Hello loves!

Ready for one of my favorite rant topics? Let’s talk about shopping as a plus-sized woman. Shopping is supposed to be a fun, relaxing, therapeutic experience, but for many of us curvy girls, it can be stressful. I’ve loved clothes and fashion for a long time, but I always ended up in baggy, shapeless clothing because I dreaded shopping. I would make excuses not to go with friends because I was constantly worried the stores wouldn’t have my size – it’s really no fun to watch friends try on cute top after cute top while you’re stuck in the accessories section. I felt like I could never find clothing that fit (or fit well), especially in the styles I would see modeled on celebrities. I was too embarrassed to share my size with associates who offered to help me shop. I’ve often turned to online shopping not just for the convenience, but because I felt I would face less judgment shopping online.

Another major plus-size shopping pet peeve of mine: PRICING. I’ve done some reading and research online and have heard many people say “it costs more to use extra fabric” but REALLY, how is it fair that going from an XL to a 1X requires me to pay $10 more for a simple top?! Clothing can be expensive, especially plus-size clothing, and it’s certainly a deterrent for those of us on a budget who are still trying to be stylish, confident, and express ourselves through our outfits. On a similar subject, it irks me to no end that many stores also create completely different collections for “regular” and “plus” sizing. The body positivity movement has taught us that we can wear anything – every body can wear a bikini, every body can wear a crop top – but how can we implement that ideology when we’re limited in what we can buy? I love tunics and peasant tops but I also want to wear the same styles as my straight-sized sisters!

So what can we do? We can continue supporting businesses that are plus-size friendly, that cater toward ALL women. I have a few tips and tricks for my favorite curvy places to shop that are also affordable!

Meijer
Midwest friends who have access to a Meijer: if you haven’t checked out their clothing section recently, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! Meijer has REALLY upped their fashion game. They started selling ALL of their clothing in straight and plus sizes and, GET THIS, ALL FOR THE SAME PRICE! They also keep all of their clothing in the same section so you and your friends can shop together! I got this adorable tank (pictured above) from Meijer and I wore it pretty much nonstop this whole summer. It cost me $10 and it’s really good quality! I’ve purchased everything from pajamas to bralettes to jeans (they sell my beloved Celebrity Pink brand) at Meijer, and they also have a KILLER sale section. I’m talking shirts under $5!

Local Boutiques
Love the idea of finding something unique at a local boutique? Me, too! Luckily for me, I live near a lovely downtown with many adorable shops, a number of which are curvy friendly. Boutiques can be expensive, though – my tip is to always look out for sample sales. Often, these samples are excess merchandise that, for one reason or another, never hit the sales floor, and boutiques will offer them for a fraction of the price. I love shopping at local sister stores Jean Marie’s and Home and Company, both of which run sample sales multiple times per year. I got the shirt pictured above as part of a 2 tops for $25 deal, and have also purchased tops, tunics, and dresses for $10 or less. Friends, I even got a dress for a formal gala as part of the sample sale! Also keep an eye out for other sales in your area – my city runs a sidewalk sale at the end of summer, and I got the earrings pictured above for 50% off. Another local favorite shop of mine, Engelsman’s Greenhouse, closes down each winter and runs a final sale (up to 90% off!). My proudest moment was purchasing $120 worth of clothing for under $25 (y’all, I am Dutch to the core and LOOOOVE saving money!).

Benefit/Charity Shops
One of the best kept secrets in my hometown is a charity shop called Bid 2 Benefit. With multiple locations, B2 offers clothing from retailers including Target, Costco, and major department stores for seriously low prices. These stores give their extra clothing to B2 (generally, items from last season/ clothing that was overstocked in store) and B2 sells it and collects the profits for charity. Cheap, stylish clothing + supporting charity = the best combination! Definitely check if your area has a similar style store – I’ve purchased so many great things from B2 including the workout tank pictured above, and a pair of brand new Skechers memory foam sneakers for work!

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you ladies out on my next shopping trip!

xoxo,
Rachel