The question of where to buy clothes can be difficult to answer. However, the issue can become more complicated when looking

for plus size clothes. Kim Stranden, owner of Ravishing Clothing for Women Ltd. in downtown Saskatoon, understands the

problem.“When I did my market research for my business plan, over half of Saskatoon women were a size 14 or up,” Stranden

notes. “There’s nothing that represents these women.” That’s where Ravishing Clothing for Women comes in, a store that

represents sizes 14 to 32 for all ages of women, from teens to seniors. Women can find fashionable clothes here that fit. The

problem of finding proper sizes is one that Stranden feels is compounded in today’s market. “Main stream clothing is coming in

smaller,” she points out.“Women who normally wore the large or that extra large can no longer fit into these sizes. They’re

turning to different means, or they’re wearing clothes that are too small that aren’t fitting them right. Women who are size 14

and up deserve to dress fashionably and trendy just like their counterparts who are size 0 to 12.”Stranden notes that there are

some tips women can incorporate when trying to find what works for their body types. “To emphasize positive features,

wear what you’re comfortable wearing. Try that top that you would have never tried before, because you never know how well it
will look.”She adds that women should try to “be a little bit daring. If you don’t like your upper arms, try a shirt that has a short

sleeve.  If you don’t like your tummy, find a top that is more of a tunic that hides that area.”Specifically, bigger busted women

should try v-neck tops. “For v-neck tops that are too low, wear a camisole underneath. Wraps (wrap tops, dresses) look amazing

on any body shape, every figure.”For those who are self-conscious about their midsection, ruching is popular. “This is when

material is gathered at the tummy. It covers up all the extra rolls and whatever else is on the stomach that you don’t want people

to see. That is by far the best way,” states Stranden. “Tunics are great, because they frame the chest, cover up the arms if they

have long sleeves, float nicely over the tummy, and don’t cling.” Stranden continues, “I am working on petite plus big time. That

is something that the market is lacking so badly.” For these body types, she suggests wearing cropped jackets, dark wash jeans,

and shorter tops, all making sure that tops and jackets “don’t hang too low.”For styles this spring, Stranden points out that

“tunics have been really popular, a lot of Capri's, and bright colors- the more color the better- and some patterns.”

Carrying lines such as Lana Lee, Baby Phat, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis, and NineWest, Stranden has the clothing lines to keep you

in style as well as in size. Also coming in is a new line of jeans that has a tummy panel and butt lifter, which makes you go

down a full pant size. They’re the Not Your Daughter’s Jeans- as seen on Oprah. “You should be wearing clothes that are age

appropriate,” she adds. “If you are 20 years old, you should be dressing like a 20 year-old. You shouldn’t be dressing like

your mother if you’re young.”“I try to bring in clothes that aren’t the frumpy, tarp like clothes of yester year,” continues

Stranden. “It’s fashionable. It’s tight fitting. It’s figure flattering. It covers the parts it should and enhances where it should. It’s

all about perceptions, and people feeling comfortable in their own skin. It doesn’t matter how much you weigh or what size you

wear for clothes.”Stranden also points out that trends can be incorporated into everyday fashion in parts. “If they’re reading the

magazines and they see that skinny jeans are really popular, they might not be comfortable wearing the skinny jeans, but the

wash of the jean they might be able to find. It’s sort of taking bits and pieces of the style that’s out there that will work for their

own body.” Taking those bits and pieces is much more manageable for many women than trying to emulate super models. The

question of where to find fashionable plus size clothes is an important topic. However, Stranden knows her customer is worth

the fight. “What I’m finding is a lot of the women who shop here that are that size 14 and up, they’re embracing their figures.

They’reproud of who they are, and they expect more because they deserve more.”To accentuate the positives in plus size

fashion, one needs only to go to Ravishing Clothing for Women, a place where size and fashion shake hands.