So I have coworker who is quite lovely, but since she lost a lot of weight she sometimes forgets to wear pants to work. Today was one of those days, and it occurred to me while we were engaging in a fan vs. space heater battle that she has no idea where or how to shop for her new body...and that I probably won't either!

I've been shopping in plus size stores or online as far back as I can remember and don't even know what's out there. If you've gotten out of the "plus" world, what are your favorite stores? If you haven't, is there someplace in particular that you're itching to be able to shop at?

Nordstrom Rack, by far. I can find high quality work clothes in my size that won't break the bank like the "regular" Nordstroms. I'm having trouble finding my size (4) even in "regular" stores nowadays. I used to buy lots at Kohls, but can never find anything flattering in my size there anymore. Chico's, is the same. All too big! I also have a friend who has a little boutique and I can always find stuff there, plus she gives me a great discount!

Oh and The Buckle for jeans! Now that WILL break the bank, but the size 4 Rock Revivals... There are no words for the smile on my face when I slide them on! Sooooo WORTH it to have ONE pair of really great jeans!

Edited August 28, 201411 yr by bikrchk

New York and company have really nice clothing

It is daunting to be faced with the volume of choices in the "regular" women's sizes. I need to have a very professional wardrobe for work and so it's hard for me to skimp on the quality of my clothes even during my loss phases. Some of the things I bought in my early weight loss phases, nice as they are, now don't fit. Now that I can fit in the 14Ps, I love the Talbot's petite section as things fit well and don't need to be altered at all. I've also relied on Macy's and Lord and Taylor during this time. However, I found a very basic, easy-to-wear black pencil skirt at Target for like $15 which I am wearing quite a bit and some basic tank tops for under blazers as well and some very nice work pants at Kohls in their petite section.

I will say this: If you have to dress well for work or other activities, set aside some time for shopping. You will need to try everything on. You will need to go to multiple stores. You will need to have patience as you can no longer just go to the limited plus size section of Dress Barn or Lane Bryant and pick the large sizes off the rack. You will need to (and want to) look in the mirror! This will be time consuming for a while!! It will also be rewarding!! Good luck!

It is daunting to be faced with the volume of choices in the "regular" women's sizes. I need to have a very professional wardrobe for work and so it's hard for me to skimp on the quality of my clothes even during my loss phases. Some of the things I bought in my early weight loss phases, nice as they are, now don't fit. Now that I can fit in the 14Ps, I love the Talbot's petite section as things fit well and don't need to be altered at all. I've also relied on Macy's and Lord and Taylor during this time. However, I found a very basic, easy-to-wear black pencil skirt at Target for like $15 which I am wearing quite a bit and some basic tank tops for under blazers as well and some very nice work pants at Kohls in their petite section.

I will say this: If you have to dress well for work or other activities, set aside some time for shopping. You will need to try everything on. You will need to go to multiple stores. You will need to have patience as you can no longer just go to the limited plus size section of Dress Barn or Lane Bryant and pick the large sizes off the rack. You will need to (and want to) look in the mirror! This will be time consuming for a while!! It will also be rewarding!! Good luck!

You have such a great point! I've lost 101 with 55-60 to go. I fit in 18 Curvy jeans so I bought 18 curvy, trouser pants at Lane B. Wore them twice and they are falling off. Size 16 in that style fits better. I have walked out of Kohls twice without trying on and had to take back because stiff is too big. Good problems to have but I totally agree you have to take time to try on. Also, try the next size down just to be sure it doesn't fit. My brain is having a hard time thinking it can wear regular tops/jackets. I keep picking XL and they are too big.

I loooove giving away my bigger clothes. The downside: have to shop sooner. Wait, that really isn't a downside!

I just wish I had "shopping friends"..haha...what a good time!

Im in a size 16 now that are getting pretty loose so im still doing plus size stores like torrid for jeans. But i have to admit i have been fantasizing wearing a pair of jeans from true religion. I think the biggest they have is a size 10-12 and part of me resents how exclusive and fashion-snobby that is to have such a limited size range.. But the other part of me is craving the day i can actually fit into a pair. I guess its less about fitting into them as much as it is about feeling "i fit in" the world of regular sized humanity lol. Anyway. Thats definitely going to be a reward to myself when i get there, a hot pair of overpriced skinny jeans from true religion lol. :-)

Edited October 8, 201411 yr by F_it

I got a super cute skirt the other day from New York & Co. I still feel kind of like I am gonna get kicked out of the straight sized clothing stores.

My favorite store is my closet everyday my husband ask me when did I go shopping I'm seeing a ton of new stuff everyday! And most items are things I've had for years! Feels great ????

I got a super cute skirt the other day from New York & Co. I still feel kind of like I am gonna get kicked out of the straight sized clothing stores.

I like NY&Co too! They carry talls! Just bought my first size 10 pants and I had bought a large top, but had to exchange it for a medium.

SOB..... now that I am losing weight, and Coldwater Creek is gone.

Nordstrom Rack!

When I was in losing phase o wore alot of dresses...way more forgiving fit over slacks for professional clothes. I also like Nordstrom rack. Don't rule out junior section. I sometimes buy a piece from junior section and combine it with other items to get a less frumpy look. Too many women's clothes seem very blah to me and the mix works great.

Example I bought some juniors high waisted trendy red skinny jeans. Paired with a nice top and a cool sweater from nordstroms. I wore that out on Friday night. The ladies all complimented me including saying "I wish I could dress like that, you've got the body" (they could too but the package was slimming).

I recently bought a high waisted black pencil skirt from a discount store. At work I will wear something over it (long jacket) but for going out it will be VA-VOOM because those high waisted styles really show off and create a waist/butt on me.

I still need to get to the Buckle for some great jeans!

@@CowgirlJane Do you have a Macy's near you? You might like what they term "Impulse Contemporary", which is brands that skew older than Juniors but younger than some of the more traditional clothes. At the Flagship store here in Chicago it's great. I can slide right into that area at 37 and not feel like I'm trying too hard, but not feel like I'm dressing my mom's age. Some of the brands include Kenise, Rachel Roy, Jessica Simpson, Free People, and their house brands Maison Jules (a fave of mine) and Bar III.

I still have a lot to lose, but i'm down 50 lbs. i've been mostly just shopping my closet, which is a lot of fun! There have been a few times I have gone into a store and just turned around and walked out because it was all just so overwhelming. I cant wait till that passes and i can enjoy shopping for the first time in a LONG time!