Hypothetically shopping Simply Be

The other day I posted about how the UK offers many more extended size options for female customers. Thankfully, one among the list of UK retailers I've browsed, named Simply Be, extended their retail outposts to include a website that offers shipping for US shoppers. Simply Be carries a lot of stylish and fashion forward pieces but in sizes that accommodate curvier and more ample bodies.

My favorite items sold by Simply Be include their selection of going out dresses. Lots of the pieces can be dressed up or down for work and weekend. I am especially enamored with the dress in the top middle. Have you shopped Simply Be's US website? I have to admit, I haven't yet but as I figure out what sizes I will need for my postpartum figure, it's one I plan to keep in mind.

Maternity Brand Reviews: Annee Matthew

While visiting A Mother's Boutique in Wexford, I had the chance to try a number of "wear now and later" maternity brands that lengthen the longevity of one's transitional wardrobe. Annee Matthew is a brand with which I was previously unfamiliar. But I really adored this simple black dress. It could easily be accessorized for work or going out. And it was so so soft. I tried on a large and it was an excellent fit that allowed room to grow so I would say this brand runs true to size. The ruffle trim at the bottom adds special details to an otherwise simple, classic shape. And like all the clothing in the store, it is nursing-friendly. The neckline pulls down to enable breastfeeding.

For the price, the fabric was of a high quality while being extremely comfortable. I also have learned at this point in my pregnancy that if you are having one of those bad body image days that feel intensified because of the extra feelings (as I lovingly call them), then a simple black dress can really bring a sense of confidence and comfort. Of course, the brand's offerings go beyond simple black dresses. And the best part is that many Annee Matthew styles are available in extended sizes (up to 3X). You can read the back story of Annee Matthew by visiting the brand's page on the Mother's Boutique website.

Hypothetically shopping in anticipation of my "tbd" shape

As I prepare for my body to be in another state of uncertain flux, I find myself hypothetically shopping sites with which I was previously unfamiliar. Yet again, online store, Fashion World demonstrates that the UK retail and mail order catalogues landscape serves extended sizes with so many more options than what are available to US consumers. Above are my favorite options from Fashion World UK, which specializes in plus size clothing and even sells some maternity options (the middle three dresses in the top of the set are all plus size maternity clothing!). If only they shipped worldwide!

Hypothetically Shopping Simply Be

Because I've been shopping for my transitioning body, I've started looking all over for cute curvy ladies' clothing. I gravitate toward prints and shapes that will fit my growing belly while still fitting my overall personal style. While hunting, I found these adorable pieces from Simply Be and with so many of them discounted for the semi-annual sale, I am eager to make an order. I like that the company sells extended sizes but also includes straight size 10 and up. On the US site right now they also have a code for 30% off the first order for new customers (code 3692)!

Hypothetical Shopping: Marisota

Being a curvier blogger, I often receive reader inquiries from women with similar shapes about where to shop. Granted, I'm not an expert and I have a broader notion of what can count as dressing to flatter. But I am a person who believes that style should be democratic and individual, regardless of body shape. It is challenging when so many stores don't carry fashionable and affordable clothing in extended sizes. Although I might personally wear a "straight size," I still feel strongly about knowing which retailers offer cute and versatile clothes for women of all sizes. One thing I've noticed is that e-commerce in the UK offers a much more diverse selection of options.

That's why I was thrilled to be contacted by one such retailer with the request to be featured on Consume or Consumed. Marisota plus size women's clothing is based in the UK and accommodates a range of styles and budgets. I had such fun hypothetically shopping their site in preparation for the holiday season.

They sell all types of clothing, shoes, and accessories. One thing that really impressed me was the acknowledgment through their Voluptuous line that bodies are distributed differently. Two people might wear the same numerical size but have totally different shapes. To attend to this diversity, Marisota sells garments that are designed to accommodate various bustlines. Shoppers can pick their regular dress size then sub-select between the appropriate range of bra cup sizes. The blue dress with the sweetheart neckline is one such piece that can be purchased based on cup size. It's a genius idea that I wish more women's clothing manufacturers would consider!

New customers receive 20% off of their first order. Unfortunately, at this time Marisota only delivers within the UK. I hope that US retailers recognize that this is an under-served market of shoppers the way that UK retailers already have!