WHY WAIT?

New Year Sales always draw crowds.

But what if you have the opportunity of having a special sale BEFORE the New Year Sales?   Well, Igigi are having a bumper sale - savings up to 80%!!  Yes, that's right - up to 80%.

Feast your eyes on these beautiful garments.

It'a nor only dresses that are on sale - there's jewellery and I couldn't resist this wonderful belt.  In the right colour and you've got to agree you don't see many belts with the generously curved woman in mind, do you?

HOW CAN YOU STAY HAPPY AND HEALTHY .......

While at the same time you're growing older .....

As we well know, most women very early form a habit of putting everyone else first. When she becomes a mother this is a "natural" habit that very soon becomes a life-style. It stays with her. A consequence of this, though, is that as we grow older, we're often unaware of what activities we can enter into, which will boost our mood, our attitude and immunity. But there are a few things, that even the so-called experts agree on, that will help us through this.

Here are one or two suggestions.

TALK. Bottling up worries or sadness is deeply unhealthy and guaranteed to suppress immunity. If you feel sad, chat with a friend and don't be afraid to cry. Tears are a good way of releasing repressed emotions and stress. If you feel you need more than that, ask your GP to refer you to a professional counsellor.

LISTEN TO MUSIC. Countless studies show that laughter is hugely beneficial to health - and sharing laughter is better still. So rent a funny DVD, get some friends around and let your humour take over. If you're not really into some of the "modern" humour, why not even drag out of the kid's cartoons/Walt Disney films? Just be a kid again - even if you have grey hair and wrinkles.

EAT and DRINK. In moderation - of course! But then why do we always put limitations on what we should do, especially to relax and recharge our batteries. Seriously though, don't let the fact that just because you might be alone, that you needn't go to the bother of laying the table properly for a meal. Put a small vase of flowers of a specimen rose beside your plate setting, and enjoy a nice wine (even non-alcoholic). Too often we can feel guilty about enjoying ourselves, which is not the way it should be. Tell yourself, I deserve to be pampered and if this means pampering yourself, then so be it. You'll soon believe it.

PRAY. Even those with "no-faith" understand the importance of having a special little place in their home such as a small side table with family photos, flowers, a candle, anything that represents beauty and love, will bring a warm sense of well-being. Those with faith, know the importance and the countless benefits they receive from actually praying or talking with God.

THINK POSITIVE. Hard to at times, but work at it. Never go to sleep fretting over a problem. It achieves nothing. A better idea before going to bed is to concentrate on all the happy (even tiny) events of the day for a few minutes. Avoid negative thoughts at all costs.

Stay away from people who constantly bombard us with doom and gloom. Never lose hope. Remember, miracles do happen, every day, to ordinary every-day people, like you and me.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!   MAY YOUR DAY BE FILLED WITH LOVE AND MANY NICE SURPRISES.

MANNEQUINS LARGE AS LIFE

So read the headlines of an article in a recent issue of the Melbourne Sun-Herald (Victoria, Australia).

I sat up and took notice!  It now had my full attention so I read on:

"Slender models and clothes draped over stick-thin mannequins in shops have long caused women untold anguish."

Well, they're right there!   The article goes on:

"Now British department store chain Debenhams has made a step forward in promoting body confidence by becoming the first high street retailer in the UK to permanently introduce size 16 mannequins.

The mannequins will be used at its shop in Oxford Street, London, and appear alongside size 10 dummies on all women's fashion floors, before being introduced in all 170 Debenhams' UK stores".

This must be one of the best Christmas presents size 16 (and plus) women have had for decades.  One can hope that Australian chain stores will see the wisdom in making a decision such as this, and do something similar.  It's about time.

I, and other like-minded professional women, have put this idea and suggestion forward to the retailers here in Australia for decades without success.  Perhaps now they'll realise that their customers are not all size 6, but include the curvaceous and everything in between.

(Clipart is of the famous "Elle" plus size doll).

DEFYING SOCIETY'S VIEW ON AGING

This is a great video of feisty women of a "certain age" - whatever that age is!

Because whether they (society) want to believe it or not, we have an innate knowledge of what we want and how we want to dress.

Watch this and you'll come away feeling more confident.  Put into practice what these women say about themselves, and you'll feel much happier about yourself and you'll also become healthier.

Strut your Style!

It's nice to see the return of femininity in some of our clothing from overseas.   I'm not sure whether Australian garment manufactures/suppliers/retailers will go so far in their designs, but at the very least they should do some homework and come up with more creative ideas than are evident in our stores at the moment.  No matter where you look everything looks the same!

To give you an idea of some of the overseas garments that have taken my eye recently, here's Strut Fashion http://strutfashion.ca/abouttheshoppe.php   

Corsetta Top $62.00

Not for the faint at heart!  A funky piece which is styled like a corset over a blouse - all in one!   This top has a sweetheart neckline with faux hook and eye closure.  Flounce on full length sleeves and at the hem.  Spaghetti ties in the back for custom fit.  Made in the USA.

Renaissance Dress $79.00

This dress is in ravishing deep sea paisley print.  It has lace trim on the sleeves, neckline and underlying the bodice.  This dress is knee length and has a square neckline, flare style sleeves, an a-line skirt, corset style ties on the bodice.  This garment is made in the USA.   Sizes 1X - 5X (up to bust 55 inches).

Photos - copyright Strut Fashion

WAITING UNTIL .....

You've probably heard someone say they'll wait until ....... before they'll do this, that or the other.  In fact if we're honest most of us have said the same thing.  I know I did, especially as it relates to losing weight.   And over the years I've heard thousands of women say the same thing.

"I'll wait until I lose weight .... before I travel overseas",   "..... before I do that course at University",  "..... before I'll buy that gorgeous red taffeta dress"; "....... before I'll start going out";  "...... before I'll find a man who is attracted to me".' "....... before I'll buy a swimsuit";  "...... before I'll join some friends for coffee";  "before I'll have a baby".     And so it goes.

Look at it this way.   Why do we wait?   Why should we wait?   Because if we look at the situation fairly and squarely, we'll see that we're setting ourselves up for a "what if we don't lose the weight" scenerio, and what happens then?  We become embittered and despair of ever being happy.

We go without the things that we would dearly love to achieve in the meantime, and who's to say that the opportunity to do what we wish for will still be there should we happen to lose that weight?   We may be successful in losing the weight and then find to our dismay that we don't or can't do what we dearly wanted.

On the other hand, I say (and OK this has been learned over many decades and through many episodes of self-doubt) go ahead and do these things NOW.   Putting things off never achieved anything really substantial in the long run.   Travel overseas - do that course - buy that dress and swimsuit - go out and meet up with friends - and if you and your partner are determined try for a baby.  And there's no reason why you shouldn't find a man who finds you attractive - it happens all the time - you just don't hear about all the success stories!

Don't put things off.   Too many stories are told of people who missed out on so much just because they put things off "until they lost weight ......".

Losing weight is not the answer to any of our self-doubts;  confidence has to be fought and won by our own determination and strength (with a little help from our friends of course).   Confidence in our self,  our abilities and our potential is not dependent upon our weight (or our losing weight). 

We're intelligent, articulate women.  Yet sometimes we fall into the trap of telling ourselves (over and over again) that it is the weight that holds us back from fulfilling our dreams.  Not so.   It is allowing the negative thoughts to take control and to manipulate our thoughts and emotions that are the trouble - dispense with the negative thoughts and replace them with "I can".   Try it out.  And have fun doing it, without waiting until!

(And if you can't find a red taffeta dress or swimsuit that suits you, then find yourself a dressmaker who will take on the job of making you look stunning.  It will be well worth it.  As far as a flattering swimsuit is concerned, have a look at Monif C's and Igigi's websites in the US - their suits are absolutely incredible!) 

© R P-B, 2013   

DAY-DREAMING ...

I'm at long last finding time to spend to myself and I'm being surprised every day with the knowledge there are times when I like solitude.

Let me hasten to say though, that in no way do I enjoy being "lonely" and sometimes it happens - but I mean choosing to be "alone" is quite nice when you want it to be.

For those of you who know me a little through my columns in various women's newsletters, you'll already know my career curve has taken another one - curve I mean! I'm loving the freedom that this choice is giving me in doing the things that I want to do, when I want to do them, and with whom I want to do them. And I'm saying nothing further in that regard - well, not at the moment anyway.

This morning has been one of those "supposedly" summer days with the promise of warm sunshine but a chilly little breeze reminding me that a cardigan would have been prudent!  While sitting down with a good book and a cup of coffee - with cream! - I found I was suddenly transported away on imaginings and my thoughts were falling all over each other in their scramble to form a sensible pattern. I realise I was daydreaming, and when I thought more seriously about it, I realised I hadn't had time to daydream for years, being heavily committed to business activities and travelling and then having to run the home as well before my CDC - "career direction change".

I remembered as a child - especially in the classroom, when I would dabble in daydreaming - of course neither the teacher nor my parents found it a bit amusing, and told me I was wasting valuable time and expense in doing so.

But you know, I found in my early and mid-adulthood, that being able to daydream occasionally rounded off some of the harsh edges that life created for me. And I guess it's the same for many people. Being able to put day-dreams into action plays a big part in our abilities to take on new challenges, to set new goals and to undertake new adventures.

(Wikimedia Commons)

I don't know about you, but I find daydreams very valuable stuff - without them I think life would be sadly lacking in some of the romance and fantasy areas that we all need at some time during our lives.

That's not to say we should spend the whole day daydreaming, but occasionally it can do us good. As a matter of fact just like chocolates - I've read so many times over the past decade or so just how VERY good chocolates can be for us, if eaten sensibly and moderately.

That's great because I've decided to take advantage of daydreaming when I want to, and enjoying chocolates when I want to. Perhaps I can combine the two together!

Because I reckon I'll be all the happier - knowing that there's no suggestion of "having to go without" all because people say that neither are good for me. To me, "going without",  WOULD be a waste of time!

© 2013 Leonie Stevens, Australia

SOMETHING to MAKE you SMILE!

Cartoons so often capture what we think.  They make us laugh.   How about this one?  And don't we all agree that we are "CLASSY LAZY"?

(Full acknowledgement to the creator of Garfield).

TALK ABOUT the WEATHER!

Living in Melbourne does bring with it a great sense of never quite knowing what the weather is going to be on any one day.  In fact it's more like never knowing what it will be hour to hour!

Of course the climate of any city reflects on what we wear.  Or should I say what the suppliers and retailers "DECIDE" we should wear.   Me, I'm a great believer in layering during the cooler months and I've been known to wear summery garments on the colder of days - I can get away with it because I'm confident in what I'm wearing and what I'm doing!

While there is talk about climate change and global warming, and we all know that this is occurring and has been so since the dawn of time, the effect of weather patterns changing in the here and now mean  we need to adapt constantly.  So instead of bemoaning the weather,  it's good sense to focus on things that we have a little control over, and that comes back to what we wear.

Here in Melbourne there is a lull in what the stores are telling us is "fashion".   I'm not sure about the exclusive boutiques, but the stores that sell to women like you and me, have become boring and uninteresting - AGAIN.   It goes in cycles.   Everything looks the same from one outlet to another, while the fabric - what can I say?   Our grandmothers used to say this sort of fabric was only good for washing the floors!  Am I being too critical?   No, I don't think so.   The fabrics on sale are not good quality, regardless of the cost the retailers have on the garments.   But people buy, and the reason women buy in the majority of cases is simply this.  They need something to wear, and while what is on offer through the stores is not GREAT, they'll buy because there's not much else to choose from.  What really confuses me is that the poorer the quality fabric or garment, the higher the price seems to be.   Spending hundreds of dollars on a garment that are more "trendy" than practical doesn't make sense.  (Unless you have plenty of money in the bank!)

So what started me on this?   I found a beautiful garment from the USA that I think epitomises "style" for the plus size woman.   While my favourite colour is red (other than black and white and I know there are people who say B&W are not colours but I'll not go into that at the moment), this garment is a beautiful coral colour. (Well, coral is a shade or two below red isn't it?)

The cut, the design and the styling of this dress is lovely.   The neckline which is between Vneck and sweetheart, and the wrap around waistline enhances the body.

Flowing, fluid, flattering.

What do you think?

a TOUCH of WHIMSY!

If you're like me, then you love little items of accessories to enhance our lives that are "different" to what you see in most of the stores.

Tamsin Cooper has a special Labour Weekend Sale.   It's only for Sunday and Monday (27th and 28th October), so get in early.

The colours are simply gorgeous!   Satins, velvets, embroidery, appliques.

Visit Tamsin Cooper's website and view her marvellous coats, as well.

an ADDITION to GRACE any WARDROBE

Incredible as it may seem, the Little Black Dress (or LBD) is not only flattering for our slim, trim, svelte sisters, but with clever design work, it is flattering for the woman with curves.

Again it's IGIGI who come up trumps when it comes to styles that compliment the female form, and create the scene for high self image.  Knowing that you can look good, can lead you to feeling good.  In this day and age, that is an ideal we all aim for.

This is Igigi's Paola dress.   A basic black, with delicate lace.  Dress it up with your diamonds and or pearls.  Keep it classic with some drop earrings and a smart clutch.

SIZE ACCEPTANCE

Any woman with curves can look beautiful.   Stunning.    She can make a "statement".

It's all got to do with the confidence to stand up and be counted as someone who knows who she is and is willing to express her personality through what she wears.

I hope you enjoy this small video of women with curves, wearing lovely fashion.

AT LAST!

Seeking out lovely plus-size garments is one of my favourite past-times.   The number of times I have been frustrated and disappointed over the years (in fact decades) are many, but those occasions are quickly wiped away from my thoughts when I come across a designer who hits the spot!    It seems it has taken our New Zealand designers to come up with the goods as it were, as far as colours and styles are concerned for 2013.

Artisan, available from Zebrano - New Zealand, designs feminine, fancy, feisty fashion for the size 26 through 24.   This latest range will stand the test of time and the most discerning of women.

                                     

BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS for BEAUTIFUL GIRLS!

If you haven't heard of Monif C then make it a point to visit their website, and view their fashion.

At the moment Monif C has a great Sale going on, and here are a couple of items that have taken my eye.

The "Dominique Magenta" frock is a special at the moment at $68

The "Marilyn" Short Red frock is a special at the moment at $78

Both these garments will suit a woman of any age, and be a wonderful addition to anybody's wardrobe.

SOME COMPARISONS!

Yesterday my post dealt with the latest "fashion" for both the Spring/Summer (Southern Hemisphere) and Autumn/Winter (Northern Hemisphere) with a special focus on the "look" as well as the models displaying the "look".

Now I'd like to present a couple of photos from Igigi.  Do you agree with me that these garments have "style" in that they've been designed for a woman with curves and there's no suggestion of being thrown together hot-potch!

It's nice to see the combination of a base colour with a contrast either in the top or the skirt - the garments enhance special points;  particularly when it comes to the neckline.  Vnecks are always attractive as is the squareline (which isn't used much these days, so it's good to see its return!).

LATEST "FASHION"?

Is there something wrong with my perceptions of a beautiful woman wearing beautiful clothes, or what?   I observe women walking down the street or through the shopping malls every day of the week.   I take an interest in looking at how corporate women dress, how they look and how they move - confidently and very aware of their own presence.  I am very partial to the opinion that there are "power" colours and styles, as I have seen how a woman's self image can change with a particular colour or dress code.

Some of the women I observe look smart, some look comfortable, some look as though they're experimenting with fashion, while there are those also who look as though they didn't really care what they put on that morning (which of course is their choice and who am I to question?)

What I do see however is plain for everyone to see.  The women who we pass every day are of differing heights, and differing sizes.  There are petite, average, large and plus size.   They all make up the whole.   Good clothing can make a woman look good and feel good about herself.

Yet it is when I see "fashion" as depicted in our national and international women's magazines, the websites of those organisations and catwalk (now called runway) presentations on the internet, that I can't help myself from shuddering.   Take for instance a couple of photos from Vogue Australia showing our spring/summer collections.  It's not only the clothing that I can't quite perceive as being "fashion", it's the choice of models.   Young models today seem to come from the one mould - they look the same (except for being blonde as opposed to brunette); they walk the same - they look like little schoolgirls, and they pout the same.

But it is the "fashion" that eludes me - if you can call it "fashion".  I always seem to be complaining about the stance and walk of models these days - (I admit I'm oldfashioned but ...) Am I being too critical in suggesting that this model could look better if she had bought some outfits from the local Salvation Army Thrift Shop?    (Visit some of the excellent Pre-Loved stores and also recycle websites and you'll see what I mean).  The second photo makes me think the clothes were thrown onto the model and she was sent out to the runway looking stunned and slightly un-dressed!  Do they EVER look in the mirror before heading off down the runway?  Let's face it - what do you think of the stockings?  Reminds me of attending college when stockings were always sliding down to the ankles - now it's seen as "fashion"?

When it comes to "fashion" though, look at any teenager down the street and in a lot of cases they'll be wearing clothes that look better than the latest runway fashion.  Yet because of the influence of the national and international magazines, they take notice of treating their clothing as old rags.  And they pay plenty of money for those old rags.

So I thought I'd visit Vogue UK to see what they are promoting for the Northern Hemisphere Winter - here are two examples.  Please tell me though, is this really "fashion" or just a set of clothes put together?

Another thing are our models getting even thinner than ever?    Is there any flesh on the body at all?

HEARD on the GRAPEVINE!

Have you heard?   Britain's increasing demand for plus size clothing has seen the emergence of Taking Shape from here in Australia, launching their opening of 30 high street shops, apparently right throughout and across Britain.

From the little I know about plus size fashion in the UK, I thought they had a very good stable of suppliers, in many instances (and in my humble opinion) of higher quality fabric and design that many offered here in Oz.

However, Taking Shape has decided to give the market a run for its money and it will be interesting to see the results.

For that matter, encouraging inter-country trade, I'd like to see more European including UK stores come across to Australia, as well as some of the better known American stores.

We at RoseMary's NoteBook© believe that plus size fashion should be good quality, good design, be made from good fabric, have good sewmanship, and be affordable!   The fact that more women are becoming categorised as plus size (those who used to be size 14 as considered "typical" are now seen as plus size) means the market is bigger - for if sizes 14 through to 26/30 are all plus size, then that market must be extremely profitable, due to potential volume of sales.

Yet because much of the plus size rag trade garments here are made off-shore (and cheap) we don't get value for money.   Nor, sadly, do the people who actually sew the garments (you've probably seen recent documentaries on the rag trade situation in India).

Perhaps it's time for tailoring to come back as a profession - it would surely fill a void.

PONTE

WHAT IS PONTE?

This fabric is one that I've been asking about for years.  Even searching on the internet there are differing explanations and answers.  

My initial questions was this:  is "ponte" the style or the fabric.  If it's the fabric, then what makes it distinctly different to any other?   It was as though I'd asked a "nobody knows" question, for no one not even those who use the material in their seasonal selections, could, or would tell me.

So I started searching for more definite answers because let's face it, manufacturers and suppliers of fashion are selling us a product that they seem loathe to describe.   Why?   Maybe a lot of them don't even know themselves??

This is what I've discovered (so far).   It is not a natural fabric (of course).  Don't jump off the train yet, because a lot of explanations you get contradict each other.  I've been told that it is 100% polyester, yet others tell me it is a combination of more than one element.  

What it does appear to be is a combination of Rayon, Polyester and Spandex.  

Ponte holds its shape because it is a "double-knit interlock" (tightly woven).  It offers stability and firmness as well as flexibility and softness.  This fabric suits many garments, dresses, jackets, pants and holds it shape.   Ponte is seasonless and very travel-friendly - it resists wrinkles and creases.  It doesn't fade, either.

As far as corporate (professional) wear is concerned, it is excellent in separates and co-ordinates such as jackets, pants, skirts and vests.

For those women whose body shape fluctuates (adding a few pounds, then shedding again), Ponte garments are a life-saver.   They are extremely comfortable and easy to care for.

WHAT IS SELF ESTEEM?

It’s many things. Here are some of them.

Self esteem is learning to like yourself (as you are!). Self esteem is learning to see yourself as a friend would see you, as a person worthy of respect. Self esteem is learning that it is not being selfish if you want things - perhaps you’d like to go to university; you’d like to have a top flight career; and you’d like to dress well.

Self esteem is learning that people from all sorts of walks of life should treat you with respect and courtesy. Self esteem is learning that your health and fitness should be seen as being of the same worth as a more petite and younger person. Self esteem is learning that your opinions should be respected. Self esteem is learning that your intelligence should never be questioned. Self esteem is learning that how you dress is your choice and that you shouldn’t be expected to accept derision or contempt. Self esteem is learning that you have a special place in this universe, and no one has the right to take this away from you.

Self esteem is learning that you have rights. Rights that may include being able to choose for yourself those things that will make you happy. Choosing for yourself those things that you don’t agree with. Choosing for yourself your own circle of friends. Choosing for yourself what you may eat and what you may choose not to eat.

Self esteem is learning that no one has the right to push you into doing things that you don’t want to do. Self esteem is learning that you can do what you want if you really want to. Self esteem is learning that you can wish for anything you want and then go out and make your wishes come true.

Self esteem is learning that you have a right to be loved. By others and by yourself. Self esteem is learning that no one has a right to belittle you, to put you down or to walk over you.

Self esteem is learning that you have the right to pursue a career, and that promotions are part and parcel of that career,

Self esteem is learning that you have the right to look for a partner and the right to be loved and respected by that person.

From the RIDICULOUS to the SUBLIME

Spring has arrived!   With that ecstatic announcement I'm wondering what the fashion trends will be, or are, for this special season (but then aren't all seasons special?)  I haven't seen much in the way of "different" clothing from winter time but it's probably out there somewhere.

The most recent post I had was of the "stressed out" or "distressed" jeans which have made a return!   I'm still curious about the fact that these things seem to be SO popular. But then - fashion?   What is fashion?

Yet as most of you already know this blog is dedicated to women of ALL ages, sizes and shapes - after all, isn't that my motto?

So it was with great delight that I discovered a couple of weeks back the return to our television screens of that most delectable creature Phryne Fisher; a clever detective I would have you know, as well as being a millionaire in her own right.  Set in the 1920s this show has everything you want - gangsters, murder, skullduggery, larrikans, people of good repute as well as bad repute.

But it's Phryne and her costar, as well as the other cast members who make this show so enjoyable.  Oh, I haven't mentioned the fashion have I.   Well, for those who don't study fashion with the same critical fascination as me, here's a couple of shots from the recent shows.   Now, I'm well aware that Phryne (or Essie Davis who is the star) has that lithe, svelte, slim figure that shows off these clothes so well, but let's face it, a few curves won't hurt anyone, and good fashion will look good ANY woman, regardless of age, size or shape.  Perhaps it's more a matter of STYLE than fashion that should be the focus in our lives.

SPEECHLESS!

I couldn't believe my eyes.  Honestly!   For out of the blue, and apparently by popular demand, some of our suppliers are including "distressed" jeans among their collections again.

Now I like fashion, in fact there are times when I really like the latest "trends", but when I see clothing that looks as though it's been pulled out of the rag-bag, then I start wondering what it's all about.

'Cos these garments aren't cheap - in fact they're up there with the expensive prices.   You won't get much change from $100 dollars, and just where can you wear such a garment and think you're looking good?   Or am I biased?   Or too old-fashioned?

(To those people who have experienced economic "recessions" over recent decades and had to make do with old clothes,  they'll be as stunned as I am, because even patches would make these garments look colourful - but then who am I to criticise?)

MAKING A STATEMENT!

Whatever anyone tells you, there is still a lot of discrimination towards women in the workplace.  Whether it's on the production line or the CEO's office.   That discrimination covers a whole variety of attitudes and situations, from equal pay through to basic respect.

When the woman is seen to be "plus-size" then another lot of barriers are placed before her.  "She never fits the criteria of being a top flight professional" is one explanation I've heard countless times.  Because?   Most often it's based on nothing more than she doesn't have a great choice of professional clothing because of her curves.  (The majority of designers don't realise that curves MAKE the woman!)

But Monif C has done it again.   She's not only brought out a new collection, but it's definitely not dull and ordinary.  It's bright, vivid, vibrant and sassy.  (Makes me wish I was back in the top office again - I'd show those who used to scoff at me a thing or two!)

Here's two examples.

CAN YOU HAVE FASHION WORKING FOR YOU?

There’s an art to wearing clothing.  Some people merely throw something on and expect to feel and look good. Others go all out to buy the latest trend or fad and then become disappointed that it doesn’t suit them. Ask any woman, and particularly a plus size woman, and she’ll tell you she has things in her wardrobe that she bought thinking they would look as good as they did in the store, only to find that they sit unworn and unloved from that time forward. All because - they’re the wrong colour; the wrong style/design; the wrong size.

Walking down the street, or even leafing through a magazine, you’ll come across fantastic fashion. In my humble opinion this garment is just STUNNING.  

What makes it work even moreso are the boots, and because most of us aren’t able to find boots that fit, we’d probably find that this garment on us wouldn’t look near as nice as it does on the model.

Yet even though this garment is in a neutral colour, and the model has the same coloured boots as well as colour co-ordinated jewellery, it doesn’t look boring. It’s just right. For her.

Too often we overlook the obvious. Just because we’re growing older, or find we’ve too many responsibilities and haven’t got time for ourselves; that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t spoil ourselves with flattering clothing.  Now, I’m going out on a limb here because many (and I mean many) of my friends find they can no longer afford to dress the way they used to.  It’s a combination of money becoming tight;  jobs being lost;  mortgages rising;  and kids needing a lot more financial assistance into their twenties, thirties and even forties!  Then there are life-changing circumstances.  This means that our “wardrobe budget” suffers!

A change of attitude needs to come into the picture. Accessories always top the list as pieces of clothing that can make a difference to any look.  Add an interesting scarf* or a large piece of custom jewellery to a shirt or even some of the better designed tee shirts, and you have “lifted” the look immediately. Op Shops have “grown up” in recent decades - no longer are they the “second-hand” (worn out) clothing stores, now they are patronised by women from Toorak and South Yarra as well as women like you and me.   Bargains galore if only you have the eyes to see them.   I visited one only this past week looking for a small milk jug.  What I found was even more startling.  A pink satin dressing gown which is reversible with a black satin side heavily embroidered in the most luxurious satin threads.  Parting with $5 was never quite so pleasant an experience!

But let’s get back to the younger plus size woman now.   

I had never heard of Beth Ditto until a friend Liz in the UK mentioned that Beth had joined with Evans (one of the leading plus-size fashion stores in Britain) and had brought out her collection of clothes for the younger woman.

From what I can gather Beth is also a singing star so how better to promote her garments than “on stage”.

These pics will give you an idea of how a young plus-size woman sees the world of fashion. She’s not afraid to show off her knees either!

• Talking about Accessorising with scarves I heartily recommend visiting myscarfworld, a blog written by my very special friend Jane in New Zealand.  Pop over and visit her at www.myscarfworld.wordpress.com   Follow her posts.

MODERN/TRENDY CLOTHING

I love some of the modern clothing that drapes around the body. While the majority of garments are designed and aimed at the younger woman, I believe that older women (and plus size women) can adapt these garments to their own style. This outfit of two colours - grey tones contrasted with mulberry/claret coloured long scarf and leggings would suit me. While I would combine the tunic tops with mulberry/claret coloured pants (rather than leggings) and grey flats instead of boots, with a long flowing scarf around the neck, I would feel as feminine/feisty as the next person!

It’s all in making fashion work FOR you; rather than trying to change or adapt yourself to wearing fashion that you may not feel completely comfortable with.

© 2013 Rosemary Parry-Brock, Victoria, Australia

BEFORE and AFTER!

I’ve always enjoyed getting my hands on books that show the transformation women go through in searching for, and then finding, their own “style”.

Style that with a little bit of help and sound advice is based on common sense and a bit of intuitive “know-how” by people who somehow have a grasp of what “is” as far as what to wear, how to “do” - makeup and hair; and how to make the most of what you have.  How do these people do it?

We had a few series on television.  Susannah and Trinny (Britain). Carson Kressley, (USA) and  Gok Wan (another British fashion consultant).   I even saw another one on SBS the other night doing “makeovers” but didn’t catch his name.

While Susannah and Trinny and Carson Kressley “touched” upon makeovers for women who didn’t quite fall into the small and petite mould, none of them really went into the subject head-long, or feet-first! 

Even some of my favourite books by Mary Spillane (Color Me Beautiful) don’t embrace the subject fully - I guess they have always wanted to be seen as being “politically correct” in not including real size plus-sizers.

But it takes someone like Monif C (USA) to show, not only in black and white, but vivid striking, dazzling, blinding colours, what cleverly designed fuller figure clothes can do for a woman.   (I make no apologies for promoting Monif C time and time again, for I believe she is one person who has her finger on the pulse of what a woman wants when it comes to plus-size fashion.  *  I also include Janelle of Love Your Peaches in this belief, and I will be saying more about LYP a little later.)

Some time back Monif C did a presentation of “before” and “after” photographs of a selection of women wearing her garments.  One thing that strikes me at first glance in the “before” photo is that ALL the women are wearing either jeans or leggings and either black or white tops.  Is this a reminder that many of us try to wear the ”uniform of the invisible woman”?   I’m guilty of it sometimes - are you?

The “invisible woman” - wanting to be part of the crowd, wanting to be seen as fashionable and fitting in with what the world seems to think we should dress like, and wanting to hide some of our luscious curves?  

How attitudes change when you feel and look good.

Comparing the second lot of photographs to the first you’ll see more than a transformation as it relates to the colours and designs of the garments:

(i) there’s also a remarkable but subtle change in attitude of the girls.  Look carefully, it’s almost as though they’re breaking out of their shell of self-protection and blossoming as proud women.  Saying to the world - hey, LOOK at me!   It’s VERY subtle, but it’s there.

(Mind you, I’m not suggesting for a minute that these women were not all proud and confident women BEFORE the “after” photos, but it’s there for everyone to see).   

Experiment yourself - ask a friend to take a photo of you in your everyday jeans and tee shirt and then dress up and ask them to photograph you.  You’ll see for yourself the change in how you look at the camera, and even how you stand in front of the camera between the “before” and the “after”.   

Being a woman and loving being a woman.

I love the cheekiness these women show in their photographs - so many women have forgotten how to be cheeky.    There’s an art to it (as well as being flirty without going overboard) and that’s one of the feminine attributes I often comment on, as having been lost in recent decades.   OK, I’m known to be a bit of a bore and a prude, and I’m comfortable being seen as that - sometimes!  Yet I believe femininity in all its many guises has undergone a toughness and roughness that hasn’t done us much good at all.  In trying to become “one of the men”, too many women have lost their softness and attraction.  It’s all very well wanting to be seen as “equal”, but when that route means you lose your innocence and gentleness, then you’ve lost many of your “differences”.  And let’s face it, we are different, and those differences are what attracts us to each other. 

But I digress.   

The other thing you’ll notice in these photos is the baring of arms.   We all experience the  time-changes that our bodies go through - gravity plays around with us willy-nilly, and our upper arms often remind us of pelican wings as they spread them to dry in the sun.  So we hide them (the arms, not necessarily the pelican wings!)  Even young women hide them.   The second photo shows women confident in baring their arms.

If I have a favourite amongst these women it has to be Roxanne.  She looks terrific even in the “before” photo.  And she has great legs!

Then let your eyes take in these two photos and see if you don’t agree with me.  She looks absolutely stunning.

© 2013 Rosemary Parry-Brock

Photographs © Monif C, USA