Custom Vintage Dresses for Plus Size Ladies

For some women, standard garment sizes may fit in some areas but not others. For example, you may be a UK size 18 on your lower half but a UK size 14 or 16 on the top half. Or maybe you have the reverse scenario where you have a wider back or shoulders and ample chest and but small hips and thighs. For women with these fit issues, separates are usually their best bet. But what if you like wearing dresses or have a special event to attend? Do you go with a larger dress and then take it to a tailor? You could. Or you can do what I had the pleasure of doing over the past holidays. I got three dresses custom made to my specifications. And surprisingly, they were very reasonable in pricing.

Angela is experienced in plus size wear because she herself is a curvy woman. You can’t ever argue with a lady who understands the frustrations when it comes to finding a dress that you love but does not come in your size.

Custom Dresses

For my custom dresses, I turned to Etsy. If you don’t know about Etsy, it’s an e-commerce website for artisans looking to sell their handmade crafts, clothing, art, and vintage items. Most sellers on Etsy will ship internationally. Most have e-commerce storefronts where you can peruse the goods they sell. And similar to eBay, you can provide and read their feedback. You can read if they do shoddy work or lag in shipping time.

The particular seller I chose creates vintage retro dresses reminiscent of the 40s and 50s. I was able to choose the fabrics based on online pictures of swatches (you’ll receive swatches with your order as well). If you are unsure Angela live in Rome and can access any type of fabrics Made In Italy.  Angela is able to replicate celebrity dresses.

What is the process?

Measuring Tips

You supply Angela with your exact measurements during checkout (checkout is through Paypal) and within three to four weeks, your custom creation arrives! It really is that simple. I highly recommend (and so does Angela) to have your spouse, partner, etc. help you with the measurements. You take the measurements over your bra and underwear. You determine how long you want the dress to be. angela gives explicit instructions on how to measure. It took about 30 minutes to complete the measurement process. Your measurements are then kept on file for future orders.

Dress Types

And here are the custom dresses you can order.  The first dress is actually a two-piece suit modelled after the one worn by Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City as she meets with her editor at Vogue for the first time.

The second dress is called the Original Galaxy (similar here) and is simply stunning in person. I had it made in a dark heather grey.

The last dress (Karen Wiggle Dress) is a fun, retro dress that I had crafted in navy and black with white accents.

Or below are her designs you can opt for too.

Pucci Print

I also had a Pucci print beach pyjama made too which I love. And perfect for covering my tummy. During summer I have ordered a Pucci print Kaftan which is great for plus-size women.

Angela changes up the dress selection on her Etsy store. Angela can accommodate a request for a past creation. This can be shipped globally.

Angela can design and sketch which not many designers can do. that is why you will always have the right design dress and fit.  The quality of the fabrics comes down to price.  If you are expecting the suit to be made out of wool fabric, then that will be reflected in the price. Christina Hendricks great example for plus-size ladies.

Angela is Haute Couture trained and has been sewing and designing for over thirty years. She has worked with top luxury household names and worked with top models around the globe.

Her designs are well constructed and exactly as I expected!

This is a red wool cape she also made me.