Cute, Lightweight, Even SEXY COTTON BRAS at SimplyBe.com
Summer is almost upon us. And summer is the season where cotton bras are a godsend.
SimplyBe.com has a nice group of cotton and mostly cotton underwire bras in sizes up to 44 M. Pay special attention to their 2-packs (2 bras for the price of 1!) usually in the $30-$40 range.
None of this matters if you don't get the right fit. (Refer to Get a Bra that FITS!)
I just ordered four cute cotton bras, thinking I'd send the ones I didn''t like back, but it turns out I'm keeping all four. They're very pretty. Some are low-cut ("balconnette" style). One is half lace.
Although they offer great support in a J cup, these are not old-fashioned "orthopedic" bras. They're also very cool and comfortable and pretty.
The only down side is that unlike the orthopedic, multi-layers of fabric and foam competition, you have to hand wash them. I don't like hand washing, but in this case, I'll manage.
Be beautiful!
k
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Wide Feet Seeking Comfort and Style, try Onlineshoes.com
It's pretty amazing to find shoes that actually fit feet that are wider than a true D width.
Remember, if your foot overlaps the shoe's sole, that shoe DOESN'T fit you. I don't care what a salesperson who's trying to meet his//her quota tells you. Your foot needs to be slightly narrower than the sole so that it's supported and not likely to stretch out and leave the ball of your foot dangling over the side of the shoe. That's bad for your ankles, not to mention, looking ridiculous.
But where do you find these miraculous shoes that fit, flatter and make your feet feel fabulous?
Up to a D width, you can order a "WW" from any of the Redcats group (Roamans, Woman Within, Jessica London, etc). According to their sizing charts, WW fits up to 2EE. This is usually a lie. I'm guessing they just assume that you'll settle for a painful shoe because you can't do better. And you might keep trying because a few of their shoes actually are E or very occasionally, EE width.
Simply Be is a mixed bag. Sometimes a "3EEE" f it IS 3EEE. As often it's too narrow. My most recent order was barely a D width.
When I return them, the clerks apologize (every time) and send some poor soul to try to find the widest shoe they have. Sometimes the replacement shoe is actually up to 1/2 inch wider than the original! More often, it's exactly the same.
ShoeMall and FootSmart carry 2EE shoes in the Propet and David Tate brands that run true to size, but beware. You can also buy shoes of other brands that, if you measure them, are D widths, or barely skim near E width but are sold and even marked as EE, EEE and above. For instance, I don't even look at Easy Spirit's "wide" shoes any more.
But Hip Hooray and Haleluhah! There's a new kid on the block. OnlineShoes.com carries actual E, EE, EEE and even a couple of EEEE width shoes! And they have good brands! Propet! Aravon! David Tate!
TOnlineshoes.com has a 20% off sales, plus free shipping. Watch for them.
And, miracle of miracles, they have a full year return policy.
Get on their mailing list so you can hear about future sales. That's how I heard about this one.
Be beautiful! (And I DO mean, head to toe!)
k
It's pretty amazing to find shoes that actually fit feet that are wider than a true D width.
Remember, if your foot overlaps the shoe's sole, that shoe DOESN'T fit you. I don't care what a salesperson who's trying to meet his//her quota tells you. Your foot needs to be slightly narrower than the sole so that it's supported and not likely to stretch out and leave the ball of your foot dangling over the side of the shoe. That's bad for your ankles, not to mention, looking ridiculous.
But where do you find these miraculous shoes that fit, flatter and make your feet feel fabulous?
Up to a D width, you can order a "WW" from any of the Redcats group (Roamans, Woman Within, Jessica London, etc). According to their sizing charts, WW fits up to 2EE. This is usually a lie. I'm guessing they just assume that you'll settle for a painful shoe because you can't do better. And you might keep trying because a few of their shoes actually are E or very occasionally, EE width.
Simply Be is a mixed bag. Sometimes a "3EEE" f it IS 3EEE. As often it's too narrow. My most recent order was barely a D width.
When I return them, the clerks apologize (every time) and send some poor soul to try to find the widest shoe they have. Sometimes the replacement shoe is actually up to 1/2 inch wider than the original! More often, it's exactly the same.
ShoeMall and FootSmart carry 2EE shoes in the Propet and David Tate brands that run true to size, but beware. You can also buy shoes of other brands that, if you measure them, are D widths, or barely skim near E width but are sold and even marked as EE, EEE and above. For instance, I don't even look at Easy Spirit's "wide" shoes any more.
But Hip Hooray and Haleluhah! There's a new kid on the block. OnlineShoes.com carries actual E, EE, EEE and even a couple of EEEE width shoes! And they have good brands! Propet! Aravon! David Tate!
TOnlineshoes.com has a 20% off sales, plus free shipping. Watch for them.
And, miracle of miracles, they have a full year return policy.
Get on their mailing list so you can hear about future sales. That's how I heard about this one.
Be beautiful! (And I DO mean, head to toe!)
k
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Sonsi.com for party clothes & more
I've just spent two hours going over a website I hope you already know about. Sonsi.com is a one-stop shopping center for over 300 small companies that make clothing for large-size, curvy figures.
Some are designed to make you "look thinner". Some are an out and out celebration of lush, curvy bodies. Whatever you need, from low cut formal wear to conservative work wear or 20s something clubbing, you'll find something to draw your interest here.
I was very disappointed in their 60 minute shopping tool that ask you questions about your likes dislikes, body shape, etc. It kept getting stuck and not responding to my answers. Truly a waste of time. Hopefully they'll fix it.
In the meantime you can hunt with the usual tools You can sort lowest to highest prices, by size, and have 100 dresses up at once so you can just roll past things that aren't what you're looking for at the moment.
I haven't bought anything from them, but be careful, because each of their 300 companies seems to have different return policies. Some items have very liberal policies, others sell items that can't be returned at all! So read the whole page and consider whether you're willing to get stuck with a dress that doesn't fit or has a flaw.
This site has the best selection of "curvy body clothes" that highlight your bustline (instead of hiding it in a flat bag) that I've found, outside of Britain's Simply Me.com.
(By the way, Simply Me.com's return policies are very easy to deal with.)
Be beautiful!
Knuti
Some are designed to make you "look thinner". Some are an out and out celebration of lush, curvy bodies. Whatever you need, from low cut formal wear to conservative work wear or 20s something clubbing, you'll find something to draw your interest here.
I was very disappointed in their 60 minute shopping tool that ask you questions about your likes dislikes, body shape, etc. It kept getting stuck and not responding to my answers. Truly a waste of time. Hopefully they'll fix it.
In the meantime you can hunt with the usual tools You can sort lowest to highest prices, by size, and have 100 dresses up at once so you can just roll past things that aren't what you're looking for at the moment.
I haven't bought anything from them, but be careful, because each of their 300 companies seems to have different return policies. Some items have very liberal policies, others sell items that can't be returned at all! So read the whole page and consider whether you're willing to get stuck with a dress that doesn't fit or has a flaw.
This site has the best selection of "curvy body clothes" that highlight your bustline (instead of hiding it in a flat bag) that I've found, outside of Britain's Simply Me.com.
(By the way, Simply Me.com's return policies are very easy to deal with.)
Be beautiful!
Knuti
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
m.i.b.'s Cover Girl
Worthy of note. Today I got a catalogue in the mail and on the cover, selling clothes to people who are my size and larger - is a photograph of a young lady who is actually larger than me and a real model. She's self assured, very pretty and one hundred percent plus size supermodel material. When you look at her in these clothes, you can see how they'll look on you, not on you if you ever managed to lose 40 pounds (or in my case, 100 pounds.)
And I actually mean that. If I lost 100 pounds, I'd have the same measurements as the size 12 ladies most companies use as "large size" models. How am I supposed to guess how an unfamiliar fabric will drape over my abundant curves when it's only displayed on these very average size women?
Bearing in mind that in this country size 14 is the average dress size, what sense does it make to have size 12 as "plus"?
M.i.B usually has a selection of "models" who look like they might live on your block, ranging in size from medium to very large. But they all dress well.
I don't usually buy from M.i.B. because they tend to be priced on the high side and because they don't usually have any sort of tailoring. But if you like big, loose, easy-breezy spring fashions, with nice detailing (embroidery, color blocking, beading) they've got some really nice ones in this catalogue, mostly in the true tunic lengths (30"and longer) that we depend on!
That's M.i.B. plus size, 2x to 8x. And they have a model who deserves the title. She's got sparkle and glamor and sort of reminds me of Cheryl Teigs, in the early days.
You can find them online at www.MiBplussize.com
And I actually mean that. If I lost 100 pounds, I'd have the same measurements as the size 12 ladies most companies use as "large size" models. How am I supposed to guess how an unfamiliar fabric will drape over my abundant curves when it's only displayed on these very average size women?
Bearing in mind that in this country size 14 is the average dress size, what sense does it make to have size 12 as "plus"?
M.i.B usually has a selection of "models" who look like they might live on your block, ranging in size from medium to very large. But they all dress well.
I don't usually buy from M.i.B. because they tend to be priced on the high side and because they don't usually have any sort of tailoring. But if you like big, loose, easy-breezy spring fashions, with nice detailing (embroidery, color blocking, beading) they've got some really nice ones in this catalogue, mostly in the true tunic lengths (30"and longer) that we depend on!
That's M.i.B. plus size, 2x to 8x. And they have a model who deserves the title. She's got sparkle and glamor and sort of reminds me of Cheryl Teigs, in the early days.
You can find them online at www.MiBplussize.com
Bought EE, got D, 3 times
11/7/2012
This is a copy of a review for heels that I just sent to ShoeMall. I appreciate them for carrying wide sizes. I don't appreciate their disrespect for wide size customers, substituting WW shoes (usually a D width) for any order for E or above, as though we wouldn't notice?
Do they think we're stupid? Apparently!
Do they think we're stupid? Apparently!
Am I angry? YES!
Do they deserve it? YES!
Review of Neima Sandal Heels:
Sizing: Feels full size too small (actually TWO full sizes, but that wasn't on the form)
Width: Feels too narrow
Pros:Cute
Cons:Uncomfortable
Best Uses:Date Night, Work
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Friday, July 27, 2012
Cool, Comfy, CUTE Summer Bras at Simply Be (simplybe.com)
In hot weather, when no-one wants plastic next to their skin, a comfy cotton bra is Heaven-sent! Finally, the search for the perfect large-size cotton bra (perfect fit, supportive, comfortable, pretty) has a contender, if you fit into an "I" cup or less.
Simply Be, a British company that's new to the US market, but not to curvy ladies' needs, has cotton bras! Not orthopedic, ugly-but-practical ones, but "Oooo! That's Cute!" bras. And not just in full coverage. I bought a balconnette style (wearable with tops that show moderate cleavage) and wore it, gardening, on a hot summer day, leaning over, stretching, carrying things in HEAT. It passed with flying colors! Comfy, cool, and my mirror loved it!
They don't have a big selection, Usually only 1 or 2 styles at a time, but those of you who've been looking for cotton bras due to health considerations or just the love of comfort, know that most companies don't have anything at all!
This ticks off every requirement! It's perfect fit, supportive, comfortable, pretty and even embroidered!
I've washed this 8 times with no problems. Hand-wash, drip-dry.
Those of us who want machine wash and dry can continue dreaming.
In the meantime, this makes a great profile and you'll feel great!
Be beautiful!
Knuti
In hot weather, when no-one wants plastic next to their skin, a comfy cotton bra is Heaven-sent! Finally, the search for the perfect large-size cotton bra (perfect fit, supportive, comfortable, pretty) has a contender, if you fit into an "I" cup or less.
Simply Be, a British company that's new to the US market, but not to curvy ladies' needs, has cotton bras! Not orthopedic, ugly-but-practical ones, but "Oooo! That's Cute!" bras. And not just in full coverage. I bought a balconnette style (wearable with tops that show moderate cleavage) and wore it, gardening, on a hot summer day, leaning over, stretching, carrying things in HEAT. It passed with flying colors! Comfy, cool, and my mirror loved it!
They don't have a big selection, Usually only 1 or 2 styles at a time, but those of you who've been looking for cotton bras due to health considerations or just the love of comfort, know that most companies don't have anything at all!
This ticks off every requirement! It's perfect fit, supportive, comfortable, pretty and even embroidered!
I've washed this 8 times with no problems. Hand-wash, drip-dry.
Those of us who want machine wash and dry can continue dreaming.
In the meantime, this makes a great profile and you'll feel great!
Be beautiful!
Knuti
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Soft Surroundings has some lovely clothes that, on clearance, cost the same as similar items at Roaman's do when full price.
Still, They have some nice designs that are more upscale than most vendors. Sometimes you find THE perfect item.
I was just talking to one of their telephone order takers and got a more straightforward answer than I'm used to.
The problem I called about was size. I couldn't find a listing on their website to tell what measurements fit what size. Since, depending on the store, I'm currently a 20, 22 or 24 and occasionally, a 26, I wanted some guarantee that I wasn't wasting my time here.
The phone sales clerk assured me that while shopping online is great with their store, guessing sizes online is very iffy, since each of their items may have different ideas of size.
You need to have your current measurements in front of you and then call and the telephone clerk can look up the actual measurements of the item you're considering and you you can compare them with your measurements.
You may save a lot of time dealing with returns!
Still, They have some nice designs that are more upscale than most vendors. Sometimes you find THE perfect item.
I was just talking to one of their telephone order takers and got a more straightforward answer than I'm used to.
The problem I called about was size. I couldn't find a listing on their website to tell what measurements fit what size. Since, depending on the store, I'm currently a 20, 22 or 24 and occasionally, a 26, I wanted some guarantee that I wasn't wasting my time here.
The phone sales clerk assured me that while shopping online is great with their store, guessing sizes online is very iffy, since each of their items may have different ideas of size.
You need to have your current measurements in front of you and then call and the telephone clerk can look up the actual measurements of the item you're considering and you you can compare them with your measurements.
You may save a lot of time dealing with returns!
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I sent the first order back and they said they hadn't had any complaints and these were true to size. (If only SAYING that made it TRUE!)
They measured shoes they had in stock and actually (thank you!) sent me back shoes that were at least a half inch wider than the ones I'd returned, but still marked WW, not EE.
I work in very dressy venues and need dressy shoes that are comfy too. I know wide, dressy shoes are hard to find, but it would be easier if they were clearly and CORRECTLY marked.
When you wear a size B, no one thinks it's reasonable to sell you something an inch narrower, but still marked B. Why do they routinely do that to size E and above?