CARING about one another. CARING for one another.

Hello Dear Friends

For those of us of a “certain age” (don’t ask me what that means, because as far as I’m concerned any and every age is a “certain” age!! Lol), we’ve enjoyed many decades that became enriched following the Second World War, by way of better housing, more choices as far as food and clothing are concerned;  better transport, in fact being able to buy our own car, better and faster access to going to the Dr, the supply of medications, the ability to travel extensively, being able to regularly go to a restaurant for a special meal, the opportunity of education whether it be by attending mature-age university or by learning on the job, the technological age that permitted us to have our very own personal computer and then electronic devices, and the list goes on.

Yet now in 2020, with each day, in fact almost hour by hour, we find more things to upset us;  to cause us inconvenience; to make us anxious and stressed.   We learn there are more things to confront.   

For nothing has prepared us for this dreadful Covid 19 and its horrendous journey throughout the world and for those who say it’s not serious are denying reality.   The government here in Victoria (Australia) is bringing  in even more stringent measures in its endeavour to control the rapid spread of this virus through social physical interaction; casinos, hotels, sporting events, gyms, coffee shops, restaurants, concerts, art galleries, theatres,  cinemas, churches are having to close.    Warnings of social distancing have been rejected by thousands of people, who take the attitude its not serious and therefore doesn’t affect them.  The common laws of good manners and common sense have been foolishly scorned. Hundreds of thousands of jobs are being lost, as well as small businesses going to the wall.  Not to mention large businesses.  

Unfortunately it affects us all.  And it's important that we, as intelligent, sensible human beings, take into account that each one of us is as important as the other.  Caring and sharing has become a symbol of “charity” (good-will and kindness) to its highest level of meaning amongst many people in our communities.  Young people are volunteering in droves to deliver food parcels  where homelessness and poverty prevent people from buying essential foods.  Each day brings “positive” stories of individuals who have decided to make a stand, and to do things for other people, without thought of recompense.  

I made a conscious decision more than a fortnight ago to semi-self-isolate.   For someone who has always enjoyed my own space, and not needing other people to provide my “entertainment”, it has been quite enlightening to me to realise what semi-self-isolation actually means.  Especially for those who “need” face-to-face interaction with other people.  I cannot comprehend their feelings of loss.  Yet,  I thank God for my one small room which I call my sanctuary - my “Serendipity Sanctuary”! 

So, finding my options were (1) watching TV, which I haven’t done for quite some time with the exception of the evening news each day; (2) reading and I’ve begun to read some of my old favourite authors again;  (3) and apart from vacuuming my room, tidying up and dusting, doing a little bit of simple cooking, it has become clear  I have the opportunity of seeking other means of keeping myself occupied in meaningful and worthwhile endeavours.  I am lost for things to do!   Although I have found I’m increasing my contact with friends, some whom I’ve not spoken with for years,  by telephone, and now by “ messenger” via my iPhone    The sound of another human voice and a voice we know, brings so much pleasure and costs nothing.  Oh yes, I’m playing music far more often that I’ve done over the past few years.   There’s no doubt that music soothes the soul.   

I am most fortunate in having my computer.   I can sit and write.  I can sit and learn.   I can sit and think.  And boy, do I think a lot?   (As most of you know!!)    I’ve decided that “semi-self-isolation” is in fact “solitude”.   Solitude is not loneliness.  It is more a “place of calm and peace”, whereby our well-being can become:

(a) refreshed

(b) reinvigorated

(c) revitalised

(d) renewed

(e) revived, and

(f)  restored. 

With that achieved, we are well armed to provide helpfulness through kind and loving words and encouragement; a listening ear to those who are going through problems that beset them;  and a heart that is open to those who need a friend. 

Women of all ages, since the beginning of time as we know it, have been resilient, adapting to the changing world around us.  Going without - in order that families and neighbours were fed;  in order that children were clothed and educated; in order that elders were cared for;  in order that others were thought of and looked after.  

Women have had to fight for the privilege of education (and I’m not only speaking of the 20th century, but earlier.)   Women had to fight draconian working conditions in mills and workshops as the industrial age came along, not to mention the backbreaking work in the coal and tin mines,  Women had to fight for acceptance to become doctors and teachers, and then typists and secretaries.  Women have had to fight discrimination throughout all facets of every-day life.  Women have had to face hardship, poverty, domestic abuse, and sadly many still do. 

But all in all, as life-style things improved for women, we began to take things for granted in so many ways.    This situation that now confronts us is a “wake-up” call, that things are not as they seem or as we recall just months ago.  We can’t assume that life will continue in that way, after this virus has passed away.  We have to grapple with a new reality and a fight against an unseen and remorseless foe. 

Yet women are born fighters!   And while we are facing and coping with this Covid 19,  if we look beyond our own needs, and share with others their needs, we will all be victors!    And our men need us too.  To provide the strength and toughness of spirit that we can provide them as they also battle with the insecurity and uncertainty presently confronting us.   

Because  women have always had the ability to look beyond what is NOW.  For “now” soon becomes “then.”   

Take care my friends and express love to one another in simple ways.   God bless you all - without exceptions.  We need each other more now than history can recall.   

Fondest regards

🌹🌹🌹

Some day my "prints" will come

Remember the theme song from Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs?   Some day my Prince (prints) will come?

Well, I'll be contented with some of the lovely prints (large and small) that are appearing in our stores, and I believe we're being promised many more variations on the print theme.

Block colours are gradually easing out and prints are back!  Does that mean chintz as well? Does everyone remember that fabric - mostly used for curtains and furnishings but brave young women of the day used chintz to make their own "fashion".  For we used to make our own clothes, would you believe?   

When it comes to fabrics, I wonder why we never see things like broderie anglaise and seersucker these days.   They're not seen to be "luxury" fabrics and yet, and yet ......... For one thing they are both excellent fabrics for our warm weather here.   Now I'm talking out of turn here I guess, because the temperature here overnight was zero but the sun is now shining in a bright blue sky and while there's a chill in the air, the sunshine makes us think of the warmer days.  

But then we're in Winter heading towards Spring (officially starts tomorrow!), so that's to be expected.  

In the meantime,
Regards

Procrastination doesn't pay

For someone who believes they are "organised", I think I fell through the floor.  I've just been able to find my blog, and have determined to be a little more regular in posts.

Of course during the time since I last posted on the NoteBook©, I've been battling with a few growing older issues including health, but then many of my readers have found themselves in similar boats, so at least we can laugh togetther, and share notes.

The other thing that happened is that I had a great deal of trouble with my ISP, who startsd billing excessive charges, with no real understanding of my loyalty years.  Some 25 years to be exact.  So I did what any sensible woman does, and I told them to keep their service and I'd go elsewhere.

You know, it's times like this when you realise that putting things off doesn't pay and quite honestly is stupid.   Just because were growing older doesn't mean to say that we've lost the ability to think things through and to make concsious decisions that are favourable and worthwhile.

So that's what's been happening in a nutshell since my previous post.   A tiny nutshell I'll admit, but nevertheless gives an explanation of what I've been up to.

I see on the news last evening that our friend Ita Buttrose has been chosen to be the next Chair of the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporatio).    This lady has proved many times of her tenacity, determination, discipline and her ability to take on extraordinary projects.   I persoally wish her well. recall back in the very days of this NoteBook© that Ita interviewed me on her radio programme on 2GB in Sydney.  She encouraged me, she inspired me and continues to do so.

Regards to everyone.

Springtime

Springtime officially began here in the eastern states of Australia on the 1st September.

Well!  You could have been mistaken about that, for the weather has been somewhat contradictory.  The cold spell we've had reminds us of mid-winter and this of course has reflected in what we are wearing.   It's almost as though we're asking ourselves "when will we be able to wear some of our lovely summer clothes".

But it's merely a matter of being patient, and making sure that our summer clothes are in readiness for us.  

For the more curvaceous woman, the ranges from Maggie T as well as Autograph meet our young-at-heart feelings - whatever age we are!   For the more budget conscious, then the ranges from Victoria Hill and Danart neet that need as well.   Visit both their websites and view their latest catalogues and then get along to a store or purchase from on-line.

Cotton and linen are favourites this year as well as a lot of stretch fabrics, particularly in pants and crops.   The casual but dressy look is one that will carry you from the home, or business, to an early evening get-together with friends.

LATEST VIEWS AND OPINIONS!

There are still a number of stores that well clothing up to and including size 18 and sometimes 20.  Anything higher then you have to look around to find what’s there, and more importantly what looks good.  For as you and I know full well, many of the clothes are so mass produced that they begin to look like just plain olf “stuff”.  We know that most, if not all, clothing these days is made in China.

But I’m not complaining.  Ha, you say.  Rosemary’s not complaining?   Well I suppose I am in a small sweet way, but what I’m doing is stating fact. 

    

There are some good companies overseas, including Making It Big (which now comes under the title of “On the Plus Side by Making It Big” (mib@makingitbig.com).  Monif C (monifc.com) info@news.monifc.com) and Igigi (igigi.com)  who cater for the more curvaceous woman.   

These are very sexy garments and if I were “brave” I might be tempted!

While I’m not suggesting in any way that any garments from these suppliers are anything but top quality, a lot of women are now coming back to the old-fashioned idea of being able to “see” a garment, “feel a garment” and to look at how it is made (sewn) before buying.  Some are perfectly happy buying on-line and have never been disappointed.  I had a couple of experiences and was extremely disappointed, so ……   (Let's be honest here, my purchases DID NOT come from any of these three USA suppliers!)

Now we come to what is available in the stores here.  Autograph has some lovely garments, including underwear/lingerie did you know?   It’s always worth your while to visit an Autograph store because they do have some great bargains occasionally.   Taking Shape - well I’m on their email list but for some reason nothing seems to take my eye.  But then, as most of you will be aware, I’m not longer “young” (even though I'm still seen as young at heart) and I’ve come to the stage where I have worked out my wardrobe and what suits me, and I stick with the guidelines I’ve set myself from years experience.   So a number of Australian stores that supposedly stock and sell clothing for curvaceous women have a focus on the younger woman most of the time.

I even find (here I go - am I in fact complaining?  Probably).   I find Maggie T garments are attractive but so pricey that I can no longer do more than look at their catalogue (on-line) and drool.  That’s where I’ve gotten to, girls.

I’m also on the mailing list for “In Fashion”, the catalogue that includes Damart and Victoria Hill.  While Damart,garments go up to size 24, many of Victoria Hill garments go up to size 30.   This latest catalogue for Spring 2016 has some really attractive items.   Let me say at the outset that the prices are comparable to those in the stores, but it’s a matter of sensibly working out a mix-n-match outfit and then being able to add items at a later date that will in effect create YOUR own profile outfit.   Let this be the start of something BIG!

Victoria Hill has Jeans, regular lengths as well as Crop,  Tunic Tops, Lightweight Cardigans, Knee Length Crinkle Shorts, a dress or two, tee shirts, sweatshirts, plain and printed polos, skirts, and a selection of jeans, shirt, cami and skirt in Lyocell (which in the catalogue looks very much like Tencel - remember that fabric)  

Their catalogue also has a range of swimwear, shoes, handbags, hats (including floppy hats for the sun!), and jewellery.   Not to mention nightwear and lingerie.

This catalogue is 100 pages, and well worth having a look at the hard-copy.   Again, I’m old-fashioned and like leafing through the catalogue and making my mind up slowly rather than going mad on-line and ordering half a dozen items that I may not like in the long run.

So there, has this given you any ideas?   Perhaps you’ve got ideas of our own that you could share with me, and the other readers of RoseMary’s NoteBook©  Then we’ll all be the Gold Medal Winners.

'Til next time

Rosemary

PUT A LITTLE ZING INTO YOUR STEP!

When it comes to being flambouyant, there’s nothing quite like a full-circle skirt.  Especially a long full-circle skirt. 

There’s something quite sensual about the skirt flowing freely around your legs and with Springtime not too far off, why not look into adding this type of garment to your wardrobe.

For those of us who are “growing older”, it can quite often become a matter of “I’m too old for something like that”.   Well more to the point what’s growing older got to do with wearing something that makes you feel good?   

So get out there and let your hair down, as the old saying goes, and even if you only wear it indoors, make it your goal to start looking at yourself as a unique, one-off individual.   Age, size, colour have nothing to do with being a woman and enjoying life as a woman should do.   

Our younger women are experimenting with all sorts of variations and trends all the time.  Don’t put off doing something really nice for yourself.

It’s your time you know,  Right now,   Let’s know what you’ve added to your wardrobe recently and what you intend to add in the short term.

'til next time

Rosemary

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Well, as you’ll see it’s been a long while since I “posted” on my blog.   Some people have asked the reasons why, while others haven’t said a word.  Does that mean not many of my regulars have been following me after all?

However, ever the inveterate optimist, that’s me.  So I’m starting the New Year off with a reminder to everyone to please keep this blog current and to “follow me” on your computer.  Perhaps you’ll learn a thing or two, perhaps you’ll be entertained, informed and/or educated.  Perhaps you won’t learn a thing, but hey, let’s keep in contact one way or another.

Many of my friends have gathered up the courage to try out FaceBook.  Well, my friends, believe it or not, I’m trying to grasp the ins and outs of FaceBook myself.  But it’s not as easy as it sounds.  Oh yes, young people seem to be able to navigate it quite smoothly and even to make it work for them.  Me, I stumble and I stagger around, but at least I’m trying.  Yes, I hear many of my friends say, you definitely are “trying”, Rosemary!

But with that, I’d like to start off by stating, the obvious.  I don’t know where “fashion” is here in Australia - has it gone to sleep, is it hiding, or does it only come out at night?  As all my loyal readers know I am a great “observer” of people, particularly women, and I can’t see where there is anything exciting being worn by the majority of women who visit our shopping malls and larger centres during daylight hours.  Once again, and please don’t blame me, but it seems to be to be “same all, same all”.   Where’s the flare, where’s the fun, where’s the flounces, where’s the feminity, where’s the feisiness?

Dull, boring, cut off pants and tee shirts.  Jeans and tee shirts.   “Hippy” style long skirts with tee shirts.   Slip slop thongs (I mean the footwear not the undies).   Bra straps showing and for those who don’t wear bras, a lot of “other” showing.   

Let’s start 2016 off with an understanding of what we can wear, how we can wear it and how we can embrace our femininity with style.   It’s a matter of experiment, experiment, experiment.  Experiment with colours, with textures, with fabrics, with designs and what ever else you can think of.

Layering brings with it a whole kaleadiscope of possibilities.  You can put together colours that you may not usually wear, but take the plunge.  You’ll enjoy the experience.

'til next time

Rosemary

THE PACE OF LIFE

So much has changed during recent years, not only in our daily lives, but in the way we live.  And especially at the speed at which we live.  Who would have thought even five years ago that "social media" would take over our lives.

Communication today is instantaneous.  Social media has made a lasting effect upon our thinking and this can be both a good as well as not so good thing about organising the hours in any day.

No longer do we need to depend just on women's magazines that came out monthly rather than weekly to read the latest fashion trends, celebrity gossip, what is occurring on the other side of the world.  We hear about these things so quickly now that for many of us, our heads spin trying to take it all in.  For "fashion trends" change not only seasonally but almost daily.

Yet many quotations by notable people from years ago are still pertinent today when it comes to fashion particularly.

I'd like to quote Yves St Laurent who said:

"FASHION FADES, STYLE IS ETERNAL"

Instead of chasing fashion trends (which so often don't suit us at all), why not study the effects of "style"?   Observe other women and how they dress, whether it be casual or conservative, and see how confident and self assured women use clothing in such a way as to expxress their own individual personality, rather than being part of the "mob".  And they do it with a certain panaché.   

QUOTATION for the DAY

When people have light in themselves, 

it will shine out from them

then we get to know each other as we walk together 

through the darkness,

without needing to pass our hands over each other's faces, 

or to intrude into each other's hearts.

.... Albert chweitzer - 1875-1965

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

And the song

from beginning to end

I found in the 

heart of a friend

..... Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

NOT a problem to be solved!

I've just discovered this on FaceBook (but was unable to "share" for some reason) so full acknowledgement is given to the author/artist whoever it may be.

The important thing is that this is the type of "poster" we should see more often.   I wonder sometimes why we don't see many children's books about "chubby" boys and girls, in a positive way.

In fact why why don't we see a lot more curvaceous "female" heroines (or larger "male" heroes) in novels.  Can you think of any?  Write and share your finds.

A GLIMPSE OF THE SEASON'S TRENDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

COLOURS AND HOW WE FEEL ABOUT OURSELVES

It’s all got to do with a basic knowledge of what colours suit you and your complexion.  Believe it or not but colours ARE important, not only to how you look but to how you feel.

Let’s face it, with everything that’s going on around us at any time, we need to feel “good” about ourselves.   There’s enough criticism and negativity that is inferred, or said, by others to make us feel less optimistic about ourselves.  That shouldn’t be, and we know we shouldn’t take any notice, but unfortunately there are days when we do.  And we fall in a heap.  We start criticising ourselves.  We vent our anger at ourselves for being too fat, too ungainly, too clumsy, too dull, too boring.  Then we become even more critical on how we dress.

If I turn my thoughts into focussing on “me” all the time, then I lose track of what is important to me, and in my life.  Many women I have spoken and listened to, who have all come to the conclusion that we know what is best for us, agree that when we have basic knowledge of what is good for us, then we can add to it, work on it, and enhance it.  Thus making our lives happier and contented.

When I was younger I wasn’t aware there were most definitely colours that didn’t suit me.  I saw lovely garments in the stores, I went in, tried them on in the store dressing rooms and handed over my hard earned money for them.  Taking them home and hanging them in the wardrobe, it simply didn’t occur to me to ask myself why, after something like 5 years, I had never worn that garment again.  I learned much later it was because the colours did not suit me.  The lighting in the dressing rooms of the stores and my hunger to find something I liked made me lost focus.

That was until I met Susan M of Booragoon, WA.  An Image Consultant par excellence.  Susan took me through the steps of understanding the range of colours and the importance of yellow based and blue based colours.  Now for a long while I couldn’t understand what a “blue based yellow” was, nor a “yellow based blue”.   It took time, and I’m glad it did because now when I see a colour I know immediately what category it falls under.   I’m a “blue based person” so when I go into a store I know exactly what I’m looking for.  My wardrobe is grateful for this knowledge too.

It all comes down to being willing to learn new things about ourselves, and life.

GROWING OLDER, with style

I'm a great observer of places and people.  Particularly women.   When it comes to seeing someone who takes your eye and is an example of a person who is comfortable with who and what she is, then this shows in their dress as well as demeanour.

Take Jill for example.  A woman in her 70s and very proud of it.  I have only known her for about 3 years, yet She astounds me with her dress sense and style every time I see her.

For more examples of "growing older" women who are living exciting and adventurous lives, visit our sister-blog,  "the SILVER GENERATION©".   

GOOD MANNERS

According to a recent publication by Paul Theroux on 31rules for international travel, Australia doesn't come out too well!

If one looks at Rule Number 8, it comes as a slight shock to read:  "The Australian Book of Etiquette is a very slim volume".

While the publication focusses on 31 rules, there are three main areas that are seen to have declined over recent years and those of us who live in this Great South Land could offer even more examples.  It is a great pity these days good manners aren't seen to be important or at the very least taught at primary school level.  It all comes back to lack of respect - lack of respect for and to others, and lack of respect to and for oneself.

Take for instance - people travelling on public transport not offering their seats to pregnant women or the elderly.  Their attitude appears to be - I bought a ticket therefore I have the right to a seat regardless of other people's needs that are greater than mine.  

The next item that offends many of us - whether we be residents here in Australia or visitors, is the trend to use cutlery incorrectly.   Don't people learn how to use a knife and fork together?   Many Australians have adopted the American habit of eating all food with a fork used like a spoon.   Of course then there are those people who don't use a knife or fork, but use fingers.  Not only for finger food but for any solid food that is served - for instance - leaf salads, chops, peas (yes, that's been seen many times), asparagus, even finger tips of rice.

The third item which is apparent in today's society is the lack of good manners when it comes to a man opening a door for a woman.  Too many men expect the woman to open the door for them and then they walk straight in front of her through the door not caring to see that the door doesn't slam back into her.  On the other hand, too many women who demand to be seen as "equals" (read: better than) see good manners from a man as being "weak" and discriminatory and either abuse or glower at him.

We won't get onto the subject of equal pay here, but quite honestly, good manners don't cost a cent, and yet we seem to have lost the ability not only to live express good manners, but to understand what good manners are.

As Tom Elliott (Drive time host on 3AW) says:  In the areas of education, workforce participation and pay, gender equality is undoubtedly a good thing.  But must it come at the expense of social etiquette?

TAKING RISKS!

I sometimes wish I were a "wordsmith" - someone who could say in a few beautiful words what my heart would like to say and describe.  (I just know someone will write and tell me the word should be "was" and not "were"!)

Reading a wonderful new book the other day, "Out of the Woods but not Over the Hill" by Gervase Phinn, I came across this paragraph:

"Life is full of risks.  If you laugh, you risk being thought silly;  if you weep, you risk appearing mawkish;  if you ask a question, you risk sounding foolish; if you show your feelings, you risk revealing your true self; if you try, you risk failure; if you tell  someone you love them, you risk not being loved back.  But the risk is worth taking, because the person who risks nothing has a pretty tedious life."

This almost says it all.   Reading it makes you realise that you're not the only one who has taken these risks - in fact some readers will have taken them all!

Being human brings with it a level of uncertainty in all manner of situations and circumstances.   Not taking risks seems to me to be rather unwise, for that person never really lives.  Especially having taken the risk and come through the other side a stronger and better person.

*  If you want a book that will delight you, will bring memories of your childhood, and will make you laugh until you roll around the floor, then you must read the books by Gervase Phinn.   Enquire from my friend Meryll at Rainy Day Books and she'll put you in the right direction.   www.rainydaybooksofthebasin.blogspot.com

AGING NEEDN'T BE DAUNTING!

Hidden within all sorts of abysmal news in the national newspaper this week 

I came across this article which I'm quoting hereunder:

The prospect of ageing needn't be daunting as we're happiest at 85, according to new research.

An increasing number of wrinkles and getting undeniably close to death aren't enough to put the elderly off enjoying themselves - research confirms we don;t get sadder as we get older,

In fact, it seems that just the opposite is true.

A telephone poll of 340,000 people showed that after 50, people start progressively getting happier.

By 85, people were more satisfied with themselves than when they were 18.

While the results of the US Gallop telephone poll showed that happiness came with age, it didn't uncover the cause of this phenomenon, as reported in Live Science.

The survey showed that people start out at age 18 feeling pretty good and feel progressively worse until they hit 50.

But after that point, people begin getting happier.

FASHION and WARDROBE STYLISTS

I can’t keep up with the expressions, Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y.  To be quite honest I haven’t found anyone who could explain what they mean.  Young people know, because they fit into one or another of the categories.  I’ve given up trying to understand.

But there’s one thing I do understand, and I hope many adult women will take on the title of being a member of the “silver years”.   What I have learned, and what I hear woman of a certain age say every day, is that “fashion” (read:  clothing in the stores, be that major stores or chain stores), is geared for the young, the very young.   Even, unfortunately, many of the brand names that have their own boutique stores.

In this comment I don’t include the following here in Australia:  Big Time Clothing (up to size 50); Sybil’s (up to size 32), Fella Hamilton; Motto; Maggie T. that all display a knowledge of the older woman’s needs in the fact that the majority of their garments fall within the term “classic”.   I still wish however that all these companies who only go to size 20 and yet claim to be "plus size" would consider increasing their clothing range to include size 24 and 26 at least.   

However I digress.  Let me get back to the subject of the “silver style” (elegance and sophistication for the “silver” generation).   For too long the growing older woman has been given the choice of dressing in the mode of young women whose life is fast-paced and quite casual.  The trend towards tops and tee shirts worn over tights is all very well, and certainly satisfies the needs of the young.  Tights go very well too for growing older women who have good legs, flat tummies and taut and trim upper arms and figures and there are many women who have this advantage. 

But we don’t all fit into that category.   Even though our figures have changed in shape and size over the years, doesn’t mean that given sensible, smartly designed and cut stylish clothing that we won’t come up looking fantastic.  This is where classic and style comes into the picture.  For we deserve to look fantastic!

For those of us who are enjoying the “silver” years, there’s a growing interest within our fashion and wardrobe stylists, to cater to our needs as an ongoing focus.   This has taken time, but the Myer buying team have recently noticed “silver shoppers” are being attracted to the designer brands. 

Stylist Jo Blankfield (Melbourne) writes in an article in the Sun Herald this past week:  “silver shoppers had been scared of looking like mutton dressed up as lamb but were starting to rethink their assumptions that there was nothing available for them in fashion outlets where younger women shop.”

That’s all very well especially for growing older women who have slim and trim figures.  Tight, poured-into leather pants really don’t however look good on a woman with curves who usually takes a size 24-26 and not only proudly boasts her curves but also her wrinkles.  She requires a special kind of styling - garments that flatter her figure by fluid lines, are not tight, or too short, or a cheap looking fabric/colour mix.

So “silver women” everywhere, share your views on what you consider to be a classic, stylish wardrobe for your everyday needs, be they as a retired woman or as a career woman.  Share photos of your favourite garments and tell us where you bought them.

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.