5 Stores That Have Extra Wide Calf Boots!

I get searches on this blog everyday about boots. We love boots. They are everywhere. Every plus size blogger is putting together their list of their favorites. So I went on the hunt for the widest calf boots I could find.

I did not have to go very far, Simply Be has 21 pairs of what they call “Extra Curvy Plus” Wide Calf Boots. I believe this boot is the widest calf boot they carry.

simply be width chartThat means for a Size 10 the calf width is 23 1/4 inches. I know it is difficult to consider ordering boots from England, in case you have to return them, but OMG, 23 1/4 inches. Be sure to check their sizing chart to make sure you order the best size for you, and I love their reviews. And to check out their version of the elastic panel boot, which might even fit a little larger, click HERE! Let’s just see if we can do any better than that?

Wide Widths carries 12 super plus wide calf boots. That means the calf width is 24 3/4 inches for a size 13WW, which seems about the same as the Simply Be boots above.

Avenue has always been my go-to for boots. They are reasonably priced and I can often go to a store and try them on, but I am more of an apple shape and my calves fit fine in their widest calf of 19 inches. But they also have a boot with a STRETCH CALF BACK PANEL that might increase the calf width a lot, check it out HERE. We will continue on the search.

Jessica London has nine Comforview Brand of wide calf boots. For the Size 10 boots their calf sizes are also 19 inches.

I often hear about DUO boots, and if you are looking for expensive, lovely boots they are great, but their size 10 calf size appears to be about 19 1/2 inches, which is fairly similar to Jessica London and Avenue above. (50 CM is about 19.685 inches)

Update from a reader about DUO:

Duo actually has multiple calf widths…I’m not sure what they are in inches because I’m too lazy to do math, but they come in 2-centimeter increments up to (I think) 50 cm? And I believe you can order whatever calf width you want in whatever size you want. The website says that the calf widths over 45 also have a little wider width in the foot. I bought a pair on clearance and they’re lovely. They were still more than I’ve ever spent on shoes, but they’re beautiful and they fit like a glove.

Regarding Boot Bands, this is a quote from a friend on Facebook:

The shaft of a boot has centered lines running up the middle of the front, back, and each side. Sometimes it’s a seam or a zipper, sometimes not. If you’re going to add a section of leather to expand the circumference, the most appropriate place to add it is in the rear of the shaft. If you add it to one side or the other, the shaft twists and the rear seam will be crooked.

Another update about DUO 12/27/2014:

I know we’re always searching for wide calf boots, so i just wanted to post my new boots from DUO! i was kind of worried about fit because my calves are outside the highest measurements (49-50cm) but i was surprised to find that this pair (Flore) they have small elastic gussets. duo customer service is also incredibly helpful–I sent them an email prior to purchasing and they responded quickly and with very useful info. (they mentioned that Beaumont would fit a 51-52 cm calf!) i can’t speak about any other pairs, but Flore fits my 20-21″ calves very easily, and i imagine that they’ll stretch with wear because they’re leather. they’re gorgeous black leather and i looooooooove them. They are expensive, but I got them during their black Friday sale and they are also having a sale right now.

Update 1/14/2015: Custom Boots

From Facebook: If you have the budget for it & want a really great quality pair of boots check out Boots for Broads; I believe its an Australian company and they custom make the boot to your exact foot & calf size. I’ve heard nothing but great reviews although I’ve never been able to spend the money to get my own. If you have the $$ to spend its definitely worth it, good luck!

There are some great choices here, I would love to hear from you if you know of other extra wide calf boots!

Peace…affinity

Geometrics Rock My World

Eyeglasses           Pendant Cami          Belt Skirt           Gladiator Sandals

ASOS Curve Skirt Size 24EyeglassesPendantCami (similar)                                Torrid Stretch Belt Size 4 (similar)- Gladiator Sandals Size 9.5WW (similar)

I fell in love with this skirt the moment I saw it. I love that the geometric print runs into itself and is a little off kilter, and I have continued to love the black and white trend and I still see it everywhere in fashion.

Black and White always looks modern,
whatever that word means.   Karl Lagerfeld

The skirt I am wearing is a Size 24 which is a little big and I have it pinned, but the Size 22 was a little small. I am wearing it backwards because I like the way the print falls better, and since it is a pencil skirt, back or front do not matter. The eyeglasses are vintage and just like the ones Doris Day wore in Caprice.

Earrings

I found the earrings on Etsy, and they were just vintage round checkered tin earrings that someone had made cuts into, so that the pattern was uneven. I was so amused that they were as off kilter as the skirt that I bought them. And I suspect you will see me use that trick again. In addition they were stud earrings, and about ten years ago my ears started rejecting metal, so now I only wear clip earrings. Thus, I cut off the stud and replaced it with a set of clips, attached with my favorite glue E600, which it seems like I use everyday.

To compare my measurements to yours, click HERE.

Peace…affinity

 

Outfit Photos: Lydia Hudgens

Catherines New Black Label Collection Includes Size 34W/5X

CATHERINES BLACK LABEL PROMOI was an attorney before I retired two years ago and Catherines was my go-to store. I have been a size 26/28 since at least 1990, just one size larger than most plus size retailer carry, and Wear to Work line was a life saver for me, since they carried up to a size 34W. Before the on-line revolution, I would even drive a couple of hours in each direction to Sacramento from San Francisco, so I could be properly dressed for work (now they have a store just 20 miles from my home).

You can imagine how thrilled I am to see Catherines Black Label line of clothes.

Quilted Jacket Available September 2nd

Uptown Quilted Jacket
Available September 2nd

But of course since I an now retired and can wear whatever I want, and my favorites are the Uptown Quilted Jacket, above, which will be online on September 2nd, and the Rialto Lace Jacket, below.

This is what Catherines has to say about their Black Label Line:

Catherines, a leading women’s plus size specialty retailer for sizes 16W–34W and 0X–5X, is excited to announce the launch of Black Label by Catherines, a limited-edition collection of statement-making fashions focused on quality, luxury and impeccable styling. Available in select stores and online at catherines.com beginning September 2, Black Label by Catherines offers plus size women the modern wardrobe options they crave, with exclusive pieces designed to fit beautifully.

What differentiates Black Label from other plus size luxury collections is the focus on the higher end of the plus size range. A number of retailers offer fashions up to size 22. But the Black Label collection gives full-figured women modern, luxurious looks up to sizes 34W and 5X. “It’s all about fitting women beautifully, while providing an elevated collection they just can’t get anywhere else,” says head of design, Kate McKee. “Our design team is dedicated to creating fresh looks that really flatter, within well-edited collections that are on-trend for every season.

I am thrilled that I am seeing more high end, beautiful, fun clothes in extended sizes, and they have free shipping and easy returns to their local stores.

Peace…affinity

photos: Catherines

Jessica London: An Abundance of Denim in Plus Sizes to 34W

They say denim never goes out of style, and that is certainly true for Fall 2014. Denim is everywhere this year. Funky, embellished or basicI wear my denim jacket at least once a week, since it is often cold by the San Francisco Bay.

Perhaps the August Issue of Plus Model Magazine was part of my inspiration.

So when I saw all this denim at Jessica London I had to check it out! How cute are these cropped jean jackets? All very modern, one with ruffles, a moto jacket, and one with a zipper no less, and they are all on sale. They come in various colors and come in sizes 28 – 32. Did I mention they are on sale? Pretty fun I say!

And if those are too short for you here are five more standard length jackets. A couple come to a size 34W, and yes, they are also on sale!

And if you love the jackets you might think you need the most popular skirt of the year to wear with them, a pencil skirt, in SO many colors.

And Jessica London has more denim than I have ever seen on one place, much more than I could fit into this photo. Check it out, and yes they have lots of colors and many of their items come to a 28, and some to a 34W. And as you can see from the photo, many of them are on sale also. How fabulous is that?

Jessica London Denim

                               Jessica London Denim

Peace…affinity

This is not a sponsored post

Hell Bunny Plus Size 4X – OMG it fits

Hell Bunny 4X (similar)

Hell Bunny 4X (similar)     Hair Bow        Earrings         Sandals (very old)        Petticoat 

I have been eyeing Hell Bunny for a long time but when I looked at their size chart I just did not see any hope for my 53″ waist fitting into one.

hell bunny size chartBut then fellow Ahead of the Curve blogger and friend Cherie, who blogs at The Fat Girl knew a little about my size and suggested that I give one a try. And guess what, it fits. It has a full elastic back, but not much give in the material.

To compare my measurements to yours, click HERE.

So I decided to go to an expert, to help me with figuring out what Hell Bunny dresses might fit. I contacted the owner of Sweet Echo, and she gave me this information about the Hell Bunny dresses that have a full elastic back or run a little larger or have some stretch:

  • Mariam Polka Dot dress has full elastic back;
  • Cannes has the side stretchy panels, not across entire back and runs big for Hell Bunny;
  • Bobbi Lee has the back stretchy panel;
  • Alika has the back stretchy panel, and Sweet Echo has one left in a 4X;
  • Zombie Pin Up in Mini has side stretchy panels and runs bigger compared to other Hell Bunny dresses and the material has some give to it.
  • Adelaide Polka Dot dress does not have any stretchy panel but it runs big and the material gives; and
  • Olive dress has back stretchy panel but it runs small.

So that is what I know today, if you have a question you could always contact Sweet Echo and I am sure she would be happy to answer your questions.

You may have noticed that I don’t usually give you a  link for my earrings. I can’t wear posts, I seem to have developed an allergy to metal. I mainly wear vintage clip earrings from the 80s that I buy on Etsy for Ebay.

It you want to check out what my fellow Ahead of the Curve Bloggers have to say about gingham vs. dots this month click HERE.

Layout 1We are a plus size blogging collective that comes together once a month to post on a fashion theme. Stay in the know with Ahead of the Curve by liking us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram as Ahead_of_the_Curve_Bloggers.

Peace…affinity

Photo: Leori Gill Photography

I Love Plus Size Necklaces

I suspect you already know I love jewelry. Big costume jewelry, fun and edgy costume jewelry, arty jewelry, lots of jewelry. If I leave the house without a necklace, bracelets and earrings I do not feel dressed. So I thought I would share some great plus size looks and are happening right now and trending through Autumn.

I thought we would start with a favorite necklaces, that I wear all the time. It is a little kitschy and fun, and people love it, and under $30.00.

Desert Hues               Silver Discs                    Green Drops

  Desert Hues                                     Silver Discs                              Multi Color Drops

I found three that I liked a lot at Just My Size. They all have that big look and can dress up any outfit, and guess what, they are each under $20. How fun is that?

Green Black Gold Smoky Amber

Green Marquis              Black Discs                       Gold Chains                  Smoky Amber

Then I found found four at Jessica London, also quite reasonable at under $30 each. These also have that big look that I love. I hope you like them too.

Inspiration Statement Necklace Cyber Goddess Inspiration

Inspiration           My Statement Necklace  My Cyber Goddess                 Inspiration

And I cannot leave the subject of necklaces without discussing do it yourself (DIY). I made two this year, one funky steampunk necklace, and the other a huge statement necklace. It really is not any cheaper than buying something arty or unusual on Etsy, but every once in awhile I just feel the need to make something myself.

Peace…affinity

ASOS Curve US Size 26/28 PlaySuits – Review

I grew up in Palm Springs where it is quite warm, sometimes over 100º, so I love desert clothes, but when I moved to San Francisco, where it is often in the 60ºs in the summertime, I gave up all those skimpy clothes. But now we live across the Bay where it is often in the 80ºs and 90ºs I started eyeing rompers again. And ASOS Curve had several that I HAD to have. The strapless romper above is my favorite. it is made from a stretch cotton jersey, and I love the wide legged shorts. I tried it in a US Size 24 and it was really too big so I ordered the US Size 22. AND TAKE NOTE: They even have it to a SIZE 28.

I also love the Playsuit with buttons in a size US 24. It had cute detailing, but it was difficult to get in and out of so I returned it, and now it is sold out.

I of course had to try the edgy one with the lattice back.

It is easy to get in and out of because the back is so flexible, and I get compliments on it wherever I wear it. But I don’t feel like I have found the best styling for it. ASOS still has it to a US Size 20, but I think that would easily fit a US Size 24, since I am wearing a US Size 22 and I am a solid Size 26/28.

To compare my measurements to yours, click HERE.

I think the strapless one will be part of my Burning Man wardrobe, although it requires a strapless bra, but it remains my favorite. Which one do you like?

Peace…affinity

photos: Leori Gill

Can a Plus Size 26/28 Wear a City Chic XXL top? Sometimes!

This is my color, which I was thrilled to discover was Radiant Orchid, the Pantone Color for 2014, which means there should be more choices of clothing in this color. You might have noticed it matches my glasses, yep, I love it.  BUT, it was $64, which is a little steep for a top I am going to wear with leggings. So I posted it on my Pinterest Board, and after a few weeks I got a notice from someone who had viewed my Pin that the shirt was now on sale, and it still is (but this color only comes to a XL, but they have the black in XXL). Shipping to the US is free, as are returns, so there was very little risk.

Then the questions was, would it fit? City Chic is an Australian company and their XXL is a US Size 24, since I am a Size 26/28, I was concerned, but I loved it so much, I ordered it anyway, and YAY, it just fits.

 

City Chic XXL

City Chic XXL

And I forgot to mention that it has one of those romantic lace up backs, Love it!

Every time I wear it I love it and get compliments on the color. I do wear a black cami and black tights with it as it is quite sheer.

To compare my measurements to yours, click HERE.

So I am so happy to have checked out the sizing of City Chic, and they do have some great sales (lots of items are less than half price), so I suspect you will see some City Chic here again.

Peace…affinity

Photo: Leori Gill Photography

Review of Plus Size 28 or 4X at Target

I am always interested to see what I might wear from one of the big box stores, and their largest size. Target carries up to a Size 28 (see Size Chart below).

Of the dresses above, I could wear most of them and be happy about it. I tend toward sleeveless, strappy dresses, and I was surprised by how many of those there are.

I was also impressed with the array of bestselling tops in a size 28, but these top sellers were much more casual than the dresses, but included several cute styles.

Target Size Chart

Target Size Chart

I would definitely call these choices a win, and even the Mossimo Brand size chart looks quite generous, especially in the waist, where I am quite large.

Maybe it is time to check out Target.

Peace…affinity

Photo: Leori Gill Photography

Can a 4X Fit Into an Eloquii Plus Size 24? Well, Yes, Sometimes!

Elloquii Size 24 Studded Top

Eloquii Size 24 Studded Top (no longer in stock)

You may know that Eloquii relaunched their line in February, and I agree with many other plus size fatshion mavens that the new look is much more luxe and fun and trendy.

BUT, their largest size is a 24, and I really wear a size 26/28. I decided I would take a chance and see how Eloquii’s sizes run, so I ordered a studded top. It fit fine, partially because there happened to be a little stretch, and I loved that the armholes fit, because they often run large on me. I will try Eloquii again, but I doubt you will see me in a pencil skirt, or bodycon dress from their line.

To compare my measurements to yours, click HERE.

Peace…affinity

Photo: Leori Gill Photography