Fat Girl Fashion On A Budget: Lingerie for Valentine's Day

As a plus size model, if there's one thing I love more than lingerie it's cheap lingerie that fits my frame. There's an abundance of places out there for us larger ladies to get some stunning bedroom outfits (Hips and Curves and Curvy Girl Lingerie are the two that come to mind that I absolutely LOVE!) but these places can break the bank in an instant. If you're looking to play around with your style this Valentine's Day, either to surprise your lover or just feel like the princess you are and don't want to invest in something that you may find unflattering, spring for one of these cheap finds. 

Longline Bra from Debshops.com - $17.90

Longline bras are totally retro and totally flattering on larger frames. Delicate and lacy numbers can look disproportionate and not provide a lot of support (although if you're dressing up for your partner instead of yourself, chances are it'll be on the floor before you ever NEED the support.) Long line bras also have the added advantage of sucking in any chub around your ribcage, making your waist look thinner by comparison. The wide straps on this make it appropriate for everyday wear, so it's not strictly a bedroom item, either. No slipping straps? That's a good thing. This piece from DebShops runs $17.90 and can be paired with your favorite black lace boyshort -or if you're daring, a thong or g-string. 

Coral mesh nightgown from glamorose.com - $13.99

Show him (or her!) what she's getting with just a peek through the delicate mesh of this slip-style nightgown. In bright coral, it's flattering to a wide variety of skintones and the straight cut to the hips with a slight flair is flattering on a variety of figures. At $13.99, it's hard to pass this one up. 

Plus size mesh lace teddy and stockings from yandy.com - $17.95

Say you're feeling a little naughty but still want to look nice. At $17.95, this floral patterned lace teddy and matching stockings set from Yandy.com is just the ticket. It hugs your curves, shows off your cleavage and has sassy lace-up detailing at the bust. For a teddy and stockings, the price is great. 

Plus size burlesque-style corset and skirt from IntimatesCare.com - $29.58

I cannot tell you how in love I am with this corset. It's got a bustle detail, so for larger girls without the hips or butt to proportion their bust, this is a great find. It's got a steel busk closure at the front, which is a good thing - you don't want that to snap. For the price, I wouldn't expect a quality corset with steel boning, though I can't say since I don't own this piece (yet!). It's more for play than for actual waist cinching. Still, you'll look fabulous whether you wear it for its own sake or as part of a saloon girl or steampunk roleplay for your lover. At $29.58, it's worth giving it a try. 

Pink plus size babydoll from tidebuy.com - $29.99

If your style is more sweet than sexy, check out this pink babydoll from tidebuy.com. At $29.99, this simple design is guaranteed to give you lots of wear. Pair it with stockings and gloves for an elegant look, or just wear it to bed after you've changed your sheets (I'm not the only one who likes to shower and get dolled up just to roll around in new sheets, am I?). In a bubblegum pink, this piece screams "Sweet!" 

We want to hear from you. What's your favorite place to find plus size lingerie that doesn't break the bank? 

About the Author:

Caitlin Seida has been writing since 2006, with her work appearing on various websites including Livestrong.com, TypeF.com, Salon.com, Dogster.com and The Daily Puppy. A Jill-of-All-Trades, she splits her workday as a writer, humane society advocate and on-call vet tech. What little free time she has goes into pinup modeling, advocating for self-acceptance, knitting and trying to maintain her haunted house (really!). You can find her on Facebook, on Twitter, and of course here on I Feel Delicious!

Fat Girl Fashion on a Budget: 5 Winter Coats Under $50

By Caitlin Seida

Ladies, I feel your pain. Winter coats are expensive, but a good jacket is worth the investment. Pick a timeless cut in a color that suits your wardrobe basics and you'll get years of use out of it, so I'm breaking my own self-imposed rules and expanding the "budget" portion of this column to go up to $50 this time. You can't put a price on warmth, but if you had to, these would be my top picks.

First up is this sassy little number in pink corduroy with a faux fur lining. Sure, it's not necessarily classic or even classy, but we're a sucker for pink here at I Feel Delicious and this number is a girly take on a rugged ranch hand staple. At $9.99 USD, you've got little or nothing to lose. It's machine wash and dry flat, which is a big plus for me. I'm not going to lie - this jacket looks better for everyday wear and is a little on the trendy side, but if you're looking for something a little youthful and fun, this is a good pick. Sizes are in XL and XXL. You can get it here, at 10dollarmall.com.

Next up is the puffer jacket. Ladies, if you think you can't pull off those big puffy jackets because of your size, shape or build, think again. It's all about the details and this number has just the right ones. It's got a long cut that hits at a flattering mid-thigh point. A broad collar draws attention away from any problem areas and up toward your face and a belt cinches you in at your narrowest point. The placement of pockets at the hips has me a little concerned, but if you're not wide through that area, you might just want to try it. And it's a steal at just $5.70 USD. Sizes up to XXL.  Get it here from AliExpress. 

Now we're getting into the more expensive but timeless options. This double breasted wool pea coat is great for us ladies who want to add a little more shape where there might not be one. Rectangular body shapes and pear shapes both look great in this style, as it adds a little volume up top. The belt, again, is a great detail as it can cinch you in at the waist (or give the illusion of one if you aren't too thrilled with what nature gave you.) This piece is wool, sized up to 3XL and is currently on sale for just a hair under $40 (normally $53, so get it while you can!). Find it here at DebShops. 

Ashley Stewart, how I love thee! If you want a trendy print and details with a classic cut, this coat is the one for you. The long trench hits mid-thigh and again, belts at the waist. The cheetah print is on point with the trends, and so are the (faux) leather accents at the collar. This coat is made from 100% man-made materials, so there are no ethical quandaries for the vegans among us. Sizing starts at 12 and goes up to 20. I'm a firm believer that every girl needs a good trench coat and this fits the bill perfectly. It is double breasted, so again, ladies that are larger on top may want to examine other options. At about $35, it's pricey, but worth it. Get it here on Amazon.com.

Any fans of fleece out there? This jacket is just the ticket and it flatters just about every body type. It's an A-line cut, which flows away from the body. It hits at about low-hip and has a rounded shirt-style collar, drawing the eye to your gorgeous face. Princess seams in the front and back add subtle shaping to emphasize curves without giving away the whole picture. It's machine wash and 100% man made. At $50, this is the most expensive item on the list but for good reason: It's the kind of coat that'll see you through many years of use. It's got oversized buttons that are fun and funky without being too trendy or overbearing, and it looks soft enough to roll around in (please tell me I'm not the only one who does that with soft things?) Available in multiple solid colors, heathers and prints (including that cheetah or leopard that we're seeing on runways), this coat comes in sizes up to 5XL. If you're the matchy sort, the vendor also sells hats, gloves and scarves to complement this style. Get it here at Roamans. 

Do you have a favorite winter coat? What style do you like best for your winter outerwear? Do you prefer classic pieces and cuts or more trendy styles you can replace from year to year? We want to know! Talk to us in the comments below. 

Fat Girl Fashion On a Budget: 5 Holiday Party Dresses Under $30

Everybody wants to look their best around the holidays. Whether you celebrate Christmas, the Solstice, Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve or something entirely different, it always feels nice to show up to a work, social or family event in a new dress. But we all know money gets tight around the holiday season. Between gifts, entertaining or just because the cost of heating your home so you don't freeze is so high, nobody wants to spend a penny more on their wardrobe than they have to. Forget sacrificing style and comfort and check out our top five plus size picks for under $30.


1. According to Marie Claire, a combination of black and blue is just the thing for this winter's fashion. Big name designers like Caroline Herrera, DKNY and Marc Jacobs all mixed hues of navy and black in their runway shows. If you're not feeling the dark blue and black but still want to channel this trend, take a look at this pleated mock-chiffon frock in aqua and black. With short sleeves, a rounded neckline and a slimming center color block, this dress is sure to make you look and feel your best no matter what you're doing for the holidays. A removable fabric belt allows you to highlight your waist or wear it with extra ease, making this dress flattering for a number of body shapes. And how can you argue with $15? 

2. Every girl needs one reliable little black dress. At $25, this dress from Deb is the highest priced item on our list but well worth the splurge. You can wear it multiple times on multiple occasions, not just for the 2013 holiday season. The front is flat and nipped at the waist, ensuring that, no matter what your body shape, you look your absolute best this holiday season. This fit-and-flare A-line dress has a scoop neckline with a lace illusion back - a flesh-colored modesty panel ensures you can wear your favorite bra without worrying about it peeking through. A line of bows down the back will make you feel extra festive.

3. The Pantone color of the year for 2014 is "Radiant Orchid" - a light and flirty eye-popping purple. Ring in the new year and get a jump start on the trend with this strapless, empire waisted number from 10dollarmall.com. True to the source name, this attention-grabbing dress will run you a mere $10. This dress isn't for the faint of heart - it's got a purple faux-satin finish and a line of beading under the bust, drawing the eye to your assets. 

4. Looking for something a little more classic for your Christmas office party? This little number comes in red and brown and features a flattering shallow V-shaped neckline. The high-low hem keeps you on trend while the ample coverage ensures you feel like the vampy, grown up woman that you are. Pair it with a sassy little cardigan for a little more arm coverage or play up your bitchin' biceps and leave your arms bare. Flattering for body shapes that need a little more nipping at the waist (like the classic hourglass, which doesn't always look the best in empire waisted frocks), this dress is just the ticket, drawing the eye to the narrowest part of your body. This Ashley Stewart number will run you a hair under $20 from Amazon.com

5. If you're searching for modesty, you can't beat this patterned velour dress. Available in black, silver, or purple, this surplice-style dress has 3/4 sleeves and a hem that hits at the knee on most women (the dress is 42" long, so the extra tall might want to look elsewhere for a modest holiday dress!) The empire waist and a-line shape are super flattering on a variety of body shapes and sizes. At the $20 mark, this dress won't break your holiday budget.

Caitlin Seida has been writing since 2006, with her work appearing on various websites including Livestrong.com, TypeF.com, Salon.com, Dogster.com and The Daily Puppy. A Jill-of-All-Trades, she splits her workday as a writer, humane society advocate and on-call vet tech. What little free time she has goes into pinup modeling, advocating for self-acceptance, knitting and trying to maintain her haunted house (really!). You can find her on Facebook, on Twitter, and of course here on I Feel Delicious!

5 Halloween Costumes for All Shapes and Sizes

By Caitlin Seida

Every year I fight with myself about what to wear for Halloween. It happens to be my favorite holiday and I love nothing more than dressing up. My "claim to fame" is my Lara Croft costume that went viral - so you know I'm all about defying expectations and don't give a flying rat's ass about whether or not I'm the right "size" to pull off a costume. But not everyone is so confident. Here's a list of five Halloween costumes suited to all shapes and sizes. They're easy to pull together, don't show TOO much skin and are woman-positive - no "slutty cop" or "harem slave girl" options here.  (more on the accusations of "slutty" costumes tomorrow from Staff Blogger Terri Jean, so stay tuned!)

Betty Boop

Get yourself a red dress and heels, style your hair in pinup-esque curls, throw on some gold hoop earrings and some bangles and you're ready to go. Betty Boop has universal appeal - her exaggerated figure needn't dissuade you from dressing up as her because NOBODY looks like Betty Boop does (and if you do, please send us pictures!). Play up your lips with a vampy red lipstick and you're ready for a night on the town. Betty's got this charm and innocence that makes her a fun Halloween costume for ladies of all shapes and sizes.

Rosie the Riveter

Female empowerment? Check. Easy and cheap to throw together costume? Check. Iconic? Check. All the makings of a great Halloween costume whether you're svelte, plus size or in between. Get yourself a blue work shirt, some work pants and red bandanna and you're ready to go. Play up your hair with pinup curls, accentuate your eyes and get ready to show off those biceps! Rosie is as easy as it gets and she emphasizes the strength in every woman. We can do it!

Mother Nature OR Medusa

Do you want to be nurturing to the whole world or cut down everyone in your path? Either way, these costumes are as simple as starting with a basic white sheet for a toga. Mother Nature can opt to dress in earthy tones like green or brown, while Medusa can opt for silvers and blacks - but at their most basic forms, these costumes can both get away with the "toga party" look. Tease your hair and for Mother Nature, adorn with leaves, flowers, vines and even some birds if you feel like it. For Medusa, get a bunch of fake snakes from the dollar store and pin them to your locks. Makeup is entirely optional for either, and you can be as creative or as plain as you'd like to go. These costumes are forgiving of body shape because most of the emphasis is on the face and hair and the costumes themselves can be as loose and flowy or emphasize whatever part of your body you like best. They're also both iconic female figures.

Sexy Ghost

Did you buy a bikini at the beginning of the summer but didn't feel comfortable wearing it (if so, why not girl? YOU can rock that thing!) Put it to good use with the "sexy ghost" costume that doesn't show even a little bit of skin. Throw on a skin colored body suit (white shows through white - skin toned makes an almost invisible under layer) and toss a big white sheet on over it - then put the bikini on top of the sheet. Cut out eye holes for you to see and you're done. Easy as pie.

Velma from Scooby Doo

Who wants to be cold on Halloween? Velma provides the answer to that. Track down an orange sweater, orange knee socks, practical shoes (no blisters, SCORE!) and a skirt to match your shoes (Velma wears an odd shade of pink, but when I put together my costume I opted for black and considered brown). The "real" Velma has short hair and glasses, but with a costume as iconic as hers, it doesn't matter whether you do or don't add those accessories. Velma emphasizes the positive - she's the smart one of the group. And don't think she's without sex appeal, either - one only has to do a quick Google search for "sexy Velma" to see she's got quite a fan following who think nerdy girls are the HEIGHT of sexy.

What are you going as for Halloween this year? Tell us in the comments! Or better yet, show us a picture!

Caitlin Seida has been writing since 2006, with her work appearing on various websites including Livestrong.com, TypeF.com, Salon.com, Dogster.com and The Daily Puppy. A Jill-of-All-Trades, she splits her workday as a writer, humane society advocate and on-call vet tech. What little free time she has goes into pinup modeling, advocating for self-acceptance, knitting and trying to maintain her haunted house (really!). You can find her on Facebook, on Twitter, and of course here on I Feel Delicious!

Fat Girl Fashion On A Budget: Office Friendly Finds

By Caitlin Seida

Let's face it - we're all looking for things that look good and don't break the bank. When you're a larger lady (like myself) that task seems IMPOSSIBLE. Everything is either covered in sequins or bows or kittens or mirrors or looks like a Cosby sweater reject. My secret? Thrift stores. I shop them religiously. Today's outfit is almost entirely thrifted, so you won't be able to get this exact look, but I've found similar items for you to recreate this look for just a hair over $50, excluding accessories and undergarments. But we'll talk about those later.

Take a Look At That Top!

Here's the front view of the entire outfit. Office appropriate, right? It's a short sleeve knit turtleneck shell from Lord and Taylor - gotten at my local Goodwill for $3.99. Score! It's a size 1X and runs true to size. Since it's a thrift store score, it's hard to find an exact original price. Mine is cotton - perfect for fall weather. A comparable one from this season's collection in merino wool runs $60 on their website! Savings on that one item? $56.01

The Cardigan is an Isabella Rodriguez - gotten at an outlet store for $4.99. It's a size Large, but runs a little bit larger than you'd expect. It's form fitting on me, but in a good way. It's tissue thin, so more for decoration than warmth and I love the way it flows open at the front. The only thing I'm not so fond of is the peplum-like styling at the back - I feel it emphasizes my already considerable backside. As a bonus, though, it keeps any unfortunate pant/shirt gaps from happening and showing the world my skivvies.  The original is again, no longer available but looks like it retailed for $39.99. Total savings? $35.

Bottoms Away!

These pants are a true gem of a thrift store find. They're made by Studio 1940 - a brand made for the now defunct chain of stores, Fashion Bug. These pants are a size 24 - larger than I normally wear, but the number means nothing when the fit is right. True to my hourglass shape, I need a larger butt allowance and a smaller waist. These pants are just right! Since they were gotten thrift, they needed some repairs. The buttons fell off and one of the hook and eye combos was worn out - nothing I couldn't handle in under 15 minutes. And for $5, totally worth it! They've got wideset red pinstripes, just my favorite! Original retail price, as far as I can discern, was $29.99 - not too bad for a good pair of pants! Total savings? $24.99

Accessories Make the Outfit

Let's get onto the accessories, though. They make the outfit yours - original, unique touches that allow you to express your personality even in a stuffy, business-casual setting. This bag was made by someone near and dear to my heart - my "Almost Sister In Law" (It's a long story!). She's a graphic designer and designs every one of her bags from scratch and screen prints them onto quality linen totes. I'm not joking when I say that my entire life is in this bag - it's held up to so much abuse it should look worse than it does. Retail value is $20, but I got it as a present. Total savings? $20.

This necklace is AWESOME. It's a heart with wings - kind of my own personal little symbol. Again, it's a handcrafted piece made by Etsy seller Horribell. It's on a sturdy chain and has, again, held up to a lot of abuse. I can't wear it often or when I'll be wet or sweaty since it is NOT nickel free (and I have a contact allergy to nickel) but it's one of my favorites so I gladly wear it whenever I can. With a turtleneck like this, it doesn't come in contact with my skin and I can wear it freely. It retails for $11.50, plus shipping. I paid full price.

So to recap:

Lord and Taylor Cotton Sleeveless Turtleneck Shell: $3.99 (Original Retail Value: $60.00)
Studio 1940 Red and Black Pinstripe Pants: $5.00 (Original Retail Value: $29.99)
Isabella Rodriguez Ruffle Cardigan: $4.99 (Original Retail Value: $39.99)
Abbie Normal Graphics Bag: $0 (Original Retail Value: $20)
Horribell Heart With Wings Necklace: $11.50 (Original Retail Value: $11.50)
Total I paid: 25.48
Total Full Price Retail Value: $161.48

Total Savings? $136

How You Can Get The Look For Less

I've gone ahead and found some reasonable copycats of the items I found by thrifting. First up are the pants: Plus size pinstripe pants are tough to find. Ashley Stewart Women's Plus Size collection offers pinstripe pants (PINK! pinstripe pants!) for $24.84. I know that's a bit more than you'd like to pay, but for good fitting pants, I know I'd pay a million bucks if I could. You can get them by clicking on this link:

Next up is the turtleneck shell. ToBelnStyle offers a turtleneck shell in a variety of colors (including a pink to match those pinstripe pants as well as a basic black) that comes in plus sizes. Re-sellers on Amazon are offering it for $8.95, but I'd spring for the new, out of the box one from the manufacturer for just a few dollars more ($10.99)

The cardigan was a little harder to track down. Hollywood Star Fashion offers a plus size drapey cardigan that's got the same comfy tissue-weight feel and same basic silhouette as my Isabella Rodriguez piece. And it comes in a variety of colors - yes, my favorite black, but also a pink to match those lovely pinstripe pants, a calming ocean blue and a bunch of white, gray, peach and neutrals to suit your tastes. It'll set you back a mere $14.50

So to get this outfit without scouring the thrift stores and crossing your fingers? A hair over $50 ($50.33 not including shipping, I might add.) That's not too bad for quality pieces that fit and are work-appropriate, and items that you can mix and match in your daily wardrobe. Other plus size stores (Torrid, I'm looking at you) charge you $50 for ONE piece of clothing. So while the pricetag is a little hefty, it's all about perspective.

Get the Accessories

I'm a big believer in buying from independent artisans and craftspeople when you can. And paying full price for them - these people put their heart, soul, time and hard earned skills into making these pieces and deserve a living wage for their work. Some people view handmade as inferior - that view could not be further from the truth. If you're looking for a little splurge as a way to spruce up a basic outfit like this one, take some time and money and invest in a handmade piece.

The necklace from Horribell can be found on Etsy - if this isn't your style, she's got plenty more cool stuff to choose from and it's all reasonably priced in the $10-30 range for most of it. She does lean toward the more goth/punk/alt style, but you might be surprised at what you find. 

Angel Wing Heart Necklace by Etsy Seller Horribell: $11.50 plus shipping

AbbieNormal Graphics is currently experiencing an Etsy outage and having problems with her shop. I've linked to her Facebook album showing samples of some of her designs,
 See more here or e-mail Abbienormalgraphics@gmail.com for one of your own!

Both of these accessories together will run you $31.50, not including shipping. But they are so totally worth it! If you bought the accessories, the entire outfit would cost $81.83, minus shipping costs. Again, a hefty price tag but everything is quality and able to be mixed and matched easily with other pieces.

Why don't you tell us about your favorite place to score plus size duds for less? How about your best thrift store score? Happy shopping, ladies!


Caitlin Seida has been writing since 2006, with her work appearing on various websites including Livestrong.com, TypeF.com, Salon.com, Dogster.com and The Daily Puppy. A Jill-of-All-Trades, she splits her workday as a writer, humane society advocate and on-call vet tech. What little free time she has goes into pinup modeling, advocating for self-acceptance, knitting and trying to maintain her haunted house (really!). You can find her on Facebook, on Twitter, and of course here on I Feel Delicious!