Gone are the days when the only clothes available to beautiful, fuller figured women are big and baggy.

Nowadays, retailers are becoming more cognisant of their clothing needs and new store Fine Things is one of those such establishments.

Owned and operated by Nicole Smith and her business partner (and mother) Carol Bean, the Queen Street business opened its doors in October, just months after Mrs. Smith lost her job as a financial budgets and analysis manager at the now-closed Trimingham’s Brothers.

“Being a born-again Christian, I saw an opportunity in it somewhere,” Mrs. Smith says, explaining why she was undaunted by her unexpected unemployment.

“It’s awesome that God brought me to this place when instead I could have been down.”

After conducting her own research in the community, Mrs. Smith says that she discovered that there was a need to better clothe fuller figured women, although that was not initially her intention.

“I was controller of the fine jewellery department, so I knew there were lines at Trimingham’s that people would miss, but I wanted to incorporate something else with that. I also thought about cosmetics, initially,” says.

Once she took the decision to cater to plus-sized women, Mrs. Smith says it was important that she provided clothing that was of good quality, but also made the women feel beautiful and feminine.

“It was also important that the clothes were true to size. I think the reason why the store is working is because I am not making buying decisions based on a certain style but because of what the industry says.

“I have to be careful of what I order. I pay attention to industry trends.”

She adds that many who venture through her doors have said they were pleased with her offerings.

“It has been very rewarding to see everything coming together. Our professional suits have also been very well received.”

But with Mrs. Smith and her floor manager, Leslie Swan, both being petite women, how do they ensure their customers are comfortable with them?

“We like to suggest what we think will look good on them,” Mrs. Smith says.

“We give them first class service and because we also sell the jewellery we can dress them from head to toe.”

Mrs. Swan adds: “Sometimes, women are a little defensive when they see us because we are not fuller figured, but we let them know that we have the same concerns with our bodies that they do.

“Someone might say, ‘I have dimples on my legs’, and I tell them, ‘So do I!’”

Along with fine jewellery ranging in price from $30 to $8,000, Fine Things also offers candles and jewellery made by Bermudians.

“We want to promote Buy Bermuda,” Mrs. Smith tells The Royal Gazette.

Between now and Christmas, Fine Things will be open for Friday night shopping until 9 p.m. and will have extended operating hours the week preceding Christmas.