Kind regards,
Abbie Martin
Lifestyle Manager

Any Colour - So Long As It's Black
by Andrea Higgs

Early last century American industrialist Henry Ford told customers his cars could be bought in one colour only. Have our shopping experiences really changed since then?

At first glance the range of goods available for us to buy today seems almost infinite. But a closer look often shows a lack of genuine choice. A good example of this is women’s clothing.

Seemingly endless stores, advertisements and sales. Yet listen to women and they will tell you of their frustrations of not finding the styles and sizes that fit their bodies and tastes.

I’ve become an internet shopper because I believe in giving my business to retailers, wherever they are, who truly provide special products and exceptional service.

Here’s a few of my favourite specialist retailers.

Duo Boots sell women’s knee length boots in up to 21 calf fittings. Yes, boots that fit both your feet and your legs! Duo Boots sells through their store in England and over the internet. I’ve successfully purchased a beautiful pair of burgundy suede boots online. (My tip is to subtract 1 or 2 cms off your calf measurement when ordering if you prefer a snug fit on your calf.)
www.duoboots.com

Bravissimo sell lingerie, clothing and swimwear for “big boobed women”. The lingerie is beautiful and feminine – definitely not matronly. Unlike general women’s clothing, they also make different sized tops based on both waist and bust measurements. That’s right, shirts that actually stay buttoned up over your bust!
www.bravissimo.com

Peter Sheppard is Australia’s specialist in narrow and wide shoes. With shops located in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, you can also order by phone, fax and email. Their staff are highly trained and understand how to approach different foot fit issues. They are particularly expert in helping customers who need to wear orthotics in their shoes.
www.petersheppard.com.au

Secretly Hidden sells sleepwear for women who have undergone breast surgery. Contemporary, feminine nighties in 100% cotton in sizes 8 to 18. All are easy to get on and off (as women initially have restricted movement of the associated arm after breast surgery). They also provide super breast support and hold breast forms securely in place via subtle pockets concealed within the bust.
www.secretlyhidden.com.au

Wildbleu creates sleepwear for women experiencing hot flashes and night sweats. Their sleepwear is created from a high-tech yarn that feels like cotton but wicks moisture away from the skin and then forces the moisture to the surface of the fabric where it evaporates quickly. Their feedback from menopausal women is that the fabric is the only way they can stay dry at night and not have to get up to change clothes and bedding.
www.wildbleu.com

Access USA is a mail forwarding service which gives you access to those US-based websites who don’t offer international shipping. You set up a mailing address with them, they receive your orders and forward them on to your Australian address. You have a number of pricing options to choose from. I used their services for 2 years and always found them easy to deal with.
www.myus.com

So next time you’re complaining about the lack of variety in women’s clothing, spend some time on the internet. There actually is a whole world of variety out there and not everything comes just in black.

Andrea Higgs is the founder of Womanly, an Adelaide retailer specialising in designer clothing in women’s sizes 16 to 22. She is committed to connecting women with products and services that bring genuine value to their lives. www.womanly.com.au