Good, high-quality shoes cost money—obviously. Personally, I’d much rather own one decent pair than ten cheap ones from somewhere like Target. It’s worth investing in quality. I’ve had my pair of Allen Edmonds for 16 years now, and I have absolutely worn them down. They’re classic, timeless loafers with a T-strap and a wide, stable heel. The only real fix I ever needed was taking them to a cobbler to have some rubber grips added to the soles because the leather was getting way too slippery. Everything else—even the heel caps—looks practically brand new.
I’ve got these Miss Sixty platforms with a solid five-inch cork heel—super soft, feels like a glove, really stable—and the heel sits at about 15 cm. I also have some Sergio Rossi platforms; they aren't a solid block heel, but still hit that 15 cm mark. Picked them up at Stiefel & Co. on sale. Do yourself a favor and Google their site. They have some genius designs. Look, they’re pricey, but the quality is insane and they aren't narrow. I have wide, difficult feet because of a bunion, so I can't wear basically anything unless it fits right—if a shoe pinches that bone or if the incline is off, the pain is just unbearable. For example, those Tommy Hilfiger pumps? Terrible construction. I love how they look, but the heel angle is a disaster. I can't take two steps in them, and they cost around $233. I can grind through an entire day in the Miss Sixty platforms, and with the S. Rossi ones, I’ve actually gone shopping—which for me means walking nonstop for two or three hours. My feet didn't ache at all, and zero blisters.
Check out this Alpine offer Honestly, I'm digging about half their lineup. And then there’s Ari Their shoes are incredibly comfy. I actually own a few pairs from both Alpine and Ari—some dressier, some more sporty—and I’m super happy with them. They offer different widths too, so even if you have massive feet, they'll fit just fine. Plus, they carry half sizes, which is huge for me since I usually hover between a 7 and an 8—that 7.5 is my sweet spot. As for those boho skirts? Yeah, absolutely. I wouldn't wear one to an Oscars gala or anything, but I need something for summer. I love that style of skirt and dress (even if my husband is allergic to long skirts—not that he'd ever wear one, obviously, just me).
Great, thanks for the effort. Got my honors exam on June 13th—need to get myself looking sharp. The Secretary was going to be there and the TV crews would be filming too, so...🤣 As for shoes—look, it’s tough. You really have to try them on first. Alpina actually had a really lovely spring collection of flats and stuff. Yeah, prices are around $167, but you can't expect quality leather shoes for anything less than that. I stumbled upon a 40% off sale while I was in Canada—it's just as close to you as it is to me, so maybe check it out there. Karl Lagerfeld has some stylish models too, but honestly, they're overpriced. Though, if I'm being real, I invested in a pair of gorgeous loafers three years ago and they still look brand new.
For shoes, I’d suggest: Ari, Peko, or Alpina. They all offer G and H widths. The footwear is genuine leather, and they have options ranging from younger styles to more mature ones. Also, you can find several brands at Famous Footwear that specialize in wider lasts—especially when it comes to boots. Last year, I picked up some perfect leather boots at Famous Footwear that zipped right up my calves without any struggle. Btw, Sowy; did you check those sneakers for me yet?
The plus-size section at Westgate is on the ground floor, just to the left of the elevators. Stela, I’m telling you again—there is nothing for you to look for in the plus-size department. You aren't fat, and you aren't "plus-size." Having this kind of attitude toward your own body? It’s a downward spiral. Don't take this the wrong way, but I've got enough years and life experience under my belt to have seen it all. Back in February, my daughter was in the hospital, and there was this fifteen-year-old girl in the room with her suffering from anorexia. A stunning young girl—smart, beautiful—but weighing only 77 pounds. Seeing the books she was reading at just fifteen, I could tell she was incredibly sharp, well above average. She was. I was right about that. It was actually a pleasure talking to her, right up until the conversation drifted toward food. Everything she said came back to one thing: "Do you know how many calories are in this?" Eventually, we started talking about what she was going through, and honestly, I was shaken. She told me it all started when some guy called her fat—even though she had never been fat in her life. But she decided she needed to lose weight, dropping fifty pounds to hit that 77-pound mark, which led to hospitalization and being force-fed through a tube. I won't dwell on it—this isn't the place for that. We all have our struggles. But please, stop posting that a size 16 is "XL." Claiming it can't be any bigger is pure nonsense and a blatant lie—and it might just drive some young girl straight toward an eating disorder.
I don't know what to tell you—you aren't XL, let alone XXXL. Everything here is backwards. If you aren't wearing a size 4 or 6—or better yet, that famous American size 0—then you’re overweight. Even the ads for XL clothing are trying to sell us size 12s!!! 12 isn't XL. 12 is a Medium. XL is a 16 or an 18. That’s XL. You aren't fat, and you aren't even "curvy"—you're just a normal girl with some shape, and I don't see why you need to wrap yourself up and hide your chest. Obviously, you aren't going to walk around half-naked, but you'll be doing that kind of hiding when you're 50 or 60 and dealing with wrinkles and maybe grandkids.
First off, I have no clue why you think you're fat?!?! You aren't fat—and there's zero reason for someone as young and beautiful as you to be hiding away or covering up. That shirt looks great on you. Just buy it and wear it. Leave the shapewear, compression gear, and all that nonsense to us older folks.
H&M is pretty useless to me too. I've got one cardigan that’s actually decent and a few t-shirts. Their pants? Totally fine. But their other stuff—it just doesn't fit right. I feel like I'm wearing a diaper. I have a couple of large dresses that aren't even plus-size, but they work for me. Bras are okay too, though finding a D cup is a rare win. Evans has some good pieces, but man, they’re pricey. C&A does solid work with pants and blazers that actually suit my shape. Still, at the end of the day, Marks & Spencer is my top pick for quality. Yeah, they cost more—but if you hit the sales, you can snag some great deals. Their underwear is excellent, especially the bras. Yoursclothing occasionally offers free shipping; I haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet, but I really want to.
swiftnomad4 said:And meanwhile, that lawyer is off somewhere having her fun😁
I’d personally love to see them implement a casual Friday—just so I could actually wear jeans for once. You know, just throw on a blazer, a nice blouse, and some heels😍 Whenever there aren't any clients around😉
Oh, sure, but trust me—nobody is going to take a lawyer or a judge seriously if they show up in denim or leggings. In this case, just like most others, a suit actually makes the professional. Dress codes exist for a reason, and unfortunately, plenty of people don't get that—they need guidance. So I'll say it again: you can't go wrong with the classics; they always work.
You can't just roll up to the federal courthouse in sandals. Business etiquette exists for a reason—period. Besides, if every single male colleague around me is decked out in suits and ties, how am I supposed to look or feel without a suit? Casual wear—and especially jeans—just isn't meant for strict professional settings, particularly not for the Court.
A business shirt is a classic staple. Usually just solid colors—collared, standard sleeves, maybe 3/4 if you're feeling it. Anyone wearing one is going to look professional, regardless of how old they are. Marks & Spencer has those basic models that actually last for years. But here's the thing: when it comes to business attire, the details are everything. If your office vibe allows for it, throw on a nice, subtle necklace or a scarf. Even a brooch on a blazer lapel works as a sharp little touch. Shoes need to be modest and solid-colored too. Heels are fine—just don't go for anything outrageous or open-toed. Otherwise, there’s really no other way to soften the stiffness of formal wear. Plenty of workplaces have dress codes—like at a federal courthouse, you can't show up in sandals or tank tops, which, honestly, makes total sense.
So, I was at Marks &Spencers the day before yesterday and found this gorgeous top—honestly looks more like a blouse—marked down from $100 to just 80. It’s basically perfect for work with some tailored trousers. It hangs really nicely too—and even though it's viscose, it doesn't have that annoying, limp look most viscose stuff gets. And yeah, despite being a bit busty, the size 16 fit me perfectly. They have a few more options there, plus some dresses and different styles over at Westgate. ...the new collection is lovely, too, but I'm holding out for the sale.
I had a similar Triumph one once—it was fine, I guess—but the whole thing was synthetic so I gave up on it pretty fast. M&S makes excellent bras for larger busts. I ended up grabbing two myself; cotton ones with underwire. They’re super cute, comfy, and hold up well in the wash. They come out of the machine looking brand new.
Yeah, I got that email too. Are you positive shipping is actually free to the US? There are some really cute little things I've been eyeing for a while now—but honestly, the sizing situation makes me nervous about ordering. Supposedly their sizes run pretty generous.
Carl Walker79 said:Anyone out there wearing a US size 18 or 20? I’ve got two pairs of leggings and a shirt in a size 24, but they have a slim fit. I’m looking to sell them for what I originally paid. They’ve been washed, but they’re brand new. Picked them up at New Look.
Post some photos—and honestly, send measurements too. Even if it’s a slim fit, the shoulder construction is built for that specific size, and I don't want to waste my time if it won't fit.
On another note—for women in the middle age bracket, Marks & Spencer has some gorgeous pieces in their latest collection. They also have great basics that work for pretty much any generation.
Also, regarding leggings; they seem to be everywhere lately. It feels like they're being pushed hard—especially for plus-size women. Just look at the collections over at H&M or C&A. It's nothing but tunics and leggings. And even the pants look like leggings—totally skin-tight. I haven't seen a single skirt anywhere, especially not pencil skirts, despite searching. Meanwhile, at M&S, there was a huge selection of beautiful dresses and skirts. Look, I don't have anything against leggings, but personally? I don't wear them. I don't really do jeans either. It's not that they don't look good on me—they do—it just doesn't suit my job or my age.
Look, what you find attractive or totally normal might be the exact opposite for me—and vice versa.
But honestly, what even defines "normal" anymore? Is it chunky sneakers or those ridiculous 6-inch heels with a massive platform? And does it matter if it’s on a curvy girl or someone super thin? From what I've seen, people are way quicker to judge and laugh at a plus-sized woman than they are at a skinny one. Why is that? Probably because society basically gives a free pass to anyone who's skin and bones. If you're thin, you're "pretty," "hot," or "disciplined"—you can do whatever you want. Meanwhile, if you're heavier, you get labeled with every negative stereotype under the sun. Personally, I’ve been on both sides of the fence. And let me tell you—I wasn't any happier or sadder just because of my weight. It’s all mental. At the end of the day, it's about your attitude and confidence—not whether some random jerk is going to stare or snicker. Because trust me, there's always going to be someone like that.