Fashion for "busty" women

It's nice to see that suppliers are recognising even plus size women have "shapes".   I notice on Evans UK website this morning that they have a line with compliments and enhances "busty" women.  

A nice black and white/neutral tunic top will show you what I mean.  

Then there are more colourful tops as under:

Even though we're entering Winter, there's no reason why we don't take advantage of summer sales from overseas, in readiness for the warmer weather that will follow the cold.

Approaching Winter

There's some nice weather gear around, and I've been especially looking for some nice coats.  Not just ordinary ones, but something a bit snazzier - we all need a bit of snazz during the colder weather.

So here's one from Ezibuy   It's called the Capture Texture Coat (Item No 84297) and is priced at $99.99 (I often wonder why they don't go to the rounded figure rather than ...99 - you can't get the 1 cent change! but there I go off on a tangent again).  Back to the subject of coats.

The Capture Texture Coat goes up to a size 20, so if you're fortunate enough to be a size 20 and under, then have a look at this coat to keep you looking smart during the cooler days and evenings.

Thick/thin Models

Plus sizers are constantly told that their figures are hard to design for.   Well, I have a similar thought when it comes to really thin women.  

This photo shows a model wearing pants that appear to be so tight that she can't stand with her legs together.  Don't tell me that models and women per se don't prefer to stand with their legs together.   So many models and so-called celebrities stand like little children caught out doing something naughty - where did that stance come from?

Why isn't it OK for a woman to have flesh on her arms and legs?   This photo to my way of thinking looks ungainly.  But then I might be old-fashioned!

Mother's Day 2012

RoseMary's NoteBook©

Mother's Day 2012

Mother's Day is here and we would like to wish all Mothers a very happy day as we celebrate the specialness of womanhood and motherhood.

Even if you are not a Mother yourself, it is still a day when we can all say a great big "thank you" to our Mums for being the amazing woman she is and will always be!

Let's not also forget our daughters who are mothers themselves.  Let us share their joy, and reflect on both our pride in them and their achievements.

At this time too, we would like to acknowledge those readers whose Mothers are no longer with us and to let you know we are thinking of you at this time, too.

I know how close I was to my own Mother; Mother's Day can be both a day touched with sadness yet a very sweet occasion as I recall all she did for me, based on unconditional love.   She was a most beautiful person who gave me the inspiration to see myself as a very special person - not based on looks or size and shape, but on natural and genuine characteristics of the feminine essence.

And to Mums who may have lost children - our loving thoughts go out to you as well.  Celebrate this day in your own special way for you need to be reassured that you are loved - even by your friends at RoseMary's NoteBook. 

So to Mums, Grand-Mums, Great-Grandmums; Step Mums; foster Mums; special Aunties and women who are regarded as "sort-of-Mums"; and Mum's to be; we say - Happy Mother's Day.   May you be surrounded with and by love, physically, emotionally and spiritually, on this special day.

Fondest wishes

Rosemary

Are we supposed to accept; to ignore; or to ask why? During this past week, the title of yet another article that  appeared in the Melbourne Sun-Herald, loudly proclaimed: Bigger keeps getting better and better.   My eyes were drawn to the article, because the very first words following the title were these:  BUMPER-size Victorians are ruling the retail roost, with some outlets reporting a 70 per cent increase in their plus size fashion business since 2010.   Now the content of the article sounds rather good to me - it means to my way of thinking that retailers are increasing not only their choices but also their sizes for the plus-size woman.   Read a little further and there appears to be still along way to go, because Target plans to expand its core range from size 18 to size 20.  Hurrah for the size 20s of this world.   It does mean however that the size 22 upwards woman is STILL ignored, to a large extent, by these retailers.    Thank goodness for those independent providers of plus-size fashion who understand our needs, and have responded with size ranges that meet those needs.  But I've digressed somewhat.  I'm beginning to believe that maybe I AM somewhat "thin-skinned" when it comes to being expected to accept certain inappropriate words to describe me and countless thousands of plus-size women.  I do not like the words "BUMPER-size".   And please note that the word BUMPER is highlighted in the article in BOLD as well as in capital letters.  I refuse to accept such words.    Look, I'm thrilled that the retailers such as K Mart, Target, and Big W are at long last recognising the marketplace potential of sizes in the 18 -20 range.  Of course I'd love to see their ranges going far beyond that size.   It's what is "inferred" in articles such as this that I object to.   Why should the reporter Andy Burns, start off by using the words "BUMPER-size"?  I ask respectfully, because if this article had commenced with the words, "Skeletal sized Victorians" or "Anorexic Victorians" I would imagine there to be a huge hue and cry (with every good reason) - about the words being judgemental; intolerant; unaccepting; discriminatory (there's that word again); lacking decent good manners, and totally inappropriate in a society where such inferences are politically incorrect.  But it seems, time and time again, that the plus-size is "fair game"!   Why does the media permit such unbalance in their reporting?  I guess it comes down to selling their papers and/or magazines.   Would love to hear your views.

Kimono/Duster from The Carpenter's Daughter

The Carpenters Daughter (don't you just love the name?) has garments in the size range of NZ 12-24.  All their garments are made in New Zealand.

I particularly like this purple floral Kimono/Duster.  What a statement piece.  An oversized flowing design, great covering, which gives a fluid appearance and movement. Featuring a tie for under the bust that can be wrapped around to the back and create a more fitting look.

Visit their site and see some other stunning garments.   http://www.tcd.co.nz/

A rose by any other name!

Cardigans come and go.  They're one of the staple basics of any woman's wardrobe, and by whatever name they go by, whether a cardigan, a cardi, a cape (with sleeves) or whatever, they are invaluable when an early evening chill hits the air; or when just an extra layer will give the comfort and warmth the body needs.

There's a lot of talk about the elderly woman wearing the outdated twinset (always with pearls of course!), but seriously I think it's about time that the true twinset had a comeback.  They're so sensible, so practical, so attractive, and ageless (whatever the so-called fashion pundits say).  

I like cardigans, especially those that are different in design.  Such as this one with a ruffle waterfall look about it.

What I do not like about some cardigans (not the one above) is this: 

 Cardigans or any garment that should be wrist length hanging down halfway over the fingers.  Honestly they might be "modern" but they seriously look as though they've been made for much taller women and somehow make the wearer look dowdy.  That's MHO anyway.  When they're handmade, they look as though the knitter lost the pattern and couldn't decide how long to make the sleeves!

Wedding Belles!

When it comes to wedding gowns, there's not really a lot to choose from for a woman who is "curvaceous".   But those gowns that are out there, are quite fabulous.

Here's a selection from Igigi.  Short or full length; fitted or flowing - whatever your heart desires.

A few pieces can go a long way!

Choosing an outfit ought to be easy.  And given some thought, it can be.

Maggie T has some luscious looking winter wear.  A few pieces and voila, an outfit that will invite compliments and even whistles of appreciation.  (And for a lot of women those "bloke" whistles still give a smile.  Being politically correct and not letting a bloke be a bloke who appreciates a woman and shows it, is a bit too much over the edge when you come to think of it.)

Local "Casual/Leisure" Wear

One of the companies that has been around for a while now is Black Apple.

Their range is quite smart, and many stores around Australia stock this line.   Here's an example of the Autumn/Winter range.  It seems that black and white, contrasted with bright red might be the rage this year.

For the woman who sews at home!

The lack of basic lingerie patterns for the plus-sizer has always been a matter which has frustrated women from sewing these garments at home.

Back in the 1980s though we had Kwik Sew and then Knitwit patterns which provided patterns for all sorts of garments, including lingerie.  

With the advent of the return of the "dress", many women would like to make their own petticoats (sometimes called "slips") and more particularly their panties.  This where the Knitwit Pattern Number 5100 in sizes 6-22 comes into its own.

This pattern provides two options in both garments - for the petticoat a thin strap with boat shaped neckline and a round neckline with firmer straps (all in one with the garment).   For those women who have taken to wearing maxi dresses again, lengthening the petticoat will provide added comfort, especially for fabrics that might become static or be made from a fabric that is see-through.  As far as the panties are concerned, there is a pattern for a waist high pantie as well as a more modern hip sitting garment.

As a one-off offer, here is Knitwit Pattern Number 5100.  The pattern is as new and has never been used or even unfolded.  The envelope however has a few wear tears.  It is complete with sewing instructions.

If any home dressmaker would like to purchase this pattern, then please email direct.   The price is Aud $10 and Australia Post Express Post Satchel of $9.55 making a total of Aud$19.55.     If anyone overseas is interested in purchasing this pattern, please email direct and we'll send you information on appropriate postage costs.  Be quick to take advantage of this.

We'd encourage you to also visit our new"sister-blog" - The Serendipity Studio! at http://theserendipitystudio.blogspot.com.au/ for all sorts of other offers of pre-loved "treasures" to enhance your life.