Purple Scoop Neck Long Sleeve Silk Blouse | Size 14+ Lane Bryant Top With Butterfly Sleeves

For far too long plus size women have had to beg, borrow, and steal to be represented in a culture that prizes being thin and fitting a certain standard of beauty above all else. I’m happy to see that things are finally (slowly, but finally) coming around. There are entire television shows devoted to plus size women and men and even some that don’t focus on the characters losing weight (i.e. More to Love). But still, when it comes to creating the cutting edge of fashion in plus sizes, the industry has a long way to go. However, there are companies making steps in the right direction.

Major plus size fashion retailer Lane Bryant has just gone uber chic in a effort to take another step. Today it released its new Icon Collection that is said to be “inspired by the runways of Paris, Milan, and London.” This cold-shoulder silk blouse is one of the pieces featured in the collection. With beautiful slit and butterfly style three-quarter length sleeves and an empire tied waist this “cutting edge” piece, unfortunately, just feels like more of the same. That is until you examine the tag. IT’S 100% SILK. Not rayon, not a polyester/silk blend, but 100% silk in sizes 14 to 28. While it is rare to find a nice design in such quality fabric at plus-size stores, it is not unheard of.

Before I continue, let me say this: I applaud the effort being made on behalf of plus-size women everywhere. With that said, I would expect a little more from a collection that has been marketed as something that will blaze a trail in plus size fashion. I’m not sure this mid-section flattering, empire waist design is worth its 98.00 dollar price tag, especially given the current economy and the fact that similar designs exist at a much more cost efficient price. I’d be much more inclined to spend 44.50 on Lane Bryant’s smocked waist ruffle blouse. It’s similarly designed, half the price, and would leave me with enough money to buy a nice pair of trousers.