When I first decided to attend Fordham, I was thrilled with the idea of living in New York City; a fashion center, and an overwhelming fantasy world for any shopaholic, such as myself. However I quickly learned the challenge
of shopping for clothes in the Big Apple if you are not a sample size. Most stores have slim pickings when it comes to sizes 14+, and if you can find them, the price is often a distant dream for a college student’s dwindling piggy bank.
So what is a curvy college girl to do? I found a few treasures and I learned a few tricks while living in NYC so that plus-size girls can feel just as fashionable and gorgeous as any other girls on campus.
- Forever21– This has been my greatest find thus far in my New York City fashion life. Forever21 has a plus-size line called Forever 21+.While not as extensive as some of Forever 21 lines, Forever 21+ has some incredible clothes for young plus size women and teens. The best part? Forever21+ is just as cheap as the rest of Forever 21! I have found jeans for $11.50, and more dresses than I care to admit for less than $30! Sizes usually run from 12-18, although I’ve sometimes seen up to size 20. The only downside is this line is not carried in every Forever21 store. However, the four-story Forever21 located in the heart of Times Square has the largest Forever 21+ selection that I have seen, so it is definitely a must for any plus size college girl in New York.
- Re/Dress– Thrift store shopping has always been a somewhat disheartening endeavor for me, as they rarely carry clothes for plus-size women. That is what makes Re/Dress such an incredible find! Re/Dress is a Brooklyn-based thrift store strictly for sizes 10+, and it has an unbelievable selection of clothes. There are t-shirts and blouses starting at $5 and up, vintage pieces costing as little as $20, and full length ball gowns for around $100. You can definitely find a variety of unique stylish pieces. The only real downside is a common problem for all thrift stores: unlike department or brand stores, you won’t find the same shirt in multiple sizes, what you see is what they have, but that is part of the joy and the tragedy of thrift store shopping.
- Torrid– Torrid has always been my favorite clothing store for plus size teens and women. They design quality clothes that are flattering and fashionable for a curvier figure. Torrid carries sizes 12-28, and they also have an impressive line of boots and shoes for extended foot and calf widths. The downside: they can easily break the bank. So, here is my advice: splurge on the staples such as a sexy black dress, a warm pea coat, or a killer pair of boots. Timeless pieces are an important part of every wardrobe, so those are the items you want to invest in. There is also one other downside: Torrid has NO stores in Manhattan! This is still a fact that is hard for me to believe. However, there is a Torrid in White Plains, just a short ride from Fordham on the Metro North.
The stores I mentioned are not the only places to find fashionable plus-size clothes in the city. Many stores have extended sizes, so do not be afraid to check stores out and try things on; you might be surprised at what you find. One more tip: ACCESSORIZE! This is probably the easiest way to change a boring or bland outfit into one that stands out. While you’re shopping at Forever21, pick up some of their super cheap costume jewelry, or buy a patterned scarf at one of the street vendors on your walk back to the subway.
Most importantly, wear clothes that make you feel good. Don’t try to squeeze into a dress that’s two sizes too small, and don’t hide behind an oversized t-shirt and sweats. Embrace your body by wearing clothes that fit and that show off your curves! The key to looking great is being confident and comfortable with your body, regardless of your size.
Photo Source: http://www.sizethis.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/plus-size.jpg