Category: Uncategorized

If you were to say to me, “Hey Catherine, throw on this form fitted midi sweater dress in 90 degree weather…” I would have given you some maaaaaaaaaaaaajor side eye and would have pretended I didn’t hear you. That sounds like some major uncomfortable madness to me! Then I came across this little 525 America little number and my perspective has changed a bit. I guess I have to give a big shout out to my friend Ellen who is like the connoisser (need to check the spelling on that one) of sweater dresses. Every other week I am usually receiving a screenshot of a Rent the Runway look that she is like YOU MUST RENT THIS ASAP! Well, after every excuse in the book I decided to give this trend a twirl. Of course, trying out sweater dresses in the middle of summer sounds like a stunning idea…said no one ever.

I think the key to success during these summer months is finding the right texture and weight. Now the heavy knit options are a definite no go, save those for your fall time frolicking. Textures that have the weight of almost cotton are a perfect go-to if you are wanting to jump on this trend. I guess if you want to get real specific this is a “rib knitted dress.” Now I am craving bbq ribs…dang it! If you are feeling more confused than ever on what I am even talking about now since we have skipped around on so many topics I went ahead and did a round up of some of my favorite knit looks that you can wear immediately! I know I am always buzzing about Rent the Runway, but it honestly has opened up my eyes to so many brands that I didn’t even realize carried above size 14 let alone unique looks!

XO

Catherine

Nothing better than coming across a brand that serves above size 14 that offers unique and stylish pieces for anyone’s taste! Before e-commerce came around I felt like I could tell you probably on one hand the places that I could find clothing that fit me. Now I feel like I can count on my hands, toes, and I probably need to borrow a friends hands and toes to count all the brands that are popping up left and right offering above size 14 options and also below 14 as well. Gotta love some fashion for all!  I will say this is just the beginning, but I did not think I would come to a time where there was a brand I never heard of before. So say hello to City Chic!

Sidenote, one of my favorite parts about using Rent the Runway is that I have been exposed to so many more brands that I had no idea offered sizes above size 14. The first City Chic piece I rented you may remember was from the Derby Party I attended that Dani of Blonde in the District threw. The fit was so true to size and I felt super chic, well I guess that is why that word is in the company name. Your welcome for that lame attempt at a punch line.

The next time you guys may have spotted me in this brand was when I was awkwardly frolicking through the fields at a winery for my friend Ellen’s bachelorette party. Also, pictured in my intense twirling moment at the beach in my main photo. I am usually not much of a maxi dress fan, since I get warm so quickly in them, but this was the perfect mix of an off the shoulder that I can’t get enough of and the length was perfect. Funny story though, beware of walking over those metal grates in the city. I walked over one in this dress and had a Marilyn Monroe moment, but it was not cute, it got real awkward real quick.

Now, I may need to go back to my RTR account and purchase this polka dot romper, because it is epppiccccccccc. I don’t think this piece needs much of an explanation. Can be worn on of off the shoulder and a little trick is to be able to wear this for a work look I actually wore high waisted black undergarments to hide the part that has your skin exposed and threw on a jean jacket for a casual Friday vibe. Then on the weekends or after work I wore my usual garments and threw on a pair of heels for a cute girls night out look. I have a hard time finding rompers that fit in the right places and this one is a winner!

Have you guys shopped this brand before?!

XO

Catherine

Yessssss! It is another above size 14 shopping guide to the DMV that you are about to dive into! If you are unsure of what the heck I am talking about, check out my blog post on this topic back in March about how it is so hard to shop above size 14 at the mall. Now I do love shopping online, but for me I love being able to try something on in person and of course I do EVERYTHING last minute. Shopping for outfits weeks in advance sometimes is not in the cards for me. Or you may just like be able to stroll around shops, leisurely try pieces on and have fun with it. The last guide I did you all would be shocked to find out that only about 3 stores (not including department stores) at Pentagon City Mall that carried above a size 14 in store…3!!!!! Anywho, shout out to Eloquii, Forever 21, and True Religion.

Now I know for those of you that do not live in the DMV this may not feel helpful, but my plan is to take this show on the road and hit up other major shopping malls and give you guys the scoop. So I took a tiny roadtrip to the Annapolis Mall which for those of that are not local is in Maryland. This mall is pretty big and I will say I did enjoy strolling around. It wasn’t too crowded, was clean, and there was quite a large amount of stores. Also, I figured I would go further into this area for those that may be too far from Pentagon City or Tysons Corner. So I did not stop in the department stores, I really focused on the stores and I think I will save my department store round up for a future post. So for now here is the breakdown of what sizes are offered in store:

Aerie- up to size XL

American Eagle- up to size 16 & XL

Ann Taylor- up to size 14 & XL

The Buckle- up to size XL

Forever 21- up to size 3X

Francescas- up to size L

Free People- up to size 12 & L

H&M- up to size XL & 12

Loft- up to size 14

Lucky- up to size 14 & XL

NY & Co- up to size 18 & XL

Pacsun- up to size L

Papaya- up to size L & 13

Torrid- up to size 4X

Tommy Bahama- up to size XL & 16

White House Black Market- up to size 14 & XL

Windsor- up to size 16 & XL

Zara- up to size 14 & XL

Lululemon- up to size 12

Hollister- up to size L

Express- up to size XL & 12

Eddie Bauer- up to size XL & 16

Yes, we do see options that venture in store above a size 14, but let’s be honest sizes can run smaller. So that size 14 may fit like a 12 and that 16 is really a 14. So in conclusion Bravo to Torrid, Forever 21, and NY and Co., but again WOW!!!!! Only three stores in the whole mall can give women above size 14 or even 16 the flexibility and comfort in knowing they can size up and have options if needed. Again, such an eye opening experience of where retail is really at with inclusize sizing. Now onto the next one…Tysons Corner, stay tuned friends!

XO

Catherine

Finally! Finally! Finalllllllllllly! What am I shouting about you ask?? Welp, I FINALLY made it out to the Modcloth FitShop in DC and let me tell you it is…Groudbreaking! You may also be asking what is a “FitShop” Catherine? And you may also be asking, “Catherine, I wasn’t asking any questions so why are you making it seem like I am asking questions? Well, I don’t have an answer for that second question because I feel super confused, but for the first one I have an answer for you! So hop in my little side car and let’s get to cruisin!

So if you have not shopped Modcloth before it is an amazing vintage inspired online store that has sizes ranging from 00-28! The gorgeous and unique patterns and pops of color will make you squeal with excitement! Now what makes the Modcloth store in DC different from other shops is that when you walk in you only see a limited amount of pieces on the floor.

One would think that they have limited size options, but with the helpful explanation from their friendly staff basically the way it works is that they have a certain piece on the floor in lets say a Medium for example. When you grab that piece and the associates get your room started for you, you then share with them what size you would like that piece in to try on. They will grab that from the back room and if the piece fits and you of course fall in love with it you then order the item in store and have it shipped to your house!

Yes, some of you may be thinking well I just want to buy it in store?! Well, there are some pieces you can buy in store that day and take home with you! I guess for me what is amazing about this idea is I guess I am a bit old school when I make my purchases. Buying a piece online only to return it 3 times because the fit is not right can be a bit stressful. Oh and when a majority of stores at the mall only carry their above size 14 options online this just adds to what feels like a roadblock on access to stylish pieces. So no matter your size it is nice to be able to try something on, love the fit, and then after your order is placed it will be on your doorstep in no time. Saves time on the returns and you can carry on with life.

It is also soooooo refreshing for myself to pull a size S top off of the rack and then in my fitting room that same top is in my size to try on. Bravo Modcloth!

The piece I am sporting in my photo is from Modcloth and it has become my new weekend extravaganza look! I am loving the halter top vibes with the retro color scheme. It is super light weight and can be work for a million occasions. You all know I love a versatile dress.

Have you guys been to the Modcloth DC FitShop yet?! Would love to hear about your experience!

XO

Catherine