It happens often — inspiration strikes when I visit Fatshionista and discover yet another frontier in plus sized chic. Their recent review of the fun, very distinctive designs of Selena Eon was a revelation. Gracias, Fatshionista! Without you I might not have realized that an unexplored world of customized, unique clothing awaits on Etsy!
SelenaEon makes some very, very cool stuff — this fairie petal dress made out of vintage teeshirts looks so comfortable but makes such a distinctive statement. Very hippie chic, perfect for Bonnaroo. (OMG I want to go so bad!) Her handbasket hoodie is described as a unisex piece, but it’s the kind of distinctive remix of a wardrobe staple that I’d wear over and over again. Especially as the weather gets colder towards the year’s end.
I discovered real talent in the designs of Vigilante Labs. There’s a very fun, flattering silhouette in their clothes. Take for example the felted cobalt trenchcoat, which is funky and cute. I love the Anemone Flower wool top, it comes custom sized up to 4x.
But what I really really need for winter in Chicago is the wool redingote! So classy, so chic, and so femmetastic, and she makes it in sizes 0 to 28. I need it. In more than one color. It’s $235. I’m gonna get me a piggybank and save up, watch me.
For less formal fashions, visit Sandmaiden, which makes beautiful bamboo tunics and dresses, or TopsyCurvy makes customized tops for bellas of all shapes and sizes. If you’re looking for frocks, a wealth of custom-sized dressmakers are there for the discovering.
For Audrey Hepburn-chic, check out My Black Dress — the pieces are timeless, feminine, and made to fit your exact measurements. The dresses are gorgeous, but sizes stop around 20, just to let my fuller-figured bellas know.
For bold Eastern and Arabic-influenced fashion statements, check out Shihar — I can see myself wearing the Majestic Arabian Nights Dress — the layering of indigo and mustard is both graceful and lovely. Quite a bit of the dress shopping on Etsy is done with specific measurements, so even if you’re not especially full figured, you can still get a custom fit on some unique styles.
Have you made an Etsy fashion find, or found some unique plus size fashionistas elsewhere on the web? Tell me! I’m always on the prowl!
Afrobella this was just in time for me because i’m looking for a dress for my graduation.What’s your take on Monif C?
Great post! I love Etsy!!
I’m all about having pieces that make my closet stand out and alot of that has to do with buying clothes from Etsy designers.
Awesome post! I am *just* learning the wonders of Etsy. Found two of my C&C vendors on Etsy. 🙂
The fairie petal dress looks perfect for my June b-day.
And the piggy bank idea is a great one! I am always surprised how much I save in loose change over a few months. If I start now….? Hmmmm….
Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
I love the coat and that second dress! But, Afrobella, I gotta tell you… you are “misunderestimating” the Chicago winters. Think more along the lines of, say, -10 and you’ll want a warmer coat. I bet that coat would be good for October or November, though. 🙂
I have to agree with Bella Sugar – that coat is absolutely divine (I’m saving up as we speak) but it can’t hold a candle to Chicago’s Hawk!
And OMG I want every. single. item. from My Black Dress. Bestill my heart, I’ve got some budgeting to do!
I am LOL that people actually beat me to the “that coat is cute as hell, but it ain’t nowhere NEAR warm enough for Chicago” punch!
Seriously, though…I want that coat (for fall and spring). I wish I had $235 to spend on it. And the dresses on My Black Dress and Shihar…OMG. I’m bookmarking all three of these in case my ship (of CASH) comes in.
Although I’m glad they include plus sizes, those dresses are motivating me to keep on my weight loss journey for real…
I love hearing about all the cool etsy shops for us plus sizes ladies. Great post, Bella.
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-243844
Please everyone. Check this out. This happened on my campus early Easter morning. It as blatant police and campus security brutality. There is video and a press release.
Liz
Hey Mom & us ladies here love the coat and can see you in the plum! hugs
Speaking of chic, check out Mary Mary’s new video “God In Me”. It features a mini fashion show…check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70W_umYLq9k
The coat is beautifully feminine…love it. I am thinking you still need a Northface though…Chi winters are nothing nice.
Ooh that redingote is to die for. Often it seems like you have to make a choice: something that keeps you warm or flatters your curves, but never the twain shall meet.
But here? They meet! And I totally see dressing this up over a full skirt or pairing it with some jeans and black high-heel boots for a casual (yet killer) look.
Makes me miss winter. Almost!
Hey bellas, I know this is a spring/fall coat — I’ll need something way more protective for the dead of winter! But STILL it’s so chic. Love. And I’ll do a party dress/Monif C post soon!