Lucky 13 Clothing BACK AT TORRID

Back in the early days of Torrid, when it was STILL just a section of Hottopic.com, they carried the rockabilly brand Lucky 13. I hope some of your recall and frankly: roll call of all those fabulous ladies that actually worked at pre-pink Torrid store (THIS GIRL)! Anyhoo, they've got some "online only" selections that are pretty adorable. Unfortunately, the cuts aren't quite what I'm looking for but I can picture some bombshells around the fat-o-sphere in some of these lil' numbers. They seem like retro staples, but I'm sure if they do well some more fanciful pieces will be on the way. Here are my favorite of the bunch!


Pucker Up Dress $79


Off the Shoulder Bow Top $48


Hells Bells Satin Dress $79

Check out the entire collection here and remember: if you want to see more alternative brands at shops....MONEY TALKS!

Model Profile: Kerosene Deluxe

Kerosene Deluxe is a girl VERY worthy of the plus size community's attention. Not only is she "out" and proud as a plus size model, she excels in styling, make up quality and photography choices. When I worked for Versatile Corsets, not only was she a great customer: but also a DOLL to work with! I can't say enough about her...so I will just let her images do their job and stop with the text.

Swoonage

I am a bit of a lingerie snob. I just am. I've worked at VersAtelier (formerly Versatile Fashions) for 4 1/2 years now, so I'm constantly surrounded by high quality corsetry and lingerie. While I wouldn't touch anyone else's corsets with a ten foot pole (now, that's not fair, but I gots loyalty and ours are AMAZING), we don't really specialize in lingerie. I hadn't really found a plus size site that has great designs, size ranges, and style until I came across Hips and Curves. They have a great range of affordable lingerie and hosiery with killer photographs and styling. I went through a picked out the creme de la creme of their site...I can't wait to buy some of these up myself!






This robe has killer Kimono sleeves too...I've been drooling over it and it's full length counter-part since I first saw it.






This would be SUCH a great Halloween ensemble...and the pieces could easily be mixed up and used year round for other events. GLAMOUR!

Got a favorite plus size lingerie shop? Leave the link the comments...I'd love to check some out!

From Mainstream to Edgey: Styling Out Alternative Looks

Since I've been shopping at alternative stores and small boutiques ever since I could convince someone to take me, I often ignored the large department stores. I would scour their small, tiny-skirted racks hoping and praying for something that I could fit in. I would often end up modifying mens clothing or straight up rocking a guys style. Eventually, Torrid came around and I refused to settle after that. I wanted clothing that was cute for me and I would NOT give up my edge. It started occuring to me that I could leave no stone un-turned. Enter: the Department store. Shops like Nordstrom now carry plus size Betsey Johnson lingerie, Steve Madden coats, Juicy Couture track suits, and high-end gowns with serious style. My secret to dressing alternative, yet unique, is to take pieces that are to be worn one way, and style them to be completely different. Since VERY few companies actually cater to subcultures, if you don't get creative, you may be dressing identical to many of your fellow club-goers and concert-attenders. This technique is quite easy when you get the hang of it! It's important to look for unique construction details, proper colors, and the always important fit. Here are a few of my favorite picks from the Nordstrom plus shop.



These two adorable nighties are from Betsey Johnson. I have a polka dot version that I like to wear as a tunic, with a simple black cami under it to hide it's sheerness. I'm a size 24 and a 3X/4X and I have no problem wearing the 2X size, as the tummy is generally free size and the bust is stretchy. These are great pieces for layering, make great swimsuit cover ups, AND nightwear. They are also perfect for rockabilly and retro styles. You could also pair them with a corset and petticoat for an adorable, sophisticated goth club look.


This fun ruffley blouse would be a fabulous "steampunk" goth piece! Style it with a velvet blazer, long black skirt, and an antique gold necklace. Top it off with a vintage hat and leather gloves for a full on steamy, punky 'fit.


These skirts are PERFECT for cyber looks. Add some chunky Swear boots and a hoodie for a casual futuristic outfit.