QVC: The TV Shopping Network Sells the Best Clothing Online

Does it ever seem that women's jeans are only made for those 5'7 or taller with a boy's figure? This has always been my problem; regardless of my waist size (which usually runs hourglass), trying to find a length that works on my altitudinally-challenged frame is no fun. And who wants to hem? By the time a petite woman hems a pair of non-petite jeans, she's apt to discover the actual shape of the jeans has changed significantly. Instead of a tapered ankle, you end up with the wider calf section.

One of the best places I've found for women's jeans overall that are true to size, very comfortable, and require no post-purchase tailoring comes from QVC, the TV shopping network with a just-as-busy sister Web site. Their Denim and Company line almost always fits perfectly, right out of the UPS shipping box. The price isn't bad either; rarely do their jeans cost more than $23. The same is true with their leggings, which in this case are very much like jeans but usually without pockets.

You get a delicious choice of colors, too, from tried-and-true indigo to chocolate, all the way to sedate plaids and the occasional trim stripe. Other slacks and leggings come in corduroy, velvet, twill, and trendy other selections.

Here's another bonus. My size tends to go up and down, common with many women, especially those of us between puberty and death (cough). Most of the QVC "stretch" denims you buy at your actual size have just enough stretch to accommodate a bloat day while still looking ideal during your thinner times.

I know everyone expects those of us who are not a perfect size two to shop at Lane Bryant exclusively, but puh-leez! Yes, Lane Bryant is pretty affordable, often has hard to locate sizes, and features a good color range. But way too frequently, their clothes scream "Fat Person!" One dead giveaway there, of course, is a predominance of polyester knits, true for too many of the larger size stores and manufacturers.

But those of us with fuller figures don't like polyester any more than our smaller size sisters. Anyone who has worn some of the older-type polyester knits in summer time knows they offer little air circulation and serve to jack up the discomfort level exponentially.

One of the best gauges you should use in evaluating any fuller size clothing store is the presence of a real range of clothing - not ever generously hipped woman is age 70 or cares to look like she is. Look for natural fibers. Any good shop will have non-synthetics as well as all that unnatural polyester, ranging from Egyptian cotton to tweed to silk and wool. Also spend some time looking at the cut and detail of the clothing itself. Too many manufacturers seem to toss larger sizes together with little attention to the better details like proper vents, adjustable belts and sleeves, and quality extras.

If you haven't visited Silhouettes, the online shop that caters to the generously proportioned,you really must. Silhouettes.com carries many clothing lines that employ natural fibers, good detail, and all the nice extras that women (sizes 2 to 32) crave. I've been shopping with them for about seven years, and I've never been disappointed with the quality or the fit of their offerings.

A great example of this was with the purchase of riding boots. I'd tried on dozens of pairs that left enough room in the calf to carry a cat. More often, however, the calves are not properly proportioned, accommodating plumper ankles but offering really no spare room in the calves, along with a failure to taper the leg properly. Yet the very first pair of Silhouettes brand riding boots I bought fit beautifully from day one - no stretching or sock-stuffing required.

These boots, available in at least three styles, boasted a reasonable list price of $120 that I got for less than half that. The fantastic surprise was that the boots were delightfully comfortable. When was the last time you slipped on tall boots and forgot you were wearing boots? That's the kind of experience you get with Silhouettes, whether you're shopping for a fetching camisole, a sexy silk tunic, or an outfit perfect for weekend wear.

Love the comfort of sweats around the house but bloody tired of having gorilla-length arms just to find a sweatshirt that fits your bust? Stay away from the racks at Wal-mart and check out Just My Size, the specialty extension of Hanes Online. You're apt to get a nearly perfect fit, while still at bargain prices, when you shop online at Just My Size.

Plus warm sweats are just part of what they offer. Think quality bras (ones that actually fit your shape), pantyhose and stockings in all the best colors and sizes, along with fun dresses and footwear. You can also find knee socks that fit curvaceous calves and French cut panties that won't ride up to your chin.

They offer enough selection that one year, most of my summer wardrobe came from a one-time Web visit, at prices that hardly broke my wallet. You can also pick up t-shirts (of course!) in all the season's best colors, and use links over to Hanes' regular site to shop for kids and hubbie, too.