A few week ago I came across B & Lu, an online shop catering to plus-sized women. What instantly struck me about the shop was that it seemed to have a lot of what I want in my (plus-sized) clothes: something hip, youthful, fitted silhouettes, and a reasonable price point.
Most of their sizing is from 14-30 (or XL-5x), and I’m impressed that they’ve really covered a large chunk of plus-sizing. The offer pieces that are great for a young professional woman, but aren’t necessarily “scene” specific like places like Torrid can be. They also mention that they test their styles on a variety of fit models, from various sizes & shapes, and I think that’s what allows them to have more flattering pieces with fitted styling and waists (!!!) than Old Navy & Lane Bryant…
I wanted to create a couple of sets with pieces I really love (and debate picking up myself!). Above we have Weekend, Party, and Work wear, with the B&Lu Panda Shirt, Catalina Dress, and Odelia Dress. I especially like that I could probably incorporate all three pieces in to work, party, and weekend wear…
I had to create the second set because I simply & absolutely adore the Raquel Dress (it screams Joan Holloway to me, especially in lipstick red), and the Beatriz Blouse. The Ramona Dress is cute because of its simplicity and clean shape… sometimes I feel like that’s just hard for a plus-sized girl to find!
Has anyone had experience with B & Lu, or heard rave reviews or raspberries? What do you think of their fashion wears for the stylish gal?
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
that joan holloway dress is hot. too bad they don’t have the red in my size. i’ve been hearing a ton about this line lately – they’ve got some really great pieces!
I love the stuff they have!! It’s another one of those things that makes me annoyed I’m in that “middle sizing” (size 10 at 5’2″ – so if I was taller, I would be plus size, but since I’m not, it’s just a PITA to find things that fit me and are flattering AND aren’t too long! *cough* anyways…) because I would loveee to wear most of the stuff they have on the website. I’ve heard good things from the people that have ordered there, too :)
This is cute stuff. I’m glad they’re not just designing sacks and getting away with it. Thank goodness for niche products. I often find myself eyeing maternity stuff at stores, not knowing they are maternity because they are so stylish.
Wow, they have a great range. I now need a panda t-shirt x
I’ve ordered various things from B&Lu over the years and have only ever kept one, if I remember right. Things never quite fit the way I wanted them to or lived up to their photos, etc.
@Rachelle @ greenKangaroo – That’s really disappointing, but good to hear. Some of the things I had read on Livejournal indicated the same feelings, but most of the posts were so old, I couldn’t tell if things had changed…
@Frankie – Swell Vintage – You & me both! I think a panda shirt is just what my weekend wardrobe needs…
@Michelle – I’m not sure how true it is, but I’ve heard their stuff can run small/fit like juniors sizing. So it’s possible that some of it may not be too big on you? Positive feedback on them is good to hear!
@dreamsequins – You & I both– it’s great to see clothes being made that have shape & aren’t just sacks– it isn’t flattering!
@Bren – I wish they had the black in my size! Hopefully they’ll restock the dresses– they’re too hot to pass on!
Ashe, I guess things could’ve changed since then. I haven’t ordered in a couple of years. You should check them out at least once.
Ooh fantastic pieces. I love the button-down shirt with the gold-edged ruffles and the shoes!
the panda shirt is so cute. also like the blouse with ruffles
These are great looks. Also, any reference to Joan Holloway goes straight to my heart!
Both sets look absolute fantastic! It seems that ‘plus size’ (I hate that term lol) women get a really raw deal. Shops either do not stock a wide enough size range, or specific shops tend to be rather basic and uninspired. B&Lu actually stock such beautiful pieces it is refreshing to see and well needed. I loove the panda t-shirt and that Ramona dress :)
I have several B&Lu pieces in my closet and have really enjoyed them. My only quibble is they use quite of bit of polyester in their clothes. But the price point is fairly affordable so I can understand the need to do so. I really like their dresses as they aren’t dowdy and way too long.
I love that black dress in the first one. And the shoes in the second one are really cute! Thanks for this :)
I love B&Lu. I have been buying stuff off their site for about 2 yrs. During the years my weight has fluctuated and no matter the season, or my size, the fit has been great, the material has been great and the compliments continuously flow when I wear their pieces. I strongly recommend the site.
I was happy to find small boutique shops selling plus size clothes online. The styles are perfect and reasonably priced. However, the experience has been less than satisfying. The clothes are cute but the online service has been crapy. I placed an order with b&lu July 25th and have yet to receive it. I was only charged for the order after I sent an email making sure they got it. No response, mind you, I then sent another email 2 weeks later asking for some kind of confirmation, at least a sign of life that I am not ignored and still got nothing. I am now trying to call the store’s online number everyday trying to get a hold of someone, all I want is the dress I ordered and no one should have to feel like they’re are being stolen from by such a potentially successful looking place. -@COKnapp
Christina, I’m sorry to hear you’re having that experience. If you see the date on my post, it was many years ago, and to be honest I haven’t purchased with them in several months, if not a year. They haven’t been stocking the shop online much, and haven’t had many pieces in my style. I know the owner has gone through a lot in the last year that has held up business in many ways, like losing the only other person running her shop and opening up a retail store.
That’s no excuse, in my opinion, and I’m sorry to hear about this. My only other suggestion would be commenting on Facebook, which she seems to reply regularly on! That or creating a dispute with your card company :(
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