The Jean Queen
2277 Commercial Drive, between Grandview and 6th Avenue
(about half a block from the Broadway Skytrain Station)
Walking on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, BC, I absent-mindedly followed my older, smaller sister into this store. I walked around the store for a few minutes before I even realised they sold plus-sizes. Their plus-size racks were labeled "Curvy Chicks" which I though was cute, but I know isn't everyone's cup of tea. They carry sizes up to a 3X/24, I believe, and the clothes were in the $25-$80 range. I was really happy with the selection they offered. They had good quality, relatively trendy items. The selection is not huge, but considering the physical size of the store and the selection of straight-sized items, it is pretty fair. The racks of plus-sized clothing weren't hidden away at the back but actually at the front of the store. The staff were incredibly nice and helpful. I first tried on a dress and wasn't super happy with it. When the woman working there asked me how I liked it I said "Okay" and she responded with "We need better than okay." She went and grabbed me three more dresses in the correct size, one of which is the one I purchased. I cannot recommend this store enough, and I'll definitely be returning there the next time I'm in Vancouver.
This dress is a size 20, and was purchased for $46. The belt came with it, but because of the seaming under the bust I prefer the dress without it. The belt is reversible, on one side the leather at the front is patent, and on the other side it is not. This belt will be great with other outfits.
Here's what I'm actually wearing out tonight.
Dress - The Jean Queen, size 20
Belt - came with the dress
Cardigan - American Apparel, unisex size L
Bike shorts - American Apparel, womens size L
Tights - Addition-Elle, size 3X
Boots - Naturalizer, size 11
Necklace - Forever 21
Hat - Ricki's
A day look using the Lise Watier palette I blogged about earlier.
do the american apparel bike shorts help with the chub rub, and do they actually stay in place? i've tried wearing bike shorts to help with chafing before, but throughout the day the spandex in them would stretch out a bit and the shorts would ride up my thighs, so much that they were eventually useless (and uncomfortable!).
ReplyDeleteps, i love that dress! adorable.
Thank you so much for this post! I'm a Vancouverite and feel so limited when it comes to trendy plus-size clothing stores. I'll definitely check this out the next time I'm around the area!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, you look fabulous! That dress is cute cute cute.
very cute dress :) and i love when clothes come with accessories that can totally be used with everything else! double awesome! lolz in your case TRIPLE! since the belt is reversible ;) lucky gal!
ReplyDeleteI thought I was the only one who wore bike pants over my stockings!
ReplyDeleteP.S love that dress it's super cute on you ad your make-up is excellent
@Emily, I haven't worn them on the ultimate test day (y'know, a hot day spend walking outside for hours) but they don't roll up at all, or stretch out of place, and I haven't had any inner thigh pain yet
ReplyDelete@Jacks, I'm glad I could be of help. If you check it out, let me know what you think.
@the EyeZuh, I know! I'm very excited about this belt.
@Miss Kiki, You most certainly are not! Tights do nothing to prevent chub rub imo, and the crotch rides down a bit. Wearing the shorts over top of the tights was so comfortable tonight!
And, of course, thanks all of you! :)
I recently blogged wearing this exact dress. Mine actually arrived without the belt. But I love love love it. I like what you did with the teal sweater... i will try a different color the next time I wear it...
ReplyDelete@QueenDiva, that's very cool! I'm checing out your blog right now.
ReplyDeleteThat dress is so cute! And the cardigan is lovely, that colour works wonders on you.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I have been here two years and never checked out that store! As soon as I start getting some income again I know where my first paycheck is going!
Glad you had such a good experience. :)
You're freaking adorable! I love the Jean Queen and have a friend that works there so I'm always around. So glad that you're enjoying Vancouver!
ReplyDeleteThat dress looks perfect on you! Hell, it combines grey and plaid (two of my favourite things), so I'd probably love it anyway.
ReplyDeleteHuzzah for finding a new shop, too. :]
Thanks everyone!
ReplyDelete@Erin, when you check out, let me know what you think. & then post an outfit. :)
@Liz OT, grey and plaid are two of my favourites as well!