Want more? Find your own plus size skirts on Fat Chic Clothing Search.

See larger image Plus Size Striped Pull On Skirt Black (Apparel)

This is a small collection of tops that while not easy to classify as a group, all looked like unique possibilities based on a variety of different (and all valid) fashion sensibilities. See something you love? Pin it!

Find your own plus size tops on Fat Chic Clothing Search.

See larger image Jones New York Women's Plus-Size 3/4 Sleeve Pleated Front Tunic Top (Apparel) List Price: $85.00 USD

Here’s the beauty of custom made fashion: there is no size limit. If you are willing to brave your measurements, delay your gratification, and work with the right designer, you can get what you want. Of course, there are caveats: it does take cash. Some designers are better communicators, and some are better organized, than others.

Even so, the world of bespoke fashion – that’s fashion speak for “custom made”  – has found ways to enter ecommerce, and to bring its choices to you.

Haute Chocolate is just one of those designers. And what designs they are! Take a look at this gorgeous new bespoke retailer – this might be where you get the true investment piece you’ve been waiting for.

You can also find more bespoke retailers on Fat Chic Clothing Search.

One of the more frustrating aspects of writing for plus size fashion is this: you know what the trends are. At least, I’m guessing most of my fellow bloggers KNOW what the trends are. What’s popular in straight fashion always has some potential in plus fashion, and the tastes if not the worlds have begun to merge. Such is the case with the fit and flare dress. It’s in the straight fashion magazines (in part because plus size fashion has blogs, ezines, and ‘zines, but not magazines), it is one of those straight fashion designs that transfers easily to a decent amount of curvy bodies – and yet it’s only starting to occur to retailers to offer it in plus sizes.

The same can be said of pinup styles, which were originally designed for women considered “fat” by today’s extremely dubious standards.  Yet they’re only making it into the plus-size market 5 years minimum of Christina Aguilera released that Bugle Boy video.

So, plus size fashion is always on a lag, unless you’re one of those amazing seamstress types out there. The one advantage it gives plus size consumers is this: we can really, REALLY deliberate over what we’re willing to adopt and what we’re going to say no to. It’s not like we don’t see these trends coming.

Find your own plus size fit and flare dress on Fat Chic Clothing Search.

See larger image The Best Dressed Plus Size Bubble Sleeve Fit & Flare Jacket Dress (Apparel)

Have you been waiting for this?

Yeah, me neither. For me swimming is a year-round thing anyway. Even so, here’s a few I’ve come across in recent net surfing.

Find your own plus size swimwear on Fat Chic Clothing Search.

See larger image Fit 4 U Women's Plus-Size Tribal Hi Neck Swimdress (Apparel) List Price: $120.00 USD

Still loving drapey, fluttery looks. When they fit just right, I feel so comfortable and yet sort of graceful. This of course is only when sitting at a sidewalk café, in that golden thirty-five seconds before I spill my drink on myself.

Find your own plus size drape and flutter looks on Fat Chic Clothing Search.

See larger image Sassy�Chiffon�Flutter�Top in Blue (Apparel)

These items from the 2012 Fall fashion weeks could work on plus sizes. Consider these items nominations for sizes 12-30.

These items from the 2012 Fall fashion weeks could work on plus sizes. Consider these items nominations for sizes 12-30.

Take a look at this Bettie Page dress – very Joan Holloway. Now take a look at this model. HOW AWESOME IS THAT? An actual model, with an actual belly, in an actual dress. This we get from a national brand – Bettie Page – that has mall stores and everything. They know fat people exist, they will clothe us, and they will show up in public with us. While I had written off Bettie Page because of its limited in-store sizing at the Mall of America, suddenly they’re not on my “Old Navy and J. Jill” shit list. They ARE awesome – we just need to encourage them. Bettie Page, use this model, as she is, more. Use other models that are also big girls. Bigger, even! Why? Because IT’S AWESOME.

So, with that pointed out, I here share some other retro-inspired fun available in plus sizes:

You can find more plus size retro and pinup looks on Fat Chic Clothing Search.

See larger image Plus Size 3XL 60's Pinup Polka Dot Party Swing Dress 22W () New From: $69.95 In Stock

By summer weight I of course mean “light.” Possibly even “airy.” Full of holes, broader stitches, all that stuff. A summer sweater is not quite the office cardigan – it can be a little sexy. There’ s no doubt you’re wearing something inappropriate for the office underneath.

It’s not like you’re wearing it to keep warm.

You can look at these summer weight goodies, or find your own plus size summer sweaters on Fat Chic Clothing Search.

See larger image Kenneth Cole Women's Plus-Size Long Open Front Cardigan (Apparel) List Price: $139.50 USD