Casual Chic

Today I wanted to talk to my fellow curvy girls who generally do not fit into "plus size" clothing, but find that many misses sizes are cut too narrow. I am really impressed with popular lines realizing that curvy girls want to look stylish, and I am glad to see that they realize that there are women like me in a 12 or 14 who are not cut straight up and down. That is a huge pet peeve of mine!

Chico's and White House Black Market are embracing curvy women. Chico's is a line I've always found good luck with, but now they have sizes beyond their 1-2-3 sizing. You can get up to a size 4.5, which is the equivalent of a size 22. Bravo to Chico's!

White House Black Market is taking baby steps to embrace women's curves. They now offer a size 16. I've found their sizing to be generous as it is, so I think that if you were to be an 18 in some lines, you could wear a 16 at WHBM. 

Coldwater Creek is another line worth mentioning. I personally find many of their clothes to be too frumpy for me (I am 35), but I can attest that their jeans are among the best for curvy girls. It is as though they have designed them for women with hourglass shapes. There's no gap in the back waist band and they graze over the hips without feeling tight.

My favorites are the Natural Fit Bootcut jeans. A head's up--they are on sale for $23.99 on their site right now. They are always in style and what I like is that they are genuinely comfortable. I hate feeling like I cannot bend over in them. They have stretch in them, but not so much that they start to fall down by the time you've walked a block. At Coldwater Creek, they go up to a size 24. I also like the consistency here. I wear a 12 on the bottom no matter what the style at this place and it makes shopping much easier!

Here are some great finds for casual wear found at Chico's, White House Black Market, and Coldwater Creek:

I love this jacket!

Chico's, $89

I'd pair this with dark trouser jeans and boots.

Chico's, $69

I just ordered this one. It's from White House Black Market and is $29.98. regularly $108!

I also ordered this one today...it's adorable and chic.

White House Black Market, $19.98

I love ponchos and wraps. Worn over trouser jeans, black ponte pants and boots, or almost anything, they are fun!

This red one would look great over basic black for the holidays and it is on sale at Coldwater Creek. It's one size fits all and I really feel this is true!

$13.99

casual. chic.

I told you not long ago about my favorite new shrug from Fashion to Figure. FTF is a great shop online and in select areas featuring clothing for sizes 12-26. If you're like me and typically find your clothes in the Misses section, please consider FTF as you may be pleasantly surprised at the fit. I love their clothes and they are cut for the curvy woman. If you generally wear plus sizes, you also must check out this brand because they will cater to your curves as well.

Anyway, I have this great shrug and I love it. I wear it with a black tank or on extra cold days, over a fitted long sleeve black tee. Today I decided to follow my own rule of going outside my comfort zone to try something totally new. I wear jeans on most weekdays and typically go for a dark wash trouser or flare leg cut. The wider leg balances my wider hips. I decided to take advantage of a 40% offer I had for Avenue. Sometimes I can wear a 14 in their jeans. Jeans are so tricky for me. I am a 12 in Not Your Daughter's Jeans and most trouser cuts. I need a 14 at Old Navy. Sometimes those even seem snug. My hips get in the way sometimes....or the waist is just way too big. I have to try, try, try.

We have an Avenue nearby and I decided to stop in there. I found these super cute jeans on the clearance and tried them on. I remembered seeing a 40% online offer, so ended up ordering online today. Now, these are not my typical style. They are boyfriend fit, are slouchy and also have a narrower leg.  I thought they'd look awful and I was actually wrong. These will look cute with a ballet flat and my Fashion to Figure shrug. Add some bracelets and a pop of color, and you'll be effortlessly chic in no time. Here's the look:

Shrug is from Fashion to Figure for $22

Art 2 Wear slim boyfriend jeans from  Avenue $14.96 (use your Visa and coupon code JLA4030 to save another 40%)

Clutch from Let's Glam Up, $21.50

Ballet flats from White House Black Market for $88 (of course, you can find similar ones at a lower price elsewhere if you look!)