Who designs plus size clothes? I would love to speak to some of them. I feel that some of the stores selling plus size clothes are doing a disservice to those who do not understand how to dress for their body style.
Yesterday, I was at the Avenue and saw enough sweatpant material (they like to call it "knit") to cover the surface of the state of New Hampshire. This isn't a dig toward chubby girls like myself. This is just that almost their entire fall line is made out of sweatpants. Sweat skirts, sweat shirts and yes, even sweat dresses. I saw a really cute black and white flowered dress, but nothing says "I didn't buy this at a mainstream store" like a nice sweatband material around the waist like this dress had.
I think the main reason I am becoming more dissatisfied with the Avenue is because I recently discovered Talbots Woman. I know, I know, their demographic isn't exactly toward my generation. But for business and classic apparell, I like their stiff fabrics (they don't easily get stuck in fat rolls - see my post on Anti-Back-Fat tank tops), structured jackets and skirts, and trendy colors. Scarves, mom-pants, and funny length skirts are also abundant there if that is your thing.
Although the prices are very steep, clearance is good (albeit the selection is more limited) and since they get a new line in every month, there is plenty to choose from.
However, if sloppy, shapeless, frumpy, unflattering sweatpants are your thing. Have a happy fall. There is a time and a place for sweatpants. On your couch.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Friends don't let friends wear packaged panties
So the search for good underwear continues. Each chunky girl I talk with seems to have the same issue: poorly made or frumpy underwear. Ladies, I would like to inspire you. Just because you are not a size two does not mean you have to wear granny panties. Underwear is the only exception to the "just because they make it in your size doesn't mean you should wear it" rule. In fact, I strongly encourage you to wear sexy, fun, inspiring, feminine, undies.
I understand everyone's body is different. You may prefer thongs while I prefer boy shorts. Whatever works. Recently I had the underwear discussion with a friend. She wears a size 22 pants and needed to get new panties. I recommended she try American Eagle (aerie) boy short underwear. She thought I was crazy...and the logic that followed is legit. If she cant wear their clothes, how could she wear their underwear? That is where the stretch comes in. I have been wearing aerie undies for 7years and must admit that they are my faves. They fit well, wash well, and last long. They come in all shapes and just in care you were wondering, I wear an XL but haven't fit into their clothes since I was 9.
Why aerie?
- Lane Bryant underwear are not only cut to be pulled up to my bra, but also refuse to keep their shape. Instead if my chub staying put in my undies, my undies stretch almost to the point of falling off. I don't know about you, but my underwear inching down my legs while tooling around in Walmart is not my idea of sexy.
- Avenue offers granny panties, if that is what you are in to. They have some cute styles and prints but be prepared to have them come way higher than your natural waist. I just love bending over and letting the world see my cute panties pulled higher than my jeans...
- Torrid has cute underwear that aren't frumpy, but I have yet to review a pair. I actually was just there last night and decided against purchasing a pair to try. The fabric and cut was astonishingly similar to Lane Bryant's undies...and I know too well how badly that money was wasted.
Okay, so what do you do if aerie doesn't fit you? Department store undies are a good alternative. I will post my findings as I come across other fits, brands, and cuts as well as continue to hope LB and Avenue get their act together so all the workers in aerie don't think I have a poor misconception of my pant size.
I understand everyone's body is different. You may prefer thongs while I prefer boy shorts. Whatever works. Recently I had the underwear discussion with a friend. She wears a size 22 pants and needed to get new panties. I recommended she try American Eagle (aerie) boy short underwear. She thought I was crazy...and the logic that followed is legit. If she cant wear their clothes, how could she wear their underwear? That is where the stretch comes in. I have been wearing aerie undies for 7years and must admit that they are my faves. They fit well, wash well, and last long. They come in all shapes and just in care you were wondering, I wear an XL but haven't fit into their clothes since I was 9.
Why aerie?
- Lane Bryant underwear are not only cut to be pulled up to my bra, but also refuse to keep their shape. Instead if my chub staying put in my undies, my undies stretch almost to the point of falling off. I don't know about you, but my underwear inching down my legs while tooling around in Walmart is not my idea of sexy.
- Avenue offers granny panties, if that is what you are in to. They have some cute styles and prints but be prepared to have them come way higher than your natural waist. I just love bending over and letting the world see my cute panties pulled higher than my jeans...
- Torrid has cute underwear that aren't frumpy, but I have yet to review a pair. I actually was just there last night and decided against purchasing a pair to try. The fabric and cut was astonishingly similar to Lane Bryant's undies...and I know too well how badly that money was wasted.
Okay, so what do you do if aerie doesn't fit you? Department store undies are a good alternative. I will post my findings as I come across other fits, brands, and cuts as well as continue to hope LB and Avenue get their act together so all the workers in aerie don't think I have a poor misconception of my pant size.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Baby got back(fat)
I've come to accept my fat rolls. We don't get along well, but now that I have learned how to control the jiggle, things are better. Back fat is a common phrase for me. I simple won't wear a shirt if it can't somewhat conceal my back fat. Right now, as I sit in Starbucks, I am wearing my typical four layers on my upper half: bra, anti-back-fat tank top, regular tank so my chest doesn't hang out, and my shirt. I have heard the argument that wearing four layers probably increases my inch count around my torso. Yes, it very well may do that...but these inches don't jiggle and my back is covered when I sit down. There are few things less attractive in this world than stretch mark laden chub spewing out over pants. I will take my layers, thank you.
Four major things you must look for when purchasing an anti-back-fat tank top are length and strength, material, and fit.
1. Length - will it stay tucked in when seated? Will it roll up and cause your roll(s) to bulge?
2. Strength - do you jiggle? Good tanks will minimize or even stop the jiggle.
3. Material - ideally, the material will allow your chest to be controlled but not squished (which will cause you to have the chubby neck look), and it will be non-silky at the bottom. This is crucial so it stays tucked in...you don't want to look great one second and pregnant the next.
4. Fit - it should be snug and may feel uncomfortable at first. If you can get it on and keep it tucked in, go with that size!
So far, the best tank I have found for this back fat issue is sold at JC Penney and is called "I am Yummie". It embodies everything I mentioned, comes in sizes up to 3x and is reasonably priced. However, I have not tried the Spanx tank yet but will give a full review when I do.
Good luck, ladies. Let me know if you find a great product, as I am always looking to reduce the mass.
Four major things you must look for when purchasing an anti-back-fat tank top are length and strength, material, and fit.
1. Length - will it stay tucked in when seated? Will it roll up and cause your roll(s) to bulge?
2. Strength - do you jiggle? Good tanks will minimize or even stop the jiggle.
3. Material - ideally, the material will allow your chest to be controlled but not squished (which will cause you to have the chubby neck look), and it will be non-silky at the bottom. This is crucial so it stays tucked in...you don't want to look great one second and pregnant the next.
4. Fit - it should be snug and may feel uncomfortable at first. If you can get it on and keep it tucked in, go with that size!
So far, the best tank I have found for this back fat issue is sold at JC Penney and is called "I am Yummie". It embodies everything I mentioned, comes in sizes up to 3x and is reasonably priced. However, I have not tried the Spanx tank yet but will give a full review when I do.
Good luck, ladies. Let me know if you find a great product, as I am always looking to reduce the mass.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Short shorts?
I have decided chunky girls should live in Alaska. Summers are just more stress than it is worth. Think about it: sweaty dressing rooms, swimsuits, and dare I say the problem I am currently facing...shorts.
Not all big and beautiful girls struggle with the shorts topic. Some have sculpted legs and thighs that don't rub so bad that they set off a four alarm fire. For me, however, I have difficulty finding shorts that are long enough to hide the "top of the knee pudge" but that fit well enough in the rump and thighs to they don't ride up and reveal the knee-rolls I've concealed all winter.
After an extensive review of shorts so far this summer, I have decided three things:
1. We shouldn't wear plaid. Ever. Unless we want to look bigger. Trust me, ladies, I've tried it all.
2. Lane Bryant has the best short selection this summer. They are thick enough (that is a topic for my next post), structured, and come in a variety of lengths.
3. Once again, a friendly reminder to all of us: just because they make it in our size, doesn't mean we should wear it.
So ladies, unless you choose to move to Alaska (where sweaters, jeans, and layers are in style year round), good luck in your shorts hunt...and get ready for a fun, blog-filled summer!
Not all big and beautiful girls struggle with the shorts topic. Some have sculpted legs and thighs that don't rub so bad that they set off a four alarm fire. For me, however, I have difficulty finding shorts that are long enough to hide the "top of the knee pudge" but that fit well enough in the rump and thighs to they don't ride up and reveal the knee-rolls I've concealed all winter.
After an extensive review of shorts so far this summer, I have decided three things:
1. We shouldn't wear plaid. Ever. Unless we want to look bigger. Trust me, ladies, I've tried it all.
2. Lane Bryant has the best short selection this summer. They are thick enough (that is a topic for my next post), structured, and come in a variety of lengths.
3. Once again, a friendly reminder to all of us: just because they make it in our size, doesn't mean we should wear it.
So ladies, unless you choose to move to Alaska (where sweaters, jeans, and layers are in style year round), good luck in your shorts hunt...and get ready for a fun, blog-filled summer!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Beach Day
Today was beach day!
I had a fantastic time. I must say that the best swimsuits come from Land's End. I purchase mine at Sears at the end of the season, but you can also buy online. Their return policy is phenomenal and if there happens to be a quality issue, the send you a new suit and a return label for the damaged one...even after you wear it. Their website also allows the consumer to create a model of themselves. Simpy put your height, weight, and measurements. I have personally found that it is amazing. A little scary, actually. You can try clothes on your model to see if that flatter you. Land's End suits are reasonably priced and last longer than other brands. They also have a fit for everybody.
Swimsuits are tricky, but I believe every woman can find one that works for her. Don't avoid the beach simply because bathing suits intimidate you. Don't stop living life because you are discontent with the way you look. Moping around the house all the time will not help the situation.
Here are some tips for fun in the sun:
1. Go to a state park
State parks are family oriented and tend to be less intimidating. They are also usually clean.
2. Just hang out in your yard.
Face it. The neighbors know you more than you would like to admit. Who cares if you frolic in the sprinkler in your lawn? Maybe you will start a trend.
3. Just because they make it in your size doesn't mean you have to wear it. This goes for bathing suits and beyond. (More on that topic in a future post.)
I had a fantastic time. I must say that the best swimsuits come from Land's End. I purchase mine at Sears at the end of the season, but you can also buy online. Their return policy is phenomenal and if there happens to be a quality issue, the send you a new suit and a return label for the damaged one...even after you wear it. Their website also allows the consumer to create a model of themselves. Simpy put your height, weight, and measurements. I have personally found that it is amazing. A little scary, actually. You can try clothes on your model to see if that flatter you. Land's End suits are reasonably priced and last longer than other brands. They also have a fit for everybody.
Swimsuits are tricky, but I believe every woman can find one that works for her. Don't avoid the beach simply because bathing suits intimidate you. Don't stop living life because you are discontent with the way you look. Moping around the house all the time will not help the situation.
Here are some tips for fun in the sun:
1. Go to a state park
State parks are family oriented and tend to be less intimidating. They are also usually clean.
2. Just hang out in your yard.
Face it. The neighbors know you more than you would like to admit. Who cares if you frolic in the sprinkler in your lawn? Maybe you will start a trend.
3. Just because they make it in your size doesn't mean you have to wear it. This goes for bathing suits and beyond. (More on that topic in a future post.)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
To the sound of one thigh clapping in the wind
Thin girls have no idea the prep we go through to wear a bathing suit. Forget losing the weight. When I finally get up the nerve to wear the awful thing, it takes me an hour to simply "de-hair". I think I used half a bottle of Nair on my legs. Skinny girls can get away with dollop the size of a dime. (Whereas I used a glob the size of a roll of quarters just on my right thigh.)
Then it comes time to pack the beach bag. Little people can pack a cute little purse filled with shorts, tank tops, flip flops, etc. I have to pack a laundry basket sized bag for my skirt and tank top. A skirt? Yes. Which brings me to my topic of the day...
Thigh chaffing.
Every big girl gets it - but nobody talks about it. I mean, what are you going to say? "Hey Natilee, how's your rash?" No. It is just an unspoken bond we women share. I have often had thin girls ask me why I wear nylons in the middle of summer when I wear skirts. I cringe and say that it is because they are control-top and keep me from jiggling. Although that is true, my main reason is to prevent "the chafe".
With nylons, however, comes another dilemma. The rubbing sound. You know it. The "swish, swish" as you walk. The only way I have found to cover this noise it to:
a. talk
b. wear loud shoes
c. talk
d. wait for other noise to happen and then make a run for it
The only other anti-chafe options I have adopted are
a. wearing a girdle (Spanx are AMAZING!)
b. Vaseline.
- this stuff is cheap and great. For post-chafe, simply rub on the red, swollen, rash and go on your way. For preventative measures - do the same - just be careful not to put too much to avoid ruining your skirt.
What do you do to avoid the summer thigh/bathing suit issues?
Then it comes time to pack the beach bag. Little people can pack a cute little purse filled with shorts, tank tops, flip flops, etc. I have to pack a laundry basket sized bag for my skirt and tank top. A skirt? Yes. Which brings me to my topic of the day...
Thigh chaffing.
Every big girl gets it - but nobody talks about it. I mean, what are you going to say? "Hey Natilee, how's your rash?" No. It is just an unspoken bond we women share. I have often had thin girls ask me why I wear nylons in the middle of summer when I wear skirts. I cringe and say that it is because they are control-top and keep me from jiggling. Although that is true, my main reason is to prevent "the chafe".
With nylons, however, comes another dilemma. The rubbing sound. You know it. The "swish, swish" as you walk. The only way I have found to cover this noise it to:
a. talk
b. wear loud shoes
c. talk
d. wait for other noise to happen and then make a run for it
The only other anti-chafe options I have adopted are
a. wearing a girdle (Spanx are AMAZING!)
b. Vaseline.
- this stuff is cheap and great. For post-chafe, simply rub on the red, swollen, rash and go on your way. For preventative measures - do the same - just be careful not to put too much to avoid ruining your skirt.
What do you do to avoid the summer thigh/bathing suit issues?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Introductions
The Chunky Girl's Guide to Life is just that. Hints, advice, and blunt stuff about not only surviving, but also enjoying being a big girl.
So much negativity is placed on plus-sized girls. I am not saying that some of us couldn't stand to lose a few pounds, but just want to encourage all who are this boat not to be miserable. We all have our "fat" days when we feel horrible about ourselves. My philosophy has always been that no matter how poorly you feel about yourself, it is no use to broadcast our negativity to the rest of the world. If you feel fat and act horribly - what do you have going for you?
This is not a self-help, self-esteem, "if they make it in your size, wear it" blog. If you learn something - let me know! If you have something to teach, leave a comment or email me. I am always looking for great blog material.
Thanks for reading,
Natilee
So much negativity is placed on plus-sized girls. I am not saying that some of us couldn't stand to lose a few pounds, but just want to encourage all who are this boat not to be miserable. We all have our "fat" days when we feel horrible about ourselves. My philosophy has always been that no matter how poorly you feel about yourself, it is no use to broadcast our negativity to the rest of the world. If you feel fat and act horribly - what do you have going for you?
This is not a self-help, self-esteem, "if they make it in your size, wear it" blog. If you learn something - let me know! If you have something to teach, leave a comment or email me. I am always looking for great blog material.
Thanks for reading,
Natilee
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