A Letter To Clothing Retailers: Plus Size does not = UGLY!

Dear Clothing Retailers,

Michael by Michael Kors

Let me start by thanking many of you who have in the last 10 year improved your selection of Plus or "Women's"  size clothing. (Nordstrom and Macy's)  I remember being a teenager and going to the department store and everything was either giant shapeless tee shirts or giant floral poly/cotton blend blouses.  Not something a 15 year old wants to wear.  (A made a lot of my clothing in high school and thankfully Grunge and Boho style was in so I could get away with throw backs and flannel.) 


When I first discovered Fashion Bug it was a life saver.  It was finally a place where I could find more fashionable clothing that did not look like a mumu.  I felt less bad about not being able to shop at The Gap, Express, or the like.  Well, at least that was was I told myself.


Now there are many retailers that LIMIT their plus size selection to online shopping - I'M TALKING TO YOU OLD NAVY!!!  Though I like some of your clothing very much, the fact that I can no longer go to one of your stores to try anything on-it is frustrating.  I should not be banished because I am not a 0-14.  

Old Navy Plus Size (Summer 2011)

I had high hopes when the TJMaxx opened this spring on 86th Street.  With the exit of Lane Bryant and Century 21 no longer carrying ANY plus sizes but when I went in to discover there were ONLY 2 racks in a four story shop of plus sizes, it was a let down.  Confined to online shopping, yet again.


Here is the upside of online shopping though.  Many of you retailers are innovating, expanding, and embracing the plus size market and I imagine doing well as American is a nation of many plus size people (who are such for a plethora of reasons).   I love some of the shapes, colors, textures you are using in many of your collections.  I also appreciate many of the designers who include "special sizes" in your collections.  Michael Kors, Calvin Kline, DKNY.  Thank you.  I feel confident that I can find something that looks professional has some tailoring and wont make me look like I am wearing a tent.  I thank you for this. 


I will most likely always be a plus size girl- I never expect to be able to shop at places that only carry size 0-12, nor do I want to at this point in my life.  I just want and appreciate options for my body shape that don't look like old lady who retired to Florida or skanky teenage girl. (See where Torrid can go so so wrong) 


Thank you to those who provide those options happily!  I will continue to be a loyal customer.


Happy Shopping, 
Meredith

A Letter To Bay Ridge, Brooklyn Residents Who Shop on 86th Street

Dear Patrons,

For the most part, you are filthy, dirty, rude people.  You come to my hood to shop, you leave garbage everywhere, including in front of my house around the corner from 86th and you think it is OK.  You take up the sidewalks with your GIANT strollers and walk so slowly that no one can get past you.  Sometimes you even come and sit on my front steps to enjoy your cold coffee drink.  There are a plethora of benches on 86th.  My front yard is not a place for you to chill.

Also, please pay attention to your children.  It is so busy and there is so much traffic and so many skeezy people....Im just sayin.

So, for those of you that need a list:

1. Smaller Strollers

2. Throw Your Garbage Away!

3. My front yard is not your house.

4. Watch your kids.  PLEASE!

 and a bonus!

5.  When you bump into someone, excuse yourself and by all means is it OK to hold a door open for someone!

Sincerely,

Meredith