Springtime

Springtime officially began here in the eastern states of Australia on the 1st September.

Well!  You could have been mistaken about that, for the weather has been somewhat contradictory.  The cold spell we've had reminds us of mid-winter and this of course has reflected in what we are wearing.   It's almost as though we're asking ourselves "when will we be able to wear some of our lovely summer clothes".

But it's merely a matter of being patient, and making sure that our summer clothes are in readiness for us.  

For the more curvaceous woman, the ranges from Maggie T as well as Autograph meet our young-at-heart feelings - whatever age we are!   For the more budget conscious, then the ranges from Victoria Hill and Danart neet that need as well.   Visit both their websites and view their latest catalogues and then get along to a store or purchase from on-line.

Cotton and linen are favourites this year as well as a lot of stretch fabrics, particularly in pants and crops.   The casual but dressy look is one that will carry you from the home, or business, to an early evening get-together with friends.

IT COMES BACK TO SIMPLICITY

We've been following Emme's story for many years now.  Emme is one of those woman who is growing a little older, but certainly as is graceful as when she first graced the women's magazines (if not even more so).  Emme was born in 1963 so you'll readily see that she has turned 50 and she makes that number seem oh so irrelevant.  

The latest photo of Emme does her justice as always.   It's obvious however that Emme has taken her own advice and dresses appropriately to her age and her shape.   We here at RoseMary's NoteBook© are reminded again, that frillery and frippery are aimed at the young and trendy and they wear it with great aplomb, however .......

Elegance always starts with simplicity, 

and the design and cut of a dress can make the world of a difference 

to how a woman looks, and how she feels.

A LITTLE BEHIND ......?

Hello girl-friends

Seems ages since I put up a post, and I've been gently reminded by many readers that they are suffering "withdrawal" symptoms from not having a regular post to read.   Forgive me everyone, for while I have been very busy, posting should have been the one item highest on my list to-do's and it hasn't been.

Here we are approaching the month of December when thoughts are winging ahead to the preparations for Christmas time.   In the US most of the wonderful larger size suppliers are tempting us with their new season's offerings as well as special sales.

See the Yasmine Dress from Igigi

One thing that sometimes worries or bothers me is that many of the Australian suppliers let their clients as well as themselves down by not ensuring their clothes are modelled on women who understand what modelling is all about.   The second thing is that many of the clothes are not photographed on women of size.  How can a size 10 woman dressed in a size 20 dress look like a woman of size 20 in the same dress?   It comes back to perspectives and it's about time that Australian suppliers looked and seriously thought about their presentations.   I guess the third most obvious thing is that many Australian suppliers don't even use good photographers!

So while I'm in the "whinging" mood, let's think about styles.   I don't mean "style" as in elegance, I mean styles as in shapes and cuts of garments.   I'm not interested in buying something that my grand-daughter wears.  Short tunic tops in absolutely terrible fabrics that are obviously made enmasse overseas. Sleeveless as well!  Yoiks - has anybody recently looked at my upper arms?  Let's get real!  My figure doesn't like wearing something like that.  Yet I still want to look "good", I want to look interesting and I want to feel like a woman!

Let's look at Sybils for instance.  This supplier from Queensland has appeared on this page many times over many years (they were originally called Carousel).   Their models are "real-size" models for the garments they are modelling.  Some of our other suppliers should take note for the simple reason that plus size women (and I do wish I could find a more flattering name for us) no longer are content to see stick models flashing clothes that we want to wear.

So I could go on debating this issue endlessly.  Those of you who have followed my newsletters for more than 23 years now know that I've been on this subject until it bores the pants off me (let alone them)!  But I insist that women of size need to be taken seriously in their needs for flattering clothing.  And I shall go on insisting.

Before I go, here's a Thought for the Day:

"Friendship is so beautiful it can only be touched with your heart."

'til next time  

AN OLD-FASHONED WALTZ

While it's always exciting to see what the modern trends are going to be, it's just as nice to see some of the beautiful older styled dresses cutely called "vintage" available too.

Strut Fashion of Canada has these lovely "vintage" evening dresses at the moment and I just wanted to show you the styling of these garments.  They're soft, flowing, flattering and feminine.

Summer/Winter

It's hard to believe that somewhere in the world women are enjoying summer weather.   Even if it is tending towards the start of autumn (fall).    Here in the southern states of Australia, we're having one of the coldest winters on record.   The snowfields are ecstatic with the falls, and even visitors from Canada and the USA are quoted as saying this is one of the best snowfields for 2014.

It's when comparing the garment industry - insofar as trying to find smart winter wear here that is innovative as well as colourful while at the same time eyeing the beautiful summer wear on sale in the US, that we become eager buyers especially when it comes to taking advantage of the many sales over there.  In other words to get ourselves some lovely summer wear in anticipation of our spring/summer seasons.

















It looks as though the pantsuit had returned, as have the maxi dresses.   Which is good for the woman with curves because both these styles suit the gently rounded figure.  Much to the pleasant surprise of those of us with curves!


So here's a selection of maxi dresses, together with a pantsuit that will take you through the balmy afternoons and evenings of the spring/summer weather.   They are all from Igigi.

























As well here's a delightful short skirted dress that will fit in to any occasion.   Dressed up or dressed down all these beautiful dresses say one thing - Big is Beautiful.

The pre June 30th SALE!

If you're like me, you've become somewhat blasé about so-called Sales.  No matter when you go shopping you're confronted with the large red sale sign in almost every store.   Some of us have realised that we're being "conned" in many respects, because often the sale price is as much if not more than the article was prior to the pretend "Sale".

I've got news for you though - and for the curvaceous woman this on-line store takes some beating.  It's here in Australia and I've been known to recommend it many times over the years.  I do so again.

It's Sybils, based in Queensland.  http://www.sybils.com.au/   They have a dinki-di sale going on right at this moment.   If you want something very special then look at their 70% off sale.

This beautiful sequin top is marked down from $139 to $49.50.

This is the type of garment you've got to take advantage of when the opportunity arises.  At least when you get an invitation for a special "do", you'll have just the right top to wear.

(Everyone will be envious and ask where you've bought it - spread the word, Sybil's is an excellent store).

Elegance in Black

When it comes to originality, many of our younger designers are certainly stepping outside of the square and coming up with beautiful, sharp designs.  Here's an elegant suit from Trelize Cooper which can be seen on the website of Wendys of New Zealand.

What a pity (once again!) that these designs only go up to a size 16.   For a simply tailored elegance what will it take for designers to see the potential of designing for the more curvaceous?  We know there'll be a need for more fabric and certainly a more discerning eye for the curves, but we of the "generously endowed" women seek garments such as this, to enhance our figures too!

Does "aging" mean we must become invisible?

I've been reading a lot lately about mature-aged women feeling "invisible" as the grow older.  Now for a plus-size woman to say this causes a great deal of confusion and conversation!  Dare I say it, it also causes some amusement - even amongst plus-sizers!

An older woman is not expected to dress in the young trendy fashions - if she does she is subjected to a certain degree of ridicule; and yet on the other hand there's not much out there in the marketplace that allows for elegance and style for the growing older woman.

Growing older women (and I'm speaking for the 45 onwards woman) want to be smart in their dress, but unfortunately many of the well-known labels seem to have gone the way of the albatross and either converted to "young" fashion or else closed their doors.

Women in their mid 40s and older don't want to necessarily become part of the "beige" population - they want colour and flair.

It's always encouraging to see women such as Helen Mirren and Dame Quentin Bryce who always make headlines with their fashion-sense.  There's a good reason I have no doubt.  That is they have their clothes "made" for them.   I don't think they just happen to duck into the nearest so-called boutique at their local shopping centre to find something that says "style".

Copyright: http://www.mydaily.co.uk

Dressmakers are hard to find - especially those who will take on projects that include the plus-size woman.   If you know of a local dressmaker then write and let us know so that we can share that information with readers.  We will even draw up a Directory, divided into States - cities, suburbs, rural and country areas.  

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.

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

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.

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.

FLATTERING OFFICE WEAR

For a long time there wasn't much that a plus-size woman could do, to look smart and competitive with other women in the corporate world.   She wore clothes that fitted, but didn't make much of a statement to the world that she was a force to be reckoned with.   That she not only had intelligence but she also had "class".

That is until recent years, when a number of our clothing suppliers realised that corporate wear was yet another expression of how a generously endowed woman could not only take her place in the corporate world but that she could make a difference to how the corporate world saw her as a potential policy maker and trend setter.

Igigi in the USA always comes up trumps when it comes to flattering, stylish and colourful fashion and some of these latest offerings fit the bill for any corporate woman, no matter what age, size or shape.

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.

CONTRASTS!

A large percentage of plus-sizers prefer to wear black;  it is of course now accepted as a "colour", which certainly makes sense to me. The explanation that scientifically, black is not a colour as it absorbs all the colours of the visible spectrum and reflects none of them, doesn't quite gell with lots of people. The black clothes in my wardrobe act as a magnet and enhancer of colours when mixed and matched, and I'd hate to think that when I wear black everything else is absorbed! Think about it. So therefore in my eyes black is a colour.

But let's get down to tintacks. While I love black and white (and I've frequently written about wearing white), it's nice to see this season that designers have taken up the idea of combining black with red. Even Bill Blass, Fashion Designer has gone down in history as saying:  "When in doubt, wear red."

The combination of black and red, used wisely, flatters and slims.   See if you agree with me.

THE LUXURY of LACE

For special occasions, and let's face it, any occasion can be special if it's a reason for celebration, lace has always been the "wish-I-had", or "I must have".

Igigi has a beautiful range of Cocktail as well as Wedding Wear, that includes the LBD as well as colourful statements that tell your friends and the the world I can have style, too!

Here's the "RACHELLE" Plus size Lace Dress in Onyx with a another from Igigi.  Rachelle is on the right of the photo.  Notice that both necklines are very flattering to the plus size - the v-neck and the sweetheart neckline.

The "Rachelle" features a lace overlay design.  Keep it simple with ankle strap heels (if you can wear high heels) and a classic clutch!

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

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. 

  

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