Great design comes in every size

After a long, dark winter that saw me spend way too many dull days in tired tee's and worn jeans, I finally got off my duff took some time out my extremely busy schedule to go downtown and see a fashion show hosted by LolaAndGigi.com, a Mississauga-based boutique that sells clothes in sizes 12 and up — both from a retail location and online. You scoff that this has nothing to do with housewares? Well, I can’t devote ALL my time to testing slow cookers, you know.

What a pleasure this event was. Having generous proportions myself, I’ve been dismayed at the dismal quality and matronly designs often found in larger sizes. What am I, chopped liver?, I want to shout,  after pawing through racks of shapeless polyester shifts that I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy? I absolutely fell in love with the pieces by Vancouver designer Diane Kennedy, who makes gorgeous stuff in eco-friendly fabrics such as bamboo, which is a dream to wear. I don’t think I can live much longer without the Martini Wrap Dress from her spring collection. Kennedy’s line is available at Lola and Gigi, where I’m headed next week for a spring shopping spree. I think I may have to insist on having the Boudoir dress, a delicious scalloped black lace overlay with a subtle nude lining peeking through. Because women of all shapes need at least one fab black dress in the closet.