Dear Manhattan Retailers,
When I tell people that I live in Manhattan, I say it's the greatest place on earth.
What's not to love?
The theaters, galleries, men, restaurants, all make this city, what Barnum & Bailey coin: "the greatest show place on earth".
After giving this answer, it's at this point, when my hometown Denver folk, usually say: "UM... AND THE SHOPPING!?"
Me: "NO."
New York is one of the major fashion capitals of the world, so any twenty-something woman must love it, right?
NO, not me.
Here's my gripe: The Big Apple has thousand of stores, catering to all fancies, but if you're like me, and over a size 16 (or 12 for that matter), you are shit out of luck.
I'm a plus sized woman (size 20/22) and not ashamed of it. I am; however, working on dropping some of the weight (for health reasons) but reality is I will always be a plus-sized woman.
That means in New York City, I have two, yes, two stores that I can afford to shop at Lane Bryant and Ashley Stewart. Oh, and how can I forget wash n' wear brand: Forever21.
Forever came out with Faith21; but, first off, who can find Faith in any of the Manhattan locations? And secondly, Faith21?
What the hell?
Yes, I'm sure some of the "4 B's" (Bendels, Bergdorfs, Barneys & Bloomies) sell plus size, but then again not all of us (ahem) can afford a $1500 ensemble.
So, here I am, forced to shop either online or at a store that is still quite pricey, while my friends get to go to sample sales and what not.
At times, I feel like Anna Wintour is laughing her ass off at girls like us (because rumor has it, they record what you eat inside Conde's cafeteria).
The fashion industry as a whole looks down on girls who are bigger. (Well, kudos to V for coming out with their plus-sized issue. But the featured girls are more voluptuous beauties rather than zaftig real-women.)
NY Fashion Week starts in 7 days, and even though this will fall on deaf ears, I think the Fashion world needs to be more open to designing for the "everyday" woman. I have some shows to attend, and I'm so sick of wearing lack-luster Lane Bryant twin sets.
If you're a plus-sized woman, please take a stand.
I'm getting exhausted from being pushed to back (just like in gym class).
You ignore us and force us to don generic "boot-cut jeans" & "ribbed cardigans" and other foul garments that induce nausea.
I'm asking for this: just a few, affordable, cool stores, that sell plus-sized clothing for me & the like; or of course, expanding the inventory at places already-existing retailers.
PS: I'm not saying being "plus-size or overweight" is healthy, I'm just fed up & being real.
Signed,
Misti
Proud Manhattan Fashionista.
By 
You go girl! I totally agree BTW!
hell yes sis!
I agree with your sentiment - we want more options, cuter clothes, better pricepoints, etc... but at the same time I couldn't disagree more. There are way more options than the 2 you listed.
To start with there are 2 independent plus size boutiques in Brooklyn. There's Lee Lee's Valise which is constantly featured on What Not to Wear and is fairly pricey and then there's Re/Dress NYC which is a plus vintage/resale shop. So you should start there
But you should be looking for clothes in lots of places - H&M can be fatty heaven as can lots of other "straight sized stores." Try it on and if you bust the seams, well then it's their fault for not making it in a bigger size.
I write all about fatshion in NY at my blog http://30dressesin30days.blogspot.com/
Thanks Bloomie!!
I'm pretty curvy so H&M just doesn't work in the clothing aspect :-(
I enjoyed your blog, keep it up
XOXO
Misti