The Thick Girl's Ultimate On-line Shopping Guide

The Internet Brings Cutting Edge Fashion to Girls with Curves

The Internet rocks.

Sure, it made global communities possible, brokered love for the lonely and almost elected a President, but for curvy girls who get no love in retail stores the Internet is the great equalizer. No snobby sales girls, no knife fights over the one "large size" stores stock just to taunt you and no emotional eating in the food court after discovering that not a single pair of jeans in the whole mall accommodates your entire ass. Yes, the Internet rocks.

It really rocks when you bookmark some of my favorite, time-tested curvy girl fashion sites.

The first thing you have to know when shopping online is that most of the stores you know now carry fuller-figure options...just not in their actual stores. So if you see something you love at the mall, ask the sales staff if they offer it online. Then ask for an address where you can send your angry letter demanding that they reconsider carrying all of their sizes on the sales floor...but that's another article.

This article is about feeling good and looking even better. We'll begin with the grandmomma of them all: Lane Bryant. LB revolutionized fuller-sized retail by nixing the moo-moo and offering contemporary styles in sizes 14-26. Today, they continue that online at www.lanebryant.com. Also note that many pants are available in several lengths and they have just created a bridal and maternity line.

LB Mix, their new junior line, offers all the 'Mean Girls' style in sizes that real girls can rock. It's also a great place for a cool graphic tee or some funky jeans, no matter your age.

Upgrade You

When your plans involve something a bit more exciting than jeans and career wear you need that perfect little black dress. Or, even better, that perfect little red dress!

For that you'll need Kiyonna (www.kiyonna.com). Slightly more upscale (read: pricier) than your average woman-sized retailer, Kiyonna earns every penny of it with great fabrics, attention to cut, drape and killer styling. Think investment pieces for sizes 12 and up.