When I started the #plussizeplease hashtag movement almost four years ago, I dreamt of a future where plus size women would have the same depth and breadth of clothing options as straight size shoppers.  The moment of inspiration actually came when I was at an event at Saks Fifth Avenue flagship, surrounded by gorgeous pieces from Tibi, Helmut Lang, and Milly – none of which fit me.  The plus industry has made a good deal of progress since 2014, but high end and contemporary options have still been slim.  So when I heard about the launch of 11 Honoré, a new e-tailer aiming to bring the runway to a broader size range, I was of course intrigued.

11 Honoré launched in size 10-20 a few months ago with a handful of designers that already offered plus on their own e-commerce sites (like Prabal Gurung and Christian Siriano), along with designers new to plus, like Brandon Maxwell and Scott Studenberg and John Targon of Baja East.  11 Honoré worked with these brands to get the technical aspect of designing for plus right while maintaining the aesthetic and quality each label is known for.  They have continued to add to their brand roster, and in 2018 they plan to expand to 34 designers.  I was particularly psyched to see Milly added to the lineup, as I’ve loved designer Michelle Smith’s work for years.  When 11 Honoré reached out to me to try a look from their site, this gorgeous bell sleeve mini was a easy choice.

I ordered based their size chart, and according to measurements I chose this piece in an 18/20.  The fabric is a nicely thick matte sweater knit, and it has a good deal of stretch.  I could have comfortably sized down in this, and will definitely do so for pieces with stretch from Milly in the future.  There is a bit of extra fabric where my ‘hip dips’ are that would likely not be there if I sized down, but that is a tiny quibble, and is definitely not going to stop me from wearing this dress again.

The weight and quality of this material feels like a hug, and I was perfectly comfortable with the form-fitting silhouette without even thinking about shapewear.  It can easily be dressed up or down.  With strappy bejeweled heels and cascading earrings, you can be party ready in a snap.  I plan on wearing this for day with over the knee boots and a long line vest to show the sleeves off.  With velvet boots and vintage accessories here (the clutch was my Grama’s!) I’m ready for a more low key night out.

I’m super into this non-basic LBD from Milly, and I love that 11 Honoré is offering designer pieces in sizes that have long been neglected.  I do wish their size range was broader, but as they are just starting out, I’m more understanding of early-enterprise limitations.  If you just above the size range, I’d recommend trying one of the pieces with stretch (like this one) and dropping them a note with your order.  If you are size 24+, definitely let them know if you’d buy their pieces if they came in your size range – they are really listening to their customers and the market, which I appreciate.

Shop 11 Honoré Here