Friday, 7 October 2011

"Sausage" isn't Sexy - Part Two - Smoothing Out The Bulge

Most fuller figure women expect the following things from their clothing-quality, trend and fit.

Quality is one thing where there is an ever on-going debate. There are so many high end stores which feature clothing by designers who have added full figure lines to their labels. (Hooray for Fashion Week in New York this year!) That is something that I find find both highly complimentary and commendable. Designer's have finally acknowledged that we exist, we are beautful, sexy and our curves deserve the designer clothing opportunity that has for so long eluded us. However, like handbags and footwear, some consumers have become fixated on price and labels.

There are a number of other retailers that offer the same quality for a more modest price. Without going into too much detail of who offers what, it pays to shop around for the variety of clothing available. And remember, sometimes you do get what you pay for. So if you see a nice top or pair of pants with a $10 or less price tag, inspect the item very carefully to see how much wear you'll get out of it. and don't forget the stitching-pulling a thread could render you naked in public very quickly. But don't think that just because you paid a whole lot of money for the item that you don't have to worry about something like this, because you would be incorrect. It happens to expensive clothing a lot more than you realize!

Trend is another factor that is much sought after, particulary by fuller figure women because in the past market, all that was available were items that resembled boxes, shower curtains or afghans. Clothes were made to hide us. But the modern FF woman loves to look as trendy and as sexy as smaller women. And there is no reason why we can't as long as we remember that not all trend is a fit and not all that fits is a trend. Sometimes it can be a tragedy.

If you are trend concious, you have to really keep up with the current fashion status quo. You have to learn the ins and outs of mixing styles and updating outfits. It can be very tricky and can take a lot of time, but if that's what you want to do, you have to be willing to do the research so that you can be on top of your game. And Swinter,the process of mixing summer pieces with winter, has a very fine line between looking super chic and super stupid. Proceed with caution!

Fit. This is a factor that can make or break an outfit, look or attitude because it encompasses style, motion, look and comfort. Listen, women as a whole must be honest with ourselves about out bodies shape. Evaluate your assets as well as your flaws. If there is something that you feel needs some improvement, be honest with yourself about what it is and what you can do to correct it. You may have the perfect dress or outfit that you want to wear. It fits a little too snuggly, and you want to wear it soon. You toy with the ideas of starving yourself on salads or water, trying the newest weight loss pill or going to a gym to run forever on a treadmill. But what if you need immediate results? What then?

Ever heard of Ardyss?
Hour Glass Angel?
Bali?
Or Spanx?

If you haven't, maybe you need a couple.

But before you dismiss the idea completely, allow me run a few things by you. You may be surprised!


Tune in Monday for "Sausage" isn't Sexy-Part Three-Bulge and Roll 101


Thursday, 6 October 2011

"Sausage" isn't Sexy - Part One - Identifying the Epidemic

 Let's face it-the market for Fuller Figure Clothing Market has made a lot of strides but still has a long, long way to go. Especially in Bermuda where the choice of clothing items is limited. Although the local retailers are making a concerted effort, there still remains a great divide between our needs and clothing availability. I, for one, can relate to this problem as I love clothes, footwear, handbags and jewelry.

Like most women I love to look good! It's something about looking good that adds a spring to your step and a confidence in your stride. It makes you want to swing those hips as you walk and toss your head whether your hair is short or long!

But, wearing the proper clothing can make the difference between looking good and looking tragic. Not all clothing is meant for everybody or every body. (That applies to our slim counterparts as well.) Not every style is suitable for your body shape or height. Not every color is suitable for your skin's undertone. And sometimes your undergarments can play a big part in what you will look like in that special outfit.

And Ladies, not all  Large, 1X, 2X and 3X are true to size. I know that sometimes an item may be so irresistible or cute that we just have to have it. But is it really worth the risk of you becoming part of the island's "Sausage Alert?"


Tune in tomorrow for "Sausage isn't Sexy" -Part 2 - Smoothing Out the Bulge.

When all is said and done.

He is gone.

My father, my mentor, my friend and confidante, my shield from the entire world is gone.

The pain is still fresh and the numbness has not yet left my body. I loved my father so much. He and I were so much alike in looks, way of thinking, actions. So many ways.

Through all of the pain, there are some profound things that remain. Everyday when I look in the  mirror, it is his face that I will see, as I am the spit and image of him. Everytime I hear a song from the early fifties to the late eighties, I will think of him and how much his love of music influenced my own. Each old telelvision comedy, western or old movie that I see, I will remember how much he enjoyed them. (And each Harry Potter. I got him hooked on those!)  As I look around my house and property and drive in my car, I will remember him as it is through him that I am able to enjoy these things.

I realize that it was his time. And I am glad that I spent every moment that I could with him throughout my entire life. He is in a place of peace with no more pain. I will love and cherish him always. And I will do with my life the same thing that he did with his.

I will live it to the fullest extent of  my entire being.

David Charles Henry Burgess (May 9, 1934-September 24, 2011)
Rest in Peace.
Love Always,
Pumpkin.