Life Is Not a Dress Size

It was such a pleasure to read a book (aimed at the "gifted") which shows a delightful awareness that fashion should be fun and reflect individual style. Unlike other books aimed at this market, this one is neither a dreary "self-help" approach nor an appeal to look "professional" (which, especially in NYC, generally means "dowdy.") This book should be on the shelf of everyone who enjoys both sewing and individuality in fashion, not only those who are plus sized. Rita's humour makes the reading marvellously original - her style gives a sense of sheer (or, perhaps, "shear") enjoyment. I especially liked her emphasis on colour and adapting patterns. For some, Rita's taste may seem a bit over the top (even I, who have rather bold tastes, would find the "carwash skirt" a little much), but her ideas can be adapted to the reader's personal style. For example, the "suit types" can use Rita's swing coat in any fabric, over a simple dress, and both have an "office look" and avoid the skirt-and-blouse cutoff point that is unflattering to most large women. Rita, most refreshingly, does not offer stock "self-help" talk, nor does she explore the current trends towards relating size to "issues" or "self-esteem." This is pure fashion, where building on one's own style and tastes makes for a wonderful look.

Whether you sew or not, Rita Farro's book is for all women of size. She uses wit, warmth and a large dose of common sense to get the message across that large women are just as entitled to be happy and productive as anyone else and those "fataphobics" who have a problem with us plus size gals...well, it's THEIR problem. All we can do, she says, is change ourselves for the better. We CAN be happy. And she's right. I spent years sitting at home feeling terrible about myself but after reading Rita's book, I started taking control of my life and in small steps, try to be better every day. I can't recommend this book too highly. I just wish Rita would hurry up and write another book!

I picked this book up two years ago and have since read it several times. It is an excellent resource for anyone who does not fit "society's" standards. The author gives insightful and witty advice on how to present ourselves in the best possible manner to a world that is often hostile. As an added bonus, the sewing section at the end of the book was extremely useful. Kudos to Rita. When will she write her next book?

This is one of the most practical, inspirational books I have ever read. I bought it with the hope of enhancing my sewing skills. What I found were not only sound, solid techniques for creative sewing but also a "handbook for the soul" of the plus-size person. Even if one never sews a stitch, one will come away from the reading of this book enriched by both its creative ideas, and its down-to-earth and heartfelt support for the plus-size person struggling to fit in to a "thinness is everything" world.

Rita's delightful approach, which truly deals with personal style, is absolutely refreshing. An added bonus for larger ladies is that Rita (unlike most authors who target our market)does not "buy into" the "fat is a sign of other issues" nonsense. Rita knows that fashion is fun, and seems to be enjoying herself immensely (no pun intended). This is one book that every plus-sized lady should read and enjoy!