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

MAKING YOUR OWN CLOTHES

Photo - Wikimedia Commons

I have an interesting (to me, that is) question for readers.  Based on what women in other countries do,   how many Australian women today actually sit down at their sewing machine and "make" their own clothes?    Up until the 1970s and even 80s, many women regularly increased their wardrobes by making their own clothes as well as accessories.

Today, for the size 16-plus woman, this seems to be a very good idea.  That is, if she can acquire a selection of patterns that allow her to choose and adapt her size, according to what size she may be at any point in time.

For however often she looks around in the stores that claim to be for the size 16-plus, she is confronted with nothing that is sufficiently different to what she sees in every other store.  In other words it seems that the "current trend" at any season is decided upon by small-minded business prople who think that anything mass produced, looks the same (but in different colours) will suit every type of woman.  Regardless of age, shape or size.

We need to encourage women to consider sewing.  On a sewing machine.  Or even as I have known - to make a garment by hand.  And this wasn't in the early 20th centure, this was earlier this year.  

The biggest problem is to find good, and I mean distinctly stylish and practical patterns.   Burda patterns were very good and they came out with some excellent books that contained multi size patterns, for modern, smart clothing.   I'm not sure whether patterns books are still available (as opposed to single patterns)  however here is their site.   http://www.burdastyle.com 

Knitwit sewing books are also excellent (especially the Kwik-Sew Lingerie Book) http://www.knitwit.com.au/KwikSew-Sewing-Instruction-Books.html

I've recently been contacted here by a local lady who is seriously considering bringing out her own line of patterns for the size-plus, and it would be interesting to hear from readers as to what they consider to be a good size range to be provided in patterns.   Particularly thinking of the Australian women and her changing shape.

What I'd really like to see is a range of disctinctly Australian garments - I think it's about time we found our "national identity" in our own style of clothing.   Do you think that's possible?

I look forward to hearing from you,

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.

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).

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).

QUEEN FOR A DAY, OR A LONG WEEKEND, OR EVERY DAY?

There's no two ways about it - the opportunity to "dress up" every day of the week is becoming more available as more and more stores go on-line.   The majority of these stores that have taken up the challenge of selling their garments this way have built up very high reputations and it augers well for the purchaser.

By the same token, and I don't know how many other readers find this, but I quite often will see something on-line from local outlets, yet will go into their actual stories just to see what the garment is like and more importantly the quality of the fabric and the sewmanship before I buy from a salesperson - in other words I do like face to face purchasing.   I realise this is not possible when buying offshore.

But let's get down to tintacks.   It's just about the Queen's Birthday weekend here in Australia (and of course we know that it's not actually her real birthday, but we celebrate it anyway and there is a historical reason for this.)  

So I figured that it doesn't matter if you're in Australia in Winter or Europe in Summer, you can still be a Queen whether for a day, a weekend or every day of the year.

Here are some examples I found this morning - and that's not even counting the accessories or jewellery!!

 

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.

 

FLORAL CORDUROY JACKET

Florals are all the go this season.   Whether it's summer in Europe or Autumn in Australia.   How better to add a layer to the cooling temperatures here in Australia and New Zealand than to add a colourful jacket?

Long Island (New Zealand) has an interesting range at all times, and they've now added this lovely jacket.   Style Number 813702.   The corduroy is a soft-stretch (cotton/spandex) with long sleeves, a yoke and soft gathers at the centre back for shaping.  It has front button closing and two handy pockets (always an added bonus)!

What is particularly pleasing about this jacket is its length - at the lower hips.

The price of this jacket is Australian $127.49.

THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS - IN COLOUR!

The lovely "Marilyn" Convertible Dress from Monif C is the answer to any woman who voices her discontent with a lot of "fashion" that's available in the stores.

Monif C has excelled with her Marilyn design.   It's so versatile and once you have one in your wardrobe you should never be able to say, I don't have anything to wear!  In fact you'll be tempted to buy another one, in a different colour and style. The variety of styles you can create from the one garment will blow your mind!

Visit Monif C's website and look at which else she has to offer for the curvaceous woman.

MIXING 'N MATCHING!

As Autumn starts to make its appearance felt, there are time when an added jacket or top will set off a smart pair of pants or a slinky.   Mixing and matching is the name of the game, and it can be fun.

Layering is something that becomes not only interesting but necessary as the cooler early mornings and then evenings close in on us.  

Big Time Clothing is an Australian online store/supplier and has attractive tops and jackets that will take you from home to work and from work to dinner.   The great thing about Big Time Clothing is that their range goes from 20 to 50 (yes, that's right!).  Big Time Clothing is now fully internet based, so visit their website and contact them via email on their "Contact Us" Page.

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

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

SEASON CONTRADICTIONS!

Here I am sweltering in 33 degree Celsuis heat, and I'm thinking of Winter?

You might say I'm crazy or even weird (and I don't mind) because we've always got to be thinking of the next season when it comes to comfortable clothing.

I like black and white - whatever the season, and a friend in Queensland has just told me about an American site Onestopplus.com

This is what I found when I went into their site (amongst hundreds of others) - it's an ultra plush pile jacket and goes up to a size 4X.   It's presently on sale, so if you want to get in early for the colder chilly weather, then have a look at what Onestopplus is offering.

CLOTHES THAT FLATTER

Here's a plus-size garment selection that is original, imaginative and stunning.  Once again it's from the USA - and it makes me wonder where the plus-size Australian designers are hiding.  Don't tell me we don't have any, but I can't find any who come up with garments like this.  Once again, the majority of plus-size garments we have here are made off-shore and I just don't know who does the designing!

The USA designer I've just found is Chinoo Designs.    Bright colours, stunning combinations and for those of us who are thinking already about Winter over here, have a look at the ankle length coats on Chinoo's website.

In the meantime, have a look at this lovely outfit.   Have you ever been told you should "never wear white"?   Well, think again.   Drapes are the latest trend so take the opportunity of enhancing your body shape by trying one or two garments with drapes around the waist/hip line and wait for the compliments!

 

DRESSING FOR THE 'GROWING OLDER' WOMAN

I often get asked about Dressing for the Over 50s (60s, 70s and 80s).   Because you see it doesn't matter what age we are as far as years are concerned, we still want to look good and feel good in what we choose to wear.

And when it comes to choosing, a lot of us become fearful because we don't want to be seen as "mutton dressed up as lamb".     It's a natural fear as we grow older, but there are hints and strategies that we can put into place so that we know that we have done all we can to make ourselves look good.   And that is always the first step to feeling good.

Here's an interesting video.

http://video.about.com/fashion/Don-ts-for-Fashion-Over-50.htm

IT NEVER GOES OUT OF DATE, or OUT OF STYLE

I had a lot of responses, via direct email, to the previous post on Black being the "new" Black.  So many of you agreed that it was nice to see Black again popular (for which most of us is all the time!)

It is quite obvious that the Little Black Dress just goes on and on, and it's not only the slim, trim, svelte young woman who has all the choices.  No sirree - we have choices too.

I know, I know.  It seems that I highlight Igigi (USA) so often, and the reason is quite simple.  Their clothing is beautiful.

See if you don't agree, with one of their latest.    The Paola Plus Size Dress.

Here's the blurb:  A basic black colour, curve-contouring silhouette, and delicate lace make this LBD perfect for moment in the spotlight.  Dress it up with colourful gems and a signatire pump or keep it classic with some drop earrings and a statement clutch.   (Designed and made in San Francisco, USA).

BLACK is the "NEW" BLACK

Seems that no matter what colour scheme sets the trend for any season, that black is THE major source of inspiration.

This is again proven by the beautiful range of plus-size garments from Igigi - USA.

Their "GENEVIEVE" DRESS says it all.   (Read their blurb.)

Spritz of sequins brings just the right amount of shine to this faux wrap silhouette. This dress is cut to enhance and define curves with its flattering ruching at the side seams. Complement the shine with a silver metallic pump and art deco gems for some on-trend flare.

Designed and made in San Francisco, USA

Color: Black/Silver
Material: Poly/Elastane

THIS IS STARTING TO BE ......

A GREAT YEAR when it comes to beautiful clothing for the more curvaceous woman.

There are a number of American companies who come up trumps over and over again with their definitions of some of the older classics.  Igigi has done it again with their version of the Minnelli Skirt, which they pair with their Raisa Top.

The skirt is slimming and seductive, up to size 30/32, while the wrap around top is flattering to a woman with curves.

Black is always smart and it looks as though Black is back In vogue as the colour "most likely".  One could say the colour most of us love.   This twosome certainly bears that out.

Please satisfy my curiosity - where, oh where, is there fashion such as this, available and made here in Australia?  And at equivalent prices!!    Let me know and I'll gladly shout it from the rooftops.

Choosing something special for the New Year

SANCTUARIE DESIGNS

 If you missed out on buing something special for yourself prior to New Year, then don't waste time - get in and order now so that you'll be the best dressed for any occasion in 2013.

These are beautiful garments.   Santuaries whole range is beautiful.   See for yourself by visiting their website.

But first, let's look at this scrumptious 2 piece set.    Look at the sizes available!  Up to 8X. 

NEW! Beautiful Customizable Sheer 2pc Blouse Set or 1pc Swimsuit Coverup! - Many Colors & Prints in Plus Size & Supersize 0x 1x 2x 3x 4x 5x 6x 7x 8x


This is a fabulous blouse, available in sizes Lg up to 8x. The overblouse is sheer, and can be worn over a swimsuit, a dress, or even as a neglige'. It ties in the front, has long sheer sleeves with small bell, and the bottom is a very flattering handkerchief style. This is great for our lovely pears out there, the hips swing out appx 15"-20" from the chest. There is also an option to get a pretty tank top to go underneath, adorned in white sequins, or plain. The undershirt is a stretchy poly/lycra blend, and the overshirt is a non-stretchy or semi-stretchy poly blend. Both are machine washable, and made in the USA.

Appx Measurements:
Lg: Chest:36" - Hips (appx):50"
XL: Chest:40" - Hips (appx):54"
0x: Chest:44" - Hips (appx):58"
1x: Chest:48" - Hips (appx):62"
2x: Chest:52" - Hips (appx):66"
3x: Chest:56" - Hips (appx):70"
4x: Chest:60" - Hips (appx):74"
5x: Chest:64" - Hips (appx):78"
6x: Chest:68" - Hips (appx):82"
7x: Chest:72" - Hips (appx):86"
8x: Chest:76" - Hips (appx):90"

** Measurements are always taken unstretched **