(member)

22/12/2008 15:29

Roly Polys

How do people of 5 foot 3 or less, size 18, ever look classy? I'm depressed, which makes me want to eat more!

(member)

22/12/2008 16:09

Re: Roly Polys

stand next to me lol

xx

(member)

22/12/2008 16:55

Re: Roly Polys

I know exacly how you feel because I am the same height and weight.
Why do all the stores think that anyone over a size 16 should be frumpy. It does make me cross.
I comfort eat then too. My favourite are the chocs . Well anything to hand if I am to be vey honest.

I am going to frget all about it over Xmas. My New year's resolution is to lose weight - a lot. I do say this every year though.

Merry Xmas

(member)

22/12/2008 17:32

Re: Roly Polys

I was looking at the 'larger sizes' the other day and everything that was a reasonable price was clingy fabric, really dull colours or for those that did have colour they were stripes (horizontal!) I think some of the high street manufacturers think that once we get to a certain size we give up on wanting to look nice. Those that haven't decided that we've given up truly want to make us pay for the privelege!!

(member)

22/12/2008 18:25

Re: Roly Polys

High street shops are useless for this size and height - I know!!!

Try Artigiano online or Spirito di Artigiano if larger than a size 18. Not perfect as sometimes seems to think everyone is 6 foot and the prices can be high (but great sales). But at least the clothes aren't tacky.

http://www.artigiano.co.uk/default.aspx?...;language=en-GB

(member)

22/12/2008 18:56

Re: Roly Polys

Hi Everyone,

one of my favorite websites is

http://styleadviceplus.com

I find it great for advice on what's about at the moment in larger sizes that's fashionable. They also quite often have discounts for different shops, which helps keep the prices down.I'm not sure if it will help with petite clothes, but I do hope you find it of some help

Tracy x

(member)

23/12/2008 00:33

Re: Roly Polys

Although I'm a bit taller at 5ft 5in I get really fed up with the lack of choice with smart and not frumpy clothes. I'm an 18/20 and was recently told in a Country Casual shop, "Oh you're too big for anything in here. With breasts that size we couldn't possibly find any thing for you (I'm a 36HH)" After I'd picked her off the floor and told her that I might be fat but I'm still a 'not bad looking burd' (a comment a male friend is always making to me) at 63,I took myself off to Monsoon and what a difference. The assistants there couldn't have been nicer - really went out of their way to find me several pretty, party dresses in a 20 (they do up to a 22 and petite I think). they made me feel like their only customer and reassured me that I could change my mind and they would find me something else. It wasn't too cheap but it is silk and is a party dress, also found out that my 34 year neice has the same dress which thankfully we didn't wear to the same event. At the other end of the price range I've found all the assistants in Dorothy Perkins very, very pleasant and they do some nice casual stuff at a good price, they have petites too.

All the assistants I told the CC story to were horrified that any customer would be treated like this. Even spoke to a Personal Shopper in Harvey Nicks and she told me she gets so frustrated that their buyers only buy for tiny sizes which she said even the HNs buyers can't fit and that fit only a few customers

The only thing that you can do is protest, protest and protest and never forget that the Queen Mum in direct contrast to the Duchess of Windsor stated that she'd rather have a good face than an over trim body - I know who I think was the more attractive of the two!

p.s. I didn't actually have to lift the assistant off the floor - I'm too much of a lady to resort to fisticuffs, anyway people with such narrow (forgive the pun) attitudes just aren't worth it.

Regards and as my old tutor used to say 'Don't let the b******* ground you down' Women come in all shapes and sizes - each of them unique.

(member)

23/12/2008 07:14

Re: Roly Polys

Hi All.Have to agree about Monsoon.The staff are always so helpful.Just tell them what your looking for and off they go...Great size range too.My mum is only 5ft and 34G bust.She gets alot of stuff made as she feels it is worth having something that fits well,she likes,gets made exactly as she wants in the material she wants and she wears them lots.Oopsi.

(member)

23/12/2008 07:33

Re: Roly Polys

Oh I love Monsoon as well.As you know I was married again 2 years ago and at my age 60 plus and another plus!! I felt self consious trying to get something nice but appropriate to get married in. A very young assistant was so lovely in monsoon ....she even said well you can change your mind if you want to as you have 28days to return it.....the wedding was two weeks away! she didnt mean wear it and bring it back!!LOL but it was just right I felt comfortable... arms covered .....a must with my bat wings!!
The photos are on Manges blog if anyone is interested.....I was SO grateful to that little girl....I sent her a card to say thanks and wrote to the Manager of the store....it meant soooo much....up MONSOON...brilliant customer service!

(member)

23/12/2008 07:38

Re: Roly Polys

I saw your weddidng photos Splash, and I thought you looked very elegant and loved what you were wearing. I even wondered to myself where you had bought the outfit from...now I know.

I usually bypass Monsoon, but think I will now start having a look in there. We do have one here but it is quite a small one.

(member)

23/12/2008 07:41

Re: Roly Polys

Thank you Secret....I had already bought an outfit when I went to Monsoon ....and it is not a shop I have ever been in before that visit!!...I wasnt totally happy with the outfit I had already... but the girl in Monsoon was so helpful.
Have a good one Secret! Enjoy!
xx

(member)

23/12/2008 10:23

Re: Roly Polys

Oooh Deepblue, i would have sat on her! My wardrobe ranges from size 12 - 18. One of these days it'll just be the one size. Onwards and upwards next year. Or should that be downwards

(member)

23/12/2008 11:20

Re: Roly Polys

Deep Blue,
You were very unfortunate in CC.
I always go there for special outfits, and I'm a size 18 (20 for jackets sometimes).
They are always helpful, so it must be your branch! I would have written to the top!

I will try Monsoon next time.

(member)

23/12/2008 12:43

Re: Roly Polys

Yes I think you should raise it with Head Office....I am sure CC would be mortified to think any one had been treated in the way you were ....go on Deepblue...e mail them....you may get a new outfit.....Lol!!!!!!!

(member)

24/12/2008 05:53

Re: Roly Polys

Love the photos splash, you looked gorgeous.

I am size 18/20 and never seem to fin d anything in monsoon, but i will try again in the new year and ask for help.

Welcome Suerob to the forum (saw it was your 1st post).

Ladies if you want to loose weight please join us in th New Year on Fabulous Forumers on the Health and wellbeing page, we follow PMK, and have a daily thread to support and motivate each other (PM mjm for details).

Brandyqueen x

(member)

26/12/2008 12:54

Re: Roly Polys

Agree Monsoon one of the few retailers you can find reasonable clothes up to 22. I have an embroidered skirt from there I've worn lots of times over the Christmas period. Also, the assistants always seem pleasant. Otherwise, so far as I'm concerned the high street is a washout.

The styleadvice site is a briliant idea, and I'm sure I'd have used it a lot when younger but the brands covered there so far don't appeal to me, not because they are too youthful (though some of the styles are - eg v short skirts), but because they are not the quality I prefer. I'd like to see it expanded so it has items in various budget ranges as well as styles.

Except for the occasional find in M and S, I'd rather pay a bit more for something I feel good wearing. On those grounds, Monsoon gets it about right - not very expensive but quality good enough.

My favourite is Marina Rinaldi - but must admit they are expensive. And now, for jeans, NYDJ Tummy Tuck - also not cheap, but well worth the money for the effect they deliver.

As for online, some Spirito things have also proved very good - specially basic sweaters, etc - and the length is fine for me because I'm tall. But generally I find the line a bit on the frumpy side. However, they say they are going to make the Spring collection more stylish, and also take the more youthful (but still not exactly cutting edge) Artigiano up to 22 - so that's good news.

Otherwise, Boden are a favourite, who have some great things up to a (generous) 20. And, as basics, I've just bought a couple of cashmere sweaters from Lands End which I'm pleased with.

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