Some plus size fashion stores like to be ahead of the pack. As of the time of this writing, it’s early September and Jessica London is already advertising their Winter 2006 plus size fashion line. So what’s in store?
Sweaters and Tops
The coming year promises to be filled with oversized sweaters, ala the 1980s. Jessica London capitalizes on this trend, but adds nice touches to keep it neat. Their shimmer-knit twinset adds a little dazzle, and a tie-belt to emphasize an hour glass figure (or create one where one otherwise might not be). If you’re looking for a one-piece plus size top in a variety of colors, consider the surplice top, which is a mock-wrap with an empire bodice and it’s selling for an affordable $24. The most versatile Jessica London plus size top this winter, perhaps, is the lace surplice top which has three-quarter sleeves, and comes in a stretch fabric and a bunch of colors. This top can be worn like a t-shirt over jeans, or it can serve as the blouse under a suit for a dressy look without the bulk.
Plus Size Basics
For plus size basics, Jessica London is not normally your most economical choice. But this winter, Jessica London is offering a cinch-neck knit top for $19 that has tons of potential for every day wear. The three-quarter sleeves make it an easy choice for plus size petites, averages, and talls. And the stretch fabric makes it unlikely to shrink. Also, their plus size modern stretch jeans are within the affordable realm, under $40. These plus size jeans have a particularly nice touch, in that they are flat front with besom pockets – an extremely slimming feature, and they come in a nice dark wash. But cotton/spandex is a heavier denim than plus size women have come to expect – especially with the ramie blends that are taking over the marketplace. Jessica London should rethink.
Best of all, when it comes to plus size basics, is the new Jessica London bi-stretch gabardine pants. For those women who have trouble finding affordable plus size bottoms that flatter the figure and are still comfortable, these are by far the most exciting find of the season. Imagine: no wrinkles, stretch, slacks with a completely flat front, a zip fly and a contoured waistband. It comes in three silhouettes, including flare-leg, straight-leg and gaucho.
Jackets and Outerwear
One unexpected plus size offering from Jessica London this winter is the french terry jacket, a softer alternative to the wool blazer. The collar is a bit on the thin size, but there’s a wide color range. It could just help give your plus size wardrobe a more professional look without adding bulk or discomfort. Jessica London is offering some excellent plus size outerwear options this winter, including a screaming red leather blazer. This plus size leather blazer has a three-button front, on-seam pockets, and princess seams, and is a steal at less than $90. It looks professional over dress-pants, and modernly cool over jeans.
Jessica London is also offering the obligatory plus size jean jacket, but it’s nothing special. There’s no stretch to this plus size jean jacket and it’s a bit boxier than the ideal. However, it comes in a wide color range and is selling for under $40, so that’s a plus.
Wide Calf Boots
Disappointingly, almost all of Jessica London’s winter boots for this season fail to take into account calf-width of plus size figures. And for those Jessica London boots that they are advertising as being “extra wide-shaft”, they are not giving out the calf measurements. (This was true even when I called and asked to speak to Jessica London’s customer service). However, Jessica London is offering one pair of extra-wide shaft boots that has the measurements: it accommodates up to an 18″ calf, and have a two inch stacked heel. With the chunky stacked heel, there was really no reason for them to go this high, but the boot does have some detailing to make up for it.
All in all, a solid winter plus size fashion collection by Jessica London, but without any real dazzle.
Reference:
- Jessica London
