Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. 

Hello my dearest Reader,

One of my favorite parts about working with Poplin is that I get to share some of the latest and greatest industry news with all of you. One of my hobbies among the glitter and paint strewn across my desk is illustrating, and some of my favorite pieces to illustrate  are up and coming designers and their wares. For this I get an excuse, if you will, to follow closely upon the heels of plus size industry big wigs and shakers to see what is coming up that will inspire me!

Hearing about and finding new plus-size retailers to fall in love with is a passion, one that I enjoy sharing. So today I thought I would share some of the new players in the plus size industry as well as a few that are just doing things so right. I wanted to make it a bit easier though since jumping into new retailers can be hard, we all have brands, stores or styles that we gravitate towards; and so I figured I would play connect the dots. For instance if you like trend led, medium priced clothing I would send you to ASOS Curve.

And away we go...

Plus Size Retailers Just for You.

If you like Retro styling with a bit of whimsy, give Modcloth a try. They have been making inroads into diversified marketing/advertising and apparel since expanding their plus-size wares. With their ad campaigns always utilizing women of varying sizes and expressions they are doing marketing like very few do. Maurices' is the only other company I remember actively using plus and straight size women together in advertising consistently. Bravo you two! Take note all others!

 

Minimalistic clean lines and style longevity, check out newbie Mei Smith NYC. Though they be small they are trying to expand minimalistic offerings in the plus size market which is an area sorely lacking in quantity. With new names designers like Hackwith, and standbys like CarmaKoma there is potential in this little firm.

 

 

 

 

 

If you enjoy being a Hawaiian beach goddess check out the current collection from Zelie for She. This store launches new designs each season in limited quantities, so be sure to snatch up pieces before they sell out. These designs are certainly for the person comfortable in their skin, and showing a bit of it. However there are surprises in each new season that break their own mold.

 

 

 

Classy Scandinavian chic is certainly Marina Rinaldi which is the creme-de-la-creme of the plus size design world. Yes, you will likely have to go to the stores to actually purchase. However these are investment pieces that are worth swooning over. A thing of beauty is their photo-shoots, I follow their Instagram for constant fashion and editorial inspiration.

 

 

If you enjoy lace and quality get your gala on with a Tadashi Shoji design. You can find many of them at Nordstrom thankfully, but if not there are new designs on the company site going up to a size 22. Tadashi Shoji has the perfect mother of the bride dresses, alternative wedding gowns and slap me gorgeous gala ball dresses that Cinderella would be envious of.

 

You just really want a killer bag, Madwick Bags, designed and made by a WSU grad these one of a kind gorgeous bags are a perfect sample of unique and functional design.

Black, some black and then some color, the seasons at LEISL BINX are ever changing. Hometown hero that is small but mighty, please give a round of applause and support for this lovely designer.

You are a fierce urban warrior goddess unafraid of stares, Monif C is your friend. From leopard print swimwear with sparkle to the wrap dress of your dreams Monif C knows what the showstopping woman wants in her life. My latest favorites are the comeback of her pastel hued jumpsuits.

 

 

 

You need a dress for the Oscars?! Or your black tie Christmas party?! Please oh please try Rent the Runway ( and then send pictures!) This service is so cool. Offering you designer label clothing and dresses at a rental rate for 4-8 days with a free second size to make sure everything fits right. Most of the plus size offerings end at a 22, but hopefully we can see an extension of sizing in the future.

 

OTHERS

Casual easy breezy road trip style, meet Maurices.

Daring celebrity fashion, Eleven60 (opening June 20th).

Feminine with a hint of architecture, Mynt1792.

Independent designers, limited quantity and no Photoshop, Cool Gal Blue.

Cheeky retro vibes with feminist spunk, Smart Glamour.

 

Hopefully one of these designers or brands strikes a note and you find a new favorite. I will do my best to keep ya'll updated and new rumblings in the plus size world, but for now here are some lovely new places to surf. What are some of your favorite places to shop?

Happy Shopping

Jordan

 

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