Hi Mamas,
Ever since my daughter was born I've been slowly gaining weight and I seem to have stabilized at a size 18W over the course of the last year. I keep telling myself I'm going to lose the weight, and consequently I haven't been buying much new clothing and what I do get is usually grabbed from the rack at Target without even trying it on until I get home! :) I do still hope to lose some weight, but in the meantime I'd like to look better. So, my question is, where are the best places to find cute, hip plus-size clothes? I've tried Lane Bryant, but their prices are a little high for me and their stuff seems to be made for taller women (I'm 5'6"). I'm a stay-at-home mom, so I don't need anything too fancy but just some casual things that don't look too slouchy.
Thanks!
Sara
I am very suprised that no one has mentioned Avenue, I belive that they are by far one of the best places to get plus sizes, they start at size 14 and go to a 32 very cute stuff and very reasonable prices Look online first avenue.com
Morning Sara.
If you live in the MPLS/St. Paul area-- there is a consignment shop for larger sizes only up in St. Anthony.
I don't know the name-- but it's where the old Apache theatre was in a strip mall off 37th Avenue on the N side.- about a mile west of Silver Lake Rd.
I see people go in there often.
That way you can shop cheaper too.
Write back if you want more exact directions too.
About me: 48 yo perfusionist, wellness coach for a nationwide online biggest loser challenge for $, and mom to 7 yo twin girls.
B. J
Herbergers and Kohls are also places you will find plus sizes
I am 5 ft 1 and wear a 24...I have had the best luck at Kohls [I go to Maplewood mall]. I have gotten some things at Sears too. Catherines has some nice things but they are a little pricey like Lane Bryant and I think they are a little too flashy for me...I like plain sweaters and jeans not blouses with funky designs and wild colors- but you said "hip" so for you, that could be a good place to look. I am just a little scared to jump into being "hip"...I don't even wear makeup or anything. Oh I also like Arc's Value Village thrift store [off of Penn Ave in Richfield]. I live in St. Paul but when I have extra money for clothes I make the drive out there sometimes. They seem to be a bit more reasonable than Goodwill, and they separate plus size stuff. So does Savers. And being a size 18 you should be able to find plenty to look through
For tees, etc. Catherine's is an option, but I don't find too much there. There's a store in Har Mar Mall (can't think of it's name) that sells pretty cute clothes for plus sizes; I go there often if I need a dress or something a bit fancier. I also have had really good luck at Fashion Bug. J.C. Penny's and Macy's both have a pretty good plus size department, although Macy's has shrunk substantially over the last couple years.
The place I end up shopping the most, however, is Marshall's. I've gotten very cute clothes that look good for minimal cost.
Good luck!
I have a very limited clothing budget, and I wear a size 16. Honestly, I get almost all my clothes at consignment stores and Goodwill. You have to dig, but I have gotten some great stuff for unbelievable prices. I just got a a pair of Lands End jeans at Goodwill for $4.99.
I have had great luck with the Turn Style chain of consignment stores (Ford Parkway in St. Paul), Plums Plus Size consignment store (NE Mpls), and the Goodwill just off of University in St. Paul (think the cross street is Fairview).
Plums Plus Size is great because ALL they carry is plus size clothes:
http://www.plumsplussize.com/
If you have brands you really like and are tried-and-true, I would say keep an eye on eBay.
If you are looking for new, Torrid out at the MOA is pretty cool, but most of their stuff is very trendy. I don't know if it's still there, but at Southdale Mall, there was an "Elisabeth" store, which is plus size Liz Claiborne. I have also had good luck at Nordstrom's.
Lane Bryant is good. Kohls and Penneys can have some cute pants, but the shirts leave something to be desired.
Maurices also has plus size that are pretty trendy
The Dress Barn is fantastic. They have great, cute plus size clothes, and the prices are reasonable. I just bought two pair of slacks, two blouses, and 1 jacket for $140. Happy shopping!
I like Lane Bryant and I am also 5'6. I especially like their jeans and capris. I try to go when they have a sale and I get coupons from them in email. I also like c j Banks stores but I only shop the sale racks in the back. J.C. Penney is also good. I have shopped at a store called Avenue once and liked some of their stuff. I am also a stay at home mom and like to dress casual but in style as much as possible. Good luck!
Sears, Deb, Torrid(mall of america),JcPenny's,Old Navy
I am a regular shopper at Debs (MOA, Crystal shopping center, and Northtown mall), Dots (several locations), and Rainbow (MOA). At these places, they have tons of plus size, trendy clothes, at reasonable prices.
