Something about Ulla Popken appeals to me, yet doesn’t. I think it has something to do with the ever-so-slightly aspirational nature of its branding: it’s for women with a positive attitude that see themselves at a certain place in life. A place that I haven’t reached yet. A place where bohemian velvets and jewel tones are an eccentricity, indulged, rather than one of those things that makes restaurant patrons at Bar Lurcat roll their eyes expecting you to yell “Vive la vie Boheme!” and disrupt their dinner of overpriced mini-cheeseburgers.

This is why, while I still see the thinner models instead of the plus ones we need to, I also see a certain amount of design experimentation that’s rare among plus clothiers. I’m always happy to see it, but it is a point of curiosity for me.

I’m pulling this one out for attention despite its shapelessness for one reason only: if you watched the runways from fall fashion week, you’ve already picked up that angular is the trend. Also, it can still work nicely if you follow the rule long over short, loose over fitted (not tight.) So this over a fitted skirt or pants is lovely – throw on a string of faux pearls and you’re good to go.

The empire dress was my first introduction to a design “solution” for plus sizes. While it’s not perfect – if you don’t have much cleavage you can’t really balance out an empire dress – it’s one I still like for many reasons, though I’m used to seeing longer versions of it.

And this was my rule-breaking favorite:

Fat girls don’t wear stripes. Sod that. Wear these stripes. Add some tension and drama to whatever staid outfit you’re wearing -and stay well within dress code. I’m thinking that a jewel tone or slate grey underneath and silver bangles would rule.