Friday, February 10, 2012

Cheap Thrills: Big Love

Greetings and salutations! I'm gonna glam it up this week, specifically for the plus size ladies (such as myself). I love dressing up, but it can sometimes be a struggle to find things that are flattering and well-made if you're a larger size. It's also difficult to stay within your budget because quality clothing is going to cost more, and it's going to set you back even further if you're looking for a plus size option. But it can be done!

For the younger set, prom is just around the corner. I remember dreading formal events when I was younger, because I knew it meant disappointment and heartache in the dressing rooms - when things didn't fit or weren't even available in my size. Fear not! Your fairy godmother is here to help you find the perfect dress without compromising your fashion sensibilities.

Past your prom prime? That doesn't mean you don't have fabulous places to go, chicas. This month alone, I have two events lined up that require dressing up and getting my fancy on. Parties, big nights out, weddings, etc., there's always some sort of event looming on the horizon.

Even if you don't have something on your social calendar yet, take a look at the stuff I've found and rest assured that there are plenty of places to browse, and you don't have to settle for a frumpy frock.



 
Betsey Ruched Dress - Kiyonna $128
Words cannot express how much I want this dress, it's so in tune with my newly reinvigorated obsession with red lipstick and heels. I know, it's not on sale, so it's more of just a thrill rather than a Cheap Thrill, but this dress is worth a splurge. It's available in seven colors: Brown Leopard (shown here), Snow Leopard, Maraschino Cherry, Black Pin-up Polka Dots, Temptress Teal, Raven Black and Elegant Eggplant. The sizes available are from 0X - 5X (10-12 to 30-32), both Leopard options are "reserve now", meaning you'll have to wait - but it'll be worth it!


Cosmo Cocktail Dress - Kiyonna $126 (was $158)
A different, but equally stunning, look from Kiyonna - this is another one I yearn for. I love the high, wide neck and the scalloped hem! The description notes that the bottom layer is made from a smoothing material that will accentuate your curves and keep the dress from riding up. It's available in sizes 0X - 5X, in two color options, Gold Evening and Black Noir.



You know about my love affair with ASOS, it's still going strong - and this dress is one of the reasons why. This is a lace dress with a built-in sweetheart shaped bustier top, it's available in pink (shown here) and black (which makes my heart sing), in sizes 16 - 22. If you're looking for a long sleeved lacy option, try the Slash Neck Lace Dress, available in black or mocha. ASOS offers free shipping and returns, and frequently offers 20% off coupon codes - so be sure to sign up to receive their emails! The current coupon, LOVEDRESSES, will get you 20% off dresses, woo!




Stop Staring Cover Girl w/Swing Dress - Unique Vintage $154
Now we're getting into some serious retro glam! Unique Vintage has an incredible selection of dresses in all sizes. This red with black polka dots number is a 50s style swing dress with a halter neckline and a shelf bust to flatter your girls. It's gorgeous, and is available in sizes Small through 3X! It was also featured in an episode of Glee. The black crinoline underskirt peeking under the hem is sold separately, and can be found here. A feature I love at Unique Vintage is that they show photos of some dresses in both the "regular" size and plus size, to help you get a more accurate idea of what the dress will look like on different body types. You know your fairy godmother is going to go the extra mile and find a coupon code for you to use! Through February 11th, the code GRABIT will save you 10% off all non-sale items.




Stop Staring First Lady Scoop Neck Swing Dress - Unique Vintage $154
If you're like me, and love retro glam looks but feel more comfortable in long sleeves, check this out. A 50s style swing dress with to-the-elbow (not quite 3/4 length) sleeves. The scoop neck is lined with satin and has a small rose detail, wear it as is or with a red crinoline skirt, as shown in the photo. The petticoat in this photo (and the one above) is available here, in black, red, pink or white. Don't forget the 10% off coupon code, GRABIT! This long sleeve dress is available in sizes S - 3X




Stop Staring Black & Grey Dot Wiggle Dress - Unique Vintage $136 (was $170)
Wanna put a sexy little wiggle in your walk? If you're not into the swing dresses, this fitted polka dot dress might be more your style. There's a little lycra in the material for some stretch, and the gathering down the side of the dress will flatter your shape and hide some trouble spots.  It's available in sizes XS, M - 3X, and because it's already on sale, the 10% promo code doesn't apply.



Queen of Heartz Black Halter Dress - Torrid $120.50
Queen of Heartz is a line I've had my eye on lately, I haven't actually tried any of their styles on... yet, but I like what I've seen. This halter dress is a cotton/spandex blend, so it'll have a bit of stretch (always a nice thing). It's got a fold over collar that will keep your cleavage levels tasteful. You can use the promo code 1AF12OFF to get 10% off your total order through February 15th. If you're a Torrid Diva Style member with a February birthday, you should receive a birthday treat in the form of a $10 discount. If you aren't a member, be sure to sign up to get your birthday goodies and discounts sent to you.



Teal Jacquard Pocket Dress - Torrid $68.50
If you want to stand out in a sea of black dresses, this teal dress from Torrid will give you a nice pop of color and a little lacy to keep things sexified. It comes with a belt, and features pockets - which I love because it means I don't have to keep stashing my phone in my bra. It's a poly/spandex mix, and is fully lined, so no slips needed, and comes in sizes 12 - 26.


Stop Staring Black Billion Dollar Baby Dress - Torrid $120.50
This Stop Staring dress, a Torrid internet exclusive, is a real showstopper! It's fitted, with wrap/twist details at the neckline and cap sleeves. Sadly, it's now only available in sizes 20 and 26, so if you're lucky enough to fit either of those, grab it while you can! Torrid has started carrying Stop Staring and Queen of Heartz dresses online, and I really hope they see the good response and start carrying more in their stores.


And with a wave of my wand, this fairy godmother will bring another edition of Cheap Thrills to an end. Remember, it may sometimes be a struggle to find plus size items you like and that are flattering, but it can be done! Larger sizes may need to do a little extra searching, but there are lots of options out there. Smaller sized ladies will tell you, they've got just as much trouble finding items. Tailors can be your best fashion friend - take things in, let them out, there are crafty ways to make clothing fit properly. If you're really stuck, and can't seem to find what you want in your size, find a dressmaker that will work with you! Take in photos as examples and see if they can create a similar design in  your size. In the words of the brilliant and inspiring, Tim Gunn, "make it work!".



"Hilda" pin-up drawing by Duane Bryers, courtesy of Brown & Bigelow

2 comments:

  1. All they are looking very good,


    I used to shop at kohls previously for designer +size clothes and used kohls coupon codes 30% to get 30% extra disocunt.

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    Replies
    1. Oooh, nice! It's always a smart idea to check sites that offer coupon codes before making your purchases.

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