On the ‘plus’ side of life
02-02-2010
In a society that appears to not be starved for choice at all, for some it can be more than it would ever appear. This statement applies to a very wide scope of things and situations in life as a whole, however in this article I'm talking about style. True style, you know the personal expressive kind and the fashionably fitting statement ways of the people of yesterday today and tomorrow.
Now before I go to the heart of my agenda today, I feel it necessary to remind everybody of a few basic, although somewhat effective facts. What we wear can and often does say a great deal about who we are and how we're feeling (about ourselves or just on a particular day). Smart, daring, warm, bold, earthy, feminine, conservative, sexy, exotic, take your pick. Everybody has their own style and material essence, those who say they don't just haven't bonded with it yet.
I think the different views towards style (not just fashion, but interiors etc.) are fit to about 2 coins each with (like a coin) two opposing sides, thus giving us 4 steady types to work with;
You get the guys and girls with one solid style summing their main 'soul' attraction up, the other side to that coin being the people who delve in to a mixture of varying styles, displaying the abundance of different aspects to their personality and mood through their style. Then you have those who see clothes just as material, a couch just as a seat and wallpaper as a layer not a fashionable one to a wall, taking the textures, shapes and colours out of the equation. They are their personality, their material objects are still life – non factors. Opposing them are the people out there longing for personal style, a refreshing wash of them on to their surroundings but who have no idea how or no options to be so inclined.
There are so many different meanings, uses and expressions. Therefore different styles and different connections between people and style.
[For the record I do not believe in stereotypes fully though I have experienced people that fit in to certain one perfectly. There will never be one way, one thing or one answer, life is full of contradictions (which is part of what makes it amazing) but If understanding and accommodating can be accomplished easier by grouping together some of the main identifying types then I am willing to paint a picture of them. There are people who fit in no box or can tick all of them, this is not about box fitting or stereotypes. It's impossible to know every soul in the universe intimately so when you've only so much information to go on – typically a person's external form and presence (based on more than a first impression as we all know how wrong we can have it judging by that) – this can sometimes be a useful way of getting a message across.]
Some people haven't had the chance or choice availability to be themselves, connect their soul to their wardrobe. Like with everything else there are lots of reasons why, the one I'm tackling today is the 'because they don't fit in to the size 6-18 range' (with some designers and stores the range is tighter being a size 6-14).
If you are over a size 18 today, the choices have multiplied but let's be honest, there could and should be more options available to you. Why do people, the designers think it appropriate that you settle for what you can get, what is made in your size? It's not appropriate or acceptable at all.
To be clear and fair there are now more and more, more fashionable and flattering ranges coming to see the light of day that are designed for the fuller figured woman (they have been arriving to us during the course of the last 10 years). Simplybe.co.uk is a great example of how far things have come (though I do recall seeing unflattering items in their collections over the years, but hey no ones perfect right).
I guess I've still got embedded in my mind the images of the clothing ranges of the past for size 18+. You know the ones I mean; the ones that are not labelled otherwise you would assume were for the much older curvy woman, not the 20-40 year old women out there. It's a hard image to shake.
Saying that a few ranges have caught my attention recently, the newest one being ' Curve' by ASOS. Browsing through their, a week ago 44 and today 47 piece collection I was pleasantly surprised and quite relieved (as I would hate to have to dislike anything by such a fabulous company) to see for the most part the pieces available in sizes 20-26 are not old fashioned, designed for the elderly or completely hideous in any way. They give various options in terms of looks and personality – from casual to second date, and they are not based on one person's opinion or taste of what is casual or suitable for a second date. You'll find that instead of 'this is what you'll wear' there's a feel of if you prefer this style then there's this and if your more of a this kinda gal then look over here. I saw a couple of trend pieces in there too which is always nice to see.
I do have one negative thing to say. It's regarding an I item I came to view 'ASOS Curve Slub Stripe Top'. I clicked, scrolled, liked and loved as you do when 'just looking' on the internet. When I found myself shocked and thrown into immediate veto-ing, saying the word "no" out loud.
Now I know there is freedom of choice, style, speech and so forth but as a designer and buyer is it not your job to encourage the harmonious choices and minimise the options for bad style choices? I mean you are creating for the larger woman, you want to inspire and captivate, give options of flattering a relatable nature – not something that will give the illusion of a balloon or somebody two sizes bigger.
Always choose vertical over horizontal (when it comes to lines in fashion and a few other things come to mention it. If we were talking two people in love, well that's a different story…), and no no no to the shapeless form. Even women who are a size 12 should keep this in mind and watch it with stripes in a horizontal form on a 'sack' type top, as for women with little natural shape the lines can act like a buffer and create a sort of optical illusion of shape, but for those already with it your focus should be on defining and harnessing what you've got subsequently heightening your best parts, not hiding them.
I would avoid buying this item if you are size 12 or above. If you really love stripes and truly don't care then go ahead, who am I to stop you?
In fact I believe in doing what you feel, not think. Most of the time. I just feel there are times to think first, it's not about adhering to the ways of others, following the leader or not being yourself. It's about being your best self (looking and feeling), being your best friend and your best judge (mindful, non-abusive and with your best interests at heart).
My sister said to me today when showing me a top she'd bought (in store from New Look) "I know it's not really complementing of my shape but I just liked it so much, and thought screw it. I keep seeing tops I like that just don't flatter me at all, then I saw this one and I really like it". This was all said to a face scrutinising and debating ways to wear this top. I simply replied back "honestly I'm not sure about this, it's better suited to a straighter body type. If you really like it though I'm sure it won''t insult your body as much as some of those others you liked would!". My sister is very similar to me in body type. Hourglass figure, size 10-12 with a natural 34FF chest (you wouldn't believe the amount of struggles we have finding tops that fit right due to our breasts), only difference I have a bigger bum and smaller waist.
From this example I'd like you to see I do know all about desire giving way to reality (I have given in to it myself) and it is totally okay to blow the style 'rules' and listen to your soul. Though from me and most stylists out there to you, I'd say take the simple guideline rules with you, as it's the difference between a size 24 looking like a size 30 or a slimmer size such as a size 20. People obsessed with trends are one thing as their rule book changes constantly and can consist of something like 'no florals or sheer blouses this year!'. Simple guideline rules are there for you to work alongside your body and nurture a a harmony that radiates through you working from your clothing choices, enabling you to just be you. No horizontal stripe prints, on shapeless tops, on curvy women, is just one of them. Stay tuned and I'll write an article featuring all of the tips you'll ever need to sail through life in effortless natural style. Perhaps I'll call it 'The Simple Femmes 'Hem'ing-way' or something!
Check out 'Curve' by ASOS sizes 20-26 www.asos.com, also head over to a New Look store and browse through their 'Inspire' range 18-26 (or stop by their website www.newlook.co.uk where there's likely to be much more of the range available).
Happy shopping! [In whatever size, spirit and style!
By Luisa Savino
