tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.comments2019-07-26T22:33:34.272-04:00Ulla Popken BlogUlla Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00077800829282086597noreply@blogger.comBlogger819125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-49188891099309736502013-04-20T07:17:30.899-04:002013-04-20T07:17:30.899-04:00Nancy Z.,
Your point is well taken, to be sure.
I...Nancy Z.,<br />Your point is well taken, to be sure.<br /><br />I hope you'll visit me at my new address:<br /><br />http://uplife.ullapopken.com/blog/inventory-your-closet-ruthlessly<br /><br />Nancy, somehow it helps me a bit, knowing you and others are out there, and together we share a mutual dilemma and brainstorm workable solutions that build respect for our purchasing-clout.<br /><br />Best,<br />BabeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-68621660364482593662013-04-19T17:33:32.291-04:002013-04-19T17:33:32.291-04:00Babe, I definitely hear you about trying to patron...Babe, I definitely hear you about trying to patronize only those stores that carry our sizes. However, with outdoor outfitters (REI, Moosejaw, etc.), the problem is twofold... <br /><br />Often my family and I need items other than clothing from these stores, and they are pretty much the only place I can go to buy a new Camelpak or water shirts. <br /><br />The second part of the problem is that they pretty much uniformly stink at supplying plus sizes in store, so I don't have an alternative store that I can patronize.<br /><br />There are a few lonely corners of the web that offer plus size outdoor clothing, but I like to see and feel things before I buy. Pants, skirts, and skorts are a difficult fit for me (and I know I'm not alone). So far I haven't found a brick-and-mortar store that carries a good selection of plus-sized outdoor clothing.Nancy Z.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-17790020528997575862013-03-28T09:56:34.724-04:002013-03-28T09:56:34.724-04:00Babe,
I blogged you on 3/12/12, about needing help...Babe,<br />I blogged you on 3/12/12, about needing help with a bridal shower outfit.<br />I ordered & received Ulla's Matte Jersey Angel Sleeve Jacket in Leaf Multi, 02571 & pants, 31622.<br />They just arrived yesterday, I will let you know how they look.<br />Thanks for your suggestions! I really appreciate your help.<br /><br />Debranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-38033601820168985082013-03-25T16:25:14.231-04:002013-03-25T16:25:14.231-04:00Hi LaurB,
Gosh, I just loved seeing you and Nancy ...Hi LaurB,<br />Gosh, I just loved seeing you and Nancy Z chat on my blog - I feel like a grandmother - hmmnn... of sorts :)<br /><br />Seriously, the need to support and distribute weight, in footwear, can not be overstated. The reality is that when a foot problem begins, we tend to compensate, affecting and often damaging other areas. When your feet (or knees) hurt, you hurt all over.<br /><br />I wish footwear designers could understand the importance and opportunity of their task. I know I begin my day sizing up how much I have to be on my feet, choose the nicest pair of shoes I can that will get me through my day and then, and only then, do I decide what to wear.<br /><br />How about you?<br />BabeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-91903198368637514432013-03-25T16:13:40.752-04:002013-03-25T16:13:40.752-04:00Hi Nancy Z,
First, I completely get the difficult...Hi Nancy Z,<br /><br />First, I completely get the difficulty in buying comfortable shoes. In fact here's a sneak-peak: to offer a range of widths, styles and prices, Ulla will be carrying several additional brands in June, such as these and a few more:<br />Easy Street<br />J Renee<br />Ros Hommerson<br />Softspots<br />Walking Cradles<br />David Tate <br /><br />Yes, boots are tough because they have to fit right in several places. Have you sought out boots where the shaft is made of stretch material? Just a thought.<br /><br />As a blogger and stylist for Ulla, I can't really comment on other brands but for me, when stores don't carry my size, I think twice about spending my money there in general.<br /><br />In terms of skorts, Ulla makes two that are worth looking into. They are each 19 inches in length with elastic waists. One is a woven cotton, Must-have Skort, 82810 and the other is a 95% cotton - 5% spandex knit, Ulla's Versatile Stretch Knit Skort, 31620. Very comfy and easy to toss in the washer and dryer.<br /><br />Look forward to hearing from you again soon!<br />Best,<br />BabeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-20888278337266743092013-03-24T22:53:10.939-04:002013-03-24T22:53:10.939-04:00Nancy Z's story about reading your book is muc...Nancy Z's story about reading your book is much like my own. Nancy, you are SO right about the shoes. There is a new (to the US) company called Hotter that you should check out. Also, I was able to get Ros Hommerson wide calf boots online...in an extra wide width. I had never been able to wear boots before this as my legs are probably my biggest problem area. If you have orthopedic problems, or knee arthritis like me, you need to put the money into shoes that work for you. I just discovered Finn Comfort...very expensive, but have given me so much more energy because I am not in pain all day long.<br />Babe, I also hang on every post you write. LaurBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-82259118868715157072013-03-22T15:13:37.721-04:002013-03-22T15:13:37.721-04:00Hi Debra,
If you happen to try the items I recomm...Hi Debra,<br /><br />If you happen to try the items I recommended, I'd love to hear from you and so would our readers!<br /><br />Best,<br />BabeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-46481237973287332382013-03-19T11:20:31.644-04:002013-03-19T11:20:31.644-04:00Thanks for the suggestions.
The ball of the foot...Thanks for the suggestions. <br /><br />The ball of the foot is absolutely the key to a shoe being supportive and comfortable to me, because of my tendency to form bunions. I get a callus under the ball of the foot, which feels like having a pebble trapped in my shoe--only unfortunately I cannot remove it. Frustrating and painful...<br /><br />Alas, I know the Ulla Popken boots won't fit me because they have a 14" shaft. I am a size 18, I wear a 7.5M shoe, and I have 18" calves (from cycling, hiking, XC skiing). The disproportionately small size of my feet has become a problem when searching for boots; most manufacturers that sell wide width boots size the width up as the shoe size goes up. A wide calf is also often paired with a wide width for the shoe bed, and I can't wear that either.<br /><br />I will have to check out the pumps (I've never worn a platform pump), and I'm thinking of getting some Dansko sandals for summer.<br /><br />I did find a great place to get skorts--golf stores. Since they are designed for women who golf, they are wicking polyester, but they look dressy enough that someone could wear them on the course and go to lunch afterward. I'm just ticked at one of my "go-tos" for activewear, REI, who I recently found out refuses to carry anything above a size 16 in their stores. Larger sizes are only available online. So I'm still looking for a more "rough and tumble" skort that I can wear camping or hiking.<br /><br />Nancy Z.Nancy Znoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-38247561206225793732013-03-16T12:56:11.775-04:002013-03-16T12:56:11.775-04:00Hi Nancy,
I appreciate your thoughtful comment an...Hi Nancy,<br /><br />I appreciate your thoughtful comment and appreciate the challenge of finding comfortable footwear, more than you might know. <br /><br />I will write about footwear in the near future, but until then, here's a few thoughts about products Ulla Popken carries, that might be worth trying.<br /><br />First, all women, especially curvy women need to support and distribute weight throughout the foot. Most high heels put the force load on the ball of the foot and the toes. OUCH!! Look for shoes with a platform, to absorb some of the incline between the heel and the ball of the foot and look for a substantially well made shoe with shock absorption.<br /><br />Ulla carries the Ros Hommerson Leather Platform Pump, 24924, comes in lots of colors and it's on sale now. Another option, Ros Hommerson's Active Stretch Pump, allows the foot to "swell" through the day. AHHH!<br /><br />As far as a boot goes, Ulla's Stretch Back Riding Boot, is good-looking and has a square toe and is currently on sale for $39.99.<br /><br />Honestly, I don't know what will work for you but these suggestions are worth a try.<br /><br />Please keep me posted!<br /><br />Thank you so much for writing!<br />Babe<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-47176848038154111352013-03-16T00:32:39.443-04:002013-03-16T00:32:39.443-04:00I was so happy to find your blog. I read your boo...I was so happy to find your blog. I read your book "Pretty Plus" and I just wanted to let you know that you changed my life--probably not in the way you might guess, though.<br /><br />I am trying to follow your fashion tips and revamp my wardrobe, but you are the first (the only?) fashion writer I've ever seen who has given specific tips on brands and styles for fashion problems that plus sized women encounter. I was going to scream if I read another book or magazine article with nonsensical advice like, "Always wear pointy-toed high heels and shapewear." Really? In July, too? <br /><br />But where most writers lose me is with the shoes, quite frankly. I have had a lifetime of orthopedic problems--bunions by age 13, pinched nerves by age 15, and the first of two bilateral bunionectomies at age 17.<br /><br />After reading your book, I bought a pair of Dansko clogs, and for the first time in my adult life, I own a pair of shoes that doesn't hurt me and allows me to do what I need to do without thinking about my feet for the entire day. I know most people can take this for granted, but I can't. For me this is amazing, revolutionary, and thank you, thank you, THANK YOU.<br /><br />If you could tackle the topic of footwear again in a post, I will be hanging on to every word. Specifically, I'd love to see info about athletic shoes and wide calf boots (especially since your top recommended manufacturer, Silhouettes, went out of business in 2011). I am trying hard to find high heel options as well. So far the best ones I've found are Aetrex's Zoe pumps (which have arch support and a rubber reinforced grip sole).<br /><br />Thanks so much!Nancy Znoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-83579424152078886912013-03-14T08:18:43.597-04:002013-03-14T08:18:43.597-04:00Hi LaurB,
Thank you for the encouragement! I wish ...Hi LaurB,<br />Thank you for the encouragement! I wish there were more comments so I could know more about our readers. It means a lot to me to know this blog is meaningful to you.<br />Best,<br />BabeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-33748430066532784152013-03-13T22:28:09.663-04:002013-03-13T22:28:09.663-04:00Babe, please keep this blog going. I look forward...Babe, please keep this blog going. I look forward to and read every new post. LaurBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-65398674655051962672013-03-13T16:52:16.289-04:002013-03-13T16:52:16.289-04:00Babe,
I will look at these options on the Ulla web...Babe,<br />I will look at these options on the Ulla website. Thanks for your suggestions, I will let you know.<br />Debranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-49586149947857085132013-03-12T20:32:43.288-04:002013-03-12T20:32:43.288-04:00Have you seen Ulla's Matte Jersey Angel Sleeve...Have you seen Ulla's Matte Jersey Angel Sleeve Jacket in Leaf Multi, 02571?<br /><br />It is a VERY pretty print. Could be perfect! I've nicknamed this collection "magic jersey!"<br /><br />The pants are available in slim-leg, 31622. And in a shorter-length version, 31622.<br /><br />Also, the pants come in a wide-leg, 85601, or in a shorter-length version as well, 31625.<br /><br />What think?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-53851360999079220472013-03-12T17:40:11.138-04:002013-03-12T17:40:11.138-04:00Babe, great, thanks...
Pants, black or navy. Brig...Babe, great, thanks... <br />Pants, black or navy. Bright prints & too much fabric overwhelm me, I am 5'3". Sleek Matte Jersey, as long as it doesn't cling to me. Thanks again.Debranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-67086113416172116812013-03-12T12:21:45.155-04:002013-03-12T12:21:45.155-04:00Happy to help!
A few questions...
Pants or a dre...Happy to help!<br /><br />A few questions...<br /><br />Pants or a dress?<br /><br />Black, navy or bright colors?<br /><br />Sleek Matte Jersey or breathable natural fabrics?<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-39150286164272746962013-03-12T09:36:48.911-04:002013-03-12T09:36:48.911-04:00Hi Babe!
I would appreciate your help selecting a...Hi Babe! <br />I would appreciate your help selecting an outfit for a bridal shower, a luncheon at a country club. I am always concerned about "not measuring up", PLEASE HELP!Debranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-20492460976451357292013-01-15T05:07:21.936-05:002013-01-15T05:07:21.936-05:00They are on the site here is the link.
http://www...They are on the site here is the link. <br />http://www.ullapopken.com/product/stretch+ponte+knit+slim-cut+leggings.do?from=SearchAllicia Leighnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-2440112821488249382013-01-15T04:22:02.289-05:002013-01-15T04:22:02.289-05:00Gosh, I was wearing them in a few of Babe's Pi...Gosh, I was wearing them in a few of Babe's Picks from last season, and I wear a size 20, but they're no longer up on the site - sorry! I have very full thighs, tummy and tush.<br /><br />Ulla makes another cut, Stretch Ponte Knit Boot-cut Leggings, 14621, that would be great on a pear shape with a bit of height. <br /><br />Both cuts are on sale now, so this is a good time to give them a try. I'd love to hear what you think.<br /><br />Best,<br />BabeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-32212113252999807672013-01-14T23:03:00.363-05:002013-01-14T23:03:00.363-05:00Are there any pictures of models who are a bit hea...Are there any pictures of models who are a bit heavier wearing these? I am more pear shaped...would they work for me if I wore a flowy tunic?LaurBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-60641757421561978772013-01-10T20:57:59.285-05:002013-01-10T20:57:59.285-05:00You bet! I enjoy being an "ambassador" f...You bet! I enjoy being an "ambassador" for Ulla boots because never before in my life, could I have had a few pairs of stylish, affordable, well-fitting boots! Yes!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-79135753207192541572013-01-10T15:29:58.425-05:002013-01-10T15:29:58.425-05:00Babe,
I love boots too, but rarely buy them becaus...Babe,<br />I love boots too, but rarely buy them because my calf is wide also. I recently bought my daughter a pair of boots & had the calf stretched<br />I would much rather buy a boot that fits from the start, & these boots look great. Thanks for the suggestion!Daphnenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-1834503806942794072012-12-26T17:10:55.796-05:002012-12-26T17:10:55.796-05:00I am not planning another book at this time. I'...I am not planning another book at this time. I'm loving my partnership with Ulla Popken and getting my tips out through this blog, Babe's Picks and, I'm so excited to say, through our upcoming video series. <br /><br />We are planning several short videos for the first portion of 2013, so I hope you'll check them out through ullapopken.com<br /><br />I'd love to hear your feedback!<br /><br />Thanks for writing and making me feel appreciated! Happy New Year!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-17799749692759397502012-12-26T13:27:43.578-05:002012-12-26T13:27:43.578-05:00Well, I never really bought Ulla P clothes except ...Well, I never really bought Ulla P clothes except for one beautiful top I found at a Marshall's once. I will be paying closer attention to it now. I spend a lot of my money at J.Jill and Chicos. <br />I bought your book on Amazon after doing a search for plus size fashion in books, and was so happy that you were close to my age and size and really DO understand our challenges. I am looking forward to your next book...do you have a date of publication yet? I also want to tell you that my husband bought me the Trish McEvoy makeup organizer after I read about it in your book! It was my favorite Christmas present. Awesome.LaurBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37808422.post-70629678926058145942012-12-21T09:07:49.176-05:002012-12-21T09:07:49.176-05:00Wow LaurB- thank you so much for the positive feed...Wow LaurB- thank you so much for the positive feedback!<br /><br />As an Ulla customer, I really appreciate the strides Ulla has made in the last couple of years, more contemporary styling, better, fit and fabrics and an affordable price. I only wish I had been privy to that when I wrote my book because it has inspired my wardrobe exponentially.<br /><br />Thank you for supporting my blog where I reference Ulla merchandise to make my points. This has been a match made in heaven!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com