I just read that Forever 21 is launching a new plus-size line, called Faith 21, on May 1st! The line will be sizes XL-2X (12-18), and be available online on their regular website and at select stores. I am so happy about this, because as someone who loves a trendy bargain, I have often lusted after the very affordable clothing Forever 21 has to offer.
I can't wait to see what they have!

When Torrid first opened, I was thrilled! They were young and fashionable. They offered a unique voice to young women who didn't want to look matronly or like anyone else. It was great. And then, slowly but surely, they changed.

There has been an online petition around for some time that I am whole heartedly backing! It asks Torrid to bring back some of the brands they used to carry, like Lucky 13 and Junk Food.

http://www.petitiononline.com/torrid/petition.html

Hi guys!

In this blog I'd like to explore the wonderful world of the tailor and how they can make the clothes you wear work for you.
Believe it or not, tailors are fairly easy to find and generally inexpensive. My old tailor (who I dearly miss) in Chicago, would charge me less than $15 for most alterations. This is helpful in these times of economic belt tightening when you need to be able to get the most bang for your buck. The great thing is, you may have already met your tailor, since most are located in your local dry cleaners!
 I often times find something in the store that is a little too long or big or whatever, but is a great price. For instance, I find that so called "boot cut" jeans are more like wide legs/flares the larger in size you get. However, a sleeker line is more flattering on the plus size leg as opposed to a ridiculous amount of un-needed fabric. My tailor would charge me $11 to take in the leg and I would have them back in about 3 days.
Another great thing a tailor can do is add darts to a blouse. If you have a larger bust, then you know how darts can help you get a more flattering fit. But, you also know how baggy and boxy a lot off the rack blouses can be. A tailor can put darts in and give you that more feminine look.
If you also have issues with your jeans or pants gaps at the waist, a tailor can solve that issue. Or if you find a great vintage piece that just needs a bit of work. Or, if you find the perfect pants on clearance, but they are a tall and you are a petite! Got a broken zipper or need a clasp replaced? Again, a trip to your tailor is like having a fit fairy at your disposal!

But, there are some things they can't do. They cannot lengthen or make something bigger if there is no excess fabric to work with. If the fabric is a print, be careful that the tailor has enough to work with to match up seams and such. And if it's a sweater, unless it's a button replacement, forget it.

Remember, your clothes are your clothes and they should be working for you to give you the best fit. Don't hesitate to ask your local tailor what they can do for you! You might be surprised!

Earlier this week, I went to Target on a search for some yoga pants and to check out the new spring fashions. I was shocked to find that the Women's/Plus section had now been squeezed into 3 racks and a shelf, and the Young Men's swimwear and tee's had taken over the remaining space of what used to be. I have always been suspicious of Target's sizing (their plus size line is cut way too small and have always had a rule of thumb to size 2 sizes up up to get a good fit.) and that they don't seem to think that we bigger gals would possibly want to wear something as fashionable as our single digit size friends. I get that it's not cost effective to resize thing in anything bigger than a 14/16. But, downsizing the whole section isn't a very good option.
Now, I love my Tar-get. And I have been a loyal shopper for years. But, I really have to put my foot down and demand a little respect here. It's bad enough that we have to shop in the very back of the store, but downsizing our selection so drastically is just plain ridiculous.
How many times are we going to be crowded out of lower cost retailers or be forced to wear Kathy Lee pull-on pants because we can't afford to get truly chic and young clothes on the market for more than a blink fo the eye. Do we need to talk about the H&M/Karl Lagerfeld debacle?
If Target truly wants to make money in these harsh times, embrace your shoppers. All of them. Lord knows we, as fluffy fashinoistas, are an incredibly underserved market. And we want frugal fashionista options, just like our skinny sisters.
I have written an email to Target voicing my concerns and will let you know what they say.