Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, September 17, 1995 TAG: 9509150013
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In the "Tacky to Terrific In 10 Easy Steps" segment of her 1992 videotape, "Accessory Advantage," Reid uses design, shape, texture, color and placement to magically streamline her self-described "something-more" figure.
Happily, retailers serving the valley's more amply endowed women this season are stocking a lot of the right stuff to emulate Reid's examples this season. Acknowledging that full figures also come in petite and tall heights, they are carrying proportioned clothes as well. One of Reid's first slim-down tricks is to put on a hip-length jacket with shoulder pads - and it needn't be a solid or dull color, she emphasizes.
Locally, jackets are in all the stores in choices from basic blacks and winter whites to jewel-toned silks, wool and blended tweeds, subtle stripes and other patterns, fabrics and textures.
"The lengths are right," said Courtney Brown, co-manager at Lane Bryant, Tanglewood Mall. "There are a lot of earthy neutrals that go with everything and are good for mix and match. There are a lot of basics."
Kim Huff, assistant manager at Sizes Unlimited, Tanglewood Mall, said the store's popular bright, dressy silks feel and look good without adding bulk or weight.
Ann Skinner, a saleswoman at Mimi's Plus Ltd. in The Forum shopping center, agreed that silks are big - as are slenderizing, easy-traveling knits and weekender wardrobes of complementary jackets, blouses, skirts and pants. She cited the navy and ivory "menswear" group as especially slimming.
To further her slimming effects, Reid pushes up her jacket sleeves and secures them. The type of sleeve bands that she uses were available in silver, gold, black or pewter for about $6 next door to Mimi's at Colors & You. It has lots of accessories with enough heft to look good on heavier women.
Reid wears bold necklaces to create visual verticals, and she places a large pin near the shoulder of her jacket to pull attention toward her face. Donning a pair of large earrings with vertical lines, she warns not to repeat your face's shape.
"A round face with round earrings looks like a dinner plate with two side salads," she quips.
Reid recommends that hosiery be no darker than shoes. If your skirt hem, hosiery and shoes are all one color, an even longer, more slimming illusion is created. She places her prominent buckle to one side instead of dead center over her stomach, where it would attract unwanted attention.
Bonomo's Plus saleswomen Jennie and Jeannie (don't use our last names, they begged) said their selection of scarves is perfect for aiming attention where you want it. Like many retailers, their Towers Shopping Center store is getting in a lot of navy blue, hunter green, wine and plum shades and animal prints this season.
Indeed, many animal prints are among the collection at Added Dimensions in Valley View Mall. Manager Mary Pandolfini said she is pleased with this season's variety in everything from casual wear to business clothes to extensive dressy lines. She cited slenderizing monochromatic knits and wave fabrications that lend themselves to "columnar" dressing. There also are many classics that will last through more than one season, Pandolfini said.
She said there's much variety among skirt lengths and shapes. However, Reid favors hemlines that end where the leg curves, about 1 or 2 inches below the knee. As a rule, she warns to steer clear of too-prominent patterns, pleats and gathers around the hips and stomach.
Reid's video also covers selection and use of handbags, hats, belts and accessory holders, and gives ways to use scarves. In 1994, she wrote the book "Fashion, Fun and Feeling," which expands upon and updates her video. To order, send $20 for the video or $15 for the book to T.J. Reid, Retail Resources, Box 977, Amite, La. 70422; or call (800) 221-8615.
by CNB