After getting way too excited in Deb–and acquiring some great work-appropriate basics, including a super-comfy black blazer–I discovered that the mall also contained a Torrid store!
I’ve been buying clothing online from Torrid for years, but had never made it to a real-life store. And although their clothing is much less exciting than it used to be–less goth/punk/alternative, more expensive, lower quality–they still have some stuff I like. Just walking into any non-Lane Bryant plus size store is a little too exciting.
Hell yeah Hello Kitty!
A lot of the clothing wasn’t my style, but I did find this amazing rose-print blazer. (I didn’t get the Hello Kitty tank top, as awesome as it was, because it didn’t fit quite right–but in general, I do recommend Torrid as a source for HK stuff.)
One of the saleswomen told me they had matching pants on clearance, but unfortunately they only had one pair, which wasn’t my size. I did find them online, but I’m wary about buying pants without trying them on, since so few pants are shaped like my body.
I didn’t spend much time in Torrid, as I’d just spent forever in Deb and didn’t want to keep Steve waiting too long. But I was glad to finally set foot in their store!
On one hand, it was exciting to find a mall with at least three stores where I could try on clothing. On the other hand, it’s sad how unusual that is. It’s sad that women who wear above a size 24 are excluded from Deb, and those who wear above a size 28 (in pants) or 32 (in tops and dresses) are excluded from Torrid. It’s sad how fucking far away we are from being able to walk into a mall and try on anything, in any store.
On the other other hand, hey, I found some awesome clothing. I found blazers that fit me in two different stores, which is nothing short of miraculous. I had a good time.
So I keep the bad stuff in mind, but I appreciate the good stuff. I’ll take it where I can get it.
I do wish these dresses at Hot Topic came in my size, though… *swoon*
Tutus And Tiny Hats 
Ok, I am going to drive out to out Torrid just to see what is happening. Thanks for the reminder.
You’re welcome!
I believe Torrid is actually owned by Lane Bryant. Either way, I was never impressed with either store. Have you ever ordered from Simply Be?
http://simplybe.com
They have unique stuff sometimes, and usually its not hard to get a 30% off coupon code somewhere on the internet. (They run big, from experience)
Hmm, I don’t think Torrid is owned by Lane Bryant–they used to be owned by Hot Topic, but now they’re their own company. Back when they were owned by Hot Topic, I loved their clothing, but now, meh.
Yup, I love Simply Be! The only thing I’ve ordered from them so far is shoes, which didn’t fit, but I would like to get clothing from them someday. Right now I’m eyeing their galactic print top and wide-leg jeans.
I like torrid but I find them unreasonably priced… i check in with them every season or soo to pick up necessities!!!
Yeah, they are definitely overpriced!