When River Island dropped the bomb about their new plus range, I was happy and intrigued but also very skeptical. When a super huge retailer tries to open their wares to the plus size market it can be hit and miss, I’ve experience the highs and lows of new plus size ranges and they haven’t all lived up to the hype. Do they REALLY know about the cuts I need? Would the range be just as good as the standard clothes? Would the sizing be up to scratch? I wanted to have high hopes for River Island Plus but I still had that doubt in my mind. Well, I’m SO SO SO pleased to announce that they TOTALLY up to my expectations and inn fact, they stepped all over them and want a few steps higher. The first blog review I’m bringing you is about this gorgeous, long awaited black lace dress that really is a dress of dreams. I tweeted when I first tried it on that the feeling I get when the baseline drops on a really good song is the feeling I had when I tried this on. An internal excitement that makes you want to dance around.
It’s not hard to see why I love it. It’s just beautiful. The almost crochet style lace is really intricate and the fabric feels like great quality. It’s something that will last in your wardrobe for a long time. The one thing everyone has asked me about the River Island Plus collection is about the fit. Well, I have to hand it to them Good bloody job. Seriously. The range is available in sizes 18-24 (fingers crossed for an expansion of sizes). But the 24 really is, in my opinion perfect and, if anything a little generous. I’m a size 24/26 but usually in non-stretch fabric, such as lace and chiffon I can move up to a 28 quite easily. I feel like River Island have REALLY taken into account the shape of a plus size woman and where we really need the most space. I always fine that sleeves are too small., yet everything else fits, this makes me so angry! Well, in this non-stretch number the sleeves fit perfect. Not tight or restrictive and because of that I feel comfortable… then comes the domino effect. Because I feel comfortable I feel great, because I feel great, the confidence radiates and I look great! Can you see the impact here! Good fitting, great quality, fashionable clothing makes a difference and the River island sizing really is a pleasant surprise.
As for this super special lace dress, it feels amazing on. The lining is stretchy and has a sweetheart neckline that really gives it a pretty appeal. There is plenty of space for large chested ladies and I didn’t even need to unzip the back to get it one and off. (Major bonus points for that!). I love the impact the lace has as it becomes clear at the bottom of the dress. It feels like it skims over me, creating shape. It’s definitely fit and flare, which is my favourite style of dress. Its so beautiful I don’t feel it needs any major jewellery or accessories. Of course, it’s easy to style it up a bit with a leather jacket, heels and your obvious bit of bling. It really does feel made to measure. I also want to say to the size 26 ladies out there, don’t be put off by the label. Give some of the pieces a go and you might be surprised.
I can’t wait to give my other River Island pieces a try and report back to you. The range is available here and there will be more dropping as time goes on. This dress will be online VERY soon. I’m pleased it isn’t a million miles away from the style of the main range. I’d love some fun T Shirts etc to come out in the future and fingers crossed they keep the sizing as great as it is now. Great job River Island from one very happy plus size fashion lover.
