Last weekend after my hair appointment, I had a few free hours, so I ventured over to JCPenney to try on some clothing.  Project Runway winner Ashley Nell Tipton just launched a collection for JCPenney's Boutique+ line.  Seeing the designs online and in the behind-the-scenes videos shared on JCP's Youtube channel, I knew I needed to go in and check out the pieces in person.

Of course, my local store didn't have every piece in stock, but I grabbed what I could.  These pieces are very affordable, with JCP running promotions and sales quite often.  They feel well-made and fit true-to-size, bordering on being more generously cut, on me. Sizes range from 16 to 30. Prices range from $20 to $125 and are even cheaper during sales and with added promotions.

On Tuesday, I went out with my mother-in-law to just spend the day together.  We ended up stopping into a variety of stores.  As a little bonus for you, I have included a few items from Maurices, Dressbarn, and Lane Bryant that I tried on throughout the day. Enjoy!

From JCPenney:

Boutique+ Knit Kimono Romper - 3X

I figured this was as good a time as any to try on a romper.  I have been anti-romper because I am not 6-years-old and I don't "romp".  But I have seen lots of plus size ladies looking cute in rompers.  This one is made of a super stretchy rayon/spandex.  It was a little tricky to get on because you have to step through the neck and pull it up over yourself.  One arm at a time is the easiest thing to do, but forget about trying to use the bathroom.  I was surprised at how cute it was on my body though.  There was plenty of room in the shorts, so they weren't riding up anywhere.  It also had a fabric tie for the waist.  The sleeves are big kimono sleeves, so if you hold your arm up a certain way, folks can see down your sleeve to your bra and what not.  It is a comfortable piece that would travel well.  While it isn't totally me, it could be for you!



Boutique+ Ashley Nell Tipton 3/4-Sleeve Scuba Crop Top - 3X

My store only had the striped versions of the crop top and skirt.  They actually come in stripe, lipstick print, and black.  I really like the slightly longer length of this top, which makes it more wearable for me.  I usually wear my skirts higher, so this top would be long enough to cover skin paired with skirts. I love the 3/4 sleeves, but do wish the neckline was a bit more open.  It is made of a smooth scuba fabric that doesn't feel too heavy and has stretch to it.  I personally didn't like the two striped pieces together on me.  I would rather the pattern be broken up a bit, so I would pair the skirt with the black top or vice versa.



Boutique+ Ashley Nell Tipton Box Pleat Skirt - 3X

The skirt is super cute and very comfortable.  It is also made from the same smooth scuba fabric that has stretch, but doesn't feel too heavy.  The waistband was super soft and comfortable, but not tight.  I am wearing the 3X.  It ended up being a bit too big on me.  Both at my natural waist and a bit higher where I like to wear my skirts, I had ample room and should size down.  I actually really want the lipstick print of this skirt, so I am stalking the website for sales and adding this to my wish list.



Boutique+ V-Neck Graphic Tee - 3X

I was pleasantly surprised by the fit of this tee.  It is cut more full in the hips, which gives my tummy and hips room.  I love the way the rayon/spandex fabric hangs and flows, plus it is super soft.  As we are coming into fall, I do wish it also came in 3/4 sleeves.  I thought the length was great also. 



a.n.a Jeggings - 24W in Washed Grey

I don't have any grey jeans (and Sean just loves the way grey pants look on me for some reason), so I thought I would just try these on for shits and giggles.  I grabbed the 24 and they were too big.  The butt, crotch, and parts of the legs were baggy.  I could hold out the waist by about 4 inches.  Still, they were super cute and comfortable.  Before I left the store, I actually tried on the 22 and bought them.  I can't wait to style them with some of my existing tops!  Just for the record, I have not lost weight or inches. I keep my measurements up-to-date for you guys to help you shop.  I am gaining muscle and my butt is perkier, but nothing else has changed. 



Boutique+ Ashley Nell Tipton Sequin-Sleeve Bomber Jacket - 3X

Now, if I was only able to try on one piece from this collection, THIS is what I wanted to try on.  I was so hoping they would have it in my store.  Lucky me, they totally did!  I saw this jacket in the YouTube video and wanted it so bad!  Right now, it is on sale for $75, which is a bit out of my budget at this time.  However, you bet your sweet bippy it is on my wish list and I let Sean know about it!  I NEEDS it!!
This bomber is a really well-made varsity jacket in not quite a cropped length.  It is a little bit longer than a cropped jacket, but is short enough that the hem hits around my natural waist.  The shimmery sleeves are covered in black sequins, giving this jacket some serious pizzazz.  It also comes with three cute little pins - lips, lipstick, and sunglasses. I am wearing the 3X and could button it up just fine.



Boutique+ Military Swing Jacket - 3X

I liked the idea of this military swing jacket.  It was cute on the hanger and the linen has a great texture to it.  However, it didn't work on my body.  I wasn't crazy about how much higher the front of the jacket was compared to the back.  While one sleeve fit okay, the other sleeve was down on my arm and tighter.  This jacket has no stretch, so there wasn't any getting around the issue.



Boutique+ 5-Pocket Skinny Jeans - 22W

They didn't have these skinnies in my size at the store, so I grabbed a 22.  Well, turns out, they fit really well.  They were a great length and didn't cinch in any of my lumps, bumps, or curves.  The jeans are stretchy and super comfortable to wear.  I wanted to buy them, but I just bought some similar jeans at Target recently.  Keep in mind, these jeans do not have patches behind the destruction (the Target ones I bought do have the patches), so you can get your toes caught in the holes.  That was the first thing that happened when I was putting them on.  I've added these to my wish list as well.

From Lane Bryant:

3/4 Sleeve Ruched V-Neck Tee - 26/28 in Berry Falling Stripe

As you know, I am a sucker for LB tees. I love all the graphic print ones, and have quite a few solid colors as well.  I really liked the look of the stripes, in color and placement, on this tee.  It has the ruched sides, so I got a 26/28 so it would be more roomy.  The bust still fit well and I liked the tee.  However, the ruching makes the front and back of the tee bunch up a wee bit.  It bunched up right at my tummy roll in such a way that the wide grey line accentuated my tummy roll.  I was not pleased with that.  Otherwise, it was a great fit.



Livi Active Wicking Double Layer Active Short - 22/24 in Electric Blue

I found these Livi Active shorts in the clearance section at my local store.  They are also on clearance on the website in a couple colors.  These shorts have built-in inner shorts that come down just a little farther.  I loved that for preventing chub rub without the extra layering.  Plus, the actual shorts would be a little bit shorter than I would be comfortable with on their own.  The added length underneath makes them very wearable for me.  They are super comfortable and fit really well, bordering on being just a tad big.  They didn't hug my lower tummy roll.  And while they don't make my butt look perky and amazing, that isn't why I would be wearing them in the first place.  These are for working out and wearing around the house when it is hot.  I did buy them to add to my shorts collection.



Star Print Chambray Shirt - 22/24

I think the star print on this chambray shirt is so cute.  This was another clearance find I grabbed in a 22/24.  The shoulders and arms fit well.  The length was actually pretty long in the back, more tunic length.  It also seemed a tad oversized as well.  The fabric is a really cool, slinky rayon-type fabric.  It was well-made and not too thick, but had a nice weight to it.  Oh boy, it was super soft!  I debated about buying it, but I already have a light wash chambray shirt.  The more I look at the photos, the more I doubt my decision. lol



Surplice Fit & Flare Dress - 22/24

Of course, the colors and pattern of this dress initially drew me in.  I don't need a dress right now, but I haven't tried on items in-store in quite a while.  I wanted to cover a few bases.  There is a built in purple lining that acts as a tank underneath the lower neckline. This same surplice neckline repeats in the back.  A matching fabric tie belt stays in place with little belt loops.  I love how the dress twirls and flows.  The lining is polyester and the patterned fabric is a very lightweight chiffon-like polyester.  It just moves so well.  I danced around in it for a bit before I had to take it off.  I think my only complaint would be that the bust was really bloused on me because of my smaller boobs.  I don't think it was supposed to be that blouse-y.  It didn't look bad, but it wasn't quite ideal.



Plaid Casual Tunic - 22/24 in Blue Control Plaid

I actually tried on the magenta and black tunic (below) first.  It was super cute and, of course, I ADORE that magenta color.  I really liked the way it fit and the way it looked, but I wanted to try this particular one too.  The burgundy and navy colors were cute together.  Once I put it on, while it fit just fine, the pattern made it seem more oversized.  My mother-in-law thought the contrast of the white drew attention to the lines and made it look more oversized to the eye.  Honestly, this plaid had no pizzazz to me and made me think of generic maternity wear.  It just wasn't me. 



Plaid Casual Tunic - 22/24 in Pink Reverse Plaid

This magenta color drew me in.  It is basically the same color as the Kiyonna halter top I wore on the blog recently.  I loved the magenta and black together, but was not expecting this top to fit.   I grabbed the 22/24 automatically.  The shoulders and arms fit really well.  They were not tight at all.  As you can see, the tunic is a little bit longer in the back with side slits to accommodate hips.  This was a pleasant surprise to me because I didn't even notice the slits on the hanger.  My usual complaint about tunic length tops like this is that it is too tight around my hips.  There is also a slightly different print on the back of the fabric, so when you roll the sleeves up there is a little bit of difference.  The other plaid is still magenta and black, but has a little bit of white thrown in.  The cotton fabric is not too heavy, very soft, moves well, but has zero stretch.  And I love that the buttons at the bust can open the neckline a bit.  I don't have a flowy tunic like this in my closet.  I was going to add it to my shopping wishlist, but my sweet mom-in-law ended up buying it for me.

From Maurices:

Plus Size Super Soft Striped Pullover w/ Rounded Hem - 3

First, let me tell you about this shirt, then I will complain.  I loved the black and grey stripes and the placement of the stripes when I saw this on the hanger.  It is made of a soft, thinner, sweater material.  It wasn't super thick to where it would get too hot and stifling.  I thought it was cute, but the lower rounded hem and thick black line threw me a little.  I didn't hate it, but I didn't think it was great for me.  
I tend to like a lot of the styles at Maurices.  They lean more casual with fun embellishments, so it appeals to my personal style.  However, I don't feel like the sizing is consistent overall.  I also LOATHE the small ass plus size section in every store I have been in.  And most of that section is 0s and 1s, when I wear a 3 or 4.  Even the local Maurices outlet store had NO PLUS SIZES!  I was livid.  Out of the cute pieces I liked from the in-store selection, only the two pieces I am showing you were available in my size.



Plus Size Football Pullover Sweatshirt - 3

I like a good raglan or football tee, so I thought this was cute on the hanger.  It was a bit more fitted on my body.  The fabric is thicker than most plus-sizes sweatshirts.  While it is well-made and has some stretch to it, it isn't super stretchy by any means.  The upper arms were a little tight, but not uncomfortable.  It just wasn't an ideal fit.  However, I did learn that this pale green looks good on me.  I don't wear a lot of lighter colors, so I thought that was interesting.

From Dressbarn:

Plus Size Geometric Print Popover - 3X

I LOVE this style of shirt.  I have a few from Avenue in this exact style and just love the way it fits me.  Dressbarn actually had about seven different prints in this one, so I will be checking back for sales and prints.  The polyester/spandex fabric is thinner than the fabric used in the Avenue shirts.  If you get too warm or live in a warmer climate, this material is a better option.  It flowed well and fit really great too.  The fabric is stretchy, so it is comfortable to wear.
By the time we made it to Dressbarn, I was exhausted.  My lower back was hurting all day and I didn't eat lunch, so that's why I only tried on one thing.  A lot of times Dressbarn can lean a little too conservative and toned down for my personal tastes, but they had some cute fall fashion in store this time.  They had cute plaid shirts in silhouettes similar to this one and crochet details and lots of color!  I need to go back and just try on a bunch of stuff.  Also, they are sticklers about how many things you can take in the dressing room, which is another reason I  haven't been in lately.