I had been avoiding buying my wedding dress for months (six to be exact, and my wedding is in eight months!) because I kept saying I would go when I lost weight..that didn't happen (I've been too busy enjoying our engagement, haha!) .. Anyway, I scoured the Internet hoping that I would find a dress that looked like it would look great on me.. I googled "plus sized bridal gowns", "full figure wedding dress", "what wedding dress looks best on plus sized brides"... you name it, I googled it, just as I'm sure most full figured ladies do! I knew buying a dress online was not very smart, but I had a very small (basically unheard of small for buying brand new) budget, and I am a big girl! Blazin, but big! I didn't like any of the Davids Bridal dresses in my budget and my size, they were too plain, plus the "plus sized" models had amazing bodies and could only be considered plus sized to a size zero ... so it wasn't accurate to me. I started to get frustrated so I decided to see if there were any plus sized bridal boutiques in New England. I hadn't heard of any, and seeing as how everybody and their mother were giving me advice as to where I should shop, I thought I would have known about one by now! I googled "plus sized wedding gown new England" and Botticelli popped up. I went to the link and read all about the store, Jan (the owner), and the story of how her store came to be. I immediately could relate to her and knew that this is the kind of woman I would love to help me find my gown, so I emailed her and she promptly emailed me back setting up a time for me to come in. She was professional yet down to earth and I was so excited! The day came to dress shop and three of my best friends and I drove up to Botticelli. Jan had asked me prior if I had any idea of what I was looking for, my size and my price range. I had no idea what I wanted (due to only seeing regular models in "plus sized gowns", I didn't know what Id look good in!), I told her my little budget and my size. She had a few dresses waiting for me which was shocking that she had any with that criteria, but she IS amazing! I am a goofy lady and Jan immediately recognized and accepted my goofiness and joined in on the fun with my friends and I while she sat down to ask me a few more preliminary questions. That was quick and painless.. time to try on some dresses! She led me to the dressing room and I started to get nervous, I haven't felt amazingly beautiful and comfortable in a dress in years, I knew this wouldn't be any different - it wasn't possible! Jan quickly eased my worries explaining how her gowns are literally designed and made for bigger woman, they hold your "girls" in the right place without them pouring out on to the floor, they are cut in a way that there is no back fat hanging and the shape of the gown will compliment my figure. I thought yea OK, thanks for letting me know this, totally not be living her. But, I was wrong, she was right! She helped me put on my first gown, and I magically lost 30 pounds! I looked sleek, thin, and very beautiful. She put the veil on for me so I could get the full effect, and I loved how I looked, but it wasn't me... I really could have called it a day with that dress though, bought it and gone home... because even though it wasn't totally "me", It obviously wasn't possible to find a dress that looked any better on me! Right? Wrong again! Jan pulled the next dress, it was a little too plain for me. and I immediately was ready to see what she had next.. She had me step into this dress that I thought hmmm.. this is different looking? As she laced up the corset top, I looked down and wondered, is this it?! This dress is amazing! I walked out and my friends all gasped. I stepped on to the platform and I gasped too! It was perfect! Jan informed me that this is the one she had in mind for me all along.. but I think she wanted me to try a few on first just to really feel me out. The dress is timeless. I really don't know all of the wedding dress jargon (haha, sorry!) but it had a corset top with beading under the bust, then starts the lace for my torso... then as the dress flows out (its a mermaid style, I didn't know mermaid style was possible for me!) the lace flowers spread out to a flowy skirt with about a 4 foot train. Jan did her job, and did her job well. She made me feel so important and so beautiful. Her staff was so kind too and all told me how great I looked.. and they weren't just saying it to say it because their boss was standing there. She really just has very friendly and real woman on her staff! I highly recommend making the trip to Jan's boutique!! I pretty much grantee that you will be just as happy as I am, and I am THRILLED! Did I mention that I hate shopping? She made the process quick, painless and enjoyable. I walked out of there with a smile, my gown and armed with business cards because I feel like every woman (especially us curvy ladies!) deserves to feel that way! read more

With my youngest son's wedding fast approaching I was getting nervous about betting to that "perfect weight" so that I could look my best. I delayed putting off shopping and was concerning my son that I had not yet found a mother of the groom dress for his special day. My schedule being crazy, I had not seen my best friend in a while. I met her for lunch and the inevitable question about "did I get the dress yet" came up. I went into my usual excuses {"I'm not ready, nest month, in a few weeks, after I feel better about myself". Being my best friend (since kindergarten), she knew I needed someone to set me straight. I got in her car and she said we are doing this dress today!! I quietly sat in the car on the way to this place she said I would love called "Botticelli's". I took a deep breath and went inside. The environment was inviting not intimidating and the dresses on display were actually in a size that I could try on! The owner approached me and asked me when the wedding was. When I told her I expected a lecture about why didn't you come in sooner? Instead she said okay, we can work with that, and directed me to the dress racks that could be ordered in the timeframe I had left. She then assisted me with picking out dresses and had a very compassionate and matter of fact way of assisting with trying on clothes. Never did I feel judged by her, as I have felt in other facilities. I came out of the dressing room and looked in the mirror and I actually felt pretty. She was complimentary and offered assistance with undergarments (apparently I have been wearing the wrong bra size for years!). I could not believe the difference in my appearance with a good fitting bra beneath. No I am not a 115 lb. 5 12" fashion model, but she made me realize I had beauty and should feel good in my dress choice regardless of my size. This thing, I should have been looking forward to doing I had been dreading because of previous bad experiences. Having the right person, clothes that actually fit multiple sizes available to try on, and the compassion of the owner made it a day I will cherish. So thank you best friend "Patty" for taking me captive to Botticelli's. I know I shall return again and again. read more

I'll start by saying I have a very hard figure to fit. I'm 5'3" with an apple shape, small butt, thighs, arms & legs, large abdomen and no waist. I have been looking online for a year for a formal dress for my eldest granddaughter's July wedding while unsuccessfully trying to lose a few pounds. Well, here I was now 2 months pre-wedding and still no dress! None of the dresses I ordered online fit me and they were so cheaply made. My daughter had been urging me to go to some bridal shops, but the thought of some young, thin woman trying to squeeze me into sample sizes made me want to cry. Finally, my daughter called BOTTICELLI and made an appointment! I'm so grateful she did! Jan seemed to immediately pick up on my emotions (I'm thinking most women shopping for bridalwear likely feel the same!) and she went above & beyond to make me feel comfortable and make the entire experience positive and fun! After a few questions, she honed right in on dresses that would work for me and an hour later I had a gorgeous dress that not only looked beautiful on me, but made me feel beautiful (and, comfortable!). (BTW~ the first thing she did was put me in a wonderful bra that actually fit me! I left with 3 of them!) While we were there, we browsed the store and fell in love with everything from casual clothes to accessories! This is the first store I've ever been to for plus size women with such an awesome selection and amazing prices! Do yourself a favor and go to BOTTICELLI first...You will not regret it! read more

Botticelli is the ONLY place I shop for clothes--and I love new clothes in every season. I was so happy to discover Jan and her store eight years ago that I've never stopped visiting. No other place offers so many excellent choices in larger sizes, and I speak from painful experience. Most plus size departments in larger stores settle for dowdy clothes in drab colors, but they don't have Jan's taste or confidence! Jan knows that bold patterns and bright colors belong in her store, and I head directly to Botticelli every time I want a new piece or a special outfit. I never fail to be amazed by the size of her inventory and the range of options for every color palette. I have to add that Botticelli is distinguished by so much more than great clothes at reasonable prices. The store is run by a woman who knows what good service means, and her entire staff demonstrate her concern for customers. Perhaps the best I can say about Jan is that she cares so much about dressing her customers well that she is willing to discourage a person from buying the wrong color or fit. I depend on her professionalism and honesty, for she has often enough advised me not to buy something that didn't flatter. You know you can trust a place that cares more about its customers than its profit margin! read more

Let me start off by saying that I was very nervous and stressed about the whole "finding the perfect dress" process. I had had some bad experiences with bridesmaid dresses for other weddings and didn't want to repeat that with my own. I knew from the start that I wanted to find a place where I could try on dresses that fit ME and I wanted it to be a fun experience. I did some research online and found Botticelli. I live about an hour away and it was well worth the trip! Jan and her staff are professional, friendly, welcoming and just a really fun bunch to be around. I felt like I was hanging out with my girlfriends. Jan is fantastic at what she does. She brought out a selection of dresses based on what I said I was looking for and had me try on others that were different too, just to make sure I wasn't missing out. I found a dress I loved, bought it then and there, but then came the problem. I decided later that evening that I had made a mistake and that the dress I bought was not "the one". Jan was amazingly understanding and supportive and made me feel like it was all ok. After a couple more trips to the shop I found a dress that I love and still love months later! I can't say enough about Botticelli. You will not be disappointed. read more

Thanks for the great dress for a recent wedding. Absolutely love shopping at Botticelli! The owner, Jan, is a true fashion professional who is extremely friendly, personable, knowledgable and honest. She and her employees make you feel like a million bucks when you shop in her boutique and when you leave you feel as if you've added a new member to your family. No pressure from her or any of her employees and lots of great recommendations if you're not sure what you are looking for. "Botticelli, Generous Clothing For The Curvious Woman" is so much more than just another store. You can be assured that you will leave satisfied. From choosing the perfect piece of clothing, matching jewelry, purses and recommendations for shoes to recommendations to experienced professional seamstresses if alterations are needed you will look and feel like a movie star. I look forward to returning and finding some new additions to my holiday and winter wardrobe. Thanks for the extra confidence in finding clothes for us women who have curves! read more

I just hopped on here to get the phone number and saw a review from "Nicholas". I believe I was there and saw this encounter when I was picking up a special order (which Jan will do for you if she can get your items for you - she's the BEST!). What this person didn't share is that the dress had been taken to a tailor and ALTERED before they tried to bring it back! I heard the whole thing and put 2 and 2 together when I read the review. So don't believe it! This shop is one of Rhode Island's - heck, all of NEW ENGLAND'S - secret gems. Jan has outfitted people you would never guess in this store (and she won't spill1) but you've seen her items and styling on local and national TV and even on the OSCARS RED CARPET!!! From bras to fun jewelry to casual tees to Mother of the Bride and formal wear - all gorgeous and NOT "fat" clothes, she's got it all and you can't go wrong. And her prices are no more than and often WAY less than the plus size shops in the department stores with WAY nicer stuff! read more

I love this store and Jan! I had heard of the store over the years but never made my way there. Then I needed a dress for a gala. I decided to give it a whirl and made the trek to Providence from Concord, NH. I am so glad I did. Jan was such a help and knew exactly what I needed. She helped me pick the exact right dress for the event that suited me wonderfully. She also was able to note my hip was off and to tell the seamstress when I had it taken up. The seamstress commented I was dealing with an owner who really knew her stuff. I left that day with a beautiful ball gown, another dress, a new bra (after a great fitting!) and another outfit. I have received fabulous comments on all three outfits I bought that day. The gala was this past weekend and I cannot count the number of compliments on the dress! Jan even helped me with accessorizing and makeup questions after the purchase. I'm already planning my next trip back. I have never been to a better boutique store...ever. read more

Unlike the first four reviewers, I didn't go to Botticelli for a wedding dress but for clothes I could wear for work and play. Jan was so much fun to talk with and had such a positive attitude that I became incredibly spoiled. She is also very good about saying, "You know, that is just not working for you" rather than trying to sell you something that isn't quite right. Over time I built a wardrobe that I actually felt happy about wearing. About a year ago I moved from Rhode Island to New Mexico and one of my few regrets is that I don't get to visit with Jan while shopping at Botticelli anymore. Fortunately, my closet and dresser are well stocked with great clothes that I bought from Jan over the years. The Flax line has been especially good for the warm weather in the Southwest and my collection of jackets works keeps me warm in the winter without having to add a coat. I recommend shopping at Botticelli without any hesitation - Jan and her shop are terrific! read more

What can I say about Jan and her team at Botticelli? I've been shopping here since she offered wedding gowns, and was one of the only people in Rhode Island to do so for plus size clientele. Jan is patient, offers suggestions, honest and funny! I purchased a wedding gown from Jan, and then, regular daily attire and more recently, a beautiful gown for a work event. Not only did Jan run a sample sale which made this extraordinary gown a reasonable price, BUT also referred me to a tailor just a short distance away that not only made my alterations within 24 hours, but only charged $50! (Shoulders taken in, sleeves shortened!) On a $600 intricately beaded gown! Jan is always straight forward, and makes herself available to answer any questions. I will always shop her first because supporting a small business in a small town is super important to me! Thanks Jan, for always helping me find a perfect fit! I can't wait to come see you for my umpcoming masquerade ball! read more

Botticelli is a God send! I love being a big curvy woman. I am proud of who I am. Typical Shopping mall stores however are not. I don't want to shop in a store where there is a sales clerk that is a size 4 trying to sell me an outfit that is a size 24! I want to walk into a store and have my curves embraced and not have to settle on non-stylish clothes. I walk into Botticelli's and I feel like I am home! The outfits I wear from Botticelli's make me look like a Rock Star, as if they were made just for me. The staff is beyond helpful and friendly. The owner, Jan has a real eye for making you look fantastic. I love the fact that I am on her e-mail list and can see all of her latest fashionables. Recently I saw a dress in an e-mail that I liked. I e-mailed Botticelli back and Jan held my size for me. When I got to the store I tried it on. It was perfect ... I ended up buying 2 of them. It was a great experience. read more

Last weekend, my girlfriend and I visited this store for the first time, and it truly stood out from our past shopping experiences. I've accompanied her on countless clothing trips over the years, and it's rare that we leave with her feeling genuinely happy and confident--but this time was different. Jan was absolutely wonderful. She made my girlfriend feel welcome, comfortable, and supported, especially when it came to shopping for plus-size outfits. The clothing selection is perfect for everyday wear--casual, stylish, and really flattering. What meant the most to me was seeing how great my girlfriend felt when we walked out. Usually, I'm the one reassuring her that we'll find something eventually, but this time she didn't need that at all--she already felt amazing. Thank you, Jan, for creating such a positive and inclusive experience. It really makes a difference. We'll definitely be back! read more

I cannot say enough about Botticelli and it's staff!!! I have been shopping there since 2008 and have always received a warm and genuine welcome from Jan and her staff- no matter what type of day I'm gaving. When I have a special event like a wedding or just need clothes for work Botticelli is my first and only stop! I always get lovely dresses and or outfits and I am always referring people to Botticelli because I know they will have a great experience and always look awesome! I've trusted Jan to dress me for all sorts of life moments - family weddings, job interviews ect. and I have never been disappointed. They also sell bras and do bra fitting and I cannot say it enough .... they do it correctly!!!! If you are shopping for a special occasion, shopping for business attire or casual clothes or need a little retail therapy- GO! You won't be disappointed. read more

I simply cannot say enough good things about this Aladdin's cave of awesome and gorgeous clothes for curvy girls. From up to the minute trends to stunning party wear to fabulous separates to the best fitting bras you can find, this store and the owner go above and beyond to bring us gorgeous, well fitting, reasonably priced items that are made for us! This is my very first stop for any special occasion wear as I know that I will end up in an outfit that suits me perfectly and doesn't break the bank. It's my first stop for comfortable, great looking pants and tops for work and it's the ONLY place I will buy a bra since the owner is that rate breed - a natural "bra whisperer". This charming, packed full of fabulous finds shop is absolutely drive-worthy. And the service is over the top amazing - helpful not pushy, knowledgeable, helpful and HONEST. read more

For those of us who wear "plus" sizes - never mind that the average woman wears a size 14 - this store is NIRVANA. And not just because of the clothing which is all beautiful and fun and totally reasonably priced but because of the service from the owner Jan and all her staff. They know every single body is different and know how to help you choose things that are both flattering and reflect your style rather than just find things that fit. The other thing to know is that Jan is the "bra whisperer"! Larger women tend to be, well, larger all over and finding a bra that fits well, is comfortable AND doesn't look like your Grandma's corset can be tough in the regular world. At Botticelli, that's the RULE rather than the exception. At this point about 75% of my wardrobe comes from Botticelli and I am so incredibly grateful for having found it! read more

Let me say this when it comes to retail, fashion, customer service, beautiful clothing and accessories, not to mention perfect fitting bras, BOTTICELLI tops the charts! Janet is by far a guru of women's fashion and well known to many as the "Bra Whisperer". It is very difficult to find people today who will take the time to make a shopping experience comfortable, enjoyable, funny and most importantly feeling spectacular when you leave, you get all of that at BOTTICELLI's. The customer service is remarkable, the merchandise is top quality and there is always something new and trending. I promise you will feel like a million bucks when you walk out that door, not to mention the next time you return you will be sure to have another gracious welcoming! If you have not been, I encourage to stop in, you will be more than happy you did! AC read more

My BFF and I had come in some months ago to find me a dress for her wedding (we ending up purchasing two - fuchsia pink and emerald green). The experience was awesome. The ladies working made me feel beautiful and found dresses the were so complementary to my figure. I left there feeling like a million dollars. Today I took it my seamstress to have a nip in at the shoulders for a custom fit. She was in awe of the construction & material, as well as how fabulous it fit off the rack. As a plus size woman my entire life (currently 22) it's not often that I get to feel glamorous, but both of these dress do so. I know that come (sic) wedding day I will not be self conscious at all as I stand up as her Maid of Honor and get included in hundreds of photo's. I can't recommend this store enough. read more

A+++ experience! I can't believe I haven't been here sooner! Being plus size I always feel like there are never any options for me. I always end up spending too much money on terrible quality dress from David's bridal only because they have my size. And I usually hate the dress, but purchase it anyways because I feel like I have no other choice. Not only did I feel extremely welcomed and when I walked in but I felt very comfortable. Finding a dress when you're plus size is not always a fun experience(when it should be!). This was probably the first time I've ever had a good time finding a dress. I enjoyed trying the different dresses on that complemented my body, the dresses were affordable, and the staff was fantastic! If you visit Botticelli's I promise, you won't go anywhere else! read more

My mother and I came here this past Saturday to look for her mother of the bride dress. They were understaffed, with two people out day, but we still got so much personalized attention. I think we were there for over an hour and Jan, the owner, was with us the whole time. I can't say enough wonderful things about our experience here. I especially appreciated her positive attitude and sense of humor. At the end of the day, my mother ended up with a beautiful dress that she absolutely loves (she just texted me again today to tell me how happy she is with it). The icing on the cake was that the dress she chose cost about half of what she had expected to spend before we walked in. I don't how to fully express how happy I am about how happy they helped make my mom!! read more