Link Love: The Challenges of Plus-Size Shopping

Refinery29 asks: “Why Is Shopping For Vintage Plus-Size Clothing So Hard?

Shopping When You’re Plus-Size Isn’t Therapeutic, Just Ask Plus-Size Women.

This was also an interesting read: “For Fashion To Be Truly Inclusive, There Needs To Be Plus-Size Education.”:

“But the key to a size-inclusive future is not only through demanding change from pre-existing brands. Rather, it is through preparing the next generation of game-changers to be inclusive from the start, while they are still in school. That requires an increase in size-inclusive education, a topic that is still heavily lacking at many fashion colleges.”

Fab Links from Our Members

Nemosmom thinks this stylish couple in their seventies are simply the best.

She also thought this was another fab footwear choice by Kamala Harris.

Runcarla was intrigued to see Lululemon bucking the trend, and actually looking to expand their brick-and-mortar presence.

She was also pleased to see that another Jil Sander for Uniqlo collection is in the works.

JAileen found this article about Ruth Bader Ginsburg discussing her collars and what they meant fascinating.

Vildy says: “There seems to be a perennial ’70s revival trend, but I wouldn’t have guessed this one: the ’70s sleazy guy.”

“If you’re coming up in a time where you’re told your body is not fashionable or you can’t find nice clothes to buy because brands aren’t making clothes for you, are you really going to keep your clothes?” Nuancedream adds: “This article is from 2018, but it clearly explains why there is a dearth of plus-size vintage clothing.”

Weekly Roundup: Hints of Fall

Stores aren’t full of Fall merchandise yet, which was expected in these unprecedented times. The addition of new stock is slow, while deeply discounted Summer assortments are aplenty. My hope is that retailers figure things out slowly but surely, and take the opportunity to rebuild in a better and smarter way. 

Here’s a roundup of potential winners as we head into Autumn. I’ve seen some of the items in person. Some have been fab wardrobe additions for our forum members. Be sure to browse the colour options and read the reviews.

  • Kenneth Cole New York Women's Kayla Zip Sneakers: A patent hi-top is unique, and so is the placement of the zipper on the vamp of the shoe. These work best for regular-volume feet and are quite comfortable.
  • Boden Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater: A pullover for cat and teal lovers. Fun, lovely quality, and a flattering fit.
  • Autograph Pure Cashmere Scarf: A die-hard yummy classic that comes in three more neutrals.
  • Wolford Dylan Net Knee High Stockings: These knee-highs can be dressed up or down. Wear them with pumps or sneakers, and with dresses or pants. Pricey, but robust and lovely quality.
  • Patagonia Kamala Convertible Knit Midi Skirt: If you like to wear active Summery skirts, this is an option for those who don't mind the tie on the midsection. You can also pull it up over the bust and wear it as a bandeau dress. Comes in light blue.
  • Miz Mooz Laurent High Top Sneaker: A pull-on sneaker for Team Teal. Comfortable, and can work for a wider foot and higher instep. Might run a little short. Comes in colours.
  • LIVERPOOL LOS ANGELES Denim Midi Skirt: The godet insets on this skirt are very pretty, and feel romantic as you stride. Super soft and stretchy, and with a wide waist. It will need waist adjustment if you have a relatively small waist or swayback. Gorgeous length, and beautifully structured in a flowing way.
  • M&S Collection Teddy Double Breasted Coat: A cosy teddy peacoat for Team Teal and comes in chocolate.
  • WASH LAB Long Jean Skirt: I love this skirt. It fits beautifully, has a bit of stretch, is very comfortable, and is great in motion. Excellent swoosh factor and quite elegant. It's long, but easily hackable. I didn't keep it because the denim wash is too light and distressed. I'd prefer something darker and dressier to wear with hi-tops.
  • CLOUD Aika High Top Sneaker: A mint hi-top is a rare find, and these are very comfortable. Orthotic-friendly. Might run small, and comes in lots of colours. The peach, pewter and burgundy plaid are fun options too. I wish they came in blush.
  • Boden Dunbar Parka: A beautifully made warm olive parka at a luxurious and flattering length with fun fishtail back detailing. It has a removable faux fur lining, and has fur-lined pockets too. The inner drawstring on the waist can be cinched for shape. Waterproof and machine washable. It also has colourful twill tape detailing so don't be caught by surprise. Comes in navy.
  • M&S Collection Faux Fur Jacket: Cinnamon Teddy Fabness. Runs big and comes in olive.
  • UGG UGG: These very warm, comfortable and cosy casual sneaker booties come in four more neutrals. Can work on higher volume foot.
  • Ecco ECCO: Warm and very comfy hi-tops that can work as casual boots. The footbeds come out so that you can insert an orthotic. Comes in a few more neutrals.
  • Madewell Stripe Pickford Pullover Sweater: A lilac striped pullover that is cotton-rich is a rare find, and this one has fun side border detailing.
  • Everlane The ReCashmere Varsity Cardigan: This cardigan has a lovely collegiate shape that looks fresh, and is flattering across a range of body types. Fluid yet structured in the right places. Wear it open as a topper, or buttoned-up as a top. Comes in more neutrals.
  • BP 3-Pack Ruffle Crew Socks: A repeat style of ruffle socks that are super cute with boots and hi-tops because the SUBTLE ruffle adds a nice bit of visual interest over the top of the boots or sneakers.
  • Ecco Women's Anine Ballerina Ballet Flat: These come in 17 colours and patterns and work quite well for high arches. They are super comfy, and can also be used as a stylish at-home-only shoe.
  • Boden Helen Sparkle Dress: Go Team '70s Dress. Bold, bright, soft, VERY comfy, and does not crease. Fluid yet fitted. Forgiving and flattering. Machine washable too. It cannot be hemmed so consider yourself warned.
  • Boden Cord Slim Straight Jeans: These are FAB casual pants. Good fit, tailored, slim but not skinny. Rise is not too high. Glides over curves and straight hips. So great that I got them in turquoise when corduroy pants are not my thing. My wild card! I hope they won't bag out. They might need waist and hip alteration if they do. Comes in earth tones.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.

High-Top Sneakers Are My Casual Boots

High tops, or “hi-tops”, are sneakers with high shafts that cover the ankles. Some shafts are higher than others but ankle coverage is key. Hi-tops can have an athletic or fashion vibe but are sporty and casual nonetheless. Some look crisp, refined, and polished. Some look tough, chunky and rough around the edges. Some are a hybrid between a sneaker and bootie. You’ll see all sorts of patterns, colours, embroideries and solids with matched or mismatched soles. Closures are typically zippers, laces, or both. Some have strategically placed elastic inserts for easy slip-on and slip-off access. Sometimes there are velcro fastenings too. Fabrics can be synthetic, leather, Gore-Tex, mesh or mixed-media. Linings can be fleece lined and furry for extra insulation. And soles can be grippy, weatherproof, wedged, and platformed.

The collection shows an assortment of hi-tops:

Zappos
Converse Converse
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4
Shopbop
P448 Star Sneakers
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3
Zappos
Sanctuary Sanctuary
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2
Zappos
Sanctuary Sanctuary
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3
Zappos
Converse Converse
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4
Zappos
Vans Vans
$75.00
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3
Zappos
Ecco ECCO
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2
Zappos
UGG UGG
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6
Zappos
Converse Converse
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2
Zappos
Sanctuary Sanctuary
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2
Zappos
Ecco ECCO
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10

The comfort of regular low-top athletic and fashion sneakers is addictive, and thankfully, today’s fashion has made them very versatile. As a result, I’m wearing non-athletic sneakers almost exclusively these days. But low-tops are not sufficiently insulating in cold weather. Low-top sneakers are okay, up to a point, when my ankles are covered by full-length pants or jeans with knee-highs. But what I really need is a pair of cold-weather ankle-covering casual boots that are as comfortable as my regular sneakers. I find exactly that in the right hi-top sneaker.

Five years ago I bought my first pair of leather, fleece lined hi-top Converse sneakers, and haven’t looked back. I find the leather versions especially comfortable, and the furry inners extremely warm. I successfully made them fit my low-volume feet with a few sets of insoles. They work really well in our wet and cold Seattle weather, and to my eye, their iconic urban design looks good with everything. I wear them with straight and flared jeans silhouettes, dressy checked and velvet pants, pantsuits, and wide crops. I also wear them with a few cold-weather midi dresses and skirts but add hosiery for warmth.

Over the years I’ve added more pairs of hi-tops to my footwear capsule because they have taken the place of casual boots. My current assortment is shown in the collection. They are essentials for my style and the most worn shoes in my wardrobe. They magically dress down my everyday dressy and smart casual attire. I keep them very clean so that they look polished with my outfits. It’s extra effort, but worth the crisp and neat appearance.

If I could magically wave my wand and create a blush pink, citron, red, and light blue pair that fit and felt just like the ones below, I would.

You may have many reasons to prefer regular casual booties over hi-tops. By all means, go with what works best for your style. But if you struggle to find anything as comfortable as the right sneaker, and need a warmer alternative to regular sneakers, the hi-top sneaker is one way to go. 

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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The Forgotten Denim Skirt

Denim skirts aren’t very popular with my clients and friends, although their teenage and young adult daughters like to wear tight denim mini skirts. Some of my clients prefer to wear denim shorts, jeans and cropped pants. Some enjoy wearing skirts in flowing light fabrics, but not in heavy denim. Some find denim skirts constricting and uncomfortable. Others find them unattractive, conservative, juvenile or too Western.

I like them. Denim skirts can be comfortable and breezy, and to my eye look elegant and fab. They have a vintage and modern retro integrity to them that is appealing. They needn’t be super short and tight if that’s not your thing. They can be knee-length, midi, maxi, A-line and flared. They can have asymmetrical hemlines, and incorporate a little stretch for comfort. They come in all sorts of blue denim washes, and white, blue, black, grey and olive too. They can have pocket, button, zipper, belt, godet inset, pintuck, ruffle, gathering, distressing, and paper-bag design detailing. The patchwork versions are having their mega trendy moment.

The weight of the denim can vary too. Denim can be as lightweight as chambray or as heavy as corduroy. The collection shows a wide assortment of denim skirts across a range of washes and silhouettes.

Nordstrom
Denim Skirt
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2
Eloquii
Denim Mini Skirt
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1
Zappos
BLANKNYC Blank NYC
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1
Mango
Midi Denim Skirt
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2
Talbots
Denim Skirt - White
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2
Mango
Midi Denim Skirt
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2
Gap
A-line Denim Midi Skirt
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4
Mango
Medium Denim Skirt
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2

Over the decades I’ve had many denim skirts in my wardrobe. I passed on a fun ‘80s acid wash denim midi skirt last year because it was a very narrow silhouette. Constricting pencil skirts no longer have a place in my style, but I do miss having a denim skirt. So I’m after a ‘70s A-line or flared midi silhouette with a little or a lot of swoosh, and have a few on order. As far as footwear goes, I’ll wear the skirt with crisp and clean fashion sneakers and hi-tops most of the time, and occasionally throw in tall and short boots, and maybe loafers and ballet flats too.

Over to you. Do you wear denim skirts?

Spotlight: Alice Alexander by Mary Alice Duff

Mary Alice DuffAlice Alexander is a clothing line that was founded by Mary Alice Duff, who designs the label and runs the company. Duff started sewing her own clothes after being enormously frustrated with retail’s lack of a high-quality, ethically-made, and size-inclusive clothing assortment. Her hobby and passion grew into a business. Her mission is to “radically change the fashion industry to one that is inclusive of ALL BODIES and is respectful of people and planet.”

Duff is committed to sustainable and ethical garment manufacture through her vertically integrated company that operates out of Philadelphia with a small team of three other people. Items are designed, patterns are made, and clothing is cut and sewn under one roof instead of outsourcing the services elsewhere. They make their items here in the US on a made-to-order basis to keep production slow and their carbon footprint low. With no inventory on hand, there is no overproduction, and no costly and environmentally damaging garment waste. You can read in more detail how the label achieves sustainability.

Working in this manner allows the label to create sustainable and ethical high-quality clothing for women of every size and shape. As a result, sizes run from US0 to 30, or XS to 4XL, and are available in petite, regular and tall. YES, garments can be made to exact size and measurement requests too. Each made-to-order piece must allow 4-6 weeks for delivery in order to keep things sustainable.

It’s very comforting to know that these types of garment manufacturers are emerging. The assortment is small and exclusive because that’s the point. Designs look timeless, versatile, flattering, a good fit, and the quality jumps off my computer screen. The descriptions and photos of the items are very detailed, and include the hidden features of the garments that you might miss at first glance. Like the immaculately constructed hidden phone pocket inside the lining of the Patti Moto (the last photo below.)

Alice Alexander The Bessie Adventure Jacket in Ivory

Alice Alexander Gloria Culotte in Hands Print

Alice Alexander Ina Shirtdress in Hands Print

Alice Alexander The Rosie Jumpsuit

Alice Alexander The Patti Moto

The price of this approach is that you are not spoiled with item choice, fast delivery, or budget price points. Although items are tailor-made to fit, the seasonal assortment has to tickle your fancy in the first place. Items are fairly pricey compared to what you can get from less sustainable retailers, making them unaffordable to some. I’m also not sure whether you can return and exchange things, which we are extremely used to doing with other retailers. Such are the trade-offs and compromises of creating a sustainable and ethical wardrobe that suits our needs and budget.

If you like the goods, can afford them, and are patient with delivery Alice Alexander can help you make a more sustainable and ethical wardrobe choice that will fit your body type. If you end up purchasing fewer and better items over time that you keep for longer and wear more frequently, then the label has also helped you become a more sustainable and ethical shopper.