HOW TO STAND UP FOR YOURSELF

I am astounded at the number of requests I receive to repeat this particular feature.  It makes so much sense in today's world where, unfortunately it seems that womens' fight for equality remains as intense as when I first published this article.   

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

1. Say "no" without feeling guilty

2. Have and express feeling and opinions 

3. Be listened to and taken seriously

4.  Work things out for yourself

5.  Set your own priorities

6.  Change your mind or be illogicial (in the eyes of others)

7.  Make mistakes and take responsibility for them

8.  Not offer excuses for your behaviour (unless you want to)

9.  Get what you pay for

10.  Choose NOT to be assertive

You have the right to be the ultimate judge of your behaviour, thoughts and feelings and to take resplonsibility for them

Sometimes being assertive is not worth the hassle involved, but these occasons are rare.

William Shakespeare said:  This above all - to thine own self be true and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man”   And I might I add the words "or woman".   

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Be kind to yourself.  

Things just happen, 

so a little prayer 

and knowing that someone is looking after you

 will help you get through.

THIS WORKING LIFE - putting yourself first!

Whatever your age, if you are contemplating returning to work or starting up your own business, then you must face the thought of putting yourself first!  Quite often this brings unrealistic burdens.

A leading Australian careers adviser recently said, "because it's necessary for women to return to the workforce today, there comes a time when the family must sacrifice, but you have to remember that there is a long future at stake for the woman, and it is one that will not always include her children".

Children grow up and move away to follow their own dreams and aspirations.

As a result of financial circumstances or a breakdown in a relationship, you may find you HAVE to work, by either getting a job or creating a job in order to keep the wolf from the door.  Sometimes this happens at a time when you may have planned to be "taking things easy" after having fulfilled 30-40 years in the workplace, whether as an employee or as a homemaker/mother.  Now suddenly it's up to you to start all over again.

If you're in a relationship it certainly is NOT selfish or unrealistic of you to expect that the family, even if it is your partner, to work in with you, to take an interest in what you are doing, and to meet you half-way in everyday chores around the home and garden.  That sounds a little too easy for in far too many cases it is an impossible ask.

If this is the case and you find yourself in this predicament, then it comes back to you.  You have to decide on what is right for you.  If your partner or other family members are indifferent to your needs and requests, and they complain, bicker and make life unbearable for you, then YOU need to take stock of your personal needs and make some long-lasting decisions.  It won't be easy, but you already know that.  Stick with your goals and pursue them.  Don't let your aspirations and dreams take a back seat - you deserve better.

If you are a young woman, you may find being "easy in mind" when working or carrying on your own businsss means getting good homehelp which costs money.  Dining out will become a more common event.  Buying preprepared meals wilL ensure there's always something in the frig and freezer whereby you'll not be expected to come home from work and then spend hours preparing and cooking the family meal.   Or maybe you'll have to depend on your mother, grandmother or other family members to step in and assist.  In today's society however, you will often find your own mother has had her own mid-life crisis as well.  This means instead of taking things easy she now has to seek work too.  Once again a Catch 22, with no relief in sight!

If you are determined to start up your own business, and there's no reason why you shouldn't, even if you are 50, 60, 70, then you might get feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty as to how you should look, how you should dress and how you should promote yourself.  You might be faced with any number of "negative" feelings but you're already further advanced in your thinking, so go forward with confidence.

If there's one thing an older woman has, it's courage.  So when you're faced with how you should promote yourself, you only need to look at yourself as you are, your abilities, talents, skills and capabilities.  You should dress according to your particular preference.  You don't have to conform with what other people say, because your're an individual and individuals don't copy each other.  In today's world there is no such thing as being out of fashion because you have the right to make fashion work for you, not against you.  As far as age and size and looks are concerned, these are only as relevant to your business enterprise as you allow them to be.

The best way to dress is the way you feel happiest.  We should all feel free to be in fashion or out of it, to dress to conform or to show lack of conformity;  to attract attention or play safe;  to be exciting or sensible.  We should also feel free to switch from one to another.  The only requirement is that neatness and tidiness should always be paramount.

How older women see themselves

Women don't necssarily always want to LOOK young.  They just want to look as attractive as they can for their age. Growing older is recognising and coming to terms and even accepting certain limitations on one's power to attract.  It is a passage in time.  For some women "growing older" begins at thirty, for others 40, 50, 60, and even 90.  Clearly it is in the mind more than anywhere else.

Always remember as Barbara Taylor Bradford is quoted as saying:  "Life is not a rehearsal, it's the real thing".

Copyright © 1991-2015 R Parry-Brock, Victoria, Australia

TAKE TIME ......

TAKE TIME to look up at the sky and see the clouds and the birds

TAKE TIME to see the beauty in your garden

TAKE TIME to smile someone you've yet to meet

TAKE TIME to care about someone's feelings

TAKE TIME to realise that you are an important person, even if only to yourself

TAKE TIME to love yourself, with all your failings and foibles

SPEND YOUR TIME in thinking and doing things that are creative and positive

BE GENTLE with yourself

TAKE TIME to tell those you love that you do love them.

TIME PASSES SO QUICKLY SO TAKE TIME 

LIVING ALONE

I knew it had happened when I chose to spend my evening with a good book instead of being with someone. I knew then that aloneness was no longer just something thrust upon me, but something I had embraced, it was a part of my existence, edged by moods that fluctuated wildly because no one was around to temper them.

Living alone is no longer considered peculiar; in fact, it has become a rite of passage; a measure of grown-upness for today’s young women, a steely challenge for newly divorced or aging women whose perspective comes from a close-range view of human differences and foibles. They no longer test the limits of tolerance by discovering that, once again, a spouse or flat-mate has let the bath overflow.

They have, in short, become “set in their ways” - a phrase which I grew up hearing used to describe bachelor uncles and maiden aunts, but which also suits many of our modern one-bedroom apartment dwellers with short tempers and Oriental rugs.

I no longer live alone, although I’ve done so two different times. But, in between, I have lived with a gregarious physicist who had difficulty keeping to his side of the refrigerator;  with a family of two writers and three dogs whose living room was so filled with files that it took me a year to discover they had a coffee table, and - for a few months - with five other people living in a two-bedroom apartment.

Most of these arrangements eventuated purely because of financial necessity at the time. But they all had something much more beneficial to me that just monetary advantages; there’s something about the often frustrating experience of sharing my life with others that keeps me limber. Granted, it’s not always orderly, and we don’t always have something I like for dinner, but I’m learning a tolerance I had lost in my time alone.  And when I am by myself, it’s a joy to rediscover the sweetness of solitude that was blunted when it was my constant companion. I prize privacy even more now because it has its own definite borders.

Of course, we cannot always choose the conditions under which we live our unpredictable lives.  A death, divorce or breakup may suddenly thrust us out on our own, and we may be forced to live alone whether we like it or not. Of course, there are those women who, as a result of many constraints, not only financial, but also health-wise and lack of community networking, find themselves living alone. They may be any age; young, older and elderly. That’s when loneliness and aloneness can become a little blurred, if you are not aware of the subtle differences.

Living alone can be a pleasurable experience, especially if your daytime hours are organised, even within a loose structure of “to do’s”.  Hobbies are always of great importance, but when arthritis or any other complaint hinders movement, other ways and means of enjoying living alone come into play.  Music, which is a great companion, and books, particularly talking books, CDs or DVD tapes and the radio keep people abreast of current affairs and what is going on in the world, as well as the nearby community. Inviting neighbours in for a cup of coffee regularly, maintains human contact and conversation. Accepting invitations to join other women in groups allows for an expansion of ideas and thoughts. Computer studies and courses from nearby Neighbor-hood Houses creates new outlets of creativity and meeting new people.  Finding little coffee shops where we can sit either alone or with a stranger (especially if the coffee shop is very popular and very crowded); striking up a conversation or sitting reading the daily newspaper; brings us close to people without breaking into their spaces.

However it is not just the circumstances that create an addiction to aloneness, but the way we approach them. Friendships, volunteer service - and just plain self-control - are all ways to avoid that comfortable trap that living alone sometimes becomes. And, as I have learned, for those of us to whom aloneness has become an island, there are bridges and ferries to take us back again to being part of a family or a community or a neighbor-hood.

And that means we have choices. When we are contented in being alone then we have the right to enjoy that solitude.  We don’t have to justify these choices, for it is quite easy for us to slip back into our small groups of friends or acquaintances, having gained something from our “time out”.

© 2007 Leonie Stevens, Australia - original submitted to RoseMary's NoteBook for inclusion in the NoteBook newsletter.)

(If this article is actually the property of another person please advise .)

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

I don't have grey hair.  

I have "wisdom highlights".  

I'm just very wise.

RoseMary's NoteBook©

"womanhood should be celebrated - in style - no matter what age, size or shape"©

To all Mothers, Grand-mothers,

Great Grand-Mothers, 

Step Mothers, Foster Mothers,Mothers-in-law, 

and all women who have desired to be a Mother.

May you have a beautiful Mother's Day

surrounded by much love and affection 

from those who love you.

Those Mothers who live a long distance from their families, 

those who may be estranged, 

and those who may have lost children,

May you be comforted with warm and loving memories.

Focus on the beauty and dignity of motherhood 

and your part in giving life to another human being to love and cherish.

Happy Mother's Day

HAPPINESS

I recently read a small paragraph in our daily newspaper, entitled "Sweet Smell of Happiness".  Here it is:

"Happy people give off a distinct odour 

that passes their good mood on to others, a study suggests.

Researchers previously found that negative states, 

such as fear or anger, could be conveyed by "chemosignalling".

Now Scientists at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, have found it works with happiness, too."

ENJOYING A LAUGH

As you all know I don't always write about "plus-size" issues, whether they be gripes or commendations.

Sometimes we become far too serious for our own good.  For don't we often hear and in fact even say to others ourselves, that laughter is the best medicine.   I realise this post is a little off-key from anything "plus-size, and I know I am sometimes considered a little "weird" in my sense of humour, but here goes.

I thought today I'd include a terrific Youtube of Pam Ayres, telling the story of Dad's Hand-knitted Swimming Costume.  Pam Ayres' humour is infectious and I hope you enjoy this video and that it will bring a smile or two, certainly a few giggles and even a loud laugh.  

For we need to laugh more often.

I MAY BE A "SENIOR" BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN A THING IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS!

It's a funny thing and I can't quite work it out.   I've been writing this and other blogs for more than five years (my NoteBook© of course has been going for 24 years now), and when I check the stats of how many followers I have on this particular blog, there are so few that I wonder why and more importantly what is going on?   Some of my colleagues and friends have literally thousands and of course their FaceBook friends number in the millions!!!!!

Is it that the content of my blog isn't interesting?  Is it that because there are thousands of fascinating blogs out there to read in any one day that one (mine) doesn't rate a mention?

Is it old-fashioned?  Boring?   

Well, I mentioned this to a group of colleagues the other day.  I was met with a great deal of laughter,  Even within that group each and everyone of them said they had the NoteBook© top of their lists of feeds.  I then asked some of my website friends and people who work with numbers and stats every day and they tell me there's nothing to worry about - there are LOTS of people following me!   So that intrigues me!  

The more I think about it, the more convinced I am that "statistics" in this modern world aren't quite what they appear to be and most definitely are not what they are supposed to be.  They certainly are not what they used to be and I speak advisedly on this matter because I used to deal with "stats" every day in my work.

With that said I've decided to do what I do best.  Dig my heels in and continue in my own stubborn way. 

Even Rett Butler from Gone with the Wind  was quoted as saying, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" as he went merrily on his way. 

I could also add the words, "I don't give a damn what people think" and go on my merry way too.  Which means I shall continue writing my blog and having fun doing so, all the while not worrying about how many "followers" I have (according to the Stats - whoever counts these!)

PS.  Many of my other friends around the world who write blogs have told me the same thing - they don't even know whether ANYbody is reading or following them.   A couple even stopped writing altogether and then received numerous emails asking why had they stopped!

I say, forget the numbers - and that's a good title for another post dealing with size, don't you think?

'til next time

FRIENDS (and LOVERS)

We go through life thinking we are the only one 

who feels a certain way about things,

 and then suddenly 

someone comes along 

who feels exactly the same way.   

It's the start of a beautiful friendship.

....© David Baird  "a Thousand Paths to friendship"

GETTING THE "JUMP" ON FASHION WHETHER IT BE SPRING OR AUTUMN

There are times when I am absolutely astonished by the garments that come out of America for the plus size woman.   As readers will know I recommend both Monif C  and Igigi more often than not.   

So it is again today.   I'd like to bring to your attention from Igigi a stunning jumpsuit (yes, they've returned at long last).  I'd even suggest that this beautiful garment should be considered for "corporate wear".

Copyright Igigi - USA

This is how Igigi describes the "Charmaine" jumpsuit.

The true statement piece of the season – the “Charmaine” Jumpsuit is a timeless classic that is an essential for the chic fashionista. This quarter-length sleeved, relaxed style has an elastic waist and a tapered hem that evokes effortless elegance. Take this look into high-end glamour with a pair of chandelier earrings and great platform sandals.

This is a “must-have” for any aged woman.

SPRING OVER THERE

It's a funny old world.   In one place it's summer and another it's winter.

Europe is heading into Spring, while here in Australia (in some States at any rate) we'd heading into Autumn.  The seasons are definitely changing for here we have flowers such as camellias ready to flower in March whereas their usual flowering time is around October.  But then it's not only the seasons that seem to be out of kilter, it's fashion too.

But don't get into a panic.There are some lovely designs and garments around, if you just take the time to look for them.

Evans in the UK have some beauties this season.  At last someone has realised that a clever (or smart) design can lift a garment above the rest.
Take for example their dresses that have distinctive shaping all bcause of colour placement.

Because the floral is placed in the centre with a plain fabric on either side, these garments enhance the female form and give the impression of a smaller size (that's if you wish to have a smaller size!)

I notice also that Evans have some lovely kimonos (which we used to call Dusters).   These are striking for the woman who likes to disguise certain elements of her shape and a garment such as this does the job nicely worn over a dress or pants.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

Of course I talk to myself; sometimes I need expert advice.

'FAT' PEOPLE

“Fat people are often not good at standing up for themselves and on the odd occasions when they do, they are seen as threatening, someone who is quite literally “throwing their weight around.”  Every comedian has a string of “fat” jokes in his repertoire and all of them are degrading towards fat people.  If a comedian relates a joke or story about a sexy woman, she is usually portrayed as a slim, dumb-blonde type of dolly bird with the obligatory big boobs (R'M NoteBook comment: and that's discriminatory anyway.)   

A fat person is never, ever seen as someone who should be taken seriously, who has an intellect, feelings, or a character of any worth, unless of course, and then only sometimes, the fat person is a man.   A fat man is occasionally allowed to have feelings and a character especially if he is cast in the role of the “heavy he-man” type, or the well-to-do business man.  

Fat women, on the other hand, are either cast as the big fat Momma, brimming over with love and earth-motherliness for her children and family, or she’s the best friend, you know, the one who’s always dragged on every blind date to make up a foursome, much to her unsuspecting blind date’s horror.  If a fat girl should dare to express her sexuality in any way she is dismissed as a tramp, a slag, a slut.”

..... The Sensuous Slimmer Carline Buchanan and Sandra Sedgbeer.  

"FASHION WATCH"

Of all this small group, I found Miller's had the most appealing offerings.   It will be interesting to see how the stores progress into the New Year with their selections.   Keep tuned for our next "Fashion Watch" here in Australia, particularly those that are affordable and at the same time flattering.

THOUGHT and quote FOR THE DAY

ability is what you're capable of doing

motivation determines what you do

attitude determines how well you do it.

HOW WORDS CAN HURT!

An interesting article appeared in the Melbourne Herald Sun earlier this month dealing with "words".

And those words the article speak about apply to people of size who are given negative messages, and how those messages influence how we feel and then how we respond.

This is my own photo.

Here's the article in its entirety:

WEIGHING UP WORDS

"New research into how comments can affect health has found women 

whose loved ones criticise their weight are prone to put on even more weight.

Professor Christine Logel, from Canada's University of Waterloo, 

said women who receive a high number of what the researchers called "acceptance mssaes" 

about their weight had better weight maintenance - and even weight loss - than their counterparts who did not receive this positive mesdaging from their loved ones."

I guess both you and I could affirm this finding without needing to undertake a research study.

What this tells us is that we must be aware of how we use words, what words we use, and to think about the ramifications should those words be negative or critical.

I bet by now you're wondering what a photo of bright orange flowers has to do with this post.  Nothing really, and everything as a matter of fact.   As a blogger I am becoming even more aware of the intricacies of blogging and using photos from the internet or from other people.  It just isn't on, and it needs to be repeatedly brought to our attention that just because you can get a photo of picture/clipart that appears to be "free" on the internet, it ain't necessarily so.  

 Just like words (that can be plagiarised), photos can be considered fair game as well.  So the bright orange flowers above are my way of saying I'm original!!!!!

HOW COLOUR CAN TICKLE A MEMORY

Meryll from RAINY DAY BOOKS wrote:

(This is not the dress that is described herein)

It can take the smallest thing to unlock a long forgotten memory and recently it was the colour of a new tangerine top that had been given to me by a dear friend.

The second I saw it the remembrance flooded back.

It was a Saturday afternoon in our small family kitchen, I know it was Saturday because the chairs were up on the table which meant the floor had been washed and that meant it was Saturday. All the floors were always done on Saturday.

My Mum and Dad were dancing around the kitchen to the sound of the song “Tangerine” because Mum was wearing a sateen cotton dress in wonderful shades of tangerine and olive greens, the dress had a sweetheart neckline and a dropped waist with a gathered, knee length skirt.

Mum had a trim figure for all of her life and always wore flattering colours and clothes for her very thick dark hair and olive complexion and never missed her weekly hair appointment, to have her hair “done”.

She was probably ready to go out that evening as Saturday night was always celebrated in some way.

It was a fairly rocky marriage but this day was pure romance. They swooped and dipped in this confined space and laughter echoed down the hall to book worm Meryll and I came out to see what was happening.

I am thrilled to have this picture of the happiness of that day to counteract the problems that arose in the future and to know that at least they WERE happy then.

There's another song called "Memories are made of this" and we are sure that Meryll has many happy memories not only about books (one of her first loves) but also colours.

Isn't it interesting how colours can have such an influence on our lives, even when we are not aware of it?

 

IT COMES BACK TO SIMPLICITY

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

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

Elegance always starts with simplicity, 

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

to how a woman looks, and how she feels.

A "WISHLIST" for 2015

A small group of us were talking yesterday and came up with our first  short "wishlist" of garments that we'd like to see here in Australia this year,  (Will we see them in the stores - perhaps not but we can hope).   Quite simple wishes when you come to think of it.   As mentioned many times throughout the years, most of our team are plumply curvaceous, even to the extent that as our bodies have changed shape over the years, our needs have changed accordingly.

By that I mean quite simply - only a few of us have fantastic legs these days!  No longer able to wear four inch heels, or even leggings.  Where DID those ankles go?   Aaaah well, come on, we've got to be honest.

So let's start and as usual we start by wanting to display our good bits in a flattering manner.  We all agreed that this top is not only feminine but it can be even more enhanced when worn with a simple black slinky or cami and pants.  It can be a statement of its own.   it could also be worn with a slimline long skirt.

Then we chose a top that would always be the subject of conversation!     Needless to say those in the team with great legs would get away with this, but it was also agreed that slimline pants instead of leggings would fit the bill too.   Chevrons are not used enough within fashion, whereas we always come across stripes which many of us delightfully fuller figured woman steer away from when we see them in the stores.

Wrap around dresses again came close to the top of the wishlists, and again slim line pants were suggested to be worn should the length of the dress be such as to prevent or dissuade us from buying or even from wearing out (we're proud or vain creatures at times - we always want to look our best, whatever our age, shape or size!)

I personally love red as a statement colour, and I've added this to the short list.  Sweetheart necklines are acceptable, and flattering, at any time.

What we'd like to see are staight slimline pants that can be worn under garments such as this, that will compliment the look for those of us who are a little older.   We're not asking for patio or flared pants but nicely shaped straight slim-line pants that taper in very slightly at the ankle giving the illusion of a thinner leg.  Most importantly in a fabric that will breathe and which will always look good whether worn as "part" of an outfit or as pants in their own right.

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.

FEELINGS ABOUT YOUR SELF-WORTH!

Most of us in this team read a lot.   Our preferred choices of books range from the sublime to the ridiculous and most things in between.

However, the gaining of self esteem and confidence remains high on the list of books that we all enjoy.

At the present time I'm reading a novel written by Johanna Verweerd - "The Winter Garden".   This is a story of painful memories and the realisation that life is passing by.  Ika designs beautiful gardens and one day a letter arrives from her sister, "you'll have to come soon .... Mother won't last much longer."   To think this story dwells on sadness is wrong.  This delightful book takes the reader from the present to the past and back to the present in a beautiful flowing manner, allowing us to be with Ika as she confronts past issues and learns about herself and her own strengths.

I quote the following paragraph from the book:

"Ika would love to have been cheerful, but she didn't know how to go about it.  

Cheerfulness had to begin inside.  The same with laughter.  

Like being afraid, which also started inside a person.  ...........  

So how could she become cheerful?  

Bart said that being afraid evoked the threat of danger.  

Would thinking more about happiness, then, 

help her to experience what it was like to be cheerful?"

I guess there's something to be said for "thinking about happiness" because as many psychologists would agree, "thinking" happy or sad, will tultimately make a person BE happy or sad if they put their mind to it.

A thought for the New Year.

A NEW YEAR CHALLENGE!

Have you made New Year resolutions?   Do you bother?   Do you, as I do, set myself attainable goals. Even if I don't meet them in the long run, I sure have plenty of fun in trying.

How about a New Year Challenge?   With readers from all around the world, how better to share opinions, observations and fashion notes than through the NoteBook?

So here's the challenge for January.   Taking into account there are readers who are presently in the middle of summer, the depths of winter and some in between, why not tell us how you see yourself in January 2015, and what your wishes might be as far as life acceptances and changes and most of all fashion (as it applies to the naturally thin, the naturally curvaceous, the plump, the young, the adult and the more mature woman).

I await your comments, suggestions and thoughts.  Let's start this New Year off with a bang!

'til next time

THINGS THAT WILL DO YOU GOOD ....

AND MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD .......

You may find you need to TRIM RELATIONSHIPS.   If you find you are surrounded with negative people who cannot ee the value of your friendship or who treat you as a door-met, let go and move on.

If you don't want to lose the relationship entirely, at least limit the amount of time you spend with that person.

Don't let your garden become entangled with weeds,
 let your self-esteem bloom.

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

A LITTLE BEHIND ......?

Hello girl-friends

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

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

See the Yasmine Dress from Igigi

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

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

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

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

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

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

'til next time