Are You Settling for Second Best

I'm seeing a trend, my fellow Fashionistas. Scattered out and around the internet universe, circling like malevolent meteorites (meteoroids?) and seemingly incapable of coalescing to a coherent shout.

Many of us complain about not being able to find plus size apparel, fashionable or otherwise. Many rant, many rave, many pose the problem, many propose solutions - goodness knows there are dozens of sites that position plus size retailers within easy view (mine included).

We plus size people (also known as New Normals) are in the majority. As much as 60% or more of clothes-wearing humans fit into our demographic. Why, then, are we New Normals being treated like a minority?

I think the answer is: We act like it. We act like we are the exception, not the rule. We are, as a whole, too quick to accept the mundane instead of expecting the marvelous.

Why? We're not easily clad. We're not size 2. Sadly, too often, we act as if we are not entitled to the finest apparel money can buy. We do not expect the finest of fashion. We walk away, quiet in our disappointment. We settle.

It's time to stop settling for second-class anything.

It is time to let retailers know, politely of course, but in no uncertain terms, that we will patronize shops that have invested the time, energy, planning, design effort, priorities, and results - bringing plus size fashion into an equitable state of quality on par with non-plus size fashion.

The flip side of that message should be evident. We will not patronize shops that hide plus size sections, that provide sub-standard quality plus size apparel, that bury plus size garments only in maternity aisles, that model plus size garments on size 2 mannequins.

I could go on.. but it's your turn.

Using REAL PEOPLE to Sell Clothes

This makes me almost sad. Not the news itself - just the fact that we as a society have reached a point where this IS news.

A major national magazine, amidst subtle gasps and sideways glances, inking the revelation of using real people in ads. Newsweek's full article includes a telling sentence: "Much of this interest in real-looking models is driven by the Internet, which has democratized the once rarefied world of high fashion."

Heaven help us. Perhaps word is reaching Bryant Park that we're NOT all 5'11", 104 lbs and size 0? Next earth-shattering news will be that of a stick-thin model, in a selfless act of bravery and desire to join her New Normal replacements waiting in the wings, consuming an entire banana nut muffin. Something tells me that we 'real people' still have a lot of work to do and that a lot of wake-up calls still need to be placed.

I don't think this was a slow news day - we haven't had many of those in quite a while, what with interminable wars, collapsing economies, diminishing ecological resources, global warming and Britney Spears.

Go read the rest of the article if you haven't already. Then, when you get back, please tell me how in the world we got to the point where the concept of using real people in advertising became a revolutionary trend and a newsworthy event?

Body Drama, Huge Leap toward Body Acceptance

Nancy Amanda Redd, former Miss Virginia 2003, has published a warts-and-all manual aimed at teen and preteen girls, addressing many of the body image issues that confront girls of any age (probably including some of us teens in our 50s!) and providing frankly honest discussions on accepting our selves. Here's a wonderful video that explains much more.

Sizing Up the Situation - Part 3

Day three of the investigative process on plus size confusion. The more steps I take, spiraling out into the industry, the more confused i get. BUT I am finding some -very- interesting information about how sizes are set, what standards exist, and just who's driving that bus.

The questions I'm trying to answer:
What size are you? And how do you KNOW you're that size?

The hunt has taken me to ASTM International, the keeper of and setter of all things standard, and reveals a listing for ASTM Standard D6960-04 "Standard Table of Body Measurements Relating to Women's Plus Size Figure Type, Sizes 14W-32W," ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA. www.astm.org. I teeter on the edge of the Holy Grail, finger hovering over the Buy button, and then stop. Would I, a mere mortal and neophyte of fashionista knowledge, have anything resembling a CLUE of what I was reading, if I did order it?

Further prodding of other buttons reveals a stern license agreement that makes me believe that, even if I did manage to get my hands on a copy of this standard, I couldn't tell anyone about it anyway, much less mention what's inside. I put away my checkbook, and trudge onward into the barely lit darkness.

Sizing Up the Situation - Part 2

1/26 - I feel like Alice falling down the rabbit hole in here. Every time I turn around, I collide into yet another bit of conflicting data regarding plus size apparel sizing. Given that this blogware does not seem to let me add paragraph breaks, I've brought this out from our Perfectly Shaped World Social Club (PSWSC) here. Let the madness continue!

The questions I'm trying to answer:
What size are you? And how do you KNOW you're that size?

Plus size fashion sizing has come under heavy fire from the consumer front. Heck, I've even been one doing some of the firing! But it's time to find out more, not just sit on the dressing-room sidelines and mutter in disgust. Stay tuned while I dive!

Major Props to REAL Plus Size Merchants

What defines a REAL Plus Size Merchant: Their plus size fashions are designed for the plus size form, displayed on plus size models and/or mannequins. Add them here as you find them - and I'll start the ball rolling with two.



Realityplus Clothing, for designing specifically to the plus size form, displaying on realistically sized mannequin, and providing an elegant, flexible line of ensemble fashions.



Igigi, for displaying on realistically sized models, for providing myShape, aimed at shopping by shape, with coherent explanations.

What have YOU found?

College Student Featured for Efforts on Size Acceptance

http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/01/17/sns011808mtv.html

I just caught the MTV True Life episode where, among other stories, Jessica Patton is featured as she starts the Body Beautiful on-campus group with the goal to promote size acceptance and positive body image reinforcement through sharing. Her segment on this plus size show was most encouraging, and speaks volumes for those of her generation in making a difference.

Valentine Hint

Last day to get this in time for Valentine's is Feb 1, so it's time to drop some major hints! After all, this is the Year of the Major Bling, right? And diamonds outlast chocolates, roses and scented candles...

Sizing Up the Situation - Part 1

1/25 - the investigation begins, on my quest to answer the niggling question: What Size are You?


Where am I going and why?
This quest actually started several months ago, when I launched the Personal Shopper feature at Perfectly Shaped World, and discovered that, even though I was selecting items of a specific size range, they weren't -the right size-.

Since I never meet my clients in person, my accuracy is based entirely on the ability to get the right data before I begin my fashion hunt. The problem was, at that point, I had no idea just what data would be the right data, and trial and error has proven that that question is still eluding answers.

I'm not a long-standing member of the fashion industry, so I don't have a little black book or prized Rolodex to spin and call up my choice of expert. But I have a few tools at my disposal - a pitbull's persistence when it comes to research, and the Internet!

Eco-fashion and Recycled Chic from Littlearth

It's not new news anymore, and the rank and file of recycling enthusiasts extends far beyond the tie-dyed shirt and Birkenstock crowd of last century. We're all doing our part, from the small steps to the huge, to conserve, preserve, reuse and rethink our use of precious resources.

Coming to the forefront of all things fashion-forward is the Littlearth Family of Brands, the most stylish name in eco-fashion, with purses to dress up any closet and fashion-conscious arm. Their recycle-conscious lines include belts, CD cases, photo carriers, Swarovski-encrusted flair bags, and some of the coolest handbags I've ever seen. Purses from license plates, soda cans, even (I think) tires!

Changing the Way We Look (and Feel)

If you've grown used to the way our blogs look, and they feel a bit threadbare, don't despair. We are integrating the blog straight into the website, and that means stripping out a bunch of froufrou, doodads and geegaws that will just get in your way over there.

By integrating the blog, the forum and the rest of the tools straight into the site, we can take the next step toward releasing a fully integrated Plus Size community for the New Normal Woman. If that's you, we hope you'll feel welcomed and right at home!

Progress on the Move, Name Change

We secured the domain name and are just now waiting for a bit of server fun. I'm trying to figure out how to move the site from the old name to the new without losing anyone in the process!

Yes, Our Name Changed - and so did the store

No, you're not hallucinating. When we headed to buy the old domain name, all was fine but I didn't have my credit card with me. When I went back to actually buy it, it had been grabbed up and covered with stuff I don't want my mom to have to deal with.

It's a lot cheaper to change the name of the site, blog and forum to Perfectly Shaped World than it is to deal with the shocked look on my mom's friends' faces when they see where they ended up by going down the path to find the store.

The new address is http://perfectlyshapedworld.blogspot.com - we're slowly moving the standard tools over to there so the sidebar there should be the same as here. New posts wlil be over there and, hopefully, I'm looking into the RSS feed as well, to make sure nobody gets lost.

So go bookmark our new place and keep your ears out for much more plus size fashion shopping news - and more merchant announcements (psst.. I have three just waiting for things to get stable).

Fashion Riot Launches at PSL, Joined by Shoes.com

Speed Dating for your Wardrobe -
This morning, Shoes.com joins the Fashion Riot at Perfectly Shaped Life, just in time for being selected as the Featured Favorite for 22 October. They're offering a special through 5 November of $15 off $100 or more. Use Coupon Code: OCTSAVE at checkout. (Excludes sales and some brands - watch the labels...)

Go Straight to the FashionRiot!

Fashion Riot is a large collection of small thumbnail snapshots that shows a broad selection of what each of the participating merchants have to offer. They're in no predetermined order or absolute size but should load rapidly for almost any visitor. Some merchandise may not be only for plus size.

Thumb through and if you see something that catches your eye, just click on it and go add it to your wardrobe! Make sure to check the usual things like shipping, sizing, return policies and, of course, the merchant's privacy and terms of service.

Shoes.com Top Ten Brands :
1. Merrell
2. Ugg
3. Adidas
4. Naturalizer
5. Kenneth Cole Reaction
6. Converse
7. Crocs
8. Reebok
9. Etnies
10. DC Shoes

New Arrivals for October :
1. 7forAllMankind
2. A.Marinelli
3. Hunter Boots
4. Baby Deer
5. Just Sweet
6. Bumbakpaks
7. C'N'C Costume National
8. No Mass

Free Standard Shipping with any order - that's always a good thing to step up to!

Plus Size Shopping Madness Discussed

Trudie Cain is talking clothes with size 18-plus women as part of her research into the lifestyles of people with obesity. The Massey University Albany PhD student in sociology says that apart from a handful of chain stores, there is little choice of affordable fashion available for larger women. This article from Auckland NZ echoes what many of us may be feeling when we go out to shop. Please read more and post your responses.

Lane Bryant Name Changes to Woman Within

Straight from their release:

"Woman Within®, with over 100 years of experience, offers comfort, fit, selection and value in women's plus-size clothing from 12W-44W. We offer casual, career, special occasion, maternity apparel, sleepwear and intimates, casual & career shoes in wide widths to size 14 and plus-calf boots. Special deals and web only pricing offers for web customers. New items added to clearance weekly for savings up to 75%!"

While Woman Within has a new name, their commitment to comfort, style and value continues to be the hallmark of the brand. With extensive experience designing fashions in sizes 12W to 44W, Woman Within remains as the leader in women's plus-size apparel."

Coincident with this announcement, here are several very nice offers from Woman Within:

Woman Within - 20% off all purchases of $100 or more with code WW15027, 10/1-10/31

Woman Within - $20 off orders of $80 or more with code WW15035, 10/1-10/31

Woman Within - Free Shipping on all orders of $75 or more with code WW15050, 10/1-10/31

Woman Within - Buy 3 items, get 4th free, least expensive item is free, code WW15068, 10/1-10/31

Their new banners look like this:



and this:




PSL proudly represents Woman Within here, on the blog, and in our store. This fine outlet for womens plus size apparel is featured on our store's main page as Today's Featured Favorite for October 11, 2007. (To visit prior Featured Favorites, navigate to the PSL forum calendar.)

Plus Size Modeling Opportunity to Check Out

Earlier we were talking about plus size models and modeling opportunities. If you're serious about it, check this out, brought to us by Mewv and Skorch Magazine. Looks interesting... going to give it a shot?

Recognizing our Stress Reactions and Responses

Three days of holiday weekend - technically four as my husband had Friday off - and I've decided to do not much more than thoroughly enjoy having him around for four days straight. Stress seems to come to a standstill when he's at home.

So let's talk about stress for a moment before I go back to relaxing and doing not much of anything.

Stress is a fact for everyone. In terms of physics, stress is a measure of force per unit area within a body. Thanks, Wikipedia! Even though I managed to get all the way through high school without taking a physics course, I recognize that gravity is stress. Moving against gravity demonstrates physical stress. That is normal and unavoidable, and will continue at a relatively constant rate unless we all move to the moon where gravity is lower!

The types of stress that become a concern are medical, mental, emotional, spiritual - probably not the stress source itself so much as how we manage them.

Some people manage stress easily or with no apparent outward difficulty. Others react to stress but then recover. Still others react strongly to every bit of stress to hit their doorstep.

Stressors can come from one huge event - a house fire, an auto accident, death of a loved one - or from the tiniest situation - spilling wine on a rug, finding a jar lid that just won't open, a broken fingernail, a missed hair appointment, an added pound on the bathroom scale.

A stressor that can totally derail one person may be trivial to another. One person may handle huge stressors gracefully and yet be completely blown apart by a much smaller event.

One of us may be able to handle the stress of chronic pain but still be totally derailed by the pounding of a drum set next door. Maybe we can deal with the broken pickle jar gracefully but are brought to tears by discovering a small tear in our favorite sweater.

There's a difference between how we react to stress and how we respond to stress.

One person may react to stress calmly, absorbing the difficulty and taking things in stride. Another may react to stress by fracturing emotionally. Yet another may react physically with skin disorders, headaches, migraines.

Each of us responds to stress in different ways as well. Some people get mad, shout, hit walls, scream at the top of their lungs, punch pillows, cry, go for a run, overeat, forget to eat.

Others may respond by growing uncharacteristically quiet, withdrawing from friends, avoiding social contact, appearing depressed (not to be confused with clinical depression, which should be addressed no matter what stressors are present).

What stresses you out? How do you react? How do you respond? Feel free to share anonymously.

Current Free Shipping Offers from Perfectly Shaped Life

As promised, here are the free, reduced cost, and flat rate shipping offers (and their expiration dates, if any). I'll be adding more in future posts as I find them.

Receive FREE shipping on any online order of $50 or more at Catherines.com. Expires 11-07-07.

Receive FREE ground shipping on any order of $75 or more at FashionBug.com. Use promo code 776192007 at checkout. Expires 10-23-07

Free Shipping on orders of $60 or more at PETCO.com!

Web exclusive items 35-70% off at Sierra Trading Post!! CLICK HERE TO REDEEM.

Free Shipping when you spend $75 at Kohl's.com

Pacific Sunwear: $5 Flat Fee Shipping or FREE when you spend $75

Forzieri.com: Free Shipping on all orders of $98 or more Enter coupon code: 675E6A - Expires February 1st 2008

Free Shipping on Paddling Gear: Lotus Design, NRS, Kokatat and more.

Kiyonna.com: Free Ground Shipping on Domestic Orders over $150

ICE.com - Save An Extra 15% On All Jewelry & Watches! (COUPON CODE: ICE15) Each ICE.com purchase includes a free gift box, easy monthly payments, certificate of authenticity, a 30-day money back guarantee & free shipping on orders over $150

Deciphering the Basics of Color Seasons

If you've been following the series so far, you've had some time to play around with the color display widget and observe the different effects of color palettes for each of the seasons. Now is a good time to go look at that widget again, and then let's clarify a few more terms.

---

Part 3: Basics of Colors, Seasons, Warm vs Cool

Warm Colors versus Cool Colors

Warm colors are the colors on the color wheel of red, red-orange, orange, orange-yellow, yellow, and yellow-green.

Cool colors are the colors on the color wheel of green, green-blue, blue, blue-violet, violet, and violet-red.

---

Color Season versus Calendar Season

When we talk about a color season, we're talking about a selection of colors that work best with a particular eye, skin and hair color combination. This is not to be confused with the Fall Fashion Season 2007 colors toward which many fashion designers will gravitate... which depends entirely on who you talk to, since Paul Pelssers says that the season's colors will be rich jeweled shades mixing gypsy, country, Irish and Russian influences, and Premiere Vision states "...Shiny or ultra-matt, metallic, not completely plain or concentrated, colours grow languid with a serene and enveloping decency..." while Fashion Trendsetter swears by "...Bright hues mixed with pale tones, matching colors and opposites...".

But no matter who says what: Color seasons are not meant to be worn only during seasons of the year.

Some color season analyses will take more than physical appearance into account. One such test is found at What Season Woman Are You, which also considers personality traits.

In addition to eye color, some also look at the patterns found in the eye itself. To quote Color Me A Season:

Each season has a dominant feature which is shown in the eye. The SUMMER eye appears as crackly glass, WINTER - spokes on a wheel, SPRING - Yellow sunburst around a gray doughnut shape, AUTUMN - Aztec sun directly around the pupil with specks and dots sometimes.

At its most basic, the color seasons can be divided as:

Warm	Cool
Autumn	Summer
Spring	Winter

Stay tuned... our next step will start to determine your personal color season.