I must say that I’m the first one to complain on the lack of fierce plus clothing in NYC. They do however exist. It’s not a myth. It’s a matter of researching a bit. That’s where I come in! For the month of May, I will be focusing in finding you the best in plus size New York and its boroughs have to offer. Today is all about Brooklyn, where I found two great shops, Lee Lee’s Valise in Carol Garden and Re/Dress in Cobble Hill. Two very different stores with one same goal: “fattastic” clothes!
When Lisa Dolan saw all the great boutiques opening in her Carol Garden neighborhood she got super excited. With wallet in hand she took to the streets but she was disappointed when nobody carried anything over a size 12 and shop owners sneered at anyone over a size 8. When the right space opened up in a historic spot on Court Street, she decided to open a shop that would specialize in sizes 10 to 28. She named it Lee Lee’s Valise after a childhood memory. The space is as unique as the selection it holds. It has been designed to give an “old school” feel reminiscent of the 1940’s Italian immigrant Brooklyn. Antique pieces have been utilized in unique ways like a buffet server as counter and an old chimney cabinet to hold bras under black chandeliers. The space is filled with designs from Anna Scholz, Tadashi, Kiyonna, Svoboda Jeans, Roni Rabl, C.enn.V, Elena Miro, Donna Ricco, Gayla Bentley, Marina Avraam, B and Lu, Fashion Overdose, and Size Appeal. In addition, Lee Lee’s Valise has developed a selection of original and unique tops that are only offered at the boutique, plus candles, accessories and lingerie where they even carry unusual bra sizes from 30E-46H!
The other jewel I found is hidden in the streets of Cobble Hill a few doors from the F train. Re/Dress NYC is a curvy shopper’s dream come true. The baby of Deb Mailkin, this spacious shop is the premiere vintage & resale clothing boutique specializing in sizes 14 and up (vintage 10 + up). They carry the largest collection of plus size vintage in any store on the East Coast. From inexpensive Torrid dresses to high-end designers like Anna Scholz, Tadashi, and Marina Rinaldi in mint condition to an amazing handpicked vintage collection that runs from a modern size 10 through a 3x/4x. Even better, it’s also a buy/sell/trade establishment allowing women to sell clothing for cash or store credit, which is an environmental and recession friendly way to refresh a wardrobe. You know how much I have donated and given away because I have nothing to do with it?? Even the shop is roomy with 3000 square feet to move around and lots of space in the fitting room for you and your entourage. Deb and her army of unapologetic curvilicious sales girls not only have created a safe haven for big girls everywhere but also for a community of strong females in their neighborhood using their space to hosts readings, classes, workshops and more.
Lee Lee’s Valice
368 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-246-5337
Re/Dress NYC
109 Boerum Place
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-522-7962
