Size isn't everything -- and a new programme is teaching women to carry off larger clothes with style and flair.

Trim's Plus clothing store on Front Street opened in March in a bid to cater to the needs of the fuller figured woman.

"Full figured women want everything other women want,'' Ms Richardson pointed out. "Just because you're full figured doesn't mean that you don't like the best.

"Everything in here is in proportion -- the beads on the accessories are a little thicker -- even the umbrellas are a little wider. There are so many different types of clothing here -- something to suit different personalities.'' And now the store has offered plus-size women more than just one-stop shopping -- it is giving them the confidence to wear the clothes pizzazz.

The store hosted a series of workshops where 30 customers, ranging from teens to ladies in their 70's, learned "the big beautiful me concept''.

"All ages took part in the workshops,'' Ms Richardson explained. "We even had three teens in programme.

"It was about confidence,'' she added. "They learned that wearing clothes is about attitude. It's all about attitude and feeling.

"We covered everything in the workshops, from walking to how to select underwear. Lingerie is one of the biggest challenges for fuller figured women, but we showed them how to select undergarments that suit their needs and shape.'' And the workshops earned rave reviews from the participants.

"They were fun and very informative,'' exclaimed one woman.

Eliza Kennedy added: "There is definitely a need for this -- fuller figured clothes that are stylish.'' The ladies were presented with certificates to commemorate their achievement Wednesday evening at a special soiree held in their honour. And last night, the participants flaunted their new attitudes in a 40-minute fashion show staged at the Front Street store. "I'm really excited about the show, store and concept,'' Ms Richardson added. "These women look good, dynamic.

"Over 200 invitations were mailed out to Trim's Plus customers.'' The event and the workshops were such a success, said Ms Richardson, that the store will repeat the programme for a new crop of women in the spring.