Sarah’s Personal (Plus Size) Shopping Resource
I’m not a fashion blogger but, like most people, I wear clothes. (Grin) Many of you want to know what brands I wear and where I get my clothes from. Here’s a list of the places I shop! I will do my best to keep this updated as, and if, my opinion changes.
FYI: None of these are sponsored. This is all based on what I have spent my actual money on! Also, none of these are affiliate links.
Athletic Wear
When it comes to activewear, I look for a few specific things. First is going to be comfort - I like finished waistbands and buttery fabrics. For activties where I will “jiggle” I like more compression. I want my activewear to last and, clearly, not be see-through in the butt. I also appreciate seasonal colors and vibrant patterns. In my experience with leggings, you get what you pay for. Yes, you can absolutely spend less on workout gear! But, if you have the ability to, I would go the route of spending a bit more to get more.
Current Go To… Athelta
I started wearing Athelta before they launched their plus collection in sizes 1X - 3X. Their leggings are an absolute go-to for me, always. I find their selection of tops not anywhere near as exciting though their wrap overpieces (like the Pranayama wrap) are outstanding. If you are looking at some of their more fashion-forward colors and prints, I suggest buying them when you can; if you wait for a sale they’ll probably sell out first.
Steady and Reliable (Brands I’ve worn in the last year or so)
Superfit Hero
I have had a few Superfit Hero leggings in the past. I wore their capris into the ground. Superfit hero just announced that they are only offering plus sizes and increased their range up to 7X. Super comfy waistband as well - meaning, no elastic bands to pinch!
LIVI by Lane Bryant
You can always find something at LIVI to wear. Their pieces are less trend-oriented and provide more coverage. I especially think this is great in their tops, which tend to be longer and work great if you want tush-coverage. Note that I’m not majorly in love with the waistband of LIVI leggings, but that shouldn’t detract you from shopping.
Old Navy
Quality, lower cost alternative. (Don’t expect them to feel as great as items with a higher price tag like SFH and Athleta.) I’ve worn some styles I really liked and some I felt just missed the mark. Absolutly give these ago if you are on a budget - you’ll be totally cool wearing them.
Torrid
In 2017 and 2017, Torrid was my go-to for activewear. It’s been a while since I wore their styles but I felt they should be included in the list.
Jeans
I am an odd duck. While I am five foot four, I have this weirdly petite body. Most pants are usually too long for me, and I also have a shorter rise. I am always looking for jeans that work for my shape and ones that are available in a shorter length. I gravitate towards jeans that look worn in vs ones that are crisp and I do like rips, but not shredded ones. Also… I have avoided “mom jeans” at all costs because they don’t work for me, at all. LOL.
Current Go To… American Eagle
I’ve been wearing the shit out of my AE jeans for about a year. A few things to note:
If you have a smaller waist-to-hip-ratio you will absolutely want to get the jeans marked as Curvy fit.
Literally every pair of AE jeans is high waisted so, its just a matter of how high you want them to be. Check the descriptions to make sure. In full disclosure, all of them are too high waisted for me but I make it work.
Pay attention to whether the jeans are marked Dream Fit or Next Level Stretch if you want a softer, smoother, more luxe and stretchy fit.
Steady and Reliable… (Brands I’ve worn in the last year or so)
Torrid
Torrid jeans. Always and forever. Seriously. Till I started wearing AE jeans, my go-to was the Premium Stretch Jeggings.
NYDJ
A really high-quality jean for those who are seeking a more traditional fit rather than a fashion-forward brand. Higher waisted. Luxe fabrics. Lots of stretch.
General Clothes
Let’s be real - most days of the week I am wearing some form of comfy clothing and, maybe even a baseball cap. When I do “dress up” I still tend to be really casual. Jeans, boots, ballet flats, tops, swingy cardigans. I also like casual dresses, although I don’t wear them anywhere near as much as I used to. My current strategy for dressing is “spend where it matters and save where you can” which means I focus on investing in better pieces that I want to have longevity with, rather than more disposable fashion. Also… treat my clothes better. Sounds silly but, it’s true!
Current Go To… Anthropologie
Moving into this year, I decided I wanted to take a “less is more” approach to my clothing. Less “fast fashion” that I acquire mindlessly, and more mindful and deliberate shopping. This means I have less clothing but what I do wear I think is truly beautiful or it really speaks to me. Enter Anthropologie. Yes, their clothing is more expensive. No, this doesn’t bother me. In the past year I’ve placed several orders and only found myself unsatisfied with one tank top… the rest have sparked massive joy when I wear them or see them hanging in my closet. They sell a variety of brands, so keep an eye out for which styles you like by which brands.
You will pry my Aerie and American Eagle sweatshirts from my cold, dead hands. Which means… don’t even f*cking try it.
Steady and Reliable (Brands I’ve worn in the last year or so)
Torrid
Graphic tees, outer layers (cardigans and wraps) are mostly what I shop for at Torrid.
Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack
I visit these stores online for tops and dresses, though they certainly have a lot more. With the Rack, you have to shop fast as things tend to sell out quickly.
Rachel Pally
Rachel Pally is one of these “forever brands” that will always be on my radar. I went through a period when I lived in LA where I was low-key obsessed with their warehouse sale, and I’d stock up on their buttery soft jersey dresses something fierce. Consider RP the Queen of boho comfort - I also like her as a human, she’s a kind person and lovely to connect with and I always feel good supporting the brand. I think a solid strategy for shopping RP is to find one piece you love, invest in it, treat it well, and wear it for a long time…
Daniel Rainn
I like their flowy tops and use of floral print. Looks great with jeans and boots or ballet flats. You can shop from their website, from Nordstroms, or Nordstroms Rack.
Kiyonna
The O.G and destination for classic wrap dresses. I’ve been a satisfied Kiyonna shopper since 2001. Truly. Madly. Deeply.
Rebdolls
For a few years, my closet was overflowing with trend-oriented pieces from Forever 21, Fashion to Figure, and basically anywhere I could get bodycon clothing in bright colors. While that doesn’t resonate as much with me these days, I still keep a few pieces from Rebdolls in my lineup.
Bathing Suits
I didn’t buy a single bathing suit in 2020 because, well, who went anywhere? LOL. That being said, I actually own a LOT of suits. I tend to gravitate towards bright and colorful suits.
Current Go To…Swimsuits For All
Swimsuits For All is the first place I go when looking for a bathing suit. You MUST read the reviews and see how people respond to the sizing - some of the brands they carry (like Ashley Graham suits) run small. You can almost always find a sale or coupon for them as well.
Steady and Reliable (Brands I’ve worn in the last year or so)
Peace of Paradise Creations
Peace of Paradise bathing suits are made by hand by one amazing woman who lives in Hawaii. Her work is beautiful and I love supporting a craftsperson like her. I suggest communicating with her to discuss any size needs you have as her suits tend to run small; she can customize rise, height, etc. Also, the majority of her suits are made in reversible so you get two for one!
Bras and Undies
Current Go To… Curvy Couture Intimates
My two favorite bras in the entire world right now are the Tulip Bra and the Beautiful Bliss bra. I have a shorter breast on a more petite torso, so most full coverage bra cups are simply too tall for me.
Steady and Reliable… (Brands I’ve worn in the last year or so)
Third Love
I have massive love for Third Love for so many reasons. They make an exceptionally quality bra and I truly support their brand. They pay attention to small things, like padding on the straps and cushions in places. I interviewed for a job with Third Love back in 2015… they didn’t hire me (darnit, Heidi Zaks) but it has been a real thrill watching them grow. Each style of theirs I have tried on has surprised me with how well made it is.
Torrid
Before I wore either Third Love or Curvy Couture, I wore Torrid bras. That being said, Torrid is still my go-to for strapless bras! I have a few in my drawer right now.
Fashion Bloggers I Follow
OK. Let’s talk actual style. As I said earlier, I’m not really that concerned with being “stylish.” I also don’t want to think a lot about what I wear… sue me. I like my dressing to be easy and without pressure. That being said, there are a few bloggers and influencers who I look to for inspiration. Do I dress like them? Not at all. LOL. BUT I visit their websites and always check out what they are doing to see if I can snag ideas that might work for me. (I’ll add more soon!)
Kellie Brown - And I Get Dressed