After a productive holiday weekend of crossing off half of my to-do list, a felt a bit more confident in tackling things this week. The fires in the Columbia River Gorge have brought a lot of haze, smoke, and ash raining from the sky to my neck of the woods. Thinking of the devastation right down the road, combined with worrying for friends and family in Texas and in the path of Hurricane Irma, has my anxiety peaking again. I hope you all are safe.
I've been trying to keep my mind busy by working and preparing my outfits for this weekend's local comic con. I've decided my three days of looks will consist of a casual geek ensemble (when I meet Weird Al and Katee Sackhoff, who also had thyroid cancer btw), Han Solo cosplay, and a warm weather friendly Claire Fraser cosplay to celebrate the premiere of Season 3!!!
In today's post I am bringing you another At Home Fitting Room because, well, I love deals and I love to shop. Most of the twenty-three items reviewed in the post are from my usual go-to brands and are still available. While there are some everyday clothes in the grouping, I also have some pajamas, lingerie, and activewear thrown in. I've also included my ModCloth Stylish Surprise purchases and my attempt at trying the Avenue sister brand, Loralette. 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.
Lane Bryant Striped Off-The-Shoulder Tee
(Still available in size 14/16, on clearance for $19.98. Clearance is currently Buy One Get One Free)
I found this top on clearance at my local store while I was out shopping with my mother-in-law. Since I fell so in love with the coral top of the same style, I figured I might as well try this one on. I am wearing a 22/24 and find the fit pretty much the same as my coral top. However, this one is a thinner knit and just slightly longer in length. Because it is white-ish in color, it is just a bit see-through. I think it will be cutest tucked into a skirt, but it is lightweight and comfortable for these hot days.
Originally $34.95, I bought this top for $11.
Lane Bryant Low-Back Sleep Tee with Lace Trim
(Available in sizes 22/24 and 26/28, on clearance for $19.98. Clearance is currently Buy One Get One Free)
This tee is sold as a sleep shirt, but I use it as an around-the-house top and a workout top. In combating our hot summer, I thought it was a good idea to get another lightweight, versatile top for staying cool. I am wearing a 22/24 and find it fits true to size. The body of the top is a little more a-line or swing cut, leaving plenty of room for my tummy and hips. The cut-out back is a little something different and is definitely lower cut. The opening ends right at the bottom of my bra band. But the knit is soft and light, and I love the coral color.
Originally $32.95, I bought this top for $11 on clearance in store.
Lane Bryant Wicking Active Knee Short
(Still available in sizes 14/16 and 18/20, on clearance for $14.98. Clearance is Buy One Get One Free)
I only have three pairs of knit shorts I can wear around the house (and I don't do my laundry super often). I decided I needed another pair of shorts for dealing with this hot summer. I bought a different style of active shorts from LB a couple years ago. They are so comfortable, so I thought I would give these a go while they were on clearance. These are more of an active legging type material versus a softer knit feel like my other shorts. But these don't stretch out after a few days of wear. I'm wearing a 22/24 and really like the fit and length.
Originally $34.95, I bought these for $12.50.
Lane Bryant Floral Unlined Babydoll
(Still available in 26/28 for $54.50)
I found this piece on clearance in store. Because it is unlined and wire-free, I figured it would work for me. Lane Bryant's bras and lingerie in a B cup are still too large for me, so I can't get anything with an underwire bra attached. I sized down to an 18/20 in this one because I have small boobs. To my surprise, I had plenty of room for my tummy and hips! Under the bust is a little fitted and the cups are a little large until I adjust the halter straps. The upper back is just a halter piece of lace (with elastic right under the bust) and the entire thing is sheer. I am wearing it with a bra here for "decency's sake", but I don't wear a bra with it on the regular. I love the floral print and lace details. The main hem hits me right below the butt, with the wide lace falling a few inches lower.
Originally $54.50, I bought it in store on clearance for $11.
Lane Bryant Cotton Cuffed Sleep Short
(Available in sizes 14/16, 18/20, 22/24, and 26/28; Currently 30% off of $32.95)
I love LB pajamas and have been on a PJ shorts kick. I find anything more than shorts and a tank are too cumbersome for me to sleep in. I have amassed sleep shorts from various brands, but most of them come from LB. I tend to buy them on clearance just because I love a deal. I am wearing these in a 22/24 that I picked up in store. I like the cute piping detail and tassel waist ties. They have a beachy feel without being obviously beachy. haha The knit material isn't quite as soft and slinky as some of my others (the Target Gillian O'Malley PJ shorts are the BEST ever), but they are comfortable and easy to move in.
Originally $32.95, I bought these shorts in store on clearance for $11.
Lane Bryant Piped Cropped Sleep Jogger
(Available in sizes 14/16, 18/20, 22/24, and 26/28 for $34.95)
Similar to the LB shorts, I also LOVE the jogger pajama capris. I have quite a few pairs of these as well and always need them for wearing around the house. Especially now that I have gotten rid of old and ill-fitting house pants, I need to restock. Of course, I couldn't beat the clearance price either! The knit joggers are soft and comfortable and fit great. I love the fun prints they use for this style. I'm wearing these in a 22/24. They fit nice and do stretch out a little bit with wear. Plus, they have pockets! Originally $34.95, I purchased these joggers for $11 in store on clearance.
Torrid Embroidered Off-The-Shoulder Maxi Dress
(No longer available)
I loved this dress when I first saw it online earlier this year, but I didn't buy it because I told myself I have plenty maxi dresses. Then I tried it on during a rare in-store visit. I tried it on in a 2 and the fit was just okay - more fitted in the tummy than I would like and the arms were tight. The store didn't have a 3. Of course, when I looked online they were completely sold out of my size and never got it back in stock. I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I stalked eBay and Poshmark for a couple months. It finally showed up on eBay in my size, and I snatched it up!! A couple months later, Torrid restocked it and it sold out pretty fast.
What made me want this dress after I tried it on was how sexy it made me feel. The more open neckline, button closures, slit in the leg, the pretty embroidery - they all make me feel like a really sexy country girl for some reason. The pink color is really pretty and feminine as well. It is rayon with polyester lining, so it is lightweight and flows well. The covered buttons stay in place and don't slide open. It goes to the floor on my 5'9" frame. You can wear it buttoned up or open the top a little for a more come hither look.
Originally $88.90, I purchased the dress for about $60 on eBay.
Torrid Lace and Microfiber Balconette Bra
(This color is no longer available, but they carry them in lots of colors)
Also called the Sexy T-shirt bra and Smooth Full Coverage bra, this balconette style from Torrid is a new favorite. I have been all about the push-up plunge style, but sometimes my small boobs can settle a little in the cups. (Not as much as they do with the LB bras, but it was getting on my nerves.) I decided to try the balconette style, purchasing a nude color on clearance. I loved it so much I bought 3 more. I am wearing a 40B and do use a short extender for a little more room in the band. My boobs stay put in these bras. I do not have to readjust the cups at all. It's awesome! I highly recommend them!
This bra is originally $54.90. I bought it for $18 during a sale.
Torrid Strappy Football Tee
(Still available in sizes 00, 0, 1, and 2 for $34.90)
This top is another rayon/spandex number. Can you tell I'm obsessed with this fabric? I love my casual tops. This football tee has the added strappy detail, which makes it so cute and flirty to me. While it isn't quite a swing style, I still have enough room in the tummy and hips. I love it! I am wearing a size 3. There is also a very similar style with different strappy details in green sleeves and black sleeves.
Originally $34.90, I bought this top for $22.95.
Torrid Super Soft Strappy Cami
(Still available in sizes 0,1,2, and 3 for $25.98)
I'm wearing this top in a size 3. I love the fit and, of course, it is made with my favorite fabric - rayon/spandex! Soft, slinky, lightweight, moves easily. I love the strappy details and swing style that provides room for my tummy and hips. I wanted some more cute solid tanks to wear with my tie dye cardi. I also really like the longer length on this tank as well. The straps are adjustable.
Originally $34.90, I bought this top for $22.95.
Torrid Sleep Lace Trim Swing Tank Top
(This color is no longer available, but it does come in lavender polka dot, black polka dot, grey graphic, cat print, floral stripe, and purple. Size availability and price vary.)
I'm wearing this tank in a size 3 and find the fit wonderful! The rayon/spandex fabric is soft and slinky and lightweight. It is so comfortable! The straps are adjustable. I love the swing style because it provides plenty of room for my tummy and hips. You can't go wrong with these. They are still available in multiple prints.
This tank was originally $26.90. I bought it on clearance for $5.09.
City Chic 90s Girl Plaid Skirt
(No longer available)
This plaid skirt looked much tighter and shorter on the model, which is why I also bought this for a Sexy Time costume. I love plaid and the whole school girl get-up. I am wearing a XXL, which is a 24 at City Chic. It actually fits like a normal skirt. It isn't super mini or tight on me. The back does go up a little higher because of my booty, but it doesn't look too bad. It is pretty comfortable to wear, with a zip closure and stretchy polyester lining.
Originally $59.00, I bought this skirt for $15.
City Chic Fringe Day Dress
(No longer available)
I think in the scheme of things this dress might look like cultural appropriation and an offensive costume to most. Maybe that is why it was on clearance? I do have Native American ancestry, but I wouldn't wear it for Halloween. (Even though I was the cutest Native American girl you'd ever seen when I dressed up as a kid.) I do think with the proper accessories it wouldn't seem like I was being offensive to an entire culture, which is obviously not my intention. What are your thoughts on that?
Anyway, I mainly purchased this for Sexy Time because why not. It was cute and super discounted. I am wearing a XXL (24) and find it is a bit oversized in the bust. I have plenty of room in the tummy and hips. I don't normally wear this shift dress style, but I thought this one was cute. It is made of a vegan suede with polyester lining. It seems like a very well-made dress. The length was a little shorter than knee length, but not uncomfortably so for a day dress. I was pleasantly surprised by the fit because I thought it would be shorter and tighter.
Originally $120, I bought this dress for $10.
City Chic Fringe Fever Top
(No longer available)
I decided to get this top because last time I bought a top at City Chic it was not a good fit. I wanted to test it out again. What better time than a super discounted piece? The cotton/elastane fabric is thicker than regular t-shirt material and somewhat stretchy. I say 'somewhat' because it still holds its shape and doesn't stretch out. I liked the fringe and wanted to see what this neckline looked like on me. I think it would be cute tucked into my denim skirt from Eloquii. Plus, if I ever need to dress up as Sloane from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, I am halfway there.
I'm wearing this top in an XXL, which translates to a 24 at City Chic. I find their sizing to be hit or miss. I have tried things that fit perfect, along with things that are too tight and too large. So just be advised that the sizing isn't consistent. They do have really cute styles though and great sales!
Originally $49.00, I bought this top for $7.
Eloquii Ruffle Detail Fit and Flare Dress
(Available in black and red in sizes 14 through 28)
This is my fifth purchase from Eloquii. I own a circle skirt, denim skirt, a plaid pleated skirt, and the plaid jumper below, so I used my sizing knowledge and ordered a 22 in this fit and flare dress. I need a red dress for a "Red Dress" party I am going to next year. I started the hunt way early because I wanted to stick to the theme and still need to find a purse, shoes, and accessories for the entire look. I saw this dress on sale and knew I would be mad if I passed it up.
I purchased a 22 because of my smaller bust and the fact this dress had plenty of room in the hips already. I was spot on. The bust and shoulders fit great! I love the ruffles, full skirt, and it has pockets! The straps are adjustable as well. The dress length is 44" so it hits just below the knees on me. The cotton/nylon/spandex fabric is smooth, lightweight, and easy to wear. It has some stretch to it, with elastic behind the ruffle to keep it a little more fitted. It does wrinkle and feels more like a 100% cotton fabric, which is really my only gripe. PS - I have since adjusted the straps so the waist is the same height all the way around me. I don't like the way it dips down in the back in these photos.
Originally $104.90, I bought the dress for $49.
Eloquii Plaid Jumper with Button Detail
(No longer available)
This was my first dress purchase from Eloquii. I ordered a 24 because of the more fitted silhouette. It definitely works for my tummy and hips, but the bust is a little big. I don't think it looks bad worn normally and it gives me a little room in case I want to wear a top underneath it. The hem hits me right at the knee, which makes it a little longer than what the website description said. The smooth poly/viscose material is stretchy and thicker, but holds its shape. There are two little pocket flap and button details at the front of the waist. Sometimes the back rides up just a little and puckers across my butt (see top side view photo), but I don't think it is a big issue. I initially got this for Sexy Time, but it fits so well I have it as a regular dress. I look forward to wearing it this fall.
Originally $110.90, I bought the jumper for $26.99.
Hips and Curves Soft and Comfy Babydoll
(Available in Black, Charcoal, Grey, Pink, Plum, Red, White in sizes 1X to 6X)
I am wearing this in a 4X. You have seen the plum color in a 3X on me previously. I love this babydoll and really wanted the pink color, so when it came up again on sale I bought it. I went with the 4X because the smaller size was more fitted in the tummy. It is made from my beloved rayon/spandex, so it is comfortable and stretchy. I am wearing a bra in the photos, but don't when the cameras are off. The cups fit my boobs well. The straps are adjustable, so that helps with the fit for my smaller boobs. I love these babydolls and would totally buy more!
Originally $49.95, I bought the babydoll for $19.95 during an Ooh-La-La Tuesday sale.
ModCloth Stylish Surprise Cardigan
(No longer available; The Collectif She Swoops, She Scores Cardigan is very similar)
My latest Stylish Surprise Apparel item is this embroidered cardigan. The apparel category for Stylish Surprise is $15 for a separates item. I have had the best luck with this category versus dresses because the dresses have been too large in the bust or too tight or too short. I LOVE ModCloth cardigans and have been collecting their Dream of the Crop Cardis since last fall. This is another winner. I love the colorblocking and pretty embroidered tattoo sparrow design. It is so bright and beautiful in person. The cardigan is thick and well-made and can totally be buttoned up. I am wearing a 3X and find it fits true to size. Probably my favorite Stylish Surprise item to date!
Originally $49.99, I bought the Stylish Surprise for $15.
ModCloth Stylish Surprise T-Shirt
(No longer available)
The second of my two Stylish Surprise Apparel purchases was this Christmas tee. It isn't online any longer, but is like the styles that end in "T-Shirt" on the site. I am wearing a 3X and find it fits true to size. The rayon/spandex material feels more like a traditional cotton t-shirt material and not the slinky kind I am used to. It is soft and comfortable. I like the longer length and the fact there is room for my tummy and hips. It is definitely something I can wear during the holiday season around the house or out of the house. And since I haven't tried this style from ModCloth before, I am glad I got one in my box.
Originally $29.99, I bought the Stylish Surprise for $15.
Loralette Embroidered Rose Tank
(Still available in sizes 1X and 2X for $21.)
Let's talk about some disappointing items. I decided to try Loralette, Avenue's sister brand. They are definitely marketed as "Avenue's trendy little sister" and have some cute items. During a big sale, I decided to go ahead and test them out. I loved the pretty embroidery of this tank. I ordered a 3X and was very disappointed when it was super fitted. I wouldn't wear this out by itself and was hoping for more of a swing style tank. I would definitely advise you size up if you can. The sizes are totally junior. I was going to return the whole order, but I was lazy and Sean ended up liking a couple of the items for Sexy Time. The poly/rayon knit of this tank is very soft and comfortable. I just wear it around the house.
Originally $35.00, I bought this tank for $22.77.
Loralette Brains Beauty Booty Tee
(Still available in a 2X)
I am wearing this tee in a 3X and it obviously fits like crap. Super junior. Probably would be cute on someone two sizes smaller than me. This is the point where I said, I am never shopping Loralette again. I kept it to wear around the house because I bought it on clearance.
Originally $16.96, I bought this top for $10.
Loralette Lace Cap Sleeve Bralette
(Still available in sizes 1X, 2X, and 3X in black, white, light pink)
I saw this bralette in pictures during Full Figured Fashion Week and thought it was so cute. I liked the cap sleeves and more girly, romantic vibe of it. In the photos, it looked longer and they called it a crop top, so I thought I would give it a go. *insert annoyed face here* I am wearing a 3X in the light pink. Obviously, it is a straight up bralette. It does not fit how I thought it would. The lace is also separate from the lining (it is only sewn at the top of the neckline and sides, so the lace rides up). Sean thought it was cute so I kept it for Sexy Time only. I am really irritated by the ridiculous junior sizing. Avenue is usually generously sized and Loralette is for much thinner folks than I. Trust, when I was a "junior" size I couldn't even fit in junior sizes.
Originally $25.00, I bought the bralette for $18.
Zulily LC Trendz Plus 'Curvy Girls Cuddle Better' Tank
(Available periodically at Zulily)
Zulily often carries this LC Trendz Plus brand. They have cute graphic tees, tanks, and sweatshirts. I never buy clothes from Zulily unless I know the brand, so I was on the fence about these. Still, I wanted the tank for the saying (I also bought one that says "Thick Thighs Save Lives"). This one has become my around the house and sleep tank. I am wearing a 4X, which gives me room in the tummy and hips, but also has a larger bust and armholes. I am going to take the armholes in a little on the other tank, but didn't do it with this one. I like the longer length and comfortable knit fabric. I would probably buy them again if they had a saying I liked.
Originally $35, I bought the tank for $16.
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?
OKAY that Lane Bryant babydoll looks amaaaaazing on you! No wonder there is so much sexy time referenced in this post, ow ow! Haha! :) And I love the plaid jumper. That silhouette really works for you. The more pencil still of the skirt with the define waist is ��
ReplyDeletehaha Thank you! I didn't realize how much sexy time stuff I bought lately until I was writing the post. I like to have fun options!
DeleteThe jumper is really comfortable and stretchy too. Almost like a scuba material because it is smooth. I am looking forward to styling it for fall! I need to just go play in my closet and put some looks together.
Thank you for commenting!