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  

PUT A SPRING INTO YOUR STEP

It's Springtime in case you haven't yet noticed.   The gardens and the birds and the bees know it, and have been busy doing what they do with great energy and fun.

We seem to be taking a little time getting used to the changes occuring around us.  Firstly "daylight savings" which doesn't seem to make much sense when we think about it, but who are we to say?  The first week has affected many of us with a general feeling of "jet lag" which is crazy taking into account that it's only an hour we're talking about, as far as our clocks are concerned.

Then there's the weather.   One or two days of beautiful sunshine following crisp early mornings, and then we're back into wearing our winter clothes.

But it's about time we put a bit of a spring into our step - and our wardrobe.

I visited a couple of so-called " boutique stores" last week, and was most disappointed at what I saw.  The garments look nice until I got close to them.  The fabric looks, dare I say it,  washed out and gives the impression that it won't last long.  The "Made in China" label gives a clue.   The prices though are distinctly high-class.  

Then I called into Millers, www.millers.com.au and found quite a few little items that will make Spring seem a lot closer to those of us bemoaning the fact we haven't been able to find it!   Even for big girls (of any age!)

Looks like long skirts are back in vogue (we won't mention the young girls who are wearing little mini-shorts that may be four or five inches in length.   Long skirts are definitely flattering for the generously curvaceous woman.    The long line top with a low round neck sets off the skirt nicely.   Add a bangle or two and strappy sandals with peeping toes coloured in your favourite nail polish, and you'll have everyone talking.

AN OLD-FASHONED WALTZ

While it's always exciting to see what the modern trends are going to be, it's just as nice to see some of the beautiful older styled dresses cutely called "vintage" available too.

Strut Fashion of Canada has these lovely "vintage" evening dresses at the moment and I just wanted to show you the styling of these garments.  They're soft, flowing, flattering and feminine.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR? IT SURE IS.

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT IS SELF ESTEEM?

It’s many things.  Here are some of them.  (Based on a generously endowed curvaceous woman's experience!)

Self-esteem is learning:

* to like yourself, as you are! 

* to see yourself as a friend would see you, as a person worthy of respect

*  that it is not being selfish if you want things - perhaps you’d like to go to university;  you’d like to have a top flight career;  and you’d like to dress well

* that people from all sorts of walks of life should treat you with respect and courtesy

* that your health and fitness should be seen as being of the same worth as any other person, especially younger and slimmer

* that your health and fitness is YOUR business

* that your opinions should be respected   

* that your intelligence should not be questioned

* that how you dress is your choice (and your business) and  you shouldn’t be expected to accept derision or contempt

* that you have rights.   Rights that may include being able to choose for yourself those things that will make you happy.  Choosing for yourself those things that you agree o disagree with.   Choosing for yourself your own circle of friends.  Choosing for yourself what you may eat and what you may choose not to eat.   

* that no one has the right to push you into doing things that you don’t want to do, such as dieting, or undergoing surgical manipulations, including cosmetic

*  that you can do what you want if you really want to

*  that you can wish for anything you want and then go out and make your wishes come true

* that you have a right to be loved.   By others and by yourself

* that no one has a right to belittle you, to put you down or to walk over you

*  that you have the right to pursue a career, and that promotions are part and parcel of that career

* that you have the right to look for a partner and the right to be loved and respected by that person.

* that you should never be used, or abused (in an form, including verbally, physically, emotionally or any other sort)

* that you are a unique and a one-off person with your own personality and individuality

* that your opinions are valuable assets and are yours alone

*  that you have a special place in this universe, and no one has the right to tell you otherwise.  

NOBODY EVER SAID IT WAS EASY - but then if something is worthwhile it’s worth fighting for ...

self-esteem

if you want it, you have to work at it!

Today in the 21st Century, women are targetted with never-ending pressures to follow the dictates of many sections of society to meet a certain criteria.   That criteria has been set by people who are not perfect, so the probability that we can attain the standard demanded of us, is impossible.   

That doesn’t stop them from pestering us, nor does it stop us, for that matter, from turning ourselves inside out (both physically as well as emotionally) in an effort to become more acceptable to these people.   

For the plus-size women, as a result of unabated intolerance, whether it be based on our size, shape, weight or age, we begin to believe the negative insinuations voiced and displayed through magazines and television as well as by other people.

It doesn’t take too long before we are agreeing with them, maybe not so much verbally, but certainly from an internal guilt attitude.   If we had self-esteem to start with, then it quickly begins to erode, as year after year we are buffeted with unhealthy discriminatory attitudes.   We lose the fight to overcome this sort of treatment until such time as the perpetrators of this intolerance believe they’ve won the battle.

As a person of size, some time ago I personally decided to take a stand against this intolerance, and surprised everyone, including myself!   

My story runs parallel with thousands of others, in that being a taller and larger child I was subjected to rudeness and humiliation from a tender age by one of my parents.  The other loved me unconditionally!

Many women who are plus-size confide that their childhood was one of utter confusion.   If some members of their family showed affection towards them, then those who wouldn’t tolerate them being chubby or even taller than others at a similar age, showed hostility and disdain.  Growing up in such an atmosphere will make anyone confused!   This confusion may go on for years, and may sadly continue without a solution.

So what can we do about it?   I think it’s more a matter of “what do we want to do about it?”

If we are serious about wanting to change the situation, then it’s up to us, first and foremost to make an Action Plan.

Nobody else is going to fix the problem - if we’re honest, everybody else has got their own problems.   And anyway, isn’t  it a lot more fulfilling to know that we have resolved a lot of inconsistencies by doing something for ourselves?

I’m a great believer in making “lists”.  I’ve done it since childhood, and I still do it today.   If I want something or wish for something then I get out my pen and a writing pad, and write down the pros and cons of how I aim to achieve that plan or dream.

It’s all very well having the plan inside your head - it’s when you actually express your desire in writing and see it in black and white before your eyes, that suddenly a whole lot of things fall into place.

And that makes the journey VERY interesting!  

Don’t make the mistake however of believing that it’s going to be easy.  Oh, no.  Nothing worthwhile in this life comes easy.  If it did, then we would never have to struggle or strive and we’d never really gain what we’re after.  We wouldn’t grow as a person, because we’d get used to sitting back and having everything nice come to us.    What a lazy time of it we would have!

So let’s look at Self Esteem and some of the things it means.   Believe me, it means a lot, and my list only covers some!

Add your own, and if you’re brave why not let us know some of your additions to the list!  

You've got to smile!!!

Summer/Winter

It's hard to believe that somewhere in the world women are enjoying summer weather.   Even if it is tending towards the start of autumn (fall).    Here in the southern states of Australia, we're having one of the coldest winters on record.   The snowfields are ecstatic with the falls, and even visitors from Canada and the USA are quoted as saying this is one of the best snowfields for 2014.

It's when comparing the garment industry - insofar as trying to find smart winter wear here that is innovative as well as colourful while at the same time eyeing the beautiful summer wear on sale in the US, that we become eager buyers especially when it comes to taking advantage of the many sales over there.  In other words to get ourselves some lovely summer wear in anticipation of our spring/summer seasons.

















It looks as though the pantsuit had returned, as have the maxi dresses.   Which is good for the woman with curves because both these styles suit the gently rounded figure.  Much to the pleasant surprise of those of us with curves!


So here's a selection of maxi dresses, together with a pantsuit that will take you through the balmy afternoons and evenings of the spring/summer weather.   They are all from Igigi.

























As well here's a delightful short skirted dress that will fit in to any occasion.   Dressed up or dressed down all these beautiful dresses say one thing - Big is Beautiful.

The NoteBook July 2014

As with countless other business woman over recent years have done, I've reinvented myself a number of times.  Now I think the time has come again, as the Walrus said, "to speak of many things".  I'd like to add a rider, that the things I speak of will be nice and happy things. 

For those readers in warmer climes, please think of us here in the southern states of Australia experiencing a very cold, if not freezing, winter.   It has to be said (and thousands are saying it) but the weather patterns are definitely changing, and yet reading archival newspapers it seems that with each season there've been articles over the past 150 years at least, saying the same thing.    Perhaps we are heading for another Ice Age!  That's not to say that when we are experiencing the excessive heat of our summers that we don't think we're heading into a Heat Age!   

Of course weather patterns have a big bearing on what we wear.   For the generously endowed woman, we are persuaded that the clothes being presented to us each season, take into account not only our needs but also give us many options in being able to buy clothes that are imaginative and flattering.   I said earlier that I intended to make my comments nice and happy.  Here I am already contradicting myself!  In a nutshell, the majority of clothing stores for the more curvaceous woman have fallen into a habit of giving us clothing that looks as though it is being made from one pattern and one pattern only.   It's all very well having a comfortable tunic style garment to be worn over tights or leggings but most of us would like to have more options to choose from.  More stylish garments;  I know I would.    I'll give you some examples of what I mean by stylish and flattering.

I've included the first picture because its from way back in the 1950s - Jane Russell is wearing a swing jacket that is completely lined in satin.  Oh, yes, I remember this type of garment so well!   The pictures following are from the modern era - Monif C, Love Your Peaches, Kita Ku and Igigi.   All these garments make a statement - and we need garments like this to make us feel proud, feminine and attractive.  In fact we should by this time be demanding our suppliers to cater to what we need and want, rather than allowing them to "persuade" us that what they want to give us is what we should be grateful for!

  

Another thing too.  I do like shopping for myself.   Being able to walk into a store, wander around and choose something that really takes my eye.   Being able to see the true colour, the feel of the fabric and how it looks on me when I try it on.   How I feel about myself when I have it on!  

Now here are some from the latest seasonal offerings, for the larger woman no less.  

Do we really want to dress like teenagers?  To dress as our daughters, or for women like me, to dress like our grand-daughters?   Should I consider myself a grumpy old woman - never satisfied with what the market is offering me?   I'm beginning to think that maybe I have the right to say what I'd like to wear, and to persuade manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers that I deserve to be pampered.   I have made the grade, and earned my Degree!  

I'd be so interested to hear your thoughts.  Write in and voice your views and opinions.  

'til next time

Fondest regards

Rosemary