Dear New York Mass Retailers,

When I tell people that I live in Manhattan, I say it’s the greatest place on earth.

What’s not to love?

The theaters, galleries, men, restaurants, all make this city, what Barnum & Bailey coin: “the greatest show place on earth“.

After giving this answer, it’s at this point, when my hometown Denver folk, usually say: “UM… AND THE SHOPPING!?”

Me: “NO.”

New York is one of the major fashion capitals of the world, so any twenty-something woman must love it, right?

NO, not me.

Here’s my gripe: The Big Apple has thousand of stores, catering to all fancies, but if you’re like me, and over a size 16 (or 12 for that matter), you are shit out of luck.

I’m a plus sized woman (size 20/22) and not ashamed of it. I am; however, working on dropping some of the weight (for health reasons) but reality is I will always be a plus-sized woman.

That means in New York City, I have two, yes, two stores that I can afford to shop at Lane Bryant and Ashley Stewart. Oh, and how can I forget wash n’ wear brand: Forever21. Forever came out with Faith21; but, first off, who can find Faith in any of the Manhattan locations? And secondly, Faith21?

What the hell?

Yes, I’m sure some of the “4 B’s” (Bendels, Bergdorfs, Barneys & Bloomies) sell plus size, but then again not all of us (ahem) can afford a $1500 ensemble.

So, here I am forced to shop either online or at a store that is still quite pricey, while my friends get to go to sample sales and what not.

At times I feel like Anna Wintour is laughing her ass off at girls like us (because rumor has it, they record what you eat inside Conde’s cafeteria).

The fashion industry as a whole looks down on girls who are bigger. (Well, kudos to V for coming out with their plus-sized issue. But the featured girls are more voluptuous beauties rather than zaftig real-women.)

NY Fashion Week starts in 7 days, and even though this will fall on deaf ears, I think the Fashion world needs to be more open to designing for the “everyday” woman. I have some shows to attend, and I’m so sick of wearing lack-luster Lane Bryant twin sets.

If you’re a plus-sized woman, please take a stand.

I’m getting exhausted from being pushed to back (just like in gym class).

You ignore us and force us to don generic “boot-cut jeans” & “ribbed cardigans” and other foul garments that induce nausea.

I’m asking for this: just a few, affordable, cool stores that sell plus-sized clothing for me & the like; or of course, expanding the inventory at places already-existing retailers.

Proud Plus Size NYC Fashionista.

PS: I’m not saying being “plus-size or overweight” is healthy, I’m just being fed up & being real.

P.P.S – Yes that is me, Misti Schindele