AGING OUTRAGEOUSLY! - Keeping Focus!

Let's start off with the obvious. A woman goes through many phases as she grows from childhood through to a teenager, an adult and then an older woman. These changes influence & impact upon her life at all those particular points in time and travel with her into the future, sometimes bringing with them emotional reminders, both good and bad. These she either confronts & deals with or carries as baggage.

But for the majority of us all the "seasons" of womanhood are exciting, filled with promise and challenges plus a few pitfalls which we manage to struggle through and rise above when it's difficult but which we mainly sail happily through.

Then one day the face in the mirror that looks back at us, is unrecognisable. Experience, joys, hardship, worry, anxiety, the ups and downs of surviving in a world that may present hurdles and difficulties, show in our face and in our body. Gravity wears away at our looks and figures, and for some reason our mind undergoes a similar change. Not always for the better I might add. Yet it forms the opinion that the person in the mirror no longer deserves to be pampered or bothered about. Even as far as saying that the person no longer deserves respect.

With that decision, many subtle and not so subtle changes become habit. We take less care of our complexions, our hair, our hands and feet. We take less trouble in choosing clothing. Anything that fits (whether it suits us or not) will do! Many women even give up on their favourite past-times or leisure pursuits, including hobbies, and "retire". When I think about it, and I decided not to think about it too often a long time ago, "retire" is such a negative word! It's really not worth my attention, because by definition it means, to sit in a corner and rusticate! Isn't it better to "rest" (rather than "rust") when we need to, and to bustle around doing things when we choose to? As so often happens when a woman "retires" she loses her sense of being important, if not to others, then quite often to herself. Silly, isn't it?

And what happens is that women too often no longer see themselves as intelligent, articulate women deserving of having their opinions heard and respected. We also forget, far TOO often, that we are still sensual beings.

Is it wrong for us to "want" to wear makeup, to dress nicely, do things we want to do, go where we want to go, travel, undertake courses at TAFE or university, even?

Why not buy a new car, leave a failed and/or broken relationship, especially if that relationship has become violent and uncaring? Even, dare I say it, to take a lover?

Don't get me wrong - I have strong principles and ethics that direct my personal standards, but life is short, and it needs to be treated with the utmost respect, humility and affection.

Affection for life? Of course. It's a wonderful and unique thing - life. You can't make it, you can't copy it, you can't replace it. It's a gift to you and I believe, passionately, that because it is a gift, it should be treated with gentleness and total and unconditional love and respect.

To be continued .....

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

"IMAGE" versus "SELF-IMAGE"

Elizabeth Taylor, remembered as an actress, a beautiful woman and a "screen-star" was heard to say when she was asked what it felt like being known as an ICON:

"I am NOT an icon.  I am an actress.  

An icon is a religious painting 

or figure used as an aid to devotion in Eastern churches."

Yet it's when Elizabeth Taylor writes intimately about herself, and there are a number of books, it becomes obvious that this woman had a greater depth of understanding of women's feelings and needs, than she was given credit for.   Too many saw her as just being a beautiful woman without much other substance; but I would like to quote her as follows:

"One of the dangers of growing up in Hollywood * is that people tend to confuse "image" with "self-image".  How you look and what you feel about yourself are often not the same.  Image refers to our appearance.  Self-image deals with who we really are.

We all know heavy people whose emotional lives are in good order who have an excellent sense of self-worth.  And Hollywood is filled with thin beautiful women who are unhappy and unfulfilled, with little sense of self-esteem."

She then goes on:   "Feelings of self-worth will naturally be affected in part by outside opinion - by friends, family and other loved ones.  Still, in the end, self-image is forged in the core of our own personality.  Every woman knows how mood can affect the way she thinks she looks.  And every woman who is honest enough will admit that self-image and self-esteem are inextricably intertwined.  Please note - I didn't say "image" but "self-image".  Looks alone are not the determining factor."

(Editor:  and I would say anywhere - not only Hollywood!)

This is an excerpt from the Prologue of "Elizabeth Takes Off on Weight Gain, Weight Loss, Self-Image and Self-Esteem" by Elizabeth Taylor, written in 1987.    It is as pertinent today as it was when it was written.

This is not a book on "Diets" per se, but more importantly aspects of feelings and emotions of a person who is seen to be heavier or larger than she is expected to be.   I found her words very compelling at times.

SMART, STYLISH OFFICE WEAR

There are tops and then there are tops!    So often the more curvaceous woman has little choice when it comes to a top that is practical and wearable in the office.   Too often that comes down to a tee shirt!

But not when Igigi comes to town.   Their "Jodie" top ensures a flattering fit, mainly because of its sleek wrap style.  With a V neckline which is ALWAYS flattering to a woman with curves, this top has elbow length sleeves.  Worn with Igigi's Monroe Pant or Skirt and coupled with a contrasting clutch and shoes, YOU'LL be the talk of the office, if not the town!

Made of Poly/Elastane, this garment is designed and made in San Francisco, USA.

PLUS SIZE MANNIKINS

For decades now, the subject of store mannikins has been a controversial one to say the least.   We've all been known to ask why stores don't include different size mannikins in their store windows or throughout their women's wear departments.   My enquiries over the years have been treated as "not important".

However, it seems recently that Debenhams (UK) have taken the subject seriously and incorporated "plus-size" mannikins in their stores.  According to the following article which I would encourage everyone to read, Myer Melbourne have done likewise.   This is the first time I've heard about the Myer Melbourne decision and I'm awaiting a reply from them for more information.  As soon as I receive this advice I'll post it.

Let me ask the same question as the writer of the Daily Diva article asks:   "Are we ready for plus-size mannikins"?   I say we are.

Plus-size mannikins - are we ready for them? 

This photo is from the above article and which originally appeared  in a blog from Sweden I understand.     I give acknowledgement to the originator's copyright.

BOOTS FOR THE DISCERNING WOMAN

It's not often that you find wide fitting boots.  Autograph presently has some extra special specials! This one appeals to me (probably because I love red!).

RED RIDING BOOT            $99.99
Style # 00074324
Red Riding Boot. Features wide leg panelled design, inner zip up fastening, two stretch elasticated panels at the back, squared toe and low heel. Synthetic upper & genuine Leather sock.

Autograph also now accept PayPal.

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. 

  

MANY SHADES OF CHOCOLATE!

Autumn time makes us think of autumn leaves and tonings.   This dress from Igigi makes me think of frothy hot chocolate or chocolate latté.    Rich and luxurious!       

"EXCEPTIONAL" RUFFLE PLUS-SIZE DRESS

A feminine ruffled collar tops this work-appropriate scoop neckline adding flare and elongating your neck.   Figure flattering origami pleats on the bust and at the waist add detail and ease of wear.  Add heels or boots for fall and your favorite buttery leather tote.  A special dress to wear for dining-out.

Designed and made in San Francisco, USA
Color: Mocha
Material: Poly/Viscose/Elastane
Care: Dry Clean Only

 

This is the style of dress that argues the thought that only the young can wear beautifully designed "modern" clothing - a woman of ANY age will feel feminine, feisty and fashionable wearing this dress.

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

INTERNATIONAL and NATIONAL WOMEN'S MAGAZINES

LATEST FASHION TRENDS on SKINNY GIRLS

One question remains unanswered as far as I’m concerned.  Why do women’s national and international magazines insist on showing us half-grown petulant, skinny girls (I'm not talking about naturally thin models!) to show off the latest “garment” thrown together by a well-known designer.  If you’re observant and look around you, you’ll readily see that those models DON'T represent the girls at the major store counter or the girls sitting near you at the mall coffee shop or the women in your family and groups of friends.  Those garments are, we’re told, all made in a size 0 or less - how can you get anything less than zero?  

Do you know why?  

Manufacturers tell me that it’s because the garment hangs better on a body without flesh or curves!   Aaah, am I missing something here?  Because you can't tell me that the above model is either happy or healthy and that the garment hangs better on her than on a girl with a little more flash.   There’s a contradiction here - even a size 16 girl will look different to the size 10 or less model wearing the same garment!   Is it strange then that a plus-size woman feels frustrated?  The only reason I can see why they insist on making sample garments in such a small size and using models so thin they look as though they’ll break, is because .......... it takes less fabric!    But that doesn't quite answer the question does it?  If a garment is for a size 16 girl, then surely it should be modelled on a size 16.  Yes?

If there’s another answer to this question, then I’d like to hear it.

HOW MANY PLUS SIZE WOMEN ACTUALLY BUY THESE MAGAZINES TODAY?

These magazines are still selling - and if the comments of most of the women I know is true, then these magazines are being produced in spite of the fact that not many plus size women are buying them.  What a contradiction.  Women’s magazines are supposed to be for ALL women of all ages, sizes and shapes - yet do we see ourselves represented fairly within their pages?   I only read magazines at the hairdressers, in the doctors rooms and the like these days, but not in my kitchen or lounge room (that is unless I sneak one from my hairdressers!).  

ONCE AGAIN THE INAPPROPRIATE "POSES" OF OUR MODELS and "CELEBRITIES"

Another point about these half starved waifs that I can’t understand - and I’m not alone in this, is the way they stand or pose.   Honestly most of them look as though thy need to find the “ladies” quickly or else they’ll have an embarrassing moment.   What is this all about?

Put a mini dress on a model and she crosses her ankles - put her into a pair of jeans and she sits with her legs open wide.  Am I really that old-fashioned to be offended?

LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST

The debate about the size of models has been going on for far too long, without any resolution that satisfies the majority of women.  Even young women.  I see a number of blogs these days written by young, intelligent, articulate women - teenagers through to 30-40 year olds - all declaiming the use of digital enhancements and photoshopping of models and even photographs of everyday things - landscapes and the like.   Even some of our better known and top models say they don’t even recognise themselves after being photo-shopped!    What does that say?  It says that we’re being conned, and that reality is no longer real. 

Don't you think it's about time we saw "real" women - flesh and curves; wrinkles and grey hair; faces and bodies that are their own and original (without the help of a scalpel) in our magazines - or isn't the 21st century world ready for this yet?  When will someone in the media have the courage to make decisions to show us as we are, not as "they" want us to be?

DO YOU EVER WONDER?

Have today's women become TOO obsessed with thin-ness and sexuality, losing out on femininity and sensuality?   Have we lost the ability to tell the difference?

A PERSONAL "CAN DO" LIST

1. I will let go of "negative" labels, such as lazy or bad or clumsy, that I have used to describe myself these long years, recognising that labels are inaccurate and destructive and that they stifle growth.

2. I will nurture myself by giving approving, reassuring messages to myself about me. I will be a friend to myself and offer myself the same understand I would offer to another in my place

3. I will release others from the responsibility of making me happy. I take the initiative to get what I need rather than waiting and hoping that somehow what I need will be brought to me by someone else.

4. I will share the vulnerable parts of myself with those I love.

5. I choose to be happy NOW - to celebrate all the small pleasures of life as they occur - instead of putting happiness off until I lose weight, get married (or divorced), make my first million, move house and so on.

6. I will expect that I will incur the disapproval of others. I recognise there is no way I can please all the people all the time.

7. I realise that some of my greatest learning has come from the mistakes I have made.

8. I embrace the position that I am an intrinsically valuable human being. I am a worthy person simply because I am.

......© 1991-2013 RoseMarys NoteBook - Australia. (By permission of the author.)

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!

 

MANNIKIN SIZES

Yes, I know I harp on this subject, but let’s be honest.   Why do our major stores, Myer, David Jones; the stores such as Cue, Noni B, Katies, The Iconic, Dotti, Portmans, Autograph, ts14Plus, even Sara and the discount stores K Mart, Target, Woolworths, refuse to get “with it” and treat their customers - particularly those of us with curves - with some respect?   Online stores such as Virtu, City Chic, Dream Diva and Killer Curves have recognised the importance of showing young women who are full busted, round hipped, and deliciously curvy.  No wonder these online stores are doing fantastic business.   They are responsible in their endeavours to encourage the plus-size women that she can build upon her self-image, and most certainly add style to her wardrobe by wearing their clothes.

I walk into any of the so-called major stores in Collins Street and in our elite shopping malls and I don’t see ONE store mannikin that is a size 18 or larger.  Why?   Don’t the stores research their customers?  Don’t they take time to look at the female form as it is today?

(This store mannikin below is the only one of size 16 that I have ever come across.  It is in a salon in Perth, Western Australia.)

I ask a further but simple question here - do these stores insist on employing women of only a certain size (and age)?  If they do, then that’s discrimination but I’ll not get into that at the moment.

I have contacts in the US who are coming to the conclusion that the “weight debate” has turned really nasty over there.   Whatever strides we made during the latter part of the 90s and through the early 2000s have been lost in a sea of increased intolerance and ridicule.  It offends me that our struggles to be understood and accepted as equals has been turned around and become more hurtful and disrespectful than they were a decade or more ago.

I guess it’s up to the young women of today who see the injustices and inconsistencies in the modern world, to take up the battle.   Some of them are rather strident and unfortunately do themselves injustice by being militant and their language demeans the respect that we should show ourselves, let alone each other.  However on the other side of the coin, many of these younger women are fighting with fire in their heart and their feistiness is infectious.   I applaud them.

It’s time that we took stock of this whole subject of becoming invisible because of our size which means that we no longer have a place in people’s thinking;  their attitude is that we’re fat and therefore we don’t deserve any consideration.  Well, I have something to say to these people.  You ain’t seen nothing yet!

We can turn the tide.   We can make a difference.  All it takes is a bit of get up and go.   If we don’t like the way the stores treat us, then we have the privilege of letting them know.  Verbally as well as by writing and telling them.  We have the privilege of commenting via the internet.  We have the privilege of contacting the newspapers, the television stations and radio stations and putting our views forward.   We have the privilege of finding stores that cater to our needs and going there, whether it's in our local shopping mall or online from overseas. We have the privilege of networking with other women’s groups and bringing our case of discrimination forward.  We can talk and we can listen.   

What we don’t need to do is to sit still and wait for something to happen.  Because you and I know that just is not the answer. If we don’t stand up for ourselves, then who is going to?  Noone else.  As far as the rest of society is concerned, if we’re not fighting for our rights, then why should they bother even thinking about us?  And they’re right.  It’s up to us.

This started out to be a short post on image and style, and I’ve gone off on a tangent - again.  But let’s hear your comments.   Let your friends know about this blog and ask them to “follow” it.   Write to me, send in your thoughts, and if you’d like to be on our mailing list for RoseMary’s NoteBook©, then we’d be happy to welcome you and your friends.

Let’s keep this truck movin’.

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

HONESTLY!

Having to do a spot of shopping, a couple of us stopped and enjoyed a cup of tea (Earl Grey of course!) at a nice little coffee/tea shop in one of the arcades that are sprinkled around our small town.

We do this regularly - it not only keeps us up to date with all our gossip, but it also enables us to share a gripe or two, while at the same time indulging in a chosen special cake to accompany our tea. We're all big girls, so there's never any problem of one or two of them attacking any of the others for spoiling ourselves with a cream cake occasionally.

Why was this particular morning any different? I stood at the counter casually deciding which cake to choose, when a very small, smartly dressed woman came and stood beside me. I turned and smiled. She glowered at me and said, "you shouldn't even be thinking of eating anything like that - you're so fat. You should be using your willpower" 

So I did what any well-mannered, well-balanced plus-size lady would do. I looked down at my ample bust, leaned over and looked at my tummy, and turned back to her and said "Yes, you're right, I believe I AM fat. But I'm not rude to people I don't know. And might I say I certainly don't need any will power. Perhaps occasionally a little bit of "won't-power" could come in handy but not today. Which cake do you think I should choose? Ah yes, that beautiful fresh cream French slice. Don't you agree". She glared at me as though I had just flown in from Mars, mumbled and trotted off to a far table.

The rest of my group were seated by this time, waiting for their morning tea to arrive. The girls behind the counter were trying to hide their laughs and were in quite a twitter. After the snobby lady had left, the proprietor came across to me and said, "you know, that woman upsets so many of our customers with her rudeness and we've never been game to say anything. Thanks for saying what we've often thought and felt. You've made our day."
And yes, we all enjoyed our morning tea - VERY MUCH INDEED!!!

Tips on getting your favourite clothes "altered"

1. Find someone who has expert knowledge and is competent in all aspects of sewing, not just hems and simple quick fix solutions.

2. Find clothes from within your own wardrobe that can be brought up to date by doing the hem, taking it in or re-shaping the shoulders. Subtle alterations can make clothes look more "fashionable".

3. Don't personally do complicated alterations unless you're confident in your skills. However even if you try and can't finish the work, hand it over to a professional.

4. Before you alter new cotton clothing or a pair of jeans, wash or dry-clean them first according to the label to allow for shrinkage.

5. When you hem, pin both legs as one leg can be shorter than the other. Get someone else to pin your clothes.

6. Look into getting something tailor made for your size and shape. It may not be as expensive as you think.

For those of us who ARE plus-size, the advice in point 6 is really wise. Too often we spend time and energy in searching for something that we have a good idea on what we really want, only to take on second best. And even then it may need alterations. 

Therefore if you have nice fabric and even a pattern (not necessarily in your size), take it along and have a chat with someone who you've seen or heard recommended. Talk to them about what you'd like as far as a tailored garment to suit YOUR body and shape.

We know it sometimes takes a while to find someone who "understands" the more curvaceous figure, but a really good dressmaker is worth more than her weight in gold.

(Hints 1 through 6 copyright Knox Leader).

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

THE OBESITY DEBATE ...

How times change!    Years ago and yes, let's face it, decades ago, life was different.   When we were kids we raced around playing games - we run or skipped or jumped at any time, and anywhere.   We played outdoor games such as "rounders", baseball (albeit a gentler version than the boys), basketball, tried out tennis and even wanted to be included in the boys' cricket team.   We were busy being kids and raced around before school, during play times and at lunch time, and then again after we came home from school.  

As young adults, we walked to High School and then later when we found a job we walked to our place of work.   At lunch time we either walked around the city window shopping or sat in the park eating a packed lunch and if we had a drink it would be from the water fountain in the park, or else we took a thermos of tea.  Yes!   We drank tea - soft drinks were only there for special occasions such as a birthday party or a family celebration.   Not everyday.   If we were meeting with our friends to go to the "pictures" (cinema) or to go dancing on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon, we got there by walking.   Even in high heeled shoes and I do admit to wearing high-heels in my youth.   But the main thing is that we walked and even though we didn't necessarily attend exercise classes, we certainly got plenty of exercise from doing ordinary every-day things.  We even walked to the local telephone box to make important calls.  No one had a personal telephone in their homes - they were for companies, places like hospitals and hotels and such.

Becoming older adults, marrying and having children, we still walked everywhere.  Who could afford a car back then?  Who could afford to catch a taxi?  They were very few and far between.   Bending, stretching, constantly moving doing housework, spending time in the kitchen preparing meals for a hungry family, getting down on our knees to wash and polish the floors, weekly dusting, and doing the laundry - I even remember my first washing machine some 15 years into my marriage; couldn't afford one before then.  We were physically tired each day.   Three hours at a gym?   We'd never even heard the word gym  used to describe attending a social networking,  a gym to us had been a part of our school-day when we were younger.   

Fast forward a couple or three decades.   Public transport made travelling a breeze, even to places of work.  Some of us even commuted intrastate or interstate.   We could afford to have a personal telephone in every room of the house.  Supermarkets had arrived on the scene where you could buy almost anything - of course meat and vegetables were still only available from their respective shops in the beginning but that too, soon changed.   We were able to afford, having taken a hire purchase agreement to pay off in regular instalments, a refrigerator.  So "modern" after the ice chest that most of us had grown up with. Electrical appliances of all sorts came onto the market, making life easier.  Or should I perhaps say, a little lazier?

Women even had the opportunity of buying their own car.   What freedom.  We could go where we liked, when we liked and we didn't have to ask anyone's permission.   We could even seek out a tea shop where we could meet friends and spend time together.   But we still walked a lot, and worked a lot around the house, as well as when the opportunity arose, holding down a full time job.

Shopping centres came into being.  Big, huge, centres where lots of different shops tempted the pay packet.   Little coffee shops sprung up, and it soon became normal to by-pass the friendly local shopping strip and go to the Mall where you could buy everything you needed all at the one stop.   Chinese restaurants opened; and then many new and different tantalising exotic foods appeared;  we didn't need to travel overseas to enjoy the luxuries of "foreign" foods.  

And what does all this have to do with obesity?   Well, I'm no health expert, but I am an observer.   We became more and more dependent upon the convenience of getting into the car to go down the street to shop or even to visit someone in the back street, rather than walking.   If we were running late we caught a taxi - hang the cost.   Frozen meals appeared on the supermarket shelves and we took to them like ducks to water.  We could save time!    We didn't have to slave over the kitchen stove cooking and preparing meals.   Laundromats opened - so each week we could take the bedlinen and laundry there and for a couple of dollars get it all done without having to lug it out and hang it up on the clothes line at home.   We could pick up the phone and get a local man to come around and cut the grass and clean up the garden.    Some career women even had the luxury of having someone in to clean the house each week.  Life became easier and it definitely became lazier.

And how to fill in the time that we saved?   We could sit in front of the wonderful new "thing" that was taking everybody's interest - a television and then wow! a computer, and spend hours learning new things.   We could pick up a small mobile phone and use it not only as a means of keeping in touch with friends and family but also to carry on our business.   We turned our homes into our own small offices.

Our eating habits changed along with the change in our life-style (i.e. the energy used in doing everyday chores).  Because we were no longer doing physically demanding jobs around the house and workplace, we began to "eat out".   It was all very exciting and new.  It became "normal" to go to the Mall every day, sit and have a cup of coffee and more often then not a donut or cream cake.  No longer were we content with a packed lunch and a piece of fruit - there were too many other things to enjoy.  After morning tea we'd go to another restaurant and have lunch.   Oh well, after a bit of shopping, why not stop and have another cup of coffee and a small snack.   If we were thirsty we could pick and choose between countless soft drinks and if we were very thirsty we'd even have two.   We'd smile knowingly when older people spoke about the three meals a day routine - a good breakfast, a light lunch and a wholesome dinner at night - what did they know?  

If our clothes became a bit tight, we'd just go and buy a larger size.   We could then have our cake and eat it too!

Did we see what was happening to us?   In our eagerness to embrace all the many changes that occurred over the decades following the Second World War, we didn't realise that we were doing our bodies immeasurable harm.   In recent years we've had to re-learn what is "healthy" food, nutritious food, wholesome food.  We've had to learn to eat today's food in moderation and we've had to learn to read labels.   And that, my friends, is a debatable point.  The labels say a lot, and they don't say enough.  They don't say what is really important.   We read:  no added fat;  but that doesn't say mean what it says.  Because no we know there are various types of fat - some good and some very, very bad!    The word "added" means nothing;  "no added sugar"?, but it doesn't say that there are already sugars within that product.  Again the words "added sugars" means nothing, because we don't know exactly what is in that product.    Nothing seems to be grown naturally or manufactured naturally these days - there's something added, there's something taken away and then of course the "additives" - chemicals, vitamins (if they were grown correctly why should they need vitamins to be added?); minerals, colours, taste enhancers, emulsifiers and on it goes.

Are you aware that a Baskin & Robbins Yoghurt Smoothie contains between 29-31 teaspoons of sugar?   Boost Juice's Skinny Minny Melon has 549 kJ (131 calories).   I hate counting calories but it do realise the significance of one small glass of juice having 131 calories!   

What's the answer?   Common sense combined with wanting to do the best for our bodies (and our minds) as we possibly can.   We don't need to starve ourselves, or to constantly diet, or to spend hundreds of dollars going to the gym.   It comes down to mind over matter and accepting what is, and changing what can be changed to benefit our own personal health.

Me?   I admit I'm a plus-size woman.   Every woman in my family for at least four generations has been considered plus-size. We're also tall.   I enjoy good food; and I read recently that there is no such as "bad" food - it's all food.  It's the quantity and the balance that are important.   And I guess that says it all.

A THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ....

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.

IS THAT ALL THERE IS? (with apologies to Leiber & Stoller)

I read a fascinating article yesterday by Judith Rasband (and which was originally written some 15 years ago I am led to believe) that states the US is going down the tube (here in Oz we use the term down the gurgler) as far as fashion is concerned because of its obsession with tee shirts and jeans. I think the writer has hit the nail on the head, and of course it's not only the US that has fallen into this mode of dress - it's obviously the same in Australia, and I suspect similar in the UK?  

Tee shirts and jeans have their place - don't get me wrong.  I've been on this particular soapbox for a long while now, and yes I do wear jeans and I do have some cami tops that are made from tee shirt fabric, but I mix and match a lot whether it be colours, or style of dress.  But why is it taking so long for "fashion" to catch up with what seems to be an apathy against trying something different?

This trend of tee shirts and jeans for "any"occasion (read "ALL" for many women) reinforces my observations gained some years back, and reiterated by Judith in her article where she says:

"With a wide range of affordable, attractive, and comfortable clothing choices available, Americans' choice of dress has descended to the level of T-shirt and jeans or sweats. Americans now own more T-shirts and jeans than ever before.

Levi Strauss and Company has called the casual dress movement "the most significant apparel trend of the century." What is most notable, however, is that decline in standards of dress goes hand in hand with cultural decline, manifested in productivity and participation, personal identity, manners, and ultimately, morals—with casual dress being both cause and symptom. In short, America is going down the tube in a T-shirt!

By productivity and participation, I refer to personal effort and output. Personal identity means individuality, personality, character, and independence of thought. For centuries, including the present one, manners has meant common social courtesies and traditional standards of etiquette. By morals, I mean self-control, respect, and discipline—social and sexual."


She goes on:

"Personal Identity 
Dressed in the androgynous look of T-shirt and jeans, we all look alike. When we look alike, we begin to feel and act alike. We lose variety, individuality, and personal style. Many become dependent on looking like everyone else–unable to cope with the thought of standing out in a crowd."

I would recommend the reading of Judith Rasband's article - as pertinent today as when it was written.  In fact even moreso, because we've become so used to not thinking about changing our choices, that the tee shirt and jeans phenomona has become ingrained and doesn't want to step aside.

Here's a photograph I took of a window display at a leading (?) menswear store in suburban Melbourne earlier last year.   The price tag on the jeans was $180.   Worth it?  Obviously someone would buy them and boast about them being the "latest"!!!!

Photo copyright © ZuzuGreen

"Fashion. Fashion?"

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!

I've been around for a while - get the joke?  ("a-round"?)   But seriously in recent times I'm not sure what the word "fashion" means any more.

According to the various dictionaries the word itself can cover a whole array of different meanings, from "habits", to a signature, to how something is done or happens.   As far as women's national and international magazines are concerned, then fashion more or less depicts the latest and most admired style in clothes and cosmetics.

Remember  (oh, what memories!) Bambi Shmith (nee Patricia Harewood), Diane Masters, Janice Wakely, June Dally-Watkins, Jeanette Elphick (who changed her name when she went to Hollywood to Victoria Shaw)?  Perhaps I haven't kept up with the times.  Because those models were VERY different to today's models - in many ways,  *  (and I'll talk more about this in a later post).   But in a nutshell fashion to me equals "style" - not only in the garments that are modelled, but the models themselves.

The mannequins of the 1950s and 1960s modelled garments which accentuated the female form; they gave a sensual motion of femininity in their walk and posture and created an ongoing illusion of fantasy/reality for the simple reason that copies of the garments they wore were soon to be seen in our corner "emporiums" and affordable to all - even if it meant layby-ing said garments for six months or more.   Many of us actually went to "deportment classes" - remember the Mannequin's Academy in Melbourne?, where we were taught to speak correctly; walk and sit correctly; and to be as lady-like as we could be.  Some of us weren't too sure whether "girls from the western suburbs" (read - the wrong side of the Yarra River!) could ever be called "ladies" but we sure had fun mixing with those girls from Toorak and South Yarra who went to the classes with us.  I guess we "hoped" that the lady-like characteristics would rub off on us.   I'd like to think so.  

But I'm digressing, as I am wont to do occasionally.    Maggie Alderson, a leading Fashion Stylist, who writes for a leading women's magazine and also has her own blog Style Notes, was asked during a recent interview "are you offended at what you see today as being fashion, compared with that of 20 years ago?"  With any hesitation she answered no.   In her opinion, fashion is really the style a woman feels comfortable with, and if she wishes to follow the seasonal trends then that is her prerogative.  If she remains constant in her choice of clothing, then that is her right as well.  Fashion in Maggie's view, as indeed mine, is that it is constantly growing and finding new ways of expressing itself, as indeed do you and I.

I've been of the opinion for a long time that when a woman finds her own style - whether it be conservative, sophisticated, goth, feminine, romantic, classic, vintage, serious or casual, then it's wise to stay with that style.  Although, with that said, and I do contradict myself at times, it's nice sometimes to "break out" and do something really startling which surprises everyone, including you!

And combined with style, when a woman discovers the colours that suit her, then a whole new world opens.   Take Sheila Scotter for instance - that lovely lady only ever wore black and white (and tones of the same).  She always looked stunning.

This is where sometimes "fashion" or the stores through which we buy our fashion, let us down.   Stores would be wise to occasionally take note of what their customers tell them.   Many women prefer certain colours, in fact if they wear the "wrong" colour to suit them, then everybody knows it.  Including the wearer.   How often have you bought yourself something that looked good in the store, looked good on the clothes hanger, looked good when you stood in front of the store mirror, only to find when you got it home that it made you look - bulky, ungainly, frumpy, showed up your imperfections including making your skin look sallow or too red?   Another frustration is when you simply want something like pants in black, and the colour of the season is brown or navy.   Infuriating!

But if you feel terrible in a garment that you thought looked nice in the store and it isn't, then it's not you at fault.  It's not the fault of the garment either, it's just that the garment in question doesn't suit YOU, whereas on someone else it will look terrific.  Too often though that store, and all those around, don't stock that style in a colour that suits you.

But learn to look at your body, at whatever age, size or shape, as a beautiful thing on which you should enhance its every asset.   Finding your "style" or choice of dressing and your colours will instil in you a feeling of specialness.  For whatever may have been said about you in the past, you must always remember, that you are unique.  And that you should never be compared with any other person.   That means that we must never compare ourselves to each other either, for each of us brings a different perspective to the essence of womanhood.