Happy New Year's Eve

Already the 31st December.   To some of us the year seems to have dragged; to others it's jut flown.   It's been a hectic year for some;  a boring year to others (I always think that if a person is constantly bored, then it's no fault of anyone or anything but that particular person!).  But all in all, an interesting year.

Have you made your list of New Year Resolutions as yet?  

I decided to make One New Year's Resolution this year.  

And that is - to make NO resolutions.  

They never work anyway.

No - what I'm planning to do is to set myself some goals - some that are simple and easily attainable; some that are moderate which will take a little more effort but satisfy me;  and some more difficult ones - which I always love setting because you know, over the years, quite a number of these HAVE been achieved.

There are plans for fireworks everywhere to celebrate the coming in of the New Year - sounds a good idea.  Let's choose our own fireworks to start the New Year off - it's up to us.

I'd like to take this opportunity of saying a sincere "thank you" for everyone who follows this blog - it's a fascinating journey and you certainly make it really worthwhile.

Have a wonderful New Year - may it bring you good health and many happy moments and surprises.

Graceful curves!

Igigi keeps coming up with the goods - even some Australian suppliers are stocking Igigi.  Which is great news for the Ozzie curvy girls.  (http://www.igigi.com)

This dress is lovely.  Read the description and see for yourself:

For an evening look with a wow-factor, opt for this evergreen gown with plunging neckline and sky high slit. It's bronze waist-cinching belt and fluid, floor-skimming silhouette ensure maximum glamour - dazzle all night with gold jewelry and a sweep of bronzer.

I think we're now well on the way towards getting to the stage where 

women's "fashion" will be allowed to be 

fashion for EVERY woman, 

"no matter what age, size or shape"© 

(which is part of my motto I established more than 20 years ago!  How about that?)    And it's about time that the fashion world, and indeed the world at large recognises that we have as much right to the same respect and beautiful clothing that our thinner sisters expect - we here at RoseMary's NoteBook© have been on this crusade for that long!   A small voice perhaps, but we've been tenacious in our belief and persistency.

Plus Size Fashion

This evening's "A Current Affair" has highlighted plus-size fashion in all its beauty, simplicity, conservative/casual looks.  This segment was, for the first time I can recall, handled professionally and intelligently.  In the past so many of these shows (as also the national women's magazines) have "talked down" to the plus size woman, but this show tonight has proved the exception to the rule.

Smart, stylish, colourful, feminine clothing in block colours, vivid colour combination, animal prints, florals.  Corporate wear too is included for you to start the New Year off with style.

Go onto the Current Affair website and have a look at tonight's show.

http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/retail/8395367/plus-size-style

Fashion Make-Overs

Do you have clothing in your wardrobe that you've grown out of? Or perhaps find some of them to be too big?

There's no doubt our bodies change shape over the years, and while we may not actually "lose" weight, often we will notice that our clothes don't quite fit the way they used to, or should do. Following pregnancy and the birth of a baby quite a few clothes need to be altered too, and this can help the budget especially when the garments are favourites.

While it's expensive to have your own personal dressmaker, a lot of women have taken up the challenge and now offer "alteration services". These range from sewing hems on jeans, pants, skirts as well as putting new elastic around the waistlines. However, a lot of these people actually do dressmaking and have found a valuable market in providing their services to the every-day woman who wants to upgrade her wardrobe without having to buy new clothes.

As a very proficient, qualified dressmaker said recently, "knowing someone's body and shape is the key to doing good alterations work". A good alteration expert can tell if the shoulder is dropped and the hip is high and remake garments taking into account all the important aspects of a good fitting garment.

Suggestions may range from changing a hemline by not merely following the fashion, but looking at the vertical line of their height and to judge according to the hemline, and that good tailoring makes it more fashionable. Adding darts can make all the difference from a dowdy looking garment to a smart, stylish fitted garment - even if you are plus size!

Above all, tailoring to YOUR body can better the look of the garment, making it appear superior in quality and cut.

"It doesn't have to be Chanel - it can be Target. But if it fits well, you look good and you feel good.", says Frances Le-Caria of Camberwell, Victoria.

Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!

It's Christmas Eve!

Suddenly it's Christmas Eve.   Outside there is a stillness, an expectancy.    Christmas carols are being played on our airways, children are waiting patiently for Father Christmas (or Santa Claus) to arrive tonight, there's a busy-ness everywhere tinged with a sense of excitement.

Christmas time is a time of celebration - for the Christian, the joy associated with the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the very first Christmas gift from God to man/woman.  It's a time of drawing together - family members who may not have seen each other for years; friends who we remember in letters and Christmas cards, telephone calls and emails.  Lots of laughter and love, reminiscing and planning.   To those who may be lonely or going through a difficult time, we send our warmest thoughts and wishes that circumstances will improve and that happiness will be yours.

To those of other faiths too, our wish is that your Christmas season may also be one of joy, of sharing precious times with family and friends.

Thank you once again all for your encouragement and support throughout this year - you keep us focussed!

So a Merry, safe, happy, and healthy Christmas to you, one and all.

The charm of black and white!

Here's a brilliant little jacket.  

As the website of http://www.ashleystewart.com says:

Embrace bold patterns! Plus size jacket features a jewel neckline, a hook-and-eye closure front with rouched panel trim and an allover large printed pattern. Other details for this plus size jacket include long sleeves with rouched trim at cuffs and double slash pockets at lower front.

 

Only a few days to Christmas!

Most of us have already chosen the outfit which we plan to wear for Christmas Day - whether going to church, meeting up with family and friends or just taking things easy by ourselves.   And a lot of people do prefer spending Christmas Day alone, choosing to get-together with others and attending parties in the week leading up to Christmas allowing "their" day to be theirs entirely!

Being so near to Christmas though, thoughts are now being directed to

"what to wear for New Year".   

And there are some really beautiful garments available, both here and overseas.   You've been getting a taste over the past couple of weeks, so we thought we'd add another to the bowl of goodies with this one from Swak Designs (http://www.swakdesigns.com) in sizes 14-36.

It'sa long-skirted version of their Anastasia Wrap Dress.   

These versatile wrap around dresses that are convertible are an absolute dream - there's always a new way to wrap them around your curvaceous body.  And you'll always get lots of compliments too!

The contradiction of sizings!

So often we see lovely "plus-size" garments, only to find out that the sizings go to around Australian 16-18.  

To many of us, 16-18 definitely aren't "plus-size" sizes.   

And let's face it, sizings differ so much that they make our head spin!   Take for instance, a lovely white top I bought this morning - the label says XXL which equates (by this particular supplier) to around size 22 Aus.   In the very same store, there were some beautiful knitted tops in a light silk like thread with sparingly placed sequin embellishments - very nice, very "want-able", and in sizes up to XXL.   But here's the problem, these XXL silk-like knitted tops would not fit my grand-daughter who is a size 12.

This really makes me cross.  Because it's girls like my grand-daughter who see garments that they'd like to buy for themselves and the label says XXL.   That starts them on the treadmill of convincing themselves that they're overweight - they're "fat".   And that leads to inappropriate dieting.   As we all know this can lead to even more health risks.

Because in amongst it all, they're NOT "fat" - they're not plus-size at all.   It's the labels that are out of sync with each other, not women's shapes and sizes.

When garments are made off-shore, and unfortunately most of them are*, there's no way that we can persuade the manufacturers/retailers to get a more realistic slant on sizes.   But we'll keep trying.  (* We regularly highlight the Australian suppliers who provide garments in generous sizings and with appropriate labels because we feel they need to be encouraged and supported).

In the meantime, Making It Big (USA) have come up with some really lovely garments.  Mind you, they're in the midst of the colder seasons but sometimes it pays to consider buying (especially when they are on sale at special prices) even though we're still awaiting summer!   Their sizes range from 1X through to 8X.

So here's the Comfy Tunic and the Evan Tunic from Making It Big (http://www.makingitbig.com)

Christmas is getting closer!

You've suddenly realised that you haven't an outfit to wear for your "dressing up" Christmas luncheon or family get-together. Well get in quick and order this beautiful outfit from Chocolat at Zebrano (http://www.zebrano.co.nz)  Don't waste a moment.

Don't you love the pert little hat, and the bright flash of red in the gloves?

Sort of nostalgic and romantic - what an outfit!

Coming up with the goods!

The abundance of beautiful clothing for the curvaceous woman continues to delight.  

Especially with the holiday season, and all the festivities being planned for the Christmas/New Year period, it's great to see lots of original and stylish designs coming on board.

I've just found this wonderful "Michelle" gown from Igigi - the write-up on their website (http://www.igigi.com) goes like this:

"Keeping in mind the rule that design is all about balance, the top layer is a faux-wrap plunging neckline with a draped knotted torso ending with high slit right above the ankle.  Peeking from under, is sparkly sequin tube dress that falls at the knees.  Add a clutch, with strapped heels and shine like a star".

And shine you most definitely will, wearing the Michelle gown.   (And don't forget to look at Igigi's wonderful selection of jewellery and clutch purses - haven't seen so many different styles for many a decade! )

Getting ready for summer!

Surely summer is on the way.   Maybe the weather doesn't seem like it, but let's be fair - it's bound to arrive and when it does we need to know we have some beautiful clothes to wear.

Locally, My Size (http://www.mysize.com.au) has some great styles to choose from.

Then there is Curvy Clothing (http://www.curvyclothing.com.au)

And third off the rank - Dream Diva (http://www.dreamdiva.com.au)

One dress - six different ways to wear it!

This is a most sensible idea and it's amazing that not many clothing designers/suppliers have come up with this concept.  (Of course we've highlighted the Monif C Marilyn dress often through this blog as well as RoseMary's NoteBook© (the newsletter).

But today I've heard of another.  And it's from another supplier who we love publicising - Igigi.

This is the Kaori Infinity dress - take time to visit their website at  http://www.igigi.com

More delectables!

This is the year of the dress.  And for the young and the young at heart, there's a bounty of styles available.

These two dresses are from http://www.volupture.com.au   Size 14 plus.   The first is "Elisa" from Igigi and the second "Sweetheart" from Kiyonna.

It's beginning to look like Christmas!

How often do you find a garment that says "sensational"?   If you want something to wear at Christmas and New Year functions that will astonish everyone who may think you are sometimes boring, then why not consider this beautiful top.

This top is 'different'.  Very different.   It's from www.bigtimeclothing.com.au

It's an "off the shoulder top", and the colour is indigo.  It can be worn with white capris or full length slacks;  maybe a navy blue pant or if you're 'game' why not red capris or pant?

The sizes - wait for it - go from S (20/22) to 50 (48/50).   What more could you ask for?

A change is as good as a holiday!

You've been thinking that single colours are a bit boring at times?  You'd like to be able to find something that will fit your curvaceous figure in something bright and perhaps a bit floraly, but which doesn't look frumpy and boring?   And if you're like me and been used to wearing single colours for quite a few seasons, there's lot of fun and frillery (without being "over the top"! around.)  So what about a change?

Well I have news for you.   Zebrano of New Zealand today have highlighted the Chocolat Winter Rose soft coat and jacket.   They go up to size 22, by the way.

Visit their website and see more of their selections.  http://www.zebrano.co.nz

What to wear for a job interview

Even though it's December and most career women are planning holidays, there are still opportunities to upgrade your position within the company you are working for; and even to apply for new jobs.  For those who are entering the workplace for the first (or maybe the second, third or fourth time), there are always hints that can be followed that will make a difference to how you present yourself at interview.

This is an excellent short video on what to wear for a job interview, which contains all the basic elements of know-how which will build upon your confidence.

http://video.about.com/fashion/What-to-Wear-to-an-Interview.htm

The colours of Christmas!

We usually equate bright red, bright green, silver and white with being the colours of Christmas.  And they always work!

Even here in Australia, where we're usually sweltering even this early in Summer.   But I'll let you into a little secret.  We're still having winter conditions, and needing to dress appropriately to much colder weather than we're used to.   Of course with that said, it surely won't be too long before the really hot days arrive.

So it's not unreasonable for us to consider the typical colours of Christmas as being right for us here as well as our sisters in the States and Europe and Asia.

For the young (and young-at-heart) here's a lovely bright red dress from Monif C.  http://www.monifc.com   And let me mention once again, the absolutely fantastic Marilyn convertisble dress at Monif C.  Visit their website and see the colours available, and some of the styles this dress can be worn in.

And for those of us who are bravely planning for the swimming season, here's a delectable example, in a dark lilac, again from Monif C to consider.

Some Christmas Ideas

So often we spend time thinking about what to buy for family members and friends at Christmas, and forget about ourselves.  So why not this year buy yourself a gift of a new garment that really appeals to you?

Big Time Clothing here in Victoria has a selection of clothing for the plus-sizers, that go from size 20 to 50.  That's quite a range!     http://www.bigtimeclothing.com.au

And for all those young plus-size women who are "expecting, these garments fit in perfectly with a "must-have" maternity wardrobe for the Christmas season, too.

Conspiracy in the Fashion World

For those of you who love fashion;  who love quality garments;  who believe they're buying top name garments; and who pay for the privilege of choosing "labels" or "logos", then this is a must to read.

For those who want to be informed about the clothing business, rather than just "thinking" they know, then this could be the answer.   It is a series of videos that could make a difference to how you see fashion, and how in the future, you look at fashion based on its quality and cost, rather than relying merely on a label.

http://clothingqualitysecrets.com/combo/

A small post this time!

Sometimes it only takes a few words to make us realise what life is all about.

Another "curvaceous" model

Yesterday's blog showed a couple of beautiful "curvaceous" models.   I thought you'd like to see another.  For the more often we see models with natural flesh and curves, the less we'll be told and reminded that anything other than skeletal frames are not really acceptable.   I think the argument that a model must be a size zero no longer holds any substance.  And substance is what it's about, really.

I maintain that women's magazines, world wide, are supposedly written with "women as their focus".   That means, to my way of thinking, that these magazines should include women of all ages, including growing older years, women of different shapes and sizes, all as a matter of course.   Not just in occasional advertisements, and certainly not in occasional segments or supplements being shown as women who are treated as an after-thought.  Why is it that these magazines highlight "everything" for and about women who are young and extremely thin (not necessarily naturally thin) and yet ignore the women who are like you and me.  Rounder women;  taller women;  bigger women;  older women;  women with experience in many life issues.  We're all customers,  we're real flesh and blood.   We're the woman next door, women in our family and women you see down the street, every day, in every town and city in the world.   Yet we're looked upon and spoken about as though we're either invisible or not deserving of respect.   We're expected to fit into "their" ideals, when quite honestly "THEY" haven't a clue about what the word ideal means.  They want us to do as they say, and be like they say we should be like, and look as they say we should look like.  Well, it doesn't work that way.  

Life is about diversity, and it's about time that the magazines of this world, including their editors and features and beauty editors, took note.

The modelling game

I've been known to question the description of models who at the very most would be size 12, as being "plus-size". Someone said to me the other day that I was being very "picky".

It's not that.  It's just that being a plus sizer, I don't think it fair that someone who is a size 12 or 14 (with a beautiful figure to go with it) is seen and described as being "plus-size".   I don't think it's fair that I should therefore be "seen" to be excessively plus-size based on a comparison between that size 12 model and me.  I'm not talking about youth or  looks, or lithe, svelte figures, I'm talking sizes here.

I've questioned clothing suppliers who also make/design/sell plus size clothing yet persistently model those garments on at the very most a size 16 girl.   Of course the size 16 and 18 and 20 girls want to see how they would look in garments provided by these suppliers, and they should.  But let's look at the whole picture.  If you supply garments from size 14 to size 24 for example, then surely on your website as well as your catalogues you would show models wearing your garments in the

whole size range.   

Yes?    But in the main you don't.   

One supplier here in Australia who has always included a range of model sizes is Sybill's of Queensland.  They used to be Carousel, and their garments are fantastic.   Then there is Big Time Clothing who also use models who equate with the clothing they sell.  Big in Black as well - and keep tuned to BIB because I understand they'll be updating their website within the next couple of weeks.

But let me get back to plus-size models, or as I prefer to call them, curvaceous models.   Two American girls that I believe represent the young curvaceous size model are Ashley Graham and Marquita Pring.

See if you don't agree - these women are beautiful in their own right.  Plus size?  Yes.   And they're proud of their figures and their ability to shine in the spotlight to highlight plus size clothing.

We should see more models of this calibre and size.

Some of the pre-Christmas specials on sale in America

You will have noticed, I am sure, that I promote a lot of American suppliers and their websites.  While there are a number of suppliers here in Australia who provide really lovely clothing for the plus sizers,  there are far more now in America who for some reason their  designs appear to be more flattering for the curvy figure.

So this post, once again, presents Igigi.   They've presently got a sale going, and I'd encourage my Australian readers also to have a look at Igigi's website, and to take advantage of the pre-Christmas sales.  (Some of the prices are well below what are on sale here at K Mart and many of the chain retailers!)

One of my friends here recently purchased a couple of garments from Igigi, and honestly the designs and  fabrics were fantastic.   Much of what is available here in Australia comes a second best in both those areas.  But if you know of any Australian suppliers who have really great quality design and fabric in their clothing, write and tell me, for I want to share that information with as many plus-sizers as I can.

Here's a few examples from the current Igigi sale:   (http://www.igigi.com)

When will Swing Jackets return?

There's an old saying that what goes round comes round.   And with fashion, that's very true in many respects.   Full circle skirts;  flared jeans;  mini skirts;  ponchos;  muu muus to mention a few.

But I've been waiting for a long long time for the return of Swing Jackets.   I haven't been able to find any since they first became popular back in the 1950s.

They were so attractive, and plus size girls always liked the idea that swing jackets gave the illusion of slimness.  I guess it was because we wore slim skirts or slacks - yes even plus sizers - which the swing jacket complimented.

In my wardrobe are a number of items that are "collectibles" - which I still wear on special occasions.  One of those garments is a swing jacket and because it has magyar sleeves, I proudly show off the label and the size mentioned on that label.  Size 14.  Australian size 14.     And you can tell from my profile picture that I'm anything but size 14!

Here's an example of what I mean by Swing Jackets to those who may not have come across them before.  They were usually lined with a contrast colour which gave us many options.   These photos are of Jane Russell who was always considered to be a curvaceous woman and she got away with wearing a lot of garments that enhanced her curves.   This is what we need today - clothes that enhance our curves, not hide them!

If you know of any supplier that has a swing jacket in their collection, then please let me know.

Local Swimwear for the Curvaceous Woman

There's a lot to be said about keeping the economy "going".   Over the past 12 months particularly I've been hearing from women (of all ages and all sizes) saying that they're looking to the local Australian market for clothing rather than ALWAYS looking overseas.  Mind you, I'm one of the first to agree that much of the American and UK clothing is, if anything, quite spectacular, and you will see this from many of my posts.

But I'm also one of those people who say - at least look at what is available locally,  because quite honestly you'll ocasionally find something really out of the box.

What it comes down to, is this.  Keep an open mind.

So now we come to swimwear.   While a lot of curvy women now feel comfortable in wearing two piece swimsuits, there is still the preference to the one piece by many plus sizers - particularly in the higher sizes.   And more women are becoming "comfortable" in being seen in swimwear - confidence is building among the plus sizers of the world, and we advocate that confidence is something that we should encourage within ourselves, and with other women.

One supplier that I'd like to mention in this post is the Sea Jewels collection from Vivaswim (http://www.vivaswim.com.au)

They have one piece, two piece, even three piece.  Tankini tops, and sarongs.   Their size range goes from 10 - 26.

Lovely in lace

Well girls, lace as returned.   At long last.

And if you think that lace isn't for the plus-sizer, then please think again.

Because Igigi (http://www.igigi.com) has come up with the goods, well and truly this time.

Visit their website and see for yourselves.  But, in the meantime, just to whet your appetite, here's a lovely garment, the Leigh Lace Dress,  from the Igigi by Yuliya Raquel Holiday Collection.  Any girl (at whatever age) who wears this has to be the Best Dressed Woman in the room - any room - any time!

A new collection at Myer

The soon to be launched fashion range at Myer, the Sonia Kruger Collection has been designed (with collaboration from Design Works - I may be corrected on this point),  by 46 year old Sonia Kruger, and has a special element within the shape of all her dresses.

It's amazing that this hasn't been thought of before, but Sonia Kruger has incorporated a bodyshape garment within all her dresses - an all in one I suppose you'd say.

Unfortunately for the plus size women, the range only goes up to size 16.  But who knows?  It makes sense to me to have a body-shape incorporated into any dress - including those for the plus sizer.  

Myer have apparently already shown interest in a second collection to be released in 2012. While most of the garments are supposed to be "about" $200, it's quite clear that this is the bottom line of the price range, as some are $269 and $299.

*  Sonia Kruger has made the headlines again during the past week or so by leaving Dancing with the Stars, and becoming host of Big Brother which will be returning to our television screens next year.  She has also switched channels from 7 to 9, and will be hosting a new show, replacing Kerrie Anne Kennelley who has been sidelined in favour of Kruger (who appears to be the current flavour of the month).   

GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS AND SOME COMPARISONS

SOMETHING SPECIAL TO WEAR

Things are building up towards Christmas.  Lots of parties, family and friend get-togethers.  Breakups from many clubs and groups.  Graduation and presentation evenings;  even engagement and wedding celebrations.

And a plus-size woman will "need" something special to wear that is exciting, colourful, out of the ordinary and something that will compliment her and her entire wardrobe for many occasions in the future.

Yes, there are lots of clothing out there that is being promoted as "must haves", but sometimes you can come across something that LOOKS so good it's irresistible.

I came across the Peggy Lutz website again recently and found this beautiful Jacquard Jacket.  (It comes back to quality cut, quality fabric and quality design).    Visit her website at http://www.plus-size.com/motherofthebride/item.asp?itemid=654

Now two items from the latest Maggie T catalogue here in Australia which are casual, and suitable for the coming warmer weather.    Well, summer is supposed to be around the corner!   http://www.maggiet.com.au

CONFUSION WHEN IT COMES TO SIZES

Countless plus-size women, those women who are size 16 plus, up to and beyond size 30, are confused when it comes to comparing Australian sizes with those from other countries.  Don't get me wrong we get confused with the sizings that are offered here in Australia, as one designer will be as much as two or three inches different to another,  in the same item of clothing.  Actually, even the designers don't follow their OWN sizings.  You'll sometimes find three items of clothing from one label that are all different when it comes to sizings and how they fit.

But let's get back to comparisons.   Now that many of the European suppliers are delivering to Australia, it's easy to get caught up with the expectation that something will fit only to find that the sizings from Europe are so much different to ours. (Recently I saw and was told that English sizes are the same as ours - I'll like to get that confirmed, because ......)

But here's a graph of European compared with Australasian sizes:

European               36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48

Australasian            8,  10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20

Hope this helps when thinking or ordering from overseas.

I do like it when catalogues show the actual measurements of the garments as well as their sizings.  This gives you a much better idea, and you can measure yourself just to see whether the garment in question will fit.

We've all heard of waxing

(Copyright - Maxine's creator)

Waxing is a part of life.  For most women anyway.  And as the years pass by, many find that facial hair particularly becomes a problem.  A BIG problem.  Who wants whiskers, for goodness sake?

And for women with sensitive skin waxing causes more bother than it's worth.   Whether you want to believe it or not, waxing does take off the top layer of skin.  Why put your skin through all this pain and discomfort and red face when there are other alternatives?

Let me come to the subject of "threading".   Many friends and counterparts look at me in confusion and dare I say it complete weirdness when I mention that I have an appointment to see my "threading lady". 

But she is worth her weight in gold.  Honestly.  So professional that I don't even realise I'm having the hair removed one by one or sometimes a few at a time.   Lovely moisturiser and rose water applied following the procedure making my skin feel tingly and pampered.   If you don't know about threading, then here's a bit of a write up.    I think it's the perfect way of handling a bristly situation!

As Women We Need To .......

In fact as plus-size women we definitely need to .....

LAUGH AT OURSELVES, OCCASIONALLY

There have been, and probably will be, lots of books written about women who feel insecure about themselves.  Their looks, their inadaquacies, their lack of sophistication (truly though we use that word indiscriminately - just look it up in the dictionary/thesaurus to see what I mean); their failure at their work and their big-time failure at finding someome who loves them - just as they are!  NOT when they lose 40 kg; not when they have botox treatments;  not when they have liposuction;  not when they diet themselves to death.  Just as they are - right now in real time.

So I bought this little book at a White Elephant sale for 5 cents.   I have to admit that I bought it only because the author's name seemed familiar - and then I realised that she often is part of the "Grumpy Old Women" group in the BBC series - Arabella Weir.   She has an infectious sense of humour.  I decided 5 cents was OK, because after reading it I could just give it in to an Op Shop for on-selling.  *  Let me say here and now, this book remains on my book shelves - it's worth it's weight in gold - literally!  And it's one of those books that I consistently go back to - to have a laugh, and to learn how to like myself all over again.

And boy does Arabella Weir have it spot-on when it comes to describing how we often feel about ourselves - as full-blown losers!  Losers in all respects, except weight (but then we're risen about that - we've come to the wonderful conclusion that we're OK as we are - what a liberating feeling.)

This book, "Does My Bum Look Big in This?" is hilarious.  It's tear jerking hilarious because it's so US!  It's so heart-breakingly glaringly truthful and it's a book that I felt personally, didn't focus on my insecurity - it actually lifted my feelings of self worth.  Because I see life as it is - there are so many misconceptions - even by ourselves about ourselves.    The words she uses come from my heart and your heart and this woman has touched the very spirit of our femininity (albeit plus size femininity).

Read this passage and see if you agree.  Don't be surprised if I quote a few passages from this book over time because I know they'll do me a lot of good, and I hope they will you too.  So here goes:

"Went to the sales, gave up after two shops.  Everywhere I went I knew the assistants were thinking, "Oh, please, why are you bothering to spend your money on clothes; tents from Millets would be more suitable".


"Six Ryvitas, half a teaspoon of no-fat, no-flavour cottage cheese and two wrinkled tangerines since Saturday and several gallons of that Chinese macrobiotic tea.  It tastes a lot like lavatory cleaner with old coins soaked in it - must be really good for you.  Feel great.  


Same day, 2.a.m.   I'm now lying in bed, can't face my usual midde-of-the-night weigh in, I just know I've put on at least half a pound.  The bus conductor's going to notice and give me a pitying look, sort of saying, Well, hello, Miss Piggy, how do you expect to get a seat on the bus with that fat arse?"  It's one of those pay-as-you-enter buses but all the same he's definitely going to be thinking that as he looks at me in his rear-view mirror.


Decided to weigh myself after all - and thanks a lot - weighed another pound.  Went back to bed.  No point going to work if everyone is going to laugh at me."


Now tell me truly, have you ever felt like that?  I know I have and there is a way out of this trap of body hatred.  It's well worth pursuing and it all starts with you and me.  Healthy self-talk is a great first step.