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.

A jacket I gotta have!

A bit of whimsy.  A bit of fun.  A bit of fashion flair.

As only Miss Piggy can do, here she is in her lovely quilted jacket.  Watch out for the new film The Muppets where the indefatigable Miss Piggy wears some "designer clothes" with panache.

I'm a little intrigued though at the hair colour change.  Wasn't she a buxom blonde?  Why the dark hair - perhaps she is trying to hide those few little grey hairs that sneak up on us all?

Or am I not being fair to Miss Piggy suggesting that?  Perhaps it's a fur hat hiding all those glorious platinum locks?

Finding something new!

I know there are hundreds of thousands of websites all with a special focus on plus size clothing.  And I admit I've only found a few hundred - LOL.

But when I find something REALLY fantastic, I've got to shout it from the rooftops.  Because whether you will admit it or not, don't you sometimes feel frustrated and impatient with many suppliers who, while they might bring in new designs and colours each season, still seem to have no IMAGINATION!

So take time to visit this site:   http://www.idaretobe.com/  I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised, as I was.

What's with Spring?

Can't believe it.  Today it was around 28 degrees with sun shining nicely and then the sun went down and the temperature fell to around 12,  and it's cold!    That means instead of being able to float around in glamourous chiffony (OK, cotton or linen) summery garments until bed time, it's a matter of rummaging around trying to find a nice cardigan to keep out the chill.

So it's a matter it seems of seeking out lovely clothing from the other side of the world to keep us happy while we complain about the weather here in Oz.   (I've read though that many of our American sisters particularly are complaining about the fact that Fall seems to have passed them by and they're already well into Winter as well!)

But let's get back to basics.  I found this beautiful cardigan from http://www.simplybe.co.uk  Isn't it attractive?

PS  This is yet another case of colours that you think may not suit you.  I usually can't wear yellow or orange but I found that by ensuring the basic colour that DOES suit me near the face, even a scarf, (i.e. either white of black) that I can wear the colours I never thought of wearing in years gone by.  It's all a matter of a change in mind-set.  Experiment - always experiment.

When in doubt , wear red, then perhaps white

As a plus-sizer (well I prefer calling myself curvaceous), I just love cowl neck sweaters.  People tell me I shouldn't.  Why?   Because I have a bust, I suppose.   What I think more likely is that they're jealous that I can wear cowlnecks and that I always feel good wearing them.

Anything that has a batwing or magyar sleeves will always compliment a shapely woman.   (Quite often too it's possible to go for a smaller size because the batwing effect gives so much more room about the bust and midriff).

So take a look at these from Avenue (http://www.avenue.com).

First a Cowlneck Diamond Sweater

And then for a change white not go for white (yes, don't believe the critics, we can all wear white and we can look stunning).  Again from Avenue.

Approaching the "Party" Season - Part II

Dinner Table Etiquette - the 10 Don'ts!

1. NEVER start eating before a signal from the host to do so.
2. Forks should not be turned over unless being used for eating peas, sweetcorn kernels, rice or other similar foods. In which case, it should be transferred to the right hand. However, at acasual buffet, or barbecue it is quite acceptable to eat with just a fork.
   
3. It is not generally regarded as good dinner table etiquette to use one's bread for dipping into soups or mopping up sauces.
   
4. Loud eating noises such as slurping and burping are very impolite. The number one sin of dinner table etiquette!
   
5. Talking with one's mouth full. is not only unpleasant to watch, but could also lead to choking! Definitely not a good idea!
   
6. Don't stretch across the table crossing other guests to reach food, wine or condiments. Instead ask a guest sitting close to pass the item to you.
   
7. Good dinner table etiquette sometimes involves a degree of diplomacy when it comes to the host's choice of food and wine! Even if you feel that you can do better, don't ever offer your criticism. If you feel unable to pay any compliments, at least remain silent on the subject.
   
8. Picking teeth (unless toothpicks are provided) or licking fingers are very unattractive! The only exception to the latter is when eating meat or poultry on the bone (such as chicken legs or ribs). In which case, a finger bowl should be provided.
   
9. Drinking too much wine can be very embarrassing! Where a different wine is served with each course, it is quite acceptable to not finish each glass.
   
10. Don't forget to make polite conversation with those guests around you. Dinner parties are not just about the food, they are intended to be a sociable occasion!

http://www.gourmet-food-revolution.com

Approaching the "Party" Season

Have you ever been invited to a special event or function and you're never quite sure how you should behave, or more importantly what the etiquette demands for that particular occasion?  Have you ever stayed at home because you felt you couldn't cope with the anxiety of not wanting to make a fool of yourself?  Have you ever gone to the event and felt embarrassed all night because you made a couple of faux pas?  Do you relive those embarrassing moments?

I wish that I had known some of these "do's" during my younger years.  They would have solved a lot of negative self-talk when I did a few things wrong.  

So, here's a great little list of the "10 Do's as they apply to Dinner Table Etiquette".   Read them, learn them, and then go out and enjoy yourself knowing that you have the knowledge to enjoy your evening (or function) without any worries of doing the wrong thing at the wrong time.

Good etiquette is an asset - it's not old-fashioned or out of date.   These pointers are handy to know, because you may receive an invitation out of the blue and it's always good to be well prepared.    

Dinner Table Etiquette - the 10 Do's!

1. Once seated, unfold your napkin and use it for occasionally wiping your lips or fingers. At the end of dinner, leave the napkin tidily on the place setting.
2. It is good dinner table etiquette to serve the lady sitting to the right of the host first, then the other ladies in a clockwise direction, and lastly the gentlemen.
   
3. Hold the knife and fork with the handles in the palm of the hand, forefinger on top, and thumb underneath.
   
4. Whilst eating, you may if you wish rest the knife and fork on either side of the plate between mouthfuls. When you have finished eating, place them side by side in the centre of the plate.
   
5. If the food presented to you is not to your liking, it is polite to at least make some attempt to eat a small amount of it. Or at the very least, cut it up a little, and move it around the plate!
   
6. It is quite acceptable to leave some food to one side of your plate if you feel as though you have eaten enough. On the other hand, don't attempt to leave your plate so clean that it looks as though you haven't eaten in days!
   
7. Desserts may be eaten with both a spoon and fork, or alternatively a fork alone if it is a cake or pastry style sweet.
   
8. Should a lady wish to be excused for the bathroom, it is polite for the gentlemen to stand up as she leaves the table, sit down again, and then stand once more when she returns.
   
9. Always make a point of thanking the host and hostess for their hospitality before leaving.
   
10. It is good dinner table etiquette to send a personal thank you note to the host and hostess shortly afterwards.

http://www.gourmet-food-revolution.com

Today's quotation

Fashions fade , style is eternal

.... Yves Saint Laurent

Is this "fashion" or not?

At a recent seminar the subject was raised, by some of the young men attending, as to what is considered to be the "suitable dress code" for today's workplace.  At first this may seem a little strange, given that young people seem intent on breaking down all previous and pre-existing codes of dress, whether inside the workplace or in their private lives.

Quite a discussion followed, and it was interesting to hear that many of the male attendees thought that some sort of reasonable dress code should be promoted within their ranks, rather than anyone wearing what they like, in whatever condition that clothing may be.  It seems that high standards are still sought by the young.  (The idea of dressing any way they liked on Fridays seems to have run its course?)

That gave me some thought, and when I visited the post office on the way home, I caught a glimpse of the "latest" gear for the up and coming male "professional" in the window of a boutique store nearby.  Having my camera gave me the opportunity to take a shot.  

I don't think this is quite a dress code that the young attendees to the seminar were thinking about, but it does pose a couple of questions.  Firstly is this suitable for a young professional person in his workplace, and secondly are the jeans in particular worth $200?   And yes, those are deliberate tears in the knees, and the fabric looks as though it's been recycled many times over with the obvious tendency to becoming threadbare around the pockets.  This is NOT a charity shop with second hand goods, but a boutique store well known for it's trendy gear and accepted for being forward-thinking in it's professional wear. 

What do you think?

OAKS DAY - 2011

This is the day where women go "ALL OUT" for fashion's sake.  Some succeed, others just have fun.

Then there are the "IMPORTED STARS", and that's not the race horses.   This year two "celebrities" were brought in from overseas - Sarah Jessica Parker 

All above photos copyright R Parry-Brock

and the inimitable Joan Collins, who outshone all competitors and proved that when a woman has established her own style of dress, that she can get away with it time and time again.  Isn't there an old saying, practice makes perfect?

(Photo 9 World of Sports).

On the traditional ladies day, 78 YEAR OLD JOAN COLLINS had a few words of wisdom for the young girls on how to look glamorous on a day at the races.

"I think it takes effort and a little bit of mystery and certainly it helps if you wear makeup I think," Collins said.

"I don't think you can be glamorous without wearing makeup."

More Melbourne Cup 2011

Well, the girls certainly came up trumps when it came to colour yesterday.   Even the fashion commentators expressed a little concern that everyone would be dressed in black and white, but their fears were unfounded.   Colour, colour everywhere.  Blocks of colour, tonings of colour, and florals and geometrics were the order of the day.

Here are some photos taken from the internet.  Copyright to the SMH as well as the Age, and News.com.au

And here's a "professionally" posed photograph of Jennifer Hawkins (she certainly looks a bit better than the photo taken from the television interview yesterday).   Maybe I'm being a bit "picky" but somehow or another I think that the some of the girls in the above photos come up looking better than our professional models!  Am I being biased?

Melbourne Cup 2011

While the photos on the Melbourne Cup 2011 Pages (see link under Pages) may appear a little grainy, (due to having been taken by a digital camera aimed at the television!) they will give some idea of the spectacle that is the Melbourne Cup.  I do wonder though, why in temperatures of 14-18 degrees that women will wear sleeveless dresses.   While there were pre-Cup commentaries along the lines that "fascinators" are out, this obviously didn't deter most women wearing them.   I guess there's a difference between a "fascinator" and a hat, but the majority that I saw on the telecast this afternoon showed fascinators in all sizes and it was difficult to find a "real" hat.

But that doesn't in any way suggest that all the ladies at the Cup didn't enjoy themselves immensely - maybe the weather was overcast, but there was, apparently a lot of champagne to warm the hearts of most racegoers.

While I try never to be negative, I can't understand why "top" models who are dressed by the most fashionable designers in the country (dress, hat, shoes and handbag) they spoil the entire look by untidy hair.  This photograph was taken very early in the morning of the Cup, not after hours of being entertained and interviewed, so I wonder why the lank hair!  This is Jennifer Hawkins, one of the highest paid models in Australia - does she really look the part?

Pre-loved versus Second Hand (it's all in the wording)!

There's been a flurry of activity here with the Buy Nothing New campaign for October.  In fact the concept has been so popular that many participants have made a conscious decision to follow the principles all year round.  What is so good about this is that, as far as the pre-loved garment market is concerned, it can not only be ongoing but increase in ways of utilising the Buy Nothing New principle.

"Second-hand" for some reason of another has taken on a negative thought in many people's minds.  It's as though being "second-hand", it should only be relegated to the waste bin.   I guess it all comes down to the way you think about things.

For instance - you may go into a leading boutique and buy a highly priced garment which in your thinking is "new".   Has it ever occurred to you that that particular garment may have been bought by someone else, taken home, tried on, and then returned to the boutique as being "unsuitable"?  It does happen you know.

As a comparison you enter one of the major Charity Stores, such as St Vinnys, Brotherhood of St Laurence or one of my favourite haunts, the Salvation Army Thrift shops or Family Stores, and you are surrounded by, in many cases, absolutely new garments that have never been worn.  They still retain their swing tickets, and they have been carefully and lovingly checked and rechecked as being squeaky clean without any blemishes, by professional people within these organisations before being distributed to the store outlets.

Even obvious second-hand clothes have been dry-cleaned, buttons sewn on, hems and sewing checked, and presented in such a way that you don't "see" the second-handedness of the garment, but that it is something that appeals to you, that fits you, and more often than not, is totally affordable.   And in many cases, these garments are priced so low that they shouldn't be missed!

I read in a national newspaper that three mature aged ladies had bought themselves lovely pre-loved wedding gowns which they have had altered, and which they intend to wear to the Melbourne Cup!  "We said to each other, let's dress up!  And none of us had ever been dressed as brides when we married, so this was a great opportunity!"

Women who were born during and following the Second World War, and indeed their children, grew up with what used to be termed, "hand-me-downs".  There was never a thought that they were not appreciated and in fact many times a garment such as this became a firm favourite.   These garments would never have been afforded, but with the advent of passing one garment to another person, meant that each was given the opportunity of having nice clothes to wear.   And for many women, that continued throughout their married lives, when money was tight - and let's face it, money is tight in many families all the time, not just occasionally.

So there are many reasons why the Buy Nothing New campaign has been a success - of course to many of us it's been a way of life for a long time.