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New plus size fashion resource

The "Lu" of plus size fashion e-tailer b&lu has parted ways with her Twin Cities-based sister, moved to Green Bay and launched her own contemporary plus size line: Lucie Lu. The similarities are undeniable: modern, feminine looks driven by style rather than size. Like b&lu, Lucie Lu is extremely price-conscious: Dresses for $39; jeans for $42. Where b&lu is quite whimsical, Lucie appears to be going for a somewhat more refined look, offering blazers with sheen and cable knit cardigans in addition to smart dresses and chic tops. Sibling rivalry looks to be a boon to the 1X to 5X fashionista.

Plus size options

When Fox 9's Alix Kendall asked if I could round up some affordable plus size fashions for a segment Wednesday on "The Buzz," my goal was to avoid Lane Bryant. Don't get me wrong - I think LB has some great, trendy looks for reasonable prices - it's just difficult to imagine a curvy woman that has not already shopped there. Plus size shoppers are compelled to stick to the malls: the department stores and a couple of chains, like Torrid along with strip center staples like Catherine's - seem to be the only options. That's why I was so pleased to be able to pull spring fashions from two Twin Cities-based boutiques: Corset in Hopkins goes up to size 3X or 18 on most items and larger sizes can be ordered. Maple Grove-based Bandlu.com (pictured), an online boutique (I keep working on them to open a store) takes its inspiration from Anthropologie, but in sizes up to 5X and at prices that rarely climb over $60.
Some additional local resources for larger sizes:
- Nani Nalu at 50th & France for swimsuits that fit D-cups, and larger
- La Bratique at 50th & France and Allure on Grand Avenue in St. Paul for lingerie in sizes the department stores don't offer
- Plums Plus Size in Columbia Heights for consignment clothes (several other consignment shops have a plus size section, including Clothes Mentor with five locations and more to come and Upscale Consignment in St. Louis Park, Woodbury and Inver Grove Heights)
-Andrea's Vintage and Bridal in Minneapolis sells some plus size vintage wedding gowns
-LaRue's in South Minneapolis offers artfully made, natural fiber clothes in larger sizes
Of course the reality is, the broadest selection of plus size options are online. A few with some momentum: Abby Z. on HSN, Ashley Stewart, Roamans and eShakti. Also check out Igigi and Kiyonna.

Changes at Stephanie's

Can't say I'm surprised: popular Highland Park boutique Stephanie's is closing its 50th & France location. Perfect example of success at one store not guaranteeing another. Stephanie Morrissey has such a great eye for fashion that it seemed like a sure-thing to bring her well-edited assortment across the river. Unfortunately, she didn't follow and her absence was obvious. The Edina store lacked the warmth and personality you feel in St. Paul. The clothes don't sell themselves - even when they're adorable. The Edina inventory will be absorbed by Highland in the coming months (translation: no blowout sale). Currently, the winter 50-70 percent off sale is still on at both locations, and some new merchandise for spring will be brought in at 50th. "We're in no hurry to leave," Morrissey said. But when they do, lines only carried at 50th, including Tibi, Genetic Denim and Shoshanna will be available in St. Paul. And while no other street addresses are planned, Morrissey is turning her attention online. She plans to open an online store and expand her inventory for that venture, while holding on to price-friendly but fashion forward brands like Costa Blanca and Urban Behavior as well as the tried and true Nicole Miller, Susana Monaco and James Jeans. Sounds like a plan.

Here come the copies

It's been 12 hours since the Golden Globes and replicas of some red carpet dresses are already in production for eDressme.com. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so the big winners are Sandra Bullock's strapless purple chiffon Bottega Veneta and Kate Hudson's structured white Marchesa. Really? Expect a second wave of replicas after Joan Rivers gives all the dresses the once-over tonight on E's Fashion Police.

Victoria's Secret's Secret

The secret is out: Victoria's Secret is introducing a collection of shape wear called Secret. It hits stores Thursday. Shape wear from VS is so obvious and yet so tricky: to admit that a VS girl needs any amount of sucking in puts the cellulite-free fantasy franchise at risk. But leave it to Victoria's: they've found a way to make girdles sexy. There's the "Cheek-a-Boo" mini skirt with thong (trying to imagine walking in that) and the "You're Busted" push-up cami. Sassy. Reassuring to know that even angels can use some smoothing and smushing. Yet somehow I can't help but feel that the high waist shaper brief is going to make me feel that much less like a supermodel.

The large stigma

Never fails: the larges are last to go. Talked to boutique owner Jada Breuer of Karma on St. Paul's Grand Avenue about what's left on the clearance rack and predictably, it has more to do with size than style. "The XL girls are fine with their size and snatch them up, but I always get stuck with the larges, even if they are on the small side." So while the deals pile up on the sale rack, size large girls are either squeezing into mediums or not shopping until they drop a few pounds. Breuer admits she has occasionally resorted to cutting size tags out of garments and usually, they sell. If women could just get over the number, Breuer promises, "you could totally hit the jackpot with markdowns!"

Love Culture at West End

Anthropologie and Creative Kidstuff have some company at the slow-to-get-going new Shops at West End in St. Louis Park. Love Culture is open, and ready to give H&M and Forever 21 some competition. Did the sign on that t-shirt table really say $2.90 each??! This fast growing, fast fashion chain was founded just two years ago in Los Angeles and now boasts 23 stores in 11 states. West End is Minnesota's first. The store is big and bright with lots of trendy temptations for less than $50 - heck, many less than $30 - like buckle ankle boots, sweater dresses, long tops, leggings and plenty of basics and accessories. Just be sure to try things on: the return policy is not-so-friendly and some items, like the $35 boots, are final sale - even at regular price. Still, great to have a new player in town!

Their hotness knows no bounds

Add three more addresses to Hot Mama's ever expanding empire. Today the Edina-based boutique chain announced plans to open in Eden Prairie (next to Kona Grill) in March, with two more openings to follow in April at Hilldale Mall in Madison, Wis. and the new Shops at West End in St. Louis Park. That will bring the total to 16 Hot Mama stores throughout the Midwest - seven in the Twin Cities.
It's great to see a local husband and wife team succeed - it was just five years ago that Megan and Mike Tamte opened their first store in 50th & France, having not even decided whether or not to offer maternity apparel. Now, they've got the formula down: serve moms during pregnancy and beyond by making it easy for them to shop for hip, contemporary clothes. That means sales associates that double as babysitters, toys, video games, plenty of seating and a free flow of animal crackers. Genius. Hot Mama was the pioneer - even Old Navy has play tables now. But Hot Mama has figured out how to make moms - and kids - comfortable. And apparently, they've figured out how to conquer a recession. The Tamtes told the St. Paul Pioneer Press in October that their strategy is to expand when no one else is, which gets them lower rent and more flexible deals. They've also lowered their price points.
I just hope they don't lose focus on the fashion. The last few times I was in, the selection was underwhelming. The racks were messy. Animal crackers are great and all, but if the jeans and tops don't make me feel hot, I'm not buying.

Shaping a brand

Shapewear is designed to give women confidence, but Hollywood Fashion Tape took it to a whole new level Thursday night at Maiden Minnesota. Their shapewear model had no trouble attracting attention in the crowded ballroom of locally made products and eager shoppers.

Take that, Anna Wintour

 

Minneapolis-based fashion designer Joy Teiken delighted the hometown crowd with her spring 2010 Joynoelle ready-to-wear and bridal collections, shown Thursday at Gallery 13 in Minneapolis. Lots of fitted bodices and feminine details went into these utterly lovely, wearable dresses. She called it "Pretty Little Houses" in response to Vogue editor Anna Wintour's comment that Minnesotans look like little houses. Look at these pictures, Ms. Wintour! No really, look. So, a Minnesota fashion show isn't going to make a career like one in New York can do, but it does make a difference in terms of respect, buzz and sheer energy. "It's like a dance performance," Joy said of her fashions. "You just want to get it in front of an audience." She had a lot of local support, from individuals and companies. But for fashion to continue moving in the direction Joy is trying to take it locally, the big money sponsors are going to have to step up...and get us out of our little houses.

Photos courtesy of Sohail Akhavein for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. See more in the paper on Sunday, Oct.11.