Large Plus Size Clothing

WolfSong2000

terra_ferma wrote: »

Also Taking Shape has a good sale on, and 20% off all dresses. If it's your first order you also get an extra 20% off. And postage is always free.
The quality is excellent, those pieces will last a long time.
Sizing is totally off, e.g. I wear a 24 in trousers, I got a 22 and some trousers are still slightly too big. Their tops are very generous on the hips and bust (similar to Ann Harvey) but the arms can be rather small. I suggest getting two sizes to try on, or visit a shop if you can.
Also some colours are brighter than they look on the website, be prepared for some deep emerald greens in your wardrobe
(I'm very grateful to the posters who mentioned TS on this thread, at first I dismissed it as being very expensive, but the sales have brought prices down to a more affordable level, THANK YOU!).

Taking Shape is *mostly* true to size, but there are certain items that are a bit different (either in size or design). If you have a store near you, it's worth going in and speaking to the stylists. They should have a good knowledge of what will suit you best as well as give ideas of new things to try (ask about styling sessions - free, no obligation and great fun. I had one last year and that's how I got introduced to the brand). If you don't have a store close by, the website offers free delivery and free returns.

TS *were* very expensive when they initially opened in the UK last year, but their pricing has vastly improved - plus it's worth keeping an eye out for special offers (they regularly run 20% off offers and at the moment I think there is a buy one, get one half price on jewellery) which make things more affordable. I will say that the quality cn be variable...some of the stuff is brilliant (and washes really well), but I have also seen some bits which are shockingly bad (very few, thank goodness!) so it's worth trying things.

terra_ferma

WolfSong2000 wrote: »

Taking Shape is *mostly* true to size, but there are certain items that are a bit different (either in size or design). If you have a store near you, it's worth going in and speaking to the stylists. They should have a good knowledge of what will suit you best as well as give ideas of new things to try (ask about styling sessions - free, no obligation and great fun. I had one last year and that's how I got introduced to the brand). If you don't have a store close by, the website offers free delivery and free returns.

TS *were* very expensive when they initially opened in the UK last year, but their pricing has vastly improved - plus it's worth keeping an eye out for special offers (they regularly run 20% off offers and at the moment I think there is a buy one, get one half price on jewellery) which make things more affordable. I will say that the quality cn be variable...some of the stuff is brilliant (and washes really well), but I have also seen some bits which are shockingly bad (very few, thank goodness!) so it's worth trying things.

Unfortunately I don't have a shop near me, but might try one that is close to where my sister lives next time I visit her. It worries me as I would be tempted to buy lots of stuff at full price

I've just received another order, bought quite a few things overall, well at least tried, because their sizing is very unpredictable, particularly tops, I should wear an XXL but it's been anything between XL and M! You get free returns/exchanges which is great, but as you have to book a collection with no time slot it's a real pain.
So far the quality has been very good, I'm impressed. I'm going to be a very regular customer.:)
They've just added more stuff to their sales, I'd better stay away...

ETA I had to say that since the demise of Ann Harvey I had forgotten how different good quality clothes feel, rather than the flimsy stuff you get in most shops, got a few bits from Yours Clothing, Evans etc and you can really tell.

dandelionclock30

Have you tried Next Mens? I got some t shirts off them last year really cheap and in nice colours, such as orange, lilac and light purple. They were I think 2 for about £12. All sizes upto really big.
Perfectly fine for women who dont want to wear tight stuff.

terra_ferma

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

Have you tried Next Mens? I got some t shirts off them last year really cheap and in nice colours, such as orange, lilac and light purple. They were I think 2 for about £12. All sizes upto really big.
Perfectly fine for women who dont want to wear tight stuff.

I can't work out which post you are replying to, it's a long thread now .

newleaf

Thanks for the rec for Taking Shape. Just ordered a nice looking dress for £19, with free delivery

hjd

terra_ferma wrote: »

So far the quality has been very good, I'm impressed. I'm going to be a very regular customer.:)
They've just added more stuff to their sales, I'd better stay away...

ETA I had to say that since the demise of Ann Harvey I had forgotten how different good quality clothes feel, rather than the flimsy stuff you get in most shops, got a few bits from Yours Clothing, Evans etc and you can really tell.

I bought a couple of workout/active items from TS which are great, although as you say the sizing is interesting.
However, I also bought a T shirt and the quality was awful. It shrunk quite a bit, so now barely covers my middle, and it has twisted badly.
I have to say I was not very keen on a lot of Ann Harvey stuff - far too much polyester and also designed for shorter people than me. Evans have some OK longer tops at the moment which are cotton so suit me much better.

terra_ferma

hjd wrote: »

I bought a couple of workout/active items from TS which are great, although as you say the sizing is interesting.
However, I also bought a T shirt and the quality was awful. It shrunk quite a bit, so now barely covers my middle, and it has twisted badly.
I have to say I was not very keen on a lot of Ann Harvey stuff - far too much polyester and also designed for shorter people than me. Evans have some OK longer tops at the moment which are cotton so suit me much better.

I must have been lucky and picked good quality items then, but useful to hear other people's feedback.

I don't wear polyester, I like viscose (not everybody does) and cotton. Still have a lot of viscose tops from AH, some must have been washed 100 times....
However towards the end of their lifespan I found it more difficult to get stuff I liked, they seemed to have gone for an older age group (or what they perceive people my age want to dress like). A while back I remember they made a comment about their customers not going out when it snows, they clearly thought we were all little (well not so little ) old ladies afraid to break their hip....

The problem I have with AH was that they were too big in the chest, because their measurements were generous in that area. Same with TS, except that the arms are smaller, not great for my shape but you can't please everybody.
Never had problems with length at AH, I assume I must be shorter than you, TS are longer, but I like that, it's hard to find tunics that are that long (except when they are sold as mini dresses and priced accordingly...).

mabelcable

I ordered 4 of the cotton dresses at the weekend and they have arrived today . 1 was too big and as there is no longer 20% off the dresses I phoned them and they will exchange items for the price paid including codes.
I know a few people on here ordered dresses so I thought I'd let you know.
The dresses are all cotton voile and were £35 orginally I thought they might be lined but they're not . The 'Carlota' is lovely with beading detail but had I paid the full price for the others I think I would have been disappointed but at under £20 each they're fine.
If anyone wants any more info on the cotton dresses let me know.
I don't know if my bank balance will hold up with all these fab postings.
Cheers
M:j

terra_ferma

Useful to know because I got an email telling me they don't do exchanges (after filling in the form they include exactly for that purpose....). They seem a bit disorganised, I'll call them tomorrow.

newleaf

My £19 dress came today, and I can now see it was reduced from £55, so a nice bargain. It's very nice quality - although it is polyester, which I wouldn't usually wear. Providing it fits (haven't tried it on yet) it's a keeper. Very impressed with their delivery arrangements, packaging etc.