Spots Where Petite or Tall Is a Plus
Dear Fashion Police: I know there are a lot of stores that cater to plus sizes, but very little in most of these stores fits me. I’m a plus size, but I’m also only 5-feet-2, so my choices are very limited. For the most part, I have been purchasing my clothing through catalogs. But I would like to try some things on before I make a purchase--dressy dresses, for instance. Where can I go? I’m in the Chicago area.
--A PLUS IN THE MIDWEST
Dear Plus: While terrific large-size clothes have become much more available in recent years, it’s still tough finding plus sizes in petite and tall. The industry is catching up to the needs of women under 5-feet-4 and over 5-feet-8 who are size 14 and above, as some designers and manufacturers recognize the need for special sizes. But not all stores carry them, so be sure to ask the manager or buyer to stock what you want.
Since you’re itchin’ to go shoppin’, here are some possibilities in your area:
* Elisabeth, the large-size division of Liz Claiborne, has a petite line. There’s an Elisabeth store in Chicago’s Water Tower Place and Oakbrook Center. To look at updated styles, check out the Liz Claiborne Web site, https://www.lizclaiborne.com.
* Designer Tamotsu does a large-size line for petites; it’s available at Saks Fifth Avenue’s Salon Z, the store’s large-size department (if the Saks near you doesn’t carry it, the store can order it).
* Molly Malloy offers a petite plus line that includes dressy dresses. It’s available at JCPenney and Carson Pirie Scott.
* Lane Bryant stores stock jeans in petite plus sizes.
* Nordstrom carries petite pluses under these labels: Austin Reed, Tamotsu, Vicki Vi, E-Wear, and Jones New York Collection. They’re available at Nordstrom Oakbrook, Old Orchard and Woodfield.
We also found a new Web site you should know about, https://www.realsize.com. In addition to information on travel, entertainment and health, it also has online shopping for large sizes. Right now the Web site offers only the Delta Burke Collection, but there are petite and tall plus sizes. You can order online, or call (877) 900-7325. They plan to offer other large-size lines in the future.
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Dear Fashion Police: I do not understand your aversion to polyester pants. I wear them all the time. They fit well, hold their crease and never wrinkle. I am 76 years old and have never been able to accept the rumpled, wrinkled look of linen, cotton or silk. I have a linen suit and always feel as though I look like I slept in it!
--NEAT AS A PIN
Dear Neat: Blame it on growing up as part of the Qiana generation (remember that silky nylon?), but we’ve never placed man-made fibers high on our list of textiles. Usually when we rail against polyester it’s the tried-and-true double-knit, bullet-proof variety that usually comes in colors such as mint and peachy beige.
But we realize that today’s polyester and microfibers are very different from what was available a couple of decades ago, and are more comfortable and look far better than their predecessors.
We don’t know if you’re old school or new, but don’t worry, no one’s going to take away your license to wear polyester. However, your attitude toward natural fibers is disheartening.
What’s wrong with a few wrinkles? Without them, clothing looks unnaturally neat--like “Star Trek” uniforms. We actually like linen because of the wrinkles. It has character.
Besides, not all clothes made of natural fibers look like an unmade bed after a day of wearing. Washed silk, cotton knits and linen blends fare pretty well under normal wearing conditions. And when the temperature starts to soar, we guarantee you’ll be more comfortable.
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Dear Fashion Police: I am writing about the picture that accompanies the column. It makes my blood boil when the lady doesn’t show her face. Holding her dark glasses the way she does is ridiculous. There is no fashion statement there at all. In fact, she’s gross.
--DEFINITELY NOT A FAN
Dear Definitely: Thanks so much for your letter. We’ll let the lady know you don’t think those glasses are working.
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Write to Fashion Police, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, fax to (213) 237-4888, or send e-mail to socalliving@latimes.com.
