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Original poster

Plus size and dressing well

78 replies

MallowsMiaow · 23/09/2014 21:29

Recently I've been only buying cheap clothes that hide my body because of weight gain, and I've realised I need to stop this. I was refusing to buy better clothes as I was kidding myself that I would go back to being a size 8-10 again, but the truth is, I have quite severe health problems and (unless my health improves) I'm probably never going to be slim again. Or if I am, it's going to be a slow process.

Living for what might be has meant I've lost most of my 20's.

I don't want to wear baggy stuff as actually it doesn't appear to suit me. My measurements are 42-38-42, so not top or bottom heavy, but not quite curvy enough to be an hourglass figure either. Plus I adore vintage/rockabilly/goth fashions, so want a bit of glamour.

Anyone else up for sharing tips and support? Think it'd be good to have a few of us larger ladies encouraging each other to feel good about ourselves.

OP posts:
MicronesiaIsMyHome · 24/09/2014 14:53

Hi, similar sizing to me except I have a more generous chest. I felt like you but recently I have been reading some plus size blogs and using pinterest for inspiration. That and factoring in the actually I am not going to live in a tent for the rest of my life. Billowy clothes hide nothing and I am a still a size 18/20 whether I wear a sack of something which makes me feel good.
I'll back later with some links to blogs. (Got to do the school run now)

Original poster
MallowsMiaow · 24/09/2014 17:00

"Billowy clothes hide nothing and I am a still a size 18/20 whether I wear a sack or something which makes me feel good. "

That's a good way to look at it Grin

Have started reading a few plus size blogs, so would love some new suggestions!

OP posts:
VirtualPointyHat · 24/09/2014 17:02

hi ladies, I am a 26 and love nice clothes, unfortunately for DH!

My obsession at the moment are Estella dresses from Lady V London

Original poster
MallowsMiaow · 24/09/2014 17:15

Ooh have been admiring the Lady V dresses, curious about the quality.

Recently got a Lindy Bop dress which is lovely on :)

OP posts:
polyhymnia · 24/09/2014 17:34

Can't see why it's unfortunate for your DH that you like nice clothes, virtual. Do do I ( Size 22) and my DH has never discouraged me. I value his opinion in fact .

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 24/09/2014 17:47

I'm plus size. I go to simply be, Evans and new look and now and again ebay.

polyhymnia · 24/09/2014 17:51

The range of things you can get at Simply Be online is much wider than in their shops I think but must say when I looked on their London shop the other day was really disappointed at the quality of the fabric ( very polyester) and the garish colours. Not what I'd call ' nice clothes'. Those must be saved for the website.

polyhymnia · 24/09/2014 17:58

Do agree on billowy clothes, btw. Hate the ship in full sail look and always go for a bit of definition.
Much of my stuff is very carefully chosen Boden with very occasional M and S Autograph.

Wear NYDJ jeans - recommended.

Also have some very nice things from Marina Rinaldi ( Maxmara plus size), though I don't think the choice if stuff on their website does them justice.

Asos Curve are too short for me but quite often recommended on here.

And think getting the right bra is essential if you're big - mine are Prima Donna.

TimeForAnotherNameChange · 24/09/2014 18:03

I think virtual simply means she has expensive tastes!

INeedSomeHelp · 24/09/2014 18:03

I am a size 16 but struggle with high st shops as I just seem to be the wrong shape! I am fairly tall (5'7") with broad shoulders but relatively slim hips and bum. But apparently ridiculously huge calves!
I have been reading some blogs lately and came across a brand called JunaRose that I hadn't heard of before. Haven't tried them yet. Also just placed my first order with Pink Clove who have some nice looking things .

polyhymnia · 24/09/2014 18:09

Certainly strikes me most british stuff seems to be designed for pears. I have a big bust but am hourglass shape and, if you look, eg, at Boden measurements they seem to assume hips bigger than bust, and waist not 10'' smaller than bust and hips as mine is.

Also manufacturers often seem to struggle with idea you can be large and tall, as I am, so things are too short in body.

goodasitgets · 24/09/2014 18:12

Hi Smile
I have a lady v Estella dress and love it. I post a lot on Instagram if anyone else is on there?
Measurements are 46 - 35 - 45

bigmouthstrikesagain · 24/09/2014 18:33

I am tallish and 46-36-47 so fall between 18-20 in most shops currently. I agree you can dress very well and though it costs more *unfortunately) there are plenty of nice clothes out there.

I have posted on mn before about get cutie they have an online shop and a real shoo in Brighton. they specialise in vintage designs with modern sizing and mad fabrics. I have two beautiful dresses from there that fit beautifully without any stretchy panels or tiebacks. fabulous but not cheap.

I also like fat face and will spend an hour scouring tk maxx when I have the opportunity, a good bra and nice pants also help with feeling good WinkSmile and helps dh to see the need for pricier outfits

INeedSomeHelp · 24/09/2014 18:37

goodasitgets what is your Instagram name? I'm always looking for inspiration!

bigmouthstrikesagain · 24/09/2014 18:38

try again!

polyhymnia · 24/09/2014 19:16

Yay to hating tie backs - I would never buy anything which had them.

INeedSomeHelp · 24/09/2014 19:20

Me neither - I look pregnant in anything with a tie back!

VirtualPointyHat · 24/09/2014 19:27

poly - sorry badly explained - I meant more in the sense of oh god there is another parcel here for you :D

OP - I think the dresses are great quality, but not so impressed with the petticoats

I love asos curve, but am 6ft, so only the longer length stuff!

Totally agree about most stuff being made for pears, drives me insane. I cannot wear anything on the bottom half from Evans as no matter what size they look like clown pants.

If anyone knows a good source of size 22, 33 inch inside leg jeans I would be super grateful!

polyhymnia · 24/09/2014 19:30

NYDJ do them but, much as I like them, are quite ££.
My DH has also been heard to remark acidly on the number of parcels that arrive at our house.

polyhymnia · 24/09/2014 19:33

PS being tall and with slimmish legs I also have problem that jeans and trousers which are big enough for my waist and hips often have a ghastly baggy clown like look on the legs.
This doesn't happen with NYDJ skinnies though.

Tanaqui · 24/09/2014 19:34

Fuller figure fuller bust has a good blog but she is an hourglass

INeedSomeHelp · 24/09/2014 19:36

Not good news on Evans shaping for pears. I ordered a pair of jeans from there today but sounds like they might not fit over my sturdy calves!
I'm not sure what my shape is - inverted triangle?

goodasitgets · 24/09/2014 19:41

Instagram name is brighthair Smile

VirtualPointyHat · 24/09/2014 19:47

bloomin eck

i just looked up NYDJ on John Lewis! i normally buy jeans from the supermarket Shock