How Size 8+ Mannequins Might Actually Help Retailers

You might’ve seen it on Facebook or Twitter last week — a photo of two Swedish H&M mannequins with a little more meat on their bones than we’re used to seeing in major North American retailers.

In the photo, which surfaced on Facebook last Monday, the mannequins wear sexy lingerie (and questionable knee-socks, but whatever) and have visibly softer bellies and fuller thighs than your typical mannequin. The photo received tons of comments along the lines of “Finally!” and “About time!” from women around the world who are — gasp! — sick and tired of seeing a cookie-cutter “ideal” of the female body in their retailers’ windows: pin-thin legs, narrow hips and a waist so nipped you could pinch it between your thumb and forefinger.

NYC: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Last week I experienced the greatest job perk ever: a trip to New York City to cover Bridal Market, which is essentially the wedding industry’s lace-and-ivory take on Fashion Week. When we weren’t attending runway shows or clinking champagne flutes with bridal royalty Randy Fenoli, my boss and I explored some of New York’s hippest neighbourhoods. As she observed, we saw the good, the bad and ugly during our five-day visit.

Floating Hearts Blouse

Last week, I spent over an hour in the Eaton Centre looking for new summer duds and didn’t see a single thing that I wanted to buy, aside from a pair of Michael Kors wedges that are obviously not in my budget.

Pretty Pink Peonies

Peonies are my favorite flowers for so many reasons: their fat, multi-petaled blooms, papery texture and perfume-y fragrance.

I really wanted peonies in my bridal bouquet but the florist said they might not be available by mid-April. I was so excited when she phoned and said she’d be able to get a few pink ones in time for our wedding. I splurged on a bouquet of pink blooms last week and love the way they pretty up the kitchen and make me smile every time I walk into the room.

My Geek-Chic Glasses

Wearing glasses is kind of a drag. I mean, they’re wonderful, really, the way they bring the watery world around me into focus and help me trip less and I know there are many people with worse vision problems than me who don’t have corrective lenses. It’s just I would prefer not to wear them.

I Want Nicole Richie’s ‘Do

I’m getting my hair cut and colored on Saturday and I’m loving Nicole Richie’s heavy bangs and long, choppy bob. I’ve been wearing my hair the same way for two years now – middle part, long layers – and it feels as inspiring as soggy tofu.

I’ve had full fringe before with mixed results. The first time I went for it, I was living in Windsor after university and loved what the stylist did: I felt I had a little ’70s glam thing going on and strangers often asked where I got my hair done.

J. Crew Coming To The Eaton Centre

There are pros and cons to working close to the Eaton Centre.

Pro: I can pop in on my lunch hour and pick up a birthday card, new sandals or tasty takeout from the Urban Eatery food court. Con: Seeing lots of fun clothes, shoes and accessories that make my heart flutter and exercising thriftiness despite the overwhelming urge to spend money now.

My Feet Hurt!

Nothing tops spring and its long days, humidity-free warmth and alfresco dining.

Something I’m definitely not loving about spring right now, though, are my blistered, achy feet. My flats cause blisters herehereandhere while my sandals cause blisters therethereandthere, leaving the entire surface area of both feet swollen and bloodied. Ouch!