Does this town need a plus size store?

This is the question, rather statement, that I heard while working the shop the other day.  A slender woman walked past our open doors and blurted this out to herself.  It wasn't really a question, more like a statement.  A statement that I took offense to.  It has been bothering me ever since it happened and I have been trying to figure out why exactly it hit a nerve with me.


I guess it was first her tone.  Then it was that she said it, period.  Especially in ear shot with  complete disregard.


This is how I took it:


-Why is there a plus size store in our town?  Our cute little town that shouldn't be tarred with the image of FAT people.


It came off as if she was shocked that there are *gasp* plus size women in this town; or that she is completely blind to the plus size women in our community.  News flash; the average size of a woman in the U.S. is a 14 which is considered plus size.  The Santa Ynez Valley is not immune to the struggles of weight.  


Why shouldn't plus size women have a store to shop at?  Why was it such a surprise to her?  Why should I have to justify why we opened a plus size clothing store?


Solvang is a huge tourist location.  So, our customers are not only local.  There are thousands of tourists that visit our beautiful valley every year.


We receive many compliments daily from customers who are thrilled that we opened a store that carries plus size.  They are tired of being ignored or relegated to a small section in major department stores.  They are pleasantly surprised when they stumble upon our cute, trendy boutique just for them.


So at the end of the day I just need to brush off the ignorant comments.  Our focus is to continue to offer plus size women quality, fashion forward clothing that will make them feel beautiful, confident and chic.


So the answer to her question is: Yes!  Yes, this town does need a plus size clothing store.  There are plus size women in this town and all over the world that deserve to have the same experience as non plus size women.  They should be able to walk into a store and shop to their hearts delight.  


You have stores in this town that you can shop at why shouldn't I?

Jean Therapy

Now that the heat has cooled down here in Cali it is a perfect day in Solvang.  As I sit her sipping on a delish smoothie from the Bulldog Cafe I can't help but be grateful for the super comfy jeans I'm sportin' today.  It is hard for me to find jeans that a) look good and b) are comfortable.  


When we opened Xclusive we wanted to bring in quality jeans that covered these 2 areas of concern.  We got really lucky; jeans have come along way for curvy women.  We found 2 lines that are super flattering and comfy.

We were thrilled to find that Kut from the Kloth comes in plus sizes.  We are currently carrying the Maggie Flare in a dark wash and the Boyfriend in a light wash.  

We have only heard great feedback from happy shoppers.  We are looking into getting new styles because we have fallen in denim love with this brand.

Miraclebody Jeans were featured as one of Oprah's favorite things.  And you know; if Oprah says they are her favorite then they must be amazing.  We recently talked my aunt into trying a pair on - she wears nothing but men's jeans.  When she stepped out of the dressing room she was in shock!  They were really comfortable and they looked amazing on her.  She of course scooped up a pair. We carry bootcut, straight leg and a jegging all in a dark wash.

To add to our collection of fabulous jeans we just placed an order with Not Your Daughters Jeans.

A popular choice for plus size women NYDJ released new color jeans for spring and summer.  We will carry the persimmon and aquamarine for now.

I can't wait to try out this new trend.  I have my eye on the aquamarine.  I'll post pictures when we get them in.  In the meantime, here I am in the Kut Maggie Flare jean; my new favorite!

Happy Sunday!

Mundane Monday

Today it was super slow at the store...where are all my customers at?  To occupy my time I thought I would snap a photo of my outfit today to show off some of the goods we are offering at Xclusive.  Don't judge my self portrait.

Jacket: Missphit (available at Xclusive)

Dress: Speed Control New York (I got it at Ross)

Leggings: Comfy USA (available at Xclusive)

Boots: Fitzwell (wide calf boots from Endless)

New Missphit

I'm still loving Missphit.  We just got in our 2nd shipment and it did not disappoint.  The below styles come in sizes 1X - 3X; visit Xclusive to see the styles not pictured.

Missphit is available at Xclusive, a women's fashion boutique specializing in plus sizes located at Frederik's Court in Solvang, Ca.