It was upon a suggestion of one of my readers that I decided to write this feature. Everyone loves slipping into something that can potentially transform their outlook on the day. As silly as it may sound, the perfect sundress or buttondown can allow you to walk into a room more confidently. While some stores and boutiques do cater to a curvy women, it is sometimes difficult to find stores that house trendy clothing and also serve a younger generation.
Bettie Page
Inspired by the queen of pin-ups, this Rittenhouse Square boutique promises flattering and fun dresses, Bettie Page also sells separates and accessories.
Rating: 4 / 5
Price: $$$
1605 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 909-9125
www.bettiepageclothing.com
“Sexy comes in every size” seems to be the motto for Bettie Page. This boutique offers all sizes up to a 4X and is inspired by Bettie Page, a former 1950’s model famous for her pin-up photographs. In its Rittenhouse Square location, the pink room has a dozen racks of lovely and unique merchandise.
For the upcoming warm weather, sundresses like the Black Floratina ($86) are perfect. Its vintage-inspired look demands attention and its interesting shape makes any woman’s assets more flattering, plump and full.
For the office, there are dresses like the Gigi Black Dress ($124), a fitted version of Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s shift dress, and the Secretary Pencil ¾ Sleeve Dress in green ($144). These dresses are far from subtle and are advertised to have at least some hint of provocative.
Although most of the dresses and separates are fun and flirty and perfect for a confident look, they can sometimes be a bit too out there. Again, the pin-up look does highly influence every piece, so some make you like as if you are literally stepping back in time. A piece like the Bail Out Circle Dress (previously $122, now $90), a striped dress with button shoulder details and a tight red belt, is a prime example. It hugs your body tightly and had a high, solid colored neckline.
Visiting Bettie Page was definitely a fun and entertaining experience. I would most definitely try to find a fun dress here sometime.
ASOS.com
This UK based online clothing retailer has taken the world by storm since its 2000 debut. ASOS sells clothing and accessories for men and women.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Price: $$$
This website had my debit card at its minimum balance for over two months last year. It ate up every one of my paychecks and consumed most of my time. The best thing about ASOS: trends run this website.
ASOS offers ASOS Curve to provide flattering clothing for women with a fuller figure. The collection is not different from ASOS usual merchandise; hence, there is overlap with ASOS’s mainline. However, it is selective. Styles, which reach a size US 22, are chosen according to which items would look well on a curvier woman, and some are exclusive to ASOS Curve.
What is most admirable about the collection is that it is not limiting. There is everything from everyday trousers to trench coats and perfect accessories to more formal draped dresses.
Great deals strike the sale section where you can find a simple black shift dress, bound to be used over and over again, for around $44 or even a skull design t-shirt for $19.
Besides this collection, ASOS also offers a comparable maternity and petite collection. There is also a marketplace feature which allows customers to buy new, used, or vintage items from other individuals or a small online boutique. Be sure not to miss the accessories and shoes department ASOS provides. As a large corporation they are bound to gather an assortment of different brand in addition to their in-house brand. Brands include New Look, Mango, and Dr. Marten.
While many prefer not to shop online due to shipping fees, there is good news — ASOS has free shipping and returns. This feature makes it easy to order more than one size and return the extra one if you are doubting an item’s fit.
In case you are wondering, the correction pronunciation of ASOS is A-Sauce. Just another way the retailer absorbs the British culture into its brand.
DORTHYPERKINS.com
Rating: 3.5 / 5
Price: $$
This British clothing retailer caters to women, providing a petite, tall, and maternity collection and everything from lingerie to jersey tops and denim.
Brands like Billie & Blossom, Kardashian Kollection, Doll & Frog and Izabel London dominate the British retail shop. For U.S. customers, the online shopping website serves as a replacement. Dorothy Perkins is best for women who do not want to get bored with their clothing and have an eclectic taste. Think of a mixture between Forever 21 and Topshop.
There is a lot of to appreciate about the collections available here. There are plenty everyday pieces like the Black Waffle Prom Dress ($39), a black circle dress, and the Black Striped Shell Top ($39), a striped top with a brushed effect. The options are more affordable.
I am very particular about clothing with embroidery, prints and sequins, so the brands at Dorothy Perkins fail to impress me. Some prints are too boring and fail as statement pieces. Moreover, some are unattractive and decrease the overall quality of the piece.
However, although the merchandise is affordable and the quality is decent, many customers complain about the customer service. I have never bought anything from one of its stores and cannot confirm this.
Regardless, there are great ways to get deals here, even outside the sale section. Now through Feb. 24, you can receive a 25% discount in honor of Fashion Week. Dorothy Perkins also offers a student discount for online purchases. Simply submit a form with your student identification information, and you are eligible to receive an automatic discount all year round.
Check out the website yourself to see if you find anything worth getting your hands on.
