The Fat Girl's Guide to Living

The Swing Kitty dress in size 3x, from hissyfitoly

Wow! I knew I’d have fun researching and writing this post, but I didn’t know I’d have this much fun. I spent a couple of hours today browsing plus-size dresses, jeans, wraps, t-shirts and more on Etsy, and the extent of what I found is mind boggling. These ladies (and gentlemen) get it that we want to look young and fun and sexy, too. You’ll find no moo-moos here.

We’ll do these periodically as we uncover talented new designers and must-have pieces for our wardrobes, but right now I offer up twelve fabulous, fat-girl friendly Etsy shops that have it undeniably goin’ on.

vigilantelabs
A former Liz Claiborne designer, Lianna (and her partner, A.J.) know how to work the classy-whimsical angle. She carries everything from shirts to skirts to scarves and headbands. My favorite? The Satin Orchid Tank for $28.

dismantledfashions
If you’re a closet (or out and proud) retro babe, you’ll have a blast rooting through these costume-esque fashions that still work great as bold work or party wear. I loved the gothy-classy Cherries Miss Sassy Dress for $55.

byrodesigns
Girls, I know a lot of you are more bold than I – and if that’s you, you’ll get goose bumps over the idea of sporting these sexy, revealing but marvelously flattering bikinis (oh yes) from size 1x to 6x. Were *I* brave enough, I’d be all over the Red Polka Dot Bikini for $65.

janebonbon
Janebonbon, you had me Espresso Brown Silk Applique. This stuff is gorgeous, and if I were to outfit the Fat Girl’s Guide to Living mantra with an outfit, it would be one of these dresses. My fav is the Braless Maxi Dress for $89.

ellembee
These shirts are so much fun I dare you not to throw three or four or seven into your shopping cart right now. I’ve got my eye on the tough-girl Floral Tank in Celadon for $29.

yystudio
Sophisticatedly sassy and unique, these original designs are the work of a seasoned pro who gets the flexibility of the female form. I’m diggin’ the Chiffon Floral Ruffle Maxi for $86.

platipuses
Plus-size “badassery” indeed. Shirts, sweaters, clutches, dresses…for the less flamboyant but no less fashionable of us. Check out the YUM Cherry Halter for $25.

hissyfitoly
Cute, cute, cute! This is cool, plus couture at its back-to-basics finest. I love the Swing Kitty Dress (pictured above), and the Lace-Topped Dress (with matching fanny pack!) for $75.

matydavis
These. Are. Groovy. I couldn’t believe they came in plus sizes, but they do! How about a trip back to the acid rock 80s in a pair of these bad boys: the Shredded Corset Painted Jeans for $99.

brendaabdullah
If you’re looking for flowy, elegant but everyday wear fashioned from recycled clothing with storied pasts, you’ve hit the jackpot here. I don’t care how hot it is, I LOVE the Autumn Garden Sweater Tunic for $165.

urbanprairiegirl
Embrace your inner peasant with skirts and floaty pants from this colorful, whimsical designer. The lovely Patchwork Hippie Boheme Skirt for $75 caught my eye right away.

phippsart
Fun, graphic tees for when you’re looking to tone down the statement to casual and comfy. Pick your poison here with more than 200 items for sale. I’m kinda sweet on the Ocean Blue Tattoo Octopus Tee for $19.

What’s your favorite Etsy shop? Share it with us in comments!