Gasoline? I think North Americans drive/spend time in cars more than in people in Asia and Europe. That, portion size and fast food.

Vanity sizing = slapping smaller numbers on clothing because it often makes people feel happier that they're a smaller size. That's why brands sell size 00 today, but not, say, back in the 80s. What we call 00 is the same as a 1980s size 4 (or maybe even 6 if we're talking about mass market mall brands like J.Crew).

But when they show petite gals, they're always Hollywood sized - usually 5'2", probably under 100 and proportionate. No short girls with round tummys. No short girls who're athletic. No short girls with very short legs or torsos in proportion to the rest of their body.

Were you going to reply to another person? All I was saying was that you could be say, 5'10" and 120 lb and still be able to fit into a standard sample, depending on your measurements. Weight has nothing to do with dress size. But yeah, I do agree that designers are often lazy or want a uniform aesthetic (but that…

Haha...and it's often their way or the highway. I got that from the women in my university's Women's Studies department. They never liked me or my views.

For some reason, I wasn't able to reply to Ms.JemCat, but I've always been confused with the whole weight thing for models. Isn't it more about being able to fit into sample sizes than one's actual weight? Someone can be 120 lb (which is still very light for 5'10") and still fit into sample sizes if they just happen…

Aren't there plus size exclusive designers that deserve press outside of the blogging world? Can't they use clothes from THEM?

I see that more with petites than with plus, actually!

If you want to ban anyone from a pool, I'd say ban all non-potty trained kids. Cuz you know, they pee in there.

And unlike Montreal, the PATH in Toronto is mostly closed on weekends, thanks to being in the business district.

The McDonald's restos in Hong Kong all have McCafe with real pastries and is marketed as a more affordable alternative to Starbucks. They have McCafe in Canada as well, but no delicious pastries (I think people in Hong Kong love their cream sponge cakes. I see them at all bakeries and coffee shops).

Because that's what some women think is cool. Honestly, I can't tell you how many so-called "socialites" around here who love shoes like this. Unfortunately, these are the girls who get press (i.e. not on their own blogs or sites run by close friends).

It's not a choice if it may mean being shunned by family members - ones you love - for life. Just sayin'.

What's wrong with catalog? Why are people so snooty modelling and think that high fashion is the be all and end all? I've been told that commercial/catalog models actually get paid more. For high fashion, unless you're a big name, you don't get much.

One reason why I refused to buy one of her dresses when I got married. I specifically told my parents (who were paying for my dress) that I didn't want one from anyone that was known specifically as a wedding gown designer. Still went high end though.

Six months is pretty standard for most bridal salons - unless you are buying a floor sample.

Brand name and the fact that many dresses aren't made until they're ordered. That's why it takes like 6 months from the time you place your order until you go for your first fitting.

But what about charitable organizations such as Windfall (and one mentioned by another poster)? And stores that donate prom dresses (okay, prom dresses are way cheaper, but we know that H&M destroys what they don't sell too)?

When you weigh 95 lb/lighter is definitely better...unless you want to have back issues carrying a very large/heavy camera around all the time.

I know that Toronto-based Windfall Basics, which provides NEW clothes to the needy has a bridal division for non-needy women, selling gowns at wholesale prices. Money from the sales of these dresses go to their anti-poverty programs. Many of the dresses are "designer."