ACCESSORIES!

I've long been an exponent on the exciting possibilities of accessories.   Scarves have been one of my favourite items, even becoming a collection admired by many, and today I am pleased to see stores and even little kiosks within major shopping centres, offering a vast array of different styles of scarves.

One problem over the years has been how how to make scarves tell a story of their own.  We're used to tossing one around our neck but very seldom use a scarf as a head covering.

My friend Janey has started her own blog - My Scarf World,  and I would encourage you to visit her, and to receive your own updates from her each time she posts.   She's certainly given me a lot to think about.

Read the background of Janey's blog too - it will give you insights and possibilities of how other women can benefit from Janey's suggestions.

"STAGGERING LEVELS"

Headlines blazed across the television screen this morning, NUMBER OF "OBESE" AUSTRALIANS REACHES 'STAGGERING LEVELS'

For a woman who wears size 20 clothes (and sometimes I have to buy sizes 24 and 26 even though I don't change shape or weight in order to get something to fit), I have come to the stage where I am no longer willing to be categorized as a burden to Australian society because of my size.

In reading a lot of material about plus-size (much of it from the archives of plus-related books and articles as well as contemporary writings), I've come to realise that in the past as well as the present, we have been given the most humiliating descriptions possible and we've been expected to accept that discrimination without a murmur.

Personally I've been told that:

• if I want to be accepted as an equal in the work-scene I have to lose weight;  
• if I want my views and balanced opinions to be listened to seriously about all manner of issues, then I should lose weight; 
• if I want to be accepted as an intelligent woman ( a lot of plus size women are considered to be dull and not having much sense), then I would have to lose weight;
• if I want to be accepted as a patient in many small as well as major hospitals then I would have to lose weight;
• if I want to be treated respectfully at many restaurants around the country and to be seated comfortably at one of their tables, then there was an inference that I should lose some weight - ("we can't provide chairs for people who aren't standard size" I've been told more than once).  Just exactly what do they mean by "standard size"? - should everyone be identical in height, width, shape, size and looks, so that we are "standard'?)
• if I want a reasonable range of clothing to choose from then it would be preferable to be a few sizes less

and the list goes on.

It's when the health industry publicly gets vocal in their non-acceptance of us that things start to turn nasty. For the media is always eager to sensationalise reality and they grab hold of what the health industry state, and we become the agents for not only discrimination but ridicule.   The health industry has the ability and the opportunity to improve our lives by seeing us as we are, and then working with us to assist us to become more healthy.  Working with us means NOT to insist that we lose weight by outrageous diets or disfiguring and dangerous surgery.  Too many studies have been carried out that now claim it is not necessary to be thin to be healthy.  We get blamed for being who we are when if the health and fitness industry looked deeper into the question, they have it within their means to enhance our lives as they are right now.

So the health industry reminds us that we are fat and overweight and then the media takes up the message and emblazons the television screens, the national magazines and even the newspapers with reports and photographs that do nothing to assist in our self-esteem.

Because that's where the whole subject loses its way.  If society and this includes the media and the health industry, were to readily accept the plus-size woman and encourage her to make the very best of what she has, then she would become healthier and happier.  And with that her self-esteem would rise.

It's self-esteem that we have to aim for, first and foremost.   

©  Rose Davida

SUMMER/AUTUMN

Heading into Summer over in the Northern Hemisphere means exciting new ideas as far as plus-size fashion.   For that matter any season brings with it amazing new creations utilitising colour combinations and style concepts that not only inspire us but make us realise that the fashion industry, particularly overseas, is really "getting" what we are all about.    It also allows us here in the Southern Hemisphere, as we experience Autumn and proceeding into the winter months, to be forward-thinking and to add to our wardrobes now from the ranges available overseas, rather than to bemoan the fact that we can't find anything "different" over here at the moment.

I know I promote Igigi as well as a number of other USA companies on a regular basis.  The reason is quite simply because these companies do their homework and they work with models who have curvy and beautifully proportioned plus size figures.   The other noticable point is that Igigi has shown imagination and courage in professionally lifting their model poses to depict young, beautiful, plus-size women as cheeky, vibrant, feminine, flirty women.  Which is, after all, what we are!

I'd recommend you visiting their site and leafing through their latest e-catalogue.  It's stunning - like a picture book of fashion that is bold, daring, innovative and full of style.     The title itself encourages you to turn the pages - Introducing Into the Blue, Summer 2013.  

Here are two dresses from their latest range.

 

A PALETTE OF COLOUR

I came across a new plus-size website - Rue 107.  Talk about colour and imaginative designs.   

Have a look at their Fifi dress (doesn't it remind you of a Stained Glass Window?) which has already become a signature piece for many of their loyal customers.   The fabric is NylonSpandex.  Hand wash and hang to dry.  Made in NYC.

Then there is their Essy - a great combination of contrasts.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass

It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Wikimedia Commons

A MESSAGE TO MOTHERS

Here in Australia we are approaching the celebration of Mother's Day (tomorrow Sunday 12th May).

Our thoughts and wishes go to all Mothers, Grand-mothers, Step-mothers, Mothers-in-Law, favourite Aunts, Adopted Mums, Cousins, Sisters and Expectant Mothers, and hope that each and every one of you have a day filled with much love and happiness and lots of fun.

We also think of those wonderful women who have been, or might have been, mothers.   We reach out to you too, to reassure you that our loving thoughts are with you on this day.

LATEST STYLE STATEMENT!

Give credit where it's due - is an old saying, that is as true today as back when.    And all credit to Monif C of the USA.

Monif C comes up with some great designs and the Fiona Dress is a dress that says to the world - look at me.  

Monif C's writeup for this dress states it has just arrived for spring!  Well, we're in Autumn over here, but this dress would do fine for any occasion in our season and would be as much a hit here as in the USA.

What I love about this dress is its "return to the 50's" look in the front zip, but Monif C has combined another look from that era, by adding a peplum.  So feminine, so flirty.

The fabric in this dress is luxe ottoman which Monif C claims "glides over your curves".  Wow!

Look chic, tailored and sexy in this new design.