Size up for fashion

TEN years ago the first Ida Jane store opened in Heathmont.
Now with seven stores, including one in the heart of Lilydale, Ida Jane is a real success story.
Ida Jane’s founder, Jane Wathen, started making her own garments when she became frustrated with what was available in shopping centres.
“Clothes that fitted well and looked good proved hard to find,” she said.
“So I set out to design exclusive garments in different fabrics but, most importantly, styles that fit properly.”
Ms Wathen believes that fashion should be fun, not stressful.
“I created lots of small ranges of garments that mix and match together,” she said.
“I understand not everybody has a size eight super model figure. I realise there are far more perfect size 12, 14 and 16 ladies who also wish to dress in the latest looks and feel comfortable wearing them.”
Ida Jane sample garments are made in size 14, the average size of Australian women, so garments fit properly whether customers are a size 10 or 20.
With Ms Wathen’s whole family involved, the number of Ida Jane boutiques now stands at seven, all selling a wide range of clothing styles for women of all ages and sizes.
The Ida Jane label caters for casual wear, and her second label, Jane Wimmers, rounds out her collection with party and special occasion wear.
Featuring the latest season’s trends, Ms Wathen’s designer clothes arrive in the boutiques every week. Left-over stock is cleared at reduced prices to make way for the new arrivals.
Frustrated fashion shoppers looking for something different and garments that fit should check out Ida Jane where staff provide the best in customer service and helpful advice.
The Lilydale Ida Jane boutique is located at 6 Castella Street, Lilydale, and can be contacted on 1300 432 526.