Friday, 12 June 2009
Monday, 1 June 2009
Tips
Myth #1. Black is slimming.
Uh, not really. In theory, this would be true if you're wearing the absolutely correct fabric. For example, Coco Chanel always looks great in black. But we don't usually wear Chanel. So for the more common fabrics found in more reasonable merchandise, try this experiment.
Take a pair of black pantyhose. Put it on and stand in front of the mirror. See how the black stretches evenly in terms of tone down by the ankles? Now look up. See how the black fades to a dull gray in the more ample thigh area? This happens when fabric is forced to stretch. The same theory applies to pants, tunics, T-shirts etc. So be very careful of how the color black washes over every part of your body. If you do go black, wear really expensive fabric that gives and forgives. Always check for this sheer indignity.
With all the new fashions out there, try some color. Often they camouflage much more naturally. Wearing all black all the time makes people wonder what you’re hiding.
Myth #2. Vertical stripes are slimming.
Again, not really. Let's try another experiment. Take out those sweats you have (we all have them) with the lines down the sides. Put them on then look in the mirror. See how that stripes are not quite as straight as you might like? My stripes tend to go a little curvy right over my saddlebags. This only adds attention to certain areas.
Myth #3. Don’t wear prints.
This is sort of true. Don’t wear big huge cabbage rose prints – you’ll either look like drapes or a couch. A small, subtle print like polka dots or tiny flowers can implant style and fun into your wardrobe. Prints, within reason, is also a great way to convey confidence. You like how you look, you like your body, so you're going to spend time dressing it up in colors and patterns.
A word of warning, though. No ruffles! It doesn't matter what color or pattern ruffles come in, they enlarge. That's why they were invented. Leave it on your curtains, not on yourself.
Get to know your body
In order to figure out what to wear, you have to know your body and know it well. Too often plus-size women run in a store, pick something, ANYTHING, try it on quickly, and if it fits, good enough. Most of us never take long looks at ourselves to see if the new garment is flattering. We’re just so happy it fits.
Make yourself stand in front of a full-length mirror in a bra and panties (they can be in polka dots or tiny flowers). Now scrutinize yourself. Pick out your favorite body parts. Your breasts might be your best asset or your long legs.
Try on all your clothes and do an honest assessment: How do these jeans make me look? How do I really feel in this suit? It is necessary and acceptable for you to hate certain parts of your body and always want to cover them (arms, calves, etc.). Think about items in your current wardrobe that already make you feel good. Ask yourself, why is this skirt slimming? Why do I love these khaki pants? Clothing should make you happy! Once you know your body and your taste, you will instantly recognize what flatters you. I have arrived at the point where I can (usually) know what will look good on me from a glance. So shopping is fun and easy, be it on the Internet or at a store. Of course, there are always heartbreaking realities. There’s this sweater I love on one of my favorite websites but I know it will look horrible on me. The elastic waist emphasizes the wrong area, the sleeves actually would squeeze my arms into two sausages, the bold pink is tempting, but I'm not there yet. I still browse and look at it every so often.
That's the whole point of knowing your body and your style. You will be able to zero in on an established pattern of dressing. Then you will be brave enough to forgo items that might please your heart but will not pass the test of your eyes.
Little helpers
Body slimmers
We can all use a little help, especially holding that tummy in. There is a trick to wearing them however – lucky you, I’m going to divulge! You know that unsightly bulge that happens when the spandex ends and you begin? I know how to fix it! Take the scissors to the super control mid thigh brief, and cut off the waistband. Yes I said, CUT IT OFF. Cut it off relatively close to the top. Voila! No more bulge, not to mention the horror of trying to actually get that waistband up over your waist. This creates a much smoother line. It's easy and inexpensive and the results are the best!
A good haircut
So many overweight women insist on having super long hair. I know why we do it; at least we have one thing to be vain about. Haven’t we all heard that men love long hair? Well, they do, but not when it’s ratty and split endy. Look in the mirror (again) and ask yourself if your current hairstyle really suits you. Check out your ends? Is your hair longer than mid back? Get it cut! Most women look good with shoulder length or slightly below. That is long enough for most women (and men!). Keep your crowning glory in good shape with frequent trims!
Shoes
Shoes are the only thing that always fits, no matter how your weight fluctuates. That’s why we plus-size women have so many of them. Shoes need to be bought like clothes, as in the better quality – the better. Keep your shoes in good condition by getting them polished and refurbished. You’d be surprised at the miracles a good cobbler can do. It will make you investment last longer.
On that note, also find a good tailor. Most dry-cleaning places do alterations. Find someone you like and trust, even if it's just for moving buttons. I had a glorious pair of pants I never thought I could wear again altered and they look lovely now.
Measurement Chart
Tip: When measuring keep the tape comfortably loose :)
Size | Bust | Waist | Hips |
1X | 40-42" | 38" | Up to 52" |
2X | 42-44" | 40" | Up to 54" |
3X | 44-46" | 42" | Up to 56" |
4X | 46-48" | 44" | Up to 58" |
5X | 48-50" | 46" | Up to 60" |
Buying online should never be scary...
Shopping anywhere should always be fun!
On every item, you will find exact measurements (often in a size chart). Please use this chart as a guide and compare measurements listed to those of your own (or compare to measurements of items in your closet in which you love the way it fits you).
We try our best to help you get the right fit each and every time!
Did you know?
Not all sizes are created equal. Sizing standards vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For one, a 1X top could actually measure up to a 3X.
That is why it's important to pay close attention to each item's exact measurements. Hint: your bra size is not your bust size.
How do you get the right fit?
Please use the guidelines below when measuring for our clothing:
 | Bust Waist Hips |
How to Measure a Top You Have:
*Lay the top flat as show
*Using a measuring tape, measure the following without stretching the fabric:
(for example: 22" x 2 = 44" bust measurement)
→ Hips: measure at the hipline, then double
How To Measure Using Pants
To ensure the best fit, you’ll need to measure the pant's waist size, hip size, and inseam.
- Lay the pants on a flat surface, front side up.
- Waist - Measure the waistband of the pants from one side to the other, multiply that number by 2, (Example: 18" x 2 = 36" waist size)
- Hip - Determining where to measure the hips can be tricky. A general rule of thumb is to start at bottom of the zipper, then measure across the front and multiply that number by 2, (Example: 22" x 2 = 44" hip size).
- Inseam - Start at the anchor point in the crotch, and follow the seam on the inside of the leg down to where the leg ends.
About Fabric Content:
Fabric also plays a role in how a garment will fit.Here's a brief lesson on some of the most popular fabrics used in today's fashions:
* Rayon: Also knows as Viscose. Produced from naturally occurring polymers. Rayon/Viscose is a very versatile fiber and has the same comfort properties as natural fibers. It can imitate the feel and texture of silk, wool, cotton, and linen. Rayon/Viscose fabrics are soft, smooth, cool, comfortable, and highly absorbent, but they do not insulate body heat, making them ideal for use in hot and humid climates. It's actually more breathable than cotton! It also adds a great comfortable stretch blended with any fabric.
* Cotton: A natural and highly absorbent fabric mainly used for t-shirts, bed sheets, denim, and more. It is the least versatile fabric when used alone. However, it is sometimes blended with other fibers, including Rayon/Viscose, and synthetic fibers such as polyester to provide a better stretch.
* Polyester: The most widely used manufactured fiber in the U.S. Polyester fabrics may exhibit other advantages over natural fabrics, e.g., improved wrinkle resistance. As a result, polyester fibers are often spun together with other fibers to produce a cloth with blended properties. Depending on the blend, you can either get a soft, silky fabric or a more versatile cotton-feel fabric.
* Spandex: Known for it's incredible stretch. Great when blended with other fabrics for a more comfortable fit. It is lightweight, soft and smooth, and resistant to body oils, perspiration, lotions, and detergents.
If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to work with you to ensure your purchase is fun, easy, and satisfactory.
Important:
Due to our clothing being sourced from many different manufacturing companies around the world the original sizing on the clothing tags may differ. Our charting correspond to the chart above. We want to ensure that you get exactly the right size for you :)
Friday, 29 May 2009
How To Order
- Once you have browse through the site and selected the item(s) that you are interested in, email in your orders to: info.urbancottage@gmail.com
- We are a new and growing blog, at the moment we are taking in orders on the 15th and 30th of every month for pre-ordered items, and insha-allah your orders will arrive in (3-4) weeks.
- For items that are already available, delivery will be done on the very next working day.
- In the order email, you are required to provide the necessary details: NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, ITEM CODE AND QUANTITY.
- After filling in your details, forward the email to the given email address stated above.
- We will reply a confirmation receipt of your order status with the amount payable in the next 24 hours. Upon confirmation, for pre-ordered items a minimum deposit of 50% from the amount purchase is required before ordering. For items that are available, payment should be made in full before delivery is carried out.
- For the ease and convenience of customers, we provide 'postal deliveries' for all purchases. Upon final payment, the items are expected to reach all customers within 1-2 working days. A minimum fee of B$6.00 will be implied for purchases below 2kgs. For more information, please contact us.
- All payments should be banked in to: Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) EXQUISITE COMPANY: A/c xxxx7997
Gentle Reminder:
Do double-check your order before submitting the order form for ease of confirmation process. Your co-operation is highly appreciated.
Note:
After submitting the order form, a 50% deposit of purchase price is required and a confirmation receipt will be sent back to you within 24 hours. Please note that order and delivery will only be carried out after authorization of payment is received.
*Please do not delete your ordering/liaising emails or text messages with us just until you received your item(s) for security purposes on your side and as a proof of trade.
About Us
Our mission is to provide quality name brand wear in a variety of sizes and design to accommodate varying body style and shape. We also want to help women to be who they are and be confident in their own skin by providing the latest fashion focusing not only in style but comfort.
Our clothing line are all internationally imported mainly from the US and Australia, and carefully selected for top notch quality where some selection may include lines inspired by Queen Latifah, Baby Phat, Apple Bottoms and may other brands soon to come. With taking baby steps, urban-cottage.blogspot strives to embark an expansion. Being a new and uprising blog site, not only are we targeting to become a central hub for online shopping activities, we strive to open our store in the near future to provide better service and convenience and improving our present and future services to satisfy your needs and desires.
Our projection for the future is to bring in more products not only for women but also for men , and as well as providing other services to suit the customer's needs and satisfaction.
This blog is dedicated to all the fashionista who are seeking style, beauty and elegance no matter what their size is.
Friday, 10 April 2009
Contact Us
- By emailing direct to: info.urbancottage@gmail.com
- Call/SMS: Elle +6738201777
- Or visit our shorwoom at No.4, 1st Floor, Sumbangsih Mulia, Beribi Gadong, Brunei Darussalam.