Dressed by Deb

Was born out of a desire to always look great no matter what size or shape you are.

I have been a bigger size (Rubenesque, voluptuous, gorgeous) my whole life. I spent up until my late twenties thinking I was a heffalump, and then the light went on, it was like waking up from a dream. This was not a dress rehearsal this was it... I needed to learn to like myself and my body.

As I gained confidence I started to dress differently. I started to receive and accept complements. I then started to help my friends dress with confidence as well.

I was sitting at a cafe fifteen years ago with five or six friends all complementing each other on the clothes that they were wearing, as they went around the table they all said "Dressed by Deb".

The concept was born. It has taken all this time to become a reality.

As a single parent for sixteen years I learnt to dress smart on a budget. I became very good at bargain hunting, sales and I am an "Op Shop" queen. I learnt how to look good on a zero budget and passed this on to friends and family as I went.

Just to confuse me, my friends and colleagues started to request that I take them shopping for corporate wardrobes, pregnancy outfits and wedding dresses. So, I expanded my range to fit the demand.

To get all this experience with life and clothes I have worked in many areas, as a Mother, Librarian, in Customer Service, as a "Larger Woman's" Fashion Model, a Shop Assistant as well as selling clothes at Victoria Market.

Even when shopping with my family and friends I cannot help myself, I cannot resist helping others with their look.

I am now married with five children; I work at Tall By Design (a specialist clothing shop for tall women). I spend the rest of my time running my business, walking Alfie the dog, training for the "Real Women" triathlon, veggie gardening and ignoring the house work and the ironing...

Huge thank you'z to...

Joel-the love of my life, (as well as being my web designer).

My Whanau- Reuben, Hannah, Ben, Thomas, Sally and Renee.

My parents-Harry and Odette (my mum, the original style queen) as well as the rest of my siblings, and Mary my other mother.

Joan and Anthony-Tall By Design-have encouraged me to set off on the journey and give me heaps of support.

The Friends- Sandra, Carmel, Lisa, Helen, Jane, Helen, Christine and Sue - who have encouraged me on the journey and at times been both my guinea pigs and my inspiration.

My adopted Whanau - Ambrose, Tai and Ang

Patrick Jordan-Smith (the Hobbit) - Disruptive Technologies-Web Hosting

And not forgetting...
Alfie and Biscuit - my labradoodles, they get out me walking every day.