A GLIMPSE OF THE SEASON'S TRENDS

I have to confess I was “giving up” on a number of the Australian suppliers for not having the courage (or initiative) to seriously look at the plus-size figure as something of beauty to be complimented and enhanced by loving clothing - rather than the run-of-the-mill sameness that has been appearing in our stores for far too long.

But size 22 plus women, want something that glides over the figure - yes, we still have a figure whether you believe it or not.   This is why I was so pleased to see the latest range from TS 12-24 Celebrate Your Curves.   

Taking Shape - the name says it all.  Now the brand is coming up with some great ideas for the woman whose size ranges between 12-24.  What a pity they don’t go into higher sizes!

This is a fabulous tunic/gown.  Called the White Noise Shirt Dress, it can be worn with leggings, slim pants, and if you have fabulous legs (like Maggie T) then black beautiful stockings.

With a button down front, this garment can be worn dressed-up or dressed-down, open or closed.  Large side splits at the sides allows for comfort, especially when sitting.  The cap sleeves (15cm) I would have preferred to be longer, but then if you like layering then a smart black sleeved cami or light tee shirt can disguise the thicker arms that many plus-size women experience.

I love the length of this garment and I also love what appears to be a collar.  Collars always seem to me to add a bit of class - don’t ask me why, but that’s my humble opinion.  

A LITTLE HINT OF AFRICA, and a BURST OF COLOUR

It looks like the "animal print" continues to hold sway, especially in Europe.  This augers well for those of us here in Australia who purchased a few items that came out late last year.  We'll be in a postion to add to our wardrobe with only a few more items, thus making a complete mix 'n match selection.

Apart from the basic black and white, the contrast colours seem to be bright orange, a lovely coral, and lime yellow.

As far as jackets are concerted. watch out for the season's colours of striking, bright pinks and a solid red.

GETTING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT early without the hustle and bustle!

Hello girl-friends,

It's that time of the year when everyone is looking at their diaries and wondering how to fit all the appointments, all the coffee shop get togethers with girl friends, how to plan for and prepare all the menus for the Christmas festivities, all the presents still to be thought about let alone chosen for family and friends. Christmas cards still have to be written and posted (yes, there are those of us who still prefer snail mail when it comes to giving and receiving of cards - even throughout the year).   Then there are the break-up parties at work, as well as women's clubs and kid's breaking up from school.   What about fitting in a visit to the hairdresser - had you forgotten that?  There's a build up of crowds everywhere;  parking is a nightmare, people in the shopping malls are all getting cross because they're hot and bothered and you still haven't had a moment to think about getting yourself something special to wear whether it's to a Christmas celebration or just relaxing with the family. 

No worries!   Yes, you could venture down to your favourite stores at your local shopping mall, but give a thought to this suggestion.   Hundreds of thousands of other women have thought like yourself, and then decided to buy on-line.  Now as we've all discovered there are pitfalls at any time in buying on-line (I've been caught myself so many times) and while I can't guarantee foolproof that my suggestion will prevent that occurring, think about the lovely selection of clothing that is presently on sale at IGIGI  in the US.

Everything in the above photo is less than $100US at the present time.   There are many, many different garments on sale and everyone I speak to who has purchased an Igigi garment in the past has been thrilled.  I even have one and a half myself.

Let have a look at today's THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

"Friendship is that voice in your heart that tells you all is well, that you are being guarded and guided, and that you should feel no fear."

'til next time

SPRING IS IN THE AIR? IT SURE IS.

We've had a very cold winter - in fact there are those who say it's been the coldest ever!  

We've been cold, wet, shivering, rugging up in as many layers as we can without becoming like a big polar bear and wondering where the sun has hidden itself.

Well today we have a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.  And sunshine.  Yes, sunshine.

That made me think about summery clothes, and I found this absolutely stunning kaftan that I feel sure you'll love too.   I found it not in a major store or even a chain discount store.  I found it in the Damart catalogue.     Damart is now a part of the Innovations Group - reputable and reliable.

This is not only beautiful, it also goes up to size 30.    It is a garment that you could put aside even for some of your special Christmas outings.   Get in quick.

MIXING AND MATCHING - THE NAME OF THE GAME

It’s amazing how often you’ll hear a woman say, “I’ve got nothing to wear”, and yet her wardrobe is crambed full of clothing that so often is never taken out either to be chosen to wear for a certain occasion or for that matter even bothered about once she has purchased that piece of clothing.  (How often do you find a woman say that the swing ticket is still attached to something she bought a year or more ago!)

On the other hand a wise woman will choose garments that she can wear in a variety of ways, especially if she is able to buy well designed garments in various colours.  Then it is possible to build up a wardrobe of outfits that always look different and can be worn for both dressed-up as well as dressed-down occasions.

As we enter the colder months of the year, it seems the “fashion doldrums” hit most of us and we tend to think to ourselves that there’s nothing really new we can do to make our chocen clothing more interesting.   Yet it doesn’t take much imagination to choose half a dozen basic garments, duplicated in say two different colours, and voila, we can have outfits for at least twenty different occasions.

Take this range from Taking Shape for instance.   We have three quarter leggings in black and chocolate; cardigans in black and camel; tops in red and black and flares (not for everyone but certainly many of us).   Now just take a moment and then choose a different mix-n-match make up of these same garments.   For instance - red top with camel sleeveless cardigan and flares;  black top with black three quarter leggings and camel sleeveless cardigan;  black tp with camel sleeveless cardigan and chocolate leggings;  camel lares with black top and black longline cardigan and so on.  Try and get as many different outfits that you can from the same garments.  Get the picture?   

It really comes down to how far your imagination will allow you to go, and then looking outside that square!   Try it.

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!

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Sometimes it gets a little confusing.   There are stores that describe a garment as a tunic and then there are those that describe a similar garment as being a kimono.   It's all in the interpretation.   For quite honestly the names can be interchangeable.

Let's face it.  Quite often a tunic is merely a garment that is meant to "cover up" or be worn as a jacket or coat would, especially in the cooler months.   In the warmer months, a tunic can be a frothy, chiffony, satiny, all-kind-of fabric garment that compliments smart pants, whether long, short or capri length.  It can be a day-time, night-time garment and will fit in for any occasion.

There are times however when tunics can be somewhat disappointing in the variety of fabrics and the sewmanship.  But then suppliers like Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com) will bring out something fresh that inspires you to add it to your wardrobe.   Notice how the design on the fabric has the effect of creating a border or frame around the main design.   Enough to make this a "must-have" garment for any plus size girl.

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).

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.

The coming AUTUMN/WINTER

So you think I’m a bit daft writing about Autumn/Winter clothing?   Not so daft because it’s fun and wise to get in early with some of the modern trends that aren’t TOO unlike your favourite styles.   Buying online from overseas suppliers is a bit of a hit and miss, I agree, but have your tried out some of the New Zealand suppliers?

Zebrano is a case in point.  This range from “Moss” goes from 14-24 and gives a hint of what the Australian women will be wearing.  Once again it looks as though black will be the colour of choice, whether alone or with contrasts.  It also looks like boots will be the rage as well.

 

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.

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?

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).

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

TALK ABOUT the WEATHER!

Living in Melbourne does bring with it a great sense of never quite knowing what the weather is going to be on any one day.  In fact it's more like never knowing what it will be hour to hour!

Of course the climate of any city reflects on what we wear.  Or should I say what the suppliers and retailers "DECIDE" we should wear.   Me, I'm a great believer in layering during the cooler months and I've been known to wear summery garments on the colder of days - I can get away with it because I'm confident in what I'm wearing and what I'm doing!

While there is talk about climate change and global warming, and we all know that this is occurring and has been so since the dawn of time, the effect of weather patterns changing in the here and now mean  we need to adapt constantly.  So instead of bemoaning the weather,  it's good sense to focus on things that we have a little control over, and that comes back to what we wear.

Here in Melbourne there is a lull in what the stores are telling us is "fashion".   I'm not sure about the exclusive boutiques, but the stores that sell to women like you and me, have become boring and uninteresting - AGAIN.   It goes in cycles.   Everything looks the same from one outlet to another, while the fabric - what can I say?   Our grandmothers used to say this sort of fabric was only good for washing the floors!  Am I being too critical?   No, I don't think so.   The fabrics on sale are not good quality, regardless of the cost the retailers have on the garments.   But people buy, and the reason women buy in the majority of cases is simply this.  They need something to wear, and while what is on offer through the stores is not GREAT, they'll buy because there's not much else to choose from.  What really confuses me is that the poorer the quality fabric or garment, the higher the price seems to be.   Spending hundreds of dollars on a garment that are more "trendy" than practical doesn't make sense.  (Unless you have plenty of money in the bank!)

So what started me on this?   I found a beautiful garment from the USA that I think epitomises "style" for the plus size woman.   While my favourite colour is red (other than black and white and I know there are people who say B&W are not colours but I'll not go into that at the moment), this garment is a beautiful coral colour. (Well, coral is a shade or two below red isn't it?)

The cut, the design and the styling of this dress is lovely.   The neckline which is between Vneck and sweetheart, and the wrap around waistline enhances the body.

Flowing, fluid, flattering.

What do you think?

an ADDITION to GRACE any WARDROBE

Incredible as it may seem, the Little Black Dress (or LBD) is not only flattering for our slim, trim, svelte sisters, but with clever design work, it is flattering for the woman with curves.

Again it's IGIGI who come up trumps when it comes to styles that compliment the female form, and create the scene for high self image.  Knowing that you can look good, can lead you to feeling good.  In this day and age, that is an ideal we all aim for.

This is Igigi's Paola dress.   A basic black, with delicate lace.  Dress it up with your diamonds and or pearls.  Keep it classic with some drop earrings and a smart clutch.

BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS for BEAUTIFUL GIRLS!

If you haven't heard of Monif C then make it a point to visit their website, and view their fashion.

At the moment Monif C has a great Sale going on, and here are a couple of items that have taken my eye.

The "Dominique Magenta" frock is a special at the moment at $68

The "Marilyn" Short Red frock is a special at the moment at $78

Both these garments will suit a woman of any age, and be a wonderful addition to anybody's wardrobe.

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