Realwomen.co.nz

Hey girls,

I just joined the forum and read some of the posts - there was some really interesting stuff.

I was hoping to get some advice from experienced plus size shoppers on my new range. I have been in the fashion industry since I left university and after my first child I realised there was not much in the way of plus size clothing out there. I've just finished the on-line store and put up my first range - currently working on summer. I hope to continually improve my ranges and I think the best way to do that is through constructive feedback. I'd love it if you all could take a look and let me know if I'm off to a good start!

Thanks,

the site is www.houseofmilk.com

Well I for one just wish that those who say they are catering to plus sized people, would use genuine plus sized models to show their clothes off in their catalogues. Size 14 - 16 is not really what most of here would call "PLUS" When you are selling Size 24 - 28 , then the catalogues should show women of size 24 - 28 wearing the clothes. To be fair there is a vast difference between the way clothes look on a size 16 and the way they would look on some of us which is why I probably would not order something via mail that has been pictured only on an average sized model.

Actually , I don't find the name "House of Milk " very inspiring either. I am not being nasty, I am being honest, and you did ask for feedback.

Thank you very much for your feed back. Well noted and I will try to find a better suited model for the up and coming seasons. I also offer my styles down to a size 8 and made to measure so I tried to hit both ends of the market with a 14/16 model. We have a very good returns policy and most mail orders do these days, does that not help to make you feel more comfortable with "will it fit" trouble shooting.

Thank you for your honesty - All feed back is welcome. I was breastfeeding a newborn at the time of naming our business. All I could think of was milk and when the next feed would be. "House of" is a design term which means fashion/design house - and then House of Milk was born. I was hoping that it would sound nurturing and nourishing but maybe if there are more posts agreeing with you I will look at a name change.
Once again - Thank-you for your thoughts and time, this is very helpful

For my tuppence worth I think that styles that suit a size 8 would never suit a size 18 let alone anyone bigger. . This is a mistake that many designers make. It is like trying to mix oil and water. It is not possible to hit both ends of the market like this. Concentrate on one or the other and do a good job of one or the other. That is my advice.
I found a shop the other day that had nice looking gear in it's window under a big sign stating Fashions for all women and all sizes 10 to 28. I went inside and found racks and racks of lovely clothes in colorful lovely fabrics. I even got a bit excited about it, until I realised they were all smaller sizes and that in the far end of the shop there were a couple of small racks with a very small and sad looking selection of XXL stuff . Big ,Black and Bloody Boring as usual.
I agree with the previous person who commented on the name House of Milk. It reminded me of my breast feeding days and I have to say they were best forgotten. Who ever enjoyed leaking breasts, damp patches on ones tops and waking up wet in the mornings?
Well that is what I thought of when I saw that name. Sorreeeeee

OK - Sounds like I need a name change. Please don't be sorry I need to here this. I think I still have nappy brain sometimes. My speciality is pattern making/fit and I haven't thought through these points thoroughly. I also get very frustrated with pretty clothes being advertised in my size but not actually being available on the rack - this is why I offer my styles as a made to measure so that they are always available.