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If you're a plus-sized woman, this is what you find when you shop for clothes:

* Clothes that are upsized versions of "skinny" fashions, not designs made to fit and flatter your body.

* A small department at the back of the store, hidden behind Maternity next to Men's Work Boots. (Target, are you listening?)

* Poor selection, particularly when it comes to clothes to wear to work. I've been in some "women's" departments where I couldn't even put together a full outfit - they had tops and jackets but no skirts, or pants but no blouses.

* "I'm sorry, we've decided to make our women's department catalog-only to allow for better selection." (L.L. Bean, explaining why they no longer sell plus-size women's clothing at their stores - and by the way, the selection online is extremely limited)

* Salespeople who look at your body pityingly or with disgust, and say things like "I'm sorry, we have NOTHING for YOU here." (What if I'd come in to buy accessories, or to shop for a friend?)

* Row after row, store after store, full of attractive clothing you can't buy. (Talbot's, are you listening?)

* Poor fabrics and ugly styles (I'm talking about you, Catherine's!).

So what's the solution? Thanks to the magic of the Internet, I now shop only at stores that carry clothing that fits me and looks good on me. A few favorites:

* Peggy Lutz (www.plus-size.com) - expensive but very much worth it, with great customer service.

* Holy Clothing (www.holyclothing.com) - Indian cotton dresses, skirts and tops at low prices - great if you like the Renaissance/romantic look, which I do

* Land's End - one of the few "traditional" clothing stores that offers a decent plus-size line

* Zaftique - good for professional and party wear

* J. Jill - some nice items, especially for those who prefer a quiet style

* Torrid - nothing quiet here! Skews younger, and I've had some quality issues with them, but they've got the styles.

Learn more about this author, Pat Washburn.
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