BAG a BARGAIN

It's the end of the financial year and we're already three days into the new financial year.   So it's not surprising that there are lots more sales going on.  We've said it before but it seems as if this is the time for sales of sales!

Millers is a good example of affordable and flattering wear for all seasons.   We have only just discovered Millers again after quite a break, and our wardrobes are now bulging!

They've presently got a special 80% off sale going on, and here are a couple of specials to whet your appetite.   Animal prints are all the rage and Millers have a special special deal of Tote Bags for $5 with amy purchase.   The animal print jacket pictured below as well as the white and black placket shirt are $15 each!    A bargain - you betcha!

HAPPY FEET!

Do you recall the film "Happy Feet"?   Cant' stop dancing?   Well, here's what I mean by the merry-go-round of fashion.  Fishnet as well as those awfully neat and sweet black centre line tights.   The clever thing about the straight black line down the back is that it makes any leg look sexy!

Monif C once again has come up with the goods.

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?

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.

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

THE BEAUTY OF BLACK

As everyone who knows me knows ..... I love the colour black.   While it's become almost the "uniform" of today's young corporate woman and mother, it's a basic colour that proves again and again how versatile it can be, for ANY woman of ANY age and ANY shape.    I accept that many people don't see, or won't agree, that black is a colour, but that doesn't faze me - I call it a colour and for me that's just what it is.

Tamsin Cooper of New Zealand is an extraordinary young woman who creates the most beautiful clothbing and accessories, and I'm highlighting a couple of things from her most recent selections.  For those of us who unfortunately can't "fit" into much of her clothing - (her sizing doesn't cater for us, but who knows ..... in the future?), her accessories are dazzling.

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.

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.

One jacket

I can no longer count the number of times someone says to me, I can't see how I can wear one garment other than the way I always wear it.

So to those who think one garment only has one part to play in her wardrobe, here's an example of one jacket, worn slightly differently in three ways, all with the clever use of accessories to highlight it.

Now just think of how many other ways you could wear this same jacket.   A black pencil thin skirt; a slightly flared skirt; chocolate brown pants; black or chocolate brown cargoes,  knee length shorts;  white pants in different lengths; then why not terracotta red pants; skirts; belts;  bags etc.?

Different hats, handbags, belts and shoes not to mention different ear-rings and bangles and necklets, and even scarves, will always compliment a single garment like this, and expand your wardrobe into many areas to meet the requirements of your life-style.   Casual, conservative, semi formal - you name it.  

Now do you get the idea?

Accessories - Scarfs

For many plus sizers, buying new clothes becomes a bit hard, especially if the budget is tight!   This is where accessories come into their own, and it doesn't take much to extend your wardrobe simply by adding accessories that attract the eye!

While most plus sizers have found a basic colour scheme to build upon, there are times when bright, vivid colour is needed to uplift not only the outfit but also one's confidence.

Like so many women I love scarves - I have quite a collection I've got to admit.   And while I have my favourites, I'm always willing to learn new and exciting ways of wearing them.

I came across this YounTube video from Coldwater Creek, and I'd encourage you to watch it.   It brings out the "creativity" side of me, and I've no doubt it will do the same to you too.

Watch and enjoy.

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.)

To the office!

Dressing for the office was never so good.   No longer dull, uninteresting, unimaginative clothes for a professional look.

It makes me even wish a little that I was still going TO the office every day, instead of working from home, just to show off some of the "corporate" look fashion that is around.

This is from Igigi,   The Farrah Jacket accompanied by skirt and shirt.  Don't you agree that this outfit is smart?  Really smart?   And I love the contrast of the shirt and handbag.

There are so many videos around that give the plus-size hints and ideas to put into practice within their own  style preferences and to build upon garments already in our wardrobe.

All it takes is a little bit of thought, and an open mind.

This video from Jessica London is really good, even though short.  I love the coat with it's waterfall fronts and the dress with flares that flatter any plus-size figure.    I hope you enjoy it and get some great ideas.

Here comes the bride - well it can even be as a guest!

What a wonderful time for being a Mother of the Bride or Groom, or being invited as a guest to a wedding.     Even for the lower plus-sizers.

Doing a bit of travelling around the internet this morning I came across yet another supplier in the UK by the name of Jacques Vert

The dresses and outfits here include hats for the occasion, and come in sizes 10-24.   dresses and outfits here, including hats for the occasion,

Enchanting Silhouette

Colour blocking seems to be the flavour of the month - we used to call it simply "contrasting colours"!

But it's what the designer/manufacturer does with the colours that can make all the difference in the world.

OK, so many people say you can't do much to give an illusion of slimness, other than to wear all-over black all the time.  Well, that antiquated idea has now been relegated to the waste paper bin, we hope.

Plus sizers can and do wear colours, and there's nothing wrong with adding a stunning colour to black to come up with a striking combination.

Take for instance this beautiful Nicole Dress in berry.  Here's the blurb from the website of Igigi

"You crave innovation, especially when it comes to redefining the basics.  This curve-enhancing illusion silhouette is just that.  A colour-blocked, curved centre front and cling-free structure make this a comfortable yet eye-catching dress.  Add earrings, statement bangles and any style shoe will do!"

Ignoring the obvious!

I've had my wrist slapped!   You've been concentrating too much on the overseas clothing and ignoring the Australian selections!  No less than five of my readers wrote to me in this vein, so I've been looking around to find something to present to you.  (There are, I know, a number of stores/boutiques/retailers, that I consistently ignore and while they DO have plus size clothing, I believe we deserve better styles, better designs and better fabric from those particular avenues).

What I have noticed though is that the "Peasant" look has returned, with a little touch of sophistication.  Scarves are an integral part of any woman's wardrobe and of course the value of accessories can't be faulted.

But I did visit My Size again this morning and they've got some interesting garments.   I'm highlighting a couple which give opportunity of mixing and matching and coming up with completely different outfits.  And of course, if you're like me, you always like black as a basic colour to build a new season's wardrobe upon.  (With that said however, they've got some great colour garments too!)

First off the rank we have the Boho Kimono worn with the Boho Pleated Skirt, then the Boho Hanky Tunic worn with the same skirt and a flourish with the Café Animal Scarf, followed by the Blue Note Tunic worn with jeans.

Local Content!

Those of you who are regular followers and recipients of the newsletter "RoseMary's NoteBook©" will recall some years ago the many advertisements from Dale & Waters (Perth) within the pages of each issue.

Of course things change and it's always nice to see that a company that is familiar remains in the marketplace today.

This is a reminder of Dale & Waters, which I hope you will enjoy.  Sit back, relax and watch this YouTube video.

Accessorise!

It's easy to forget the importance of accessories.  Busy trying to sort out the clothes that we want to add to our wardrobe is, of course, one of life's little luxuries,  but with a little bit of thought accessories can be as exciting and provoke immediate response and oohs and aahs from other women.   But why wait for compliments from other women?  We don't need justification to pamper ourselves with fashion in any way.  The right accessories can "lift" the look of an outfit and take it from being ordinary to spectacular and make us feel good.

Let's have a look at Long Island, New Zealand with their new range of scarves, belts, and jewellery. http://www.longisland.co.nz/category/1/accessories/

Spice up your life with some nice little pieces - yes - costume jewellery is back in vogue.   Here is the "Albi" bracelet and the "Daisy Ring"