I’ve skipped over Apple Bottoms in the past because of limited selection and because most of it could be found at Torrid. I’ve also skipped over it because in the pendulum of low self-esteem that besets us fat folks, this is on what I would term the “skanky” end – the other side, being the “shapeless” end where I pile most of the mumus and polyester pantsuits. I know I’m being harsh and judgmental here, probably overso, but something about seeing any woman wearing high heels – not boot heels, but pumps – with her jeans and sometimes her sweats just sets off my skank response. This is mostly because the look was the uniform of the trophy wife where I grew up in Indiana.
I’m aware that there’s a lot of getting over myself I need to do to give Apple Bottoms a fair shake. There’s also a certain aesthetic that I’m not really part of – I like to look nice, I’m reasonably selective about the bits of skin I show, and a woman has every right to feel and be sexy, but there’s something about the way some women who dress seductively where you can see like a neon sign that they invest their personal values on anyone but themselves.
Rather than pointing to all my turn-OFFs about this line, I’m going to opt for my turn-ons. First of all, the plus size models are actually plus sized. Yes, that’s VERY good. Their plus dresses are consistently fabulous, and take multiple body types into account – there’s also lots of plus-friendly rucheing going on in the designs.
This rainbow dress is my absolute favorite of their selection, and can be accented nicely with any of the short jackets that they offer. I don’t really like how their cutoff jackets are displayed, and normally I don’t like the look of a crop jacket around a plussie’s bust. While it looks kind of rumpled and sloppy over the tees, with the dress it would add a slight element of toughness without disrupting the line.
I also really dig this ruched T-shirt design:
Again, much flattering of the figure with the rucheing, but also it’s a T-shirt but with an advancement in design. It’s fresh, I like that. I’d love to see it in other colors and without a logo on it. I’m opposed to wearing T-shirts with brand logos on them; I know it’s a big cultural status thing but if I’m going to advertise a company, I’d prefer that they pay me for that honor.
Also, for somewhat affordable exercise gear, I actually like their terry pants.
I just really wish they wouldn’t display them with the models wearing high heels.
