Tackling the cold weather in Chicago has been an education unto itself. I’ve had to learn to look beyond “ooh that’s super cute” when looking for coats and sweaters. Now I gotta think about practicality. That leopard trench coat may be fly, but will it keep me warm? How often will I wear it? If it’s rainy or sleety out, will I be restricted in what I wear? This is even more challenging when you’re curvy and fabulous. Finding an attractive yet functional raincoat, leggings that actually keep your legs warm, or a sweater that’s both chic and warm can be a mission, but it doesn’t have to be an oxymoron. Here are my picks for brands that are doing plus size right, and helping me withstand the varied weather conditions I’ve been exposing myself to!

Numero Uno — Dickies.

The brand that’s better known for scrubs and men’s work clothes also offers women’s clothing that goes up to 2X or 20/22 on most items. Don’t come to Dickies looking for the latest trends. This clothing brand is all about clothes that are durable and functional, season in, season out. I was lucky enough to review some of their items, and I gotta admit — I was initially skeptical about the women’s storm water resistant soft shell jacket. It isn’t quite my style, I need more length and a cut that’s more curve-conscious. But on the real — on a bleak Chicago day when I need to go grocery shopping and it’s wet and cold out? It is my BEST friend. And because of the vibrant raspberry color, it makes for fun layering with a thermal, a funky sweater, and a jaunty scarf. The reversible fleece hoodie is so warm and cozy, it’s been a staple item in my wardrobe all month. If you’ve lost touch with your inner tomboy, this can be a super comfortable and low key way to bring that boy-chic look back. I like to dress it up by pairing it with a lacy camisole. And please note this heavy, great quality hoodie is now on sale for $20! It makes a cute going-to-the-movies-with-my-boo cover up!

Next stop, Land’s End. I never thought once about this venerable clothing brand, until I moved to Chicago. Now I realize I should have been checking them out for years now! Here’s what led me to Land’s End — the search for a suitable swimsuit, and the advice of a stranger. I always try to compliment my fellow full figured fashionistas whenever I can, so at a recent spa event I complimented an attendee. She let me know where she got her chic cashmere sweater from. Land’s End. So I already planned to check out the brand’s sweaters and outerwear…then this woman admitted to me that she wore a J cup bra (wowza!) and exclusively wore Land’s End swimsuits. Do tell!

I HAD to order one for my trip to the Dominican Republic. So I got the solid minimizer tank. It’s got great tortoiseshell-type buckle details at the shoulder, and boy oh boy does it do what it promises. It minimizes your whole body, but not in a painful way. Next up, I’ve got my eye on their silk long underwear. If they’re as great quality as what I’ve seen so far, I’ll be wearing these for years!

Last but not least, Newport News. Another brand I just assumed had nothing cute or practical for my purposes. Wrong! Hello, mid-length leopard reversible coat, I love you! I honestly never considered Newport News until the fabulous Lianne Farbes — better known as The Makeup Girl — swirled into Chicago wearing the most fetching black coat. As soon as she told me where she got it, I had to check em out! And it turns out that Newport News has some GREAT clothes. They’re not edgy or pushing any kind of fashion envelope, but the 30-year-old me sees these as chic yet mature, and the prices ain’t bad either (when you compare to let’s say, Lane Bryant). I’ll review more items as I purchase, but for now let me tell ya — the Simply Must Have Slim Legging fits the description perfectly. Comfortable around the waist, thick enough to keep my legs warm when I face the Chicago cold in a chic dress, coat, and boots. And they’re being amazing about not pilling so far!

Have you made any unexpected fashion discoveries, lately? Tell me more, tell me more!

Whenever I go anywhere, or even think of going anywhere, they’re the first item of clothing I envision. They go with fancy frilly tops and heels, or teeshirts and sneakers. For many (including myself), they’re practically a daily uniform.

Of course I’m talking about jeans. I’d be lost without them.

I don’t love a jean with pockets or flashy logos that call attention to my butt, or glittery doodads all over the leg to instantly date the style. (Like Ed Hardy, for ideal example. Shudder).
I am a picky bella. I like my jeans wide legged or boot cut, slim in the thigh. I want a jean that makes my butt look good, and that is comfortable enough to wear all day.

Finding the perfect pair of jeans can become a bit challenging if you’re a full figured, curvy gal. I’ll share my favorites with you if you share yours with me. Deal? Deal!

I’ve reviewed them before and I’ll say it again — Rocawear makes a real effort to find a fit that flatters fuller figures. Their sizes go up to 24, and on most pairs the R symbol is subdued enough to be classy. (Or at least, I find them way less distracting than the apple pockets on AppleBottom jeans).

There are jeans brands out there that claim to truly be made for women with curves. But the funny thing about PZI Jeans is that the sizes are limited. I know many bellas who are just below what I’d call plus size, who adore these jeans — they range from size 4 to 18. I fall into the plus size camp, so unfortunately these jeans remain just outside my grasp. Here’s hoping that the brand expands their size range to truly rep for women with fuller figures.

Cookie Johnson (yes, Magic’s wife) has just come out with her own line of denim as well — currently available at Nordstrom for ahem, Nordstrom prices. $198 for the chic dark rinsed flares you see here.

Lucky, lucky me – I found the perfect pair of jeans at one of my favorite stores. You may already know, that’s TJ Maxx (you should go! Ha! But no really, you should!)

I was kinda psyched to see how the discount shopping experience would match up, in my move from Miami to Chicago. I felt kind of adrift, knowing there’s no Ross in this neck of the woods. Thankfully, Marshalls and TJ Maxx abound, and here it’s my one stop plus size shop.

I’ve noticed that I consistently have better luck finding affordable plus size clothing in TJ Maxx, though. Why is that? The Marshalls here in Illinois had a great selection of most everything else, but of late the selections have been skewing a little higher end than one might expect. I found a military style Ralph Lauren jacket that I was DYING for — but it cost $150. A fraction of the original price, sure…but still sadly out of my range.

At TJ Maxx I was able to find a sizeable range of jeans sizes, in brands ranging from the hip hop fab (shake your derrierre in Dereon, anyone?) to tried and true classic (good ol’ Levi’s). I tried on numerous pairs before discovering my new favorite big girl pants.

Not Your Daughters’ Jeans describes themselves as the “original tummy tuck jean,” and they come in sizes 2 to 24. The secret? No front pockets. Instead of front pockets and buttons that add bulk, the front of these jeans are smooth, streamlined, and high waisted. They made my stomach look svelte, my butt look perky, and my legs look long and lean. I LOVE THESE JEANS! Inside there’s a sticker from the founder, which simply says “you can thank us later.”

I’m saying thanks NOW.

NYDJ is also one of those department store brands, but thanks be to the craptastic economy, you can find loads of high end garments at your local discount stores. I got my pair for less than $30.

What’s next on my jeans radar? I managed to get my mitts on a copy of Dickies’ Buyer’s Guide catalog — click here to get yours! Dickies has an insane selection of clothes in larger sizes that for some reason aren’t available on their website. I’m eyeing the flannel lined jeans — I ain’t playing games with Chicago winter!

What are your favorite jeans, bellas? Tell me your brand o’ choice and where you get them!