LALA BELLE from SYDNEY

A (new) label from Sydney has just come to my notice - it had certainly slipped through my radar.   A friend in the US wrote to me about the label - it's sometimes surprising that you never know what's going on in your own backyard, but find out from someone thousands of miles away!

This range is trendy, fashionable, and up to size 24/26.   Wow!    Laces and leathers for the asking!

LALA BELLE    French Rouge Lace Dress Plus Size (this garment goes up to size 22).  Cost $759.00

"IMAGE" versus "SELF-IMAGE"

Elizabeth Taylor, remembered as an actress, a beautiful woman and a "screen-star" was heard to say when she was asked what it felt like being known as an ICON:

"I am NOT an icon.  I am an actress.  

An icon is a religious painting 

or figure used as an aid to devotion in Eastern churches."

Yet it's when Elizabeth Taylor writes intimately about herself, and there are a number of books, it becomes obvious that this woman had a greater depth of understanding of women's feelings and needs, than she was given credit for.   Too many saw her as just being a beautiful woman without much other substance; but I would like to quote her as follows:

"One of the dangers of growing up in Hollywood * is that people tend to confuse "image" with "self-image".  How you look and what you feel about yourself are often not the same.  Image refers to our appearance.  Self-image deals with who we really are.

We all know heavy people whose emotional lives are in good order who have an excellent sense of self-worth.  And Hollywood is filled with thin beautiful women who are unhappy and unfulfilled, with little sense of self-esteem."

She then goes on:   "Feelings of self-worth will naturally be affected in part by outside opinion - by friends, family and other loved ones.  Still, in the end, self-image is forged in the core of our own personality.  Every woman knows how mood can affect the way she thinks she looks.  And every woman who is honest enough will admit that self-image and self-esteem are inextricably intertwined.  Please note - I didn't say "image" but "self-image".  Looks alone are not the determining factor."

(Editor:  and I would say anywhere - not only Hollywood!)

This is an excerpt from the Prologue of "Elizabeth Takes Off on Weight Gain, Weight Loss, Self-Image and Self-Esteem" by Elizabeth Taylor, written in 1987.    It is as pertinent today as it was when it was written.

This is not a book on "Diets" per se, but more importantly aspects of feelings and emotions of a person who is seen to be heavier or larger than she is expected to be.   I found her words very compelling at times.

SMART, STYLISH OFFICE WEAR

There are tops and then there are tops!    So often the more curvaceous woman has little choice when it comes to a top that is practical and wearable in the office.   Too often that comes down to a tee shirt!

But not when Igigi comes to town.   Their "Jodie" top ensures a flattering fit, mainly because of its sleek wrap style.  With a V neckline which is ALWAYS flattering to a woman with curves, this top has elbow length sleeves.  Worn with Igigi's Monroe Pant or Skirt and coupled with a contrasting clutch and shoes, YOU'LL be the talk of the office, if not the town!

Made of Poly/Elastane, this garment is designed and made in San Francisco, USA.

PLUS SIZE MANNIKINS

For decades now, the subject of store mannikins has been a controversial one to say the least.   We've all been known to ask why stores don't include different size mannikins in their store windows or throughout their women's wear departments.   My enquiries over the years have been treated as "not important".

However, it seems recently that Debenhams (UK) have taken the subject seriously and incorporated "plus-size" mannikins in their stores.  According to the following article which I would encourage everyone to read, Myer Melbourne have done likewise.   This is the first time I've heard about the Myer Melbourne decision and I'm awaiting a reply from them for more information.  As soon as I receive this advice I'll post it.

Let me ask the same question as the writer of the Daily Diva article asks:   "Are we ready for plus-size mannikins"?   I say we are.

Plus-size mannikins - are we ready for them? 

This photo is from the above article and which originally appeared  in a blog from Sweden I understand.     I give acknowledgement to the originator's copyright.

BOOTS FOR THE DISCERNING WOMAN

It's not often that you find wide fitting boots.  Autograph presently has some extra special specials! This one appeals to me (probably because I love red!).

RED RIDING BOOT            $99.99
Style # 00074324
Red Riding Boot. Features wide leg panelled design, inner zip up fastening, two stretch elasticated panels at the back, squared toe and low heel. Synthetic upper & genuine Leather sock.

Autograph also now accept PayPal.

THE ETERNAL "WRAP" DRESS

Once again Igigi of the USA has come up trumps.   With Spring in the air in the USA, Igigi has brought out an incredible array of designs, and colours, that will suit EVERY woman - no matter what age, size or shape.  

The eternal Wrap Dress is again on the agenda, and the Carmelle Pls Size Wrap Dress is a winner.   As the blurb on her website says:  "A soft and true wrap silhouette with 3/4 flared sleeves, the Carmelle is chic and versatile.  With adjustable set-in waistband, A-line flared skirt and surplice bodice, this beauty comes in two colour choices and can be worn both dressed up or down.  All depending on what accessories are chosen."

"BLOSSOM" JACKET"

From Tamsin Cooper of New Zealand

I adore beautiful clothing.   There's something about the sumptuousness of velvet and when it is combined with silk, then this is a "star" garment.   With it being on "sale" at the moment, and if you want or choose to buy just ONE garment this year simply because you "fall in love" with it, then you can go no further than one from Tamsin's signature Archive Coat Collection.  

This is the write-up from Tamsin's website on this particular coat.  Check out the entire website for some absolutely amazing garments and bags.   

Style ARV - BLSM                                                                                     $389.35 was $599.00

“Oh so chic” this jacket has a flattering nehru-style collar and a simply beautiful hand embroidered cream blossom detailing on the front and cuffs of the jacket.

This simply stunning jacket is made from silk/viscose velvet and is lined with 100% parachute silk, and is a one off design from Tamsin’s 2013 Archive Collection.

For coat enquiries or to have a coat made in a style or size not currently available on-line, contact the Tamsin Cooper Boutique, sales@tamsincooper.co.nz or 03 471 9090. 

  

MANY SHADES OF CHOCOLATE!

Autumn time makes us think of autumn leaves and tonings.   This dress from Igigi makes me think of frothy hot chocolate or chocolate latté.    Rich and luxurious!       

"EXCEPTIONAL" RUFFLE PLUS-SIZE DRESS

A feminine ruffled collar tops this work-appropriate scoop neckline adding flare and elongating your neck.   Figure flattering origami pleats on the bust and at the waist add detail and ease of wear.  Add heels or boots for fall and your favorite buttery leather tote.  A special dress to wear for dining-out.

Designed and made in San Francisco, USA
Color: Mocha
Material: Poly/Viscose/Elastane
Care: Dry Clean Only

 

This is the style of dress that argues the thought that only the young can wear beautifully designed "modern" clothing - a woman of ANY age will feel feminine, feisty and fashionable wearing this dress.

ANOTHER PLUS SIZE SUPPLIER HITS THE DUST!

Plus Size Retailer Eloquii Calls It Quits

Plus Size Retailer Eloquii Calls It Quits After One Year

Eloquii is the most recent plus size fashion casualty. A few weeks ago the Limited brand announced that after a year of offering quality plus size clothing they’ve decided to close their doors and give up on the plus size consumer. If I sound irritated it’s because I am.

When they opened their doors to us, a few of us in the industry knew of them but more could’ve been done to get the word out.  We did our part but if you want customers it’s probably a good idea to advertise. Obviously they think they did all they could to serve the curvy consumer but I beg to differ.

The future of all of their fabulous clothing hasn’t been determined, we have decided to phase out eloquii and we have begun discussions with others who have expressed an interest in the future of the brand and/or its products, the company posted on their Facebook page.

Unfortunately they aren’t the first but hopefully they’ll be the last plus size consumer to throw in the towel.

(This article is from the internet and does not necessarily represent my personal opinion, 14th March 2013).

FLATTERING TOPS

Mirrors Dipped Hem Shirt

Long sleeved blouse with stand collar. The Mirrors Dipped Hem Shirt has a pointed stand collar, a button-down front with rouleau loop fastenings and full length sleeves with buttoned cuffs. The blouse is made from lightweight, semi-sheer fabric and features a curved hemline at the front which falls to the hips.

More from Mirrors at The Iconic - http://www.theiconic.com.au

INTERNATIONAL and NATIONAL WOMEN'S MAGAZINES

LATEST FASHION TRENDS on SKINNY GIRLS

One question remains unanswered as far as I’m concerned.  Why do women’s national and international magazines insist on showing us half-grown petulant, skinny girls (I'm not talking about naturally thin models!) to show off the latest “garment” thrown together by a well-known designer.  If you’re observant and look around you, you’ll readily see that those models DON'T represent the girls at the major store counter or the girls sitting near you at the mall coffee shop or the women in your family and groups of friends.  Those garments are, we’re told, all made in a size 0 or less - how can you get anything less than zero?  

Do you know why?  

Manufacturers tell me that it’s because the garment hangs better on a body without flesh or curves!   Aaah, am I missing something here?  Because you can't tell me that the above model is either happy or healthy and that the garment hangs better on her than on a girl with a little more flash.   There’s a contradiction here - even a size 16 girl will look different to the size 10 or less model wearing the same garment!   Is it strange then that a plus-size woman feels frustrated?  The only reason I can see why they insist on making sample garments in such a small size and using models so thin they look as though they’ll break, is because .......... it takes less fabric!    But that doesn't quite answer the question does it?  If a garment is for a size 16 girl, then surely it should be modelled on a size 16.  Yes?

If there’s another answer to this question, then I’d like to hear it.

HOW MANY PLUS SIZE WOMEN ACTUALLY BUY THESE MAGAZINES TODAY?

These magazines are still selling - and if the comments of most of the women I know is true, then these magazines are being produced in spite of the fact that not many plus size women are buying them.  What a contradiction.  Women’s magazines are supposed to be for ALL women of all ages, sizes and shapes - yet do we see ourselves represented fairly within their pages?   I only read magazines at the hairdressers, in the doctors rooms and the like these days, but not in my kitchen or lounge room (that is unless I sneak one from my hairdressers!).  

ONCE AGAIN THE INAPPROPRIATE "POSES" OF OUR MODELS and "CELEBRITIES"

Another point about these half starved waifs that I can’t understand - and I’m not alone in this, is the way they stand or pose.   Honestly most of them look as though thy need to find the “ladies” quickly or else they’ll have an embarrassing moment.   What is this all about?

Put a mini dress on a model and she crosses her ankles - put her into a pair of jeans and she sits with her legs open wide.  Am I really that old-fashioned to be offended?

LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST

The debate about the size of models has been going on for far too long, without any resolution that satisfies the majority of women.  Even young women.  I see a number of blogs these days written by young, intelligent, articulate women - teenagers through to 30-40 year olds - all declaiming the use of digital enhancements and photoshopping of models and even photographs of everyday things - landscapes and the like.   Even some of our better known and top models say they don’t even recognise themselves after being photo-shopped!    What does that say?  It says that we’re being conned, and that reality is no longer real. 

Don't you think it's about time we saw "real" women - flesh and curves; wrinkles and grey hair; faces and bodies that are their own and original (without the help of a scalpel) in our magazines - or isn't the 21st century world ready for this yet?  When will someone in the media have the courage to make decisions to show us as we are, not as "they" want us to be?

DO YOU EVER WONDER?

Have today's women become TOO obsessed with thin-ness and sexuality, losing out on femininity and sensuality?   Have we lost the ability to tell the difference?

A PERSONAL "CAN DO" LIST

1. I will let go of "negative" labels, such as lazy or bad or clumsy, that I have used to describe myself these long years, recognising that labels are inaccurate and destructive and that they stifle growth.

2. I will nurture myself by giving approving, reassuring messages to myself about me. I will be a friend to myself and offer myself the same understand I would offer to another in my place

3. I will release others from the responsibility of making me happy. I take the initiative to get what I need rather than waiting and hoping that somehow what I need will be brought to me by someone else.

4. I will share the vulnerable parts of myself with those I love.

5. I choose to be happy NOW - to celebrate all the small pleasures of life as they occur - instead of putting happiness off until I lose weight, get married (or divorced), make my first million, move house and so on.

6. I will expect that I will incur the disapproval of others. I recognise there is no way I can please all the people all the time.

7. I realise that some of my greatest learning has come from the mistakes I have made.

8. I embrace the position that I am an intrinsically valuable human being. I am a worthy person simply because I am.

......© 1991-2013 RoseMarys NoteBook - Australia. (By permission of the author.)