The quest for curvalicious clothing is never an easy one.

Okay, so I realize many folks have sounded off on this topic already, but I can't resist the chance to - - get ready for a shameless pun - - weigh in. Plus-size clothing is definitely a hot topic in the blogsphere as well as in the real-life sphere and the discussion often comes back to the lament that there might be some awesome styles out there for the large and lovely, but ya gotta dig.

I consider myself a plus-size fashion archeologist of sorts.

I enjoy the sheer hunt for clothes and the constant dig for styles that are both sassy and not bank breaking is a thrill to me. I've mentioned before that fashion is my first line of defense against feeling crappy about my full figure and I maintain that the first step to anyone's body battle is feeling good by looking good. I have an entire arsenal at my fingertips of spots to start building my get-ups. I rarely have the try-on room drama of my yesteryears, nor do I waste time forcing myself in to something trendy that doesn't fit just for the sake of looking "with it." But a recent event had me grumbling.

Last Monday, I found myself racing through my local mall, struggling to find something to wear and fast, coming up empty-handed at every turn. The situation was as such, last minute that day my father mentioned the passing of his uncle and being the stellar first-born that I am, I volunteered to go with him. Now, I own dozens of appropriate black items, from skirts to shoes to blouses I'm stocked. However, the last minute decision allowed me no time to head home to grab any of my collection. Luckily, this is New Jersey with a mall on every corner and there was a convenient one right where I was supposed to be meeting my dad. Like I said, I don't have many problems shopping any more but this time, I needed something that fit a whole bunch of criteria. There was no way I was buying anything black and expensive with a whole plethora of them at home.

I finally made it work, but left the mall grumbling. Sure, it's a rare situation that I needed something specific that fast, but it happened. On my way out I noticed the Forever 21 and a surge of anger scorched through me. However, as if hearing my prayers the fashion gods responded - - on May 1st, Forever 21 released a plus-size line, Faith 21.

The attempt is lukewarm at best.

Forever 21 is the first place I would've ran to, had I been in the size range they originally were exclusively carrying. Their claim to fame is looking like "runway knock-offs" and I would agree that their enormous stash of goods is certainly on-trend. Faith 21 does have a smattering of pieces that reflect the trends offered for less-curvy girls, but it seems most of the line has been cranked out simply to appease us. And while Forever 21's stock of dresses runs about 200 items long, the entire Faith 21 collection has under fifty items. And the clincher? The line isn't carried in most stores.

Not even in New York.

All I'm asking for is a spot to grab an equally inexpensive, equally stylish, equally trendy as equally quickly as the next gal. Sure, more and more malls are incorporating plus-size stores in to their repertoire, but the price/trend factor is not always equivalent.

Hey, it's not l like I didn't order two pieces from the collection online but if they don't meet my criteria of making me feel fabulous, I'll have no choice but to loose the Faith.