Interview with Domino Dollhouse

Domino Dollhouse is a brand new online store created by fellow plus-size blogger Tracy Broxterman (of Chubble Bubble). The store, which just launched in the last couple of weeks, aims to bring quirkier and edgier pieces to the plus-size wardrobe. Tracy was kind enough to take some time out of her busy store-running schedule and let me ask her a few questions!


What inspired you to start Domino Dollhouse?

Life! I'm not only plus size, but come from a plus size family. It's an issue that I've grown up with, struggled with, and ached over...and no, I don't mean being fat. I mean buying clothing! That was always my NUMBER ONE complaint. I knew my body was destined to be a certain way, so I embraced it quickly, it's the rest of the world that annoyed me. I'd always wanted to have my own store, but couldn't truly nail down a concept that I loved. There are several plus stores out there doing a fabulous job right now, but my favorite quirky shops: Betsey Johnson, Patricia Field, Popkiller, etc did not have a plus size equal. And that's when I knew what I wanted to do.


How difficult is it to find people who make the quirkier items that you want to stock? And what are some items that you are still trying to find in plus sizes?

It's extremely difficult to get the quirky items in plus sizes! About 95% of what is available is an aesthetic that is insanely overdone for plus sizes...flowy tops in bad prints and materials, bad jeans, and unfortunate club dresses. So, of the 5% that is in the shop's style, there are other things to consider when purchasing...price, size, availability, shipping...which narrows things down quite a bit. But, the junior plus market is improving in style, which is why I was able to open my store, but that doesn't mean I am not on the lookout for all plus sizes...they are coming, for sure!

Items that I am on the lookout for and WILL FIND UNTIL IT KILLS ME are kooky party dresses up to size 28 (this I've had some success with...coming soon!), cute-ly printed cardigans and hoodies, tights and leggings with fabu prints, and killer lingerie.


It sounds incredibly frustrating to have such limited choices as a buyer. Do you think this is an aspect of the plus-size industry that can change in the future? Or do you think it will always be difficult to find trendier or edgier pieces in the larger sizes?

It is...particularly a buyer that cannot sew and create the pieces herself. I think that all it takes is one truly passionate person to prove that they can make money with affordable, kooky fashions and others will emulate. In this business, money really does speak volumes. I'm here to prove that there is a market for this and that it isn't a huge risk for factories to make these pieces. So...I'm optimistic for the future! Things are already exponentially better than when I was in highschool (over 10 years ago)...that's very promising.


Well that's good news! Since we've touched on the subject of sizes, I'd like to ask you about the sizing on Domino Dollhouse. I've noticed that there isn't a lot of consistency when it comes to the size measurements for the items in your shop. Why do the sizes differ so much?

With most retailers, when they use one size chart, they have to give an approximation of what they would consider a 12, 14, etc. However, as a plus size girl my whole life, I know that EVERY garment is a COMPLETELY different size and cut. For instance, I have a size small dress that I wear and yet I'm a 24 4X. It is important for me to measure the items at their maximum and minimum measurements at each point on the body so that a girl can see if the items will work for her.

For example, the Cocktails for Breakfast dress has a smaller bust but has a decent amount of draped fabric in the tummy area. So while someone who is a 12/14 in the bust could wear it with no issue, a girl with larger tummy/bottom but a small bust who identifies has a 18 could also fit into it. I realize that this may seem confusing, but I think it is important to not follow those strict "size" limitations! If I did that: I might never buy half of the items that I love because the tag/chart told me I couldn't.


That sounds like a really great way to make sure customers aren't disappointed with the fit. So what are some of your hopes for the future of Domino Dollhouse? Where do you want to go from here?

I want it to be a shop that is more than just "cute for plus size". I just want it to be quality design and a great price with no settling. I plan on creating a Domino Dollhouse label in the future...hopefully sooner than later!


Thanks so much for answering my questions, Tracy. Congratulations on opening your store and best of luck with it in the future! One last question for you: my friend Holly is begging me to ask you how wide the Endo boots go?

Thanks so much! It was a really great interview and I enjoyed the questions so much. The Endo boots are a wide width at the top and the foot...I don't have the shoes on hand, so I can't get exact measurements for you, BUT I can tell you that these were developed specifically for Torrid. If she fits in Torrid's knee high boots: these will work! I hope this helps...if she needs a specific measurement (calf, foot width, etc) let me know and I can try and contact the company for this information.
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Check out some of cute items Tracy has in stock right now:


I really enjoyed getting to chat with Tracy. I definitely admire her honesty and her positive attitude! What did you guys think? Are you digging quirky style of Domino Dollhouse?