So, eloquii by The Limited launched today after the delay last week. They are releasing new clothes every 2 weeks, which is good because the selection right now is a little slim. I love that they have free shipping and free returns – this usually means I overorder and then return what I don’t love. I just returned my 3 purchases from MyHabit today because I didn’t LOVE them. Trying to keep the budget in check (although for myHabit, you only get store credit).
Anyway, these are the items I picked up today from eloquii. I’ll review them when they get here.
- Signature 3/4 sleeve wrap dress: This is a pretty basic, flattering silhouette that many retailers carry, but I am in love with the blue color.
- Piped Tweed Skirt: I’m most worried about this not fitting. I thought it’d be super cute with my boots though.
- 3/4 Sleeve Twisted Detail Top: This is pretty similar in style to the Kiyonna Caycee Twist Top I wrote about, but I liked the camel color. The fabric looks a little shiny, so I’ll have to examine that when it comes in.
- Chiffon Ruffle Front Shirt: This could look really awful or really good. Coin toss. Love the purple though.
- Super Opaque Tights: I’m always on the hunt for tights.
Right off the bat, I do have a bone to pick with eloquii. Their sizes. As a former size 34, I know the amazing frustration that plus sizes over a size 24 have with most designers. At the very minimum, I hoped they would go to a 28 to compete with Lane Bryant (formerly owned by The Limited), but they didn’t. I know some were complaining about the model size being too small, and I can see that. Having watched all the videos leading up to the launch, however, I think they did consider all the curves that larger plus women have. In any case, I never trust what clothes look like on the model – they always look different on me!
They give you this bag free with a $100 purchase, so that was fun. They are also having 25% off using coupon code “INSIDER”
They have a lot of stuff that I’d really like for work, but I absolutely hate that they’re online only. It’s like, “Hey, fatties, we want your business, but we totally don’t want you in our stores.”
Love the wrap dress. It’s definitely on my list. The chiffon ruffle shirt also stuck out to me as well. Great for work. I wasn’t really blown away by anything, like that I had to have. A lot of it reminds me of Lane Bryant still, and it’s pricey.
I do like some of their outfits, but I hate hate hate the models. The fact that they showed real curvy, larger women in the promos makes it worse, because it feels like a big tease. Like, hey! Look! We’re making clothes for you guys! Oh, and we’re gonna put you in these 30 second youtube spots but, truthfully, we don’t really want women who look like you on our website, sooooooo……
In comparison to the models used on The Limited website, yes, the eloquii models are bigger. But they are NOT plus size. The smallest eloquii size is a 14 and there is *maybe* one or two who come close to a 14. The rest are probably a 10 or a 12. It not only perpetuates the beauty myth, it’s insulting: you want me to spend money on your clothes and you want to act like it’s this big grand gesture that you’re opening this plus size line, but you still insist on using tiny (comparatively speaking) models. So why on earth should I believe you actually support the plus size fashion industry when you can’t even be bothered to use plus size models?
I know what you mean, and it’s been a frustration for years. It’s the same as straight size models that are a zero when that is way smaller than 95% of the population. Annoying.
Thank you so much for mentioning their models. I posted a comment about their models on Eloquii’s Facebook site and was immediately jumped on by other fans as being a complainer. Kiyonna has taken that cue and has begun showing pictures of their customers of all sizes on both their website and their Facebook page. For now, I’ll look forward to your reviews of your purchases.
I was not pleased with Eloquii’s launch selection. I’m very self conscious about my upper-arms, and the only items I really liked were sleeveless dresses where a cardigan would just hide the details. I did make one purchase- an emerald necklace. Hopefully their selection improves soon.
I’m confused how the tights for size c/d only fit up to 275 pounds. Catherine’s has tights to 450. http://catherines.lanebryant.com/plus-size-intimates-plus-size-lingerie/hosiery-socks/opaque-solid-control-top-tights/4574c4641p121412/index.pro?Mcatn=Hosiery+%26+Socks&Mcatpn=Intimates&Mcatg=category_root&Mcatp=cat_4574%405000&Mcat=4641%405000
It looks decent. I’ll look forward to spring/summer to make more of a decision. I’m in a warm-weather climate and do wear some S/S things year-round.
And as to the model issue, I think a feature that would allow actual customers to post pictures will be the only answer.
Large retailers are somewhat risk-averse. There are market research studies that have shown that it would negatively affect sales if a garment’s shot on a larger model. More than a few larger women don’t want to be reminded of their size; they have not arrived at a size acceptance mentality.
Hence, I don’t see certain major retailers budging off the 10-18 (if 6 feet tall) and toned (no rolls, no double chins, angular face) standard. The specialty plus models are more likely to be seen on indie designers’ sites.
I’ve also seen where the Limited may open brick-and-mortar stores for Eloquii in 2012 if they are satisfied with the launch.
I bought this dress (http://www.eloquii.com/Gold-Party-Dress/23267268,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=eloquii_shop-the-collection_dresses), this blouse (http://www.eloquii.com/Chiffon-Ruffle-Front-Shirt/24523022,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=eloquii_shop-the-collection_tops-shirts – in Okra Green), and this skirt (http://www.eloquii.com/Below-the-Knee-Crepe-Skirt/27012947,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=eloquii_shop-the-collection_skirts) but I’m afraid they won’t fit based on your experience, Emmie. At least they have free returns!
I got that blouse also, and it is the only thing that fit. I really like it (I got it in the purple color). Let me know how the dress and skirt go. I love that dress, but am afraid it won’t fit – I don’t think there’s any stretch. In the blue dress I bought, it was way too small with stretch. The tweed skirt was a good 3 inches too small in the waist. One shirt I got (I don’t think i listed it here) was too short in the torso – belly shirt. I’m going to keep trying. It took me forever to figure out which clothes from each store would work for me, and this will be no different. Yay free returns!