Asked and Answered...

Dear Chatelaine Magazine,
Re: Urban Jungle Fashion Feature - September 2009
As a long-time subscriber to Chatelaine, I value and appreciate the way the magazine highlights different perspectives and points of view. However, as a size 18 curvy and petite (5'2") woman, I am often disappointed by your fashion features. I was curious when I saw that you were starting to include a "plus-size" option but instantly dismayed to see that your "plus-size" choices usually go up to a size 16 (size 15 in this issue) or XL (typically the same size range of the other body styles you feature). Any modern woman knows that the definition of "plus-size" means sizes that at least go up to 24. I know these options exist. I own them and wear them. Here in Vancouver, many of the more popular local designers have learned the benefit of being inclusive in their sizing. I believe that to inspire women to wear, be creative with and enjoy fashion, you need to give them realistic options. A size 20 woman may also be "pear" shaped. A "petite" woman (usually defines height, not size) may be a size 2 or 18. We've all heard the fashion rules so many times we could probably list them off in our sleep. As a magazine that celebrates all women from all perspectives and walks of life, isn't it time to start encouraging us all to break those rules, take risks and realize that fashion can be fun and liberating? Aren't those the women that we all notice and admire anyway?
Lorna Ketler

reply...
Lorna,
Thank you so much for your letter. I just wanted to personally apologize for the misunderstanding. The linen pant is actually available in a size 14–22 and the jacket was as well with a long sleeve. This was obviously an error on our part and by no means did we mean to offend or patronize our readers.
We'll do our best to avoid the issue in the future and again, I apologize.
Kate
-- Kate DaleyAssistant Style Editor
Chatelaine magazine
One Mount Pleasant Road, 8th Floor
Toronto, ON M4Y 2Y5T
: 416.764.3954F: 416.764.2431
www.chatelaine.com

Bean at the Beach...

Life is good!

One more weekend down...

Feeling a bit unsettled this week. Lots of things happening (see here for details) and I'm feeling a bit out of control. Nothing I can't handle. It seems to happen once in a while. One thing that made me feel better today was finally getting my hair cut. It probably wasn't that long according to most people but to me, I'm used to having my hair pretty short and it was driving me a bit crazy. Better now. Didn't go too short as I'm going to get it coloured before the wedding and my hair dresser needs something to hold on to:)
This past weekend we had our great friends Lorraine and Greg over for some golf, food, wine and crazy card playing. Lorraine and I have known each other since elementary school and we've shared a lot of good times over the years. It was great catching up. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. So much fun! The last time they were here we golfed too but it was soooo cold and almost snowing so - this time was much more enjoyable.
(you can see more pix on my facebook or flickr pages)
Tomorrow we're back in the city (or 'town' as they call it from here) and this weekend have more friends visiting with our god-dog, Bean! Can't wait.

evening at robert's creek

the posts are coming...

i got a new camera on the weekend! my old one broke about a month ago. i was considering taking the leap into something bigger with more options but loved my old one so much. just being able to always have it in my purse whenever i was ready to capture the moment (and i thought the picture quality was really pretty good!). so, this is just a new and improved version - bigger zoom, more pixels and some other updates. and...it's a really pretty blue:)
i haven't been inspired to blog because i haven't been able to take any pictures so...look out - i'll be back soon with some updates.
in the meantime, check out this site/workshop. i'm considering signing up for the fall course. looks pretty fun and inspiring!http://www.mondobeyondo.org/index.html