Plus Sized Clothing

I was asked to write this post after a friend read the plus size maternity post. I myself am not plus size so after talking to her and being told how hard it is to find nice, fashionable plus size clothes I decided to check it out. The average Australian women is a size 16 and in the last few years the industry has deregulated sizing so certain stores have made their own sizing up....no wonder you can change up to 3 sizes between brands!

A lot of the chain stores have been working on improving their range...
Big W now have the Avella range for sizes 18-26.
http://www.bigw.com.au/offer/avella
You can tell by their advertising they are aiming at the younger market.

KMart still have a limited range of plus sizes that aren't always the most fashion forward....

Target go to an 18 in their regular range then they have the MODA range which can also be found online. Still mostly a basic range of clothing and some stores carry only a small range. They are getting better in expanding their lingerie range into bigger sizes up to an F.

Myer have a mix of brands that cater for larger sizes and is often a good place to start.
http://shop.myer.com.au/shop/en/myeronline/au-women-r-5/au-women-plus-size-c-90
A small range is available online as well to give you an idea of what they stock.

http://www.citychic.com.au/Home.aspx?element=1&category=1
City Chic start in a size 14 and go to a size 26. The main comment for this store is their pricing. A lot of people complain how much more you pay just for simple tops and shirts...

Best and Less also have a plus size range which in most stores is the same size as the regular 8-16 section. So at least they have equal the amount of clothes available. Some pieces are old fashioned but each season they seem to be improving.


The label Pepperberry is great as it's not just about bigger sizes but bigger busts. Great if you're a slim person with a larger bust! Check them out: http://www.bravissimo.com/pepperberry/size-guide/

ASOS has the curve range for women with lots of choices: http://www.asos.com/au/Women/Curve/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=9577

Some stores like Katies and Sussans do go higher in some of their clothing.... so worth checking them out.

Millers has a larger range with good basics: http://www.millers.com.au/Home.aspx?element=1&category=1

Autograph- sizes 14-26. http://www.autographfashion.com.au/Home.aspx?element=1&category=1

I am going to add a heap of online links below so check them out as well. Don't forget the regular overseas stores I have talked about before like:
http://www.marksandspencer.com/
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=5585&kwid=1&sem=false
http://www.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=48054
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=32640
http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=48770
http://search.nextdirect.com/shop/gatt2/1/att100/5/0?curr=AUD&country=au&lang=en&nxti=0&nxtv=000#LID=01_02_01_02_03


Online links:
http://www.damnyoualexis.com.au/
http://www.styleandsubstance.com.au/
http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Homepage.jsp
http://www.ezibuy.com.au/brands/sara-plus-sizes.html
http://www.femaleforlife.com.au/
https://www.leonaedmiston.com/
http://www.plussizedclothing.com.au/
http://www.igigi.com/
http://pinupgirlclothing.com
http://www.missmel.com.au/
http://www.virtushop.com.au/

If you have any more favourites to add just let me know :)

Facebook Shopping...

There are so many pages and businesses on Facebook now it seems to be taking over from eBay and Gumtree. There are second hand groups to buy and sell, fan pages of clothes brands and stores and online Work at Home Mums.
The things to remember when buying and selling:
Facebook does not offer buyer protection
Even paying with Paypal is no protection
Ask for or offer registered post to track and insure your item
Express post is not the same as registered it is just quicker
Photos can be deceiving, ask for more details if you are unsure
When it comes to clothes ask for measurements as size can vary between brands
Work on recommendations from friends- they are the best at determining where to buy from!

Nappy Bags- oh I've had a few...

When I bought my first nappy bag I just worried about fitting it all in...oh how times have changed.
My list now includes:
Washable/wipeable
Outside phone pocket
Key fob
Fits over any pram
Not too heavy
Washable lining
Stylish!!

I have had an Il Tutto leather bag which was very nice but for me too heavy and rigid:
http://www.iltutto.com/shop/item/mia-nappy-bag-cream
I had the Mia and the Chiara and found them too big and heavy even when empty but a good size with lots of pockets.

I have an Alexandra Bee Sophia in black leather and love it! It works as a handbag as well:
http://www.alexandrabee.com/english/Productsbags/sophia.htm

I bought mine from here and got it sent from the UK:
http://www.happybags.co.uk/alexandra-bee/alexandra-bee-sophia-large-black.html

I also have a Skip Hop Pronto for quick trips out and about:

http://www.urbanbaby.com.au/SkipHop-Pronto-Change-Mat-Double-Stitched-Denim\

shoes!?

I have ordered from endless.com and have been so impressed with their service. Free post and a hue range for all the family. They have such a wide variety of brands and styles that we don't have and so much cheaper than buying here too.
When buying from the US their sizes are usually one up from ours. A ladies size 8 here i a 9 over there.
For kids measure their feet and use the size chart. Often they will say how many cm the shoes are to give you a guide.
Some of my favourite kids brands are: PEDIPED:http://www.pediped.com/
http://www.itsybitsybabystore.com/Pediped-Shoes-s/47.htm: they send to Australia and are much cheaper than buying here.
For the little ones especially I love Jack and Lily. They last very well and my 3 year old still wears hers.
https://www.jackandlily.com/the-store/
I bought most of mine from here:
http://www.littledudesanddivas.com/brand-shop-jack---lily.html
Be aware though that that shop is addictive and has the biggest nappy bag range!!

Ship it to

My most popular post and the one I recommend the most is about parcel forwarding. I have compared prices with MyUS, Bongo, Price USA etc and have found the service and cost is way better using Ship it to. I have the occasional account where you only pay as an item arrives. For $8.50 they take a photo of your item to confirm it's yours, email to let you know it's arrived, give you free limited time storage and sends it on. You log into your account check the photo, fill in your customs form online and then check how you want to send it. There are usually 5 or 6 choices and the time each service takes is right there and whether they have tracking and insurance or not. Then using Paypal or credit card you pay the cost and within a day the parcel is on it's way. My bedding set by Migi arrived from Baby Super Mall within 10 days and for a huge box it was quite cheap compared to posting within Australia. I ordered shoes and had them sent for $13 with regular air mail which takes about 3 weeks compared to the $86 the store was going to charge. The setting up of your account is very easy and you are given your own private US address that you supply to the store you are buying from. They have a contact number and online forum if you have any questions or concerns. My third parcel is on it's way and I have been super impressed with how easy it has been. Also my Asos Australia order came within 10 days and they now have a return address within Australia so there is no huge cost to return unwanted items. With free shipping it's a great way to try and buy within the comfort of your own home.

SHIP IT TO

Not happy Jan

I used International Checkout for the first tome to buy nursing tops from a US store. They arrange payment and shipping and if you pay with a non US card you have no choice but to use their service. Well the order was placed and a few days later I got an email saying one item was out of stock, they refunded the cost. 2 weeks go by and no news so I log on and check my account and it says they are waiting on one item. Well if they didn't have it how could I order and pay for it? Why no email to explain the delay! I emailed and asked how long it would be. They said they would check,next thing I know I get an email saying I had another refund then my items were posted. I don't which items have been sent and no actual person spoke to me. So lesson learnt I will stick to parcel forwarding or sending direct from the store.

Favourite Things Part 2

Dummies! I had 3 very sucky babies that loved their dummies but it wasn't until this time around that I found gumdrop dummies. Gumdrop dummies in Australia
You can order them from the US Baby Haven US here too.
What do I like about them?
All in one peice
Safer than plastic ones
BPA free
Easy to hold onto
Great sizes
The smell- yummy!
Incredibly cheap
The colours

We have tried so many brands and these are by far my favourite!

Swaddling: the Woombie!! Another new find that has been a godsend. We tried swaddles, miracle blankets, wraps and velcro and this one has lasted the distance.
http://www.woombieaustralia.com.au/
I love the deluxe version as they are so cute :)

Peaceful sleep :)