Shirley has a face like the rising sun in a child's drawing and a personality to match. She also has a great, bulging body that is at odds with her fashion sense. A friend, Nola, who is eight months pregnant, suggests that Shirley visit Nan's shop. Shirley begs Nan to custom sew her a frock and becomes a steady customer, buying five frocks a year for two years. She is always delighted and grateful when a new one is finished. Shirley is the rare customer who does not complain about her life and, in fact, reveals little. She works for an advertising agency and jokes about fancying her boss. Nan gives Shirley the confidence to wear bold, bright colors.