BIGGER ISN’ T better when it comes to finding clothes. Though well over 30% of the population wears plus sizes, it has been very difficult for women over size i4 to find fashion-forward clothing. In the past, the industry has been mistaken that larger women had little interest in fashion and only wanted what hid their size. Ignoring their needs and expec- tations, manufacturers and the media paid tittle attention to the market, yet this year, larger-sized women’s apparel is a top money- ‘making segment of the industry. Clothing designers are now rec- * ognizing that real-life women are not ali tall, slim and size 8, and are extending their lines past the size 14 cutoff, , Non-specialty stores are also starting to stock larger sizes. And - they are fut just clothes that make you look thinner, they are smart, sexy, Statement-making and styl- -ishe 0 -: Size [8 women are just begin- - ning to find the same quality in garments that size 8 women have taken for granted. The neglected market is prof- table for.certain high-fashion American retailers. _ They feel there is no reason _, Why plus-sized women shouldn’t ~ be able to walk into a store and _actually. buy what they want, not | ‘just settle for lack of choice. ~ Sak's Fifth Avenue's “Salon Z”. line has been so successful that it is planning to open free-standing _ Salon Z stores in the U.S. Neiman ‘Marcus has scaled up its clothing | to’size 18 in stores and offers its designer merchandise in size 22 to 24 i in its catalogue. ~~ Mail-order in larger sizes has seen the greatest increase, with Speigel witnessing an 80% growth “2. insalés in its * “special sizes’ "from . : 1991 to’93. - - How do North Shore stores size up to these retail giants? ‘Here are several companies that _ Sundress $50 Hat $14 Carol Grenna FASHION STATEMENTS came out on top when asked if plus sizes were carried on a regular basis. There are, of course, specialty stores and departments on the North Shore which sell larger sizes, but the following may be stores you had never considered. Best bets include Neto Leather which stocks size 12'to 16 but will make any garment in the store ina larger size to fit a customer at the same retail price. Chimbros Fashions has a small selection of size 19 to 20 and more choices in 17 to 18. Bellissima carries size 18 in several outfits and has some dress ~ styles in size 20. Bellevue _ Landing Boutique carries size 18 and is considering introducing a designer line in larger sizes. Feminella Fashions, Via Veneto Fashions, Sherry’s Fashions, Serena Fashions and Casanova all carry up to size 16 witha few garments in 18. BJ’S Fashions has selected designs by Steiimann in size 16 and 18, and Jones New York in 14 and 16, which are said to be a generous fit. Nonesuch Boutique has a selection of size.16s and can some- times special-order an 18. . Dry Dock Clothing carries to Kids sweatshirt $24 Pants $24 ‘Booties $11 MEN’S & LADIES’ SPRING FASHIONS HAVE DOCKED! DRY DOCK CLOTHING COMPANY _ 984-2230 | DZ:BIZ:KIDZ size 16, but its Kettle Creek Clothing label in 16 fits like an [8. Wear Else? and Devonshire Cream and Savannah carry up to size 16. Wall Street Fashions designs its clothing up to size 16. Melrose Ave Boutique stocks size 12 but can special-order some styles up to 18 and Phoenix carries up to 14, but can special-order pants to 18. Here are some tips for buying specially sized clothing. ® Don’t be hung up on sizes. Psychologically, sizes may mean a lot, but buying a too-small size forces you into a toa-snug fit that makes you look larger. Some specialty lines size all of their clothes from one through to five so that you will be wearing a small size. % On one shopping trip, try on nothing black or loose. Try new colors in straight. fitted styles, even if you stay in the fitting room. A solid color in a green, blue, purple; cream, cinnamon, taupe or grey, Jayered tone on tone, can look just as becoming. Experiment with pattern on hosiery when wearing a solid-col- ored outfit, and also on sleeves and neckline. ¢ Consider your height and shape, not just size. If you have a balanced figure, shaw it. {f you’ re tall.-you can carry boider colors and accessories. If you’re short, wear new colers, but keep your separates and hosiery in the same tone. if you are small-chested, con- sider wearing lower necklines, shoulder pads and pattern on your shirt. ® Keen up to date and polished. A weil-dressed woman is a well- dressed woman, no matter what size. Dressing in fashionable, sophis~ ticated styles that are well acces- - sorized does wonders to improve your self-esteem and your image. This spring, trends in plus sizes Graphic Carel Crenna * DESIGNERS ARE making it easy for plus-sized women nto tind : smart, sexy, statement-making ciothes.. : . show longer jackets in straight styles with short, narrow skirts, pyjama-styled pants in light, flow- ing fabrics with extra-long vests; . duster coats and tunics. Sheer shins with tails are _ untucked! over r straight pants and long, narrow skirts. There are lots of lightweight - os pale fabrics layered in long,-Joose | three-piece ensembles with clean, . . simple details. _ S ? We have selected some of | 3 our best-selling Brand - Names for this Special _ SPRING SALE EVENT sunday, March 20 - - Sunday, March 27, 1994 ULM. EQUIPMENT Fleece shorts,. {ops pants, Boys: “&.Girls 4.