17 April 2012

Personal Shopper: Between Regular and Plus-Size

Reader Request

For most of my adult life, I've been a size 12, but I've gained some weight recently and now I'm fluctuating between a 14 and 16. I'm trying to lose weight, but in the meantime, none of my clothes fit. I plan on fitting back into my clothes soon, but I need to buy a couple of staples in a larger size, just to get me through the next few months. The thing is, I'm too large to fit into an XL in most stores. So I tried shopping at some plus-size shops, and the smallest size is still too big. I basically have nothing to wear.


I have a fancy wedding to attend in a few weeks and I can't find anything to wear. Do you have any general suggestions for shopping while in a transition size, and specifically for the wedding? I'm getting desperate.

Oh, man. This request really hit close to home for me because I've been there. Not only was I disappointed in myself for gaining the weight, but it was really discouraging to have pretty much nowhere to shop. I wore lots of stretchy knits. I found a couple of stores that carried extended sizes and bought my basics there (I recommend Target and Old Navy). But for special occasions, I bought clothing at eShakti, or I shopped at plus-sized shops (Eloquii, ASOS Curve) and then had them altered down a size or two. Good alterations don't have to be expensive.

Also, check out this video from GabiFresh for more on shopping for the perfect fit.

Here's what I'd recommend for the wedding. Good luck!

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Dress $98 // Shoes $48 // Clutch $36 // Earrings $19 // Bracelets $10