C7P For JCPenney

Budget Fashionista posted that premium denim line Chip & Pepper has launched a new juniors/young men's line at JCPenney called C7P featuring jeans, hoodies, and tees for approximately $15-35.

http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/archives/what_to_buy_fall_2007/c7p_chip_pepper.php

The good news for those who have wanted to check out this line but were daunted by the prices is that you can possess a pair of these jeans for just under $35.

The even better news is that the jeans go up to a juniors 17 (approx. a 16-18)!

The thrill of the hunt at discount stores

Someone on a message board wanted advice for how to shop at discount stores like TJMaxx or Marshalls. Others offered helpful tips on how to get good at going through racks looking for labels, because otherwise you'd spend all day trying to look for stuff. Things are often thrown together and searching through it all requires some patience as well as knowing exactly what you are looking for.

These types of stores are good for two things: finding "designer" or popular or high end goods cheap and finding on-trend stuff, often weeks before the "regular" stores get similar items, at lower prices (though often not with the big names). What's great about them, for folks like us, is that it's easy to find things in every size since they have everything from 0 through plus/women's sizes.

I liken the experience to shopping at thrift stores. Finding the real gems require frequent visits, patience, and luck. The first thing I do is head for the clearance racks. I've scored at dirt cheap prices Havaianas flip flops and C&C California t-shirts that way. Even at their "regular" prices I've managed to score deals on a Harajuku Lovers bag (just weeks after they were in the dept. stores) and Juicy Couture stuff at my local TJMaxx. I once found a pair of Kitson shoes for $24.99. In addition, I've found a lot of nice suits for less than $75. Sometimes you're not always so fortunate...I found a rack of Antik jeans at TJ-land, but of course all were too small for me. Ditto for a pair of Paper Denim Cloth jeans selling for $25. There was a great set of Betsey Johnson pajamas on clearance at a Marshalls, but they only had a medium left.

Oh well...my additional advice on this message board was to get to know when new shipments arrive. If new things come in Thursday or Friday, most of the good stuff will be gone by Sunday evening. Stores located in well-off areas tend to carry the best items. There's a Marshalls in Loma Santa Fe, near a very wealthy area of the county, where every now and then a shipment of Marc Jacobs or Cynthia Rowley will arrive. A Marshalls in LaJolla had a huge selection of designer shoes. The Loehmann's and Nordstrom Rack in Mission Valley have top brands in just about everything. I'm also convinced that stores in some states just get better merchandise than others. I've found way better stuff in Southern California than at the very same stores in Virginia.

Finally, if you are buying any of their "house" labels or anything you're not familiar with, be sure and try before you buy. I've found that sizes can vary. Once I got a nice long denim skirt that fit perfectly even though it was a size below my usual, while I've found stuff in my size that was a little small.

Happy hunting!

Do stores stock fewer items in 12+?

Have you ever been frustrated by a trip to your favorite store when you're searching through a sea of 4s and 8s on the racks? And if you luck out and find your size, it's maybe one or two of the last ones? Have you ever been annoyed with sales, because your size is all gone while there are piles of XS and S for the taking?

Welcome to my world!

There are two possible reasons for this phenomenon. 1. Since the average American woman is somewhere between 10-14, logically speaking, the larger sizes are likely to disappear first because there are more people buying them. I experience the same thing while trying to buy shoes. It seems like the bulk of shoes are made for size 7-8, but it seems to me the average is closer to 8-9, so of course the 9s go first. 2. The stores don't stock as many larger sizes because they either don't want us there or don't think as many of us shop in their stores. This could also explain the excess of smaller sizes available for sales or clearances...if most of what they stock are 0-6, then they will have lots more left over than for 10-16s. Last year, I noticed a phenomenon of stores no longer stocking above a 14 (thankfully, this has started to reverse). So I think there is some truth to this.

In any case, it would be interesting to investigate.

Libertine For Target

The latest in Target's popular GO International line, Libertine, debuted on Sunday. The line seems to be best described as the love child of goth and preppy, as exemplified by items that have cute little whales and little skulls on them or the argyle vest sweater with skulls.

This is actually my favorite of the GO International lines so far, probably because Libertine is close to my personal style. Some people have reported the dresses running small, but I bought a very cool tea-stained top with all of these graphics on it in a Large and it fit true-to-size. The downside seems to be that the skirts and shorts have hemlines waaay up there. A couple of those shorts look like they'd get the wearer arrested if she didn't have anything on underneath. I imagine that like the rest of the GO International stuff, the bottoms run in smallish, junior sizes.

I love the accessories. The bucket hat is adorable (bought one) and the long scarves are quite pretty (bought one too). If I was in the market for a carry-all or overnight bag, I'd would have bought the whale/skull duffle bag too.

Update: I broke down and got the striped blouse with the bow too; very cute!

Ode To H&M

This is the first of a series on stores where those of us size 10-18 can find cool stuff fairly easily.

First up is Swedish superchain H&M, which has been slowly taking over the planet with its Euro style at low prices. It skews youngish but ladies of all ages can find something wearable there. Accessories are often ridiculously inexpensive and you can get great deals on its sales.

I first got hooked on the chain when I walked into one of its many NYC stores in July 2002. Shortly thereafter, H&M expanded like crazy on the East Coast, and in May 2003, one opened a short drive away from me in Tysons Corner, VA and one opened a short distance away from where I worked in downtown D.C.. Needless to say, I was a frequent visitor.

Then in 2004, I moved to Southern California, where there were no H&Ms. I went through withdrawal. When H&M finally came to CA, it chose to open first in...San Francisco. It took nearly 1-2 more years before it opened in L.A. and Orange County. Closer than San Fran, but its newest store in Irvine is still an hour's drive. Waah!

What's great for us: For most of its women's lines, it's usually easy to find sizes 10-16 or L and XL in dresses, skirts, pants, and tops. Generously-cut A-line skirts can even allow you to go down a size or two depending. You can find anything to fit your style, whether you're a teen or a workin' gal. Not to mention the low prices.

What's not so great: Size 18 on up are not available. H&M used to carry a plus line but it has been dropped from its U.S. stores (for good reason, the stuff I saw was fugly). Some items can run small, so it might be necessary to size up. Its sporty LOGG and junior Divided lines stop at size 12. Occasional items are a bit dodgy in quality.

Can you order online: Sadly, no.

Where's it located: Visit www.hm.com to find a store nearest to you.

Correction

I noted in my last post (July 12) that Rachel Pally's plus-sized line will debut in the spring. Not true. Pally's first batch of plus wear will be available for Fall '07; Nordstrom will have it next month.

After seeing pictures of what's being offered, my advice is for the larger misses customer to stick with the regular line. I understand Pally's misses wear runs big (lotsa fabric) and the plus line looks like it runs REALLY big.

Huzzah For Paige Premium Denim!

About a year ago, I was unhappy with how all of these premium (i.e. expensive) denim brands were blowing off consumers above a size 10-12, or a 32" waist. And I know from experience that with a couple of exceptions, the bigger sizes were hard to find and were often cut for women who nevertheless had no butt or hips. El cheapo jeans are easy to find in larger sizes. The hot brands, washes, and cuts though? No dice. So those of us who wanted to wear 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, True Religion, Rock and Republic, etc. did without, got them in men's sizes (I'll do a whole post about that sometime), and/or turned to premium plus brands like Svoboda.

Even so, I figured at some point somebody was going to cave and realize the money of the curvaceous customer is just as green as the skinny chicks' and that the brand overall won't be diluted if a gal with a bigger butt is wearing it. Today, that somebody is Paige Premium Denim which is now offering three styles of its jeans in women's sizes 14-24 for pre-orders on Nordstrom.com. Selected Encore departments at Nordie's will also carry the jeans beginning in August.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/6007094/0~2376776~2374327~6007059~6007094?origin=plus_shop

The bad news...these babies aren't cheap. The original Paiges are $175+, and these hover around the $200 mark.

The good news...it's a sign the fashion world is realizing that we want more options. Last week, Rachel Pally announced a plus sized line that will debut next spring. I'm sure other designers will follow, especially if these efforts are successful. What I love about these Paiges is that they look just like the basic jeans offered to the misses' market. (Paige Premium Denim is the only brand to go up to a 34" waist for its regular line.) Since the original versions are cut narrowly, I'm going to give the plus versions a shot. They will probably allow more room for the booty and hips. I pre-ordered the Mandeville Canyon in 16...if it runs a little big, I can always trade it for a 14.

Why do I think these designers are trying plus sizes? Some upstart brands making high-end, fashionable clothes for the larger misses/plus market have had great success. Svoboda went from selling almost exclusively online to selling at stores like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus in less than three years. I also think that the premium denim market right now is extremely crowded; going for territory that's not as competitive might be a smart way to brush up those revenues.

Whatever the reasons, I think it's great news. I'm all for more choices for more people in every price range.

Big Girls Don't Cry But They Sure Can Complain A Lot

I visit a few sites aimed at plus-sized gals, mostly because there's some convergence between their world and ours (most plus sized stores start at 12 or 14, though plus cuts are bigger than misses'). There's a lot of positive advice you can get from these sites and lots of commiserating for those of us who know that the higher the size #, the fewer the options. (It works that way too for the tiny and petite, but that's a whole 'nuther can of worms.)

But there are times when I'm struck by the unhappiness of these women. Oh, I know the internet was made for two things, porn and gripes, but it seems like few things make these gals satisfied and happy. They're understandably upset if a clothing chain like Old Navy drops plus sizes from its stores. They're understandably upset if an attempt to woo plus sized customers falls flat, with ugly or badly-made clothes. However, if someone tries to make higher-end, better-made clothing for larger sizes then they complain that the clothes are too expensive. Or if a store sells sizes 2-22 in the same line--without even segregating the larger clothes--then there are complaints the sizes don't go up to a 28.

They don't make Armani quality at WalMart prices for anyone at any size. Don't look gift horses in the mouth; be an active consumer and show the industry you can be a valued customer.

Why Do They Make Short Shorts In A 16?

Sometimes the fashion industry sets us gals up as suckers. Such as when they make Daisy Dukes or micro mini skirts in larger sizes.

Chances are if you need to wear a 14 on up, it's not because you have unusually long legs. Some women don't mind showing off generous thighs or calves and as long as they're still in good shape, I suppose it's all right. But if there's a little too much jiggle or dimples, I just don't think it's a good idea at all. Yet there they are on the racks trying to trick the unwary into embarrassing themselves. The same goes for tops obviously not designed to be flattering on women with tummies or generous cleavage.

Sometimes you have just ignore the fact they make stuff in your size and pay attention as to whether or not it's actually flattering on your body. I stay away from anything with that horrible stretchy jersey-on-steroids fabric, even if it comes in a plus size, because I know that fabric sticks like glue to my thighs and stomach in way that looks awful. I have not worn any short shorts since I was a size 12 and even then, I probably shouldn't have worn them. Micro minis? Not since I was in college and even then I wore leggings with them.

So this summer, don't fall for the trap, ladies! Go with what looks good.

Get Successful, Lose Weight

Recently there was an article in the Los Angeles Times about the recent rise in prominence of successful performers and personalities who are breaking the size 0 mold favored by the media over the past 7 or 8 years. Certainly, we've seen curvaceous types like Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, "Ugly Betty" star America Ferrera, t.v. actress Sara Ramirez, etc. gracing magazine covers. Undoubtedly this is in a way a backlash against Nicole Ritchie/Olsen twins who epitomize the thin-thin-thin worlds of fashion and entertainment. Most of us find it refreshing, even inspiring to see ladies who look more like the rest of us rising to prominence.

But already we've learned that Miss Ferrera is a size 6 and that Hudson along with the most recent American Idol winner Jordin Sparks are already on diets to lose weight. Now, there's nothing wrong with trying to improve your health and well-being but none of these women are what you call obese. Sparks cruised to victory a size 12. She's no waif but she ain't fat. If America loves her just the way she is, what's with the dieting?

It's because they all get caught up in the machinery. Once these ladies achieve success, they're surrounded by "experts" like agents and publicists who tell them that if they want to climb higher and stay on top, they have to conform and lose weight. To them, being a size 12 is totally unacceptable. A 6 might still make you bigger than average, but it's better than being a 14 in their world. The media feeds into this by running positive stories about how so and so lost 20 pounds and how you can too. You won't see a story about gushing about how Ashley Olsen gained 20 pounds and how the underweight can pack on some curves too.

After all this is the same media that considers the bony Gisele Bundchen "curvy."

How to drop two sizes without diet or exercise!

About a year ago, there was a minor flareup in the media about an alleged phenomenon called "vanity sizing." This was about stores supposedly putting size 6 labels on their size 8s or size 12s on their 14s so that women will feel better about "fitting" into a smaller size.

I'm more inclined to think this is more urban legend than fact. Manufacturers use all kinds of fit models for their various sizes and any given individual's clothing size is an average, not so much a hard and fast number. It's like that with shoes. Most of the time, I'm a size 9. But occasionally, because the shoe runs small or big, I have to go up to a 9.5 or a 10, or go down to an 8.5. Last summer I got a pair of Punkrose shoes that I had to get in a size 7 because the shoes ran really, really big. How many women feel better about having bigger or smaller feet?

Clothes work the same way. I've found that higher end designer suits tend to run a little bigger. I can comfortably fit in a 14 or even a 12 in them. Recently, I've bought A-line skirts from both Talbots and Anthropologie in a 12. Do I think they're fooling me? No...my body shape (smaller waist, fuller tushie and thighs) fits comfortably into the shape of the skirt. Conversely, I've had to go up to a size 18 or XXL for some outfits. Am I any fatter or thinner? Not really.

With shirts it's even weirder. Normally I run about a size 12 or a Large in shirts. But I've fit in anything from a small up to an XXL, depending.

So if you're finding the same issues, it's because of the wide variation of what constitutes a particular size.

Defining where this is all going

Sorry I haven't posted in a while! Vacations and other things have taken up my time. Anyway, now I'm back and I plan to post more frequently.

Reading around on some other blogs and stuff, I think that perhaps I need to let readers know what territory I'm covering and what I'm not.

This isn't going to be a fashion blog per se. I'm not a fashion expert. I understand the cycle/symbiosis between couture and the street/popular culture. I know a bit about the retail side of things. But since I'm guessing most of you are not Saudi princesses, trophy wives, movie stars, or socialites and I'm not either, I am not going to discuss haute couture. I probably won't even go into fashion shows. There are tons of sites written by people who know what they are talking about in that world. And besides, most of those houses normally do not go above a size 8 or 10 for their haute couture lines.

This is going to about everyday issues, not the fantasy world sold by the media where nobody really looks like you or me. I'm keeping it practical and keeping it real.