Top 10 Online Plus Size & Super Size Stores for the Shapely Shopper

It is never a good feeling to walk into a room and realize someone is wearing the exact same outfit, whether you are at a party, restaurant, or the workplace. Finding unique and fashionable outfits can be especially challenging for the plus size shopper since our options are far more limited than those of our more slender sisters. Thankfully, the internet has opened many doors for those of us with more curves than angles in our figures, including a plethora of online stores catering especially to those of us with ample figures. Here are my top 10 picks for online stores for the plus size shopper, in no particular order.

Size Appeal - Size Appeal is an extremely fashion forward designer and online seller of hip trendy fashions you can wear for any occasion - a fun night out with the girls, the office, a date, or even a night surfing online. I was a wee bit star-struck when I met one of the founders at a vendor fair, but she was down-to-earth and really committed to fun, fashionable clothing for plus size women. Be sure to sign up for the mailing list - not only do you get a first peek at new arrivals, but they often send out time sensitive coupon codes on a regular basis. My online shopping experience with Size Appeal has shown me that most of their clothing runs a little on the small side - so be sure to read the descriptions carefully for measurements. Size Appeal is exclusively online & carries plus sizes 14 to 26.

B & Lu - Another online retailer for plump fashionistas, B & Lu offers more trendy styles in a wider array of plus sizes than most online stores. I can't tell you how many times I've exclaimed over someone's fantastic outfit and been told they bought it online at B & Lu! You also MUST check out their sale section for amazing deals. Sizing can vary wildly between styles - make sure to check the sizing chart for the specific item you are looking at, as these charts are quite accurate. B & Lu is exclusively online & carries plus sizes 14 to 30.

Kiyonna - Kiyonna offers classic, flattering styles that have even been featured in major magazines - which must be quite an honor for a plus size retailer! Kiyonna sells online and in several brick & mortar stores worldwide - which only further proves their ability to create classic and appealing plus size apparel! Kiyonna's sizing tends to run small - small enough that you might want to order a size larger than usual. Stated plus sizes are 10 to 32, but realistically run more like 8 to 28.

Love Your Peaches (LYP) - or, as those of us "in the know" call it, Peaches, is probably the most accommodating online retailer you'll find in the world of online plus size clothing. Janelle, who founded and still runs LYP is, well, a real peach! Her clothing is comfortable and extremely well made, and she specializes in bikinis for we ladies who aren't afraid to show some skin at the beach! I've talked with Janelle on the phone and via email, and you can tell she really wants to make sure you're going to love what you ordered from her. She'll even make personal adjustments and you can even send her fabric to get a one of a kind item made especially for you. Peach's sizing is very generous - one of her key concerns is comfort, after all - but sometimes so much so that your regular size might be too big. Consult the sizing charts, and if you still have questions or want a garment adjusted especially for you, don't hesitate to give Janelle a call. Carries plus sizes 14 to 36 and beyond.

Torrid - Torrid has both brick & mortar stores and a really snappy online store that appeals to you funky dressers - Rockabilly, Goth, Emo, you name it, they have something for you - down to the undergarments! Because Torrid carries several different brands, sizing is unreliable and can be all over the map, so make sure you take the cut and cloth of the garment into consideration when it comes to fit. Carries plus sizes 12 to 28.

Igigi - Have a formal event, and not a thing to wear? Never fear, Igigi to the rescue! Formal isn't all they do, however - Igigi is the IT place online for plus size sleek, classy, and fashionable clothes. Another bonus is that their clothes run true-to-size, if not a bit on the large side. The sizing page on their website is very thorough and should help you find the best fit for any garment in their online store. Igigi is another online plus size retailer that has been featured in major magazines, and is also among the pricier of plus size retailers. However, I don't know anyone who regrets a purchase from Igigi - so be sure to check them out. Carries plus sizes 12 to 32.

Astarte - for something really unique, check out Astarte. Based in southern California, Astarte features exclusive and unique designs for formal wear, club wear, and career wear. I think it is pretty safe to say this is one of the few places online where you can buy a hand painted plus size silk jacket! Their sizing is unique, so be sure to read the sizing charts carefully. Carries plus sizes 14 to 32.

Old Navy - Yes, you read that right - Old Navy! Although not featured in their brick & mortar stores, Old Navy has an extensive plus size department online. Not only are their styles very much in tune with what they carry in their regular sizes, but so are the prices. You'll be hard pressed to find either trendy styles or reliable basics in the plus sizes you want at a cheaper price. And it sure doesn't hurt that returns are totally free and very easy. Sizing runs large - so in some items, you may want to order a size down. A good rule of thumb is if the item is intended to be fitted, order your regular size; if it's supposed to fit loosely, order a size down. Carries plus sizes 16 to 30.

Making It Big - Making It Big (MiB) really means what they say - they make it big! One of the very few online retailers that cater to the super size plus size community, MiB has everything from underwear to career wear, all in breezy, comfortable styles that have broad appeals. They also have a distinctly size positive point-of-view, which makes shopping there a pleasure. Sizes do run large so once again, be sure to pay close attention to sizing charts. Carries plus sizes 22 to 48.

Sanctuarie - Sanctuarie is another online retailer that caters to the super size market, although their focus is more on goth wear or extreme casual style (think t-shirts and knit pants). They tend to feature just a handful of styles, but in a wide array of colors or prints, so if you find something really flattering, you'll have LOTS of options. The prices are very reasonable and be sure to check out the sale area, which is broken down by dollar amount so you're sure to find something that fits your budget! Carries plus sizes through 9X.