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Sunday, March 30, 2014

Staycation Day 3: Plus Size Shopping In The UAE

      The staycation continues and yesterday, I did a little shopping (whispers A LOT shhhhhh) . I am 5'9'' wear about a 1x on the bottom and a 2/3x on top. When I was moving to the UAE I was concerned I would not be able to find clothes. When I lived in Japan it was impossible to find anything to wear, the only store that carried clothes close to my size was Zara ($$$) so I had to get creative and buy men's clothes and alter them.
     I was ecstatic when I arrived in the UAE and discovered the selection of plus size clothing is better than Canada. One of the reasons for this is there are stores here from all over the world. One of my favorite is a store out of the UK called Matalan. Not only do their regular clothes section go up to a US 18, they also have a plus sized section. Some stores at home need to take note. I also find their prices extremely reasonable and their clothes are fun and current. The Matalan I love is located in Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi.

The dress that I wore to the all white party is from there.  They also have bathing suits.

These shorts and top are from there also (sandals are Nine West in case you cared). I love these shorts but they got reunited at the Full Moon party in Thailand (if you ever go to a Full Moon party do not wear anything you really like). Good news is that when I came back they had them and I bought another pair, the bad news is that they only had a size smaller. Guess I will just have to workout a bit more....

    My next favorite is Forever21, Dubai mall has the largest plus size section I have seen besides the one in Time Square in NYC and that F21 is four floors. Just like F21 at home, the items are hit and miss. There are somedays I want to buy everything and others days when I can't even find something to try on.

The romper from brunch a few weeks ago is from Forever21, sandals here are also Nine West.

**just a side note: when I first got here Nine West had a buy one get one FREE sale!!! As you can imagine I went to town on that. 

Splash/ Iconic is another winner. They are usually located in every mall and have a decent plus sized selection but it depends on the mall. This is one of those stores that when they have sales the items are so cheap.

Skirt from Splash. I also own it in pink. These skirts also come in handy for work.

    Last but not least is H &M. The one in Abu Dhabi Mall has a small plus sized section and the regular section goes up to 16 (although it is hard to find a 16 but 14 are everywhere) and XL. I find H & M good for sweaters and long sleeve tops for work.
 
    There a few other stores like Next, Dorothy Perkins, BHS and Evans that also sell plus sized clothes depending on the store size.

I will keep you posted if I find anything else. I love deals, but I also like to look good so I  am always on the lookout for fun stores with great deals. 

Hope that help, happy shopping! 

P.S today marks 7 months since I have been in the UAE *throws glitter*

15 comments:

  1. Hi! Your post and blog in general have been very helpful. I thought I would never be able to find clothes my size there. THank you. I plan to come to Abu Dhabi and teach sometime later this year. SO it is awesome to have met you

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  2. I love all your outfits!!! I';m glad you've found some PS stores to shop at. I'm not sure if you know of the PS blogger, LuAnne. She's in Dubai as well www.iamweesha.com. She might have some more pointers on PS shopping in the UAE

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  3. These are good tips! I'm approximately the same size and height as you! This offers me lots of hope for when I get to AD! I visited GTA last summer, plus size clothing was so far and in between. I shopped once! Thanks again

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  4. Very nice article on plus sized clothing.

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  5. So glad to have found your blog! I am moving to AD in a few months, and as a 5'4", 2x woman I have been dreading shopping in AD, having been there for a few months before and not having much luck on my own. Thanks to you, I now know where to look!

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  6. Look at this fashionista who says "I'm not fat, I'm fun" and proves to us the up side of being plus sized! Get her style from online shopping stores - quick and easy to get plus sized clothing! https://sliceofdubai.wordpress.com/2015/02/19/the-up-side-of-being-plus-sized/

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  7. Hi
    just to say fro male perspective you look stunning and clearly as an teacher your fabulous on the inside .
    Glad you like Matalan from my home country UK

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    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, Matalan is one of my favorite stores out here!

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  8. Hi, all. The Abu Dhabi Mall H&M got rid of their plus sizes the last time I checked it last month. Very sad. Good news is that Mark & Spencers goes up to 24! Happy Hunting.

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  9. Shopping in Dubai has much to offer; it has some or the other thing in-store for each & every one... so we need not worry even if its a "plus size" shopping. Thank you for sharing your experience.

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  10. shopping is my favorite place for shopping.. https://shoppingrediscovered.wordpress.com/

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  11. Do plus size stores sell swimwear? I'm stopping in Dubai on my way home from a 2 month trip in Northern Europe. I mostly have sweaters and scarves in my luggage lol. Would hate to miss out on the beach!

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    1. I mostly order mine online. There isn't much here.

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  12. Eventhough, I am a girl, staycation in Dubai is a much better activity rather than shopping. I booked an accomodation with some friends in Al Habtoor Polo Resort and I was always preoccupied with the picture takings of the views, pools and other activities offered by the resort. I was able to enjoy it all for a small price of AED 2500 on weekdays because I was lucky to found a deal in their website.

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