Hm...padded bra? :-P

The color is wonderful on you! You can really rock the jewel tones!

Haha... I'm already wearing a padded bra. ;)

Oh boo. The berry is prettier in this picture than it is on the website, but I'm afraid I'm also not sold on the fit. I think if you could find an empire waist coat which is fitted at the bust and flares out slightly, it would look really super on you. Also, a coat that can be unbuttoned into a V formation would be more flattering (though I understand it wouldn't always be practical to wear it that way in the dead of a Chicago winter, and you'll probably have a scarf on anyway).

I do really like the color on you though. I think it looks a lot more lively on you than it did on the model.

getting better- I googled Angies collar term she suggested for you (I forget what it was) and I agree- you need a wider collar.

Bummer on the yellow jacket! Nordies CS is amazing though I bet they could find it for you if you wanted. Is it the same jacket though just a different color? I'm partial to berry myself but I don't think the fit on this jacket is stellar on you. It seems a little loose in the shoulder/arm area????

It is so difficult to find a coat in my size! I really don't want an ordinary coat and clothing manufacturers seem to think that plus size women should be wearing super simple classic coats. Not my taste. I want something different.

Shana, yes the yellow one is exactly the same: http://content.nordstrom.com/I.....935261.jpg

I fell in love with it on the model... but guess it's not so hot on me. Oh the frustration!

Oh boo Marianna, I'm providing a link to the Evans website which specialises in fashionable womens clothes in a UK 14 and over. They have a flat rate for shipping to the US of £7.50 and have 20% off everything at present.

I could really see you in the purple military coat with the fab collar.

http://www.evans.co.uk/webapp/.....isplayView

http://www.evans.co.uk/webapp/.....;langId=-1

If you ever want to order any of the styles there is a store in my home town so I could go and check the fabric quality for you.

Marianna, it's sweet but not perfect. I vote longer, double breasted and huge collar. Julie is on the right track the clever little sausage :0)

Julie, the UK definitely has a greater selection of plus size stores... it's interesting. The choices in the states are far and few. I've looked at the Evans website before and like the purple military jacket, but it's 81% polyester... and I'm not really crazy about that. Sigh. I also wouldn't know what size to order and returning something to the UK wouldn't be that easy. Thanks for the offer, though!

Angie... the search is on! I just have no clue where to even look.

Hm, Marianna, can you wear a "regular" size 16? I don't know exactly what the differences are between a regular 16 and a plus size 16, or if they are the same thing...

But the reason I ask is because Boden goes up to a US 18 and their clothes run big, so I'm reasonably certain you could wear something from them. They always have beautiful coats and there is always some sort of 10% or 15% off + free shipping deal going on.

Maya, yes "regular" sizes are better than "plus" sizes on me because I don't have much of a bust to speak of (and apparently all fat women are supposed to). Plus sizes (or women's sizes) are cut to accommodate bigger busts, hips, etc. I like to think that I am shaped more like a "regular" but with lots of extra fluff. ;)

I'm willing to give Boden a try, I'm just worried that if the coat doesn't fit I'll have to ship it back... and then I'll have money tied up for a while. I guess I need to check out their return policy. I refuse to get a simple ordinary blah coat!

Marianna, you are beautiful, your size is the last thing I notice when I open your links and beautiful people deserve beautiful coats! Please no blah!!!

Any thoughts on this style in cream?

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....x-xx.index

Marianna, I wait for other's opinions on the coat, just wanted to say that I can relate to the small bust issue! I often see styles that I think would look great and then realise I wouldn't fill them out.

What about this one?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....86&P=1

Sarah, that's a great coat but there is no way it would fit me. :(

Are you sure? I mean, you know your body better than anybody, but an XL should fit a 16. It says it's only for a 14, but I'm skeptical because the S, M, L fit two sizes. You must be so frustrated trying a bunch of coats, but it will be so worth it when you find the one.
I like the cream one you posted, but it doesn't scream Marianna to me. Too boring. I'm still looking for you.

Sarah, yeah, I'm sure. I can wear an XL in tops, and I technically can button some XL coats, but they're way too tight and there is no way I could wear a thick layer underneath. This is my first year actually searching for plus size coats because last season I could still wear a normal XL coat comfortable. I have a Banana Republic XL coat that fits okay but I don't love the style anymore. I'm not sure why I keep gaining weight and I'm not sure how to stop it (it's not as easy as it sounds for people like me). My weight only stays under control with very strict diet and exercise. I know I should make the strict diet my lifestyle, but again, it's not that easy.

Anywhooo... I've been searching only for plus size coats and it is beyond frustrating. Everything is matronly and way too boring. The selection of young, modern, fun plus size coats in WOOL (or a good fabric) does not exist. I could possibly wear a regular 16 or 18, but not many brands go up that high.

I am at the point where I almost want to settle with something mediocre.

I just googled 'plus size wool coats in the US' and noticed this one. Cute colours, double breasted, longer length and huge collar as per Angie's suggestions, what do you think?
http://www.avenue.com/womens/1.....omens.html

This is my coat from last year:
http://i985.photobucket.com/al.....r081_2.jpg

It's sort of hard to see the details, but it's a military inspired look.

Here it is not buttoned:
http://i985.photobucket.com/al.....ver074.jpg

I bought it two years ago and liked it then, but am not crazy about it anymore.

Julie, I actually like that Avenue coat! Hmm. It's still a little "traditional" for my tastes, but it's much better than most I've seen! Thanks!

Marianna, I was in the same boat as you last year: I could wear XL and XXL regular sizes, but plus-sizes swam on me! There is definitely a difference between 18 and 18W!

Have you looked at Lane Bryant yet? Their 14/16 size is more like an 18 at other stores, and they often have great colors and pretty stuff.

Also, what kind of coat are you looking for? A wool, long, short, etc? We never did get together and I have a ton of coats I am about to donate to a friends' church...maybe one will work for you? They're not the most exciting, but the price can't be beat. :)

Kristen! Can we get together so I can look at your coats?! I'm pretty sure I'm your "before" size. Before you donate, I'd love to see if there is anything that I might be able to buy from you! Let me know!

I'm just looking for a mid-length wool coat. I don't have too many specifications except that I want it to be unique and fit me well. :)

I personally hate Lane Bryant. Not sure why, but I hate going into that store. It's almost like admitting that I'm fat and have to shop there.

Okay, I understand better. I can see why you're frustrated...I've been looking for coats for you for the past hour and it's either black or beige for the most part.
I'm going to post my finds, but it won't hurt my feelings if you don't like them. Let me know if I'm on the right or wrong track here.
http://www.overstock.com/Cloth.....oduct.html

http://www.onestopplus.com/clo.....ctTypeId=1

http://www.onestopplus.com/clo.....ctTypeId=1

http://www.onestopplus.com/clo.....ctTypeId=1

http://www.onestopplus.com/clo.....ctTypeId=1
(get some long black gloves, yum!)

I bet you could spunkify your old coat to have as a second coat option. Maybe you could change out the buttons or add a fun scarf?

Sarah, you are AMAZING...

Here are my thoughts:
1) Doesn't come in my size and I think Angie said that type of collar isn't best for me.
2) I like this one! It's not an "I HAVE TO HAVE IT" feeling, but I like it. Not sure I'm crazy about the color choices, but maybe the houndstooth?
3) Don't think the collar is right, and it's too plain for what I'm looking for.
4) This is probably my favorite and the dijon color might be great! This one is a definite contender!
5) This is a great coat, really like it, but I do wish the sleeves were longer! I like your idea of long gloves, though... but still, not sure how practical this would be for Chicago!

All in all... you see my frustration. :) I want to LOVE something but haven't found that yet. #2 and #4 are going on my list of possibilities...

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Also, I like your idea of changing the buttons on my old black coat. Maybe I can find some cool buttons at Anthro!

Marianna, I had exactly the same hang-up about Lane Bryant too, but the fact that I was in their smallest size -- and sometimes even that was too big -- helped assuage my wounded ego. :) And the payoff was sometimes they had a really cute piece that no one else had, and it was cut so someone like me would fit into it. It wasn't a regular stop for me, but when I did go I usually did not leave disappointed.

I'll PM you about getting together. :)

OK there have been a lot of posts since I last checked in, but if you're still interested in Boden, they offer either 10% or 15% off plus free shipping (and return shipping), so you have nothing to lose if it doesn't work out. It's easy to find a code. In fact, if you click on the Mini Boden ad on YLF, you'll get 11% off.

Even if you aren't going to use them now, it's good information for future reference! It sounds like just what you need, since they are not plus sizes and the clothes are really fun and excellent quality (unlike a lot of plus size brands, sadly).

Good, I'm glad there are a few options to try.
I've never had to shop at Lane Bryant, but I can understand how you feel about shopping at a plus only store. And FWIW, their outerwear right now isn't too inspiring.