Not In Your Size

January can be a great time to shop for clothing. With all of the after-Christmas and end-of-season sales it can make a lot of sense to hang onto your money until the new year. But if you're like the majority of women in the US you may be in for a surprise.

Just take a look at this.

It's undeniable that sizeism exists, even on the retail end of things. While the average dress size in this country is a 14 many retailers can't, or don't, keep a good inventory of larger sizes in stock. Sadly, lots of boutiques are even worse because they don't carry larger sizes to begin with. Consequently, if you're a curvy girl like me and your plan is to wait for the big January sales to grab some seasonal goodies be prepared for a limited variety of items and some disappointment.

Of course, there are exceptions like retailer Forever 21, The Limited and Wet Seal. Wet Seal has even featured Karrie Brown, who has Down Syndrome, in some of their Plus-sized photo shoots. I discovered local gem Mocha Boutique yesterday at Fashion for a Fraction, a semi-annual clearance event featuring many of Nashville boutiques' deeply discounted items. In a sea of clothing racks with nothing above a size 8 it was a thrill to find a vendor that did carry larger sizes and had some lovely things to choose from. I almost walked away with a silk screened skirt but it was simply too long. Nevertheless, I was made to feel welcome and encouraged to check out their website and brick-and-mortar store. They get it - and you know why - because they're African American, a culture that celebrates women with curves instead of ostracising them. Hispanic cultures are also much more forgiving of fuller figures. Being half-Cuban I know that firsthand. 

Why can't the fashion world learn from this and start making clothing that fits all of us?

We're having a real winter here in Nashville, so I get a chance to wear some of my heavier jackets and boots while shopping for bargains. The Baccini blue ruffled jacket is all-too familiar by now but it's warm and goes well with last year's multi-colored skirt from Forever 21. The navy sweater is from The Limited's clearance sale. It's form-fitting and V-necked and was a steal of a deal. My glorious new LaundryList boots were a Christmas gift and I just love them. I'm wearing them with over-the-knee socks I purchased for next to nothing from nomorerack. As a finishing touch I added the copper colored necklace I bought at T J Maxx several years ago.

Happily linking up with Visible Monday, Fashionista Style Hop and Tres Chic Style Bits. I hope you all like the new, longer, less frequent posts. I get to spend the next few days catching up with all of you now!

In the near future we're talking awards, Valentines with multiple meanings (thanks to Trunk, who were also great during yesterday's sales event), love and sex in disability-land, and what it's like to be me.