Despite the fact that 50% of American woman are over a size 12, this is still an UNDER-served market when it comes to fashionable clothing options. You can find more variety and trendy fashions for doggie clothing than for the plus size woman or teen! But finally there is a retailer who “gets it” and is determined to make shopping a more pleasant and compassionate experience for the plus size woman.

Julie Evans – herself a curvy size 14 – launched Paisley, a plus size mobile boutique, earlier this year in the SF Bay Area. She has partnered with a local manufacturer to provide quality fashionable apparel that is attractive on fuller figures. And she sells the clothing via mobile trunk shows that she hosts in private homes, events and trade-shows.

“Since many plus size women find shopping stressful because of the lack of choices available and the way they are treated by sales clerks I wanted to create an intimate and educational environment to sell the clothing, “ says Julie.

And she wanted plus size women to appreciate their curves so when she displayed her clothing at a trade-show recently, she rented a plus size mannequin and a plus size dress form from Mannequin Madness. The fact that she had plus size mannequins – a rarity at most retail stores, even those that cater to plus size women – created quite a buzz at her booth at the trade-show.

“There is no doubt that the reason why I sold so many items that day was because of the plus size mannequins,” said Julie. “The dress form was functional, but the mannequin was so lifelike it made it easy for women to see how the garment would look on them.”  Not to mention a mannequin is easier to accessorize with shoes and purses to provide the complete look.

Julie Evans with Plus Size Mannequins

Mannequin Madness acquired a large selection of plus size mannequins when a national retailer decided to no longer display plus size clothing in their stores. The retailer would still offer the clothing for sale in the store, but just did not want to feature them on a mannequin.

Apparently they subscribe to the prevailing wisdom that clothes look better on a skinny mannequin. According to the NY Post, many retail stores are eliminating carrying plus size clothing or only offering them online. 

All the reason why we need more retailers like Julie Evans. Julie can be reached at Jevans@mypaisleyboutique.com