I watched the Oscar red carpet fashion extravaganza in sweats, sans make-up, with my hair in a ponytail. And the stars were all dolled up. And it made me want to get all dolled up and have somewhere to go. And get a spray tan. And have a style crew for hair and make-up. And live in LA. And buy fabulous shoes. And own swoony dresses. Sigh.
I think I have the swoony dresses part under control. I know it’s winter and the idea of bare arms and open toed shoes just makes you shiver but if you have an event this summer, it’s time to think of your “Oscar” dress now because many amazing styles are starting to hit stores. A recent visit to a Laura Canada group of interconnected stores including Laura, Laura Petites, and Laura Plus had me talking out loud to the dresses—and that is a sure sign I am loving something.
Over the years, the chain has really developed its prom offerings in all size ranges but these dresses aren’t just for teenagers. The designs really suit many age & size ranges, not to mention body types. The dresses are perfect for a spring or summer wedding, party or corporate event. I was blown away by the styles, colour selection and price points. I picked up price tags expecting $500 and up and was shocked to see many around $200 or less.
Laura Plus
Laura Plus
Laura
Laura Petites
And I always rave about stores that let you go between size ranges. Laura runs up to an 18, Laura Petites a 16P and Laura Plus starts at 14+ allowing shoppers to try several dress selections to see which works best. And how very cool, as of last fall, online shopping is now available.
Now I just have to plan where to go in my dress…
I often have scarf envy. Big, chunky, wrap around your head 5 times scarf envy. Infinity scarves that you get lost in. Can double as a blanket scarves. And when I go to search for them in stores, they are either sold out, only available in bizarre colours or a sly shopper just beats me to the punch. Someone wearing a really cool scarf is mocking me. Big time.
A killer scarf is so important because when you don't know what to wear—and this happens to me often—it makes a non-outfit cool. A simple top with leggings and boots is pretty nice but throw on a big chunky scarf and you attain instant fashionista status. Also most excellent for a pillow on long airplane rides or to use as a blanket when my nieces decide a nap is in order. I have found a way out of this scarf conundrum and it's called Etsy.
There are many things I love about Etsy besides finding the ultimate scarf. When you place your order, someone creates your purchase with his or her own hands and it is often possible to choose your colour and personalize your creation. I love thinking someone may be at home knitting while watching Love Boat reruns. This makes me smile. Knowing who is creating my item of clothing also makes the purchase much more personal to me, like my scarf arrives with its own story. With over 45,000 scarf possibilities, there is a lot of knitting going down.
Cranberry Oversized Infinity Scarf $59 USD at Etsy
Wine Infinity Scarf $64 USD at Etsy
Oatmeal Strasbourg Chunky Infinity Scarf $80 USD at Etsy
When purchasing made-to-order items from Etsy, note it may take some time as your clothing is being made by hand. It will be worth the wait! And if you are wondering about shipping to Canada, many vendors ship for under $10.
Top Photo from Flickr CC: Elitatt
While everyone else looks so calm, energized and elegant in my pilates class, I am still in the grunt and struggle phase. They make everything look so beautifully easy and I am still a fish out of water. I know I will get there and am feeling healthier and more agile with each passing class. But here’s one thing that will help me mentally right now: This pilates babe needs better fitness clothing. I have enough to think about just trying to get my legs into certain poses. I don’t need a baggy t-shirt wrapped around my neck while doing so or clothing so small my ultra white belly is blinding the class.
I am tall and I am curvy. Trying to find fitness tops and yoga pants that are form fitting but not skin tight and long enough has always been a challenge. 90% of my clothing can’t go in the dryer. There is no room to lose even a centimeter of fabric! So I have to say, I am pretty thrilled with the selection at Reitmans—probably not everyone’s go-to store for fitness clothing.
Some of you may be like me and fit into different size categories depending on where you shop. Sometimes I fit into plus, sometimes I wear larger straight sizing. The Reitmans straight size line runs from 3-17 and the plus line runs from 14+-22+. I have bought from both size ranges and I love the fact that I can literally walk across their stores to mix and match if needed. I usually have to trek 3 floors to do that in a department store—or think about it, then abandon my purchases because a “quick” purchase turns into a long affair. No thanks!
Also fantastic is the collection being available up to an 18P in petite sizing and yoga pants available up to a 22+P in plus petites covering all heights and figure types. And to make me especially giddy—and perhaps able to use a dryer for once—there are tall yoga pants available up to size 17. And the fitness tops are long enough and stay put. My belly and I thank you.
Bring on the pilates poses!
Now if Reitmans could just bottle up coordination skills, I would gladly buy that too…
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