Igigi Lifestyle: Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Posted At : March 11, 2008 1:36 PM | Posted By : Admin
Related Categories: Fat Chicks Rule

It's been a while since I ranted about shopping. The last time I went shopping was Halloween and that scared me more than any ghoulie. But even though the seasons have changed, the fashions at department stores still stink. If anything I think they have gotten worse.

A few weeks ago I was nearly on TV--one of FOX's morning shows did invite me, then bumped me, then demoted me to the audience. It didn't really bother me as this was typical television business strategy. I had interview-type clothes which I could wear for a TV appearance, but in the audience I could dress down a little. So I wore pants and my "Fat! So?" T-shirt. I realized that while I had a great wardrobe (mostly courtesy of the Fat Girl's Flea Market) I had nothing sassy. I was doing an event called Phat Poetry and wanted to wear a new outfit. I decided to hit either a big mall (with a Torrid) or a small boutique in Brooklyn called Lee Lee's Valise that caters to plus sizes.

Unfortunately there was a family emergency the day I was to go to the mall or Lee Lee's and I had to shop locally instead. This meant either going to the "we hate fat people mall" (I live in a neighborhood with big meaty Russian women who can lift cars, so I have no idea who this mall caters to). The mall did have Ashley Stewart and Lane Bryant.
There was also an Avenue a few doors down. I had a great idea, I'll try a local store Rainbow (local as in NY, NJ and Ohio) which in the past has had funky clothes in plus sizes. Something different from the standard fare found in the chains (although Ashley Stewart has a nicer atmosphere than other plus size stores.) Rainbow also had this tendency to give equal space to the various sizes.

There was a Rainbow near my house but I refused to go because the last time I was there I complained when a rack was labeled "Plus" actually had extra smalls, the manager instead of apologizing, angrily ripped down the sign. They also didn't have a fitting room.

So I went to another Rainbow. And that's when it got pathetic. Although I'd been to this Rainbow before they no longer had separate but equal sections. The plus section had become "Plus sizes" plus Misses size sale's racks. This is not something that originated at Rainbow. Target is notorious for putting Misses size sales racks among the plus size. I really hated it because you would be looking at something, seeing how nice it looks and then you look at the sizing label to discover it's a size that you last fit in when you were seven years old. Not only that but the majority of the clothing burned my eyes. When I did pick out something that looked decent, it turned out it was a small.

But I was able to find some things that didn't make my eyes bleed. For the most part I wear a 2x/20. All the 2x shirts were too tight. This isn't me. I no longer have a problem admitting if I've gained weight. The problem is I haven't gained any weight since 2002. (I haven't lost any either). I tend to like clothes not too loose but not so tight you can see my bra and it cuts off circulation. I was humiliated that they couldn't carry clothes that fit me, yet I still have a lot of clothes from Rainbow that do fit me. I doubt I stretched them out so much they were now loose.

So for the poetry reading I ended up wearing jeans and my Yoda "Size Matters Not" T-shirt. While at the reading I talked with another woman who was a size 5x. My shopping experience was a like a walk through Sak's compared to hers. Almost no stores carry anything in her size.

While I have mentioned that online stores and individual stores are going above and beyond to provide beautiful stylish clothes in all sizes, chain stores which the majority of us have to rely on seem stagnant in improving their appeal to plus size shoppers.

So I say again, until these stores can cater to all sizes they should get nothing from us. We shouldn't buy anything from them, no shoes, no accessories, no gifts for thin friends, nothing.

Also on an off note: I've been doing this column for over a year. I've covered shopping, diets, eating, self esteem etc. As my audience, what other topics would you like to see in future columns?

Lara Frater

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Oh my goodness! I so agree with you. I wear a size 6x or 32 sometimes bigger than that depending on the clothing. I do all my clothing shopping on line. Never at the store as none of them cater to a woman my size. I am also very large in the bust so that makes things even harder for me. I get so sick and tired of seeing "Plus size" clothing that really isn't! My girlfriends who are "normal" in size go shopping all the time and invite me often to go with them, I never do. Why bother trying to fit in the clothing that is labeled my size but really isn't? Or trying on clothing that is my size but is so ugly I wouldn't even put it on as a costume? I say we go for it!! Until the stores start catering to us REAL women we don't shop for anything from them!!

# Posted By Katherine | 3/12/08 3:20 AM

Welcome to my life! I live in Belgium and in my mall there is one shop called Paprika. It calls itself a plus size store but it stops at a EURO 52
(US20). A new one opened in Brussels so I went out of curiosity. They asked me what I thought of it and spoke my mind. I said it was ridiculous for a
plus size shop to stop at 52. They didn't seem to care what I said and were all "but you can fit in the clothes." Yes I can. But what about the other
women? It's really sad the option for trendy plus size clothes here. Thank God for the internet and travels to cities like London.

# Posted By Valerie | 3/12/08 5:07 AM

I used to shop at Rainbow (GA). They used to have cute clothes is plus sizes. I am a size 22. The
clothes are so cheaply made in that store now that it really is useless for me to try to shop there. The
sizes have gotten smaller or something. I haven't gotten bigger. The best place for me to shop is
Lane Bryant. Ashley Stewart has nice things sometimes, but their clothes aren't as well made as L. B.
Macy's is also great when they have clearance sales.

# Posted By Nicol | 3/12/08 5:59 AM

I can totally sympathize... On top, I'm a 18/20 (sometimes a 16/18, depending on the cut), but on bottom, I'm a 22. I do most of my shopping at the 1200 pound gorilla (Wal-Mart), but I'm getting fed up with their "women's department" - it doesn't cater to any REAL women... at least not any real women with fashion sense (don't get me wrong, I like circus tents when they enclose circuses, but I don't want to WEAR one!)! They will have a SUPER cute dress in the skinny-minnie sizes (everything is cute in a size 4!), but then nothing even SIMILAR in our section. And don't get me started on Target (the plus size/maternity section... I'm fat, not pregnant!)... but here in Montgomery, AL, there's not a whole lot of fashion choices for the plus size gal - but we do have 2 Lane Bryants, which is nice, if you want to spend hundreds on an outfit.... I spent $42.50 on a bra there the other day (but they had a sale - buy one, get one for $10, so I got 2 bras for $52.50).... BTW - I'm cheap, too!

# Posted By Regina | 3/12/08 6:40 AM

This made me feel a little better-as I went to a Rainbow (OH) and was upset that the 3x that would fit me anywhere else did not come close there. I thought I was gaining weight again and got really sad-but it didn't make sense that all of my clothing at home still fit fine. I thought I was the only one that noticed that Target fills their plus section with skinny girl sale items-I'm also ssad that they keep the plus size sort of hidden behind the very stylish maternity clothes as well. If something maternity is cute and fits I will wear it, but these maternity clothes are made for small pregnant girls.

# Posted By Rachel | 3/12/08 6:54 AM

I too am extremely frustrated with the "Plus Size" departments and stores. I'm frustrated with shopping online as well. My top size is 3x/4x or 26/28 while my bottom size is an 18/20. I do not understand why clothing manufacturers assume that all "larger" women wear the same size top and bottom. Right now, I'm struggling to find a decent swimsuit set for my upcoming vacation. I definitely can't buy a one piece because to fit the top I would be flashing my nether regions to the world!. And don't get me started on the separates. They assume that all plus size women want the blouson look or the swim dress as if we were ashamed of our size!!! And the clothes in the stores are sooooo ugly anymore. And the plus size departments are getting smaller. Do stores and manufacturers not realize that the entire country is getting bigger!!!!!!! It makes me soooo mad sometimes!

# Posted By Cassandra | 3/12/08 7:36 AM

Preach on! I shop at Rainbow too and I've notice this not-true-to-size epidemic is reaching into Pay-half(NY)plus size departments as well. It's like they are relabeling
a 1x shirt with 2 and 3x's!!! I really should be able to fit into any 2x but apparently thats not the case! I can fit into any Old Navy 18, Lane Bryant and Avenue 14-16, but at other stores I may be a 3x or they just don't carry "my size" at all. I'm really steamed about how some chains, like Macy's or JCPenny, do have plus size clothing but seem to think big women are over the age of 50!!! Or that now plus size clothing is made to look "Gangsta". It's like a big woman with an eclectic style
shouldn't exist in the fashion world!!! And I hate how H&M claims to have catered to the big gals when the clothes stop at a super small 16!!!

But even still I don't think we should stop shopping at stores like this if they "sorta" have your size. I mean because bigger women were not shopping the Old Navy Plus Size section, they pulled it from the stores. And I know it sucks getting clothes online because ya can't try them on! But it's really not going to help any of us if we're leaving the 18's, 20's and 22's on the shelves and the manufacturers to see that no one is buying the bigger sizes! I think we should start demanding that our local stores carry bigger sizes. Harass the big chains to stock less maternity/elderly looking clothes for us big women! We must show them that "Plus Size" is a huge market! (no pun intended!)

# Posted By Carisa | 3/12/08 8:37 AM

My issue is all plus size clothing seems to be too
big up top and too tight on the bottom. I've had
to take in clothes up to six inches in the top
so the bottom will fit.
I have a average bust,definite waistline
and big hips and thighs. Why do manufacturers think
plus size women are all big in the middle
with small arms and legs? Even my daughter who
is small has this problem.

# Posted By Vickie | 3/12/08 9:31 AM

I wear a 2X on top and a 3x on the bottom. My waist is the thickest part of my body, so anything with a zipper and a waist band is out of the question. Elastic is a must! However, I am also short. I am sick of not finding plus sized clothing in petite sizes. The selections are sooooooooooo limited! It's very frustrating, to say the least. Why don't manufacturers make more plus-sized petite clothing?

# Posted By Cammy | 3/12/08 6:53 PM

I just made a frustrating trip to target yesterday. Not only are the clothes sized strangely, but I can only get one or two wears out of them before the shrink "up". When I get the time and monry I like to shop at Catherines. Not only do they have great prices but they like to use their customers as models when they do their seasonal trunk shows.

# Posted By jennie | 3/12/08 8:14 PM

I shop at ROSS stores, they have cute clothes
great prices, recently I went to the Dress Week
Sale. I found so many dresses in my size 20/22 I had to put some back. I'm 45 year grandma that likes to
look stylish, and sexy.

# Posted By cynthia | 3/12/08 11:25 PM

I can't agree more! I am so frustrated by smaller plus sized fashions. I have stuff in my closet that
fits in sizes that vary from 20 to 28. I think that I'm a tall 24 and on a good day a 22. I am in the
normal chubby girl wear. My mom a petite plus and I have found that our latest fashions are the most likely
to shrink. We have multiple cotton tops that have shrunk to the point of being a belly baring shirt...not
a pretty look... which is especially irritating when you realize that you made sure that shirt was bought
at least 5 to 7 inches below waistline... She doesn't even get petites...so add her extra 3 or 4 inches...and
and the shrinkage is probably 8 or 9 inches, and they aren't the cheap big box brands.

# Posted By Miss C | 3/14/08 9:51 PM

I have the same problem here is Australia. We have 'plus size' stores here but they go to an apparent 26(I think that is a 24 in US) but seriously, why is size 26 with a zip smaller than a 26 with? Shirts in T-shirt material are larger when you lay them flat than the same size in a cotton, non stretch shirt. Why do 'fat tops' finish at the waist band of your pants?
I love the layne bryant website but they don't ship downunder. Can anyone help with stores that have US size 26 clothing, that ship to Australia and are true sizes?

# Posted By Tarnya | 3/15/08 4:38 PM

What are the buyers thinking at these stores? I am a size 18/20 both top/bottom and 35 years old who does not want to look like a grandmother when she dresses! I was shocked to see what most of the "upper" department stores "women" sizes dictate as fashion for someone my size. OK, everyone aound me, including myself knows I am a big women why dress me in hideous colors just to draw even more attention to myself?

# Posted By Daria | 3/16/08 2:01 PM

As for the Aussie in the group, Torrid ships internationally. I lived in Japan for 2 years, and they SAVED MY LIFE. They're sizes are on and off with being "accurate". I find that for the most part I have issues with length. Pants run way too long in the inseam for someone who is an average 5'5" (165cm). However, tops are far too short, and finding a happy medium is maddening.
Honestly, I like Nordstrom online Plus size stuff (but it's pricey!) and Old Navy (which still sells the plus size stuff online)
Also, I HATE "fat" T-shirts -- WHY DON'T they fit?? Of all people, I don't want to show my belly!

# Posted By Michelleyk | 3/27/08 1:47 PM

Add my voice to the choir - I'm 18 on top, 20 on bottom (I THINK, 'cause it changes depending on the store/mfgr). I used to love Target, but I, too, get frustrated when I see what looks like a cute big-girl dress hanging on the wrong rack; I also think their clothing is more cheaply made than it used to be (cuffs start to fray after one washing, etc.). Target rocks if you just want a cami-tank and shorts - I'm always finding cheap Ts, but I can't wear cheap Ts all the time. Lane Bryant always has trendy looks in the windows, but they're too casual. And often unattractive. Who do we talk to about the ugly state of big clothes?! Why is it so hard to find "classic" wardrobe basics, like a tasteful white blouse or navy knee-length skirt? I sometimes resort to buying men's shirts - the cut isn't always right, but at least you can find 'em big.

# Posted By Juliana | 3/27/08 4:20 PM

My size changes from a 16/18 to a 18/20 depending on the time of the month or year. Then on top of that, I only stand 5'4", I'm to tall for petites, and to short for tall clothing. My figure shape has been described as an oval, so everything that has a waisted belt or stops at the hip-line band is a no-no for me. Because of my height and size, large prints make me look like an elephant trying to squeeze into a keyhole. I'm 49 yrs. old, I have been this same size for the past 10 yrs. I'm tired of the dark colors, no wonder women have such a hard time with menopause. Dark colors are depressing, day in, day out. I understand that there is only so much that can be done with a piece of fabric, but these manufacturers and "designers" have no clue how to design clothes for female other than a size 4. They can't picture a woman in a size 14 in other color than black, red, or blue. Or a loud print. Ladies I say, either start taking sewing classes and learn how to sew, for find yourself a good seamstress, and tell these manufacturers and designers that they can dress the rest of the world like a bunch of clones, but not me!

# Posted By Peggy Hribernik | 3/27/08 8:03 PM

AMEN!! This article is so true. It also angers me when plus sized celebrities get clothing lines but the clothes only go up to a 22 or maybe a 24. What is that about? I got really ticked at Jessica London years ago because everything I wanted stopped a size or two less than I wear. They have gotten better with that now, thankfully. I too end up shopping a lot on line b/c other than AVENUE or hit-n-miss at Lane Bryant, I can't find clothes that I like that fit me properly.

# Posted By Sharon | 3/27/08 8:38 PM

I agree with everything that everyone here is saying (especially the Target comments. It makes me angry that not only do us plus size gals not thave the choices missy-size girls do, but that our department is usually just the overflow clearance for the rest of the women's clothing. Our money is obviously not as coveted to Target as that of the girls size 16 and under.) I would like to add, that I worked in the plus size fashion world for awhile and have some insight on fit. Most clothing companies use one or two fit models for their lines. That means if you wear a size 22 in one line and you have found it fits you perfectly - it's probably because their fit models are similar to your body-shape/type. If it doesn't fit you well - know that the tailor is going to have to be your best freind. I have found that this is not just a plus size issue - it's women's clothing in general. With the myriad of body types in this world (i.e, we're a bit like snowflakes..no two are alike..) - it's almost impossible for retailers and clothing manufactureres to mass produce clothing that is going to fit us all perfectly. I am 5'5 and wear a size 22 and have to go to a tailor for most of my pants as petites are too short, and non-petites are too long and sag in the rise/crotch. It's just someting I have to do and I'm willing to do that for the fit aspect. Even a $20 pair of pants that has been altered to fit you perfectly, will make you look like a million bucks - it's fit that makes the difference whether you shop at Wal Mart or Saks Fifth Avenue.

I hope this helps. Again - I wonder if Target and other retailers are aware of how disrepectful their plus size offerings are? When I worked int he field, I was told my male executives that plus size women didn't like to shop - they were so ashamed of their bodies they just wanted to get in and out and would take whatever was given to them. I am here to say, of course - WRONG... and I put my money where my mouth is. I love to shop - I love nice clothing and I go where I can find the nice clothing, which is no longer Target. They just don't get it or if they do, they don't care. i's their loss. Thanks for listening...

# Posted By Jodiem | 4/4/08 11:28 AM

I am having a problem and you lovely ladies might be able to help me. I am getting ready to go on a cruise, not to mention, summer is quickly approaching. There is one little problem with all of this, I am 5'2" and I need shorts, not bermudas which make me look like a little girl who is dressing up in mommy's clothes (I'm going on the cruise for my 30th birthday so this is not the case), but real life shorts. Anybody have any ideas where I can find some shorts with about a 6" inseam so I can show that I actually do have knees & legs? Why is it that everyone seems to think we curvy girls need to cover as much skin as possible even when it is 95 degrees outside? Thanks for any help you can offer me. Happy incoming summer everyone!

# Posted By Karin | 4/7/08 12:56 PM

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