I am bewildered by the expression on this model’s face. I realize “showing attitude” is popular in some crowds, but it never really comes to a successful end. Did the photographer tell her to make that face? Was she just having a blood sugar crash? What the heck is going on up there?

It’s still a cute dress, though.

This model looks happier (and her dress comes in up to xxxl):

Yes, there is a fine line between “empire waist” and “baby doll.” I think it’s about one quarter of an inch.

Find your own plus size empire waist looks on Fat Chic Clothing Search.

See larger image Halter Top Dress / Coverup with Empire Waist and Handkercheif Hem in Silky 'ITY' Fabric in Sizes Small - 4x (Apparel)

Women’s bodies don’t come from cookie cutters. This is especially true among plus-size women, where finding clothing with the right fit (especially since most people can NOT avoid the additional expense of a tailor) is a struggle. Jeans gape at the waist, as their designed for someone with bigger hips. Bellies prevent pants that otherwise fit from buttoning. And among these complaints:

NOT ALL PLUS SIZE WOMEN HAVE LARGE BREASTS.

The unlikely hero in this struggle? Itty Bitty Bras. They have released a plus-size line of bras for women who measure between 40 – 48 inches around the chest – but who also have a small cup size. The line, called Flatter Me, runs $62.50 US.

It’s a small step for a smaller bras, but at least someone has a thought for the A-B cups among us!

Find more A-B cup bras in Fat Chic Clothing Search.

When capris first came back on the racks, I was horrified. While capris – also known as pedal pushers – were great on 1950s starlets but on me? I still feel vaguely like a weeble-wobble. This may explain why so many women have clamored for longer tops and T-shirts. We are not midriff bearers by nature, and alas, I do not look this put together when writing my morning pages:

I might if I were French, but I’m Polish-American, so I’m doing pretty good if I can just get to the notebook without spilling coffee.  In the long run, however,  I have surrendered to the capris pant – it actually is nice enough for casual summer stuff, and feels much less awkward than shorts.

Find your own capris pants on Fat Chic Clothing Search.

See larger image Dockers Women's Plus-Size The Soft Capri Pant (Apparel) List Price: $52.00 USD

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.

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

Thank the fashion gods for Anna Scholz, or all plus women would still be stuck on the frustrating fashion sidelines. I’ve noticed cute floral print blazers all over the magazines, much like this:

I can’t find anything remotely equivalent in plus sizes at all at the moment. Paint me VERY annoyed. The next best thing I managed to locate was this:

I am, however, finding plenty of plus size animal print blazers. I keep having leopard print handed to me over and over again, and I’m just going to keep handing it back.  I like a leopard print on my umbrella. I might even tolerate on a purse. But anything that actually touches my skin? No. Why is putting fat people in animal prints a thing now? I don’t get it. I realize that there are many people who LOVE the trend – people I know, love, admire, respect. Even so, my Northwest Indiana childhood will leave me associating “leopard print” with women who leave their babies at the bar, or the background dancers in Richard Simmons exercise videos.

You can see if you have better luck finding plus size floral print blazers on Fat Chic Clothing Search. (Note: by using “jacket” instead of “blazer” I did get better options. But still…)

Since the 1950s is a part of this latest fling with spring, some of the goodies besides the poodle skirt are making their way back into the fashion pool. This includes the cigarette pants, a variation on the capris. Yes, you can make them smokin’ but you have go to adjust it to the body you have.

We won’t wear them the same way, of course. Running around in turtlenecks and berets just isn’t going to happen.

Plus size women in cigarette pants are just not going to look like this:

However, this does not mean we’re not allowed to wear them. Just using the words “not allowed” sounds to many of us like “triple dog dare,” after all.

Find your own plus size cigarette pants on Fat Chic Clothing Search.

See larger image Audrey Hepburn Collection (Breakfast at Tiffany's / Roman Holiday / Sabrina) (DVD) Director: Billy Wilder, Blake Edwards, William Wyler Starring: Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert, Humphrey Bogart Rating: Unrated List Price: $29.98 USD New From: $13.66 In Stock Used from: $7.99 In Stock Release date February 7, 2006.

Jackets – especially trench style – are a spring basic. White jackets, while prone to showing coffee stains, also do add a certain “I’m awesome” polish to an outfit. This works only if you manage not to spill anything on yourself.

You can find your own white jackets on Fat Chic Clothing Search.

See larger image Jessica London Plus Size Linen-Blend Jacket (Apparel)

Sheath dresses, like pencil skirts, restrict movement, demand heels, sometimes encourage people to strap themselves down in underwear like they’re planning on riding a roller coaster for eight hours… and yet wearing one feels freaking powerful.

My first sheath dress was a magenta number I wore to my senior concert in high school. While I trotted out in that pink dress looking tall and beautiful, like that year’s weight gain just made me stronger, the girl that went out of her way to make my life living hell stood beside me in her black pants and white blouse looking (and probably feeling) like the dumpy, mean-spirited chipmunk that she was.

I only think of her from time to time, but I do remember that sheath dress fondly. It got some interesting reactions from my boyfriend among other people. Looking back, I see it as a symbol of who I would eventually become as an adult, and I have to say, I’m pretty happy with that.

Find your own plus size sheath dress on Fat Chic Clothing Search.

See larger image Calvin Klein Women's Plus-size Color Block Sheath Dress (Apparel) List Price: $139.50 USD