We make real clothes for real people!

We are really pleased to see some of the big fashion brands and high street stores embracing models of real sizes on the catwalks and in-store mannequins instead of the waif/twig variety held in such high esteem for so many years. This means there’s been a shift in their approach to better reflect our ‘diverse society’ of consumers. This was highlighted in comments made by Jo Swinson last autumn, who was at the time Under Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (http://www.libdemvoice.org/jo-swinson-launches-size-16-mannequins-37093.html).

Some men and women feel pressured into having to conform to model sizes shown in glossy fashion and lifestyle magazines, and wrongly believe life will be a bed of roses if they do. Sadly we know that for some, this can lead to eating disorders, psychological issues and worse.

Sizes also vary, as we all know only too well, from store to store and brand to brand. Where we are, say, a size 16 with one retailer, we could be an 18 or 20 elsewhere. Before the invention of clothing sizes in the early 1800s, all garments were made to fit individuals by either tailors or makers of clothing in homes. The standard clothing templates are not adhered to and of course vary with the drape of the cloth as well as by manufacturer. Sometimes this can even differ within the same size at the same store!

We say ‘hats off’ to Debenhams for using ‘plus size’ models in their stores, but even using the term ‘plus size’ has its own connotation that being larger than, say, a size 14-16 means you need to be in a special category. Retailers like Mango, H&M, ASOS, Net-a-Porter and many more now have plus size ranges, but Mango defined ‘plus’ as over a size 12. How does that make the average British size 16 woman feel?!

Why not ditch the vaguely insulting terminology and celebrate our bodies for what they are – individual and just as lovely?

Here at the Get Waisted boutique in Steyning, that’s exactly what we do. We make quality bespoke made to measure pieces that enhance your shape, no matter what it is, give you confidence and make you feel special. We’ll give you advice on shape, fabric, texture, drape, length and fit, as well as accessories. And this applies to men as well as women.

We’re not all made the same shape or size so why should we be expected to conform? After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

You can see more about us on www.getwaisted.co.uk or contact us on:

Email: toni@getwaisted.co.uk

Steyning boutique, 94 High Street, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3RD

Open 9.30am-5.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, closed on Mondays

Tel: 01903 812992

Mobile: 07947 497342

Glorious events need glorious outfits!

Get Waisted is now well established in our new Steyning boutique and atelier. It feels like home already! 

We had a special soiree last week, which was well attended by clients and friends, and our new vintage clothing range is growing by the day. Toni has a special den in which to design and create her specially commissioned pieces, and we have a comfy new consultation room where clients can relax and discuss styles, textures and fabrics.

We’re all delighted to see the Spring daffodils, lambs looking cute and the tasty appearance of hot cross buns in the shops, but how about thinking ahead and being organised and stress-free, as well as turning more than a few heads this coming event ‘season’?

The south-east has a wealth of high profile diary dates each summer and there’s nothing worse than turning up at a prestige event only to find you are but one of several ladies wearing the same outfit. The answer – a sumptuous, made to measure outfit or, for the gentlemen, suit.

Made to measure is not just for ball gowns – how about a day dress for Ascot, Glorious Goodwood, Henley, the Epsom Derby, Wimbledon, the Veuve Cliquot Gold Cup, the Glyndebourne Festival or Goodwood Revival/Vintage (for the full diary, see http://www.classicalbritain.com/the-english-season/english-season-calendar)? You’ll then be subject of many admiring glances and know you’re the only one with a hand-made bespoke look created in a colour palette and fabric texture suited especially for you, your skin tone and designed to make the most of your shape.

Get ready for the great British summer! Events start in May with various local Ladies Days at the races (Lingfield, Plumpton) then June (Epsom Derby, Goodwood Festival of Speed, Wimbledon), July (Henley Royal Regatta, final of the Veuve Cliquot Gold Cup), August (Brighton Races Ladies Day, Fontwell Park Ladies Day) and September (Hickstead).

There’s also the cruise season where we can again help by putting together a collection of bespoke clothing for you to take away, knowing you’ll be able to sit at the Captain’s Table wearing something so special and unique, you only have to focus on the task ahead: enjoying yourself!

Call us to book a consultation now for your Get Waisted experience.

It's not just about the ladies this Valentine's Day!

We’ve had so many men coming into our Steyning boutique to buy Valentine’s gifts for their ladies over the last week or two, but how about you stylish and fashion focused ladies getting your special man something that’ll warm the cockles of his heart?

There are some interesting general suggestions in this article from Harper’s Bazaar: http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/fashion/inside/valentines-day-gift-guide-for-him#slide-1 and a photo of Matthew McConaughey in Esquire sporting a chic charcoal grey suit.

One of the most versatile items in a gentleman’s wardrobe is the grey suit and for Autumn/Winter 2014, it’s making a big return to tailoring in a range of shades – in fact probably more than 50 shades of grey! The colour palette goes from graphite to silver and tone on tone is also so wearable, which you can use through fabrics, textures and cuts.

Tweed is also making a comeback as well as the sophisticated grey suit – check out great British brand Bladen (http://www.bladentailoring.co.uk/home.aspx), Skopes (http://www.skopes.com/retail/) and Purple Label by Benvenuto (http://benvenuto.de/en/anzuege/purple-label/).

A sumptuous grey suit can make a man look stunning for events like a wedding, a day at the races or a night on the red carpet. It can also ooze confidence and elegance if you need to look your best as a professional, but grey suits are nothing if not useful and so are ideal for office wear, with or without a tie (as long as the tone of grey and the shirt colour go well with your skin and eyes), Valentine’s dinners or dressed down with a designer black t-shirt, scarf and cashmere coat.

Our gift to you this Valentine’s – a photo of Brad Pitt in tone on tone grey

Photo: celebritysuits.com

Whatever your style, Toni Pickles at Get Waisted (www.getwaisted.co.uk) is able to make a bespoke tailored suit for every discerning gentleman about town. Toni’s background is in tailoring and she will advise on tone, fabric, design and cut. If you’d like a suit that is made-to-measure and won’t be seen anywhere on the high street, just get in touch with Toni.

You can see more about us on www.getwaisted.co.uk or contact us on:

Email: toni@getwaisted.co.uk

Steyning boutique, 98 High Street, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3RD

Open 9.30am-5.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, closed on Mondays

Tel: 01903 812992

Mobile: 07947 497342