Friday, September 30, 2011

Something Old, Something New!



It's funny how fashion sometimes goes full circle. And in doing so, it seldom occurs to us that maybe fashion of today is based (sometimes directly and sometimes loosely) on what we had as "fashion" decades ago.

For women of size, I always like to encourage them to think "positively", not only about how they live their lives but also their attitude towards themselves and how they look in the here and now (not waiting until they lose 20 lb!).

I met a young lass the other day who recently appeared on national television as a "collector". A collector of aprons. All sorts of designs, styles, and all sorts of fabrics. From hessian (heavily embroidered) to soft floating chiffon and muslin. There are florals, pastels, vivid stripes, spots, multi-coloureds, single colours; embellished (with sequins, beading, laces etc). Some with frills, some plain, even one of two Victorian styled aprons that covered our Great Grandma's ample bosums and came almost to ankle length (to protect the ankle length dresses she wore).

Then a couple of days ago one of my friends who is a member of a plus-size group, mentioned that she had asked about aprons during some of their discussions.

That got me thinking. Just why is it that we don't bring back "Aprons" as part of our life-style? It's not so old-fashioned when you think about it! Especially for the woman who wants to retain her femininity in today's' household - particularly the kitchen. They're not only "pretty", but they're practical! And who doesn't need something pretty occasionally to make us feel happy?

I meet a lot of women who strive for "equality" in today's workplace - they insist that they want to be treated equal in all things both in their career and in their home. Yet it surprises them at times when talking over how they lead their lives, to learn from other women that they enjoy their femininity within their life-styles, just as much as their "equality".

One very fine website where you can purchase a lovely range of aprons is http://www.stitchthrutime.com/apron.html

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Full Figure Fashion Week 2011

This is a great video.  Great fashion, great presentations, and great models.  You'll notice a message when it comes on screen - simply click directly onto YouTube and view the video.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Spring is here!



Spring is here the grass is 'ris
I wonders where the flowers is!
(a little rhyme that we used to sing when we were kids).


Well, it's officially Spring here in Australia.  Yet the weather is being typically contrary.  It doesn't know, (or want to know) that the cold, chilly nights and patchy-rainy days should be letting go and allowing the beautiful spring sunshine to come through.

However, the gardens are a picture, with flaming blooms on camellias, magnolias, the Australian wattles (so many different ones). Cuddled into the soil and ready to break forth  are the hyacinths, the snowbells, the jonquils and daffodils and the absolutely lovely tulips of every colour. I see also where my small white star-clematis is trying valiantly to break its buds and burst out in bloom.  The star-jasmine has been hidden for some time but the perfume tickles the nose before you see it and if you follow the trail you'll find all sorts of little treasures in the soil.   The prunus and early blossom trees, especially the cherry blossom are out and pronouncing that they are a force to contend with.

But Spring always and also reminds me that it's time for the plus-sizers or the curvaceous ones, to burst forth from their dreary and dull winter colours and to shout to the world, hey look at me, I'm beautiful too!

We claim the right to look as attractive as any other woman (of every other size), given that we can actually buy lovely coloured clothing, (or should I say that it is actually available). So come on suppliers of plus-size clothing, get with the colour palettes and give us some fantastic choices. Even if we wear them with basic black pants and jackets. Let the jewels shine! 

Saturday, September 24, 2011

The "growing older" plus-size woman's wardrobe!

I'm a great observer of women and how they dress. While I'd like to shop at some of the better boutiques, it's not always possible. And the same goes for many thousands of growing older women.

Spending budgets seem to shrink over the years for many women. And this is borne out by the clothing you see in your own local community worn by ladies of greying years. It's not that they're no longer adventurous when it comes to choosing clothing, it's just that for some reason they feel less confident in choosing things that won't make them look like "mutton dressed up as lamb."

Which is a shame really. Because if you look around the traps, at your local shopping mall, at your chain stores (such as K Mart, Target etc) and even some of the spicy little "younger" focussed fashion stores springing up, you're sure to find something that will look on you, regardless of your age. Very often the cost is affordable and if you choose wisely, that garment may well fit in with your life-style for many seasons, not just the one.

What seems to happen is that the clothes in the wardrobe "will do"; and quite often they will, but many times with a little bit of courage, the older woman can look twice as spectacular by extending her horizon beyond thinking that "I'm old, therefore I might as well wear old women's clothes".

And I question the idea of OLD women's clothes. There is no such thing. Just as there is no such thing as a 26 year old's dress, or a 42 year old's dress. Let's leave the number out of the equation and look at the clothing as women's clothing, nothing else. 

When we can look at things in the right perspective, a whole new world opens up. Instead of just wearing well-loved and well-worn track suits when going shopping or even meeting up with the "girls", try a little flair. Wear your favourite pants or jeans but dress them up with a stunning shirt or top.  Tie a white or blue silk or chiffon scarf around your neck, choose a favourite matching tote bag and off you go.  Apparently this year's trend is for scarves, worn around the neck with the point in front over a nice fresh tee shirt.   The idea of tying your silk scarf to your handbag is still popular too. 


Enjoy your "growing older" years by enhancing your knowledge of what you will look good in and feel good in wearing. Age has nothing to do with enjoying life, just as being plus 
size is irrelevant.





Thursday, September 22, 2011

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Did you realise?


According to the Australia Koala Foundation, www.empowher.com, 1 in 3 teenage girls have starved themselves or refused to eat in an effort to shed kilos.

It's bad enough the discrimination shown towards adults, but it's wrong, wrong, wrong, that our teens feel they HAVE to be slim, if not downright skinny, to meet the media's expectations.

In today's world when it is (supposedly) illegal to discriminate against gender, culture, faith, and disability, why is it still permitted to discriminate against the plus-size and the aging. No-one seems to be bothered about confronting this, except of course for the plus-size and the aging. And when we do say something, we're told we're whinging and whining and complaining.

I say, let's complain loudly and often. Perhaps someone with clout will stand up for us, and with us, and be counted!

* And I question this ridiculous measurement of "plus-size" or overweight or "obese" (a hateful word and should never be used against another person - it's soul destroying). None of us are identical in height, weight, width, and shape, and yet we're all supposed to fit into an "ideal". Who was it that worked out what "ideal" is? Obviously someone who thought they were the perfection upon which we should all aspire to. What nonsense" 

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

LOVE without ATTACHMENT!

A lot of my friends (and even casual acquaintances) tell me that even though they surround themselves with lots of "positive" messages about self-acceptance, and plenty of healthy self-talk, there are times when they feel "out of place" and not quite sure of themselves, especially when it concerns relationships.

This is a favourite piece I have repeated and reproduced over many years through my newsletters and small booklets. I hope you will find it encouraging in your personal life.



LOVE without ATTACHMENT!

After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul

And you learn that love does not mean leaning,
and company does not mean security

And you begin to learn that kisses are not contracts
and presents are not promises

And you begin to accept rejection
with your head up and your eyes clear
with the grace of an adult,
not the heartache of a child


And you learn to build you life on NOW
because tomorrow is too uncertain

After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much

Plant your own garden and decorate your soul
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers

After a while you learn that you really have infinite worth.


...... Author unknown

Sunday, September 18, 2011

There's still "them" and "us"!

"The simple fact is that clothes look better 
on beautiful, slender young women."


(Do you really agree with this?  Or do you find it that it offends and upsets you because it's based on the premise that unless you're beautiful and slender and young, you'll never look stunning whatever you wear!)

The above blurb appeared on the Sydney Morning Herald website which accompanied the article "Disappointing negatives hamper the catwalk's plus side" on August 11th. 

It's an interesting article that points out, as far as I can see, that unless we include plus size models within all fashion show catwalks, that there will always be this "them" and "us" philosophy.

What is doubly interesting though is that the article points out that the clothing for the plus-size was mainly, quote:  "The problem with the Big is Beautiful show was that, while the models' wide smiles showed how proud they were to be joining Vogue Italia's plus-size cover girl Robyn Lawley , on the runway, the clothes were often less than inspiring.  Leona Edmiston offered the only true designer brand, her new Leona + by Leona Edmiston label.   The rest of the offerings were Myer private-label brands and middle-market items that reinforced the stereotype of plus-size clothing as frumpy and forgiving.  While Myer deserve plaudits for catering to women who wear sizes 16-24, fashion shows are about aspiration and there was little to excite on the runway, whatever your size."


I was, quite frankly, astounded to read the following sentence:  


"The only truly stunning model was Lawley 
who, by the way, appears to have whittled down
 from a size 14-16 to a size 12."

Weren't we all told that Robyn represented the plus-size because she was size 14?   If she is now size 12, how can she possibly claim to be a plus-size model?  (And again is that size 12 Australian or size 12 American?



(Photograph copyright SMH.com.au)

Saturday, September 17, 2011

A dress by any other name!

The selection of gorgeous dresses for the plus-size continues to gain momentum.   So many wonderful suppliers are coming out with lovely styles and colours.

I just found the following website, http://www.elizaparker.com and am utterly captivated by the beautiful, feminine, seductive and sexy clothing.

See what I mean?  (And I love the fact that their hemlines are "straight" - none of this irregularity that makes one think the person who made the garment couldn't care less!).



Friday, September 16, 2011

There are tops, and then there are tops!

It never ceases to amaze me how local as well as overseas plus-size clothing providers always come up with the old round neck tee shirt or top.  I can't work out how they figure that style is flattering, but there's never much thought given to what a well deserving fuller figure woman needs when it comes to a tee shirt or a nice attractive top.

Here in Australia, one of the great suppliers is http://www.bigtimeclothing.com and their tops and jackets are flattering to the larger figure, because there's a lot of thought given to how the garment will fall and look on the curves.  

In the US, Kiyonna, http://www.kiyonna.com has come out with a lovely selection for this season (of course their seasons are not the same as ours, but we can get some great ideas of what is available, and if we can find our own personal dressmaker, then we can utilise those designs for our own seasonal wear.)

See if you don't agree that this is a truly attractive little top.  And it's nice to see the return of the pretty sweetheart neckline - something that enhances our body.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Two items from the "newest trends for 2011"

Here are two items that you'll either love or hate.   Me - I just love the camel hair three quarter coat with tie belt.   It's something I have tried to include in my classic list of clothing over the years, and it's a real delight to see this garment and style back in vogue.  It doesn't matter if you slim or plus-size, this garment is a real asset to you and your wardrobe.


The other item in which you may indulge your fantasies is the sexy sequinned high heeled shoes. You'd better be sure of your balance before venturing out with these, but hey they may just the thing to sit on your dresser and admire!  (Imelda Marcus loved her shoes, and had quite a collection, as did Rose Porteus (Aust).)  Could be an expensive hobby though!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Do "fat" people actually choose to be fat?

A couple of us here in the office read an article in one of Australia's leading women's magazines, "Womans Day", that we found interesting.  Interesting in that someone is actually putting forward theories that we've been saying for decades.   Being overweight, even a little or a lot, does not necessarily mean being lazing and eating too much!  

Yeaaay!    Dr John Dixon (Melbourne obesity "expert") recently said:  "Many people are overweight through genetic predisposition and/or environmental factors"   We'd also like to add here that "economic factors" combined with genetic predisposition, have something to do with it too!

But then Dr Dixon goes on, "Studies show that if you feed two people on a high-fat diet, some will get fat and others will not.  So certainly what we need here is understanding, not vilification."

How can we get "the powers that be" within the media, including advertisers, to see size as merely one aspect of a total human being, and to treat everyone fairly and equally within their pages?   What escapes a lot of people's common sense, and this particularly applies to advertisers, is that large people buy their products in the same quantities as slim people.   

They're doing a disservice to society at large, as well as to their own profit-lines by denying the plus-size to participate (by way of being included within advertisements as a positive representation of "customers" rather than being made fun of) as well as recognising that plus size people do their bit to keep those businesses going.  

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Is there a bit of hypocrisy here?

Alex Perry, fashion designer and TV model mentor, has copped a barrage of complaints since describing a size 8 model contestant (Allisander Moone) in the show Australia's Next Top Model, as

"overstuffed baggage"

Following many complaints Perry claimed he wasn't referring to the model, but the clothes she had had chosen for her!   He also says he is not a "fattist"!

For a so-called "professional" designer as well as model mentor, Perry should have the ability to speak about models and how they look, and what they are dressed in, in a much more sensitive even if straight-forward way, than to use the words "overstuffed baggage".   These people have such an influence on how women see themselves - and they know it!   

The discriminatory words he has used to describe Allisandra are bad enough.  But when it comes to other young women who read about this and hear it spoken about, how are they going to feel?   They're going to feel that they too are "overstuffed baggage", and they'll start the treadmill of losing weight at any cost, so that they'll be seen to be "normal".   They'll lose sight of the fact that they are lovely as they are and they don't need to be harrassed by innuendo by people like Alex Perry.

Perry, by the way,  has just released a 10 piece "corporate" line of fashion,  in sizes up to 16!    Of course he'll do well in sales, and again he knows it.   But there seems to be a contraction there - is it OK to use words about a model size 8 that could break any person's spirit and then expect women of similar size and bigger to go and buy his clothes?   He (and others like him) probably do!

What is normal anyway?   My best friend is short;  I'm taller.   One friend has beautiful naturally red hair;  mine has streaks of grey.   Another friend is naturally skinny and has a figure that any model would like to have;  I'm a large and deliciously curvaceous woman.  But we're all normal.



So let's get off this stupid and degrading way of describing women in a way that makes them (and us) feel as though we're "different" to the extent of being out of contention when it comes to being understood and being accepted within all frameworks of life.  

Sunday, September 11, 2011

The return of Big is Beautiful! (BIB)

Why did Myer ever stop the BIB label?  It wasn't because there weren't enough customers or potential customers.  It wasn't because the clothes didn't meet our needs or our wishes.   It wasn't because they were too expensive (well - maybe it was sometimes when our budget had been really stretched for one reason or another).   There's never been an intelligent reason given for no longer stocking this line of clothing.

But recent news indicates that Myer are bringing back the label, as well as another called Leona+.  In the meantime take a few minutes and watch this video re-introducing the BIB label.  

Saturday, September 10, 2011

At long last! The essential career look!

It's been a while since there was a realisation that young career women who are plus-size need to be taken seriously as far as a "professional look" is concerned in their attire.

Anything will do has been the attitude of the majority of clothing suppliers, so it's really great to see Pennington's of Canada's take on an "essential career look".

And isn't it nice to see the belted look included in this range?   For too long the more curvaceous figure has been told not to wear belts!  And what did the marketplace do to justify this insistance?  They made sure we couldn't buy belts long enough!

But we deserve the right to choose what we will wear, more especially when a company like Penningtons brings to the marketplace lovely wear such as this:  including belts :)



https://penningtons-en.custhelp.com/ci/documents/detail/2/Sep0711_PENNBlackMagic_En

Friday, September 9, 2011

Devonshire Tea



A firm favourite for many decades, the delicious Devonshire tea continues to shine as an example of simple homely pleasures.

This blog is one that includes all sorts of trivia - but all with a focus on the enjoyment of life for the plus-size woman.

And where does Devonshire Tea come into this?  Quite simply - plus size women should have the privilege of enjoying their leisure time to the same degree as their thinner sisters, without being ostracised about being "too fat" and therefore by innuendo shouldn't be eating food of this nature.

I'm firmly of the opinion that we should ALL enjoy these sorts of pleasures without having to justify our choices or decisions to anyone.

I know of women who have been stared at;  who have been told they "shouldn't eat that!", and laughed at and ridiculed, all because they had the temerity to sit down to morning/afternoon tea.  What right does anyone have to inflict such discrimination on another person?

So I say - get out there and enjoy life.  Learn to love yourself for who you are and what you are and indulge in these little niceties to remind yourself that you are a unique and beautiful person.  No one has the right to treat you with any less respect than you deserve.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

You CAN'T wear that!

If you've ever had this said to you then join the club.   It's about time that other women who try and impose their will upon us, and I even include family members as well as acquaintances, are shown and told that it's not always them who know what's best for us - we have that privilege!

For a woman who is generously endowed it is often easier to "give in" and agree with those who tell her what she should and shouldn't wear.  It's easier for a number of reasons - mainly to do with preferring not to get into an argument, and even moreso losing what we think is a caring or friendly relationship with that person.

But there comes a time when we all have to be accountable to ourselves.   It's no good "giving in" to other's demands or perceptions of how we should live our lives, when those perceptions and standards don't fit in with our own.  For we are intelligent women and have instincts that will prove beyond doubt that we know best, and sometimes we forget it.

If you want to dress in a certain style - romantic, nostalgic, conventional, trendy, quirky, loud or sassy, then that's your decision and you should be allowed to choose your style without having to justify it with anyone else.

I think this is why in recent times, many curvaceous women have taken a stand, and society doesn't always like what they now see in us.  They don't like the thought that we won't do as they say, but prefer to make our own decisions.  In other words they've lost the power to control us, either by innuendo or straight out domination.

So if you see clothing that fits YOUR idea of personal style and choice, go ahead and wear it.  Don't be held back by people who like to think they know best.   In the long run, you'll be a much happier person.


The above outfit is from The Cupboard, New Zealand.  In sizes up to 16 - BUT they can meet your requirements as they make to measure.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Quirky!

These are the sorts of garments that make you smile.   They also inspire you to go and buy them and impress your friends with your integrity and courage to try something completely new and wacky!Spot your favourite! The quirky Toledo pant says it all. Seamlessly teamed with the Basel oversized tee and black knit singlet and wear the lot boldly with the Liar elastic strap sandal. http://www.thecupboard.co.nz/new-summer/index.htm



Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Who said a plus-size can't wear strapless?


This is a gorgous dress.   It's the "Nina" Pleated Dress and comes from Curvaceous Boutique.

The description of the dress is as follows:    60% Polyester, 35% nyon, 5% spandex.  This elegant strapless party dress has folded pleats and belted waist for a modern spin on a classic.  The hemline falls just above the knee, making this dress a great choice for any occasion.   

Monday, September 5, 2011

Another great clothing supplier

There's a lot to be said for "visiting" clothing websites throughout Australia;  a lot of women though don't seem to realise that New Zealand has some absolutely terrific suppliers of "plus-size" clothing.

Take a moment to visit http://www.zebrano.co.nz/  See if you don't agree with me.


 I think this outfit is stunning!  

** Don't forget to send in some ideas on words that describe the more curvaceous woman better than 'plus-size'.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Lingerie that we deserve!

I don't know about you, but there are times when I throw up my hands in dismay when it comes to what I can buy in the stores in lingerie.

For so many years I've been questioning why the bigger stores here in Australia, don't carry lines of lingerie for women with generous curves, that are attractive if not downright sexy.   Not only sexy in looks but which make the wearer feel sexy, regardless of age, size or shape.

We've covered the subject of bras particularly having undergone many changes in the past couple of years whereby young women with small breasts have demanded more choice in the depth of the cups of their bras.   Many women have gone from a B, C or D cup into a F, G and even H cup.

But the "gorgeous" women of size 24 and upwards has very little choice, at any time.   Yes, there are occasional bras in satin but nothing that you'd jump up and down with joy about.    I'm still looking and I'm not giving up, but occasionally I get somewhat frustrated at what the Australian market offers to the discerning woman of size.

Many women of size have lovely breasts; and given the opportunity of a slight and meaningful lift, can then confidently wear their dresses and tops, with pride.   Bras that just cover the breasts but have no lift only do part of the job.

How often, honestly, do you see a range of bras in somewhat exciting designs, and colours, and fabrics (throw out those dreadful beige, beige, beige coloured bras please!), for the larger woman?   Not often enough.   I'd like to think our approaches to the department stores will one day bear fruit, as well as a selection of choice that we deserve.   We all deserve to have the best.


(Bra from Evans, UK)
newsflash
I don't know how long Evans have been shipping to Australia but this is exciting news.  Visit their site at www.evans.co.uk



Local Australian Spring Clothing

Here's a taste of what's to come!   Lovely florals, mingled in amonst our favourite basic colours.

Visit the Best and Less website - and view their catalogue online.  http://www.lasoo.com.au/retailer/best-less.html?refine=2704&gclid=CNTwsL2bgKsCFQdU4god1WGe1g&pcrid=4460108929


Friday, September 2, 2011

The "nonsense" that's going on about plus-size fashion!

Plus-size is a word that has lost its effect.  It is, in fact, becoming a misnomer, because people are taking it to extremes.   When I see fashion, and models on the runway, in size 14, and it's being touted as "plus-size", then I become justifiably angry.   And I'm not alone.

We've been fighting discrimination for decades now - far too long.  Yet, we still come back to the media and fashion industry calling us names that don't really depict or define us.  When will they come to accept the immutable fact that we are:

(1)  Women
(2)  Intelligent
(3) Sexual beings 
(4)  Honest and fully aware of our height, width, weight, shape and size
and
(5) We don't need to be constantly reminded all the time that we don't fit the "mould"!

This is becoming a nightmare.   Those of us who have been advocating a change in attitude for decades (by society at large as well as by ourselves to ourselves and others around us), see small inroads into the clothing market for women of size in todays marketplace.  But it's far too small - the inroads I mean.   

No wonder young girls and women of size 14 and 16 are tearing their hearts out trying to lose weight to meet the so-called "ideal" of LESS than size 14, so that they're no longer seen to be "plus-size".  It has become a derogatory word, not an inspiring one.

Plus-size used to describe women of size 22 and above.   Now for some unexplained reason, and there are some interesting arguments going the rounds which I reckon I've heard all of them over the past fifty years, plus size is now around 14!   Just what is going on here?

Women are women - no matter what weight, size or shape they are.   Yet as soon as a fashion show comes along or a new collection is released, we're supposed to be so grateful to see that "plus-size" is included - yep, up to size 14.

How does the woman who is larger than size 14 feel - say 20 through 30 - when she sees all this nonsense in the press and the current affairs programmes on TV? She feels slighted, she feels rejected, and she feels (again) relegated to the "not acceptable" heap.  And if she's like me, she starts to feel angry.

I read just this morning that Peter Morrissey has said that women of many sizes should be seen on the catwalk.  I can well remember Peter saying in a press interview some years back, that he would never deign to design a dress for anyone larger than size 14.  I made a pact with myself all those years ago that I would never promote any of Morrissey's fashion, and I haven't. Has he changed his mind?  Had he changed his attitude?  I'm not sure, but I hope it isn't because he has suddenly seen the big $ profit-line by designing garments slightly larger than his original limit.  Because that would be hypocrisy and we don't need any more of this, thank you very much.

On the other hand, maybe Morrissey has realised that his attitude of years ago was wrong!   I'd like to think that even the most adamant person who decries curves as being unacceptable, can change his/her mind, and to see the value of curves.

It will be interesting to see how this whole question evolve - because there is a lot of discussion going on, and it would be so nice if it continued in an upward and positive swing.

Do I often get up on my soapbox and shout?  No, but this nonsense of plus-sizes needs some trimming.

In fact I want someone to come up with some better descriptions than "plus-size" or "petite" or ......

I've worn out so many dictionaries trying to come up with some "positive" words, and I send out a challenge to readers of this blog.   Send in your suggestions for descriptive words that will highlight women who are larger than size 14, in an uplifting way.   Have your say on this very important subject.


(This photo has been found on the internet).

A couple of posts!

Firstly,  wanted to share this pic of Times Square Railway station, with water cascading down the stairs, following their recent floodwaters from Hurricana Irene.   No wonder everyone stayed home!

We're keeping abreast of the news in the US as regards the effects and aftermath of the Hurricane, but continue to send our best wishes to everyone anyway.



Secondly, must share with you some more fashion for the plus-size from the US.   Yes, I know I concentrate on the US market, but honestly I can't find much to compare over here.  (Let me hasten to say however, that those Australian suppliers that I do frequently highlight are always high on my list of favourites, and they remain so - they know full well who they are, because they often get a "plug" through this blog as well as through the regular newsletter itself!)

Have a look at the most recent news from Monif C, promoting their Autumn collection.   And if you don't think to yourself "wow", then you really can't be serious about seeing the progression into serious fashion for the plus-size as it is being undertaken by our American designers/suppliers.

Visit Monif C's website at www.monifc.com


Thursday, September 1, 2011

UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE!

You've got to admire the overseas dress designers/manufacturers who identify with the dreams of plus-size "gorgeous" women.

There are times when we dream of "fantasy" gowns, conservative fashion, trendy fashion, up to the minute and stylish fashion.   There are times too, when we want something that is elegantly under-stated.  Something that will actually "make a statement", and make heads turn when we enter the room - for no other reason but to admire and then compliment.

What are your thoughts on this dress?

ARTIGIANO-SPIRIO  http://www.artigiano.co.uk/dresses/regular-merino-wool-cable-detail-dress/invt/adrs612/


A regular Merino Wool Cable Detail Dress, up to size XXL (24). 

A really elegant knitted dress in a super-soft merino wool with mini cable stitching below the waist.  The ribbed effect of the cabling helps to keep the shape, while adding a subtle textural depth.  So simple and yet so very chic in these sophisticated autumnal shared.        (Copyright Artigianoc.co.uk)

Sizes S (8-10), M (12-14), L (16-18), XL (20-22), XXL (24)