I found a fantastic bathing suit cover up from a lovely plus size clothing shop called UDs Fashions. It is own by an Asian woman originally from Borneo, Indonesia but married an American from New York. She designs her own clothing and has them made in Java.

She helped me find a black sheer cover with a really nice embroidery stitch along the neckline and sleeves. I got two covers. (I tend to misplace things.) I tried on her silk caftan tops that she said were hand painted by her sister Dena. I looked great in it. But I was not in the mood to buy more than I needed that day.

After I left her shop and headed home to the family I wondered what UD stood for. I could not come up with anything that made sense to plus size clothing. While I was watching Project Runway I realize could it be Upscale Designs? I would like to think so!

Hi, Steve, I love my red jacket, I ordered for my daughter Julie's wedding. I so appreciated your help with choosing the right outfit to wear as the Mother of the Bride. As you can see in the picture with Julie and Robert, the red material looks gorgeous and I received many complements on it. You were most helpful and patient with my concerns about picking out the perfect attire for the wedding.

Many thanks and blessings,

Andrea

Dear Andrea,

It was my pleasure to work with you. I love what I am doing! Thanks for making my day!

Best Regards,

Stephen Hadley
Designer

When I was in high school, I loved playing tennis. I was not plus size then. I was a large women, but not a 3x. I have been thinking about getting back into playing tennis again because my son has shown an interest. It would be fun to hit the ball with him while he is off for the summer. I have sent him to a local tennis club that gives lessons 5 times a week. I drop him off and pick him up an hour later.

The other day I arrived 15 minutes early to bring him home. I watched him play and he is good. So I thought I should do a mother and son bonding. I went to the sports store to find tennis clothing. Nothing! Not one shirt, blouse or skirt to be found in a 1x, 2x or 3x. I had to resort to buying a pair of mens long sweat pants and cutting them below the knee to make them into shorts. For a shirt I made due with a white tee I had. I felt sloppy.

I do not know why designers forget about us plus size women. But then I was not even thinking about a designer tennis outfit, just a decent sports dress to wear.

Anyway, I then got a new pair of sneakers and tennis balls. My son was shocked when I came back to pick him up because I said, --Want to hit a couple?-- He smiled and said, --sure thing!--