Seattle's Premier Plus Size Boutique

Finding Fall Trends @ Trade Chic

2011-08-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

At Trade Chic, we LOVE to follow the latest trends, so that our customers can always be looking fashionable, and chic! Two Fall trends that caught our attention, bright emerald/jade green dresses and plaid, are extremely easy to achieve!

Fall Fashion Trend #1: Jade Green

Trade Chic Trend #1: Jade Green (Kiyonna Sweetheart Dress, $89; 0x-5x)

Fall Fashion Trend #2: Everything Plaid

Trade Chic Trend #2: Everything Plaid (Ms. Curvista Checker Top, $15 (SALE!)

& Checker Trench ($42); 1x-3x

More trends coming as we get closer to Fall!

Have you seen a trend you want to shop for at Trade Chic? Let us know!

getdressed@tradechic.net

Kische Collection

2011-07-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

How gorgeous does our lovely model, and frequent Trade Chic shopper Jessy look. She is rocking local Woodinville desginer Kische's super cute earthy bohemian cardigans and tops that are in the Trade Chic store right now! Check out these items before they are gone! They are perfect for any occasion. Dress them down for a day of shopping or a day at work with a pair of jeans, and dress them up for a date night or night on the town with the right accessories and some killer shoes!

Blue Top 1x-3x $42 Grecian Tank 1x-3x $59

Lace Cover up Cardigans 1x-3x $54

Oatmeal Flutter Tank 1x-3x $42

Ps: Be sure to drop by the blog tomorrow to see an awesome customer profile on Jessy!

Selections!

2011-07-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Remember that through the end of July, all clearance items are 50% off, and 10% will be taken off of your entire Trade Chic purchase! Such amazing deals!

Did you know that here at Trade Chic we also carry a great selection of bras, panties, nighties and sleepwear? If you are searching for some great shapewear like Spanx, or for something a little sexier, Trade Chic is the place to go!

Earth Tones

2011-07-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

The most universally flattering color palate, other than black, is earth tones. You can go no wrong in browns, greens, and creme colors. Trade Chic has so many different pieces to make an effortless boho chic style!

Oatmeal Tank $42

Grecian Green Tank $59

Brown Cover Up $54

Boho Tunic $69

Moss Green Cover Up $42

Style

2011-07-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Just wanted to fill you all in on this awesome plus sized website I discovered!

Netta P Style Tips has tons of awesome style advice about plus size dressing. From what to wear at the beach to what to wear at a job interview, this girl has got you covered! She is also funny, which is always good! I've watched all of the videos, and I have definitely learned a thing or two! Feel free to check out the rest of her blog, which is full of tidbits from her life and style!

HAVE YOU DONE THIS YET!?!?!

Vote for us for Best Of Redmond! http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/red/survey/
(must fill in at least 20 categories)
and
Suggest us to Groupon so we can give you an amazing offer! http://groupon.com/pages/suggestions

At Trade Chic, we are all about current style. One of the hottest trends right now is big stone jewelry, particularly turquoise. It can add that boho look to an outfit, or dress it up for a night out.

Our own Turquoise at Trade Chic right now!

Sale!

2011-07-04T10:22:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! I hope you all have a lovely fun-filled, safe Fourth of July! It is a beautiful day!

Just a reminder. Now through the end of July we are having an awesome sale! 50% off all clearance items and 10% off your entire purchase! So stop in today and pick up some awesome summer gear!

In honor of all the fireworks you will be seeing and hearing tonight, I thought I would post my favorite version of Katy Perry's Firework. She rocks it.

Vintage Swimwear

2011-07-01T13:22:00.001-07:00

Vintage inspired one pieces are coming back in style this summer, thank god! There is something so subtly sexy, not to mention flattering, about a one piece, or high waisted bikini. Come check out the swimwear at Trade Chic, and look at these gorgeous photo's for some inspiration!

Shop other Evans Swimwear @ Trade Chic!
$18-69 Swim Solutions in Sizes 12-28

Happy July!

2011-07-01T13:01:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it is July 1st? I swear it was just the beginning of June. Time goes by quickly in summer, you really have got to soak it up! With the Fourth of July being on monday, we have some great deals going on at Trade Chic! Now through THE END OF JULY we have 50 % off all clearance items, and 10% off your entire Trade Chic purchase. So seriously.. what are you waiting for?! Stop in and check out all of the cute summer styles we have!

ALSO! DON'T FORGET!

Vote for us for Best Of Redmond! http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/red/survey/
(must fill in at least 20 categories)
and
Suggest us to Groupon so we can give you an amazing offer! http://groupon.com/pages/suggestions

I seriously love summer, everything involved with this awesome season makes me wish it lasted forever. Especially summer in Seattle! Dealing with all the rain and misery the majority of the year is worth the beautiful summers we have here. Here are some things us at Trade Chic are diggin' this summer!

Is there any place better to be than Pike Place Market. The energy, the local vendors, THE FOOD, and my personal favorite, the fresh beautiful flowers. I even love the crowds, everyone is so excited and happy.

Lounging in nature. Washington has so many beautiful lakes, parks and beaches. This picture was taken during a camping trip at Lake Katchess. Trade Chic has some awesome swimwear for any beach occasion!

Fresh, locally grown fruit. I could eat raspberries for every meal every day. Yum yum!

Summer Fun

2011-06-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

Does it feel like summer yet? The weather in Washington is slowly warming up, and that means a fun new summer wardrobe.

Stop by and check out our patriotic 4th of July themed window displays!

The perfect summer wardrobe is full of bright colors, and fun little details like crochet and lace.

gently worn seafoam crochet top with slit sleeves- $16.00 Size 2x

Polka dot crochet top, $42.00 Sizes 1x-3x

White lace crochet top $48.00 sizes 1x-3x

Trade Chic Accessories

2011-06-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

We all know that Trade Chic has amazing trendy plus sized fashion, but those clothes wouldn't be complete without some killer accessories! Whether you are looking for something bohemian, feminine, or classy, drop by the store and check out all that we have to offer, there is a little something for everyone!

Also, have you ever found the perfect pair of shoes, but they are just a little bit too small? This video can help you stretch your shoes just the perfect amount! It works!

Gorgeous heels, perfect for a summer night out on the town!

Fluvia Lacerda

2011-06-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

check out beautiful plus sized model Fluvia Lacerda! This brazilian beauty is blazing a trail for plus sized models today, she is absolutely gorgeous!

Check out an interview here!

Little Details

2011-06-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! My name is Anna, and I am a summer intern over at Trade Chic! I will be updating the blog, twitter and facebook with everything going on at Trade Chic! If you want to learn a little bit about me, feel free to check out my blog at cestmoianna.blogspot.com or on twitter at twitter.com/cestmoianna! :)

Today at Trade Chic we had a little bit of a photoshoot with some of the newest items in the store. Such cute stuff with so many cute, feminine little details! Be sure to check out our Facebook page (link in the sidebar) for more pictures!

Pretty lace panels spruce up a basic grey t-shirt

oatmeal tee with lace back, 1x-3x, $32

feminine florals on the bust drawing attention to your upper half

rosette tank, 1x-3x, $42

the perfect summer dress nipped in at the waist to show off your curves

floral dress: sizes 1x-3x, $54

This last photo is from the used clothing sales rack, styled by yours truly!

used polka dot top: $15

used chiffon top: $12

Cindy Gem necklace: $18

Model: Hannah G. is 6'0" tall Wearing a size 2x in all outfits pictured and a size 18 jean.

If you are not already, follow us on twitter and be our friend on facebook! :) Pray for some sun this weekend in Seattle, it doesn't feel quite like summer yet! Also, check out this song by Brooke Fraser. Her pretty music goes perfect with the feminine vibe of the clothes in Trade Chic right now!

NEW NEW NEW!

2011-05-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

New for Spring 2011

Trend of the Moment: BOWS!

2011-03-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

I LOVE wearing bows. We have some adorable selections at Trade Chic that feature subtle and outrageous bows! Check out my outfit (from the USED section) as well as some of these cute picks from the NEW section!

This is a dress I snagged from our Used Section.. b/w with a big 'ol bow!

..and I paired it with these Betsey Johnson b/w bow earrings!

This Purple Raincoat is AMAZINGLY cute! It has a detachable bow on the back and a bow lining. So cute! OH.. and it's on SALE!!

Next up.. hanky hem bow tank top with sequin details!

Boyfriend cardi with embroidered bows!

Can't figure out why it cuts off too soon ..-but-..

...you can RSVP to our Trunk Show by clicking the link below:
http://tradechictrunkshow.eventbrite.com

SPANX! Kitsch! Missphit! OH MY!

2011-02-26T11:48:00.000-08:00

Well, we have returned from the Las Vegas MAGIC Apparel convention with some serious goodies!! We caught up with Spanx and made a nice purchase of the high-waisted sucker-inners as well as the pre-packaged high-waisted style! They should arrive the first part of March!

You will no longer have to drive over to Lane Bryant to grab a pair of Spanx to go under your great Trade Chic outfit!

We also caught up with the lovely designers at Kitch, who we found out are located RIGHT HERE in Woodinville! Awesome! We made some LOVELY purchases with them that will be great for our more mature customer as well as fun and cute for Spring for our career and college crowd!

Last but not least, we met the owners of Missphit, one of the junior plus lines we carry in the boutique and they had some really great samples for Spring! We fell in LOVE with the vintage/pin-up type styles they have in production.. we couldn't decide which to buy.. so we bought them ALL. Look for the new Missphit styles in the boutique over the next week and next few weeks. :)

xoxo, TC

Model Search Finalists!

2011-02-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

We have narrowed our model search down to TWO finalists! It is your turn to vote for who should be the Face of Trade Chic!

Contestant #1: Kori

Contestant #2: Hannah

Cast your vote @ the POLL on http://www.tradechic.net. Be sure you only vote once! One vote per IP#. We will be tracking IPs, so please do not cheat. :)

MODEL SEARCH!

2011-01-23T22:01:00.001-08:00

Have you entered our model search? You have until February 1st to submit your application and photos! Here are some of the contestants!

Hannah, 19
Why should you be the face of Trade Chic?: I would love to model for Trade Chic because it is such a great store! Trade Chic always has the cutest and most fashionable looks! I bought my prom dress from here months early because it was so cute! I think that I should be the face of Trade Chic because I have a great personality and I love to socialize!

Melissa, 35
Why should you be the face of Trade Chic?: To become the face of Trade Chic would bring everything I believe forward, that your size can never limit your dreams. Modeling, was always a dream for me. I've been a full figured woman for most of my life, and I lacked faith due to my size. I want more than anything to show other women that you can be full figured and look beautiful. Now that more designers are working on fashion lines for women like myself, I am beyond estactic... We come In all shapes and sizes, and I like any other woman, loves to walk out the door looking fantabulous!

Lisa, 35
Why should you be the face of Trade Chic?: I love the style and confidence that the clothes at Trade Chic bring to me! I always leave the store with more confidence than what I came in with. I want to be the face of Trade Chic so that I can share this confidence with other plus size ladies!

Jennifer, 30
Why should you be the face of Trade Chic?: Trade Chic introduced me to a style I never thought I could "pull off." I am always surprised by how great I look in the styles they sell. I am excited to introduce plus size women to the fun and sassy styles that TC has. I think a lot of people could benefit from the fresh and chic clothes that are much different than the styles we all see at the other plus size stores. I would love to be the spokesperson for these great fashions!

Andrea, 18
Why should you be the face of Trade Chic?: I'm a fashion design student, and my main goal is to provide clothing for the fashion forward plus size woman. I really feel like plus size girls need to dress with confidence, for their shape and embrace their bodies. I just recently found Trade Chic and I have yet to visit the store, but I plan to. I love how there is a store for plus size girls that's locally owned providing fashion from all around. I'd love to be the face of Trade Chic, because women need someone who represents them and I am exactly that, a young plus size woman who loves fashion and being happy in my own body despite the media's interpretation.

Lauren, 25
Why should you be the face of Trade Chic?: I am a proud plus size woman with a discerning taste who knows the owners well and knows what their business is about: class, fashion, and access to styles that were previously unavailable to the plus size shopper.

Kori, 29
Why should you be the face of Trade Chic?: I think I should be the face of Trade Chic because I love the skin I'm in! And it took me along time to figure out that it's ok to be me! Trade Chic is a store that helped me be ok with myself... And for that I say "Thank You". I love being me... And being me I being a plus size woman... And that's ok! It doesn't define who I am! It just gives me more character! Thanks Trade Chic!

$5 Off Your Purchase When You Try on Our JEANS!

2011-01-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

Try on any pair of our new jeans and receive $5 off your purchase! Saturday 1/22 only!

New New New!

2010-11-18T00:06:00.000-08:00

Chic Chick Model Search Official Rules & Requirements

2010-10-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

PLUS SIZE BOUTIQUE KICKS OFF SIZE 14+ MODEL SEARCH
Official “Chic Chick” Model Search Begins at Boutique in Redmond

Trade Chic is searching for the face of their boutique in the first ever Chic Chick Model search. The 2010-2011 Trade Chic Model Search will kick off November 1st. Open to all legal U.S. residents 18 years of age and older. YOU MUST LIVE IN OR AROUND SEATTLE, WA. Submit two pictures (head shot and full body) along with entry application, available for download at www.tradechic.net and in the boutique located at 16508 Redmond Way Redmond, WA 98052.

All applicants must answer a series of questions, including why they think they deserve to be the face of Trade Chic. Five top contestants will be chosen from all entries and will compete in a series of photo shoots and fashion challenges. The winner will be determined by the owners of the boutique during an after-hours shopping event in January. The winner will have a one-year reign, resigning when the following year produces another winner.

Prizes for the winner include a photo shoot with a fashion photographer, and the opportunity of being featured on www.tradechic.net. The winner will also be eligible for special discounts at Trade Chic as well as VIP access to all events at Trade Chic.

Trade Chic offers trendy and classic styles to the confident and feminine plus size shopper. Trade Chic aspires to give confidence and self esteem to plus size women by showing them their beauty potential through fashionable and well-fitted clothing.

Please fill out the below form:

Powered by 123ContactForm

Trade Chic Halloween Shopping Event!

2010-10-11T12:13:00.001-07:00

Thursday, October 28th 2010 5:30-7:30pm

RSVP required for attendance! Click the link below to get your free ticket!

http://tradechichalloween.eventbrite.com

Wide Calf Boots PREORDER

2010-10-08T13:56:00.001-07:00

If you see a pair of wide calf boots below that you would like to pre-order, please come into the store and give us your credit card information so that we can hold your size for you!

Boot sizes are VERY limited!

NEW NEW NEW! To Hold You Over Until BOOTS!

2010-10-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some things we will be receiving next week to hold everyone over until wide calf boots and Fall coats get here in 3 weeks!

Official NEW STYLES.. What You'll Be Seeing in ~3 Weeks!

2010-09-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

These are all of the new styles that will be available at Trade Chic in about 3 weeks! Note: There are only ONE of each size of some of the boots and clothing styles coming in, you must come to the Girls Night party on Wednesday October 20th if you want to insure you get your size! If you can't make it you can come in and pre-order what you would like!

Black Knee High Lace Up Boot, $100

Black Knee-High Buckle Boot, $100

Polka Dot Rainboot, $40

Brown Lace-Up Knee-High Boots, $100

Purple Knee-High Buckle Boots, $100

Black Knee-High Buckle Boots, $100

Purple Bow-Back Mac/Raincoat, $129

Black 3/4 Sleev Bolero, $34

Black Ankle-Length Legging, $26

Khaki Military Detail Mac/Raincoat, $129

Black Waist Belt, $22

Black Mid-Leg Length Legging, $24

Purple Button Detailed Back Sweater, $54

Paisley Print Lace Detail Tunic Dress, $75

Grey Tab-Sleeve Cardigan, $54

Red Toggle Duffle Coat, $106

Mint Embellished Holiday Top, $69

Mid-Wash Bootcut Jeans, $45

Raincoats, Fall Boots, Winter Coats..

2010-09-22T16:29:00.001-07:00

Update: They are all ON THEIR WAY. I know it's been a delay.. customs is a challenge! We will have them in ~1-3 weeks.

Donate and Receive a Gift Card!

2010-09-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

Please donate to support the Komen foundation and Lindsey as a Miss Curve 2011 contestent. All of you that donate will receive a TC gift card! Thank you!

http://southernnevada.info-komen.org/site/TR/Events/LAS_SouthernNevadaAffiliate?pg=fund&fr_id=2045&pxfid=142444

Wide Calf Boots.. FINALLY!.. and some other fun Fall styles!

2010-09-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

This will all be arriving at Trade Chic very soon!

Spotty Wellies Rain Boots

Sizes: 6w-11w

Brown Lace-Up Knee Boot

Sizes: 7w-12w

Black Over-The-Knee Boot

Sizes: 8w-13w

Purple Over-The-Knee Boot

Sizes: 8w-13w

We will be getting more boot styles in as Fall/Winter progress. :) There is a WAITLIST for boots.. so if you want any of the styles shown above PLEASE either comment here or call (425) 376-0600.

Fall Clothing Styles

Studded Sweatshirt - $38

Sizes: 14-22

Bootcut Jeans - $36

Sizes: 14-20

Heart Print Banded Tunic Top - $28

Sizes: 14-24

Ditsy Floral Printed Raincoat - $50

Sizes: 14-22

Solid Purple Raincoat - $40

Sizes: 16-26

Kiyonna Sage Green Tie-Front Cardigan - $38

Sizes: 0x-5x

Fall Fashion Finds..

2010-08-10T23:45:00.000-07:00

Just a little funny video of some hideously amazing finds at Target. Enjoy! (ps. This is the Trade Chic version of "What Not to Wear")

We Love This!

2010-08-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

ASOS | ASOS CURVE Cotton Crochet Trim Chick Dress at ASOS

Fall Teaser

2010-08-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the styles coming in Fall!

Three Words: WIDE CALF BOOTS

2010-08-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

It's almost boot season! Instead of even attempting to find a single pair of "stretchy" or "adjustable" boots at Nordstrom or Macy's this year just come into Trade Chic to buy your SUPER CUTE wide calf (and wide foot) fit boots! Here is a sneak preview of (just a few pairs!) what you have to salivate over in September!

Fall @ Trade Chic

2010-07-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the looks for FALL at Trade Chic. (Coming in September)

Party, Fall styles, and THANK YOU!

2010-07-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

I recently got the Evan's Fall look book.. and I am MADLY in love with all of the looks. They are the styles that I went into plus size fashion for. We're FINALLY here with uncompromised style for big girls!
I will be carrying them in the store..but I can't give you a sneak peek for a few days! If you really want to see, I have the look book at the store and I'll share with you!

ALSO
Tuesday August 1st we will be having a champagne soiree event to show off some of the funky Evan's styles that we are getting in this week! Please stop by between 7-9pm on Tuesday to shop and have some champagne!

THANK YOU to everyone that voted for 'The Best of Redmond 2010!" We won "Best new Business" and placed for "Best Customer Service!" GRACIAS!

Mid-Summer Collection, Coming in August!

2010-07-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

Here is the collection that will be here in the beginning of August! Enjoy!

Black Frill-Hem Tee: $38

Burnout Skull studded-trim top: $42

Navy Military Shoulder Cardigan: $54

Antique Embroidered Cami (Pink and grey available): $52

Peach Frill Cardigan: $65

Studded Heart Tee: $42

Striped Bow Print Tee: $34

Blue Stripe Boyfriend Shirt: $52

Girl Print Bow 2 in 1: $57

All Over Bow Sequin Pocket top: $38

Jeweled Cameo Motif Top: $44

Denim Crop Shorts:

New In!

2010-06-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

Some styles we have recently gotten in!

Peach Lace bubble-hem top. Sizes 16-28. $48

Bow detail tee. Sizes 18-22. $40

Sequin X-back tank. Sizes 16-28. $47
Purple Cardi (used), Size 2-3x. $14

Black and Gold trim Anorack. Sizes 16-28. $88 (Now on Sale! $10 off! $78)

Drop-waist vintage style lace dress (Used) Size 16. $22

Yellow floral bodice dress. (Used) Size 16. $22

Black & White gathered swim cover-up dress. Sizes 1-3x. $36

Best of Redmond

2010-06-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

Please go to The Redmond Reporter's Website to vote for Trade Chic as Best New Store and Best Clothing Store in Redmond!

You can vote for us for "Best Live Entertainment" too if you're feeling sassy. :P

We really appreciate you taking the minute to vote for us!

Don't Dress Like a Dork!

2010-06-08T23:53:00.000-07:00

Does your boyfriend or husband need some SERIOUS fashion help? Are you embarrassed by his clothing choices?

NOW there is an affordable and efficient personal shopper for him!

http://www.dontdresslikeadork.com/

Check it out!

Back to Basics for Summer '10!

2010-05-19T15:14:00.000-07:00

Trade Chic is well stocked on funky Spring and Summer styles- now it's time for the basics! Keep cool in simple styles, or pair the funky chic look with some simple additions, like a cotton bolero! This will all be at Trade Chic soon! Comments?!

Trade Chic Boutique

2010-05-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Some of you have been mentioning that when you visit our website you cannot get a feel for what type of boutique we are, are we like Torrid or LB? Well, see the photos below to answer your questions!

New Dresses! Perfect for a wedding!

2010-05-14T22:08:00.001-07:00

Business Chic

2010-04-23T13:15:00.001-07:00

Want to sass-up your business wear? Try a sexy mini dress with a conservative blazer and then add some chic printed tights!! Come and try on some options in our New OR Used sections!

Pink Hanger Sale

2010-04-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

20% Off everything on a pink hanger! Like this dress and cardigan!

May 1st Arrivals

2010-04-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

On May 1st we will be receiving all of these items for Spring/Summer!

Trade Chic Vs...

2010-04-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

This week:

Trade Chic's grey lined mac trench coat (By Evans) for $80

OR Calvin Klein Plus Sizes Modern Trench in Grey for $169 (yes, that's double the price of the one above!)

Which will it be? Come try on our grey Mac for yourself!

New Shipment!

2010-04-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

Next week we will be receiving these styles, so come try them on and shop!

We're OPEN!

2010-03-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

We Opened on Saturday the 27th and we will now be open 7 days a week!

Hours: Monday-Friday 11-7, Saturday 10-7, Sunday 11-5. Buy/sell/trade hours: all day every day!

Check tradechic.net for the latest styles!

Grand Opening Soiree for Trade Chic

2010-03-09T11:15:00.000-08:00

Trade Chic will be OPENING its doors on March 27th, 2010! This long awaited opening will be celebrated with an evening event in which plus size ladies will be invited to shop and try on the great new clothes while enjoying dessert and champagne! Please go to http://www.tradechic.net/ and sign up for Fashion>>Forward to be invited to this event!

We cannot wait to see you all!!

OPENING IN MARCH!

2010-02-28T09:24:00.001-08:00

Trade Chic will be opening around March 20th @ 16508 Redmond Way right next to Amanda's Bridal!

Evans has DONE IT!

2009-10-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

If Evans were a man, I would marry him right after seeing this new stuff!!

Top Winter Coat Picks

2009-10-12T23:54:00.000-07:00

Steve Madden Toggle Coat
Available in Sizes 14-24 @ Nordstrom.com
Available in grey, magenta, yellow & purple
$178

Old Navy Women's Plus Military Coat
Available in sizes 16-30 @ Oldnavy.com
$82

Duffle Coat

Available in UK sizes 14-32 @ Evans.co.uk

Also Available in purple & black

$78

Purple Bib Front Duffle Coat

Available in Sizes 18-22 UK (14-18 US) @DorothyPerkins.com

Also Available in lt. blue

$102

Tiered Coat

Available in pink, purple, yellow, black @ DorothyPerkins.com

Available in sizes 18-22 UK (14-18 US)
$118

Dooberry Coat - Black Only

Available in Sizes 14-22 US @ Carmakoma.com

$231

(Check out the back detail!!)

YES, PLEASE!

2009-10-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

Sweater of the week (from Evans)!!!

How Do I Know How an Online Style Fits?

2009-10-08T23:11:00.000-07:00

As a plus-size shopper, I have tried on countless styles and brands at store's like Macy's, Torrid, Lane Bryant, Nordstrom.. etc, etc. and every single brand and style fits differently. By now, I know that a size 3x in Juicy Couture fits more like a 1.5x, a Macy's "Eyeshadow" brand top in a 3x fits more like a 1x, Calvin Klein Jeans 1x actually fits more like a 2x.. and so on. I am an experienced plus size shopper. Most plus size fashion-savvy women can tell you that sizes vary depending on the brand/quality of the product. The same rule goes for buying online.. how do I know that what the GAP says is a size 18 fits the same as my Torrid size 18 jeans? (they are no where near the same, as the GAP does not adjust sizes based on body shape, like plus size brands do, they just make their styles in bigger sizes). Buying plus-size clothing online from a store that does not have a physical retail location for which you can go in and try clothes on is tricky. I took it upon myself to order clothing from most online plus-size retailers so that I could help some of you make sizing decisions before making costly purchases with non-refundable shipping charges! SO, in alphabetical order:

I am a true size 18 on top and bottom as well as dress size (I will post a full body picture below so you can compare sizes) Of course, my clothing size can fluctuate anywhere between a 16 and a 22, soo.. here are my approximations.

Alloy.com: xxxl fits like a realistic size 22 top when the fabric is stretchy, but if the fabric is a non-stretch, the xxxl fits a bit snug in the chest region and fits more like an 18. I have an xxxl cotton halter top that is too big on me and fits like a 22/24 and I also have a satin dress with no stretch that fits like a small 18.

(This cute dolman sleeve top (Left) from alloy would probably be a bit loose on a size 18/20 girl in an xxxl)

MissPhit.com has a handful of cute styles, most notably, they offer a lot of styles in the popular buffalo checker print. Missphit claims to use plus size 24 fit models, but their 3x fits like a size 18/20. I would order this cute checker dress in a 3x. (Above)

BandLu.com has some cute styles that are offered up to a size 5x! Their clothing is affordable and often unique. I ordered two tops and two dresses from BandLu.com and I found that, because of the thin, stretchy cotton material they chose for their styles, that my size 2x items were not flattering- but they did fit! I did order one halter style dress in a 2x that was no where near a real size 2x.. more like a size 14/16 with absolutely no room to budge in the chest. I would LOVE to look great in their clothes (like this dress on the left) but because of the stretchy cotton that sticks to every imperfection of my chubby belly, it isn't going to happen (even with spanx!)

Evans.co.uk is my favorite plus-size retailer. 90% of my clothing comes from the UK store. I pay a hefty shipping fee- but it is SO worth it. Trade Chic also has an exclusive deal with Evans of London (that means we're the only place in the USA you can come into a store and try their stuff on before making your purchase!!). Evans runs in UK sizes, which means that their size 22 is really a US size 18. Their clothing runs great to size.. all of my things from Evan's are a 22/24 (I usually get a 24 in fitted tops and dresses.) The really great thing about Evans for me is that all of their clothes seem to be made for a tall woman. I am 5'10" and clothes are ALWAYS too short on me, but not Evans! They have a really broad range of styles, including long-line tops, formal attire, wide range shoes/boots, lingerie, and outerwear, all of which fits just right!

DorothyPerkins.com is not actually a plus-size store, but they offer clothing up to a UK size 22, which is a US size 18. Their size 22 fits like a size 20 in most cases, the exception being some of their "tunics" and tailored clothing, which may fit a very petite size 18 girl (shorter than 5'5). I ordered a dress, two tunics, a cotton long line tank top "vest" and a blazer from DP and I found that the tunics were about 2 sizes too small for me (in a size 22UK) the dress was absolutely perfect (but too short to be a dress, I wear it with leggings as shown below), and the blazer was actually too big and fit like a size 22/24 US size blazer would. LOVE the DP styles and will definitely order more in the future- worth the shipping fees!

Have an online store you want me to test out? Let me know -- chances are I've already got a review for you!

Here is my full body shot for your size comparison:

(Dress: Dorothy Perkins)

(Dress: Torrid)

How to Wear Fall Jackets

2009-10-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Long Fall Parka (Evans)

Skinny Jeans (Fragile Denim)

Knee-High Boot (Zappos)

Funky Fringe Scarf (Evans)

Pair a long fall parka with skinny jeans, trendy knee-high or over-the-knee boots and a funky scarf to add flare and you are ready for a day out in the city, walking to class, or running your errands!

How to Wear Sequins/Shine

2009-10-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

Sequins and shine are HUGE this season, but it is important they are not in competition with one another on your body! Here is an example of how we would put sequins/shine together at Trade Chic.

Notice the simple bottom layers: A white/grey tank and a basic pair of skinny jeans.
The black jacket brings all the flare the outfit needs and the black flats with gold trinket keep the outfit simple, but detailed. Pair this outfit with a funky clutch and it's perfect for going out at night or keep it perfect for the day time with a big hobo bag! (evans.co.uk for more styles!)

I'm Going to Have a Fashion-Induced Heart Attack!

2009-10-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

AMAZING. Evans.. if your clothes were a person, we'd be exclusively dating.

<3

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carmakoma

2009-10-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

Carmakoma is my new favorite designer for unique lines/cuts and details. Check out some of these great styles. If I could import these from Europe, how much would you be willing to spend on them in my store?? Give me some ideas and I'll try my hardest.

(LOVE this color!)

Amen.

2009-10-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

Attention to Detail

2009-10-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

My biggest fashion turn-on is detail. Detail in the lines, shape and decor of a piece. Below are some of my favorite detailed pieces from Dorothy Perkins. (They go to a US size 18, but do run a big larger in their jackets/blazers)

Beading/embellishment is HUGE right now.. it's too bad no US plus size designers have come up with something yet... BUT.. the good news is Trade Chic will be selling all the styles like the ones you see above.. in YOUR SIZE! (Not the EXACT same things... but either almost identical or same style)

<3TC

Current Trends I'm LOVING.

2009-10-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

So, Europe seems to have a better grip on fashion than the US... at least for plus sizes! Here are the current trends in plus sizes that I am dying to own!

Trends to Fill Your Closet With

1. Exposed Zipper Detail

2. Shoulder Embellishment

3. Geometric Shapes

4. Sequined Blazer

5. Sleeve/Shoulder Tailoring/Detail

(Styles from Evans.co.uk)

The Trade Chic Revolution Is Coming!

2009-10-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

Trade Chic is a plus size clothing store that will offer a selection of styles in sizes 16+ that are unobtainable elsewhere in the USA! Styles that look like they just walked off the runway (from straight size designers!) will be hanging in our store for you to fall in love with! The concept for Trade Chic, is to provide a store that offers a selection of plus size clothing that inspires a "Oh My God.. I never knew you could get this kind of fashion in THIS size" type of reaction. Half of the store will be all new clothing imported from a secret designer in the UK (Don't worry, we're working very hard to keep it affordable!) and half of the store will be set up in a buy/sell/trade manner, where we give you $$ for your stylish plus size clothes!

We can't wait to open and we would LOVE your feedback on some of our fashion choices.


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