Let’s be real here, we all know that with the current Covid crisis, we’re all spending a lot more time at home. Well, I am here to help you find the best lounge wear, athleisure wear, sleep wear, work from home with out a care wear. In this section of my new the Where to Shop Series you’ll find sweat pants, sweatshirts, leggings, robes, lounge pants, sleep dresses and more. If you are looking for true active wear, I suggest you check back next week when I post my favorite places to buy work out gear. As an FYI: I am focusing on size inclusive stores, because I want to help every girl feel fabulous. That said, I will also be listing a section of plus size only leisurewear brands as well, just for my fellow thickums. If you’re looking for a curated list of my current loungewear faves, you can find that here.
Where To Shop for Lounge Wear + Pajamas
Anna is wearing a loungewear set from Skims
Target This discount store offers affordable everyday fashions in sizes in size 0-26. Check out in house brands like Wild Fable for trendy leisure wear and Universal Thread for well made essentials; Universal Thread is also fair trade certified.
Walmart: People often sleep on Walmart, and they really should be sleeping in Walmart! I personally love the lounge wear created by Como Blu that’s sold onsite. I own several sets and they are so well made for the price.
Nordstrom: Nordstrom has a modest selection of lounge wear options. Their in-house brand BP has especially cute pieces, but often sells out in a matter of days.
Macy’s: This heritage department store has a considerable amount of cute loungewear options. I particularly like their updated sleep dress styles and pieces from their house brand INC.
Universal Standard:Universal standard offers a variety of lounge wea , from their foundations line, to their modern takes on pajamas. They are a great brand for durable, season-less loungewear in clean contemporary styles
QVC: I’ve found they have several cute and affordable size inclusive lounge wear items. I especially love their brand Anybody, I have several pieces and they are a dream.
Modcloth: This is my go tot for cute vintage inspired twin sets. Items move in and out of stock quickly, so if you like it snag it when you see it.
Venus: Venus provides some serious glam at super affordable prices. They offer size s-3x so every babe can feel like a glamazon showstopper while trying to be both comfortable and fabulous on a zoom call
Savage X Fenty: This brand is the place for ultra cool, unique lounge and sleep wear. Also this brand, founded by Rihanna, stays true to her style and also offers ultra sassy pieces for those who want to sleep looking like a sex goddess. You can purchase two ways, as a member or just as a normal one off at a slightly higher cost.
Old Navy: Old Navy has long been a pajama paradise- especially during the holidays. This store offers colorful affordable jim jams in sizes 0-30.
Skims: Kim Kardashians new shape wear brand also surprisingly has a pretty strong lounge wear component. The theme of the collection is affordable luxury and I’ve been impressed with the quality of the items Ive purchased thus far.
Adore Me: This brand has some cute options but they tend to be more basic in styling and colors. If you’re looking for low key neutral lounge wear, this might be a good brand for you. You can purchase two ways, as a member or just as a normal one off at a slightly higher cost.
J Crew: This brand makes, in my humble opinion, some of the softest, light weight pjs. I own two pairs that I have worn consistently through the summer and been happy with how they’ve held up and maintained their shape.
Print Fresh– This Brand offers traditional pajama styles in cool modern prints. Watch out for sizing as they tend to run a bit small, especially for those with larger hips and thighs.
Where to Shop for Athleisure Wear
Adidas: This legendary sportswear has finally started creating adorable athleisure wear in plus size. That said, the fit in the thigh and butt run extremely small, so this brand fits those who are largest in their waist, best. Those with fuller butts and thighs will need to size up at least one size.
Nike: This fitness wear giant is increasingly creating innovative size inclusive street wear. These comfy yet bold pieces can easily be dressed up or just worn for a relaxing day at home.
Volcolm: This brand offers super cool, sporty sweat sets for those looking for a more urban, surf/skate inspired loungewear. These are high quality pieces that are definitely on trend.
Fabletics Not only does fabletics have adorable work out gear, but they also have a range of sweat pants, tanks and tees that are perfect for lounging. You can purchase two ways, as a member or just as a normal one off at a slightly higher cost. ( On this one I think the membership is totally worth it, I’ve been a memeber for two years and I always find something each month to add to my stash)
Reebok: I just bought my first set from this brand and I am impressed. High quality, super comfortable and modern design makes these pieces an all around win.
Good American: This brand regularly has cute, trendy athleisure and lounge wear that can be dressed up for an adorable street wear look. Their latest collection for Good Sweats is everyones’ tie dye fantasy.
ASOS: This brand offer fashion forward clothing for sizes 00-26. Items move very quickly as this site is popular with today’s fashion trendsetters.
Big Bud Press– This darling indie brand is on everyone’s radar right now. Cool vintage inspired athleisure wear in a rainbow of unique colors make Big Bud Press a one to watch in the lounge wear market,
Mokuyobi– It’s no secret I love this size inclusive athleisure brand. They feature a wide array of comfy pieces in 90s prints, bold colors, and soft fabrics.
Where to Shop- Plus Size Only Brands
Anna wear a leopard print onesie from Torrid
Women Within– offering size 12-44w, women within is the most inclusive brand on this list. Great for basics and sporty pieces, That said, sizing runs 1-2 sizes small, so size up on pieces that are not oversized.
Torrid- This store remains the only place I can find a comfortable plus size onesie and I am here for it. Also look out for fangirl inspired pieces to live out your wonder woman, my little pony, harry potter or disney dreams.
Lane Bryant– This OG plus size retailer has always made reliable comfortable sleep and lounge options. A safe and cozy bet for any plus size shopper.
Yours Clothing: This UK Brand makes comfortable and affordable pieces and is ships to both the US and Europe.
I earn affiliate commission on some of the above links
Look, I am not one for conferences. I’m the sort that would rather be goofing off in the sun or exploring, than sitting in a room talking about stuff. So I was super surprised how much I enjoyed The Curvy Fashionista Expo. First off, I got to meet two women I truly have loved from a far for awhile- Jess Baker and Alysse from Ready to Stare. Second, the jams were on point. I found myself dancing around pretty much all day, as might feet reminded me with a heavy sigh when the day was through.
The event went above and beyond to get a healthy mix of well known plus brands and lesser know indie designers. For some, it was there first show. Opportunities like this are important if we want to continue to increase the options available for curvy ladies. Opportunities however have a negative affect on my wallet- but I suppose that was the point of the day!
My only complaint on the whole day is that there were these half naked men (yessssss), carrying cupcake trays (double yasss) but then tried to charge me $4 for said cupcake. I’m sorry, boo, you ain’t that cute. If I am going to pay $4 for a stale cupcake it better be hand delivered by drake, shirtless, bare back on a horse singing over over and over ” I like my girls bbw…”
I made a short video of my experience- including said half naked men- that you can check out below on the tube of you.
Super excited to create my own style spin on this amazing Karina Dress. I challenged myself, I pushed my boundaries and used this currently cotton candy pink clad noggin to flower the purty Penelope Dress with 3 fabulous fashion variations. We’ve got floral go with the flow cool, bloomin’ and ready for business, and peonies be popping night out look. Which one is your favorite?
Floral Go with Flow Cool I make the most of a dress by using a belt to reduce the height to a more proper tunic length. I spice it up and add a dash of cool by donning a funky homemade t-shirt fringe scarf (tutorial here) instead of a necklace. I pack a punch with cheap but chic gas station sunglasses and use simple black leggings and mint t- strap sandals to complete the look.
Bloomin’ Business Casual
I made my hair look all fancy using this very simple tutorial I love. Its seriously is so easy peasy and your hair looks gorgeously curly when you take it out. Hell yeah, two day dirty hair that still looks deliciously good. I brought the tangerine accents in the Penelope dress forward by adding my pretty and perfectly peach blazer from Target. It gives this look a classy corporate style an unexpected pop. I kept all other accents very neutral and simple- black peep toe flats, a cocktail ring and vintage pearl earrings.
Peonies be Popping
The final look is made to surprise. I use one of favorite style tricks and lengthen this party dress by adding a black tutu underneath. The tutu adds length and structure- which is important. That way the dress won’t fly up while I’m getting down with my bad self. I added some visual interest by adding a thick black leather bow belt and metallic leather earrings. I created an unexpected charm to the look by ditching heels for reflective mint loafers. I love pairing unusual flats with dressy looks, you’re more comfortable AND you make a statement,
A huge thanks to Karina Dresses for providing this sassy frock for me to wear and style as I pleased. I truly loved it and I can’t wait to take this glorious garb for a night on the town. The vintage floral is amazing and I love that the colors in the print are bright and unexpected. It’s not your typical floral dress. FYI: They didn’t pay me to say that. I have truth syndrome. I can’t lie. I love this dress!
I have a confession to make. Before I started doing yoga because of Kino MacGregor +Beachyogagirl’s #mayibeginyoga instagram challenge, none of my yoga pants had actually ever gone to yoga. They were perfectly fine doing other things. For example, making late night trips to the drive through at Taco Bell or serving as a comfort blanket while I binge watched Netflix for days on end. But, definitely not yoga. “Namaste” was more like “na…maste in bed this morning.” instead of their intended plus size yoga use. Getting started was a life changer with me, but it took a lot of learning to start seeing progress. Now that I’m going on two months straight of daily yoga, I’ve put together my best tasty, delicious, bite sized nuggets of advice for any girl who is trying to get her plus size yoga on.
1. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize! First and foremost, you want to make sure you have the right equipment to get the job done. Yes, you can do yoga on your living room floor, or even on hardwood floors in the kitchen like I sometimes do! However, using a good yoga mat will help to give you a non-slip surface to work on as well as to absorb some of the shock of poses. Another tip that I sometimes use is a foam block under the voluptuous bootay to help ease seated poses and ensure a straight spine. Lastly, invest in a strap. Some poses will be challenging without one in the beginning.
2. Modify your poses when necessary It’s totally ok if you can’t do the poses exactly as you see it the first time. No need to throw your spine to the other side of the room or dislocate your knee to get that perfect position! For instance, if your wrists aren’t strong enough yet you can use your forearms in planks and downward dog. Also, consider that some standing stretches can be done on the floor and be just as effective. YouTube also has lots of great modification tutorials to get you started.
3. Avoid trying to do a pose too deep too fast (That’s what she said) Just because you’re not as bendy as Silly Putty Sally next to you in class doesn’t mean you can’t get a good stretch on (get your stretch on, get your stretch on!). Take things at your own pace and dont feel you need to force your body into shapes it’s notcomfortable with yet. You don’t need a pulled muscle in your life, trust me. Instead of depth of pose, focus on form and breathing A wide downward dog with raised heals, solid breathing and good form is better than a deep one with an arched back and shallow breath. Focus on doing the best you can, rather than being perfect. Perfect doesn’t exist… but a good stretch does!
4. Expect soreness Look, you’re going to feel like you went through some sort of inhumane medieval torture after you first day. Soreness is good, soreness is fun, soreness puts hair [errr glitter?] on your chest. Repeat this mantra! It’s going to be a part of the process. As you stretch and grow in your journey through yoga, your body will be sore along the wat. Plan for this and work in rest days. Remember: sore today, strong tomorrow!
5. Dress the part This tip is my favorite for obvious reasons! Being able to combine yoga with fashion is basically the best thing in the world! Ok, maybe not the BEST thing. I mean there’s still chocolate lasagna to consider. Maybe this is a close second. Regardless, looking sassy while doing yoga is just plain fun. It’s also critical. the right clothing will make movement easier; the right accessories will make you WERK. Buy a rainbow tutu, pull up those sparkly knee high socks, throw on that ironic tank top you couldn’t find a reason to wear. Go for it! Some people even use purchasing new workout clothes as a reward system. Do yoga for two weeks straight, get a new shirt! A whole month and you’ve earned some exotic compression pants!
6. Look for special plus size only introductory classes
If going about this alone is overwhelming, check online and see if there is a yoga studio in your area that offers classes that cater to the larger ladies. It will be a great benefit to the yoga beginner to learn modifications and find a teacher who has experience working with bigger bodies. Once you have the hang of things and you’re ready, then you can proceed on your own. I love these programs in Nashville, Austin, NYC, + Minneapolis.
There you have it! Six steps to help the plus sized gal to get started on her yoga journey. Because I am so nice I also have a teensy weensy bonus tip. HAVE FUN! Initially, the struggle may be real but I promise the end result will be worth it. If you’re looking for some tutorials to start I highly recommend this channel on youtube and this instagram account
Look one: This tutu is for a fun night out that you probably wont remember in the morning. Forever21 crop top topped with a Sejour print bomber paired with vintage accessories and chucks.
The other night I had some drinks. And by had some drinks, let’s just say I was “high-fiving strangers and inventing new dance moves that later get turned into animated gifs by your friends” drunk. When one gets to this special place, we sometimes come upon “great ideas.” My great idea was that I desperately needed tutus, that this was going to be my thing, and that one would not not be enough to fulfill my my tutu wearing fantasies. A couple of drunken amazon clicks later, I passed out and life moved on…. Until the following Monday. Two tutus show up, that I don’t remember purchasing and I have no idea what I going to do with. Does this feel like a poorly written sitcom? If I added sound effects would it take it the next level and maybe get pick up on ABC Family?
Look two: Stand out at a party by laying two different colored tutus ( black tutu is Charlotte Russe plus) and pairing with a simple crepe black top from forever 21. Top off the look with bold boutique jewelry + Cole Haan wedges.
So I put two fingers in the air and I played around with said tutus (score the red on here) and I came up with so many ideas. I forced myself to pair down and stick to a theme (red and black). You’ll see my four looks pepper through here, but trust me I had so much fun I am sure I could have come up with waaaay more.
Play time helped me arrive at some legit tutu related conclusions in addition to these super sassy photo montages. Read on little chickadees, and get ready for just how to add a little tulle to your today wear.
Look three: I paired my favorite t-shirt with a chambray short sleeve shirt and my tutu. Look is accented by red crocodile leather, bedazzled cheetah earrings, Cole Haan shoes and a serious attitude problem.
1. It’s just a skirt. Remember regardless of it’s fluffiness, a tutu is really just a skirt. If you have a red tutu (like the one I used in this shoot) try to think of it as just another red, swing skirt. This will push you to try new things.
2. Let the tutu be the star. It’s easy to over style a tutu. It’s tempting. It’s just a ball of fun, and you want to just throw bling and sparkles and all other manner of shit at it. However the skirt is the statement, so resist the urge to over do it.
3.Leggings are your best friend. Let’s be real here, tutus can be pretty damn see through, so plan to wear biker shorts or leggings under a skirt if you want to have a tutu moment. Or commit to that whole exposed nether regions, Hollywood look.
4. Experiment with placement. Looks that appear awful when the skirt is worn at the waist, might just look awesome when the skirt is worn just below the bust. The same is true with the hips. Make sure to give yourself some time to figure out what works best for your shape and the styling.
5. Confidence is key. If you wear a tutu skirt and constantly tell people its a tutu skirt and that you feel awkward, then it simply wont work. If you stand proud with a “damn I look good” smile, people are going to think the same. Plus they’ll probably comment on how they wish they could be as bold as you and how sexy-sassy-fierce-awesome you look.
6. Have Fun. It’s a mother effing tutu, not divorce court. Everyone should own a piece of fashion that makes them feel like their playing dress up. IMHO, Tutus are like the unopposed president of that “fun” category. It’s not rocket science. Put on that tutu. Rock some sweet sweet jams. Play around with your clothes. Taylor swift and your self esteem will love you for it.
Look four: A tutu refuses to be seasonal. This winter look pairs an over-sized sweater and leggings from Old Navy with the shirt. Topped with an Irregular Choice scarf, vintage jewelry, and red pumps from New Look.
