It is my birthday week! Sean has a full day of surprises planned on Friday, so I will be sure to post on social media about the day. I've been trying to figure out what to wear since I have no idea what we will be doing or where we will be going. It has been a busy week of roller coaster emotions; and it's only Wednesday as I am typing this. Today is the anniversary of my father's death, so I am just all over the place.
In today's post I am bringing you another At Home Fitting Room because, well, I love deals and I love to shop. I've been branching out from my usual go-to stores a bit and trying different retailers to test sizing and fit. Today's post definitely contains some hits and misses, so I hope to leave you with some valuable info. Enjoy!
- All items were purchased by me. All opinions presented are my own and without influence. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
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Before we get started, I am 5'9", wear a size 22/24 or 3X typically, and my measurements are 52/49/58. I wear a 40B bra.
Old Navy High-Neck Plus Size Maxi Dress in Teal Print
(Still available in Black, sizes 1X to 3X, and Pink, sizes 1X and 2X; Through 5/14 use code THANKYOU for 30% to 40% off)
As you know, I spent quite a few years boycotting Old Navy due to their lack of plus sizes in store and their dastardly return policy wherein ANYONE but plus size women could return items in store. Sean gets polos and tees from their Big and Tall department, which are also not in store, but he could still return items to a brick-and-mortar location. I was livid and never shopped there again - until recently. Supposedly, plus size women can return items via store or mail now, but I haven't had to return anything to test that out. When Sean needs new tops, I buy myself something as a reward for getting super awesome deals on all his stuff. haha
Reviews and fit are always hit or miss, so when there are enough negative reviews on an item I just don't buy it. I also Google the item to see if anyone on social media or any bloggers have worn it or reviewed it. Rarely do I find what I am looking for, which is part of the reason I like to do posts about all this stuff for all of y'all. I gambled on this dress because it sounded like it was long enough, I loved the color and print, and I like the little elasticized waist band that gives the dress some comfortable shape. The fabric is a lightweight rayon/spandex, so it is stretchy and super duper comfortable. The fit is pretty spot on for me. I'm wearing a 3X. It is just long enough without actually touching the ground. I put the waist higher for a better silhouette for my body shape. The bust isn't baggy at all. I really love the look and fit of the dress and wish they had more prints. I wouldn't call it "high-neck". The back is more of a halter style, but the front has an open scoop-neck that still provides plenty of coverage.
Originally $52.94, I bought this dress for $21.60.
Old Navy Plus Size Cross Front Top in Night Flight
(Available in Black/White and Coral/White Palm prints - 1X to 4X; Navy as pictured in 3X and 4X; Striped in 1X to 4X; and Olive in 4X; Through 5/14 use code THANKYOU for 30% to 40% off)
I bought this top because I really liked the criss-cross feature in front. I thought it was a cute and trendy detail for a basic tank. I am wearing a 3X and find it fits true to size. The rayon fabric is a stretchy knit that is lightweight and comfortable to wear. With a relaxed and roomy fit, it doesn't cling to my tummy rolls. I find the armholes are not huge, which is always nice. The neckline is still conservative enough that you don't have to worry about flashing folks, while the length of the rounded hem is longer than your typical tank. It is slightly high-low in the back, so I might hem it up just a little. I also ended up buying the striped version during the current 40% off sale.
Originally $26.94, I bought this tank for $16.16.
Old Navy Relaxed Plus Size EveryWear Racerback Tank in Teal
(Available in sizes 1X to 4X online in Palm print, Maize, Orange, White, and Teal; Through 5/14 use code THANKYOU for 30% to 40% off)
I am so happy Old Navy continues to offer the relaxed racerback tank. I originally bought the "Beach Please" tank in this style and loved it! Then I bought a black and white print version on clearance. I actually took both of those to Hawaii with me. I am wearing a 3X and find the stretchy knit and relaxed fit nice and roomy, almost oversized. The length is a little bit longer than a typical tank. The rounded hem covers tummy and butt nicely. While these tanks are perfectly dandy on their own, they also make great swim cover-ups. I actually ended up swimming in mine on vacation because I needed an outfit that I could easily walk around the hotel grounds in, but also something without a "cover-up" perse, because I didn't want to leave anything on the beach while I snorkeled. I wore activewear shorts leggings, a bikini swim top, and one of these tanks. Plus, I love all the bright, cheery colors!
Originally $22.94, I bought this tank for $13.76.
Target Plus Size Allergic To Mornings Graphic Tee - Grayson Threads (Juniors')
(Still available in 1X and 3X)
I bought this tee because I hate mornings. haha I thought it would be a cute tee to wear on the weekends. While it is a juniors' size, I felt it was worth the buy because other juniors' sizes I have bought from Target have been just right or oversized. I bought the 3X and, as you can see, it is definitely more fitted. I wouldn't wear this out in public with this fit, but I can wear it around the house. The material is a cotton/poly blend so it is only slightly stretchy. I'm bummed, but live and learn. The Almost Famous brand of juniors' sizes is more generous.
Originally $16.99, I bought it for $10.32.
Target Plus Size Lace Yoke Dropped Shoulder Top - Almost Famous (Juniors')
(No longer available)
I knew this piece was going to go fast, so I snatched it up. I have a couple other pieces from this juniors' brand and find they fit true to size or slightly oversized. I am wearing a 3X. It looked small out of the package, but fits very well. The gauzy poly/rayon/spandex material is lightweight and very comfortable without being sheer. The little pink pom poms on the hem and sleeves, and the colorful embroidery called to me. I am really, really happy with the length and fit. I cannot wait until the weather is nice enough that I can start wearing these warmer weather pieces.
This top was $14.99 and I bought it for $14.24. That is the closest I come to paying full price because I knew it was going to sell out fast.
Target Plus Size Sleeveless Embroidered Dress
(No longer available)
Even though it didn't turn out to be a super awesome sale price, I bought this dress because it is knit, I love the tiered skirt, and the embroidery looks beautiful! I had a tiered skirt, knit summer dress from Old Navy years and years ago that is now way too big for me. I loved that dress so much and wore it quite a bit. I was hoping this dress could be my new version of that one. It doesn't disappoint. I bought a 3X and find the fit incredibly awesome. The length isn't maxi but maybe more of a midi-length. I love the lightweight rayon/spandex fabric. It is flows beautifully! The neckline is a little higher than I would prefer, but the gorgeous embroidery makes up for it. I also find the embroidery to be a bit brighter than the website photo, which is awesome in my book.
Originally $44.99, I purchased this dress for $38.32.
Target Plus Size Utility Vest
(Available in Green and Navy in sizes X to 4X)
I have a longer Ava & Viv green vest that is similar, but I find that one to be a bit oversized and the drawstring in front isn't as high as I would like it to be. I blame my small boobs. I was looking for a green vest that was shorter and would fit me in a better proportioned way. I saw this Merona number and decided to get it in a 3X. The fit is spot on. Sizing down like I originally intended (because the Ava & Viv 3X is a bit larger) would not have worked with this one. The color is actually a little darker and more muted than it photographs, but the direct light makes it this lighter color. The green is a sturdy, cotton, canvas-like material that gives it a nice weight. It isn't heavy, but it holds its shape and feels like a suitable layer for fall and spring weather. I liked this one so much I also bought the navy. The material of the navy is different for some reason. It is Lyocell, which feels like a rayon, so it has this lightweight flowing feel to it that the green one does not have. Therefore, the navy version is better for warmer weather because it is really lightweight and less opaque. It fits the same, same style, just a different fabric.
Originally $32.99, I purchased the vest for $25.07.
Eloquii Pleated Houndstooth Skirt
(Still available in very limited quantities in sizes 14, 18, 20)
I've definitely had great luck with Eloquii skirts (see here and here). I haven't tried any tops or full dresses yet, but I am always on the lookout for ones that I can't live without. I bought this skirt in a size 24 and find it fits true to size. It doesn't have any stretch to it, but there is an elasticized waistband in the back. I'm wearing it higher than my natural waist in these photos, so it is longer than I thought it would be. Wearing it higher puts it at a better proportion for my body though, so that doesn't really bother me. I love the houndstooth plaid pattern and pleated details. It is really lightweight and comfortable to wear.
This skirt is originally $79.90 (on clearance now for $39.99) and I bought it for $23.99.
Avenue Follow Your Own Path Striped Tank
(Available in 14/16 and 18/20 and on clearance for $12.88)
I haven't purchased from Avenue in a while because sizing is really inconsistent, and the prices went up but the quality stayed the same. The store closest to me also left, so I can't really get in to try things on. During a recent clearance sale, I was buying a new hoodie for around the house when I spotted this tank. I like the swing silhouette, nautical vibe, and "Follow Your Own Path" sentiment, so I decided to go ahead and buy it in an 18/20. As you can see, it is incredibly generous in size and a little on the longer side. This will be great for summer. I think it is really cute and the rayon/spandex fabric is light and stretchy.
Originally $45, I bought this tank for $13.96.
ModCloth Infinite Options Tank Top in Olive and Grey
(Floral tank still available in 1X, 3X, 4X for $14.99; Circles tank no longer available; Lots of other prints available in sizes XXS to 4X)
I initially bought a navy floral version of this tank on a whim when it was on clearance. I really liked the generous cut and print, so I took it with me to Hawaii. I still need to get my vacation looks up on the blog. After wearing it on vacation, I decided to purchase these two when they were also on clearance. I am wearing a 3X and find they fit true to size and are slightly generous, especially in the tummy area. The high-low silhouette is a little long in the back, so I might hem it. When I wore this tank with shorts, I tucked in the back and had a chambray shirt over it so it wasn't sticking below the chambray in back. Otherwise you could knot it if you like. The rayon/spandex fabric is lightweight, super comfortable, and moves nicely.
Originally $29.99, I bought these tanks for $14.99 and $12.59.
ModCloth The Dream of the Crop Cardigan in Paprika
(This color no longer available, but lots more are in sizes XXS to 4X)
I LOVE this cropped cardigan! It is so great for fit-and-flare dress styles. (Please disregard how it looks over this tank. I was just getting photos in it without having to change clothes.) I first bought the navy color to go with the Outlander dress from Torrid. I have since purchased this cardigan in orange and a dark teal when they were on clearance. The sleeve length is perfect for my liking and it buttons on me without puckering. I also find I can wear it quite a few times before needing to wash it because it doesn't stretch out and loose its shape. The quality is way better than I thought it would be. It is well-made and holds up to washing well. I put it in a laundry bag in the washing machine and then lay it flat to dry.
The cardi retails for $29.99. I purchased mine for $12.59.
Ashley Stewart Sequin Destructed Skinny Jean
(No longer available)
This was my first Ashley Stewart purchase. I have never tried the brand before, but happened upon these distressed jeans with SEQUINS. You know how I love sparkle. They were on clearance and only available in a size 24, so I took it as a sign and bought them. I did read some online reviews (there are very few) from other bloggers and fashion forums that felt the brand is sized slightly smaller, so I felt comfortable in ordering the 24 and was really excited about them. I tried them on immediately and was so disappointed. They are a few inches too long. They are more straight leg than skinny jean. They are also very big on me. They don't look that oversized in the photos, but they are really baggy. The waist in particular is about 5 or 6 inches too big. I was so sad. When I looked at the return policy that came with my invoice, it said clearance and final sale items are not eligible for return. However, online it only says final sale items are not eligible for return. I emailed the customer service and they told me that, indeed, clearance and final sale items cannot be returned. I am not okay with this, so I will probably never order from Ashley Stewart again.
Originally $54.50, I bought these jeans for $27.
I'm including the next two items because I am always unsure of fit for the t-shirts of random tee sites. I check size charts over and over and try to find reviews or photos, to no avail. Most of the time the 3X option is more like a size 20, and forget even trying to fit into the "Women's Tee" style if you are over a size 16 or 18. So I hope the following reviews are also helpful. And if you are an Outlander fan, you may find them even more useful.
Appraising Pages Outlander Bookish Box Tees
(No longer available)
This was my first Bookish Box, which was a limited edition Outlander themed box of goodies. This is the third box they have done for Outlander fans and they sell out fast. The most recent box came with a plastic travel cup with a straw (I use it for my morning smoothies), a candle, a necklace, and a 5X7 drawing of some cool standing stones. It also came with a t-shirt. I wasn't confident the tee would fit me very well, but I was really curious about sizing. I bought the initial box with the Unisex tee in a 3X, then I went back and ordered a Unisex V-Neck in a 3X to compare when they arrived. I had no idea what the design on the tee would be, so thankfully I really like it. The crew neck tee fits well, though slightly fitted. I stretched it out a bit before wearing it to make it looser around my tummy. It is soft and comfortable and fit fine that way. The V-neck is much, much more fitted. I can hopefully stretch it out a bit too, but I was surprised at the difference in fit between the two tees.
If you are a fan of books and book characters, definitely check out the fun boxes. Right now they have a Game of Thrones version available and shirts for the Hogwarts Houses.
The full box was $30 and the tee only was $18.
Teespring Southern Sassenachs 2017 Tee
(Still available!)
Yay! This tee is still available if you want to purchase it. The Southern Sassenachs are an Outlander-loving, non-profit charity group who raise funds for cancer research. They commissioned these tees, whose proceeds go to Bloodwise and World Child Cancer, in honor of Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe, the stars of Outlander. If the charity part isn't awesome enough, the tees have a super cute design by Laura Ewing Ferrer inspired by Voyager, the third book in the Outlander series. The tee itself is a thicker material and really well-made. I like it much better than the Bookish Box tee quality. I bought the Women's Premium Tee in a 4XL and love the fit! I am joining the Portland-area Outlander group on Sunday to feed the homeless and will be wearing this tee with pride.
I paid $25 for this tee. They also have a tote bag and hoodie option.
Have you purchased any of these items or shopped these retailers? Do you have additional fit notes you would like to share? What places are you currently shopping at the most?
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