It’s almost the winter solstice and I’m still trying to round out my wardrobe for the season. I am definitely lacking The Things that Go Under the Other Things. I have a few cardigans that right now really go over ONE thing, like a dress…and all the items in my closet need to do double or triple duty, so I’m looking for more layering pieces. I’m STILL looking for a white and grey tee or lightweight knit…a white button down blouse…and maybe a blushy nudey pink top. And a couple warm stand-alone (don’t need to go under or over something else) sweaters. So…as I hit Target weekly for tampons, etc., I always take a look through the plus size section. Here’s what I optimistically took into the dressing room with me last weekend.

target-1b

NOPE. Clearly.

target-2b

This was a better fit and more of a lightweight sweater vs. the first one that was a stretchy tee. But I don’t like having such a big “v” in the cold weather. This is an ongoing challenge I find with plus size tops – the neck-holes are too damn big. They’re too low and too wide.

target-3b

I have really wanted a grey heavy knit sweater. This is not it.

target-4b

Here’s what I’m finding about Ava&Viv fit – for ME. It seems to be sized for tall columnar bodies. I am neither tall not columnar. I am short. And stout. Like a teapot. I find Lane Bryant (and Ralph Lauren Woman, come to think of it!) are this same silhouette. As sizes go up, items get taller/longer rather than wider. I’m not a big Avenue fan anymore, style-wise, but they have more of a boxy, wide fit I find, which suits me better. I think I should stop wasting my time on Ava&Viv.

target-5b

And the trend continues. This wasn’t AWFUL. I like the color, I would like some wine in my wardrobe…but while it was long in the length and sleeves, it was too stretchy/clingy in the back. I felt like I was playing dress-up in grown-up’s clothes.

target-6b

And the last item, the only piece that was not Ava&Viv, was this camel Merona sleeveless blazer/vest. It was on the clearance rack and even though it was a 16 I thought maybe because it’s worn open and there are no sleeves, it MIGHT work. Nope.

Note: most everything I tried on was 40% off the ticket prices shown. But even with that discount, nothing was right or worth spending the money on.

The search continues. Sigh.

Where have you been finding nice winter plus size clothes, like sweaters with necks?