LATEST VIEWS AND OPINIONS!

There are still a number of stores that well clothing up to and including size 18 and sometimes 20.  Anything higher then you have to look around to find what’s there, and more importantly what looks good.  For as you and I know full well, many of the clothes are so mass produced that they begin to look like just plain olf “stuff”.  We know that most, if not all, clothing these days is made in China.

But I’m not complaining.  Ha, you say.  Rosemary’s not complaining?   Well I suppose I am in a small sweet way, but what I’m doing is stating fact. 

    

There are some good companies overseas, including Making It Big (which now comes under the title of “On the Plus Side by Making It Big” (mib@makingitbig.com).  Monif C (monifc.com) info@news.monifc.com) and Igigi (igigi.com)  who cater for the more curvaceous woman.   

These are very sexy garments and if I were “brave” I might be tempted!

While I’m not suggesting in any way that any garments from these suppliers are anything but top quality, a lot of women are now coming back to the old-fashioned idea of being able to “see” a garment, “feel a garment” and to look at how it is made (sewn) before buying.  Some are perfectly happy buying on-line and have never been disappointed.  I had a couple of experiences and was extremely disappointed, so ……   (Let's be honest here, my purchases DID NOT come from any of these three USA suppliers!)

Now we come to what is available in the stores here.  Autograph has some lovely garments, including underwear/lingerie did you know?   It’s always worth your while to visit an Autograph store because they do have some great bargains occasionally.   Taking Shape - well I’m on their email list but for some reason nothing seems to take my eye.  But then, as most of you will be aware, I’m not longer “young” (even though I'm still seen as young at heart) and I’ve come to the stage where I have worked out my wardrobe and what suits me, and I stick with the guidelines I’ve set myself from years experience.   So a number of Australian stores that supposedly stock and sell clothing for curvaceous women have a focus on the younger woman most of the time.

I even find (here I go - am I in fact complaining?  Probably).   I find Maggie T garments are attractive but so pricey that I can no longer do more than look at their catalogue (on-line) and drool.  That’s where I’ve gotten to, girls.

I’m also on the mailing list for “In Fashion”, the catalogue that includes Damart and Victoria Hill.  While Damart,garments go up to size 24, many of Victoria Hill garments go up to size 30.   This latest catalogue for Spring 2016 has some really attractive items.   Let me say at the outset that the prices are comparable to those in the stores, but it’s a matter of sensibly working out a mix-n-match outfit and then being able to add items at a later date that will in effect create YOUR own profile outfit.   Let this be the start of something BIG!

Victoria Hill has Jeans, regular lengths as well as Crop,  Tunic Tops, Lightweight Cardigans, Knee Length Crinkle Shorts, a dress or two, tee shirts, sweatshirts, plain and printed polos, skirts, and a selection of jeans, shirt, cami and skirt in Lyocell (which in the catalogue looks very much like Tencel - remember that fabric)  

Their catalogue also has a range of swimwear, shoes, handbags, hats (including floppy hats for the sun!), and jewellery.   Not to mention nightwear and lingerie.

This catalogue is 100 pages, and well worth having a look at the hard-copy.   Again, I’m old-fashioned and like leafing through the catalogue and making my mind up slowly rather than going mad on-line and ordering half a dozen items that I may not like in the long run.

So there, has this given you any ideas?   Perhaps you’ve got ideas of our own that you could share with me, and the other readers of RoseMary’s NoteBook©  Then we’ll all be the Gold Medal Winners.

'Til next time

Rosemary

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 NoteBook July 2014

As with countless other business woman over recent years have done, I've reinvented myself a number of times.  Now I think the time has come again, as the Walrus said, "to speak of many things".  I'd like to add a rider, that the things I speak of will be nice and happy things. 

For those readers in warmer climes, please think of us here in the southern states of Australia experiencing a very cold, if not freezing, winter.   It has to be said (and thousands are saying it) but the weather patterns are definitely changing, and yet reading archival newspapers it seems that with each season there've been articles over the past 150 years at least, saying the same thing.    Perhaps we are heading for another Ice Age!  That's not to say that when we are experiencing the excessive heat of our summers that we don't think we're heading into a Heat Age!   

Of course weather patterns have a big bearing on what we wear.   For the generously endowed woman, we are persuaded that the clothes being presented to us each season, take into account not only our needs but also give us many options in being able to buy clothes that are imaginative and flattering.   I said earlier that I intended to make my comments nice and happy.  Here I am already contradicting myself!  In a nutshell, the majority of clothing stores for the more curvaceous woman have fallen into a habit of giving us clothing that looks as though it is being made from one pattern and one pattern only.   It's all very well having a comfortable tunic style garment to be worn over tights or leggings but most of us would like to have more options to choose from.  More stylish garments;  I know I would.    I'll give you some examples of what I mean by stylish and flattering.

I've included the first picture because its from way back in the 1950s - Jane Russell is wearing a swing jacket that is completely lined in satin.  Oh, yes, I remember this type of garment so well!   The pictures following are from the modern era - Monif C, Love Your Peaches, Kita Ku and Igigi.   All these garments make a statement - and we need garments like this to make us feel proud, feminine and attractive.  In fact we should by this time be demanding our suppliers to cater to what we need and want, rather than allowing them to "persuade" us that what they want to give us is what we should be grateful for!

  

Another thing too.  I do like shopping for myself.   Being able to walk into a store, wander around and choose something that really takes my eye.   Being able to see the true colour, the feel of the fabric and how it looks on me when I try it on.   How I feel about myself when I have it on!  

Now here are some from the latest seasonal offerings, for the larger woman no less.  

Do we really want to dress like teenagers?  To dress as our daughters, or for women like me, to dress like our grand-daughters?   Should I consider myself a grumpy old woman - never satisfied with what the market is offering me?   I'm beginning to think that maybe I have the right to say what I'd like to wear, and to persuade manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers that I deserve to be pampered.   I have made the grade, and earned my Degree!  

I'd be so interested to hear your thoughts.  Write in and voice your views and opinions.  

'til next time

Fondest regards

Rosemary    

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!

Getting Down to Basics!

Autumn has arrived, although it may not seem so in some ways.   The mornings are a little darker, and certainly on the chilly side, but we're experiencing some lovely sunny days after the morning coolness.  This is a lovely time of the year, and especially as the trees and gardens around us begin to show their colours.

It's good seeing many plus size garments (and when will we be able to dispense with this word "plus-size" - got any ideas?) in florals and pastels.   Solid colours too are appearing in the shops and the possibility of mixing and matching, especially when including some of our favourite clothes already in the wardrobe makes for an exciting Autumn time.

There are also some great "basics" (as in colours as well as styles) appearing in the stores.  Millers is a store that I hadn't visited for some years.  The reason is that I formed the opinion (without even checking) that their sizes only went up to around 16 to 18.  This opinion was based on the fact that Millers staff had told me this very thing.  Mind you, this was a few years back so I had continued to walk past the stores without even bothering going in.  My mistake.

Fastforward to a week or so ago, when I just ambled in to the local store at the Glen (Glen Waverley), and saw to my delight smart pants in short and regular length in a variety of colours - black, navy, grey, brown and beige.   And the price certainly allowed me to buy more than one pair without even denting my weekly budget.   I also bought a particularly attractive white top with lace trim for the same price as a cup of coffee.   (Again, we realise that these garments are made off-shore, and what that implies, but budget constraints dictate what we can afford to buy, as opposed to what we would like to buy).

I see on the website today a very nice cardi/dress which took my eye.   Of course I tend to be a little biased about black and white - certainly my personal favourite combination.

Topsy-Turvy Seasons!

We're in the midst of Summer here, and while we've experienced some severe heat waves, we then slip into what appears to be early Autumn - very cool, nippy, crisp mornings that later during the day turn into those lovely warm days when one thinks of picnics or lazy afternoons.

One things however that has been obvious this summer is that there is very little in the way of bright, cheery, fun-filled florals here in Melbourne at any rate - we seem to be in sort of "that will do" doldrums for some reason or another.  Bold colours yes, but combined as block colours rather than overall summery designs.  And the sameness of cut, "design" (if you can call it that) and style.  What is style these days?

In Europe and the USA however, they're eager for Spring, and this becomes apparent with some of the bright, sassy clothing that's already coming up for our attention.

Let's look at Anna Scholz (www.annascholz.com)

Then consider Evans, UK (www.evans.com)

And last but certainly not least, Igigi (USA)

Jackets need extra length!

So many manufacturers (thus suppliers and retailers) seem to think that the plus-size (or more curvaceous) woman only needs something to shrug on, and she'll be happy.

Not so.   When it comes to the length of jackets, it is frustratingly evident that plus-size garment manufacturers don't even understand what shape of body they are supposed to be focusing on.

Most, if not all, plus-size women need a jacket that will cover the bottom and hip.  In other words jackets should be finger tip length.   Not, as so frequently seen, just below the waist.

Oh yes, we do have waists ND let's face it, when the line of the jacket takes the eye further down the leg and we have matched the jacket with a slim pair of pants, then there is a stylish appeal about the appearance.

See if you agree.  Here's a couple of Maggie T's offerings.   Notice the lengths - just right!

(PS - I would still like to see a "real" plus-size model in Maggie T's catalogue/website, but as with many suppliers, most Australian businesses don't "see" that a plus-size is MORE than a size 18-20, let alone girls who are no more than size 10-14 who are their models.  But we can continue to hope!  I do wonder sometimes though HOW Maggie T actally views the situation herself, personally).

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.

WHAT GOES ROUND, COMES ROUND!

If you, like me, are a woman of a certain age, then you'll recall back in the 1950s and 1960s wearing "fancy" stockings.  Stocking with designs.  Whether a plain black line down the centre of the back of the leg, or some with fancy all over lacy designs.

Well girls, just like Arnold Swarzenegger, they're back!   As leggings, no less.

Mind you, I don't think I have the courage to wear these leggings today - although when I think about it, perhaps I'll surprise everyone and get a pair just to see the looks on my girl-friends' faces!

But here, have a peek at what Taking Shape have in stock.    They fun and funky so join in and wear these with your special tops, jackets and tunics and make eyes turn in your direction.

FOR the YOUNG

Is it me, or is it today's trend to wear floppy tee shirts and denim jeans (most of them looking as though they've come out of the rag bag), in the belief that this "uniform" is seen to be the ideal?

Here in Melbourne at least I don't see many women (of any age) wearing attractive dresses.   Why is that?  I look in the store windows even of the leading department stores and see ordinary, look-alike garments that are repeated in the "el-cheapo" stores and which really do nothing to enhance the modern woman.  Again very seldom are there dresses - mainly pants and tops or tunics.

I then look on the internet, and time and time again, see two particular suppliers, MonifC and Igigi with garments that will make any woman look a million dollars.  

Am I right in wondering whether the American woman is more readily aware of what flattering dresses will do for her, or is it that the Australian woman (and I'm talking here of the Melbourne woman) not confident enough to step out in this particular mode of dress.

Now I know that the "young" trendsetter, particularly the corporate woman, will argue because she has at her fingertips and in her wallet, the means to stay with the fashion trends as they appear in Vogue and the top named stores from around the world - and yes, most of these are located in Melbourne.  But I never see any woman whether in the streets of the Melbourne CBD, or the likes of Brighton and even Toorak who are wearing these "fashions".  It's all denim jeans (whether they be $20 or $400) and tee shirts.

But let's get to the reason for this post.   Igigi have again a lovely collection and in amongst many lovely garments is this Wrap Dress.   Igigi's promo for this garment says this true wrap dress falls adoringly along your body complementing all the right areas.  Wear it with the adjustable waist band and matching leather boots and purse.   (It's designed and made in San Francisco, USA).  The model wearing this Gold Wrap Dress is 14/16.  Igigi's garment sizes tend to run larger.

MAKE HEARTS FLUTTER

This was the title of an email I received from Monif C.   I love the peplum effect.  And isn't it true that red is definitely a colour of "power".   It says so many things, not the least being "I am Woman, Hear Me Roar!.

If in doubt WEAR RED!

There are some mighty sales on at the moment.   Apart from the US as well as here, it's worth noting that Europe offers some lovely garments as well.

Anna Sholz is a name not so well known here (as yet), but do take a look at her website.  

If in doubt that red is this year's colour, then look no further.

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).

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.

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.