WIW and a shopping find - YouLookFab Forum

So armed with information on fit and fabric, I went shopping today for another topper. The first picture is what I wore to the mall. (Top and short from Reitman's) In the second set of pictures I'm modelling what found at The Bay. What a great sale they're having! This is a Lord and Taylor piece. I love the hi/low hem. Puts me in mind of men's coats in the late 18th Century.

I slipped on my Keene's and hubs and I took the dog for a walk. I haven't looked so good dog walking in...well...ever!

Unfortunately, I let myself get all depressed and down while in the mall. I wandered into Zaras since you've mentioned it here and, oh, such pretty things. Nothing even close to my size. Then I braved Banana Republic and discovered the same thing. And Sears! Even though they do have a plus department, they had nothing!

Thank goodness for The Bay. I tried on a Shirt Dress in hot pink and it was just awful on me! It literally looked like a long night shirt. Not my silhouette.

So that leads me to my all important question--fellow plus size Canadians--where do we shop? (PS. I am in Alberta.)

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11 years ago

abc

Veteran

Doesn't it feel good to feel good? I went through a similar phase where I discovered it feels so much better to dress the body I'm in and looking good leads to feeling good. So kudos for your dog walking ensemble

As for sources mine are in the USA so let's see what your fellow Canadians have to say.

Good luck!

Dee

The new cardigan looks great, and I like the print on your top. I'm also in Alberta, and I think my plus-size friends often liked the Bay and AdditionElle. Can't remember anywhere else offhand, sorry! And Zara is lovely, but only fits a very small range of sizes/body types, sigh.

Ledonna N.

I totally agree wit abc, I only shop those store for accessories and avert my eyes to everything else. I love me and some of those stores do not want or need my money.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Yes, in some ways I am so surprised that there isn't a bigger market for our demographic. If the numbers are right--that 30% of the population is "plus" -- then why are retailers ignoring us (and our money?)
Oh and I double checked--the cardigan is by INC, not whatever I'd said, lol.

I was in the GAP downtown Chicago. I work downtown and a friend had a pair of jeans that I liked. I wanted to try them on. Hmmmmmm, it was like a dogon bad scene from that movie the first Wife's Club. I asked to see a certain size and pair and the young lady was not trying to be mean but. Was told that we only carry up to a size 12 but, we have a plus,or extended size on line.

Well ok, good for on-line. I need to try on my clothing. I am not ashamed of my body an nor should I be or anyone else for that matter. You know what I did I walked a little further down Michigan Ave. and found of all things a Forever 21 with some decent even great looking pieces in extended sizes. The have even gotten better over the years.

Oh and I'm 2x away from being 21.

Mander

Yeah, plus size retailers generally kinda suck. I don't get it. I've heard all kinds of explanations why there are so few options (e.g. it costs too much to make the patterns, fabric is too expensive, not enough people buy them, yadda yadda yadda) but most of them just seem like excuses. The explanation that rings truest to me is that designers and brands don't want their name associated with a bunch of fatties.

Which doesn't help you at all, sorry! Do they have Ross in Canada? It's a discount chain but somehow they always seem to have the best and most interesting plus-size selection.

jackiec

YLF!!! I was in the Bay briefly yesterday too, and I agree - what a fantastic sale! I didn't have time to poke around too much b/c I was doing some returns. Don't let the shopping get you down. It's not you, its the store. Crazy crazy sizings for sure.

Ladywone--you are brave--the music in 21 makes my ears hurt!
Mander--they do sound like excuses. There is no Ross, here, but there are three chains: Pennington's, Reitman's, and Addition-elle which all have plus sizes but each one is for a different age group. All are divisions of the same company under the control of the Rietman family, though.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

This is a smashing outfit. I love it with the topper, and without the topper. Flattering, feminine and current. Good job leaving off the Keens because these sandals look a whole lot more elegant and refined. Rock on, Alana. xo

Janet

I love the pattern in the top, and those shorts are a great length on you (one of my favorite lengths to wear as well!). I tell you, I don't look anywhere near that good when I take the dogs for a walk!

P.S. Don't feel bad about Zara. They have great designs but are notorious for cutting their garments small. I'm almost sized out of things there myself. I'm sure some of our fab Canadian ladies will direct you to some great places to shop.

Debora

I love your new jacket, Alana! I agree with Angie, both versions of your outfit are great. You look fab!

So Keenes aren't part of the sporty lux capsule? (wink!) I amaware the Keene's are not the most stylish of footwear--but super comfy after mall walking or wearing steel toed safety rated footwear for hours and hours.
Thank you Angie! It is kind of you to comment. It makes me tingly all over.
Thanks, Janet! I appreciate the commiseration.

Suz

You look terrific! The pattern of that top is super flattering on you. And I really like the length of the shorts.

It's really tough to find good shopping for plus sizes. I absolutely sympathize about that.

The Bay is great, Additionelle, and depending on your style preferences, you also might want to try a brand called Sympli. They are available in different boutiques and you might even be able to order online. The clothes are easy to move in and pack, and they can go from basic to quite arty in style -- reminiscent of Eileen Fisher and some Israeli designers.

Another brand that has plus sizes is Laura. They are more modern classic.

Thank you Suz! Off to browse.

lyn*

I think we need a YLF Alberta get-together!

I don't have any suggestions for plus size, unfortunately. Zara fits really small though, sometimes I come out empty handed because nothing fits. BAH for them. The online selection is better, I find.

Oh yeah, I like Laura, but none of the stuff fits me because they're too big. I also like some of the classic stuff that Talbots has too, but also too big for me. I don't know if they're a true plus size though I think Transcona Shannon likes Cleo.

Anonymous

Ricki's might be a good choice too, or Cleo.

Reitmans carry plus as do Winners, and Old Navy

Windchime

Beautiful shirt and fab new topper! Your dog is lucky to have such a stylish owner.
I share your feelings of frustration, only as regards trying to find tall lengths. It is possible; it just takes time and determination

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