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!--

My office is going green this summer. We are moving to a 4-day work week, and even better, we get to wear anything we want (within reason of course) every Thursday. My boss hopes that less work clothes will be sent to the cleaners, which will reduce chemical waste and electricity. She is a fantastic woman who dresses very classic but casual. I wonder what she will wear on Thursday, probably a sleeveless shirt with a khaki short and smart belt.

So, Wednesday night I went through my plus size clothing in order to put together a tasteful look and something flattering. I found an off-the-shoulder blouse in aqua and a pair of white capri pants, simple and machine washable.

When I went into work the next day, I got so many compliments. I forgot how nice aqua looks on me. I think the last time I wore that top it was on a boat outing with friends. We went whale watching on Long Island, New York. It was great fun! Well I definitely love this --choose your clothing day--. I have lots of plus size tops, shirts and pants to pick from. Maybe I will go online and treat myself to a new fashion or make a bid on eBay!

I was looking around for some plus size clothing to take on my winter vacation to Florida. I got a week off and hubby wanted to go to Tampa. I like going to the beach but I feel sort of uncomfortable with my body exposed in a one-piece bathing suit. I am not a sun lover but adore getting into the ocean than a pool. Hubby is pretty cool about my size. He likes to see me in color but most of the time I wear black. I tend to accessorize myself in color (shoes, jewelry and belts). I have had this plus size beach dress forever and cannot find anything to replace it. So I decided to buy some fabric and take it to my tailor. What a good idea! I love my new beach cover-up! I know that I will feel confident on my trip and really enjoy feeling special. Wow thinking big works! Oh by the way the fabric was a soft pastel blue (it matches my eyes!).