Saturday, March 12, 2011

The Painted Lady

I was at our local mall today, getting my hair cut and picking up some Bath and Body Works Body Spray (had to settle for Sweet Pea since they don't sell Wild Honeysuckle anymore, hmmff), and I decided to check out this store called The Painted Lady.  I was very pleasantly surprised.  I have walked past this store for years because I figured they didn't have any plus sized clothing.  I figured they catered to the Size 0 to 10 ladies. 

Today, I decided to stop and ask.  And the owner, Betty Scott, took me all over the store pointing out all the Size 18 clothing that she had.  She and I were talking and looking at all the beautiful clothing and just having a great time.  I decided that I wanted to try on a shirt, but she convinced me that if I tried on the shirt, I had to try on the skirt with it.  I guess there is a reason she owns the store, right?  I was instructed to try on the whole outfit and come out in the store so she could see it.  And then I could try on just the shirt with my jeans.  I am all for playing dress-up, so I dutifully followed the instructions I was given.

She was completely and totally right about the skirt having to be worn with the skirt.  The whole ensemble worked really well together.  And the outfit looked much better than the shirt with my jeans, although, I will probably wear it that way some day. 

So I spent twice what I had intended to spend, but if I wear the outfit a bunch of times, either together or separately, my dollars per wear will continue to go down.  And I can wear this outfit just about anywhere.

Let me know what you think. 



I went ahead and put on my Size 18/20 form because I didn't feel like begging my son to take a picture of me in the outfit.  He has a new computer program for video editing and I can't get him off the computer.  But that is a totally different story.  You can't see it in the picture, but there are little gold flecks in the skirt that catch the light and sparkle.  The seaming on the shirt and the ruching on the sleeve are all perfect for my body type too.  And I really like the little ruffle that runs down in front.

I am working on another article for the Spring Trends.  I should have it up in the next couple of days.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

My First Image Workshop

Well, I did it!!  I just finished my first Image Workshop.  I was so nervous!!!!  My voice was shaking.  I was shaking.  But, I did it!

I arrived 15 minutes early so that I had time to get my laptop hooked up to the projector for my power point presentation.  I started on time.  I introduced myself and started the presentation.  Somehow I managed to cover Body Shapes, Facial Shapes, Complexions, Styles and How to Dress Appropriately in 30 minutes.  Shwhew (Wipe sweat off brow). 

I even assigned a homework assignment.  Really tough one too, LOL!  They have to take their measurements, based on the chart included in the handout.  Then they have to determine their body shape, based on the descriptions in the handout.  Next, they have to look through the magazines I provided to find the right shaped clothing for their body type.

We're girls - who doesn't want to look through tons of magazines and pick out pictures of clothing!!  Like I said, tough assignment - LOL!

Now, I have to figure out how to personalize the information for each participant and get them on the road to a fabulous personal image in the next 30 minute workshop.

Wish me luck.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Update on Common Bond Christian Womens Job Corp

I promised I would keep you up to date on my dealings with the CBCWJC.  Last week I met with the ladies that have been working for the last 3 years to get this program up and running.  They were excited about being able to offer the participants a workshop on improving their image and I am excited that they want me to participate with them.

Today we got to meet the participants in the program.  The program lasts for 9 weeks.  They meet once a week for 3 hours.  They have a program that was designed by the Christian Womens Job Corp that will walk the participants through all sorts of helpful courses on building their self-esteem, how to create a resume, how to get through a job interview, how to create and follow a household budget.  Information that everyone needs to know, but isn't always taught.

They worked into the schedule 2 thirty minute sessions for me to teach the participants how to improve their images for finding and keeping a job.  My challenge is to only give the absolutely critical information they need in that short timeframe.  So, tomorrow I begin creating that program.

I thought I would start with face shapes, body shapes and coloring. Then I would determine who is what and what they can and cannot wear in general.  In the second class I would show them how to start with, let's say,  5 must have pieces and how you can create 15 or 20 outfits using those 5 basic pieces, either by accessorizing or using a few other seasonal items with those.

Another challenge is that I need to be able to present office attire and production attire.  Not everyone is going to be looking for jobs in an office.  I was thinking about teaching the production workers how to create their own "uniform" for work and then learning how to dress outside of work.

I'll keep you posted!  And if I haven't said it lately, Thanks for reading my blog!!

Terri

Friday, February 18, 2011

It’s President’s Day Weekend and that means sales.  I a few emails from my favorite places to shop with discounts and sales going on, so I thought I would share them with you.

Avenue is having a Final Clearance Sale over the weekend with an additional 50% off the lowest ticketed price.  Be sure to use the Coupon Code of AV111040

Fashion Bug is having a 50% off when you buy any other item at regular price plus $15 off your regular priced purchase of $50 or more.  Enter code 776441909 at checkout.


Joann Fabric and Craft Stores – for those of you who like to sew has a sale going on too – online or in the store.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

OSP Fashion Show

Just finished watching the OSP Fashion Show that I thought was supposed to be a live show - NOT.  I have to say I was very disappointed.  It was the same model over and over again.  She was wearing the same cuts of clothing over and over again, just in different colors. 

And I have to say, the cuts and angles and sleeves of different lengths just were not that flattering.  The model was beautiful, but her hair was so distracting.  You couldn't see the back of the garment because of her hair.  Some of the pieces looked like pajamas or capes.  If that is what we have to look forward to in the plus size fashion for fall, I think I will just stick to my classic timeless pieces.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Price of Cotton Rising?!

This morning I was watching the news and one story caught my attention.  The headline was about cotton prices rising.  I listened a little closer and then I started digging for information. 
Apparently the price of cotton has doubled over the last year and many manufacturers are not going to be able to maintain current prices of clothing because of it.   The reason the price has doubled is because of horrible weather conditions in the crop growing countries of China, the U.S., Pakistan and Australia.  Then there have also been restrictions on exports from India, the world’s second largest exporter of cotton.  And on top of all that, the demand for cotton has risen with the improvement of the global economy.
Bottom line is that we, the consumers, will pay higher prices on spring clothing and then possibly higher prices in the fall.
What are some ways to save on clothing then?
Below are some tips for buying clothing a little more frugally:
·         Sign up for texted discounts from your favorite stores.
·         Use the coupons and “fashion bucks” you get from stores.
·         Shop at your local consignment stores.
·         Consider the quality of your purchases.  Clothing that is of a higher quality will last longer and your price per wear will make it a better bargain.
·         Ask yourself if you really love the item before purchasing it.
·         Pick and choose very carefully what “trendy” items you will buy.
If you have a solid wardrobe consisting of basic classic pieces, then you don’t have to spend a lot of money to freshen it up with a couple of new pieces for the Spring season.  Basic classic pieces being items like mid-rise boot-cut dark wash jeans; A-line skirts, fitted jackets,  mid-rise trousers with wide waistbands, etc. 
You can still have a great wardrobe on a budget!  You may just have to spend a little extra time looking.