Another week, another controversy surrounding the plus size industry. Last time it was Target's lack of offering plus sizes in their designer collections. This time it's Old Navy as the brand at the center of the storm. It started with a Change.org petition to ask Old Navy to stop up charging for the plus size fashions as they didn't up charge for the men's larger sizes. Old Navy responded back with this:
“Old Navy is proud to offer styles and apparel designed specifically for our plus-size female customer, which includes curve-enhancing and curve-flattering elements such as four-way stretch materials and contoured waistbands, which most men’s garments do not include. This higher price point reflects this selection of unique fabrics and design elements.”--Gap Inc. spokeswoman Liz Nunan 
As an experienced sewer and pattern maker, I can attest to the fact that this statement is true. Adding those flattering details to items, like darts or the aforementioned contoured waistbands requires additional work on a garment. That requires additional labor and everyone knows that labor is the most expensive part of any business. However, I'm not 100% behind Old Navy's story. The fabrics used in the plus size line tend to be of poorer quality than the straight sizes. I have yet to see any four- way stretch fabrics used in any of the plus size line.

Read more:
Buzzfeed: Old Navy Explains Why It Charges More for Women's Plus Sizes
Jezebel: Six Frustrating Things About Old Navy Plus Size Pricing


-Nordstrom is quietly ending its half-yearly sales. Don't fret, though. They're moving their sales to dates that better reflect customer expectations, i.e. around Memorial and Labor Days.

-Rue21 now offers a plus size line called Missguided. Offered in sizes 12-20, it's a teen-centric line filled with clothes that, quite frankly, nobody needs to be wearing.

-Plus size model Candice Huffine is featured in the 2015 Pirelli calender. At a size 16, she is the first plus size woman to ever be featured in the calender, a honor that has been described as winning an Oscar for modeling. The pictures are wonderful but totally NSFW.

-If someone wanted to buy you clothes for Christmas or another occasion, what would you tell them?

-Speaking of Old Navy, their Black Friday special is 50% everything in store and online.

-Ralph Lauren is having a Thanksgiving Sale of 40-60% and there are some great deals to be had.
I've featured this herringbone blazer before in Prep'd Picks and it's down to $92 from the original $290 price tag. This blouse with pleated sleeves is incredible for under $60.  I'm also liking these jeans for $30, and this cozy brown sweater for $57.  

-Lane Bryant has most of their store on sale for buy one, get one 50% off.

-Lands' End has outerwear up to 40% off as well as an additional 20% off sale items.

-Bloomingdale's is having their Big Brown Bag sale and you can save $25 for every $200 you spend.