The Big Question
By PlumcakeWe all have it, that one item of clothing we can never quite find. Whether it’s a replacement for your old jeans that made your badonka go donk or the perfect ruby red crocodile clutch, what –sartorially speaking– are you still looking for?
September 19th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
I have been looking for a great pair of Khakis for months now. It seems like a simple item to find, but its been next to impossible. Everything out there in size 18 is made of mystery fabrics, has pleats, elastic waists, tapered legs, and/or makes my butt look flat. I just want something simple and attractive to set off a fabulous cashmere twin set I already have.
September 19th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
I, too am seeking the right casual pant. Not jeans. Not cargo pants. Something that could be dressed up for office casual, or down with a nice t shirt. Preferably pants that eschew elastic and don’t spotlight my pouchy stomach. Why is this so hard??
Once I had a pair of DKNY pants in a soft cotton. Tobacco colored, pleated (but somehow it looked good on me). I still mourn those pants. They haunt me.
September 19th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
I am searching for the perfect black skirt that won’t swallow or further shorten my petite frame. It has been so difficult to find for months now and I have yet to find something the right length that doesn’t accentuate my poochy front.
September 19th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
I’ve got two things, both accessories:
1. A pair of tall, low-heeled or flat black boots that are office-appropriate but also suitable for Chicago winters and (the hard part) will fit my calves.
2. A cross-body bag/briefcase/business case bag that is professional looking, big enough to fit my daily haul (purse stuff plus umbrella plus coffee thermos plus book), but doesn’t look like a laptop case. The cross-body/messenger style is the most important part (I have a shoulder bag and the weight on my shoulders is causing me severe back pain - definitely not super fantastic!) but most bags that are the right form are either “urban” messenger bags and so not professional or look like Office Depot laptop bags and so decidedly non-stylish.
September 19th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Slacks basically evade my grasp. They never fit right, they’re never cut right, and/or they’re made out of material that enables one to see my cellulite through the pants. Not cool! I swear I’ve tried on every pair in Lane Bryant! It’s ridiculous!
also, a sports bra for my huge knockers would be more than super-fantastic.
or really any bra that doesn’t look like some sort of torture device.
September 19th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Oh! This is more along the lines of “the one that got away;” a small tradddegy, but mine own. I found a pair of fabulous grey suede pumps by Abrams that had a suede ruffle around the vamp, lined with silver leather; they had a tiny, tapered heel, and they fit.
Why didn’t I get them? Because they were sixty dollars, and I was being “careful.” Phooey.
That, and the delicate, elegant black-and-silver leather boots lined with black sheepskin (see “careful,” above).
The burgundy and tapestry boots I didn’t buy because my (ex)husband looked at them and said flatly, “How … cute.” (The Cute of Death.)
Um, on topic? Still looking for a good pair of “leopard” boots with flat heels, but truthfully, I’d love a nice pair of red leather boots… embroidered in gold … with turned-up toes and a modest Louis heel …
Realistically? I’d wreak havoc to find a flattering, WATERPROOF raincoat that actually covered all my clothes and kept out the water. Most of what I’ve seen is too bulky, too short, not rainproof, ugly as sin, and not shaped right.
September 19th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
A pair of boots that are sexy, comfortable, knee-high and don’t look either too “goth” or “girly” and can be worn day or night. Which shouldn’t be too hard…except as referenced above I have *huge calves*. I’m an 8/8 1/2 but I have 20″ calves. I walk everywhere, I can’t help it!
September 19th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
A grey tweed pencil skirt that does not make me look like a stumpy sausage sprouting breasticles and cankles. And a perfect white short sleeved blouse. And brown pumps that do not make my feet cry after 8 hours. Those are the essential basics I am missing - the rest of my wishlist is less investment worthy, like prada-esque colorblock socks and some bright argyle sweaters, and silver mary janes.
September 19th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
I’ve never found the classic white button down shirt that looks good on me. They have either gapped at the bossom buttons, or not been fitted enough (blocky) at the waist. I think I’ve quit searching, so perhaps I need to give it another try.
September 19th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
I’m also looking for that perfect pair of professional-yet-stylish leather boots that will look equally cute with a wool pencil skirt and jeans. I bought a pair of cheap synthetic boots a couple years ago, but after maybe half a dozen wearings they are saggy around the ankles and still pinch my calves. I’ve learned my lesson!
I would also love to find a wrap dress that actually fits — wrap styles are cute but are rarely designed for those of us with short torsos.
September 19th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
I used to have the perfect knee-length a-line black skirt, which got irreparably ripped last winter and now I can’t seem to replace it.
Also, a sports bra as strong as an Enell but cheaper (ha) and a long-leg shaper as good as the Miraclesuit, but sturdier in the inner-thigh region.
And sweater tights that actually fit.
And cute shoes that don’t give me blisters, because I walk A LOT.
September 19th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
The LBD. I have yet to find one that meets my criteria:
1. Available in petite.
2. Good quality fabric
3. Prefer elbow or 3/4 length sleeves and v-neck
4. Classic design.
Tk, Talbots has a nice grey tweed pencil skirt right now that fits quite nicely.
Pinkleader, I’m waiting on a custom Land’s End button down white shirt. You might check them out.
September 19th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Does it count if I’ve found the piece but can’t find a way to justify the pricetag?
I found the perfect party dress. It’s cherry red crushed velvet with long sleeves, a skirt that swishes beautifully without making me look even shorter than I am, and laces up the front flirtily without making me look slutty. It skims my figure without exposing lumps, makes me shine like a beacon and is even machine washable and dryable.
Now if I just had $225 to spare.
Alas, the car and the plumbing both needed repairs last month, so I’m back to square one on saving for it.
September 19th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Most excellent question. I would love to find some fun colored tights (not black, brown or navy) that actually fit without cutting off the circulation in my femoral arteries. Sweater tights woudl be superfantastic too!
Wide, er muscular-calved boots: Silhouettes had some and I also ripped a page out of the Maryland Square catalog - they have regular ane expanded calves - though I’ll warn you, you have to slog through a lotta grandma-ish shoes first.
September 19th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
I used to have the most wonderful suit. It was a deep, somewhat bluish green with a big black leafy print (it sounds awful, but it was subtle and marvelous). It had a shaped-but-not-fitted jacket with no hint of those wretched shoulder pads, and a mid-calf skirt that flared ever so gently. It looked wonderful with a white silk blouse and my favorite black heels, and it made my red hair blaze.
In that suit, I felt grown-up and professional and feminine and superfantastic, and, since its sadly mourned departure, I have never found anything to come close.
I’m 5′3″, narrow-shouldered and short-waisted, and everything I have curves and billows. I search for suits, and all I can ever find is boxy frumpwear or vile, cheesy things with sparkly buttons, and nothing ever, ever fits.
I really miss that suit (sigh).
September 19th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Add me to the boots list. Boots these days, particularly the superfantastic ones, seem impossible to find if your calves are wider than a cucumber. I know there’s that one english brand that can custom measure, but that’s expensive, particularly given shipping and the dollar vs. the pound, and I can’t justify the expense. That said, I’m getting desperate. If I could find one good flat pair and one good heeled dress pair, I think I’d be in Heaven.
September 19th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Twistie - buy that dress ! Look at the comments from those that didn’t buy items when they saw them. This dress is going to haunt you !
My item is a blue baggy jumper with a hood and a front pocket. It was really light, so I didn’t look bulky yet super-cosy so I didn’t need to wear a coat until much later in the year. I suppose I could knit one but I know it just won’t be the same. I don’t think I’m capable of knitting anything that makes me want to bounce about like an overactive rabbit (which that blue jumper did, sigh).
September 19th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
I used to be able to order semi-custom jeans at the Levis store for $55. I could just call them and say “make me a pair like the last ones” - the right medium shade of blue, button fly, slight flare, 29 1/2″ inseam, no gap at the waistline - and two weeks later, I could go pick them up.
They discontinued the program. For years, I’ve been asking at the store and they say, “yeah, they say we’re supposed to start doing that again, maybe in the spring.” That magical day never comes.
September 19th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
1. Great black pants that fit like my magical jeans and aren’t in a cheap fabric. Oh, Lane Bryant, why do you love polyester so? :-p
2. A sexy, sophisticated top for going out on the weekends that has sleeves and isn’t made of cheap, stretchy polyester weirdness.
3. A great, slightly below the knee black skirt that would work for work and something more casual like brunch. Ideally, it would be lined linen and just like this olive and black tiger-y print one that’s bias cut and so flattering I’ve kept it since high school (and get compliments on it all the time). I should have this made, shouldn’t I…
September 19th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Boot seekers: Duo Boots, Duo Boots, Duo Boots. Yes, they are not cheap, yes they charge a lot to ship outside of UK. But I wish I could swap the 5 pairs of boots I have that don’t really fit but sort of work for ONE pair of Duos.
http://www.duoboots.com/
My holy grail is a coat which fits my top half and swirls out from my waist flatteringly.
September 19th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Ohh– I can so relate to all of these- the shoes that got away (sigh) pants that flatter and are casual (sigh) great fitting jeans (double sigh) an affordable bra that does the job without looking or feeling like a torture device that might be found in Dante’s 5th circle of Hell, Tights that don’t sag, blow out in the crotch/inner thigh or make me not capable of breathing, and the lack of coats that are stylish, and flattering for my 5′3 hour glassed size 18 body ( Sigh, Sigh, Sigh). I have found that being plus sized and dressing well is an expensive, time consuming and often frustrating venture.
I like the classic look, my husband has said that my style is a cross between Nantucket Soccer Mom and NYC Corporate Raider. I find that its way easier to dress in classic, never fail preppy mode- I can spend more on my clothes and they last longer and are always in style. I find JC Penneys and Talbolts are great answers to my style needs. That and I LOVE my tailor.
All this being said- my wish list for today is:
1: A killer maid-of-honor/ stepmother of the bride dress for my stepdaghters wedding- way harder then I thought it would be.
2: A pair of nice walking shoes that I can wear on my 10 block walk to work and not have to stress about meeting my managing partner in the hall before I can change into my pumps.
3: An exercise bra that works and doesn’t cost $60 bucks or make the aerobic exercise I am doing give me black eyes.
4: A cute top to go out in on the weekends that will make my husband drool and will keep my breasts from falling out onto the bar.
5: A work bag that will hold my laptop, lunch, purse and files without killing my back, look like something I carried in college and if its in RED and Leather- bonus points.
Tjats it- thanks for letting me rant.
September 19th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Darling, superfantastic ladies! If you are looking for a piece of clothing that is like one you already own, but needs to be in a different color, fabric or only needs minor alterations, consider having a seamstress copy your piece for you. It is possible to make a pattern from a piece of clothing without taking it apart (even tailored suits!) and you can duplicate something that you know you already love. This works on items such as Great Question!’s skirt or Bridey’s suit. I have done this several times for myself and it really is a god-send. Also, once the pattern is created and tweaked, a large part of t work is done and you can get several in interesting variations.
Just a thought to consider.
September 19th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
A dress and casual running around town on the weekend shoes shoes.
September 19th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
1. Boots that are wide enough in the calf
2. Jeans for my thin legs and big stomach and nonexistent ass
3. Button-down tailored shirts that are long enough to help cover the stomach, but aren’t the dreaded “bigshirt” (aka business muumuu)
September 19th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Superfantastic shoes in wide widths. And casual pants - not jeans - that would make me look as if I have a booty.
September 19th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Put me on the button-down shirt train. I’ve got a tiny waist, and D-cup breasts, and any shirt that fits one area doesn’t fit the other. I’ve considered getting one made just for that reason.
September 19th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
Seconding Rebecca: I’ve passed up a number of good shirts because I can’t get ones that are big enough across my shoulders/upper arms, but don’t swim dreadfully at the waist and/or bust. These days, if it fits everywhere except the waist, I’ll simply get it taken in.
September 19th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Knee-high boots with a bit of a heel. They’re everywhere, right? Yeah. But not with a shaft opening that will actually go up around my calf without effectively cutting off my circulation. Even the ones that they say are “extra wide calf” (anywhere from 16-18 inches) are not quite big enough. Please say there is a clever way around this, or a company who has heard my desperate plea. Am I forever doomed to the world of ankle boots?
September 19th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
Anything….ANYTHING….that does not make my Girl Love Handles more prominent than they already are. I’m constantly shopping for jeans - I’m lucky in that I’m thick all over, so fairly nicely proportioned - but most jeans STILL rise too low. No one needs to see my Starbucks-muffin-sized-muffin-top.
And, a dress. A beautiful, fun, flattering dress that I can wear for 2 weddings in October (one of my friends, one of the Man’s friends…so two different crowds) and my law school’s fall semi-formal.
*sigh*
September 19th, 2007 at 11:46 pm
Mine is something that I’ve been imagining in my mind since I was a little girl. It’s a sweater, a loose, comfy sweater. Cable knit, goldenrod in color (or mustard, anything on the orange side of yellow), cotton.
I’ve found some that are close, and some that are almost perfect, but not quite right. *sigh* I’ve almost given up. Almost.
September 19th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Some truly knee-high boots. I’m not freakishly tall–only 5′10″–but I’m all leg. The distance from my ankle to my kneecap is easily 19 inches or more. Knee-high boots seem to just say “oh, heck with it! Let’s quit EARLY today!” when they encounter my calves, so all boots look like calf-high booties on me.
I guess there’s a plus side–I can zip up just about any pair of boots without too much stretching or discomfort. But that’s just because the tops of most boots don’t even approach the widest part of my calf.
Also these boots need to be flat, with a lugged sole, and they need to be water-resistant, and they need to be presentable with skirts and dresses, and they need to come in a size 12, and they need to look really cool with buckles and details.
I’m leaning towards a pair of Fluevogs that have caught my eye. Now, all I have to do is save up $230.
September 19th, 2007 at 11:59 pm
A dress to wear to my cousins wedding in October. This can’t be any dress, though, as this wedding is
1, outdoors
2, in a city I’ve never been to
3, where I will actually meet for the first time, said cousin’s best friend with whom I have been corresponding for ages, and am finally going to meet in person, therefore, I must look amazing.
Also this dress must be under $75 (I’m a student and am blowing my budget for the semester on this event), have sleeves, or look decent with a sweater, and make me look absolutely beautiful.
September 20th, 2007 at 9:29 am
Because of pregnancy and recent weight loss (a lot), pants that fit. I have that hang down apron problem going on, and what fits in my waist doesn’t fit a drop lower, or you can see the actual hang. You can tell that there is a huge overhang of flab. It’s like a uniboob, a single, hanging breast. That goes down to the crotch of my pants. Apparently surgery is the only answer.
September 20th, 2007 at 10:08 am
Black shoes with the following requirements:
1. Closed toe (why is everything these days a sandal or a peep-toe?)
2. Closed heel (why is everything these days a mule, clog or sling-back?)
3. Dressy but Not pumps (I can never find a pair that don’t flop off my heels when I walk - unless I go a size smaller which is painful)
4. Mid-height heel - which is not too chunky and not too stiletto-y
5. No pointy toes - I wear a size 10, so the pointy toes make my big feet even more enormous
I have a pair of wedge mary janes that are almost good - but the heels are too high and therefore uncomfortable and dangerous.
I have a pair of mid-heel penny loafers - but they don’t look good with dresses and skirts.
Also have numerous other black shoes in my closet which fail to meet the requirements.
September 20th, 2007 at 11:12 am
Dresses. Dresses that have their waist AT my waist, not at the bottom of my rib cage. Dresses that hit at the knee or nid-calf when they’re supposed to. Sleeves that are long enough to skim my wrist-bones, not my forearm. I’m 5′10″: not that tall!
I want them in black, teal & I dream of the perfect red dress… deep bood red… swishy for dancing…
September 20th, 2007 at 11:14 am
A nice fall jacket. I had a blazer of brown corduroy that I loved to pieces, but it shrunk (shrank?) in the wash and now comes down to somewhere around my forearms. And of course is unbuttonable. I could probably find a decent replacement if I had the money to spend, but I am le poor graduate student, which makes it hard to attain superfantasticalness.
September 20th, 2007 at 11:47 am
A suit. Charcoal gray. One that fits over my bum for my large bottom half, but the coat ties at the middle and emphasizes my small waist. Doesn’t cost more than $200, because I work in higher ed and have no money.
I’ve been looking for almost three years now.
September 20th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Two things: The elusive wide-calfed tall boot. I own a pair, but they assume that because I have a wide calf I also do not have ankles. The bagging and sagging around the ankles makes them useless for anything but jeans and pants.
The other thing I’d kill to have is a Spanx-type shaper that stops just below the boobs and goes all the way down to just below my knees. Even the so-called longline shapers stop at mid-thigh, creating bulgy bits that I do not enjoy.
September 20th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
My item? An absolutely gorgeous dress that’s low-cut enough to show off my fabulous rack, has sleeves, and that doesn’t make me look shorter than I am.
Unfortunately, that dress (if I ever manage to find it) will also require a bra I can wear with it, and it’s difficult finding bras to wear with ANYTHING low-cut at my size.
September 20th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
I had to upload visual aids for this one. I have a favorite pair of shoes that are dying a slow death because they are 7 years old. I would love to find a pair exactly like these that are better quality material, just as comfortable (seriously- I have walked a couple of miles in these) and fit me (7.5 WW)
http://picasaweb.google.com/kris.long/Sept/photo#5112451990039214674
http://picasaweb.google.com/kris.long/Sept/photo#5112452002924116578
September 20th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
For the people looking for boots: it’s easier to find a cobbler.
Here’s what I did to get boots for my 19″ calves.
http://jacquez.livejournal.com/562130.html
September 21st, 2007 at 9:38 am
Oh… the shoes that got away…
I would just die for a pair of Cole Haans from their Fall 2005 range… they were part of the ‘collection’ collection, had a rounded toe, bucle fabric - in black with metalic silvery bits, a croco print thick heel, and beads/baubbles attached to the toe… they were called ‘Mena’ or something I think, and they also came in a beautiful brown (multi colored bucle)… size 9 fits perfectly if anyone knows anyone who’s selling them!
I regularly scour ebay searching.. usually, in vain. I should have purchased them when I had the chance..
September 21st, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Ottermatic, try Hobo International for stylish, professional cross-body bags. I got this one from Zappos that can hold all my junque for an el ride (I’m a Chicago girl, too):
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/16412082/c/3.html. And if you find those boots, please tell me where I can get a pair!
Katie, Silhouettes has a pair of boots that go up to 20″ calf: http://www.silhouettes.com/Parent.asp?product=401855x&dept%5Fid=10300
Cassie, if you learn to knit, you can knit that sweater that’s in your head!
I want a cute fall coat. I like the idea of a trench, but all the plus size ones I see are so boxy and neutral. I’d love to find one in a splashy red or bright color, and it should have some fit to it (i.e. not be a giant rectangle), possibly a full-skirted bottom. It should definitely fit over my upper arms, even while I’m wearing sweater.
September 21st, 2007 at 8:57 pm
A somewhat dressy winter coat that fits my short, wide, hour-glassy self and is reasonably priced - say, under $180. The swing jackets I’ve seen out look cute but all they do for me is add 40 visual pounds. It’s hard just to find any plus-petite coat, and when you do they’re invariably very ordinary.
September 22nd, 2007 at 5:16 am
Yes, yes, and yes! Gorgeous coats, attractive slacks, and funky boots! Those are my shopping grails. Oh and stylish cardigans that don’t look matronly. Living in LA I often need a sweater or light jacket at night or when I’m in the a/c at work and I have had so much trouble finding ones that are good quality, cute, comfortable, and versatile.
I too am currently back in grad school so I’m very careful about my shopping budget. It’s got to be JUST right before I buy so I spend a lot of time looking at all the maybes.
Lately I do seem to be finding great dresses. Macy’s has had some wonderful ones this year and I found a great cotton sundress at Avenue on clearance last week for only $14. It’s a gorgeous black and white print and I’ll be able to wear it all fall with my cropped black cardigan. I know Macy’s changes their stock based on location so perhaps it was just an LA thing, but I have noticed that my Mom gets styles about a year after we do out here in her small town in upstate NY so great dresses may be coming to some of you who aren’t in the big coastal cities.
For those of you looking for tights, try Sock Dreams. I’ve been getting tights from them for a few years now and LOVE them! The stripey ones are super comfortable and great for Halloween or when you’re feeling a little bit wild. The site is wonderful about giving measurements on their socks and thighhighs and you can use their search feature to show all things that are available or appropriate for plus sizes (although not too many of them go up very high).
These tights:
http://www.sockdreams.com/_shop/pages/product_detail_ProductID_661.php
come in olive, brown and bright pink and are super comfy even though I’m technically shorter and heavier than their plus size range.
Whoo, didn’t mean to write a book!
~Kim
September 22nd, 2007 at 9:18 pm
A replacement for a pair of Nine West D’orsay wedges purchased circa 2001 when the “bowling shoe” look was in. They were the perfect black shoes - one inch wedge heel, white contrast stitching, velcro strap across the top of the foot, rounded toe. They were cute with everything and I wore them until they wore out - and they are still sitting in my closet because I can’t bear to get rid of them.
Also, cotton boot-cut black pants with folded cuffs. Had a great pair from the Gap and wore them until they got a hole in an unfixable place.
September 23rd, 2007 at 10:55 am
I’ve been looking forever for a simple, black dress, ending just above the knee, with 3/4 sleeves, a V-neck, and something, anything happening in the front of it, seams or buttons or whatever, so it doesn’t just look like I pulled over a very large sock. If I ever find that dress, I’d buy 10 of them, and wear them everywhere. I’d wear them to formal dinners with an updo and black leather pumps, and I’d wear them to parties with lots of glittering jewellery. I’d probably wear them to the beach with flip flops. I’d never have to worry about those dreaded Special Occasions any more.
September 24th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Nicole, I have a Spanx shaper just like the one described…right to under bra, and all the way to mid calf (I’d roll it up if I needed it shorter). I got it at Lane Bryant for something like forty dollars if that helps you find one! And for LBDs, all the ones in my closet have been purchased from Sears…although the particular brand I think only goes up to a 16. But I love them to pieces.
I’d really love a casual fitted blazer that comes to about midhip…and not cost a fortune.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:01 am
Oh where to start…
The perfect black leather boots!. I had a worn brown leather pair five years ago that I still think about today…
Animal print ballet flats. Preferably leopard or tiger print.
The perfect black A-line silk skirt. I want it fuller than full, swishy… perfect for any ocassion.
The perfect white cotton shirt. I had one once, then I put on weight and had to give it away. Every time I go shopping I look for that shirt and have never found it.
The perfect black or brown soft leather jacket that never dates and looks great with jeans, slacks and skirts.
Another pair of the fantatic round toe black leather wedges my boyfriend bought two months ago and I have been living in ever since. I think I’ll buy two mor pairs. They are the most super fantastic of the shoes!
October 3rd, 2007 at 11:31 pm
I know it’s not practical and I definitely can’t wear it every day but I am looking for a plus size halloween costume that isn’t cheap and looks awesome. Preferably something medieval tavern wench like.
I also would like a black leather pea coat, a pair of ballet flats that don’t make my feet look huge and a grey sweater
October 4th, 2007 at 10:25 am
Anyone looking for sportsbras should check out title nine (www.titlenine.com). Under bras and undies, in the 3+ barbells category (the barbells coorelate to amount of support), towards the end, they have some fabulous ones for larger bust sizes. The prices vary, but they have some down around $35 or $40.
For the past three months, I have been looking for the perfect fall jacket. A sort of mid-length peacoat, size 12/14, but with ONE set of buttons (two makes me look very broad–curse you shoulders!) in a nice sophisticated plaid or herringbone in a color that is not DEAD. This has been surprisingly difficult. The closest I have come has been the lovely coats and Tulle, but they are pretty much all solids.