Ulla Popken’s Plus Size Fashion Line for Fall 2006
With sassy double-straps, a v-neck and long lacy hem, the Ulla Popken’s plus size satin cami is bound to become your favorite. At $49, this plus size cami is quite pricey, but given the workmanship, it’s probably worth the price. Throw it over jeans, and add a shrug for a casual look. Wear it under a blazer for work, and get rid of the bulk.
Less enticing is Ulla Popken’s plus size jean jacket. Overlong at 32″, and only available in one color, this plus size wardrobe staple is boxy in shape. It lacks any seaming or special tailoring to give it a more feminine shape, and just sort of hangs on the body. Better plus size denim jackets can be had elsewhere this autumn. Besides, Ulla Popken’s denim jacket is entirely outshone by their plus size stretch corduroy jacket with adjustable two-button cuffs. Offered in fatigue green or plum, this plus size jacket is made with a cotton/spandex blend, and has an undeniably rich look about it even though it’s selling for only $49.
And if denim and corduroy are too casual for you, don’t pass up the plus size velvet trim tweed separates. This astonishingly classy suit is buttery soft, made from an acrylic/polyester/cotton/spandex blend. The detailing around the color and pockets is exquisite, and the jacket is long enough to hide any plus size problem areas. (And if 32″ is a little too long for you, a tailor can take it up for you). The major complaints about the tweed pants that go with this suit are the elastic waistband and what seems to be a slight tapering of the leg. Even so, this plus size suit is smart-looking and classic.
Other stand-out plus size career wear from this season includes a tweed duster with princess seams and silver buttons, a metal beaded twist tunic made from a cling-free fabric with a twist between the breasts to show off your best assets, and a figure flattering lace three-piece pants set with a shimmery lined v-neck tank and wide-leg lined pants.
Of course, there’s also at least one real plus size, career wear clunker in Ulla Popken’s fall fashion line – and that is the plaid swing jacket and skirt. The teal plaid isn’t a bad fabric or pattern in and of itself. And the plus size skirt isn’t that bad. At 31″ it’s likely too long for most frames, but it does have some lovely trumpet flairs and details. By itself, it’s really all the plaid you need. But when paired with the atrocious plus size swing jacket, it’s a table-cloth nightmare. The jacket is sloppy, too long, and instead of giving an hour glass figure, it opens up right over the belly and hips to emphasize the what is often the widest part of a plus size figure. And they are charging $129 for this monstrosity, not including the skirt!
But Ulla Popken isn’t just about plus size career wear. They make some cute plus size tees, tunics, and sleepwear. Unfortunately, the price tag on these plus size items can be prohibitive when compared to other plus size clothing stores. This fall, Ulla Popken seems to be trying to address that problem by offering tees starting at $14, but the larger sizes are still expensive. They’ll need to knock that price down a peg or two, or make their plus size tops stand out in some other way as to justify the price tag.
All in all, a solid plus size fall fashion line from Ulla Popken. Shoppers should indulge!
