Posts by brightrider95

In Split, it’s right on Marmontova, near the Zara store, and over in Zadar, it’s tucked away in that shopping center near Interspar.
If my memory serves me right—and I'm certain about this—there's an outlet in Dugopolje similar to the one in Začretje, but honestly, I have zero clue how to actually get there since I only ever pass through by bus.😁

When I was in Split, I hit up Intimissimi; they usually sit side-by-side. For Zadar, all I saw was a massive sign outside, but I didn't bother stepping foot inside the mall, so I'll reserve the right to say my info might be outdated since I don't actually live in either of those cities.😬

Arthur Sanders said:How big are those Calzedonia stay-ups, really?
I picked up some of their tights this summer ( $2.75 they were, so I figured—why not? 🤣) in a size 4. They looked massive when I first opened the package, but in the end, I could barely even pull them halfway up my thighs...😍

Anyway, I don't really wear dresses. I just don't feel comfortable in them. Honestly, I think I'm so used to wearing pants or skirts with a waistband that I feel like something is missing when I'm in a dress 🤣. It’s such a bummer because there are so many cute styles out there.
And pants are a whole different struggle. I have strong legs, especially my thighs and hips, and my waist is pretty defined. Every pair of pants I try on—if they actually fit my hips and thighs, the waist is way too loose. It just gapes right above my butt.😠

Alex Hall4: It’s like trying to run a marathon through knee-deep molasses. Absolutely absurd. kaže:
Does anyone even carry Calzedonia anymore? 😳

In New York, you've got Times Square; in Chicago, you've got the Loop; in LA, you've got Hollywood. That’s the level of action I recognize—maybe there are a few other spots out there, but those are the only ones that count. 😁

I'm a size 4, no question. I can squeeze into a 14 if I'm feeling particularly stubborn, though. 😬
I don't have particularly strong thighs, and I barely even have any glutes to speak of; my real struggle is dealing with my waist and hips. 😁

Alex Hall4 said:I get the feeling you were chiming in too. 🤷

Peter Gray2, I'm right there with brightrider95. You are absolutely adorable, and you have great style. You know how to highlight your curves without being over the top about it. 😍 Both skirts and dresses look fantastic on you. 😍 And honestly, thanks for sharing the photos. 😍 😁

Anyway, enough about you. 😁

On another note:

Does anyone have recommendations for where to find good, affordable XXL tights or hold-ups? 😬

For me, Calzedonia is the gold standard, assuming you aren't living somewhere way out in the sticks without one nearby.

I swear by the low-rise ones, probably around size $12 I think.

How? Simple! Just tune them out. 😁

I’m perfectly happy with myself, and frankly, I couldn't care less what anyone else thinks. It's happened a handful of times where people have made comments about my weight, but let's be real—it was always people who struggle with their own weight issues. They were preaching about slimming down back when they were in their "skinny phases" themselves. 😁

My absolute thinnest point was back when I was a vegetarian and walking two or three hours every single day. Physically, I wasn't even that different from how I am now, so I really don't see what more I'm supposed to do. 🤷

I wear clothes that make me feel good about myself. I try to find cuts that don't highlight my "problem areas," but honestly, I don't see why I shouldn't wear skirts, dresses, or even skinny jeans if I balance the rest of the outfit right. 🤷

Besides, if someone has a problem with it, they are more than welcome to just look the other way. 😁

Honestly 😉

It’s actually refreshing to see women who aren't built like fitness models and don't let it get to them, because frankly, they're a rare breed, and there’s zero reason to stress about it.

My weight is pretty evenly distributed, so I might look thinner than my actual scale number suggests, but I hold my own—and I’ve always received compliments rather than being mocked. These kinds of posts from people like above only serve to make insecure girls feel self-conscious for no reason, making them want to hide under oversized tents instead of just dressing well.

Most of my family tends to be a bit more sturdy, so why on earth would I get depressed just because I inherited those genes? I couldn't care less. I hope everyone else feels the same way, because we shouldn't pity the ones who become targets for jokes; we should pity the ones who actually let it get to them.😁

I usually rock size 16 jeans, mostly skinnies. I wouldn't call myself built like a supermodel or thin—I’m more on the curvy side—but honestly, they look great on me, and most people seem to agree.
A friend of mine put it perfectly when we were talking about what girls who aren't a size 0 wear to stay trendy. I mentioned wanting to wear shorts and wondering why I wasn't thinner, and he just said that if I were any thinner, I wouldn't be nearly as cute.😬

Basically, there are plenty of women who carry their curves beautifully in modern fashion. Frekette (if I got that handle right) is a prime example of someone who handles criticism well, and I truly don't get why anyone would mock a girl like her instead of just seeing how adorable she is.

Honestly, I'm just thrilled 😍
Yesterday, all I caught was some giraffe-like thing over at the mall, but I didn't manage to call it in 😁

It happened at CC1 too, though I know the incident on Broadway was about six weeks back—CC1 was much more recent.
Mind you, if you’re rocking a deeper neckline, don't get your hopes up; those frogs look pretty ridiculous in that cut...😢

Dorothy Perkins—they’re black, they’re green, but let’s be real: they’re basically transparent since they’re marketed as "beach wear."

Try pairing a skirt with a T-shirt.
I dealt with the exact same headache. I needed something more upscale for a dinner party, but everything I tried was a disaster—either too baggy on the bottom or way too tight up top. In the end, I just threw together a tulle top and a skirt, and honestly? It looked fantastic.
Mind you, I was being pretty picky about my budget; I didn't want to blow more than $100 😬
. If cash isn't an issue for you, go check out Marina Rinaldi—part of the Max Mara group, I believe. I think their prices hover around $500.

rustytiger27 said:Hey ladies!
I’ve got two quick questions, so if anyone happens to know the deal, please help a girl out.
My mom and I are heading over to Canada soon—it's our first time there—and I was wondering if that BTC City mall in Ljubljana has any decent shops for plus-size clothing. My mom is 47 and, honestly, she’s pretty sturdy, probably around a size 14, and she always struggles to find stuff that actually fits. We live down in the South, and even here, the selection for curvy women isn't exactly amazing.

Also, regarding Chicago, what’s the vibe like for plus-size options at City Center?

Thanks so much in advance for any tips!

From what I know, for those specific sizes, you're pretty much stuck with C&A. If you want something a bit more substantial, there's Dorothy Perkins, but their sizing tops out at a 14, so unless they've released some wider cuts—which most of them haven't—it probably won't fit you anyway.🤷

amberheron64 said:Maybe we did see them, but we just weren't feeling them—I don't really keep tabs on everything anymore...
She ended up getting a pair from Urban Republic—olive green with stripes—but they’re a bit big on her and, frankly, totally out of style. She was pretty blunt about it, calling them "ugh."
I think I'll head over to Target tomorrow to check things out. If they have some that actually look good, I might grab a pair for her to try—if they fit, great; if not, we'll just swap them out.

She’s old enough that you should either give her the best option available or just let her wear whatever she wants if she's unhappy.🤷
I wouldn't make such a huge deal out of it. Personally, I’d rock mini skirts with killer boots and thick tights, but it doesn't always work. Look, you just have to accept reality if you aren't going on a diet.😁

Last Friday, I picked up some skinny black jeans at Dorothy's in a US size 16, then spotted an updated version of the exact same style for $73. My old pair was a $33. I also have those dark wash ones from this summer—tried them on with the jeggings, and they use the same sizing as the dark blues and the grays.
The dark blue ones have been stocked since July at both the downtown mall and the outlet. Honestly, I don't get how you haven't seen them when they come in three different colors 🤷
. Those sizes 30 or 32 you mentioned? Those are Top Shop and Miss Selfridge measurements; they aren't the same as what people wearing a size 42 would grab, even though I own a couple of pairs from Top Shop myself.

amberheron64 said:What even counts as a size 44 or 48??? I mean—don't get me wrong—I can barely find a decent pair of pants for myself in a size 38 or 40 without a massive struggle.
🙂I actually know people who are rocking a 52 or 54.

I remember this one time I was out shopping with my aunt at some boutique over on Fifth Avenue—she was hunting for a size 42 or 44—and the sales clerk had the nerve to just bluntly tell her that if she wanted that range, she should probably check out the Maxx store down the hallway...
That is just plain rude...

Between my sister, who’s a 44+, and my mom, who’s easily a 52+, I’ve spent a fair amount of time browsing through those larger sizes.
And honestly, back when we were in that suburb near Philadelphia, there used to be this shop called Trendy Maxx that carried really cool stuff for size 44 and up—but they closed down.
C&A has some decent options, but my sister isn't a fan because the waistlines aren't low enough—she basically wants pants that show off everything, if you know what I mean.
There's a Kik in a small town near the border that carries bigger sizes,
and then you've got Maxx in the city.

I don't know—my mom often buys from these specific vendors at local flea markets who order larger stock, but then again, a 55-year-old isn't exactly dressing like a 25-year-old...

What I'm really trying to figure out is where a 15-year-old can find clothes—say, pants in a size 44 but with looser tops—that won't break the bank and actually looks "cool"? Though, I'm not quite sure what "cool" means to her lately, since we dug through a mountain of stuff at a thrift shop and she decided none of it was "in."
I have been absolutely exhausted searching for pants for my sister—everything is either too shallow or just way too small. She’s looking for those super tight, skinny-fit legs, but let's be real—they won't fit a size 44 because the leg openings are usually wide enough to fit an entire arm through.🙂

So, you actually bothered to trek all the way out to the Grand Canyon, and yet somehow you still couldn't manage to find a decent pair of jeans? Unbelievable.
I’m betting you mean either those super skinny cuts or that new jeggings trend. If you're looking for size 16, Target carries them up to a size 20 in pretty much every color imaginable. You want navy, black, gray? Or maybe the ones with the glittery button instead of the plain ones?🤷

If she can’t even squeeze into denim jeans, forget about anything else—she's going to be struggling upstairs too. They're clearly too small. Honestly, maybe she isn't a size 12, but a 14? I wear a size 10 and they fit me perfectly fine; the only issue is when I wear a size 8 and everything starts outlining. If a 12 is actually her size, I highly doubt she wouldn't be able to fit into a pair of skinny jeans.

The largest size they had in stock was a UK 20—which is basically our 48. I think I’ve maybe seen a 22 once in my entire life.
Don't even bother looking at their sales. That's just Magma; they don't do actual sales that mean anything. It's always just old, junk items with some minor discount tacked on.

brighttinker17 said:Dana Clark, you are absolutely right—it is all about mindset. When you feel good, you radiate confidence! Based on what you’ve shared, you really are wonderful. 😍 In fact, I just pictured you as that brilliant professor from an Intro to Anatomy lecture! 😍
I constantly see curvy women walking around downtown looking absolutely stunning, and I have to admit, I get a little envious sometimes. 😳

brightrider95, I completely understand. To be honest, I’ve been feeling quite frustrated with my own weight lately. I spent almost my entire life being quite slender; I don't think I ever weighed more than 130 pounds, and now, suddenly, everything has changed. Nothing I used to own fits me anymore.
Actually, I am not even sure what my size is these days. 😳 I am basically rotating through a few oversized XL t-shirts, which looks terrible because they are tight across the chest but hang loosely everywhere else. It's the same story with jeans; I’ve settled on a size 14.
I realize this might be more of a psychology topic than a fashion one 😁, but since I need to head back to campus soon, I could really use some practical advice on how to dress so I don't look heavier than I am. Your post actually gave me a bit of a boost, so thank you. 🙂
I am genuinely looking forward to autumn and pulling out my cardigans and leather jackets. I don't quite have the courage for leggings yet—hopefully, that comes with time—but perhaps some slim-fit jeans? Why not! Thank you so much for the encouragement. 🙂

Are we talking a size 36 in standard sizing or specifically for jeans?
I just picked up these killer super skinny dark denim jeans from Old Navy with a bit of stretch; they fit like a glove and were only $60😍
They also have these amazing oversized viscose tees at Macy's, maybe around $33, that hang perfectly. Plus, their cardigans are basically clones of the Top Shop stuff but way easier on the wallet.

If you're still feeling lost on what to grab, I can drop a few links to stuff currently in their shop. I actually own some of it myself, so I know for a fact it's worth the money.😉

brighttinker17 said:@Majkumu, they actually locked my thread, which effectively stripped away my ability to argue that I'm not concerned with WHERE to shop, but rather WHAT to buy.

So, my dear plus-sized friends, what do you wear that actually looks decent? When I'm swimming in these oversized tunics, I feel like I look like a caricature of a certain old-school diva, or honestly, just like my mother. As for trying anything more daring, I simply haven't found the courage yet because I'm terrified everyone will just stare at me in shock. 😢
On the "What should I wear..." threads, I always feel a bit embarrassed to join in since everyone else seems so slim and stylish.

I've gone into much greater detail regarding my dilemma here. 😍

Thank you! 🙏

First off, based on that locked thread, it’s pretty obvious you’re hating on being overweight. Look, nobody loves carrying extra weight, but you aren't huge, so stop the drama.
You didn't mention your size, but if you pay attention to proportions, you can dress really well and find decent stuff.
I have a similar build (except I don't have wide hips, but I have a significant bust, which makes finding shirts, jackets, bras, and tank tops a nightmare) and I wear skinny jeans, skirts, midi dresses, tunics, fitted tees, leggings under skirts or dresses, and I layer everything—people compliment my look all the time.
It’s all in your head.
If you go for looser fits, use a belt to create the illusion of curves instead of looking bulky. If you're wearing tunics, ditch them and throw on some skinny pants. When you do skirts or dresses, pick ones you can belt so you can cinch the fabric to highlight your chest rather than your stomach.
You can find clothes anywhere if you actually put in the effort. I shop at places like Nordstrom, Topshop, Macy's, H&M, or Marks & Spencer when I'm out, and occasionally Zara.

As for that style you showed, you can pretty much replicate it by grabbing longer tees that follow your lines without being too tight, then just throwing a jacket or a scarf over the top.
I don't see the big mystery here. Just browse the websites of those stores, make a list of what looks okay, head to the mall, and try those tops and light layers on with some jeans until you find something that actually looks good and makes you feel confident.🤷