With the holiday party season rapidly approaching, many of us big girls are wondering where to find something superfantastic to wear and bemoaning the endless parade of eighties MOB dresses masquerading as festive formalwear facing us in store after store. It can get so depressing that one becomes tempted to simply cinch a black garbage bag into a sleeveless dress and go sit in a corner guzzling egg nog while trying not to be noticed. It might actually be more attractive than some of the alternatives that present themselves.
But you didn’t think we here at Big Girl would let you sink to that, did you? Have no fear. We’re here to help. And so is Astarte.
This fabulous wrap dress comes in black, cobalt, fuschia, navy, or – as shown – raspberry and definitely makes a statement. That statement is ‘I’m gorgeous, I’m sexy, and I’m superfantastic. Deal with it.’
The price tag of $265 may give you pause, but take a look at the order blank. In addition to the usual size and color entries, they also ask what shape you are and how tall you are. The standard sizes come in every height from 4’11” to 6’4″ and in four different body types. It’s well worth it for what you’d save in having this dress tailored to fit you properly.
If you only get one party dress this season, I’d recommend looking at Astarte first. You won’t be sorry.
I said this in another post, but there is a really nice sequined LBD at Avenue. It’s the Audrey, and it’s a sequined stretch jersey with elbow-length sleeves (for those of us who hate everything sleeveless), and it falls just at the knee. Beautiful, tasteful, and versatile enough for any holiday party.
Comment by The Betsy — November 17, 2007 @ 2:21 pm
That may be a good price for a fancy dress, but their regular stuff is outrageous. $145 for a pair of black pants? Holy crap. $245 for a black and blue “office goddess” jacket? Maybe their slogan should be “For the woman who can afford to make an entrance to an awards show”.
Comment by Mo — November 17, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
Well, they’re out of my range, but they do address the price issue in their FAQ:
“Your designs seem pretty pricey in comparison to other websites. Why do they cost so much?
Good question. Price wise, we’re more comparable to Nordstrom and similar higher end department stores than we are to Lane Bryant or The Avenue, but then we don’t do much casual wear, which is their specialty. However, what we give you that you won’t find at Nordstrom is very thoughtful fit, specifically for the plus-size figure. For example, if you’re a plus-size petite, you can order anything from our website and it will be properly proportioned for you. Most low-priced websites (or stores) don’t offer that option because it’s expensive to create patterns in a variety of lengths and a variety of sizes. We’ve been doing it for years, and while it is more expensive to operate this way, it’s our mission to make every woman feel beautiful, no matter her size or shape or height.
To show you how you really get your money’s worth with Astárte, we suggest you start with a couple of our best-selling, tried and true, pieces (such as our pleated bodice or T-wrap top and a pair of flute or bootcut pants) and see how much wear you will get out of them simply because they’re the most comfortable things you own and everyone says you look amazing. That’s where the true value of anything is, since we’ve all bought something on sale that we wore once and hated. Invest in something you really love and wear it — don’t save it! Enjoy it! Life is a banquet (and most poor suckers are starving to death)!”
Comment by Allura — November 18, 2007 @ 3:03 am
Is it me or have they copied almost exactly the design of the Igigi website, just changing the background colour?
Comment by Arien — November 18, 2007 @ 8:00 am
Actually, Igigi copied them…Astarte’s was one of the very first plus-size sites on the web, going up in 1997 with the catalog page that showed four shots of each design. They were a trailblazer in more ways than one. Go ahead – you’ll find cheaper, but you won’t find the fit that makes Astarte unique. I should know…I was one of their first models.
Comment by Brenda — April 9, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
Thanks for the recommendation of our site! For 18 years, we’ve been dressing the curvy woman, and always to order by her height and shape! We also have a really cute short dress for $145 (http://astartewoman.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=31&products_id=172&zenid=8f478514b3aacfecaa9073ec85ff9e72). Our Entree line starts at $45 and consists of simplified versions of our signature designs like the one you highlighted. Anyone who is in the Southern California area should stop by our boutique and try on all of our designs, which can then be made to order (or buy off the rack and we’ll even make any adjustments needed)! Happy Holidays!
Comment by Nanette — December 21, 2009 @ 2:54 pm