A Stroll Down the Avenue

I realized after reading through my Target rant that I had left out a few other plus-size stores or stores that include a women's/plus-size section among their other offerings. I went into Avenue a few weeks ago and had the same feeling of being underwhelmed I usually have when shopping there. I like the selection of cotton-y shirts that come in a variety of sizes and the prices are fairly reasonable but again, I feel the quality is somewhat lacking and I always seem to have problems with fit, especially the pants. I was able to at least snag a nice pair of shorts, which I am always on a mission to find in the summer.

I also just recently rediscovered JCPenney's, which used to be an old stand-by favorite of mine in my thinnner days. I wandered into the JCPenney's at the Parmatown Mall (don't laugh, Clevelanders; I was there killing some time before some evening plans) and was pleasantly surprised by the variety of clothing I found in the Women's section, so much so that I had to put a few things back that I couldn't justify buying on my meager budget. There were the usual matronly choices that no one, fat or thin, should ever buy but there were also really cute blouses, perfect for work or going out and about for a night on the town. I'm looking forward to checking out Penney's again when I have more time and money.

As for a few other places I've wandered into here and there, I walked into a Catherine's one time and was instantly depressed with the selection of boxy, unflattering choices staring back at me. Fashion Bug Plus is oddly overpriced with their weird, cheap quality fabric. And forgive me for never wanting to shop at a store called Dress Barn... Yes, I know they offer both Misses and Women's sizes (Dress Barn Woman) but whoever thought it would be a good idea to include the word Barn in the name of clothing store for women was clearly out of their mind.

My quest for summer clothing continues... For as much as I hate having to order plus-size clothes from Old Navy, I was very successful in my last purchase, which included shorts, cotton and denim bermudas, and even a pair of jeans. I find that reading the customer reviews is extremely helpful. Everything I bought fit and is very flattering.

Now, I have my eye on www.onestopplus.com, an on-line plus-size clothing "mall". I have to find a bathing suit (eek!) and they seem to have a great selection. I'll be sure to post about any results!