Every time I go shopping for clothes I always go home disappointed.  As a plus size woman I am limited to only a few stores at the mall.  I made a list of the top stores I wish carried plus size women's clothing and why.

1. Victoria Secret

Have you ever browsed through a Victoria Secret store or catalog?  There is so much variety and everything is so cute.  From push up and water bras to swim suits to sweat suits, Victoria’s Secret a fashion staple…for some body types. Instead of having to run to different stores you can get your lingerie, swim suits, the same time you get your comfy clothes.  It’s a one stop shop. 

2. BEBE

If you are looking for inexpensive business clothes or evening gowns, BEBE is definitely the place to go, for anyone smaller than a size ten that is.  With the variety that they have, it is pretty much guaranteed that you walk out with a dress for the wedding you have to attend, or Christmas party, or business meeting.  You’ll see BEBE clothes on most of the reality TV stars of the Real Housewives and The Bad Girls Club.

3. Forever 21

It’s hard keeping up with the different trends when you don’t have a large selection like that of Forever 21.  The clothes are extremely cheap and are always up to date. 

4. Urban Outfitters

If you are looking for a trendier vintage look then Urban Outfitters is perfect for you except they only carry sizes x- small to large. 

Don’t retailers know that plus size women like to look good too?  If they were to expand their sizes the cliental base would expand, therefore ranking in more sales.  I definitely believe that these four retail stores should start carrying plus size women’s clothing…at least for my sake.   

We all fear the dreaded “back boobs”.  There are many reasons why a person has these so-called “back boobs” but the only way to get rid of them is by doing these four exercises.  Before you start this workout make sure that your plus size sports bra is supportive and is the right size.  A bra that is too tight can help to create the illusion of back boobs. 

Back Extensions

• Lie face down, flat on the floor with your hands at your sides

• Keep your head facing down and slowly raise your head and chest

• Lift your hands out in front of you with your palms facing up so that your thumbs are pointed out

• Hold for twenty seconds

• Reach behind you with your palms facing up so that your thumbs are pointed in

• Hold for twenty seconds

Hip Lifts

• Lie flat on your back, arms at your side, knees bent, and feet flat and shoulder- length apart

• Squeeze your butt and lift your hips

• Hold for twenty seconds

• Slowly lower to the floor and relax

• Repeat twenty times

Lunges- lunges are done as a whole body exercise, strengthening your entire body which protects your spine.

• Standing with hands on hips contract your abs

• Step forward with one foot

• Bend down with the foot that is forward at a 90 degree angle

• Lift yourself back up using your muscles, not your back

• Repeat twenty times

Back Arches

• Stand facing the wall

• Hold yourself up with your palms facing the wall

• Arch your back

• Hold for twenty seconds

By strengthening your back you are building muscles, therefore trimming the fat, and eliminating the illusion of “back boobs”. 

Over the Thanksgiving weekend I was able to work on a photo shoot, assisting the stylist.  When I got to the location I noticed that everyone was either wearing leggings or tights.  I started to freak out, thinking that I missed the memo and wasn’t in dress code.  In my attempt to be a fashionista I bought the Calvin Klein Sleeveless Stretch Satin dress and wore it to the set.  What a bad choice that was.  In less than minutes I found out how difficult it was going to be to work in a dress.  I couldn’t do anything without worrying about unwanted body parts showing or ripping my dress. 

The stylist I was working with had me look around at the different outfits to get an idea of what to wear on the set and during our lunch break I rushed home and changed.  Thinking of the running around I would have to be doing I figured out an outfit that would allow me to flip and turn, and look fabulous while doing it.  I steamed my plus size leggings, white flannel, boyfriend jacket, put on my Marc by Marc Jacobs ballet flats, grabbed my purse and hit the door.         

I was comfortable, fully covered and had an entire new outfit made around my plus size leggings.

It is extremely important to show your fashion sense with your work wardrobe but make sure that you are in clothing that you can climb a ladder in.  If you are an intern or volunteer chances are that you are going to be handed the jobs that no one else cares to do.  Yes, that means steaming clothes, cleaning up dressing rooms and running to the Starbucks on the corner. 

If you are interested in working in any aspect of the fashion industry I highly recommend that you intern or volunteer to work at fashion shows, photo shoots, etc.  You’ll see all the hard work that it takes, in front of the camera and behind the scenes, to put together the magazines that you buy each month.  Do a good job and start getting your name out there. It is likely that designers and editors call back someone they’ve worked with before.  Trust me the tedious jobs will pay off, as a stepping stone into the fashion world.

It is very annoying when the clothes that I put on make me seem larger than I am.  I’ve learned to pick out clothes that work for my body not against it.  Here are a few things to avoid when purchasing clothes to keep from looking bigger. 

1. Jeans

·        When buying jeans, avoid pleats. Pleated pants poof out below the waist drawing attention to your stomach. 

·        If the rise on your pants is too high it can give the illusion of a stomach pouch. 

·        If the rise of your jeans is too low your stomach will hang over your jeans creating a “muffin top”.

2. Tops

·        When picking out tops avoid anything that is skin tight.

·        To hide the extra tummy fat go for a tunic, baby doll, or a top with bell shaped sleeves. 

·        Avoid a blouse with horizontal stripes; it will make you appear wider.  Instead find a blouse with vertical stripes; the illusion that you are skinny. 

3. Jackets

·        With the right cut, a jacket can hide problem areas

·        Avoid loose sweaters, jackets, or coats.

·        The boyfriend cut is a perfect example.  The cut is made to accentuate your waist and elongate your collar bone. 

·        With a three- quarter sleeve you hide arm bulge that make your arm appear thinner. 

It is easy to avoid making yourself appear larger.  Don’t divide your body into sections, legs, hips, and stomach, if your body looks like it is one piece you automatically appear taller, so you seem thinner. You can do this by matching the colors of yourplus size women's clothing, and especially by wearing dresses.  Avoid curly hair, light colors, baggy clothes, skin tight clothes and too many patterns.  By avoiding all these things you won’t go another day looking bigger than you really are. 

It isn’t about the size of a pair of jeans that matters, but the style.  Every style of jeans is made for different body types and sizes always vary.  When picking a pair of jeans take time to really try on the pair and see if it is flattering to your body type. 

Big Butt or No Butt

·        If you want to hide your butt you want to wear jeans that have large pockets.

·        If you want to appear like you have a bigger butt wear a pair of jeans with smaller pockets.  Also, flap pockets will add texture and depth giving the illusion of a bigger butt.

Pear Shaped

·        If you have a pear shaped body avoid the tapered, bellbottom cut.  This pair of jeans will make you look shorter and bigger.

·        For an elongated look choose a pair of jeans that are boot cut, straight, or with a slight flare.

Curvy Shaped

·        Avoid a pair of jeans that is skin tight; it will flatten your curves making you appear block shaped. 

·        If you’re curvaceous look for a pair of jeans with the ability to stretch; they will stretch around your curves accentuating all your best assets.

Underwear

·        It is very important to wear the proper pair of underwear with your jeans. 

·        If you are wearing low rise jeans, go with a low waist, hip hugging pair. 

·        If your jeans are skin tight, go with a seamless pair of underwear. 

·        Never wear a pair of underwear that is too tight and cuts at your butt, which is how you get that dent in your jeans.   

Everyone wants a pair of jeans that is going to make their butt, hips and legs look great.  Remember this list of tips when you’re searching for that perfect pair of jeans to wear with all your plus size women's clothing.