Hip and Fresh Plus Size Clothing (women's) and Tailoring Questions -- HELP!!!

I am a young professional and have been struggling for years to find brands of plus-size clothes that don't make me unattractive.  I often have a hard time finding quality clothes made of good fabrics that actually fit.  Typically, I will get something that's either too tight, too loose, or just plain ugly. 

I used to shop at Lane Bryant (LB) because there were other larger women there and I didn't feel like the skinny women were watching me buy plus size clothes.  

Most of the time I only buy pants at LB because their tops are very "busy," have very large prints on them, or the chest area is too big (yes, even for my size, and I'm not small on top). 

I can definitely understand that everyone has different taste in clothing, but is there a popular brand (easier to find) that makes good, quality clothing in a size 18 (or at least, is consistent in their measurements)? 

I also need help finding quiality business suits but I'm usually larger on the bottom than on top, and from one size to the next, I'm either in a skin tight suit jacket with short sleeves or my sleeves are too long and practically dragging on the floor (exaggeration included).  Any suggestions or recommendations for good brand(s) that offer separates?

Do you usually need to get your clothes tailored to suit your body?  I'm wondering whether I just need to "suck it up" and find a good tailor, but those are also hard to find (and pricey).  Why can't our clothes fit us as well and look as good as the smaller sizes? 

It's NOT FAIR

I like to order online from Newport-news.com and return anything that looks bad or doesn't fit.  I'm not an 18, but their clothing fit me well in the 14s and has larger sizes.  Now that I'm smaller their clothes still fit me well.

sometimes I find things at Fasion Bug and Cato

http://www.fashionbug.com/

http://www.catofashions.com/

I'm not plus size anymore, but was until very recently (woo hoo!).  However, I ofudn the same problem when trying to find professional attire.  Sorry, but tailoring is non-negotiable.  I did best at department stores, like Macy's and Lord & Taylor, and with separates rather than suits, as I have the same top/bottom size issue.  My Lord and Taylor has an in-store seamstress for alterations.  Both Anne Klein and Jones NY make plus size suit lines that fit well and come in decent quality fabrics. 

Yes it is more expensive than smaller sizes.  But I think its even more important to look neat and professional for larger-sized ladies, as size discrimination is definitely an issue in many workplaces.

Thanks so much for your comments.  I will try to look at Anne Klein and Jones NY.  I guess I'll also have to give the department store tailor a try.

I'm not that big but I wonder whether my calling is to make fabulous, professional clothing for larger women that doesn't make you look like you're wearing a curtain!!!  ARGH

If anyone else could chime in on what they do, I'd really appreciate it!!

I second Cato, for a little bit less expensive option and more along the nicer casual/business casual.  They have a lot of the exact same clothes on the plus size of the store as they do on the misses side, so usually a lot more trendy than LB. 

I also usually like the Alfred Dunner line at JC Penney.   As far as suits, I have not bought them, but I've noticed very nice ones at Sears.

Thanks for the comments.  There's a Cato nearby, so I think I'll try that place out.  How is Cato's long-term quality?  Are the prices reasonable?

I also like TJ Maxx and they have some things, but they don't always have everything in my size. 

I've also noticed that a lot of plus-size clothing is made of 100% polyester.  I'm trying to target not-100%-polyester type material :) 

I'll have to check out these suggestions.  Any other ideas?  Any mail-order or online stores?  What about Chico?  Is that a good plus-size brand?

i work at avenue and they have pretty cute clothes. it is pretty similar to lane bryant, though, i'd say a little more basic. in the store, they don't tend to have too many suits, but they may online. you might still have a little trouble with the bust area in some of their clothes, but most of their stuff is pretty decent. i actually find their button down style almost always fit perfectly, which never seems to happen for me. you can find them online at avenue.com

i think they have A LOT of cute fall clothes right now. i'm really trying to be careful about not spending more than i make there.

truthfully...the place where the clothes fit me the best is the GAP.  I wear a size 18 and I find that the clothes there actually FIT me.  there is no HUGE butt gap, the shirts are usually nicely fitting in the chest area and still fit in other areas as well.  Sometimes it is hard to find it in stores...but you can get it online...and you can always return it to the store if its a bad fit.  Plus...the clothes aren't gawdy or busy...they are just simple..and classy.  But like you said thats a matter of opinion I guess.

Dillard's & Macy's have nice plus size depts.  I prefer Dillard's.  They have great sales, too.  Anyway,  Polo Ralph Lauren comes in womens plus sizes up to 24 and often feature nice cottons and cotton blends.  Even silk blouses etc.  Also Ann Klein, Jones New York are great brands available in plus size.  As well as LizClaiborne,  Adrianna Pappell has exquisite dressy dresses.

My favorite place to shop for office wear is CJ Banks.  They don't sell suits, though.  They sell separates--slacks, sweaters, jackets--in great colors and designs.  I would say their clothes are classically cut--not the low-cut, flouncy stuff that Lane Bryant sells.

If you see something at CJ Banks that you like but it's not on sale, return in 4 - 6 weeks and see if you can find it on the sales rack.

Oh...I generally wear a 20 or 22.  Their sizes go down to 18 and quite a bit further up.

paperbackrider -- thanks for the wonderful suggestion!!  I actually live close to an Avenue store -- I just didn't know what they were about.  It happens that they might actually have what I need! :)  Small world, eh?  I'll definitely check them out this weekend!

mkitsin -- I will need to check out the Gap online.  I usually have a hard time ordering clothes online because you can't try them on and I have an oddly shaped body (apparently) :)  I will have to look, though, because I really like the Gap (I just didn't know that they had larger sizes--thanks for letting me know!!)

gpm55 -- I looked at Dillards and found some really cute "casual" wear, but not much that seemed appropriate for work.  I'll need to look around or try another Dillards because maybe their selection is different, depending on the store location.  Thanks for the suggestion and I'll definitely keep this in mind!

mamarose -- I've never heard of CJ Banks but will look for it online.  Thanks for the suggestion!!!

Thanks to everyone who has provided input.  I think I might have a better chance of looking stylish at work now that I have your opinions!!  Thanks so much and I welcome any comments from anyone who has additional suggestions!!!