Plus Size 24+ Vintage/Previously Owned Clothing

Plus Size Vintage

                                             Plus Size Vintage

I know you know I love “vintage”. There is not much of it in a Size 24+, and I suspect the term used clothing would be more appropriate than vintage. Please click on the links underneath each photo, above, for more information.

But I love it just the same, and there are some good deals out there if you are willing to shop.

So I thought I would go on a hunt to see what I can find in my size (I can usually wear a UK Size 28, to compare my measurements to yours, click HERE) and here are my results.

And of course my list of the FatToo Groups and other plus size clothing groups on Facebook can be found HERE, with a special shout out to FatToo Grand Size 28+. The FatToo groups are not intended to make money for the creators of the group or the sellers, it is not a commercial venture. It is just a way to share clothing that is no longer working for the seller. There are rules, and I suggest you read them before you buy or sell anything.

I would love to hear from you if you have suggestions to add to my list.

I expect that there will be additions as I go along, so check back now and again and see if I have added anything.

Peace…affinity

Yours Clothing Onesie Giveaway – US Size 32 – 34

Yoursclothing onsieHappy New Year, and to start the year off right, we have a Onesie Giveaway for you.

Yours Clothing sent me the most fabulous Red Star Onesies.  They want you to know that they are now carrying up to a US Size 34.  They sent me a US Size 28-30 (See the photo) for me to try on and review. It is very generous on me. They also sent me a US Size 32-34 (one size larger than the size I am wearing) to GIVE AWAY TO YOU.

I love my onesie. It is a soft, not too heavy, fleece and it just feels snuggly to wear. It seems like I could wear a smaller size, BUT, in order to get it on and off comfortably I think it is better to wear it a little larger. The sleeves are a great length for me, it is very cheery, and I look forward to nestling in my bed in it all winter long.

To compare my measurements to yours, and see how the US Size 28-30 fits me, click HERE.

Here is the link to their US Size 34 fashion
Here is a link to their US SIze 34 nightwear

Here are the rules:

    • You must have a U.S. mailing address.
    • No purchase necessary
    • The winner chosen at random by the giveaway software Rafflecopter, with one entry for each point
    • This giveaway is sponsored by Yours Clothing
    • Giveaway ends Monday, January 6th at Midnight, Pacific Time, 2014

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!!

Peace…affinity

MYNT 1792 Plus Size 4x Jacket

I had wanted to try something from MYNT 1792 for awhile but I had been concerned about whether anything would fit because their size chart makes it pretty clear that a size 4X is a size 26 and I am really more of a size 26 -28. BUT because of Gwynnie Bee, I was able to give it a try. I loved the jacket, it looks great unzipped.

MYNT 1792 Moto Jacket zippedBut as you can see, zipped up it was a tiny bit little snug. But, I would love to try something else from MYNT 1792 that is not quite so form fitting, I think it might just work.

To compare my measurements to yours, to see if this jacket might fit you, click HERE.

PEACE…affinity

Review Plus Size Pleather Skater Skirt – Asos Curve – New Look

IMG_0906You know how sometimes you have something hanging around that somehow you never get to.  Well, I have this photo in this fun pleather skirt. I never posted because I bought the skirt in the photo above on a Facebook Thrift Store and I did not have anyplace to send you to buy one. But now I do and I love this fun, funky look.

asos curve new look pleatherThis skirt in the photo is not the skirt I am wearing in my photo.  This skirt from Asos Curve, is much shorter than the skirt I am wearing in my photo. It comes to a US Size 24 and and the brand is New Look from Asos Curve. I have a very large waist and generally wear a size 28 and sometimes a 30 in a tight jean. I just bought a similar skirt in a different material but this brand and US size 24 and because of the elastic waist it fits just fine, BUT it is short, so it is a leggings sort of skirt. The description of the skirt on the Asos Curve web site does not indicate how long it is.

Black Sheer Striped Top: Cult of California, Size 5X – runs a little small
Tshirt: avenue Size 26-28  – To a size 30-32 and runs true to size.
Skirt: Asos Curve US Size 24  – see above for size information – This is not the skirt I am wearing in my photo.
Belt: Custom – Ebay
Leggings: Torrid – footless, Size 2.  Torrid Size 3/4X are too small for me but the footless version seems to run larger.
Boots: avenue, Size 9.5, for more information click here.

Peace…affinity

Review of Black Maxi Dress from Yours Clothing

black maxi YC  LGYours Clothing sent me a black maxi dress that is a wear anywhere dress. This dress is a UK size 30-32 or a US size 26-28, I a quite sure a US size 30-32 could wear it. It is a light stretch jersey, very easy to wear, the armholes run fairly large and since I am 5″5″ tall, I had to shorten it a little. It could be worn anywhere, lunch, dinner, a kids birthday party, or even the opera, but in that case I think it could use some long gloves to dress it up a little.  I am wearing my husband’s grandfather’s watch as jewelry and Torrid bracelets as usual, and my Size 10 Lane Bryant flats.

maxi midriff for detail  LGThe dress has a lovely twisted front detail which give it a little extra shape, and there is a tie in the back so you can pull it in or let it out at the waist as needed.  It is an elegant and comfy dress, and we know those are difficult to find.

Peace…affinity

Styling a Plus Size Maxi Dress or the DIY Plus Size Statement Necklace

Affinity & April     Photo: James Saint James Pell

Affinity & April Photo: James Saint James Pell

On Saturday night my friends hosted a table at the Crucible’s Fire & Light Soiree and Art Auction and were sweet enough to include me. As you can see, I dressed up a black dress with a fascinator I purchased in a little shop down the street and a lot of jewelry that I  upcycled.

photo: Ed Jay

photo: Ed Jay

Our friend, Dennis Bartels, the Executive Director of the Exploratorium, was being honored for his enthusiastic support of the art community so I wanted to dress up, and I knew it was an opportunity to be a little over the top since it is a pretty arty crowd.

photo: Ed Jay

photo: Ed Jay

I love this photo of Suzi Bartels and I, it was so fun to spend a little time with her.

maxi dress YC  LGYours Clothing sent me the black maxi dress.  It is a UK size 30-32 or a US size 26-28 and I am quite sure a US size 30-32 could wear it. It is a light jersey, very easy to wear, the armholes run fairly large and since I am 5″5″ tall, I had to shorten it a little. It is difficult to see but there is a twisted front that is a nice detail in the torso area.  It was a great piece to accessorize and I loved that I was so comfortable and I thought the dress looked very elegant.

photo: Leori Gill

photo: Leori Gill

I think I am going to "silver leaf: this before I wear it again.  photo: Leori Gill

I think I am going to “silver leaf: this before I wear it again. photo: Leori Gill

photo: Leori Gill

photo: Leori Gill

Here are the close ups of the jewelry, mostly made from vintage or thrift store finds (on Etsy) or left-overs in my jewelry box. A tutorial to come, I promise.

It was a fabulous fun filled evening and I loved being a little outrageous in my style, and have a vision for making the look a little more who I am.

Peace…affinity

Plus Size “Swim Suits for All” to a Size 34

swimsuits for all size 34   pg 1swimsuits for all size 34 pg 2Stylish Curves had a post about Swimsuits For All the other day, and since I am about to take a Water Pilates class I thought I should check it out, and of course I am always interested in whether they have any sizes larger than a size 24.  A couple of the models in their cover photo are plus size, which made me very happy. Guess what, those suits in the photos above are their suits that go to a size 34. That is amazing.  I would love to hear from any of you who buy one, how fits, whether it is well made, etc. Now of course I think they should have at least one version that does not have shorts or a swim skirt, but that is just me.

swimsuits for all  size 26  affatshionistaIn fact, I see the size 26 one piece suit above in my future if water pilates works for me and I need a second suit. It is a little pricey at $76, but I am still wearing my last suit from many years ago, although I do not swim that often. Interesting, I just clicked to get additional information and the suit only comes to a 24, and it only offers the size chart to a size 24, so it does not look like the size 26 information is correct.  Ooops. Be sure to check out the size chart, it seems to run somewhat small to me… But, I especially like that the site lets me sort by size, since I am not really interested in what they have in a size I cannot fit into.

Swimsuit season is on it’s way so let me know what you are loving out there.   Here is my Torrid post on the subject, thanks to my FatToo Anonymous friends.

Peace…affinity

Plus Size Tights, Leggings & Jeggings – Size 4X +

One of my fashion role models is my friend and fashion designer, Amber Clisura.  She did not wear pants in 2011 as evidenced by her blog No Pants.  We will be hearing from her soon, she just started a clothing line, Salt Clothing, and is showing her first Spring Line in a couple of weeks. She loves tights and wears them often, and she taught me how fun and useful tights are.

I am a pretty standard size 26 -28 or size 4X, I weigh 275 lbs. and I am 5’5″. In addition, my ankles are 9 1/2″, my calves 18 1/2″, my thighs are 27″, my hips 59″ and my waist is 54 1/2″.

So here is a little round-up of what has worked, what has not, and what I am excited to try next:

The Best So Far:

10/9/2016:
Sock Dreams Tights: This just in, I am hearing great things about these Sock Dreams tights in an Extra Plus Size, and come in both 180 denier and 20 denier (thickness of the fabric),

We Love Colors Plus Sized Tights: They carry a variety of plus size tights and leggings, use the charts carefully.I find them pretty true to size with maybe a 25 lb. margin.

We Love Colors striped tights in both the black striped tights and the white striped tight are “one size fits all” plus size tights, and the chart is below.  These tights just fit me, and I love them.

we love color plus sized one size tights chart

May 2014 Update: We Love Color is no longer carrying striped tights. I am heartbroken.
We Love color

Update: April 2013:  I just tried the plus size fishnets and the “one size” 1x – 3x fit perfectly, but I think I am at the top of their range, the size chart says hips to 48 inches, but they are also not very long. Update: May 2013: I just wore the fishnets for the second time today and they looked great when I put them on, and pulled easily above my waist, but within an hour they were falling down and since I was wearing a fairly short dress over them it was concerning.  I will probably not buy them again but will stick to striped and solid color tights.

On the other hand We Love Colors has a solid color tight that runs up to 375 lbs., (and maybe even a little higher).  I think they are the go-to tight if you are looking for an amazing range of colors, and I love that they last a long time.

we love color plus size tights chart

Sealed With A Kiss: They have a “One Size” legging that fits me perfectly.  I have a 54-55′ waist and I love how good they feel. Just a plain black, stretchy, footless, ankle length, legging that feels good and is wearing well.  This is my everyday, throw them on and go sort of legging.

            Size  
Length
Waist
Hips
Inseam
One Size 1X-4X 35 28-52 32-60 22.5

Torrid:

torrid footliss lights sz 2I love Torrid but their have been hit and miss for me.  I cannot wear Torrid Size 3/4, too small.  BUT their footless tights are great on me. I wear a 2 but often the 1 might be better, but might wear out sooner.  But I hate baggy tights.

Lane Bryant:

LB sz 26Lane Bryant tights tend to run large.  I purchased these Size 26-28 because I loved the studs, but they were way too large, and I have a similar pair that is equally baggy,  I am tugging on them in the photo so they will not look too baggy.  I am going to wear them at an event in a couple of weeks and I will have to take them in.

Roaman’s: .

Screen Shot 2013-03-22 at 7.11.36 AMI ordered a size 4X leggings from Roaman’s.  I did not review their size chart, I did not look at any notes I might have had about sizing for Roaman’s.  But guess what, Roaman’s runs VERY large.  According to their size chart a 4X is equal to a 34-36, not a 26-28, which is what I usually wear.  Good to know! I have this in this capri tight as well as a lace banded capri tight and they both run very large, I look best in a size 1X.

Roaman’s also carries a range of metallic leggings, up to a size 5X. I cannot really recommend metallic leggings in any brand.  No matter what size you get they bunch at the knee and the ankle immediately, and I think the bunching looks worse than in other colors.

Screen Shot 2013-03-22 at 6.41.05 AMCult of California: These are my favorite tights, I wore them recently to a Mad Max sort of party and I wear them with black boots or flats, often.  The back is not mesh so they are comfortable and the Size 4X fits me perfectly, and they come to a size 5X.  The are pricey, but I love them so, they were my splurge last year.

My Dissappointments:

Berkshire Queen: Silky Sheer Size 5X – 6x, I can just get them on but it is very difficult

Sealed With a Kiss Jeggings: 4X, I cannot get them on, and I am heartbroken.

Excited to Try Soon:

Curvissa:  Curvissa, a plus size brand in the UK, has a great range of clothing including a selection of cool and casual leggings.  They invited me to have a look at their tights and jeggings and I see several pair I want to try.

Screen Shot 2013-03-22 at 7.39.11 AMThese Fair Isle Print Leggings are my favorite and they come to a UK Size 32 which would be a US Size 30 or a Size 28 at the smallest.  I love them, they are right on trend with the tribal stripes and would look great with a sundress, and there is also an Aztec version.  I also like the lace trim on these.  If I get a chance to try them I will let you know how they fit.

Chubby Cartwheels Leggings:

chubby cartwheelsI have always wanted to try her leggings. I love the lace and these polka dots are precious and of course I love that her leggings come to a US size 32.  I will let you know if I try a pair.

I would love to hear from you if you find other plus size leggings that fit a Size 4X or higher. The more we share information, the more options we will have and the more the retailers will know what we want and need.  Sounds like a win-win for all of us.

Peace…affinity

UPDATE 3/23/2013:

A couple of Affatshionista’s readers, first Tristy, made some useful comments on Facebook that I have  added to make this a more complete discussion.  I REALLY appreciate it, I love learning from all of you.  She begins by outing my legs as smallish so in my description above I have included my measurements.

Per Tristy  “I have BIG legs and it makes a huge difference in finding tights and leggings. So I’m looking for any blog reviews of Size 4X+ leggings/tights for the big-legged ladies, in case any of you know of some. And what works for my big legs you (didn’t) ask? We Love Colors tights (only the spandex ones), Re/Dress Online‘s Teggings, and Domino Dollhouse‘s leggings fit my big legs great. Torrid, Lane Bryant, Avenue, Roman’s – not at all. I am LIVING for the CULT of California’s Rapture Leggings, so I might just have to give those a try. Did you find that they had a lot of stretch?” (My response, “The Cult of California legging are pretty true to size, not a lot of stretch)”

(Tristy responds) “It sounds like you and I have somewhat opposite bottom halves  I find with this kind of stuff, it’s REALLY helpful to know actual measurements of the person reviewing – my thighs are 33″ around and my calves are 21″ – Hips & tummy are 58″ – so that gives everyone an idea of where I’m coming from  – the reason the brands I listed that don’t work for me, don’t work, is because of my legs. Roman’s goes up to really nice, big sizes, but they only give you more in the waist and not in the legs, so I can barely squeeze my legs in them, but am swimming in the waist area.”

Per Amber,  “I’m with Tristy. I’m big all over, and I’ve got tree trunk legs. My calves are 27 inches at the widest point. (I love them, don’t get me wrong, but dressing them is difficult!) But, I left a comment on your post about tights that worked great for me!”  (That comment is incorporated here)  “When it comes to tights, I recommend these from One Stop Shop. They tend to run on the smaller side, I’d size up a size or two, and they seem to have gotten rid of the 8x, which is what fits my 5’7/430lb body. But that means they will fit anyone smaller than I am.”

THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR INFORMATION.  I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM MORE OF YOU…affinity

eShakti Clothing – A Plus Size Review

Cat Oake

Cat Oake

Cat Oake

Cat Oake

Cat Oake

Cat Oake

I have been watching eShakti for awhile.  It is everywhere in my Facebook Groups. I am thrilled, these buyers had posted their candid photos (I love that they take their own photos with their phones)  and they are willing to let me share them.  Because of that you will be able to see the range of clothing that eShakti sells, and they look fabulous.  And then, fellow blogger XXELLE put up a coupon code up for eShakti that is good until March 10th, (those details are at the end of this post) so I knew it was time to review eShakti.

eShakti carries sizes 0 – 36, they offer customization, they do not keep any clothing in stock, they cut to order and their clothing is made in India.  You have two choices, you can order clothing according to their sizing chart, and then have minor customization, or you can order custom sizing specifying all of your measurements. Customization is just $7.50 for both custom sizing and custom styling, and it is free with your first order.

I had never ordered anything from them because my personal experience with custom made clothing has not been very good, I tend to buy online and then have my clothes tailored.  But I ordered a dress last week, completely custom and we will see how it goes when it arrives in several weeks.

Per Cat Oake recently:

I had been buying items from eShakti and adding several inches to the bust and waist as well as saying I was 5’11” tall when I’m actually only 5’5″. Well, things were coming larger and larger. I think they have been finally figuring out that they need to add extra ease to the garments for fat people.

Anyway, I recently changed my ordered measurements to be just an inch larger in bust and waist and VOILA! Perfect fits in the last two garments that arrived. No need fix ’em with the sewing machine or just live with the extra volume.

In addition, I loooove the fabric in the dress shown. It’s a eyelet using silver threads. (That is the dress at the top). You can only customize using the options on the customize tab with eShakti and fabric is everything, when you buy their more expensive pieces the fabric is better and they look better.

Madelyn McWilliams

Madelyn McWilliams

Madelyn McWilliams said:

I pretty much ordered a size larger than I usually wear.  I usually wear a size 26 (22/24 top and 26 bottom) but I got a 28. The way it’s cut at the top i could use a little more room but it’s not bad.

Here are some more photos of other fabulous women wearing eShakti:

Aimie Thomas

Aimie Thomas

Katie Bot

Katie Bot

Cardigan: Annex Woman
Dress: eShakti
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes:: Payless
Necklace: My grandmother’s

AnnMarie Elle

AnnMarie Elle

Cardi: Old Navy
Top: eShakti
Jeans: One Stop Plus
Headband: Sephora

Good luck to all of you if you make any purchases.  Consistently I saw the suggestion to buy a larger size than you usually wear and to add some inches to your height, the clothing tends to run short.  Thanks to everyone on FatToo Anonymous that was willing to share their photos with you and me. They look fabulous don’t they!
Peace…affinity

VOL•UP•2 • A Plus Size Fashion Magazine

Screen Shot 2013-02-28 at 9.08.57 AMThis morning I woke up to a note from Velvet d’amour, the first super size fashion model and now the publisher of VOL•UP•2, a French Fashion Magazine, asking that I share their magazine if I liked it (no compensation involved).  This is what they have to say about it:

Created by supermodel Velvet d’Amour, the first supersize-plus model to infiltrate the elite world of Parisian couture,encourages readers to revel in their every “imperfection” and celebrate their bodies in their glorious entirety. Born out of Ms. d’Amour’s work to expand society’s limited notion of beauty by building awareness about women of every size and shape, the magazine is a visual celebration of full-figured beauty, combined with a self-affirming message of inspiration.

I loved looking at it, it provides an editorial look at plus sizes, which I love and is worth it just for the beauty and all that voluptuousness. AND, I will support it by buying it online each month because if we want plus size clothing to flourish then we have to support the accoutrements that will make plus size clothing legitimate, like fashion magazines.

Peace…affinity