Plus Sized Fahion: Ideas of Measurements and Body Types?

So, I am a (very) overweight individual who -SURPRISINGLY- doesn't like to dress like I'm 90 years old. I also don't like to pay out the rear end to get clothes. And if I have to pay a lot, I would AT LEAST like the clothes to fit me well.
Unfortunately for me, and most other individuals who are over a size 20, you are usually stuck choosing one of these options. If you go to Wal-Mart, and look at clothes in the "Plus-size Section", and even go a size or two larger than what you are, you find the clothes still don't fit/flatter your figure. This happens with most mass produced clothes (even in "standard sizing"); and this is because, when they extend the sizes, they just take the pattern and add a few inches to every area. They don't think about the fact that, just because a woman's waist is 45" or so, doesn't mean her chest is going to be, like, six feet across. THEY DON'T TAKE THE ACTUAL FIGURE INTO CONSIDERATION!!! They just make industrial crap that makes you look bulgy and chunky in all the wrong places!
The next option is that you try a specialty company; say, "Woman Within" or "Roman's". You look at the prices and you're like "OMG". A pair of blue jeans is up in the $50-$60 range! Yes, they are of decent quality and fit a lot better than something from Wal-Mart, but you still can't afford it. The sizing is much more accurate and closer to the "Old Sizing" (what I mean by that is that, when you go into a chain store, the size 3XL is now a 22/24. The TRUE sizing, like in specialty stores, for 3XL is 30/32); and while it is a confidence boost to be able to buy a smaller size, it is NOT fun to know you still have to pay twice as much for a tee shirt

And lastly, you have the "dress like a granny" option. This can happen in conjunction with the other two, and usually occurs when shopping in thrift stores because sizing tends to be more accurate. I am not even old enough to drink; I don't want to dress like I'm old enough to have CHILDREN that drink!

Every time I go shopping and try on clothes, only to feel fat, frumpy, and/or old, I say to myself: "DAMMIT! You know what, world? One day, I will design a really cool line of clothing that is for younger folks, and fits well and is flattering- WHILE STILL BEING AFFORDABLE!"
Some people tend to think like smart-alecs, and have even told me to my face, things like: "If you're so concerned about spending so much money, then go on a diet and don't BUY so much food!" (which is, by the, can be explained by the fact that the food that makes you gain weight is often the cheapest food, and a lot easier for busy people), and "Don't complain, just lose some weight, fatty!".
I even had one friend tell me to lose 200 pounds over our 3 month summer break. Not exactly physically possible, short of unhealthy methods and surgery
Another misconception is that heavy people "Don't care about their appearance, otherwise they wouldn't be so fat." While there are a few examples of this, it happens with thin people too! How often do you go somewhere, only to see a healthy-sized girl (who is otherwise really pretty), waltz in wearing no bra, with her butt-crack sticking out the back of her 2-sizes-too-small blue jeans, wearing a skimpy tank top with greasy bedhead hair and sloppy makeup (that looks like a cheap hooker got dressed and did her makeup in the dark. No offense to prostitutes! ). It DOES NOT matter what size you are; you can look beautiful and well-groomed, whether you are 130 pounds or 430 pounds. In addition, my humble opinion is that bigger women end up doubling their efforts in order to feel pretty.
***I think of myself this way; no matter how awful I feel- whether I am going grocery shopping or to a wedding- I clean up pretty darn well. Shower everyday, well-kept hair, neat makeup (sometimes extravagant, according to my mother ) that takes about an hour to perfect, and clothes that, while sometimes loose and baggy (depending on my style that day), still fit and flatter my shape. (This also includes wearing an uncomfortable girdle and shaping tank). Some may not feel it is necessary to go to this extent, but I like to feel like I look kinda pretty. That's just me, though. Don't think that I expect or even want everyone to work so hard because they feel they have to please others. I do it all to make myself feel happy and good***

So you may be asking why in heaven's name I posted this "rant" in the self-help and goals setting section. Well, that is because I am sick of my own talk and want to see some action on my own part! I have decided to start my goal of designing plus size clothing
And what I want from the plus-size ladies who read this is to help me out if possible. I would like to know what you consider your body type to be:
-Pear Shape: Average size on top, but with a "J-Lo Booty", and/or maybe curvy hips and thighs.
-Apple Shape: Fairly busty or barrel-chested (maybe you just have a bigger ribcage), whilst being considerably smaller on the bottom in comparison.
-Hourglass Figure: bust and hips even, with a smaller waist (i.e.- bust= 60", waist= 45", hips= 60")
-Box Shaped: Everything is fairly even; bust and hips don't jut out much more than gut, waist doesn't stick out further than bust or hips.
-Other: You consider yourself none of those options, but rather have a name and explanation for what you label your shape as.

I really, really would like to know this kind of stuff, so I can get some ideas for designs and what people want in their clothing. Hopefully, one day I will post my designs! Any other comments, such as style of clothing, colors, or anything else is appreciated!

This doesn't totally address your question, but have you ever shopped at Torrid? They do a big online business and have some stores. It tends to be younger and sexier clothing and lower in cost than my other fav, Lane Bryant. My only issue with Torrid is that their sizing is inconsistent. I bought 3 different sizes last time I was there! I would think that would be problematic if ordering online.

My other plus size issue: I am looking at having a kid soon. Where are all the plus sized maternity clothes? I guess plus sized women aren't supposed to have kids.

My own body is curvy with huge boobs. I would feel and look much thinner if I were less busty. But, like you, I care about fashion and appearance and do my best to "work what I got."

Best,
EJ

Ugh, I love a lot of what torrid has... but you are totally right about the sizing!Sometimes, I try on something there and it's like, "Oh, this doesn't look too horrible.", but it's not worth the money if it doesn't look like you could wear it and feel comfortable
The other thing is that, while some of the clothes may be respectable looking if worn with a coat or shrug, they just make me look trampy :"(
Like I said in my previous post, everything I buy that is technically my size- as in, designed for my measurements- makes me look flabby. Then, if I move to the next size up, it fits me like a burlap sack. I end up usually buying stuff that almost fits, and then doctoring it and making changes so it looks good. (i.e.- I have serious scarring on my arms, so if I buy a short sleeved shirt, I will sew on long sleeves under it to give it a layered look.) My family is also below poverty level income, and that makes it all the harder to buy ritzy clothes. Usually though, i end up going to goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul society, or the Salvation army stores for clothes. I occasionally get lucky and find a nice top or something, but it almost always needs to be altered. Needless to say, we are also rummage sale junkies
Thanks for the comment though!
(P.S.-Have you ever noticed how plus sized shirts tend to be WAY to short?)

I love love love your "rant." I struggle with this myself. Before starting my meds, I was slightly under my normal weight (from all the fidgeting and shaking from anxiety). Generally, most of my life I've been a healthy 130-145, my size ranging from 12-14. I have always been hourglass, and I can attest that even in my slimmer days I had the hardest time finding jeans that fit my wide hips but weren't baggy in the waist...or finding a top that fit my boobs, but wasn't too big in the shoulders. **Also I want to add that I HATE shopping; I hate the harsh lights that point out every microscopic dimple, stretch mark, fat roll, etc. Also, I get easily hot, and the dept. stores are notoriously kind of warm (especially under those lights in the dressing rooms.)

Having said all that, after lots of diff meds, I have ballooned to over 200 pounds. I never ever thought I could look like this. I hate it. I'm not against bigger women, my mom is naturally bigger boned and it looks right on her. But my natural frame is slim--aside from the curves--and now I look like a walking marshmallow. So yeah, I am uber lazy about finding nice clothes, spending the money...I feel I'm reinforcing to myself it's ok to be overweight and unhealthy.

Oddly, even with the weight and water gain (my grandmother even said I don't look like a typical overweight person, but more like I'm carrying med weight around.), I still have my waist, though of course it's big like everything else. Luckily when I gain, it goes everywhere instead of one spot making me look disproportioned.

Blah. That's all I can say. It disgusts me to talk about.