This is for all the Fat Girls

(Credit for this entry’s title go to Camryn Manheim, who said this memorable line during the 1998 Emmy Awards.)

Not to sound like an old woman, but when I was growing up as a plus-size lass, my shopping options were very limited. You young plus-size gals don’t know how good you have it now! *shakes an invisible cane*

Not only are there more clothing options available for the plus-size crowd, they’re not all housed in one store! You actually have choices now.

Long gone are the days where plus-size fashions were relegated to a tiny corner in the department store or having to wear men’s clothing because they fit better. And long gone are the days of feeling forced to wear frumpy, dark clothing because we were supposed to not be seen.

While there are national chain stores that carry sizes 14 and up – Torrid, Old Navy, Lane Bryant, Macy’s, etc. – I chose to focus on some of the local options for plus-sized women around town. Also, these stores offer the opportunity to be a bit more creative with your wardrobe, whether you buy all of the pieces in one place, or use them to perk up that plain black skirt.

Fat Fancy Fashions
(834 NE Emerson St.)

Open only during the last weekend of the month, this basement shop features new to you clothing and accessories for plus-size Portlanders. FF has received not only lots of local love – Beth Ditto from the Gossip has donated clothing – but has also been featured in national magazines as well as in international publications. Oh, and be sure to check out the from another planet spandex creations designed by Leslie Hall from Leslie and the Lys.

Most recently, Annie and Carlee, the lovely ladies behind the store, received a $5,000 grant from Intuit to assist in creating a more permanent storefront.

Curvy Girl Clothing
(5240 NE 42nd Ave.)

Located just off NE Killingsworth Street, Curvy Girl Clothing proves that just because you have a big rack doesn’t mean you have to stick with the same old boring tops when you’re out on the town with your friends.

Although you can shop online in addition to visiting the brick and mortar shop, the store features trendy styles that aren’t just cut in a bigger size. Instead, the styles complement a woman’s figure.

Size Queen Clothing
(3125B E. Burnside St.)

Size Queen’s motto is, “When large is just not big enough,” and if, like myself, you’ve ever been shopping in a store, only to see the largest size that cute dress you spied comes in is “L,” then you may want to check out this store.

Size Queen features one of a kind designs, including hot pants!

No Skinny Fashion
(2201 Lloyd Center)

A new shop on the scene is No Skinny. Located in the Lloyd Center, this shop offers another option in the mall to those who may also stop into Torrid for their clothing needs.

The clothing is colorful and, like Torrid, skews more towards younger women, but if you’re resourceful, you can find some great pieces that are age-appropriate if you’re older than their target audience.

Okay, so these are my favorite stores. Did I miss any? What are yours? Please share them so we can keep these places In business.

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Tagged as: clothing, curvy girl clothing, fat fancy fashions, hot pants!, no skinny fashion, plus size, plus size clothing, shopping, size queen clothing