The Junior Fatshionista

One thing we can all agree on is the progress of the plus size fashion industry over the past 20 years.  I remember when I hit puberty and the pounds started creeping on, (thus creating a trend).  Luckily, I wasn’t one of those kids who was bullied and picked on because there were kids far chunkier than I, but anyway, my biggest problem during those years was the lack of trendy clothes that was offered by the few plus size retailers at that time.  Back then, there was Lane Bryant and the Avenue, but their clothes were nowhere as fashionable as they are today, and also, there was 16 Plus. *sighs*  The only place where I could remotely find anything similar to what my peers were wearing was at Gallo, the $10.00 store, and even their clothes weren’t that trendy, but it was a far cry from the Jacque & Coko line at Lane Bryant.  What pissed me off with having to shop there was that I had to pass all the cute clothes offered only in straight sizes as I made my way to the back of the store where the plus sizes were kept.  So aside from having to shop like Rosa Parks in the back of the store, I had to sift through all the floral print shit to find something remotely wearable for a teenager.  Thank God with the progression of the plus size industry those days are long gone….or so I thought.

I have a niece who is following in my wide footsteps.  She’s currently at the age of puberty and her sedentary lifestyle is causing her to put on a few extra pounds.  As I’m sure my parents were with me at that age, I was a tad bit frustrated this past Christmas shopping season as I couldn’t find anything decent for her to wear.  The junior sizes were too small and the women sizes were too big.  *sigh* Somewhere in the recesses of my brain I knew there were places for me to shop for her, but since I never have to go to these places to shop for myself, they never entered my mind.  So after a few days and several failed shopping attempts, I took to the internet to find suitable items for her.  Below are the sites I found which offer the trendiest junior plus size fashions:

Loop 18 (subsidiary of Lane Bryant) which offer junior plus sizes in 13-27

http://loop18.lanebryant.com/

Faith 21 (subsidiary of Forever 21) which offer junior plus sizes in X-LG – 3X

http://www.forever21.com/

Deb which offer junior plus sizes in 14-24

http://www.debshops.com/

I'm pretty sure there are other junior plus size retailers out there but these are the ones that in my opinion have that cutest clothes.  I really wish I had these places to shop at when I was in junior/senior high school.  You would not have been able to touch me with a red hot hammer!

Happy Shopping my Junior Fatshionistas

~ The Plus Size Shopaholic ~ Muah!

A Shopaholic’s Favorite Things

In the tradition of Oprah, I thought it would be fitting to share some of my favorite things, and since we are now in 2012, I figure this could be one last time to reminisce on 2011 by sharing my favorite things of 2011.

10…

The Salt & Peppery Gourmet Popcorn from Starbucks

This is soooo tasty.  Although it is salt AND pepper, you actually taste more of the pepper, but don’t be alarmed, it’s not overpowering.  You can pick up this wonderful snack at your local Starbucks for the small price of $1.25.

9…

Cajun Spiced Pistachios (green bag on the far left)

I came across these by happenstance at Walmart and has been hooked ever since.  Pistachios with a spicy kick.  This is yet another great snack.  You can pick this up at Walmart for $7.99 a bag. 

8…

 Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

I’m usually a MAC girl but having to become a bit of a Recessionista after my time of unemployment, I discovered this mousse foundation by Maybelline.  It’s light, creamy, and gives great coverage.  I usually purchase it at Walmart for around $7.50.

7… 

Flavia Single Cup Coffeemaker

Back in August, we got one of these in our office and it’s been a HIT!  This machine has saved me so much money at Starbucks (sans the popcorn).  This Flavia model can make up to 400 different coffee and tea combinations.  Although this model is for offices, Flavia offers a model for home for $124.00.  If you interested in the Flavia machine, you can check out their website http://us.myflavia.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3414902.

6…

Juicy Couture Keychain/ring

I’ve eyed this keychain/ring for quite some time but was hesitant to get it because I figured it would weigh too heavily on my ignition, but who am I fooling, I couldn’t resist the sparkle.  It’s big and gaudy and gets so much attention.  It's one of my favorite accessories.  I got this keychain/ring from the Juicy Couture Outlet for $55.00.

5…

Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black

Although this album is five years old, I never tire of hearing it.  The funny thing is, I started listening to it heavily this past March as it became the soundtrack of my then “relationship”.  Unfortunately, I grew even closer to it as it would later become the last studio album made by Amy Winehouse.  If you don’t have this album in your collection, GET IT.  You won’t be disappointed.

4…

Jewelry By Tiffany

(See A New Drug For All Of You Accessory Addicts from July 2011)

3…

Balconette Bras

These bras are the best for busty girls.  They give good coverage and GREAT separation and LIFT! I typically stick to the ones from the Avenue as I have discovered that they are the best for me and my “girls”.  They typically run between $29.50 -$34.50, depending on print, color, and fabric. 

2…

International Shopping

I’ve always hated how plus size shopping is so limited to the same stores and what’s worst is having the same outfit as everyone else because of the limited shopping options.  That’s why I was so delighted to find plus size stores outside of the U.S. to purchase from.  I’ve highlighted Yours Clothing from the U.K. back in November with the post Because Marc Jacobs Said So and will be highlighting others in the near future.  Stay tuned…

1…

If you know me KNOW me, then you should have an idea of what my number one favorite thing of 2011 is.  I have raved and recommended this product to everyone.  With the fear of coming across as an alcoholic, my favorite thing of 2011 is….

*drum roll*

Coconut Ciroc

It has been the staple of my evenings this past year and I am pretty sure I’ve purchased a Bentley for Diddy with how much money he has gotten out of me with purchases.  If you haven’t tried it, you must! It’s very tasty and my favorite brand of Vodka.  Sorry Grey Goose, you’re cooked!

Happy New Years Everyone!  May your 2012 be prosperous and joyful.

~ The Plus Size Shopaholic ~Muah!