Now that we have cleaned out our closets, and picked up some flattering and correctly fitting bras and panties it is time to hit the racks and refill that closet with clothes that fit you and make you feel sexy,sassy, fatshionable  and overall HAPPPY!  Maybe some of you have been shopping in plus size stores for years or maybe you have never ventured out of a straight size store out of fear, embarassment, or just not knowing where to shop. Either way we all need a little reminder every now and then about why as fatshionable women whether you be a size 16 or a 36 it is important to spend your shopping time in stores that fit your body as well as keep things trendy, and lucky enough there are a pleathera of plus sized stores both right there in your local mall as well as tons of  great online retailer that are there to fit your needs!

First off lets go over the pros of shopping at plus size retailers

• The clothes will fit you- no squeezing into the largest size on the rack in these stores. Clothes made by plus sized retailers are made to fit a curvy girl like yourself.
• Less scouring the rack for your size- Your true size will be available! How many times have you been in straight store going through hanger after hanger praying for an XL and only finding a sea of smalls. Plus size retailers from my experience keep well stocked on all of their available sizes and once again are catering to fat girls of every size!
• A less messy atmosphere- I’ve noticed that plus sized stores tend to be much more organized and less of a mess, even on sale days. I think this is because as larger women we have more respect for clothes because we have to spend more time finding the right sizes and taking care of our best pieces, ofcourse were going to respect the retailers we depend on to keep us clothed and trendy.
• Employees that respect you and identify with you- Everytime i walk into a plus sized store in my area I am thrilled to see not only other plus sized princess’ shopping there but they also work there! Plus sized retailers tend to hire other plus sized women which first off helps us find our comfort zone. If something doesnt zip or if I’m not sure about something I’m not having to hide from some size 2 who is scoffing at my weight. The employees of plus sized stores know how the clothes they sell fit a womans body and can be of help to you without making you feel judged. Another great thing is they typically wear the fashions they are selling and you get to see how different women incorporate the peices they are selling into their own personal style. ( I owe some of my greatest outfit compilations to the girls at the Boise Torrid who always keep me creative and fabulous!)
• Fat girls are nice to other fat girls-  Ever been in a dressing room in a straight sized store and terrified to come out because of what some skinny bitch next door might think of you? In plus sized stores I always feel comfortable coming out and taking a look in the big mirrors and getting some real opinions from other ladies. By the way its also a great time to spead some happy and compliment some other girls on their purchases that they look fab in!

Now a list of some great stores to check out either online or in your community- (Some of this list came from the book Lessons From The Fat-O-Sphere by Kate Harding & Marianne Kirby, I have put ** by stores I personally love and have had good experience with)

Alight, Alloy**, August Max, B & Lu**, Casual Plus, Ebay**, Eddie Bauer, Evans**, Fashion Overdose, Goodwill & Other Thirftstores****, Re/dress, New York (Those of you lucky enough to be in NYC), IGIGI, Jessica London, Kohls ** (Try anything Simply Vera), Just My Size, Kiyonna **, L. L. Bean, Lands End **, Lane Bryant **, Monif C **, Old Navy **, Size Appeal **, Target **, Torrid**********, Voluptous Vixen, Dress Barn**, Maurices** AND THERE ARE PLENTY MORE JUST GET LOOKING!

In the next Project Happily Fatshionable we will be talking some more about the actual shopping you do and how to find good pieces and keep a good perspective now that we are shopping in the correct stores for our bodies!  STAY TUNED!