Another collection I've found!

I love this job.   You never know what you'll discover when it comes to plus size fashion.   

There are so many plus size providers of fashion overseas now and there are as many more to find.   I just found Queen Grace

Here's the "Annie" blouse in a Leopard print.   (Notice the use of the word "blouse" again?  It's been a long while coming back into our vocabulary because "shirt" took over some years back and it's good to see!)

This garment drapes in a way to compliment every subtle move of a woman's body.   It is also available in a deep cobalt blue and purple brushstroke print, and has tabbled ruched sleeves, a side tie and a figure flattering length that sits perfectly on the hip.  It is shown in the picture below combined with the Queen Grace Willow Skirt in black satin.

Available in sizes 12-26.   (Fabric:  Jersey/Spandex/Polyester lining.)

Copyright© Queen Grace.com

Out of the blue!

It never ceases to amaze me at what you discover when speaking to someone.   You can go along blithely being ignorant of what is available as far as plus size fashion is concerned and then someone drops a "label name" and the fun of seeking more information takes over.

This is just what happened yesterday.  For more than 21 years RoseMary's NoteBook© has been seeking for, and finding, plus size fashion from around Australia, (as indeed the world), but I'd never come across the label Zebart.  What comes as more of a surprise is that Zebart is here in suburban Melbourne (almost next door to me!!!)  And it's been around for 21 years!   Why have we never met before?

I've now seen some of the garments, seen how they fit around the body in a fluid line without being too tight or too loose, and seen the fabric.   And all of these aspects get the tick of approval in the right places!

Here are a few of the Zebart "Venus" line.  (Don't you love the name for the plus size line?)

Confidence

The confidence of younger women who are deemed "plus size" constantly amazes and inspires me.   They have no problems with expressing their self-belief and self acceptance.   Older women still find it difficult to realise that they too, are unique and individual.  My blog is aimed at encouraging the more curvaceous woman to see herself from a new perspective, (regardless of age, size and shape©) as being lovely, intelligent, articulate and sensual.

Watch this video of Tiffany Bank.

Sometimes we forget!

As a plus sizer, it is sometimes easy to forget that there are many women in this category who cannot, or do not like to wear fitted garments easily.  By this I mean who who may had had surgery, those who may suffer from various health issues such as lymphoedema and other "swelling" situations.  These women although they would like to wear short dresses and tight fitted pants, cannot do so without causing discomfort either physically or emotionally as in when they see themselves in the mirror.

That's not the only aspect though - a lot of women prefer loose, floating clothing.  It's got nothing to be with living as a 21st century "hippie" - it's got to do with comfort and what a person personally likes.

So it's really good when we see clothing that has been designed and made with the thought of plus-size comfort.  When those designs fit well into the needs of women who want or who need looser flowing garments, then this is even better.

I've been a fan of Love Your Peaches for years now.   Janelle designs her garments from the ground up, and proudly being a plus sizer herself, she goes by "feel" and that includes how she feels when she puts on one of these garments.   Thousands of women around the world agree with her.

Here's a quick selection.  

A stunning jacket

Chesca  has some outstanding garments.   This one has particularly taken my eye.   Visit their website and find something that will really fit into your lifestyle and wardrobe.

The Citronella Crinkle Jacket
Lime tailored jacket is perfect for spring and summer with rever collar and waterfall frill. Made in easy care crinkle "linen-look" fabric and lined with matching satin for a luxury look. Combine with navy or ivory, or our matching lime silk/cotton dress (coming soon!)and have a ball. Plus sizes available.

Sale - Sale - Sale

The number of "sales" which continue to bombard us can become quite overwhelming.   Years ago, a "sale" would be an event that we saw only a couple of times a year - the Christmas Sale, the New Year Sale, and the Financial Year Sale.  Now though it seems that a "sale" is an ongoing event that just continues unabated.

Which is particularly good if you need something rather special, and you have a bit of cash to indulge.

Here again I find the Igigi "sale" is just so tempting.   Here are two garments that have taken my eye, and I would recommend that you visit their site and choose something for yourself.

First of all the "Daphne" Dress:  

The tried-and-true iconic wrap silhouette never fails - an easy-chic versatile piece you can grab and go. Its slate hue is beautifully offset with a pop of pink from the set-in waistband. Finish the classic look with stacked bangles and your favorite wide-strap sandals.

Designed and made in San Francisco, USA

Color: Slate Blue/Pink

Material: 70% Rayon/30% Poly All-Season Matt Jersey

Care: Hand Wash in Cold Water or Dry Clean

And then the "Georgine" Dress  

Incredibly intriguing—the Georgine Dress combines an Asian-inspired print with a natural curvy silhouette. Grace your next event with effortless sophistication and beauty to behold. Complete the look with a upswept hair, a touch of berry to your lip, and your favorite statement heels and you're good to go.

Designed and made in San Francisco, USA

Color: Black/Red

Material: Poly/Elastane and Poly Chiffon

Care: Dry Clean Only

Elegance

Elegante Fine Crepe Long Line Jacket - Artigiano

Too often we see pus-size clothing in styles that don't compliment the fuller figure.  Short jackets that sit on the hip for instance.  We need a fluid line that enhances the curves but allows the eye to look down the figure, rather than concentrate on the "waist-line".

Here's a lovely design.   Beautifully cut and styled.  Read the blurb from the Artigiano website.

"Elegante is the name we give to our signature fine crepe. It feels wonderfully luxurious, with great drape – almost like a double silk crepe – but has none of the stiffness associated with most formal tailoring fabrics and represents outstanding value for money. Highly recommended for smarter occasions such as weddings and christenings. Chic, collarless jacket, beautifully finished with stab-stitch detailing and a concealed button placket with mock shell buttons, two patch pockets and a centre back vent.

• Fully lined
• 100% polyester
• Lining: 100% acetate
• Length 88 cms (35”)
• Dry clean only

Sizes 8 through 24"

Layering in contrast colours!

The plus size woman often doesn't have a lot to choose from when it comes to basic garments - I'm thinking of what is IN her wardrobe now, rather than what is on offer in the stores.

Many thousands of women today are limited in their budgets - whatever many young people may think.  Older women in their 30s onwards have to strictly constrain their spending, and this is where buying good quality garments when they are available, in colours and fabrics that will be complimentary whatever the season, can form the basis of good style.

So if you have some good pants, skirts and jeans, then it's only a matter then of choosing some tops and jackets that will mix 'n match with each other as well as the basic pants, jeans and skirts, and you can find yourself with combinations that will always make you look good, and when you look good, you'll feel good.

As an aside, one of my friends in the USA does her own dressmaking.  She has proven patterns for her pants and she usually wears black.  But her tops and shirts are a riot of colour.  She changes the hemline, the neckline whether v-line, low round or with a collar, she changes the length of sleeves, and her tops and jackets are always commented on favourably by those who know her and see her.   She always looks smart, and you forget that she is plus-size, because she's learned to use colour that suits her complexion and her personality.

I love "layering".   To use different tones of one colour and have a contrast makes so much sense.  And again mixing 'n matching can achieve wonders.  Scarves of every width, and length and pashminas can turn a garment into layers without even trying.

Oh, no! You mustn't wear .....

Has it been said to or about you?  I know for a fact it's been said to me so often I've lost count.   As with "know-it-alls", too often they don't really know a thing!

So it is with STRIPES.   "Oh, no", I can hear some readers say.   And whether that "no" is because they've been told the same thing, or whether they too are of the opinion that plus-sizers shouldn't wear stripes, then I say, give it some thought and think again.

Now I don't suggest throwing caution to the winds and wearing stripes that go around the body.  (Well not unless you have a lot of courage and confidence).  But I do like stripes that go up and down and every-which-way but loose as the old saying goes!  Mind you, I'm a great believer in garments that flatter the body and give a look of fluidity, rather than tightly hugging "some" curves that can be better flattered by clever designing.

Here's an example of stripes being used imaginatively.  Sorry, girls, but unfortunately the model is slim.  But look at the frock itself and then imagine something like this on you.   I think it's really flattering.

Fancy Pants!

This year seems to be the year for "anything".   Dresses, jeans in all different styles and colours, harem pants; knitwear plain, fancy and the Nordic look, and tops in all the colours of the rainbow.

In amongst all this I found yet another website Jibri with some "fancy pants".    So here's an example of their colourful dresses and a jumpsuit.

What happened to our summer?

Everyone seems to be asking the same thing.  But, seasons come and go when they please.  It's the "weather" that can pleasantly surprise us, even when it's OUT of season!  Today we're promised something like 27 degrees - which after weeks of around 15 and 17, sounds good to me!

I found this fantastic video on swimwear.    The advice sure is great.

Going to a special function?

This is the time of the year when all kinds of special events are taking place.  In fact birthdays, engagements and weddings happen all throughout the year!   And the plus-sizer is always looking for that "perfect" ankle-length dress to wow! her friends and family.

Well, look no further than this beautiful creation from Igigi.

 It's the "Naomi" gown and here's the write-up:

"Beaded tulle fabric with two-tone sequin embroidery in a dusty rose resonates with romance.  Pull your hair back in a soft half up-do and find some dramatic vintage-inspired earrings, and your special occasion tool is complete".    This garment is designed and made in San Francisco, USA.


What more can I add to that?

Ab Fab Designs in Paris

Our friend Teena is planning for her Paris trip.   This will be such an exciting adventure, and girls, if you've ever wanted to taste the flavours of Paris (whether in food or in beautiful plus size fashions) then why not contact Teena and have a chat with her.   She'll be so pleased to hear from you, and will welcome you into her group.

    

Teena is contactable at:  AbFabDesigns

But first please take a moment to watch this video:

Stunning clothing!

I know I usually promote overseas suppliers more often than not, but when I have something to say about "local" suppliers, then I have great delight in shouting from the rooftops.

Kita Ku is situation in Box Hill, Victoria, and their range of clothing is very exciting.   Bold colours, bold designs and styles. Mixing and matching is part of the game, and it is so easy to build up a colourful wardrobe with only a few pieces.

I can recommend Kita Ku - I have a number of their garments, and each time I wear them, I always get compliments!  Just goes to show, even "big girls" can look stunning.

Feast your eyes on these.

Plus size garments that are SO different!

So often we find websites (sometimes our favourites and sometimes we come across new websites) that highlight plus-size clothing, but their models are anything but .......

I'd like you to visit Love Your Peaches   Janelle even models her own creations - how more professional can you get than that?

This Zig Zag Tunic has really taken my eye, and if you want something really "different" why not visit Love Your Peaches and take a look at their range.   Janelle is a long-time friend of RoseMary's NoteBook© and we're sure she will make you feel a million dollars.

If in doubt!

Bill Blass is quoted as saying:   If in doubt,wear red!


And if you'd like something really sexy for a special occasion, you can't go past this beautiful Grecian Draped dress from eddyandbri

What a great find.   A maxi dress in a bright colour.   Dress it up, or dress it down, this is a garment that will fit in anywhere, whatever your life-style.

ASOS CURVE Exclusive Jersey Maxi Dress

FROM $39.39

• Plus size maxi dress by ASOS CURVE. Crafted in fluid stretch jersey. Featuring a scooped neckline with thick shoulder straps, seamed empire styling, a flowing maxi-length cut and racer back straps to the reverse. Designed with a relaxed fit through the body. This product is exclusive to our ASOS CURVE collection.

Cuddly Warm

With the colder weather coming in, one's thoughts turn to how to keep warm but still look smart.

I think this may be part of the answer.   The return of capes!

I find they're so versatile - and always add a dash of style to any outfit.

I do like this latest Cape from Maggie T  Their catalogue is terrific this season - have a visit to their website.

A bit of a lift!

I love beautiful bras.  I love being able to buy beautiful bras.  Big bras.  And when it comes to swimsuits, I love swimsuits that enhance and lovingly caress the body.

So it's nice to see that Evans are presently having a sale - yes!  Sales are still going on around the world.   And they ship to Australia!!!!!!

Visit their website and feast your eyes on many specials.

Here are a few to whet your appetite.

To the office!

Dressing for the office was never so good.   No longer dull, uninteresting, unimaginative clothes for a professional look.

It makes me even wish a little that I was still going TO the office every day, instead of working from home, just to show off some of the "corporate" look fashion that is around.

This is from Igigi,   The Farrah Jacket accompanied by skirt and shirt.  Don't you agree that this outfit is smart?  Really smart?   And I love the contrast of the shirt and handbag.

Beautiful colour combinations

Dresses have made an impact upon the current fashion scene.  And it looks as though they're here for a while.

Monif C has recently come out with block colour dresses that really are stunning.   Feast your eyes on these two examples.

Getting ready for Winter?

It's March here, and while it doesn't seem to be any sense in the weather at the moment, reality tells us that we should be thinking of getting some new and exciting clothes for Autumn/Winter.   Don't ask me what happened to Summer, because I honestly don't know.  Did it come and go while I wasn't looking?

But let's get back to some nice clothes - visit Sybils website and see what is on offer here in Australia.  This is a great supplier (has been one of my favourites for years) - perhaps you will find something to your liking, either for everyday wear or for some special function or event.

Black drape neck viscose spandex top and blue, black and purple printed poly spandex 8 gored pull-on skirt.

Some more favourites!

I find it fascinating how Igigi keeps coming up with some stunning dresses.  In new and favourite styles, and in a fantastic array of colours. 

Now me, I love the red winey colours.   And this morning I've discovered two different dresses which would suit me admirably.  These come under the heading of Work Dresses.

Firstly the Cheryl Wrap Dress in Magenta  Read what Igig's website says:  If you like the iconic DVF wrap dress, then you'll love our rendition of a true wrap dress that incorporates a bright spring coloring with a flared skirt and side seam pockets for extra comfort. Add a fun colored clutch and wedges for day or strappy nude pumps with turquoise jewels by night.

Then there's the Donna Dress in Wild Rose.  Again the blurb:  You'll look femme fabulous in this curve flattering front knot dress. The bodice is designed to fit a variety of bust sizes, while the of-trend hue becomes you. Style with a colorful cuff and a pair of shimmering metallic pumps.

 

Colours of the Sky

Block colours seem to be following us from one season to another.  And some "takes" on colour blocking are interesting to say the least.

Here's a lovely dress from Lane Bryant USA 

And this is the write up blurb:   Diagonal Colorblock Dress, Curvy Fashion Find Of The Day

Silky sleeveless dress takes on a sexy new slant with slimming diagonal lines and a trendy colorblock motif. Makes the most of your curves with a V-neckline, bust darts and an elastic waist with coordinating tie belt. Fully lined.

The "dress" has certainly returned, in all it's femininity and prettiness.   For many plus sizers though, the thought of a dress isn't so exciting because who wants to look at thick legs?


But think outside of the square - there are some lovely leggings and boots around and dresses matched up with these two accessories, can really make a definite statement about who you are and how confident you feel in taking advantage of the dresses on the market.

I found another website this morning http://www.style369.com  This company is having a "Sale".  We are certainly being spoiled with all the sales at the moment.  Get in quick!

What happened to Summer?

If you live in the Eastern States you'll know what I'm talking about.  Most of us didn't even have the change of getting our swimsuits out of the chest of drawers, let alone put them on!  Here I am sitting in front of my computer all rugged up as though it were early Winter rather than the 9th March.

But a funny thing happened.  March arrived without any fanfare, and officially we're now in Autumn, but no one has told us - certainly not the weather.   I guess though we should have realised it with all the flooding rains we've been getting, coupled with the strong winds.

So don't let the opportnity pass, without getting in on the act and celebrating the fact that we need to pamper ourselves with some nice clothes - as the McCain ad says, "You're worth it".

Our local Big Time Clothing has some new garments announcing the commencement of Autumn.   Visit their website and choose an outfit that will suit your needs during the coming months.

Colour, colour, colour

It's so maddening when we can't find bright, vivid, loud and bold colours for our plus-size "cold weather: clothing.  Occasionally though a supplier thinks the same as we do, and brings out fantastic colour schemes.

I found this dress on the website of Navabi this morning.  They call it the Psychaedelic dress.  No wonder!

Flattering your figure

I just love it when fashion designers/suppliers provide us with ideas on "how to" flatter our figure.  Being able to visualise clothes having seen what the experts suggest, makes it so much easier when we go to shop or even to mix-n-match what we already have in the wardrobe.

This is an example of what I mean.   It's from Navabi.com.uk http://www.navabi.co.uk

It's supposed to be summer!

The weather world wide is a little bit crazy.   The USA is experiencing very nasty tornadoes; Russia is in the midst of winter;  did I hear that it was snowing in Rome?   Here in Australia, there are floods - throughout Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.  After a drought that lasted almost 15 years, we're now receiving the rains, coupled with strong winds and lower temperatures than normal.

And the cold weather brings us to the point in looking around our wardrobe for nice, comfy, warmer clothes.  Many of us need to brighten our wardrobe up a bit, because our "favourites" have been with us for not only one year but two, three or even more.  That's what comes of being plus size and finding something really nice - we wear it til it becomes almost thread-bare!  But think outside the square - and see what's available overseas - you'll be pleasantly surprised.

You'll notice that I frequently highlight garments from Igigi - this supplier has some beautiful garments that would suit us for every occasion.  Take time to visit their website.

Thick/Thin Models

For decades I've admired female models.   Those women who walked the catwalks of the world, wearing exquisite creations from the salons of Dior, Givenchy, Chanel,  Norman Hartnell and Edith Head to name a few.

Some of these creative design houses have closed while others have changed their image by bringing in new and more modern thinking entrepreneurs.

Models of the 1940s and 1950s were considered to be not only glamourous but beautifully shaped - their waists were a natural 20 inches but they also had natural curves that complimented their small waists.  And their professionalism both in their private lives and in the modelling world were so admired as to be copied by young girls from every walk of life.

Fast forward to the 1990s and 2000s and models were expected to be stick thin.   The problem with this is that many began to show signs of abnormal shapes as well.  Skeletal comes to mind as a description.

But lately there's something else occurring.  Take Ioana Spangenberg as an example.  This woman has a 20 inch waist but can she be favourably compared to the 1950s and 1960s models?    

A recent photo of a model showing one of the latest Lauren garments from the Autumn collection also looks as though she is "starved".   What has happened to healthy looking arms and legs, not to mention busts and butts with a bit of flesh?

But now look at 2012 - we have a new young model who is gracing the scene - Lucy Moore, the new face of Ann Summers. She has curves in all the right places.

Another success story!

Yet again Igigi has come up with the "goods".   Visit their website and see if you don't agree.

This is the Vika Dress and here's the blurb from the website:

"Make day-to-night dressing easy with this elegant ombre dress in brown and teal. It's high waistband & A-line skirt with inverted pleats was created to skim and flatter the figure. We suggest cinching your waist with our Tassel Belt in Bronze and adorning your neckline with a chunky statement piece like the Estelle Necklace.

Designed and made in San Francisco, USA"

A head-turner

Another website I've discovered is Qristyl Frazer Designs

These dresses are stunning and I highlight here the "Embrace" garment in plum and black,  Visit her website and see if you don't agree with me.

We love beautiful clothes .... and we love ......

This blog usually highlights beautiful clothes for the plus size woman - it's our small way of "inspiring women of size to look beyond their shape and size and to realise their full potential©".

You and I, and other women, also have other needs in order to feel acceptable and lovely, and self-esteem in a high need.

Over in the States at the moment there is a campaign by the name of Strong 4Life which promotes a healthy life style for kids.   However .......

One of the ads that I've been sent shows a little girl who is, yes, plump.   But she is not obese.

The photo shows a little girl who isn't overly happy.  And I suspect it's not her size that makes her unhappy, it's the inappropriate attitude shown towards her by people all around her.  I speak from experience; and I have photos taken during my childhood where I had the same facial expression.  I was not only unhappy but I was desperately so.  This sort of recent campaign does absolutely nothing to a vulnerable little girl who looks at the picture and then tells herself she has to diet in order to become acceptable.  Most of us who are plus size have all been subjected to teasing and bullying not only during our childhood but adulthood too and we travelled the heart-wrenching diet journey that did nothing for our self-esteem or our weight.  Telling a person they're fat as though it's the most horrible thing in the world will never affect a healthy feeling of self-worth or a healthy body and mind.  

Attitudes and behaviour like this by others constitutes:

(a) abuse (visual, verbal and emotional),
(b) bullying and discrimination
(c) a lack of kindness and
(d) a lack of respect.

We all deserve respect, and children definitely need it.  How can a little girl have a healthy self-esteem if it is inferred in advertisements such as this, that she is "unacceptable".   Our kids need our encouragement and simple guidelines to follow in their lifestyle and to gain a healthy personal self-respect.

I've written about Marilyn Wann many times in my newsletters, and I've discovered that she is collecting photographs of girls (and boys) and women (and men) who all promote the "I Stand for ....." ideal.   And I'd like to include one of her posters here (copyright to Marilyn Wann, of course).    I love this photo - it shows someone who is cheeky, who is confident and someone who knows she is worthwhile and she intends the world to know it too!

The title of this blog is "we love beautiful clothes ......, and we love........."

What we are saying is:

"we love beautiful clothes ...... 

and we love beautiful people ....... 

no matter what age, size or shape"©

(Some of my followers may think this is a step away from my NoteBook© guidelines, but I feel strongly that this particular campaign, which I have no doubt will spread to other countries including Australia,  should be confronted full-on.  We also need professional to stand up on our behalf - those people who deal with us and treat us and who appreciate us for who we are.  People who accept clients of all ages and all sizes and shapes.  Those nutritionists, psychologists and those in the medical and health industries who deal with us and treat us and who accept that we're not all meant to be a size zero.  Those professionals who in fact promote the theory that plus size people can be healthy.)