Sunday, November 20, 2011

What I’m Pissed Off About


If you recall, a few weeks ago I blogged about things I was excited about. (See: What I’m Excited For from November 1, 2011) One of the things I was excited for was the debut of the Versace for H&M line.  I had already resigned myself to the fact that the pickings would be slim because nothing would be available in plus sizes, but I was very content with nabbing a few accessories.  I mainly had my eyes on this studded black leather Versace bag.




I had planned on using this as a little going out/club bag since it’s small enough to hold all my night on the town essentials, and the $110 price is a far cry from the Chanel Wallet On Chain which I also covet for this very same purpose.



*takes deep breath*




The start of my pisstivity began a week ago as I started plotting my strategy to obtain an item from this limited edition collection.  As H&M does not cater to the plus size market, the store was never on my radar, so as I navigated the website, I learned that not only was the Versace line only being carried at select stores, there is no such monster as online shopping for its U.S. customers. The hell? 

The following day, I called the nearest H&M to learn that in the ENTIRE DMV the only H&M that was getting the line was the flagship store in DC.  I was also warned to get there before sunrise to get in line because havoc was expected.  As I started having flashbacks of the Missoni for Target collection, (See: The Madhouse Created by Missoni from September 2011), I realized that this was going to be much worse since there was only one location in the area to buy the collection.  To make matters worse, I learned that the shopping experience will come with rules. Yes RULES! Shoppers would only be allotted 10 minutes to shop and could only purchase two items from the collection.  This was turning into bullshittery of epic proportions....and speaking of bullshit, the two item restriction was only in the U.S.!


Clearly the two item limit didn’t pertain to shoppers in London.  Note the multiple bags! (Yes, I am salty!!)

When the line debuted at 8:00am in the U.S. yesterday, I was fast asleep.  I didn’t bother waking early to partake in Mission Impossible.  Luckily I didn’t because I called the store later in the day and learned that the line was sold out by 9:30am.  So no Versace for me.   A shopaholic’s heart is very heavy about this missed opportunity, and what really makes me angry are the people who really didn’t want the items, who only wanted to use this as an opportunity to make a fast buck.  eBay is now flooded with marked up Versace for H&M items, and of course the same $110 bag I wanted is now being resold for $300.  To those people I say, if you don't want the items for yourself, leave them in the store for the people who really want and plan to use them. 

Lets just file this entire experience under #pissed shall we!

But never fear, another high/low collaboration is coming soon.  Word on the fashion streets is a possible collaboration between Tom Ford and H&M.  We shall see....

No happy shopping for me ~The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!


Friday, November 11, 2011

Because, Marc Jacobs Said So

This past spring, when Marc Jacobs debuted his F/W 2011-12 Women’s Wear line, you could see his muse was the Armed Forces.  The models strutted down the runway in military-inspired jackets and coats, showcasing what may be one of fall’s hottest trends.  At first, I wasn’t sold on the military look because I thought it was too masculine, but the more lines I saw with military-inspired pieces, I warmed up to the trend.  I was soon on the hunt for something military-esque so that I could hop on the bandwagon.

With looking for something military-styled, I officially crossed the pond to shop!  I came across a military jacket at Yours Clothing in the U.K.


This jacket screams I’m solider! It reminds me of the Marines dressier uniform jacket.  I had to have it…. and I got it this past spring.  Whenever I slip I on, I feel so “girls, who run this mutha! This is such a great piece to wear with jeans and boots.  This jacket comes in sizes 14-32 and retails for $71.10.  Order directly from Yours Clothing at www.yoursclothing.co.uk or if you’re in the U. K. (shout-out to my UK readers, I see you on my audience map, thank you!) Stop in at your nearest Yours Clothing boutique at its many location around the Kingdom. 

Also, from Yours (and on my wishlist) is this wool Military Coat also for $71.10 which comes in black, grey, and olive green.  Sizes vary depending on color, but it comes in 14-24. 


You don't have to join the Armed Forces to look the part. All you have to do is find the right pieces.  You don't have to take my word for it, Marc Jacobs already said so.

Before I close out this posting, I thought earlier today the irony of this week’s blog post subject and the day I had time to complete it for publishing and how it coincides with the Veteran’s Day holiday.  In a few weeks, the first of many U.S. troops will start withdrawing from Iraq and return home.  Unfortunately, all who were called to duty won’t return.  I salute you and appreciate you and your efforts.  As the daughter of a Marine, I truly say, Happy Veteran’s Day!

Semper Fi ~ The Plus Size Shopaholic ~ Muah!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

What I’m Excited For

November is here and boy did this year go by fast!  Now that the candy has been passed out and the Halloween decorations are packed away, it’s time to start preparing for the Holiday Season 2011. 

Typically November is the month where we give thanks for everything blessed upon us – home, job, family, friends, good fortune, etc.  This November has me very excited about a few things as it is shaping up to be a good month….FASHION WISE!  So before I start giving thanks for what I have, let me share with you a few things I'm excited for!



Today, The Limited launched it new plus size line Eloquii, which offers the same trendy and professional clothing found at The Limited but in sizes 14-24.   Items range in prices from $29.20 shirts to $148.00 dresses.  Currently, Eloquii is only a virtual store but plans for standalone stores are scheduled to open in late 2012.  To check out items from Eloquii, visit their website at http://www.eloquii.com/.




Last week, Eddy & Bri opened the virtual doors to its online boutique which offers trendy, fashion-forward clothing in sizes 1x-3x.  On November 15th, the store will launch its extended size line in sizes 4x-6x.  I have come across so many pieces on the site that I am DYING to have.  What’s so great about Eddy & Bri is that the clothes are affordable.  No breaking the bank for a fly outfit here!  Can you say Recessionista? Check out what Eddy & Bri has to offer at its virtual store at http://www.eddyandbri.com/.



Years ago, as I started building my bag collection, I coveted a red leather Versus (by Versace) tote bag.  Back then, I wouldn’t dream of paying more than $200 for a bag.  So at that time the tote bag was never meant to be.  Since then, I have built quite a collection of handbags but never added anything Versace to my collection.  I now have plans to change that...BIG plans as Versace is launching its economic downturn friendly line Versace for H&M on November 17th.  The 90-piece line will offer many items from clothing, shoes, bags, scarves, undies, and houseware, all at "reasonable" prices.  For now, check out http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/25/versace-for-hm-retail-pri_n_1031418.html for a sneak peak and price preview, and on November 17th, stop in at any H&M store or online at http://www.hm.com/us/ to purchase from this collection.

Happy Shopping ~The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!