Torrid. i love love love torrid. some of the things they have are kinda weird but they are very very trendy. its hot topic for plus sizes. also, believe it or not, macy's has great clothes too, you just have to get past the old lady clothes and look for them. Eyeshadow and silver are a couple of my favorites.

I love clothes!! But i dont have a huge budget and these are the places that i have found suit me the best. I know torrid has an online store but not eyeshadow.

I hope this helps!!

I have to agree on the Torrid suggestion. I was so excited when I found them a couple years ago. Now all my clothes come from there.

Hi Lais, I thought that finally Lane Bryant had caught up with the trends myself but I am older than you. I don't dress dowdy as I feel like I'm still in my early 30's! Have you asked at the Lane Bryant store about them ordering for you online there at the store? If they can do it there, you get FREE shipping! I have them order my bras as my size is not on the racks. When I was bigger, neither was my size in clothes so they would order what I liked too. Ask if petite is available and or make a request to start stocking as the more requests they get, the better. Also, buy Figure Magazine through the mail, I got 3 years for the price of one by calling and asking. Not only does it come with coupons each time, but there are plus size models and they tell you where the clothes can be purchased! Also try Ross for cheaper clothes while your going down in sizes. Good luck...

Opps...that was for Katie! I thought Lais started the discussion!

Torrid is great!!!

This site has some really cute things too :)

http://www.alight.com/

ok this is a great site is www.swakdesigns.com. They have great stuff!!!!! Its up to date and I have ordered from them and the clothes are fantastic!!! Check it out. Hugs Denise

Well ive always felt that women had all the options.I go to the local big and tall shop.

It's true there is a lot less out there in plus sizes then in other sizes. BUT - there IS stuff out there. You just have to put the work into it / have to really look around.
Everyone has a different style - so youve just got to actually take the time to look around.
Lane Bryant has gotten better (sometimes) - but you still have to look around. You also have to shop around locations - as well as stores. There are about 10 different Lane Bryant Stores within a reasonable drive from me - and different ones carry different stock. Same with Torrid.
Torrid also use to be a lot younger and alternative in style - but they are going more mainstream and now i think they are interchangable with Lane Bryant in many ways. Once again - though - there are different styles in different areas/ locations.
The stores will have almost everything on line - as well as some styles not in the stores. Lane Bryant has a newer Jr. selection on line.
If you like to shop in person - hit up the discount stores like Ross / TJ Maxx / Marshalls.... they may have nothing but then get in a great shipment once in awhile. Nordstroms Rack is good too. And again - different locations tend to get different stuff.
Ebay has a huge selection - along with some "ebay stores" that cater specifically to plus sizes. Holy Clothing is one that has really cute stuff in Plus sizes - mideval and rennisaunce styles (but stuff you can wear every day)... and there are other stores. Just go to CLOTHING / Womens / Plus Size - and then once you are in there type in the SEARCH filed a description of what you like (Brand, color, item , style) and see what they have. If you type in "GOTHIC" you will get a lot of younger styles - or type in "Club Wear" or "Rennisaunce" or even "Sexy" and any good seller will write a good description so thier stuff is shown if you describe the style you like. (Check the spelling on those)
I saw some really cute "Hippie" style clothes on ebay - and then those sellers had no items - so i did general searches on line for : Plus Size Hippie / or Hand Made Hippie Plus Size, etc....and found a lot of different websites.
Look for DYI or HAND MADE or INDI clothes - these are either small independant lables or even just 1 person who is sewing cute styles and makes a living at it. You can request stuff that way also to be custom made.
As far as Petite sizes - you just have to accept that you have to find a tailor and get many things altered. If you find a good one - you can get other things altered (Rather than just a hem) - and make all kinds of things fit better. Or tell them what you like and have it made.
Some of those opitions are expensive - but you can get some really original stuff that you really love.
I'd say i usually see around $250 to $300 as the VERY MOST for the MOST ELABORATE custom items. Other stuff is more affordable.
Im short - and a lot of "petite" pants are still a bit too long for me.
I also see bigger selections of Plus Sizes at thrift stores now - than i use to.
The key to finding stuff involves :
1) Trying different places - you may not realize how many places sell plus sizes. Just go in and look.
2) Try different locations of the same store.
3) Shop Often - if you can stop by 1ce a week or 2 times a month - you will see how much the selection varies and learn when they get in new shipments.
4) Try stuff on. - I KNOW it's a hassel - but it's the only way. Dont limit yourself to a number either. Different brands and styles fit different - so you may range in size much more than you realize depending on the item.
I have some things that are size 16 or 18 - some in Large or XL ------- and other things that are size 24 or 26 - and 3x .... and they all fit. Different brands / different styles, different cuts....you just have to try them.
Start with your size and go up or down from there depending on the fit of the item. You will find some styles and cuts that run large and are accomodating - and you can then look for those in the Misses Department - and maybe find some that fit.

Hi, I don't know in the U.S. but here in Toronto, Canada we have some great plus size shops that are reasonably priced and for young girls too. Have you checked plus size boutiques? Good luck, Margaret

I agree with Karri27, my niece used to shop at Torrid. She had real nice clothes and she isn't very tall. I wish you the best. vickie

Oh, I almost forgot did you ever try ebay online. They have some great clothes for plus sizes.

well now I am depressed... never heard of Torrid until reading these posts, googled their website and oh, what a cute holiday dress... largest size available is a 16? Errrr. I never thought size 12 was a plus size either. What is wrong with this fashion industry?

As a seamstress I have to reply to alterations for petite sizes.

I have 30 years of experience sewing. 20 of it professional. Not all items can be satisfactorily altered, for length.

My recommendation is to find a seamstress/seamster first. Most of the things you would like to have style wise can be made from scratch better and easier then altering a pre-made garment.

The pattern companies are doing an Awesome job lately with keeping up with styles!. If you haven't had a chance lately, Check them out!!
God Bless!

Janelle