Ah, the mall. That sprawling labyrinth of consumerism where dreams are made, and wallets are broken. For many, it’s a haven of endless possibilities. For me? It’s more like a walk through the seventh circle of Dante’s Inferno. Why, you ask? Well, let’s just say shopping for clothes when you’re plus-sized is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Except the haystack is on fire. And the needle is actually a unicorn that may or may not exist.

The “Chubby” Years: A Prelude to a Lifetime of Shopping Woes

Picture this: Little Dia, in her primary school years, already a bit on the chubby side. While other kids were shopping at the “cool” stores, I was stuck in the “husky” section. Yes, they actually called it that. As if kids don’t have enough self-esteem issues, let’s go ahead and label them like a breed of dog. Brilliant!

And then there were the shopping trips with Mom. Bless her heart, she tried to make it a fun experience, but there’s only so much you can do when you’re sifting through racks of clothes that look like rejected extras from a 1980s sitcom. “This one has a nice pattern,” she’d say, holding up a shirt that could easily double as a tablecloth. “Nice” was a relative term, of course.

So there I was, a young girl with dreams of looking fabulous, stuck in a world that seemed to have no room for someone built like me. It was a tough pill to swallow, but it was also the beginning of a journey—a journey that would take me through highs and lows, through skinny jeans and elastic waistbands, and ultimately, to a place of self-acceptance and online shopping carts full of fabulous finds.

Ah, the “chubby” years. They may have been a fashion disaster, but they were also the prologue to a story that’s still being written. And let me tell you, it’s a page-turner.

The Transformation: High School, College, and the Skinny Mid-Twenties

Ah, the golden years! High school, college, and even my mid-twenties were a time when I could proudly say, “One size fits all? Challenge accepted!” I was skinny, and shopping was a breeze. I could waltz into any store, pick up the trendiest pieces off the rack, and know they’d fit like a glove. It was like the universe had finally aligned in my favor—or at least the fashion gods had.

During this period, I was living the dream that my primary school self could only fantasize about. Crop tops? Yes, please! Skinny jeans? Don’t mind if I do! I was a regular fashionista, and it felt amazing. I had a free pass to explore the world of style without the limitations that had once held me back.

But as the saying goes, “All good things must come to an end.” And end they did. But oh, what a glorious time it was while it lasted!

The Return of the Plus-Size

Fast forward to the present, and here I am, back in the plus-size category. And let me tell you, shopping has become an Olympic sport of its own. The hurdles? Sales ladies who give you that “Oh, we don’t carry that size here” look. The long jump? Leaping to conclusions that nothing will fit and look good. The sprint? Running away from the mall as fast as possible because, let’s face it, this is not a fun experience.

Luckily, my husband is a man who appreciates a woman with curves. That’s right, folks—some men do prefer a little more cushion for the pushin’, and I’m lucky enough to have snagged one of them.

The Saving Grace: Online Shopping

But lo and behold, we live in the era of online shopping! A time where you can buy anything from a car to a jar of artisanal pickles with the click of a button. And for someone like me, it’s been a game-changer.

My Go-To Stores

• Shopee
  • Plus Size Collection PH – my favorite of all!
  • BSCO Curve
  • Miss Kat PH
  • Body Carver PH – just for my yoga clothes
• Lazada
  • Super Size PH

These stores have been my sanctuary, my refuge, my VIP lounge in the chaotic airport that is plus-size shopping.

The Moral of the Story

So, to all my plus-sized peeps out there, don’t lose hope. The world of fashion is slowly but surely catching up. And until then, thank the retail gods for online shopping. Because nothing beats shopping in your pajamas while binge-watching your favorite shows, am I right?

So go ahead, click that “Add to Cart” button. Your fabulous self deserves it.

There you have it, folks! My journey from the “husky” section to the VIP lounge of online shopping. It’s been a rollercoaster, but hey, at least it’s a ride worth taking.