Not only do I hear you, it’s screaming in my ear. I look pretty normal but am oddly disproportionate— for example, a pair of slacks that would fit would be a petite cut at the hips, a tall inseam, and a size difference between the waist and hips. And that’s just the legs. (Shoes are the ONE place where I am utterly standard!)

What I suggest is that every woman who has trouble with things fitting oddly should go to somebody who can do a full measurement for her— not only waist and hips, but inseam, rise, shoulder width, neck length, etc. For example, theater costumers often have a sheet with all of the measurements necessary to fit varying styles of costumes, including fitted and historical. Then find a sizing chart.

That may not help you find clothes, but at least you’ll have some reason WHY things don’t fit. (Me, I’ve got no hope unless I go tailored, which is the reason there’s so many skirts in my closet!)

Also, NO ANIMALS! If I see one more plus sized section that has cows on it (I love cows, but not on my clothes, btw I’m from Nebraska, could you tell?) I am going to SCREAM!

Also, also infusions of color, patterns, and a lot of risque are in high demand. I would love to apply but unfortunately I’m not very qualified and don’t have a lot of experience. I wish you the best in your search though and can’t wait for the final product!

Manolo’s lovely heart and acceptance of all his fans has always peeked from behind his wicked and rapier wit. That you are committed to addressing the needs of all us “larger than life” gals is like manna from Manolo heaven. I suppose the blogging gig will go to a couple NYC fashionista’s, hooked up with the coolest outlets for getting the right clothes, which is only right, but as long as we can all participate it will be real.. My rules for larger ladies: We tend to have larger and wider feet than our more geneticially blessed sisters. While beat up feet are not the “sole” (sorry couldn’t resist) provence of L than L ladies, we do need shoes that minimize our feet. Often that means black or dark shoes, but certainly not always. I have a fabulous pair of pale green strappy sandals with a stacked heel that I bought in Ireland of all places, and dang if they ain’t the most comfortable sleds I’ve ever worn. I’ll send a pic, you will love them! Keep the love going Mr. M. You are a true gentleman!

I’m with Christina, clothes for the tall and large woman are few and far between. Even worse is finding garments for the tall and large pregnant woman. Good luck.

Though I am not nearly as big as I used to be I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Thank you, Manolo.

We are all people, and we all have our fashion difficulties. And I, working at Banana Republic, am the very LAST to discount the plight of the larger or smaller person, since I work with them every day. I’m 5′6 and just a size 0. At stores that run a bit bigger, I can’t find anything that fits me either, and at most stores, nothing in a size 0 is long enough since I’m mostly leg.

I took a little offense at the “skinny people will eat a burger to fit in our clothes” comment because calling someone skinny (or making anorexic comments) is just as bad as calling someone else fat. *frown* Turns out that some of us can’t put on weight easily, while others can’t take it off.

To the SSF: At the top of Manolo’s Shoe Blog, underneath the row of shoes, are two rows of links to Manolo’s various blogs and forums. The very last link, “Talk to Manolo,” is what you need to click on to email him.