Well it’s here again... buying time! It seems ridiculous (even to me) that I can still get so excited about an event that comes round every six months and that I have been involved with for the best part of the past twenty years, but there it is. It really is something that I never tire of!

This weekend Jaq (the store manager) and I will wend our way to Germany to visit the fashion houses in Düsseldorf. This is where most of the designer clothing companies rent showrooms where they set out their stall to sell to us retailers. We can trawl through dozens of collections there, buying the best, and taking note of the rest.

Before we go, we really have no clue as to what to expect: fashion can turn on a sixpence, and even having an encyclopaedic knowledge of what has gone before doesn’t give you any kind of a head start.

For example, Spring-Summer 12 (the collection that is now hitting our shop) has got beautiful bright colours, and quite modernistic, fresh styles, much of it inspired by holiday wear. If you turn to our ‘Our Range’ page on our Home Page, you will see what I mean: the new images are in. The looks are very current, and the colours are what I call ‘Barcelona’ tones... young, vibrant, joyous and artistic.

Yet the season that preceded this collection (the autumn-winter clothing that we are just selling through now) was all about the retro looks. There was a palette of vintage colours, reminiscent of Mad Men, and more structured shapes that spoke of a sophisticated, bygone, ladylike era. This was grown up dressing.

There had been a sea-change between these two seasons, so there may yet be another one in the pipeline! Who is to say what the new Autumn/Winter 12 looks are going to be at?

Perhaps now I am conveying something of the excitement that can accompany a buying trip…?

All I can do before I see the new collection is to cogitate on what it is that I am looking for. One must, first and foremost, remember that I will be buying a winter collection.

Yet again, I will be seeking out knits, like a heat-seeking missile. We have had so many cold winters of late, that it really does seem that I can sell each and every beautiful jumper, knitted cardi, jacket, sweater-suit or knitted dress that I can lay my hands on. So I will go out, hell-for-leather to get the best available.

It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it. That’s my way of saying that I adore knitwear, and I could stare at gorgeous knits every day and night from here to next Christmas, and never get bored. I love my job.

I would adore to get my hands on a really, really long coat! What is it with designers, that they seem to make lovely mid-length coats (good!), but no really long coats (bad!)? I know there is now a pent-up demand for the long coat, and I will try my best to satisfy it.

This winter we stocked some gorgeous business suits from the likes of Marina Rinaldi, Elena Grunert, and others, and they sold like hot cakes. In fact, I would say that this is one particular requirement that never goes away. Even those customers who have been lucky enough to have already bought business suits from us, still want more! In fact, the one thing that really seems to stimulate the urge to buy a suit from us, is to have just bought one! It seems they are addictive.

And there are those women who didn’t get a look-in with the suits…..they want some too! I refuse to buy a boring suit, and finding the really interesting and super ones is always a bit of a hunt, but I am packing some comfortable walking shoes, and I will not give up until I am successful.

Of course, I am canvassing opinions from my customers, and would love to hear any requests on this blog, or in the shop.

What do you all really, really want from next winter’s collections…..how can I make your day….?

 
Hi Emma

I would like to ask you about Anna Scholz sizes. I live in Sheffield and found your blog/website on Twitter last night. I was so happy to find that there is couture plus size- it sounds ridiculous but I had pretty much given up on ever feeling glamorous! I've now found lots of sites via Twitter but most shops are either in the US or in your neck of the woods.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I am going to a party next Saturday and I have seen a lovely dress on Anna's website -

http://www.annascholz.com/sale-2/stud-jersey-panel-gathered-dress.html

I'm probably closer to a size 22 than a 20 but I just wondered if you had any comments about Anna's sizing - I really want the dress but the only sizes available are 20 and 24. I don't know whether to go for one size or the other or not get either. I really want to feel fabulous for this party though and the dress suits my budget as I don't have much over £50 to spend...

I'm going to save up for a visit to your shop, for sure!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes

Abbie

 
I've always had a postage paid returns label when ordering from the Anna Scholz website so I sometimes order a couple of sizes to try on for sizing.

 
Hi Abbie,

Thank you so much for your comments! I do hope you can come in to our store at some point, because it would be such a very great pleasure to reassure you that there really is a lot of glamour out there available for us plus size women!

Anna’s sizes vary considerably. Or, if I were to give you a more complex answer, her styling varies with her designs. For instance, she has some designs which are quite floaty and loose (like some of her kaftans), whereas some of her dresses are quite fitted, and don’t have anywhere near as much room in them! All her styles tend to be true to size.

With this particular dress, it is quite close fitting, so I would suggest going one size up, rather than a size down. I’m not suggesting this will definitely be right for you (one can never say 100%); however, I do think she will refund or exchange if it is not right. The only thing I will mention about this dress is that the jersey is quite lightweight and silky, which means it can be a little unforgiving when on. I have a similar dress from Anna, and I wear mine with a pair of very long knickers from Evans (you know, they give a smooth silhouette with no panty-line!).

I'm so glad you have discovered the joys of Anna Scholz, and hope you enjoy your party!

 
Thank you so much for the speedy response .....

My boyfriend has said he will come down with me to the shop! I will need to save up but I'd really love to visit. I've never been to Brighton so I think it'd be a brilliant experience.

I just have one final question - where do you recommend for good quality tights?!

Thanks for being so incredibly helpful.

Abbie

 
Hi Abbie,

On the subject of tights, all I can say is gggrrrrrrrr! If that sounds a strange thing to say, I can explain! We have been asking this question back and forwards on our forum lately. We have found something very strange has happened in recent years. Just a little while ago, we used to stock really fantastic tights of different colours and textures. There were a number of ranges: Levee, My Size, Hue, Yoek, and others too. One by one these manufacturers have given up! I’ve sent out a request for those reading this forum to tell us when/if they find a new supplier, and I have promised that we will stock the tights, if they are available. (This would be very helpful if, for instance, there was a manufacturer who doesn’t sell to the public, but will only sell in bulk to a shop.) However, at the moment, I’m very sad to say that I am in as much of a loss for them as you may be. I guess in the meantime, it’s trolling round Evans, Simply Be, etc., online…?

Really looking forward to seeing you some time!

I just thought I would also mention, at this point, that you have had some problems in posting on this forum, and most of our conversation has been through email (you contacted me through the website to alert me of your problem). You were very kind to say that I could simply put the conversation here, so that others could read it.

The reason why sometimes it can be difficult to leave a post on this forum, is that certain key words can set off our 'spam filter', making the whole post disappear.

My recommendation would be to automatically copy any comments being left on the forum, so that, should the post be gobbled up, they could simply be pasted, and sent to me by email. I will, as I have done here, simply put them on to our forum for all to see... I have the power!!

If any readers would like some private advice of a plus-size fashion nature, please feel free to email me through the website, and I will reply via email, without posting it on the forum!

Emma

 
Now is the moment to reveal that we will be having a SuperSale next week! The SuperSale will be on Friday 27th, and Saturday 28th January, between 10am and 5.30pm.

So what is so special about a SuperSale, as opposed to your standard (fabulous) Emma Plus Sale? As regular customers will know, our normal sale is usually anything but normal, because we like to clear all stock at the end of each season - so we mark down quite radically, enabling our lucky customers to pick up really current, fantastic designer clothes at ridiculous prices.

That happens every season, but what does not happen every season (or indeed, very often at all) is our SuperSale. This is a sale whereby members of our mailing list are sent a card, entitling them to a further major reduction on sale items. This SuperSale is offering a further 20% extra discount, over and above sale discounting (some of which is already at substantially less than half price).

There are two other very significant aspects to this particular SuperSale. One is that we will also be offering 10% off all new stock. This is particularly exciting, because we have already had some gorgeous new deliveries in, and may well have more in before Friday (we are expecting some of the new Anna Scholz in next week). This really is a one-off for anyone thirsting for the new looks....

A couple of years ago, we had a trouser day in the store, and this proved to be incredibly popular. So we decided to throw one more exceptional temptation into the mix. We will be having a special trouser event on our SuperSale days... all trousers (including new season) will be 20% off.

These offers are normally just open to those who have received a card, but for any customers reading this blog, you may, by simply turning up on the day and joining our mailing list, enjoy the same benefits... it pays to read the blog!

I can't remember the last time we had a SuperSale; it was a long time ago. They are not events that come round very often, so it may well be worthwhile popping in on the day and having a look at what is on offer!

I look forward to seeing you in store!

 
Wow! Those offers are brilliant Emma. I suspect the Trouser Queen is going to be very busy!

 
Thanks, Kim....

Also, it's worth remembering that we will still give 2 hours' free parking to anyone spending £100 or more, if they are parked in the car park adjacent to the shop!

Actually, I don't think we have ever done such a good deal: the trouser queen (AKA Kim) is chomping at the bit....

 
Just a quick comment about the SuperSale. We were so delighted with the response to it....it was our most successful ever sale. I am delighted that our customers really know and understand the significance of these rather rare events, that we make such a tremendous effort to make special.

I have decided, having spoken to some customers who were not able to attend the two days of the SuperSale, to create a further option. Anyone who has received a card, can bring it in to the store, and still have the further 20% off sale stock, for as long as the sale lasts this time.

There are still some sale bargains, and I know that, with the return of the cold weather, there may be some women who may wish to buy some more beautiful, useful winter clothing....particularly at such ridiculously low prices!

I think the sale will continue for at least the next two weeks, and the further discount will be applicable even from the final reductions......

 
I was reading an article the other day about modern politically correct language. It seems that many terms for people that were not acceptable in the seventies are now perceived as reasonably harmless. There are passing trends, not just in clothing, but in language!

In my business my preferred term for us larger women is ‘plus size’, or simply ‘large’. I cringe when I hear a larger woman described as ‘big’ (men are ‘big’, women are larger-sized... to me, there is something so unfeminine about the word ‘big’), and I find myself reeling back when I hear the phrase ‘big girls’. Although I have quite a few customers who merrily call themselves big girls, it brings to mind the term ‘big girl’s blouse’, which I take to mean something somewhat pathetic and useless - characteristics alien to my customers. Also, the use of the word ‘girl’ to describe a full grown woman has an infantilising effect; not really the kind of thing that sits well with sophisticated fashion.

The term ‘plus sized’ seems to have very little wrong with it. If something is ‘plus’ or has ‘plus points’ this is entirely positive, in the same way that ‘minus’ and ‘less’ seems to simply diminish the object. However, I have heard women complain about the term, because they feel that it tip-toes around the fact that we are larger, and is somewhat patronising. No wonder sometimes people don’t know what to say for the best!

You may ask why, on a fashion blog, I am even occupying my time in discussing such an esoteric subject. Well, it’s my belief that what you call something can actually have an impact on how it is treated. Years ago, when I was a large schoolgirl growing up with a large sister and mother, most clothes available on the high street in plus sizes were called ‘outsize’ clothes. And yes, the styles existed in a world outside fashion. They were completely different from the clothing available to smaller women. We were standing on the ‘outsize’ of fashion, peering in, and that was a frustrating place to be! Even today, there are archaic ranges being marketed to us plus-size boutique owners under the description of ‘outsize’ clothing, and they are simply horrible clothes. It seems the name they give their fashion speaks volumes about what they are peddling!

I have a bit of a problem with the word ‘curvy’, which seems the almost ubiquitous word to describe larger women these days. And funnily enough, it is the same basic reason that I have against the word ‘outsize’, albeit in the opposite direction. Whereas the latter word is an insulting term for the larger woman, I feel the former may in fact gloss over the shortcomings of the shape of some of those women. Saying a range is for the ‘outsize’ woman encourages the ‘designer’ (I am somewhat reluctant to use that word, but you know what I mean) to have a prejudice about the customer - stereotyping her as a woman with no sexuality, no style and no figure to speak of; lumping (excuse the term!) everyone in as the same.

However, I feel that the use of the word ‘curvy’ can do the same thing... but in the opposite direction!

In my opinion, a ‘curvy’ woman is a woman (of any size) that has one of a group of body types. Usually they have an hourglass body shape, although they can be a moderate pear shape, or a large-busted woman.

What they simply cannot be is an apple shaped woman! I say this as an apple-shaper myself. The reason for this is simple: it is very rude (the old fashioned word for ‘politically incorrect’) to refer openly to something that is to the detriment of someone present.

It is not detrimental to refer to the womanly curve that flows over a bust, and in to a smaller waist, before gently expanding to describe a feminine derriere. Yet I feel that it is rather rude to refer to a curve that goes out from under the bust, extending ever outwards until it reaches the meridian of the body, before returning, like the underside of a lollipop. Not all curves are good. Please, I would prefer it if you don’t notice my ‘curve’ (an apple shaper does not have ‘curves’ she has just one curve!), and if you do, I would be quite happy if you don’t mention it - in the same way that I wouldn’t overtly mention that your husband has lost his hair.

The term can also rub salt in the wound of the large number of women who have a straight body shape... those women that I refer to as ‘athletic’ build - although they can also be called ‘column shaped’ - while many women with the ‘well-proportioned’ body shape, who wish they had better definition, also feel excluded.

So it galls me when the word ‘curvy’ is used as a collective noun for all plus-sized women, when it actually only describes the lucky few! And, like the unfortunate situation with the word ‘outsize’, it can actually have some kind of effect on the brains of the designers.

There does seem to be a positive glut of designers creating fashion for the ‘curvy’ woman. This is, of course, a good thing. But readers of my blog will know that I am obsessed with diversity and trying to fit all equally well. I think it’s all too simple for a designer to say ‘I like women who have a real ‘lady’ shape, whatever size she is, and that’s the kind of woman I am going to design for. If there are women out there whose figures have anything beyond a moderate degree of imperfection or are out of proportion, then let them go buy another collection'. Unfortunately, there are all too many designers who feel this way.

In fact, the real art of dressing us larger women is to understand our imperfections, celebrate our deviations, and to flatter our forms, whatever they are. My business is all about diversity and (to use a very old-fashioned PC phrase) equal opportunities! I’m glad to say that there are still many designers who really understand larger women, with their various silhouettes, and provide gorgeous, accessible looks for everyone. Designers like Sallie Sahne (pictured above right: a gorgeous soft jacket from the Spring/Summer 12 collection) or Anna Scholz even manage to bring out the attractive curves in women who didn’t think they had any! That is a game worth playing!

Certainly many plus-size women are curvy, and I’m exceedingly grateful that they have some lovely designer collections. However, I am acutely aware that they only form part of the population of larger women, and it is our job to style each and every woman who enters our shop.

With that in mind, we will be fitting clothes to women who are plus-size, curvy, larger - and even those who are big girls!

Sadly, 'outsize' women may want to look elsewhere!

 
I was just browsing the internet (as you do, during these long holiday days!), and had another look at the Sixtyplusurfers site, and was delighted to see that they have mentioned Emma Plus.

Perhaps I would say this(!), but it does seem that this is another indication that this is a very interesting site, full of useful information that ranges across a wide subject base. I really was delighted when I browsed the site - which, apart from the shopping information, had recipes, travel, IT advice... It's about time there was an online destination like this, specifically aimed at the sixty-plus person.

I believe that this kind of independent site is going to help promote the businesses that are giving the best service to their customers. This has got to be good news for everybody! I really do wish them well.

 
This is such a great article. I know a fair few ladies who use this site. It's a good way to look for impartial advice in a lot of cases.

And I just thought I'd share this totally gratuitous picture of me at the Curves in Couture show with the AMAZING plus model, actress, photographer Velvet D'Amour. As you can see rocking the Anna Schols hot coral dress and lace jacket from S/S 11

 
Hi Tori,

Great to see one of your pictures from the Curves in Couture Show, which showcased some of the best plus size looks around.

I have long been hearing about Velvet D'Armour, a legendary figure in the plus size beauty and fashion world.

I love you in the Anna Scholz coral-a really gorgeous look....

 
For those scanning this forum in the hope of quickly picking up vital information about our sale, I can confirm that the Emma Plus Winter Sale starts this Friday 30th and Saturday 31st December...

This year promises to be a superb sale, with many items half price and others marked at even greater discounts. This is because we like to clear all current seasonal stock before the bulk of the new deliveries arrive for Spring/Summer 12.

This year there are gorgeous knits, coats, blouses and tops (I could go on!) - all of which must go in order to make way for the new. As the Winter 11 season was particularly gorgeous (with lovely colours and beautiful soft, natural fabrics) this represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a significant prize from this collection at a very modest price.

Those who have attended our sales before will know that the first two days of sale is also marked by a 10% discount off new stock - and, as we have already had some lovely new items delivered, customers will have a very unusual opportunity to sample the new season with a bit of extra seasonal cheer, courtesy of Emma Plus.

Another 'sweetie' that may interest those thinking of attending our store, either during the sale or (subject to availability) at any time during the next season... if you spend £100 or more at one time in our store then you can park in the NCP car park adjacent to us, for two hours, completely free of charge!

We look forward to seeing you in store.

 
Dear ladies at Emma Plus. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and well earned rest. You'll need all your strength for the sale! Look forward to coming into the shop soon. All the best, Kim.

 
Hi Kim!

Thank you for your lovely comments... I wish you great festive joy!

I am, as I write this, recovering from a rather large Christmas dinner, eaten with the intention of building up my strength for our Sale, which starts on Friday, and promises to be the best ever!

On a related note we are delighted that we have had a delivery of lovely new Brand seasonal stock. As is our custom, this stock will be 10% off for the first two days of Sale...

Your purchase of special-offer gift vouchers (which enable you to get a double-discount off sale reductions) is starting to look extremely worthwhile, Kim!

I wish everyone reading this a very merry festive season, and a happy, healthy and wealthy New Year...

 
Hope you all had a great day yesterday!

Good news regarding the Brand delivery Emma, will be great to see the latest stock and sale items at the same time.

 
I think I had better warn you, kim (so as to avoid any disappointment)....because this is new season spring stock, there are no tartan waistcoats, I'm afraid!

 
Gutted!

 
I find that I now remember rather little of what I was taught at school; I think that, for me at least, I am more likely to be able to use the skills I gained during my education, than to recall facts or specific lessons.

However, one particular statement made to me (during an economics lesson, of all things!) did stick very firmly in my mind. We were told that every time we purchased something, we voted. My teacher (a wonderful, inspirational man) taught us that even though we were only called upon to vote in parliamentary elections every 4 or 5 years, we were able to express our preference several times a day by carefully picking out what it was that we wanted to spend our money on. His point was a brilliant one: if you don’t like the company or the product, show your disapproval by removing your hard-earned cash from their premises forthwith - thereby (hopefully) concentrating the minds of the business owners on what they can do to improve their relationship with their customers.

Of course, my teacher’s argument continued that the converse is also true: if you welcome how a company is run, and enjoy their product, it is worth going the extra mile to endorse their service with your custom.

His message really went into my head, and I can honestly say that it is one of the few lessons that I had during my childhood that has had a daily influence on my behaviour. Some people may think I am an obsessive, but I will always seek out companies that I approve of, or ones whose products I really like, and make an effort to patronise them when I can. And I know I am not the only one: almost on a daily basis I have evidence of my own customers acting in this way.

I remember when I first opened a shop under my own name (almost 18 years ago now). I had worked for the previous two owners, before making the daunting jump to take it over for myself. I had built up good relationships with my customers, and had promised that I would try to continue this when the shop re-launched after its refit. One morning, half-way through the building work, whilst the shop was still closed, I found a note had been pushed under the door. It asked me to put a sign in my window to tell the sender when I was re-opening, because the lady was intending to come in immediately, and ‘buy something, even if I don’t like anything!’ The note was signed by a long-standing customer of mine!

These days when I see customers who have travelled all the way over from Wales, up from Cornwall, or down from London - or made the trip from Norfolk, Essex, the Midlands, or whatever - I am driven to think about these economic realities more than ever. Time was when there were many small local stores selling designer plus-size clothing. Many of these shops were somewhat lacklustre, and perhaps it was time for them to disappear. However, I do feel that many more have been seen off by the temporarily difficult trading conditions that have afflicted the fashion industry over recent years.

Many plus-size women used to rely on going up to the London stores - like Harrods, Liberties, John Lewis, Selfridges, etc. However, these stores no longer have their plus-size departments. Women are having to travel like never before in order to get beautiful clothing.

In my opinion - were I not in this business and if I lived in some part of the country that still enjoyed a good local plus-size boutique - I would rush to that store straight away to offer them whatever patronage I have at this time, in the hope that others will do the same. Although I clearly have a great interest in what the economists have to say about my trade, I do know from personal experience that some of it is rubbish. Economists seem to believe that nature abhors a vacuum and that where a business is needed, one will automatically spring-up to service the demand. I happen to know this is not the case in the plus-size industry. Over the past few years, when the independent designer shops have closed down, they stay dark.

It is obviously very important to watch the pennies if you have to, but it is not, I would argue, a wise option to spend those pennies in the large, cheap chain stores, thus starving out the very small businesses - which in the future would be sorely missed. Once lost, those individual shops will not return in a hurry. It is a situation that may well benefit a store like mine, with its reputation, long history and established internet presence, which can draw customers from far and wide. But a long car drive across or down the country, followed by a stay at a hotel, in order to find some gorgeous clothes, may well be the only option to many plus-size women in England, and this situation is getting more extreme all the time.

To have a good designer clothes shop on my doorstep, selling a wide range of gorgeous clothes, is something I would vote for any day.

 
Just thought girls that I must tell you that he did notice the wonderful new pink jacket that I bought on Saturday!
Looked a bit puzzled but then said no wonder I had been such a long time, as thought I told him was only going to collect a pair of trousers that had been altered, little does he know that one just never just pops in! But did admit he liked it!
Thanks to you all for making me try it on, never usually buy jackets but this one is absolutely gorgeous, fantastic colour,(pink) would never had considered it before, looks great and am so pleased with it.
Wore it again today and received comments from two girl friends. AS usual, you just seem to know what suits.
The alterations to the trousers were as usual great. Have a wonderful relaxing Christmas. Thank you all.

 
Hi Diane

Thank you for your lovely post! I'm so glad he liked your jacket, but not at all surprised: you looked gorgeous in it.

I'm very glad that you went for that particular item. I loved the pink on you, and, if you are anything like me, I think you will find a soft, unlined jacket incredibly useful. I have one that I wear all the time.

I will tell Kim that your hubby did notice... she's not always right you know (just most of the time!).

I hope you and yours have a fabulous Christmas, and a happy, healthy and wealthy New Year!

 
hello,
Im planning on making a special trip down from London either before or after christmas for a new year outfit. More likely after christmas, as Im a busy bee at the moment.
Please could you tell me your opening hours over christmas and the new year.
thanks Kay

 
Hi Kay!

Thank you for your very useful question: useful because it is reminding me to do something that I should have already have published on this forum!

Our hours are as follows:
Saturday 24th December 10am-3pm
Sunday 25th Closed
Monday 26th Closed
Tuesday 27th Closed
Wednesday 28th Closed
Thursday 29th Closed
Friday 30th 10.30am-5.30pm
Saturday 31st 10am-5.30pm
Sunday 1st January 2012 Closed
Monday 2nd Closed
Tuesday 3rd (onwards), normal opening hours.

Now, Kay, I am going to throw caution to the winds, and tell the readers of this blog something, at this early stage, that is normally only revealed to the lucky ones who are on our mailing list. Our Emma Plus Winter Sale starts on the 30th December at 10.30am.

I would advise coming early because those who get notice of this will be thronging to us (our sales are well-appreciated, as it is our custom to reduce everything from the current season so as to be completely freshly-stocked with the new collection, which will be in store soon after the New Year). So we always have good reductions, and this year the selection of gorgeous evening wear is particularly delectable....

It may also be worth reiterating that anyone spending over £100 in store will be eligible for two hours' free car parking at the NCP car park adjacent to our shop.

I look forward to seeing you in store, and if I don't see you until after Christmas, may I wish you, and all other readers of the forum a very Happy Holiday!

 
I dont know if you saw this but I wrote about it in my blog.

Computer generated models - what is the fashion industry coming to when they have to create a body to display their clothes?