My size has been all over the map. I am now a 16-16W, but have been as high as a 22. I have found the "plus sized" stores tend to have the WORST clothing! It seems to be made for women who prefer to wear bedsheets as clothing. Standard stores DO have larger sizes, and you can find higher end looks. Is there a Kohl's near you? They have a lot of Liz Claiborne and other designers who have better lines than the "plus" stores. Stores I stay away from: Lane Bryant & Fashion Bug. Lane Bryant is OUTRAGEOUSLY priced and Fashion Bug (at least the one here) tends to have poorly made clothing. I don't know if you do any TV/online shopping, but I have found some very nice things on QVC. They have designer as well as more casual lines and, once you figure out your size compared to their size, you can do quite well.

Good luck!