Plus Size Clothing - Where To Shop? Be Fashion Savvy

I have a few friends that really struggle when it comes to going shopping and buying plus size clothing. Up until a few years ago, the choices were quite limited.

Naturally, there is the first choice for most plus size figures, which is Evans. Evans gives women the ability to feel sexy in the latest styles at a great price. I have been in a couple of times and been surprised at how great the choices are. I like the fact the sales staff are larger ladies themselves, which i would imagine makes the whole plus size clothing experience much more comfortable.

However, there is also Simply Be, which is a mail-order catalogue and online store offering clothing in sizes 14-32. If the thought of going into a high street store and choosing your fashions fills you with dread, then Simply Be is a great solution, because you can shop from the comfort of your own home. My friend hates going into Evans for the simple fact that everyone else looking for plus-size clothing will be in there too. Plus size clothing is still a relatively small market, and it's not like you can go to Topshop, then move onto Miss Selfridge of Warehouse if you don't find the right thing...you're just kind of stuck with one high street store, and i think many people feel obliged to buy from there because there are so few other options.

If you are a plus-size lady, be sure to check out eBay for some great bargains and some rather trendy options. Shopping worldwide will increase your chances of getting that perfect outfit.

I think it is a shame that there are so few options for buying plus size clothing, so shopping online might just be the key.

Need more great fashion? Just check out these sites below:

http://www.marisota.co.uk/

http://www.curvety.com/

http://www.curvydiva.co.uk/

Also, don't automatically walk by the familiar high street stores; Marks And Spencer offer a lovely plus size collection. Miss Selfridge have some styles that go up to size 16, which is great for those of us in need of clothing just that little bit bigger.

Out Of Town Shopping; Still Popular?

With so many shops crammed onto the high street these days, it is often quite refreshing to do some out of town shopping and maybe pick up a few bargains in the process.

It is logical to understand that out of town shopping will mean retailers have cheaper rates to pay for their premises. In a city, for example, shop area space and a great location can be limited, so that's when some retailers decide to open up out of town and take advantage of the benefits.

But what are the benefits for consumers? Well, it is an interesting question. Some people like the change of scenery; some like the fact there are a number of stores all under one roof or in a large outdoor shopping complex. There's also the benefit of free parking.

Naturally very popular with women, it is estimated that fashion stores account for 50% to 60% of out-of-town retail floor space. But will this last forever? My theory is no.

With the credit crunch hitting us hard, travelling to a shopping centre out of town is not a number one priority for many. Saving on spiralling petrol costs is of paramount importance these days for so many of us. Julia Finch, City Editor of the Guardian, recently researched the lack of interest in out of town shopping at the moment.

One benefit in the decline of out of town shopping is that it will help cut down on the number of people getting into their cars and using fuel, therefore being 'greener', which environmentalists will be pleased with. The decline in out of town shopping is naturally meaning that many more people are turning to shopping online. Shopping online can be done from the comfort of your armchair.

If shopping online doesn't appeal to you and you still want to get out there and share your love of shopping with a large shopping centre, then make sure you visit these out of town shopping centres:

• Bluewater, Kent
  
• Trafford Centre, Manchester
  
• Metro Centre, Gateshead
  
• Meadowhall, Sheffield
  
• Castle Meadows Retail Park, Nottingham
  
• East Midlands Designer Outlet, Mansfield
  
• McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, York
  
• Lakeside, Essex

Luxury Shopping

I love my brands, so if you fancy doing some luxury shopping then here is my guide of how best to indulge.

Luxury shopping can include clothing, fine dining, bespoke gifts...anything opulent and expensive. More and more people are desiring the finer things in life, but with the credit crunch in full swing, will this lifestyle last forever?

It is interesting to consider how some of us are feeling the pinch with the rising electric bills, gas bills and food prices, yet we are still dining out, taking holidays and buying 'nice' things. I guess this is where it all come down to priorities. If we gave up the leisure aspect of our lives then we would allow the credit crunch to fully take hold, and we don't want to let it do that. We need to feel like we still have some control over our money.

In the UK there are many luxury shopping destinations where we can indulge, with London being the obvious big city. Don't forget the Northerners though; they have a great selection to offer too.