Posted by: Sara Bartlett | February 03, 2010 at 11:19 AM
I too shop ebay for plus size fashions. I try to wear classic clothes for work but it's hard to find a selection of good quality work clothes in stores. On Ebay I can find Austin Reed, Ralph Lauren, Talbots and other good quality fashions. The deals aren't as good as Anna's but they aren't bad.
Posted by: Jody | February 03, 2010 at 12:59 PM
Don't forget about the generous sizing at Chico's! Women of all ages and sizes can shop there.
Posted by: karla | February 03, 2010 at 02:25 PM
Beeline Consignment Boutique in Deephaven has a small but very selective plus size section. Customer favorites include Eileen Fisher, Johnny Was, and Sweet Pea, plus some Euro brands. Beeline also carries sterling silver rings and locally-crafted bracelets in larger sizes.
Posted by: Laura Goodall | February 04, 2010 at 05:01 PM
Alfresco in Stillwater has fabulous PJ Harlow lounge wear available up to 3X, very classy and comfortable - great for cruises or just around the house and extremely comfortable.
Posted by: Meg | February 07, 2010 at 06:04 PM
More shops than not are carrying plus size clothes for women. The problem is not finding the size, but finding larger clothes with STYLE and quality. Thank you for opening our eyes to more shopping sources.
Posted by: Janis Hawken | April 07, 2010 at 11:14 AM