Readers reflect on curvy women's struggles in clothing stores
Waitsfield, Vermont
This reminded me vividly of my own experience back in 1990. I had met Mr. Right, a widower with a 15-year-old daughter. While planning our wedding, my stepdaughter-to-be asked if I could pick up some pantyhose for her, something nice to go with the dress we'd bought her for the occasion. At the store I found an extensive rack of pantyhose and went right to the plus section. I found not one item that was in any way fancy or pretty, just a very small number of the plainest stockings imaginable. I was incensed: Who decided that just because a girl is queen-size means she doesn't get to put on the ritz if she wants to? This article suggests that things might have improved a very little since then, but not nearly enough.
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Louise Quigley
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Braintree
I am short and I always have to alter my clothes, or look like I borrowed my big sister's outfit. It's disrespectful to expect me to spend time and money fixing clothes that I just paid for. It is also hurtful to think it's OK for women to wear ill-fitting clothes. What we need is PLUS-SIZE PETITE clothing and more industry size standardization. And fewer size 12 models online when the shopper at home is a 22.
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Kobi Alka
Salem
I am not quite in the larger sizes, in most styles, but most definitely not in the smaller sizes, either. Over the years, I have bought Kohl's (Croft and Barrow brand) elastic-waist pull-on jeans. I need more — they do get worn out — BUT they no longer have them, at all (I asked). It was hard to find them at Wal-Mart, as well. And, I don't think Target has what I want. I don't need much, clothing-wise. Retired, no need for anything dressy. But blue jeans are my usual attire.
Evelyn Carver
Middleborough
As a lifelong curvy girl, I too have spent more time sifting through what isn't really sized for those of us with extra floof, feeling ridiculously lucky when I would happen upon something correctly proportioned, comfortable, and of quality. That is, until I discovered one of New England's hidden gems: Botticelli, in Smithfield, Rhode Island. This packed-to-the-edges shop is full of clothing that is flattering, fun, and affordable for women from mid to plus sizes. You can find everything from outerwear to special occasion showstoppers to everyday jeans. Regardless of what some New Englanders say, Rhode Island is not 'that far' and if you are a curvaceous woman, you will never regret a trip to Botticelli!
Brenda Crawshaw
Kingston
Across the Aisles
The message in this Connections by Wafa Unus,
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M. Teresa Mascarenhas
Abington
I too see grocery shopping as an adventure. I enjoy checking our shopping list before I leave on my mission. First I go to the local warehouse-style grocery store, then to the larger chain grocery store for the items the first one doesn't have. I always bargain hunt and enjoy the calculus of shopping for needs vs. wants. I prefer going through the lines with cashiers because it's nice to see familiar faces. However, even before my weekend shopping, I shop for fish, fruits, and vegetables at Haymarket, something I have done for decades. I have the chance to be outside and see more familiar faces. Sitting behind a computer can't measure up to human interactions and the thrill of the chase of food shopping in person.
Edwin Andrews
Malden
What a wonderful piece about the value of even the smallest human connection. It reminds me of a trip to my local grocery store. It was 7:55 a.m. One cashier stood, arms crossed. I said, 'Would you please check me through?' She answered, 'Use the self check-out.' I said I was unfamiliar with that. Her answer, 'My shift starts in five minutes.' I left my cart and did not go back. Another store became my go-to. Why? Because they bend over backward to anticipate customers needs, including this one: For many elderly, that early a.m. errand may be the only chance they have for a friendly smile and brief conversation, all day. Managers would do well to not only teach cashiers how to ring up groceries, but how to be pleasant and welcoming.
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Barbara Harting
Framingham
This piece expresses a quintessential key to world peace, in my opinion. I know that sounds grand, but human connection as described here is, or needs to be, our bedrock of being.
Jeanette Ruyle
Medfield
I took my 85-year-old husband to Market Basket to do our shopping. He remarked, 'Oh, this place is so big, I've never been here before!' For him, it's always new: He has Alzheimer's so many routine things often seem wondrous. Together we happily picked up a few items (he loves to push the cart and put things in) and headed to the 20 items or less check-out. As we unloaded, I realized that we might have more, so I apologized to the cashier. That's when the young man bagging our things lunged for me. A bit startled, I pulled back. Then I realized he was trying to give me a hug. 'It's OK,' he said kindly, 'we won't arrest you.' 'Well thank goodness for that,' I responded with a laugh. He gave me a hug and we laughed together. Yes, I too need more trips to the grocery store.
Susan Winthrop
Ipswich
Full English
A spectacular account of a spectacular adventure (
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LuckHelpsAlot
posted on bostonglobe.com
Cornwall, England, was also the home of novelist Daphne Du Maurier, and she set many of her famous novels there.
ForeverInCollege
posted on bostonglobe.com
My husband and I were married in Bamberg, Germany, in 1968, and returned as often as we could. The custom in a German Gasthaus is often to share tables. On one of our trips we were sitting at a table when a couple asked if they could join us. Soon we discovered that they were English, and conversation began. A few minutes later, my husband said to the man, 'Are you John LeCarré?' to which the gentleman replied, 'Yes, I am, but my real name is David Cornwell.' My husband had read all of his books and recognized him. We had a very enjoyable conversation and it ended with David saying he'd send us his latest book. Later, my husband said how great the evening had been, but that he really didn't expect to get a book. Imagine our surprise a few weeks later when a package arrived from England with a book signed by David 'in memory of a pleasant evening in Bamberg.' It remains a prized possession, with a memory of a very nice English gentleman.
Eileen Kelley
South Dennis
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Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Boston Globe
Readers reflect on curvy women's struggles in clothing stores
Waitsfield, Vermont This reminded me vividly of my own experience back in 1990. I had met Mr. Right, a widower with a 15-year-old daughter. While planning our wedding, my stepdaughter-to-be asked if I could pick up some pantyhose for her, something nice to go with the dress we'd bought her for the occasion. At the store I found an extensive rack of pantyhose and went right to the plus section. I found not one item that was in any way fancy or pretty, just a very small number of the plainest stockings imaginable. I was incensed: Who decided that just because a girl is queen-size means she doesn't get to put on the ritz if she wants to? This article suggests that things might have improved a very little since then, but not nearly enough. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Louise Quigley Advertisement Braintree I am short and I always have to alter my clothes, or look like I borrowed my big sister's outfit. It's disrespectful to expect me to spend time and money fixing clothes that I just paid for. It is also hurtful to think it's OK for women to wear ill-fitting clothes. What we need is PLUS-SIZE PETITE clothing and more industry size standardization. And fewer size 12 models online when the shopper at home is a 22. Advertisement Kobi Alka Salem I am not quite in the larger sizes, in most styles, but most definitely not in the smaller sizes, either. Over the years, I have bought Kohl's (Croft and Barrow brand) elastic-waist pull-on jeans. I need more — they do get worn out — BUT they no longer have them, at all (I asked). It was hard to find them at Wal-Mart, as well. And, I don't think Target has what I want. I don't need much, clothing-wise. Retired, no need for anything dressy. But blue jeans are my usual attire. Evelyn Carver Middleborough As a lifelong curvy girl, I too have spent more time sifting through what isn't really sized for those of us with extra floof, feeling ridiculously lucky when I would happen upon something correctly proportioned, comfortable, and of quality. That is, until I discovered one of New England's hidden gems: Botticelli, in Smithfield, Rhode Island. This packed-to-the-edges shop is full of clothing that is flattering, fun, and affordable for women from mid to plus sizes. You can find everything from outerwear to special occasion showstoppers to everyday jeans. Regardless of what some New Englanders say, Rhode Island is not 'that far' and if you are a curvaceous woman, you will never regret a trip to Botticelli! Brenda Crawshaw Kingston Across the Aisles The message in this Connections by Wafa Unus, Advertisement M. Teresa Mascarenhas Abington I too see grocery shopping as an adventure. I enjoy checking our shopping list before I leave on my mission. First I go to the local warehouse-style grocery store, then to the larger chain grocery store for the items the first one doesn't have. I always bargain hunt and enjoy the calculus of shopping for needs vs. wants. I prefer going through the lines with cashiers because it's nice to see familiar faces. However, even before my weekend shopping, I shop for fish, fruits, and vegetables at Haymarket, something I have done for decades. I have the chance to be outside and see more familiar faces. Sitting behind a computer can't measure up to human interactions and the thrill of the chase of food shopping in person. Edwin Andrews Malden What a wonderful piece about the value of even the smallest human connection. It reminds me of a trip to my local grocery store. It was 7:55 a.m. One cashier stood, arms crossed. I said, 'Would you please check me through?' She answered, 'Use the self check-out.' I said I was unfamiliar with that. Her answer, 'My shift starts in five minutes.' I left my cart and did not go back. Another store became my go-to. Why? Because they bend over backward to anticipate customers needs, including this one: For many elderly, that early a.m. errand may be the only chance they have for a friendly smile and brief conversation, all day. Managers would do well to not only teach cashiers how to ring up groceries, but how to be pleasant and welcoming. Advertisement Barbara Harting Framingham This piece expresses a quintessential key to world peace, in my opinion. I know that sounds grand, but human connection as described here is, or needs to be, our bedrock of being. Jeanette Ruyle Medfield I took my 85-year-old husband to Market Basket to do our shopping. He remarked, 'Oh, this place is so big, I've never been here before!' For him, it's always new: He has Alzheimer's so many routine things often seem wondrous. Together we happily picked up a few items (he loves to push the cart and put things in) and headed to the 20 items or less check-out. As we unloaded, I realized that we might have more, so I apologized to the cashier. That's when the young man bagging our things lunged for me. A bit startled, I pulled back. Then I realized he was trying to give me a hug. 'It's OK,' he said kindly, 'we won't arrest you.' 'Well thank goodness for that,' I responded with a laugh. He gave me a hug and we laughed together. Yes, I too need more trips to the grocery store. Susan Winthrop Ipswich Full English A spectacular account of a spectacular adventure ( Advertisement LuckHelpsAlot posted on Cornwall, England, was also the home of novelist Daphne Du Maurier, and she set many of her famous novels there. ForeverInCollege posted on My husband and I were married in Bamberg, Germany, in 1968, and returned as often as we could. The custom in a German Gasthaus is often to share tables. On one of our trips we were sitting at a table when a couple asked if they could join us. Soon we discovered that they were English, and conversation began. A few minutes later, my husband said to the man, 'Are you John LeCarré?' to which the gentleman replied, 'Yes, I am, but my real name is David Cornwell.' My husband had read all of his books and recognized him. We had a very enjoyable conversation and it ended with David saying he'd send us his latest book. Later, my husband said how great the evening had been, but that he really didn't expect to get a book. Imagine our surprise a few weeks later when a package arrived from England with a book signed by David 'in memory of a pleasant evening in Bamberg.' It remains a prized possession, with a memory of a very nice English gentleman. Eileen Kelley South Dennis CONTACT US: W rite to magazine@ or The Boston Globe Magazine/Comments, 1 Exchange Place, Suite 201, Boston, MA 02109-2132. Comments are subject to editing. Advertisement
Forbes
05-06-2025
- Forbes
Jaws Anniversary Coincides With Real-Life Shark Sighting In Rhode Island
Basking sharks, despite their size, pose no threat to humans. They have tiny teeth, no interest in ... More large prey, and spend most of their time following plankton blooms. Just in time for the 50th anniversary of 'Jaws,' a real-life shark sighting had New Englanders channeling their best 'shahk in the pawnd' impressions this week. The moment unfolded at the end of last month near Block Island, Rhode Island; it was here, in the calm waters of the Great Salt Pond, that diners enjoying a seafood meal at Dead Eye Dick's spotted something unusual slicing through the surface. A pair of unmistakable dorsal fins. Phones came out, videos were taken, and soon even the NGO Atlantic Shark Institute was sharing the footage of the sizable animal online. The organization, which monitors shark activity throughout the region, joked about the parallel to the infamous movie and invited the public to guess what kind of shark had found its way into the sheltered saltwater lagoon. Speculation quickly flooded the comments. Guesses ranged from great whites to sand tigers to makos. But the truth was far less dramatic and dangerous. In the video, the silhouette looked imposing, and anyone unfamiliar with shark species could understandably assume it was something dangerous. The shark, as confirmed later by the institute's executive director Jon Dodd, was a basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus). Enormous, yes, as they are the second largest fish in the ocean after the whale shark. But dangerous? Not quite. They're filter-feeders, cruising through the ocean with mouths wide open to scoop up plankton, not people. A 20-foot basking shark made an unexpected appearance in Rhode Island's Great Salt Pond, stirring ... More memories of Jaws but posing no danger. The one in the Great Salt Pond was around 20 feet long (just over 6 meters), making it relatively modest for its species, which can grow over 40 feet (12 meters) in length. Still, seeing an animal that size in a place where people typically kayak, swim, and anchor boats is enough to give anyone pause. 'The size of these sharks, the height of the dorsal fin, and how they move can be a real attention getter!' said Dodd to a local outlet. 'They can look quite a bit like a great white shark at a glance, or from distance, and that can put people into a panic and justifiably so based on where you might be at the time (think in the water!)' Basking sharks, despite their size, pose no threat to humans. They have tiny teeth, no interest in large prey, and spend most of their time following plankton blooms. And yes, they can look eerily similar to great white sharks, especially if your only reference is the iconic 1975 Spielberg film. 'The good news? They've never been implicated in any bite on a human being, as noted in the International Shark Attack File. They are endangered in some parts of the world and considered 'vulnerable' here in the U.S.,' ASI explained. While the scene may have triggered some instinctive unease, experts were quick to clarify there was no cause for concern. 'Sharks are arriving in Rhode Island daily,' the Atlantic Shark Institute continued in a Facebook post, 'as water temperatures continue to rise and more and more species of shark find them suitable to their liking.' This is part of a larger trend tied to climate change and warming ocean temperatures, which are shifting where marine animals spend their time during the summer months. It's no surprise then that basking sharks, which are normally seen off the coast in deeper waters, are making occasional detours into shallower inlets like Great Salt Pond. Fortunately for any nervous swimmers, the shark didn't linger. By the next day, it had likely found its way back out to open water, leaving only ripples (and viral footage) in its wake. As we mark the anniversary of 'Jaws,' it's worth recognizing how far we have come as a society. Fifty years ago, a scene like this might have ended in alarm and calls for the removal of the individual (likely leading to a grim end for the shark in question). Today, it ends with a Facebook post, a science lesson, and a bit of local pride. After all, not every summer hotspot gets a visit from one of the ocean's true giants.
Fox News
04-06-2025
- Fox News
Celebrity chef planning pop-up bakery at historic 16th century home, documents show
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is apparently seeking to turn a former stable block at his historic home into a pop-up takeaway bakery, news agency SWNS reported. The small pop-up would run in August only. The English chef has applied for planning permission to change the use of the former block to serve baked goods, sandwiches and coffee at his home on a month-long trial. "There isn't anything definite, just ideas at this stage," a representative told Fox News Digital. If approved, the bakery would operate on the grounds of Spains Hall in England, a Grade I-listed home built around 1570 in an area that has been used to host weddings. "The proposed temporary change of use offers the opportunity to trial a new small-scale commercial use within a rural location, which will not cause any detrimental heritage, traffic or amenity impacts," a statement from the chef's representatives to SWNS said. Grade I-listed buildings in the United Kingdom are structures of exceptional national, architectural or historical importance. They represent the highest level of protection under the planning system, according to Historic England's website. Oliver, who is listed as the applicant on plans submitted to Braintree District Council, has submitted several supporting documents via his representatives. He outlined the proposal to open the bakery throughout August, operating seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is estimated that six employees would be needed for the bakery and deliveries would be made three times a week. Said Oliver's representatives, "The existing kitchen within the building will be used for food preparation." They added, "Public access would be restricted to the main room open plan within the building plus the toilets, both of which are on the ground floor." The application stated that customers would use the existing parking in the back of the stable block, while an extra area would be available for an overflow if needed. Oliver's representatives said the proposals would have "no impact on the scale, amount, design, layout or access to the site." "No physical alterations are required to the building internally or externally in support of the proposals and there is no impact on any areas of soft landscaping or habitat." Since the Middle Ages, the house and estate in Finchingfield, Essex, have been in the ownership of just three families. It was sold to Oliver in 2019. The coach house and stable block originally date from the 18th century and were first listed in 1967, when they were used as stables. In recent years, it has been used to host weddings and other functions, SWNS reported. No public comments have been registered so far and a decision on the application will be made by the council later. For more Lifestyle articles, visit Oliver had previously sought permission for repair work to the property, including windows, doors and masonry. He has been credited with renovating it from a state of disrepair. The $6.8-million house serves as his family home, where he lives with his wife, Jools, and their five children. Jamie Oliver's Cookery School has also offered a cooking experience at Spains Hall, allowing guests to learn from his chefs and sample ingredients from his garden.
