Of all the ideas Reah shared I think I am going to give the layering cami’s a try. I have never tried that assuming it would be too hot but I like the look. Is there anything new you want to try this summer?
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Topic Links
* Visit Lane Bryant for plus size clothing
I have been waiting for a few weeks to show you this fall maxi dress from Swak Designs. It was unveiled in their lookbook but was not available until now. I think it will be a hot item for fall. I can see it worn with sandals for the remaining fleeting days of warm weather and transitioning into boots, tights, and big bulky scarves draped around the neck as it gets cooler.
The Lois Maxi Dress is available in sizes 1x to 6x for $69.90 and comes in wine, black, or teal. I think the black would be the most versatile if you do not have pets but I am partial to the teal.
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Topic Links
* Get your plus size maxi dress from Swak Designs
I love that they did not forget about the back of the cami too — with pretty gathers in front and back. I want one in every color!
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Topic Links
* Get your plus size pretty cami from SwakDesigns
They carry sizes 14 to 26 but definitely read their sizing information before you order. Prices are shown in Australian money when you first visit but you can change the currency with the drop down menu in the top right to Canada or the US.
The prices do not fall into the budget range meaning a dress will probably cost $90, a top $60; unless it is on sale. I follow a few Australian bloggers and they absolutely love this store.
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Topic Links
* Get your plus size fashions from Autograph
But I wouldn’t be surprised if you dug through your closet and found a few red and white pieces of your own. Go ahead and see what you have to pair together. Red and white stripes will give you a nice nautical look! Don’t wait until Canada Day to proudly wear your red and whites.
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Topic Links
* Shop Forever21 for plus size clothing
Mark’s does not offer online shopping at this time but you can see some of their styles and find the store nearest you.
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Topic Links
* Visit Mark’s official website for store locater
I have always loved Evans’ fashions but I chose to order at this time because of the release of the new Beth Ditto line and because I wanted a red winter coat. I’m not a crazy shopper. I put a lot of thought into what I’m buying and how it will fit with what I have. But mostly, I have to love something before I buy. Lack of sleep may lead to an impulse buy (read on).
From the Ditto collection I ordered the heart print hanki hem top, £39.50 (I didn’t fall in love with this tunic length top until I saw it worn by another blogger — can’t for the life of me find the blog or else I’d link to it) and the black extra high waist leggings, £20.00. I also ordered a hooded duffle coat, £49.50, in an awesome bright red and a black jersey jumpsuit, £35.00, (something I thought I would never do and will now blame on the before mentioned lack of sleep. As I’m sitting here I remembered another reason why I don’t like jumpsuits — you have to completely undress to pee). I found a coupon online for 15% off so I saved almost $22. So basically I got free shipping and a bonus.
It was super easy to shop at Evans. Their website is well laid out and since they only sell plus size there were no disappointments as they have a huge size range (14 to 32), great product images and the shopping cart is easy to use. I had no problems what-so-ever placing my order. I paid for my order using Paypal; again with no problem. After my order was placed, I received an email receipt for my order and another email the next day letting me know my order was “dispatched”.
As I said in the intro my parcel arrived today. I was surprised that it wasn’t in a box but a large opaque grey bag. Each item was individually packaged in plastic and the coat and jumpsuit came with hangers. Along with the package came duty, taxes, and a handling fee. Most likely because it was over $100. My parcel contents cost £122.40. Before they can charge the duty they have to convert my parcel contents total to Canadian. On the day of processing the exchange was 1.604900 which brought my total up to $196.44 Canadian (about $50 more than what I had worked out when I made my purchase three weeks ago — the joy of fluctuating dollars). An 18 % duty was applied = $35.35 + HST of $30.13 and a $5 handling fee. To pick up my package from the post office it cost $70.49. I was expecting to pay around $50. And I had to sign for the parcel.
I pretty much love everything. The jacket isn’t bulky, is super soft and has a silky lining. One of the things I liked about it was the fact that it had both the buttons and a zipper; although I’m a bit concerned about the zipper which is plastic and didn’t give me the impression it will hold up to daily use — time will tell. The heart print hanki top is so cute, even the man said he liked it. It’s super soft jersey on top. I thought the arms would be tight but they are super comfortable. I could use a little more room in the chest area where it connects with the patterned material which isn’t stretchy at all. I bought the extra high waist leggings to go with the hanki top. They don’t have a lot of give but I love the high waist and there the added option of folding them over. Now for the jumpsuit. I think it’s really cute but I would never wear it out in public. It will definitely be I’m home for the day outfit — it’s that whole having to undress from top to bottom thing when I have to use the washroom and is not really appropriate for this time of year; too cold.
Overall, it was a good shopping experience. Next time I order I will try to keep my order total under $100 to hopefully considerably reduce expected duty/tax charges. If you are looking for some where new to shop I recommend giving them a try. Sign up for their newsletter to get the latest sale and promotion information. If you have tried them already please share your experience in the comments.
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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size clothing from Evans
* Read my ASOS shopping experience
* Figuring out the exchange between United Kingdom Pounds and Canadian dollars
The best part? There are no worries about duties or handling fees. And they have free returns. As an introduction, for a limited time they are offering free shipping on orders of $50 or more.
Now for the sad, sad news. I could only find sizes up to 2x (18). There was no plus size section like the main website. Hopefully the same line of 1x to 4x at the main site will be available on the Canadian site very soon!
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Topic Links
* Get your own affordable plus size clothing from Old Navy
Why do I like it? It makes me smile and smiling makes me happy. I don’t know about you but I need all the happy I can get. There are lots of fun, political, and down right pretty (as well as pretty silly) designs to choose from. Most will go up to 3x, some only 2x. Have fun!
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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size novelty tees from Threadless
Ten Reasons Why I Like Capri Pants
1. The number one reason is calves are sexy. Capri pants are a perfect way to show off calves without feeling overly exposed or having to worry about the dress being blown up or out.
2. I’m a hot blooded woman and capri pants keep my calves cool.
3. Unlike skirts, capri pants help prevent chub rub in the summer.
4. Capri pants can be comfortably worn at work.
5. They can be worn at the park.
6. They can be worn at the beach.
7. Capris can be dressed up or down.
8. They look brilliant with flats or heels or strappy sandals.
9. Capris can be worn by young girls or seniors.
10. Ok, I couldn’t think of another one. But I think you get the picture.
Like many styles, capri pants are not for everyone. At right is what a perfectly fitting length should look like. If they are hitting you just above the ankle then you are too short to be wearing regular length capris and should be shopping in the petite plus section or not wearing them at all because if they don’t hit the right spot they just look like floods (like you don’t know how to wash your clothes). If you can’t find petite plus where you are, get out the sewing machine and start hemming.
The capri pants shown here are from Kiyonna. They are stylish and perfect for work or out and about town doing errands on a warm day. Kiyonna offers a wide range of sizes for 10 to 32. These capri’s come in American blue jean and black; obviously, the black is the most versatile.
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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size capri pants from Kiyonna