The hunt for good fitting tights (The Struggle is Real)

Hi all! I wasn't sure what to talk about this week, so I looked through my facebook messages and conversations and thought about the topic that most came up when chatting with people. I didn't realize this right away, but it appears that many plus sized girls are struggling to find good and decently priced pantyhose and/or tights. Now, we all know of the wonders of SPANX (and ASSETS), however many have talked about how expensive just one pair costs. Some of the girls I spoke with this week asked me about where I purchase my tights and where they could purchase tights on a budget. So, this week I've decided to talk about some of my favorite brands of tights and pantyhose to purchase without breaking the bank.

Since I have a lot of performances and appearances, I always try to stay stocked with tights and pantyhose so that I'm not frantically running around the day before (or the day of) an outing. With it being winter and freezing cold in the Northeast, I prefer to wear tights to help keep my legs warm. Pantyhose I will use more regularly when it gets warm again. Here are some brands I constantly keep in stock:

photo from SPANX

photo courtesy of Target

 If you talk to any seasoned full figured model, casting agent, or plus size designer, they will tell you that having SPANX is a must. They are a piece of body foundation that full figured people should wear when hitting the runway or going out on the town for a night. These tights hold you in and smooth you out in all the right places. Assets are a slightly inexpensive alternative to SPANX created by the same person (Sara Blakely). When buying either SPANX or ASSETS, it's important to buy the proper size. If they're too big, they won't hold you in properly, and if they're too small, they will be uncomfortable and the waistband will roll on you. You can purchase SPANX at plus sized retailers such as Lane Bryant and I've found Assests at retailers such as Ashley Stewart and Target. I would also suggest checking out amazon and ebay.

photo courtesy of Roaman's

Another place I shop for tights is Roaman's. The carry a brand called Comfort Choice and they offer a two-pack of opaque tights ranging in price from $16.99 - $21.99. While they are not as constricting and form shaping as SPANX or Assets, they are comfortable and fit well (especially if you are fuller in the hips and buttocks). There's also usually some type of discount or sale being offered on the website. Here's the sizing info from their site:
Women’s tights in sizes:
1X(hips 40-50”, 4’11”-5’4”,  150-195lbs)
2X(hips 40-50”, 5’1” - 5’7”, 180-230lbs)
3X(hips 44-55”, 5’4” - 5’10”,215-265lbs)
4X(hips 50-60”, 5’7” - 6’0”, 250-300lbs)
5X(hips 60-70”, 5’4” - 5’9”, 300-335lbs)
6X(hips 70-80”, 5’3” - 6’0”, 335-400lbs)
7X(hips 75-85”, 5’3” - 5’9”, 400-450lbs)
8X(hips 80-85”, 5’6” - 6’0”, 450-500lbs)

  

photo courtesy of Kmart

So there are times when I like walking into a store and purchasing what I need right there on the spot instead of ordering it online and waiting for it to arrive. A few years ago I was in Kmart for something and I came across a brand of tights and pantyhose by the name of Curvation.  At the time, Queen Latifah was their spokeswoman. I picked up a pair thinking that if they didn't fit well I could turn them into a stocking cap or wig cap. Shockingly, to my delight, they fit very well. They gave me a great deal of comfort but were also form fitting (I purchased a pair of the control top pantyhose). I bought them in a size "Curvaceous 4" which fits about a size 20/22 well. If you are bigger than that, I wouldn't suggest trying them. A pair of the tights or hose cost about $5.

photo courtesy of Kmart

Last year, while searching for a pair of Curvation tights at Kmart, I came across a brand called "Love My Style, Love my Size". I'm not sure, but I think it's a Kmart brand (or at least it's only sold at Kmart). They go all the way up to a size 4X (which I think will fit a size 24 and maybe 26). The had solid tights, patterned tights, fishnets, and basic black leggings all ranging in price from $5.99 to $9.99. I've since bought many pairs on multiple occasions and have gotten many uses out of them (especially the fishnets for shows). This is the brand I try to keep in stock frequently because of the affordable prices.                        









While out with a friend last winter on a cold night in Washington, D.C. a friend told me about Berkshire pantyhose and tights. I've seen these tights on the racks multiple times at Ashley Stewart, at small local hosiery stores, and boutiques, but I just never gave them a try. I was in a pinch while out one night and needed a pair of hose at the last minute, so on my way to an event, I stopped and got a pair of shimmery hose from a local Ashley Stewart. These pantyhose got the job done and only costed $7.99. The pantyhose go up to a size 7X and they also carry tights up to a size 5X. Ashley Stewart regularly has a deal on them where if you buy 3 pairs, you get another pair for free. Amazon also carries Berkshire.

A few years ago my friend Misty Eyez told me about We Love Colors. It's a store based in Florida and offers probably the largest selection (in color) of tights. The specific pair of tights I wanted was available in 51 colors! Their plus sized tights go up to a size EE, which fits  6'0" and 375 lbs. I ordered from them, but the tights didn't fit quite right through the hips and butt. Still, their prices are reasonable (about $15 per pair) and I was able work with the tights. They also sell gloves (to wear with a dress/gown), leotards, and leggings. 




Lastly, I can't forget to mention that I've gotten some good tights (and leggings, jeans, and jeggings) from Torrid. I used to shop a my local Torrid regularly and it was often a hit or miss, but online I usually found some good deals (especially in the sale and clearance sections). 

So, that's it on tights and pantyhose. For those who are looking for tights in straight sizes, all of the brands I listed above have your size, but you can also buy tights from Capezio, Danskin, and Body Wrappers. I hope that you find my personal breakdown on brands and where to purchase helpful! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me and I'll be sure to reply. 

Thanks for reading and remember, "being beautiful is not just about what you wear!"

Time to Perform: Upcoming Events & Important Dates

Hello all! I hope this week has been good to y'all. It's been good for me, and I've continued to stay busy. The weather here in NYC has been better and it's nowhere near as bitterly cold as last week. This week, I want to tell you about some upcoming events I'll either be at or that some friends are doing. For the sake of chronology, I'll list them that way in case you want to put them on your calendar.

First, on February 1st, here in NYC, the amazing model Jeannie Ferguson (from B.E.T.'s "Rip The Runway" among many other things) will host her 4th annual runway class! I've heard so much about this class and so I've finally decided to do it. I've met Jeannie on a few occasions and she is a lovely woman who knows how to work the hell out of a runway. I can't wait to see what she'll be able to do with me! For more info, look her up on youtube (there are some videos of her past classes).

Next, on February 9th, I will be performing at Cocktails, Couture, and Cabaret drag brunch sponsored by friends from the Imperial Court of New York. It will take place at Flowerfield Celebrations on Long Island in St. James, NY. The brunch will be hosted by friends Gigi Glamour, Madison Mansfield, and Rachel Rene Rothchild. The proceeds from this brunch will go to the charity Thursday Child of Long Island. This charity supports people in Long Island living with HIV or AIDS. For ticket info, you can send me an email or contact Madison Mansfield (her email is on the flyer). I attended and performed at the event last year. It was quite the classy affair with great food, drinks, and wonderful people. After performing, I came back out to eat & chat with the folks while donning a dress from the Monif C. collection. So far, ticket sales for this year has surpassed last year and the lineup of talent has expanded. Sounds like it's going to be another great show!

Me wearing a dress from Monif C. at last year's Cocktails, Couture, & Cabaret event.

                                                        Lastly, another big event that I'm getting excited for this year is Full Figured Fashion Week 2014! The creator and mastermind behind it all, Gwen DeVoe is hard at work. They have recently announced dates for their casting calls. So far, here are the dates and cities where they'll be scouting and searching for talent to walk the runway:
2/1 - Washington, DC
2/8 - Chicago, IL
2/22 - Detroit, MI
3/1 - Tampa, FL
3/15 - Los Angeles, CA
3/22 - Atlanta, GA
3/29 - New York

More dates will be announced a little later on, so be sure to check out the website, join the facebook group, or register for mobile updates by texting FFFWeek to 71441. If you come to Full Figured Fashion Week, be sure to say hey!

Well, as you can see, I will continue to be busy over the next few weeks! If you have any questions or comments, please shoot me an e-mail and I'll be sure to reply!

Until next time! Remember, being beautiful is not only about what you wear! 

Starting 2014 off with a bang: The search for winter apparel

Dress: Curvaceous Boutique
Photo: Rick D Jones Photography

Hi, everyone! I know it's been quite a while since I've posted. Sorry 'bout that. The holiday season was crazy and in addition to maintaining my commitment to my 9 to 5, I was also involved in various projects. It's now 2014 and I find myself busy all across the board.That is in no way a compalint, for in these days and times it is a good thing to be busy (and employed!). There are many who want to work but just can't find anything (or nothing is really available in their field). Anyhow, I digress. 2014 has greeted many of us in the northeast rather rudely! We had a snowstorm a few days into the new year, temperatures are steadily in the freezing range, and we are currently dealing with a polar vortex. The temperature over the past week has been in single digits and many people have suffered the affects of canceled flights. It has also been a challenge on the fashion front as well. At this point, I find myself going for warmth and comfort over style (so if you see me on the street, don't ridicule me for my look! Just know that I'm trying to keep warm and healthy).

OK, well I'm the type of shopper who likes to buy things in the off season when they don't cost as much. Well, this year I find myself stuck and having to buy winter stuff now when the prices are up. Earlier this winter I said goodbye to an old reversible faux fur trench coat because it doesn't fit anymore. It's in a new home, in good hands, and it will get some good use. I've now dedictaed my winter to finding another faux fur trench (or a good trench in general) that will fit properly (without breaking the bank). So far, the trenches I've seen haven't been that appealing: they're either too short or the design isn't that great for my plus size figure. If you see or know of any places, place shoot me an e-mail so I can check it out. The other hunt I've been on has been for a good pair of (leather) knee high boots. I know many ladies have approached me telling me that they've had trouble finding boots and stuff in a size 11 or 12. Imagine the issues I'm having trying to find something in a size 15!

It's been a challenging winter, but I find myself happy in the new year, busy with lots of projects and possibilities in fashion: I've gotten some opportunities to model and work with some photographers and I'm hoping to have my own portfolio in the near future. I've also done a few shows with participants from various seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. 2014 is off and running and I hope to get back to posting on a weekly basis.

Until next time! Stay warm and remember, being beautiful in not only about what you wear!

Sasha