For the Full-Figured Fashionable Mama

This is not an easy piece for me to write or share with the masses, but what I’m about to say is really no secret to those that have seen me in person lately. I am a plus size mama.

If a store does not go above a size 14, I’ve likely not walked through their doors in a few years. And for someone like me that absolutely loves clothes and fun fashion, this avoidance has nearly crippled me. Improvements to this size demographic should continue to evolve, but it’s disappointing that of the few stores that actually do carry plus-sizes, like Old Navy and Ann Taylor, very few of them actually stock those sizes in stores.

While I’m not thrilled with my size as of late, I refuse to allow the following:

1. I refuse to be a frumpy mom. Meaning I will not wear baggy sweatshirts or yoga pants to inappropriate places just because these items are comfortable and fit.
2. I refuse to squeeze myself into clothing brands that are too tight waiting and hoping to eventually fit into them.
3. I refuse to pretend that I can shop in stores that have nothing for my body size.

It has been like a labor of love finding the right styles for my size. To me, so many of the plus-size stores or clothing brands are targeted at the 50 year old and above shopper. This is quite the struggle for me as I’m a 36 year old, who in her mind (occasionally) believes she is still 28 at times. On the flip side, some popular chains like Forever 21 have started to offer extended sizes, but no amount of cuteness will persuade me to bare my midriff. But rather than make this a dismal article about the challenges of full size fashion, I’m happy to present you with my latest shopping tips, stores and websites for those of us in the plus-size category.

– Elloquii – Oh how I love thee! If you are to add just one thing new to your wardrobe after reading this, you must try Elloquii. This online retailer sells fashion in sizes 14-24 and was once originally owned by The Limited, but is now independent. Here are just a few things I love about this site:
1. They have new inventory constantly.
2. Frequent sales and promotions.
3. An extensive lookbook online to help style your clothing.
4. Real size options like 14, 16, 18, etc. Not just a typical 1X, 2X, etc.
5. Actual Workwear that is professional and stylish.

Check out this Elloquii outfit by local blogger Amanda Williams:

If you are new to shopping with Elloquii, I highly recommend the Kady Fit pants. I purchased a Kelly green pair that gets me tons of compliments.

– City Chic is a plus size designer and retailer out of Australasia. Beyond online, they also have a limited range available in some Nordstrom stores, including the Mall of America location. I tend to only shop here for fun, “going out” types of clothing, but it’s great to have a trendier option.

– My other online shopping favs include Land’s End. I was hesitant at first, as I was afraid that their styles would be frumpy and older looking, but I was oh so wrong. Their clothing is not only fun and cute, but is of a higher quality then what I’ve found elsewhere. Make sure to snag yourself one of their Ponte dresses and layer it with an adorable cardigan. If you’ve never heard of Ponte knit, you’re missing out on a fabric that is amazingly comfortable, wrinkle resistant and a travelling girl’s dream.

And while I have yet to purchase from sites like H&M, Forever 21 and Mod Cloth, it’s so good to have options, right?! Have you found age appropriate choices within these stores?

This is another outfit from Amanda of My Bella Moxie and the top is from Mod Cloth, so there are definitely cute options!

– If you’re looking to shop and have your typical brick and mortar experience, here are a few of my thoughts. If you are shopping for work clothes, you must go to Macy’s in downtown Minneapolis. I’ve not found another Macy’s with the same level of selection and layout as this location. Other metro locations seem to bury their plus size shops in the burrows of remote areas of the store and tend to cram the racks full.

On occasion, I also seek out Torrid and Lane Bryant if I really want to physically see, touch, and purchase merchandise. To be honest, both of these stores are very hit or miss for me. Torrid can often be too trendy and Lane Bryant can feel too old. Both stores are typically my go to for jeans, but for tops – meh.

– Accessories have been my savior! When spending time out shopping with friends (not that I do this too often) I can shop and buy the coolest and trendiest accessories. I will never be in short supply of jewelry, shoes and handbags as my feet do not change in size (well since having my twins 6 years ago). Occasionally I feel like a poser walking into J. Crew or Evereve, but it’s all in my head. I love finding bracelets to stack, fun shoes to rock or a killer handbag that completes my outfit.

So I would love to hear from the rest of you in my same size camp about your favorite shopping tips, stores and websites.

Feeling beautiful inside and out is not always easy when you feel like your options are limited in how you dress yourself every day. I leave you with one of my favorite quotes about style, and truly hope that you embrace your figure no matter where you shop.

“Keep your heels, head and standards high.” – Coco Chanel

Thank you to Amanda of My Bella Moxie for sharing some of her styling photos for inspiration!  You can find her on her website and see more of her style inspiration on Instagram @mybellamoxie.