Usually we add a few pieces to our wardrobe each season. But there are some instances where you really do have nothing to work with. Maybe... your weight has changed, you're changing careers, you're moving to a company with a different dress code than you're used to, you've retired, you've relocated to a different climate, you've had it with your current wardrobe, and have decided to shake things up. It's a daunting task, but you can take it as slowly as you need to. Like a lot of things, this is a matter of putting a bunch of effort into figuring it out, and then it gets a lot easier ..read more

I get it. Even I have some shlumpy clothes for when I just can't deal anymore. It feels good to give myself a break. But it feels lousy to know I'm wearing clothes that I wouldn't wear out of the house. Especially when I decide to wear them outside anyway. It's just a quick trip to the supermarket after all. Where I'll be seen by dozens of people. Maybe even my worst frenemy. Oops. We all use fashion as armor when we go to work, or to a party. When we get home and it's time to relax, we remove our armor. Then we put on the most comfortable, yet ego destroying clothes we can ..read more

We know that Vikki Vi clothes are investments. I don't use that word lightly. If you buy a garment that you can wear weekly for several years (or a couple of decades), that's an investment. You may call it an investment in your wardrobe, but you can also look at it as in investment in not having to spend the time and energy to replace your black pants every year or so. And let's not forget Cost Per Wear, which is ultimately higher with inexpensive fast fashion.  Making that up front investment can seem like an big hurdle. And I get that not everyone prioritizes their wardrobe, b ..read more

You don't see a lot of shoulder pads these days. Shoulder pads were such a big thing back in the 80s that some people think they're out of style. But there's a reason why we use them in some of our tops and dresses. Customers tend to have a lot of questions about them, like... Seriously? Yes. This isn't a retro thing or a behind-the-times thing. When we use shoulder pads, it's for a very good reason. OK, so what's the reason? The knit fabrics that we use (Classic, Slinky Classic, and Jersey) are known for their drape. They move beautifully - as long as they have something to hang from. Some of ..read more

Dressing for your body shape influences how confident and comfortable you are. It's also the gateway to really enjoying your clothes. I've written about this subject a lot, and since it's so important I decided to collect it all in one place. I'm including a lot of links to other posts so you don't have to scroll past loads of things that don't apply to you. Why Dressing For Your Body Shape Matters If you don't keep your body's natural shape in mind, your clothes will be too tight in some places and too loose in others. You'll spend all day adjusting your clothing. If you do dress accordi ..read more

Years ago, I was in a plus size boutique in Brooklyn along with a mother and daughter and the fabulous owner of the boutique. The daughter and owner talked the mom into trying on a print dress. She loved how she looked and kept saying how surprised everyone was going to be when they saw her wearing a print. She was just so excited. That's the exhilaration of stepping out of your fashion comfort zone.  But here's the thing... Most of her loved ones probably had no idea that she'd only been wearing solid colors for decades. People simply don't pay that much attention. I'm all about the fash ..read more

Whenever I come across the words, "Clearance Sale" I get flashbacks to searching through overstuffed department store clothing racks, desperate to find something in my size. I used to get so focused on finding a bargain that I'd be tempted to buy things in colors that look awful on me, or something completely not my style.  But I'm all about making the most of your clothing budget, so let's talk about how to make sales work for you.   The retail industry is three months ahead, which explains why you can never find anything at the last minute. But that means you can buy clothes ..read more

Every business relies on loyal customers, but Vikki Vi fans are in a class all their own. You start with a piece or two, fall in love, and keep turning to us when you need to add to your wardrobe. We keep hearing from longtime customers whose entire work wardrobe is Vikki Vi. Others wear Vikki Vi almost exclusively.  Loyalty like that needs to be rewarded. Which is why we're launching the Vikki ViP Loyalty Rewards program. I know you have questions and I have answers.  How can I become a Vikki ViP? You probably already are. If you made a purchase from Plus by Design in 2023, you have ..read more

Gift cards can be a really thoughtful present. Especially Vikki Vi gift cards. Here's why: 1. Shopping! When you give someone a gift card, you're giving them the fun of browsing New Arrivals with no pressure. Maybe they'll find something today, or maybe next time. Low stress shopping is the best.  2. Gift cards can save the day. You know I'm a firm believer in shopping for and buying clothes when you don't have an immediate need. That way, you can be sure to have something to wear for special events. But not everyone shops that way. If your loved one is trying to track down something ..read more

You don't need me to tell you that modern air travel is the pits. And fat people (especially women) are treated like we're part of the problem and not suffering along with everyone else. No one complains that the person sitting behind them is too tall. If a man's shoulders spill over into the seat next to his, that's his seatmate's problem. But if your hips or thighs touch the person next to you, your very existence is an outrage. Until the person next to you dozes off and uses you as a body pillow (true story).  I spend my life reminding myself and others that I have every righ ..read more