One of the advantages of managing a fashion portal is that I’m almost always notified when great sales are going on. Last weekend, our co-sponsors for the ElegantPlus Model of the Month sent an e-mail announcing a 4 day only 40% off sale celebrating the Fourth of July holiday. I had just seen Igigi come down the runway to much applause in New York City the weekend before (see the fashion show review posting in our newsletter on Tuesday, July 12) and there were several dresses and tops I had been eying for awhile.

I couldn’t restrain myself any longer, now was the time - although I stopped myself from purchasing everything on my wish list. I could easily have ordered several more items.

Wrap style tops are probably the most flattering style on any figure - large or small busted, slim or plus size. If you have an hour-glass figure it emphasizes the great proportions you have. If you have an apple or thick middle figure, the wrapping creates the illusion of a nipped in waist. Voila! Fabulous! The trick is finding one that fits you well, because if it doesn’t fit properly it gaps in all the wrong places.

Igigi understands both these concepts, and as a designer catering to sizes up to 5X, almost no one is left out. They solved the fit problem by using a beautifully draping fine matte jersey knit that stretches and moves with your body and tailoring in the bust area for a more streamlined fit. As a broad shouldered but small busted figure type, I have trouble getting wrap tops to fit well and often end up with gaps that, in a best case scenario, requires a camisole layer underneath so I don’t flash the world. Often, they don’t fit at all well enough to keep. Because of the stretch, in my proper size the fabric in these tops and dresses lies flat - no gaps, yet a larger busted woman would look equally good in them. These are keepers.

I actually opted to buy a faux wrap top that fits me absolutely perfectly, no gapping or navel gazing, in a delicious chocolate brown which will take me from summer right into the fall months. Maybe you’ve noticed…… chocolate brown is turning into one of the hottest colors of the summer. Mix it with those gorgeous turquoise and aqua blues, add a pair of beaded thongs, a natural wood and semi-precious stone chunky necklace, and a beach bag and you’ll look summer fabulous. Add black trousers and a jacket and you’ll look office chic.

I’d also been eying the wrap dresses for quite some time - my favorite the gorgeous plum graphical print. Alas, by the time I’d decided to make a purchase my size was sold out. I decided to take a chance and order the larger size, and a chocolate brown one in my usual size - thinking I would send one back. Not a chance. Igigi’s sizes run true, especially if you consult the individualized size charts that come with each garment. But, because of the nature of the fabric they use, one can get away with one size from your usual. The chocolate brown fits me best, but the plum print with only the slightest of alterations (and I mean slight) looks stunning. The print is one of the most slimming I’ve ever put on. I’m keeping both - and I suspect they will both be seeing a lot of wear. I’m thinking the print may even look fun and funky over a black pair of bootleg knit pants from Danskin that I love and live in - just to mix the looks up a little.

One of the features of wrap dresses and skirts that often drive me crazy is a practical concern. With even the slightest breeze they go flying open so the whole world can see if it’s a cotton granny pant day or a sexy satin thong day. Ugh. These dresses have a broad anchor, not simply a flimsy interior button that can often come undone - and a deep and generous wrap, ensuring that everything stays put. These are designers that know what they are doing, and have thought of everything!

Customer service was excellent. Upon completion of my purchase, I received an e-mailed confirmation. When my credit card was charged, I received a receipt. When they had shipped I received a Fedex tracking number. My one small problem with the process was the use of Fedex which was not indicated before the final phase. Fedex packages can be hard to receive because of the signature on delivery required. I was out when mine first arrived, and had to wait for delivery the next day. I understand why they have chosen to go with Fedex - the carrier is fast, reliable and the signature on delivery means fewer lost packages. I’d like to see some other delivery options, or at the very least an indication before payment is made that Fedex will be the carrier.

Finally, the matte jersey used is fluid and gorgeous, easy to take care of - but synthetic. If you are a natural fiber girl, chic plus size clothing is still hard to come by and Igigi has not offered the solution. I’d try it anyway, because not only is it well made and beautifully styled - this clothing is comfortable.
 

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