I love to shop, but only alone. It’s rare that I like shopping with people, as I’m a get in and get it done person, not a browser. I think that’s why online shopping works for me. How good is shopping online?
Recently I’ve had a few emails asking where I like to shop, and where others can find curvy girl clothing – so I’ve put this post together {sorry about the wait ladies!}.
Above are a few things I’ve purchased recently. I’m waiting on the yellow Saltwater Sandals to arrive, as well as the belt. And the dresses I have in my wardrobe now. The weather here is vastly different to in Sydney. I’m already wearing clothes that I’d wear in the heat of Summer, so I’m quietly scared about how I’ll cope in the hotter weather. {The Saltwater Sandals are from Me & My Feet, belt is from ASOS, Black & White maxi from City Chic, Shirt dress from Target.com and Blue dress from City Chic – on sale right now}.
My favourite places to shop are:
Best & Less*
When I was a kid I think most of my clothes came from this store, and it’s only this month {20-something years later} that I’ve rediscovered it. They have a plus-size range called Lily & Lou that I am loving. Last week I picked up a great dress and maxi skirt for just $4.98 each. They also have great coloured jeans too. They don’t have an online store, but they do have a site where you can view their catalogue. See it here.
Virtu
This is an Australian shop that is both online and as a walk-in store. It stocks great basics and on-trend pieces too. I was recently sent some exercise gear from Virtu and the quality is beautiful. I also tried on some of the striped maxis recently and loved them, but alas the budget didn’t allow. Visit Virtu online here.
TS14+
TS14+ is a sister store to Virtu and is filled with clothes perfect for layering. I haven’t managed to pull of any of their pieces, but Dani does it really well. I do have a pair of their shoes that I really love – they’re a low wedge with elastic straps that look and feel good. So keep an eye out for their shoes {these would be cute, minus the flower for me}. Visit TS14+ here.
ASOS.com*
Come to mama. I love ASOS. The quality is sometimes a little questionable, as is the fit, but they always have on-trend pieces at mostly reasonable prices. I think what I love most is that shipping is really quick and FREE and I can get a cool piece each season that I’ll love. Visit ASOS.com here.
City Chic
Available online and in store this was the first plus-size store I ever came across. The pieces are good quality, but are more on the expensive side {expect around $120 for a dress – but watch out for their sales}. I like their underwear, skinny jeans and dresses {particularly the maxi dresses}. Visit City Chic online here.
Target.com*
I’ve never really found anything I’ve loved at Target in Australia in the plus-size section {although I do rate their shoes} but I recently stumbled across Target.com, the US site. They have lots of cute items for reasonable prices, although a mail forwarding company will need to be used for postage {see below for details}. Visit Target.com here.
Simplybe.com*
This is a great find that I came across last year, but only purchased from this year. They have US and UK versions of their site are filled with trendy clothing that you can sort by size. I bought this beach cover-up before going on the Queensland trip this year. I love it because most cover-ups are a little short, and this covers everything, and is a beautiful colour too. They’re dresses are great lengths and they have so much on offer with lots of cool colours to choose from. You’ll need to use a mail forwarding company if you’re not in the States or UK {details below}. Visit Simplybe.com here.
Nordstrom*
This store is one that I shop at when I’m feeling indulgent, so mostly it’s window shopping and never actually checking out. Their plus-size section has some great brands with quality pieces. My tip is to see what you like, and then search eBay for the brand and see if you can get it cheaper. Visit Nordstrom here.
Kiyonna
A little on the expensive side for my liking, Kiyonna has a beautiful range of dresses for special occasions. I purchased a dress last year for a wedding and I definitely got value from the amount of wears I got from it. Another I purchased just doesn’t flatter me and I’ve only worn once. I also have this one. Visit Kiyonna here.
Eliza Parker
If you like dresses, Eliza Parker is one store you might like to look at. The skirts of many of their dresses are full and very feminine. I’ve found the quality is some of the best I’ve come across too. Visit Eliza Parker here.
eShakti*
It feels luxurious to shop at eShakti. You can customise any of their pieces – so if you want a dress you can change the length, the straps etc to suit your needs and measurements. You’ll need to use a mail-forwarding service if you’re not in the States. Visit eShakti online here.
Evans*
Evans once did a line with Beth Ditto that was really fab. I picked up a cute cardigan. I wish they’d work with her again. I’ve also seen bloggers wear beautiful jeans by them, but haven’t snapped a pair for myself yet. Visit Evans here.
17Sundays
I can attest for their quality just yet but I am awaiting a top to arrive that I bought this week on sale. Their pieces are quite cool and fashion-forward. If you shop on Mamamia Shopping you can get their pieces with free shipping. Visit 17Sundays here.
Embody Denim
These are my all time favourite jeans. I have a few pairs and they’re really impressive. I can happily say that I didn’t pay full price, but searched on eBay where Embody sometimes sells off their seconds. Visit Embody Denim here.
GAP.com*
Good for basics, particularly sweaters/jumpers and singlets I’ve always wanted to shop here since I was a kid, because it was in the movies I watched. It was great for maternity wear when I was pregnant too {search on eBay for brand new items}. Visit GAP here.
Old Navy*
Similar to GAP, Old Navy is great for basics, but these are much cheaper prices. I’ve picked up dresses, longer singlets for layering, as well as swimwear. They kids gear is cute too. Visit Old Navy here.
Forever 21*
If I could move any shop over here to Australia, this would be it. I loved it both times that I visited the USA. The second time I was with my friend Sarah and we went a little crazy {we didn’t purchase that much but we were PRETTY excited!}. I’ve found the quality to be spot on and the accessories are super cheap. Visit Forever21 here.
We Love Colors*
I wish this was around when I was in high school. Stockings and tights were never long enough, or dark enough {sheer = ugh}. We Love Colours has every colour of the rainbow at reasonable prices. I’ve only tried the black, and they wash really, really well. Visit We Love Colors here.
Other stores to try:
Ezibuy
Crossroads
Autograph
SWAK designs
Dorothy Perkins
New Look
Next
Lane Bryant
Svoboda
Dream Diva
Shoes:
Duo Boots {boots for those curvier girls. Try and buy at the end of the UK’s winter when prices are on sale}
Me & My Feet {the cheapest Saltwater Sandals I’ve found online at only $34.95}
Wittner {being a size 11 I can rarely get shoes in my size, but here I can}
eBay {I love to search for Steve Madden and Aerosoles, among others for bargains}
Mail Forwarding: Hop Shop Go
This is the only mail forwarding company I’ve used and I rate it pretty highly for purchases in the States. It’s run through PayPal so you don’t have to remember any passwords or usernames. Basically it creates a US address for you, so you get items sent there and when the packages arrive they’ll let you know and they’ll then send them on to you. I wouldn’t use them for just one item because it’s a minimum postage amount of around $35, so make sure you’re buying a few things at once. Visit Hop Shop Go here.
An * indicates that the store stocks non-plus size too.
If for some reason the links don’t work {I think many of them are adding my location to the URL} just google them and make your way that way.
Oh dear! My bank balance will be sending you hate mail!
Ha. I’ve had to tone it down since working for myself. I’m done now for a while. x
And I meant to add…….yay for size 11 feet!!. X
You too? Oh so hard at times, but yay for being in big feet company. 😛
I’d have to say that Nordstroms is a face of mine too!
This is a great list of online shops for curvy chicks. I have orders on the way from Virtu and Asos Curve. I’m a bit nervous about the Asos shirt now after your comment on quality.
Re City Chic, I have found their stuff to be way overpriced and the quality has been atrocious. I wonder if they have any quality control at all. Their vanity sizing is ridiculous too. A size 12 is like a 16! Worse than American sizing.
For jeans I found Embody just don’t have the movement that Not Your Daughter’s Jeans have. I am a massive fan of NYDJ. I bought two the first time I tried them on when I was a size 18/20. I now wear their 12/14 size jeans. The cut is all style and the quality is fabulous. They are high waisted so there’s no crazy crack or muffin top on display. I’ve bought them in boutiques in Sydney as well as online. They come in hundreds of cuts and colours. Awesomeness of the most high!
I wear a lot of Target and Kmart stuff I’ve bought in the store. Aussie Target is clearly better quality than Kmart, but you can get some great basics there. Both their plus size sections are questionable on style, but their ‘normal’ section goes up to size 18 which is good for me.
Funny you should mention Salt Water Sandals. I seriously need a pair of yellow shiny ones this summer. In Australia I can’t find them for cheaper than $85! I am assuming the site you’ve mentioned will ship here. Thanks for the link!
Chantelle! I had so much to do today! I am blaming you for keeping me glued to my computer for a bit. Now, where is my credit card….. xx
it is though you peaked into my internet browser history and put it in your post….I seem to have similar shopping tastes to you. 17 Sundays are amazing quality…..
OMG thanks for the tip on Hop Shop Go!! Now I can get that handbag out of the US that I’m in love with 🙂
New Look is a site I have just come across, it’s a uk company with a decent sized plus size range. You can get a bunch of things with postage to Australia for the cost of one of City Chic’s dresses. And I agree, the quality has gone down and the prices have gone up. I won’t buy anything full price from them anymore, after one or two washes and wears, the clothes are ruined
WHOA, me too, me too – thats what I kept saying reading this post! I only like shopping on my own, being a big girl, I know what I want, what I like and if its ok for me – I don’t want anyones opinion. Too bad if I get it wrong. I have just started the process of shedding the Mummy frump, and that involves new style – loving virtu at the mo. Thanks to bloggers, danimez, sugercoated and stylingyou I feel a new confidence in trying new styles. Thanks a bunch for such an awesome post!
I like many of the stores you have already listed!!!…you could be me!!! hehe
I also shop at an online shop called birdsnest…it has many many labels…some of them for bigger sizes. My faves…Threadz, Clarity by Threadz, Orientque to name a few!
LOVE this! I’m always looking for new places to shop and who would have thought of Best and Less!? LOVE that you’re not a clothing snob. BigW have some great basics, especially in their Emerson range and I love their summer wedges – inexpensive, cute and they LAST. I really can’t go past Country Road and Seed for the kids (esp on sale!) and I adore Cotton On and Topshop (though wish the latter was more widely available in Aus).
thanks for posting those links!! i agree with shopping on my own.. i hate when i have someone with me, especially when i want to just browse everything! my boyfriend says he doesnt mind coming into girly shops with me but he always follows me around awkwardly, LOL! ive been looking for a good mail forwarding service too, i shall check out hop shop go!
I’m waiting for my yellow saltwaters too. cant wait! I bought them last year for my kids and now I want a pair! love that site, so cheap compared to here.
If you can find “Not Your Daughter’s Jeans” anywhere, they are fabulous. Each season they bring out lots of different shapes and styles. Not cheap, but I live in my one pair. Well worth the investment.
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Very nice site!
Thankyou very much for this list, very helpful for us curvy girls.
We have a couture plus size line at Line at http://www.lisanelle.com and are always looking to expand our clientele. All of our western show clothing is made to last for many years to come.
Hello just letting you know that we have just opened a brand new online shop for the plus size, specializing in Kita ku designs, please feel free to browse: theuniqueyou.net
My bank hates this but my wardrobe loves it. ha
OK Im going to do a little self promotion, http://www.harlowstore.com australian made sizes 14-24, come by and take a look 🙂
My favourite dress is from your store. I need another 10 just like it. 🙂
I have worn both of mine multiple times this summer, so I plan on ensuring that silhouette is definitely a BIG part of next summers range, 🙂
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Hi ! Loved your list ! But i had a question i was looking for a nice swimsuit but i want to buy it from like a walk in store in Sydney ! Any suggestions would be much appreciated !
Thanks !
Hello there..not sure if this blog is still active. Just seeking some advice from you ladies here on where is the best place to go for nice fashionable plus size clothing in Sydney? I’ll be there this weekend and hope to do a little bit of shopping! Thanks in advance!
Hello! Sydney isn’t brilliant for plus-size shopping. Are you going to be in the City?
Try Myer, and particularly make your way to the 17 Sundays racks. Beautiful clothing. There are a few brands in Myer that are worth trying, just ask where the Plus Size clothing is, and someone will push you in the right direction. x