Hi friends,
It's been a crazy past couple weeks since my last post and I've been dealing with some health issues that kept me stuck in bed much more than I'd like. However, I'm really happy to share this short note with you all today.
As many of you readers may remember I've been trying to make more ethical decisions as I buy clothing, which is part of what led me to trying making capsule wardrobes. You can read about that process here and here. Now I'm adding some pieces to my wardrobe by retailers who chose to pay their employees fairly, whether they're in the US or abroad. I've been researching clothing brands who make ethical plus size lines, and you can find all the one I know of on this page (also up in the toolbar). I hope you all will fall in love with some of these brands the way I have so we can make a difference in the world by each piece of clothing we buy! Today though, I'm sharing a new brand I recently learned about on Instagram and am reviewing for you all since I got my first order this past week.
My Elegantees Plus Size Review
So, first off a bit of background on Elegantees - They work with women in Nepal (thus far) who are coming out of sex trafficking situations and becoming independent. Elegantees helps train them and gives them jobs to support themselves and their families by creating comfortable tops and dresses. The women are paid fairly and given a hand up into a new way of life. You can read more here.
Elegantees also prioritizes their clothing being accessibly priced so the sale items in plus sizes are $25-36 and regular prices ones range from $34-64. Their sizing goes from an XS-2X, or up to a size 20/22. Additionally they host trunk shows where you have your choice for earning credit to spend for selling to your friends, giving back to the job training program Elegantees runs, or using the funds for your own charity events such as missions trips or adoptions! I love this idea, and think it's a beautiful way to get the word out about a brand while making the world a better place.
I wanted to go with a couple nice basic pieces from Elegantees, and selected two great tops that were on sale as the ones I'd try. First up is the "Amy" top in black. I wear their size 2X in both tops, and comparatively I wear a 2X from Torrid or Lane Bryant, and a XXL or 1X from Target in similar fabrics. I really liked this top even though it's a tiny bit big at the shoulder (my shoulders fit slightly small to average in most brands), it fits well everywhere else on me. I love the front tie detail that cinches the waist in and the double layers at the peplum are darling! I kind of wish I'd gotten this top in the medium blue instead of black, but the black will be much more versatile, and serves as a great piece for the transitions between cold and hot weather.
Next up is the "Namra" tank top in navy. I ran into essentially the same problem with the shoulders being a little large on this shirt. It's not really noticeable except because the neckline buckles a bit instead of laying flat, but the armholes are a cut larger, which does expose my bra if the fabric is stretched at all as it might be if I sit down. However, I know that won't be a problem for everyone, it's more of my own issue. On the good side of things the length is longer than expected, making the top a lovely tunic length. In the picture below I've paired it with some Tall & Curvy size leggings from LuLaRoe and was really happy with how it falls at the hip. The fabric on both tops is ultra soft and stretchy, though I feel like in the "Namra" tank it didn't need as much stretch, and would have draped even better without it.
Overall I'm pretty happy with these tops, the quality is awesome and the price ($22.50 for "Amy" and $16.67 for "Namra" with their current sale code) is just great! I'm glad to know what their fit is like going forward, and would definitely buy from them again. I decided that because having a good fit is important to me I will be passing on the "Namra" tank top in my Poshmark shop, but my husband and I both love the "Amy" top! I can't wait to see the new plus size items in their summer offerings.
Thanks for reading, and please let me know what you think about Elegantees on the comments!
