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News, Views and Opinions related to Plus size fashion and Plus size women. Including plus size clothing, fuller figured icons and what's in the news.
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Dawn French - Dear Fatty
Dawn French - funny woman, TV personality, entrepeneur - now you can add author to the list.
With a career that spans 3 decades, Dawn French is no doubt classed as one of the funniest women in Britain and is thought of as a national treasure. Dawn French and long time comic partner Jennifer Saunders have made it clear that once the current tour is over they are sadly hanging up the gloves of stand up, and will be sorely missed.
So maybe this is why Dawn has chosen now to put pen to paper and let us all share in what life is like for a comedy genius.
From her early years as an RAF child and her flat-sharing antics with Jennifer Saunders, to her outspoken views on sizism and her marriage to Lenny Henry, 'Dear Fatty' chronicles the extraordinary, hilarious rise of a complex, dynamic and unstoppable woman.
Dawn is plus size and proud, she is possibly the best role model for any woman out there and continues to show the world that being a success, having a great relationship and being happy is not down to your weight but your outlook on life.
Dawn was featured in She Magazine this month wearing the metallic jacey jacket from Curvety.
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Posted: 03:54, 2/10/2008 in Plus Size News |
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Jen Hunter at London Fashion Week
Jen Hunter came into the public eye when she participated in the TV series 'Make me a supermodel'. Jen who is a size 12-14, and classed as a plus size model, felt she received a lot of negative responses from those involved in the show and was determined to make her mark and prove them wrong.
She pledged to take something positive from the experience and began visiting schools to talk to pupils about her experience.
“I think any teenager would prefer to listen to anybody other than their parents and teachers,” smiles Jen. “And when it’s someone who’s actually gone through it, then it holds a bit more merit.
“It’s a case of ‘this is where I’ve messed up, this is what’s gone right, take from it what you will’.”
The 26-year-old from Wigan admits that bucking the trend, especially in the fashion industry, isn’t always easy. But the level of criticism she received on Make Me A Supermodel only made her more resolute.
“I started to visit schools almost straight afterwards,” she says. “When I was on the show I felt as though I was being bullied a lot and the only time I’d ever felt that before was at school. So I thought, what I’ve done can be put to some use and so I spoke with my management team and we set about trying to find a way.
“One of my uncles works in a school and mentioned about going in to see pupils because a lot of them had got into this reality TV mentality. They’d started to think that they didn’t need a decent education; they could just go on Big Brother, or something like that, and earn their money that way. I was able to talk to them about how it really was.
“I love my job and I love the fact that because I had enough strength of character to hold my head high, it’s given me the opportunity to put some confidence into other children. That could be confidence in their work, in going into a particular industry, or just in themselves as people.
“Having that is important because there are times when you can’t just shout your mouth off – and then it comes back to how much respect you’ve got for yourself. You can’t let people make a fool of you.
“I’m proud of the fact that I’ve never let anyone affect my career negatively or undermine my confidence.”
Jen was approached by the Make Your Mark initiative, an organisation which aims to inspire young people and encourage them to pursue their goals, when working with schools. As the Lverpool ambassador for the organisation, Jen modelled designs by one of the winners of a national Make Your Mark in Fashion competition at London Fashion Week.
“I’m very proud of being a north west girl so when you can put something back it’s important to give your support and your time,” she says. “I think the initiative is wonderful – plus I get to be on stage at LFW which I’ve not done before.
“At a size 12-14 I might not look like most of the other models here but I’m a little bit too stubborn and set in my ways to change to anyone else’s ideals. I was a very slim model when I first started but I found that I was a lot happier being my natural size and shape and I’m not going to force myself to be something I’m not.
“In future, depending on my working schedule, I’ll help Mark Your Mark whenever I can. I’ve got a four-year-old daughter and if there’s any way I can affect young people in a positive way then I will.”
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Posted: 05:49, 30/9/2008 in Plus Size News |
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Club Curvaceous
Written by Emily Robertson
Club curvaceous is hosting what is sure to be a classy, cool, electric BBW night in coco’s upstairs in Stratford upon Avon. With its ‘hunky hosts and curvaceous hostesses’ it is really going to be a fantastic night to remember and for the next 7 days it is 3 for 2 for tickets!
This exclusive night includes a Congo drummer to get your rhythm going and a belly dancer who will be teaching all you voluptuous goddesses some top moves. The trendy bar will have nibbles and a comfortable V.I.P. seating area boasting a chic atmosphere if you fancy relaxing or simply taking a break!
The evening is being hosted by Julie Lou Weston who launched these special nights. Julie is also a qualified photographer and will be charging a small fee to any girl who would like to have some professional, beautiful photos taken on the night either alone or with your friends. She is an expert at photography BBW so don’t be shy!
A lucky girl will also win this free on the night, you will all be entered so fingers crossed! However, if you are wanting to treat yourself book a place in the photo booth online and get 10% off the package price!
The night is on the 17th of October and tickets are really selling out fast! It is a great chance to let your hair down and make some new friends, everyone will have one thing in common you are all BBW and proud of it, the night is devoted to you curvaceous goddesses and it’s a chance to show off your confidence and sexiness and have a lot of fun!
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Posted: 09:51, 18/9/2008 in Plus Size News |
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Back to Black
Written by Emily Robertson
Stella mcartney and Chanel have recently been sporting a cinched in waist, and a dress or trousers creating the effect of larger hips and a defined, shaped waistline.
For fuller figures this current trend is ideal, its highlights a perfect hourglass figure yet hides those little extras to show off your best assets. This autumns new colour is black, a colour that is suited for any situation, for that little black dress for those special nights out or smart work wear for impressing your friends, the colour is chic, elegant, classic and suits any age.
A perfect example of this is curvetys keyhole overlay black dress, the halter neck is ideal for those of us with bigger boobs and the cinched in waist adds curves to all the right places on your body. The beautiful bead detailing across the waist gives elegant beauty and this elegance is reflected in the flawless black colour of the dress.
For that definition of your hips seen particularly in stella mcartney's clothing this season look at curvetys high waist pin stripe trousers, they not only create a waist but they are shaped to fit your hips and they create a dynamic, stylish effect for that 'effortless' work look. The highlighted waist lines and hip definitions are perfectly suited for fuller figures and curvacious beautys.
With curvier figures these new designer looks can really be put into their element, with hips they are simply defined, with boobs they are classically revealed and with a waist it is defined, the clothes are merely hiding the sexiness that is in each of us.
The colour black can be used to create drama or elegance, two opposite looks but they are achieved by the style and colour used.
For a simple day look the sweetheart dress in black can be dressed up with accessories, and for that night look the mock leather belt in black creates a sexy outline of your figure and a small black teardrop croc clutch gives an overall touch of glam to your look.
Try out Curvety's range of black clothing and experiement with looks that suit you, and to top off any outfit choose either a black or neon nail polish to finish your image, black to show glam and neon represents fun and creativity.
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Posted: 03:19, 11/9/2008 in Plus size fashion |
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Custom Made Wedding Dresses in Plus Sizes
Buying a wedding dress is supposed to be one of the most exciting purchases for any woman, probably one of the only times in our lives we get to dress so lavishly, and spend so much on one outfit!
If you're a fuller figured woman this excitement has been rumoured to be tarred by snooty bridal shops with only size 8 samples. One thing guaranteed to burst your bubble and take the shine of your big day dress is being made to feel uncomfortable. These dresses were designed for curves and plus sizes look every bit as amazing on their big day as their size 8 friends.
If this scenario fills you with dread I have some good news for you. Curvety have added a wonderful selection of wedding dresses to their website - all of which are custom made to measure and very reasonably priced. There is a delivery time of 6 to 8 weeks as they are custom made, but this way they are guaranteed to fit perfectly and accentuate your curves.
As you supply the measurements it is important you get them right. Although Curvety will give you step by step instruction on how to take your measurements, if you aren't 100% sure you have them right it may be worth investing in a visit to your local tailor for a double check.
check out the selection of plus size wedding dresses now - all can be made in absolutely any size, and you can even make minor alterations to fit in with your theme or style.
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Posted: 01:42, 3/9/2008 in Plus size fashion |
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Heart Disease and Obesity not Linked
Finally, research to back it up, being overweight does not mean you are doomed to be unhealthy!
A survey by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the US has confirmed that more than half of overweight people and almost a third of obese Americans do not have a higher risk of cardiac disease. These results defy conventional belief on the subject of obesity - that fat is the root of all evil!
'We kind of got it into our heads that obesity is automatically bad for you,' said Rachel Wildman, a principal co-author of the report. 'But this study shows that there is a subset of obese individuals who don't develop adverse effects.'
Government data was taken from 5,440 people who filled out questionnaires and whose levels of risk factors were measured between 1999 and 2004. They discovered that 51% of overweight adults, translating to 36 million people nationwide, have mostly normal levels of heart disease indicators.
Almost 32% of obese individuals, or nearly 20 million people, were likewise found to be 'metabolically healthy.'
Obviously this research ONLY looks at cardiovascular disease and doesn't imply that there are no health risks with being overweight. As a plus size woman, my belief is as long as you eat a healthy and balanced diet and take regular exercise you're on the path to a healthy life whatever your weight. |
Posted: 03:49, 27/8/2008 in Plus Size News |
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Chloe Marshall's Success Story
Chloe Marshall, the curvaceous teenager who shot to fame after being named Miss Surrey earlier in the year has described how the competition has changed her life. The size 16 beautician, turned plus size model, recently came a very close second in the Miss England final.
Chloe, who is only 17, took part in a number of rounds that included modelling swimwear, an interview with the judges and a dance routine. Along with 50 other hopefuls.
Chloe shot to fame before the final and had many appearances on TV, in magazines and photo shoots - all good practice for the national pageant. She finished in second place to 22-year-old Miss Derby, Laura Coleman.
'My life has really changed. I had to grow up a bit and be more responsible, but I love this life.' Chloe said.
'I was really really shocked because I never thought I would reach the top twenty, let alone the top 3.'
Chloe is about to make her film debut as she starts filming alongside Vinnie Jones and Martin Kemp in November. She insisted she will keep her feet on the ground.
'I'm just really happy that I've proved my point now, and that the judges saw me for me and not for my weight. She said.
'I think it sends out a really positive message that you don't have to be a standard size eight or 10 to be considered beautiful.'
Good luck in the future Chloe, I'm sure you have a long and successful career ahead of you and the team at Curvety will continue to support you.
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Posted: 02:05, 13/8/2008 in Plus Size News |
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Another Attack on the Overweight
Breaking news - Your weight no longer has anything to do with what you eat, your exercise levels, or even possibly illness. It has now been 'proven' that if you have fat friends you will gain weight.
Researchers from Warwick, Dartmouth and Leuven universities analysed data on 27,000 people and came to the conclusion that weight gain is the result of social influence. Did you get that? Fat is contagious!
The study found that people who forge close relationships with more rotund friends are more likely to develop a weight problem than those who purposely exclude the plus-sized from their circle. We are apparently influenced by the appearance of those around us and prone to imitative behaviour.
I don't know whether to laugh at the fact that such research was even devised, let alone carried out, or to be angry at yet another excuse to publically degrade the overweight.
Is it really possible to completely ignore more likely factors in weight gain? The increase in fast and convenience foods, the drop in exercise levels and modern day aids which take some of the strain out of day to day chores?
Will there ever be a time when it can be accepted that not everyone is built to look the same? That different builds, shapes and sizes is just the way it is and should be celebrated?
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Posted: 03:45, 31/7/2008 in Plus Size News |
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Autumn Trend - Tunics & Trousers
I hate to say it, but the Autumn/Winter styles are hitting the shops - so before summer has even really begun it's time to start looking at your winter warmers, more importantly, what will look fab on the curvier figure.
Definitely this season's most wearable trend - pairing a tunic with trousers is guaranteed to lengthen your silhouette and create a long and lean look.
Cinching at the waist can give definition to the tunic's soft line. Keep the shape and palette simple so you can add drama with luxurious materials, from lavish fur and soft leather to bold mixed plaid. For the most flattering look make sure the tunic doesn't creep below mid-thigh.
As for the trousers - cropped or floor-skimming, flared or skinny, just make sure you pick trousers to suit your shape to really make this look your own.
Pick of the crop in plus sizes is this pleated black tunic with cute ruffle finish sleeves.
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Posted: 02:50, 23/7/2008 in Plus size fashion |
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Back By Popular Demand
This stunning evening dress by Igigi sold out very quickly when it went on sale earlier in the year. It is now back due to customer demand, but in VERY limited quantities so don't delay if it's the perfect dress for you!
The keyhole dress in magenta is available in sizes 16 to 34, and is a unique style that gives the wow factor of a halter neck but without the need for a strapless bra! The back features a key hole detail with button closure, while the empire waist is finished with pretty beading. The two tone layered fabric creates an irridescent effect while the plunging neckline and empire waist will make the most of a curvy figure. To finish it off there is a matching shrug included.
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Posted: 03:22, 16/7/2008 in Plus size fashion |
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Natalie Cassidy's Diet Secrets
I'm sure many of you will remember Natalie Cassidy, who was long standing character Sonya Jackson in Eastenders. Sonya departed to start a new life last year, giving Natalie the chance to dip her toe into new projects.
In her documentary shown on BBC 3 Natalie followed a number of 'fad diets' taken from popular womens magazines, with mixed results - none of which were positive. It was revealed in the program that many of the celebs who supposedly endorsed these diets had actually never used them.
Magazines are promoting the message - YOU MUST BE THIN, then publishing ridiculous 'celebrity endorsed' diets to sell more copies.
There are 239 women's magazines published in the UK so there is hot competition to gain sales. As pointed out in the program, children as young as 8 are reading these magazines which encourage an unhealthy perspective on weight and a negative attitude to larger sizes. They push diets that may not be nutritionally sound and give false accolades from popular celebrities to make it seem ok.
Impressionable young teens are reading these celeb diets and are encouraged to follow them with out knowing what the long term health risks are.
If magazines were pushing smoking, drinking or drug abuse the governing bodies would step in and put an end to it. Isn't it time that the diet industry was given the same treatment?
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Posted: 04:00, 7/7/2008 in Plus Size News |
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Plus Size Summer Wardrobe
How are you all getting on with your summer wardrobes.I thought I would throw some inspiration out there for great summer looks in larger sizes.
I'm loving these plus size casual shorts which are great for the beach but smart enough for a spot of lunch followed by shopping - perfect! If you prefer your shorts with a little mor edge these cuffed shorts ar every sophisticated.
This white bolero shrug is a summer essential. The bolero is big news this summer and this soft stretch jersey will keep you cool while looking hot. I LOVE the puff sleeves.
This season there are loads of fab dresses available in large sizes, this colourblock dress is one of my favourites.
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Posted: 10:51, 27/6/2008 in Plus size fashion |
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Wedding Dress for Curvier Figure
I love this new style by Igigi, and I think it makes the perfect wedding dress. Available in the UK from Curvety.com in sizes 16 to 36, it includes a matching shrug and will definitely flatter a fuller figure on your big day!
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Posted: 01:22, 17/6/2008 in Plus size fashion |
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Real Women in Miss England Final
This year the Miss England final will represent real women in the UK like never before. In earlier posts I have talked about Chloe Marshall, the first size 16 finalist, but it seems there is another curvier figure in the running.
Leah Green, 22, An aspiring model who was rejected by leading model agencies for being a size 12, has beaten 200 other girls to be crowned Miss London. Although a size 12 is clearly not plus size - it is true to say that Leah is a more real and healthy representation of women in the UK.
Following the trend for size zero models Leah talks about her rejection by modelling agencies.
'I have tried to get into modelling,' she said. 'But I have been turned away as I'm apparently too big to be a regular model. I've been told I'm too fat and I need to lose weight. One agent told me I would have to work hard to achieve the gaunt look he was after.
The London College of Fashion graduate, who works as a design assistant at French Connection, said the industry was fixated with thin models and was responsible for many girls developing eating disorders.
'I helped out with London Fashion Week last year and many of the models looked like they were about to keel over and die,' she said.
The Miss England final takes place on 18 July at the Troxy, in Stepney, London. |
Posted: 12:26, 12/6/2008 in Plus Size News |
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Fern Britton Weight Loss Surgery
It has recently come to light that Fern Britton underwent a gastric band operation 2 years ago which has enabled her to lose 5 stone. Until now Fern has attributed her weight loss to exercise and healthy eating, but now it seems she had a little help along the way.
Husband chef Phil Vickery, 46, has been reported as saying: 'Fern has lost a lot of weight through cycling, walking the dog and not eating too much - simple as that.'
Now as you know I am a firm believer in maintaining a healthy (to you) weight through good diet and exercise, and in all honesty am not adverse to operations such as this in extreme cases where health is affected and all other options have been explored. However, I think that celebrities who are just not happy with their weight and want an easier route to their 'ideal' figure are aiding the terrible public image of being overweight.
I still think Fern is a great presenter and TV personality, who has a lovely curvy figure - for now. I am sorry that I can no longer class Fern as a fuller figured role model promoting self acceptance as it seems she has been the most recent victim of cowing to the media's portrayal of what is publically acceptable.
If you are proud of your curves you can dress in style, visit Curvety.com for fab fashion in sizes 16 to 36.
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Posted: 12:43, 9/6/2008 in Plus Size News |
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Maxi Dress in Plus Sizes
This summer has seen the popularity of the maxi dress continue, and why not? Who doesn't feel fabulously feminine in a long flowing summer dress.
It's not always the easiest style to find in plus sizes as the free falling cut of the maxi dress can have a very unflattering tent effect on the fuller figure if not handled well. That's not to say there aren't any acceptions...
I particularly love the maui dress which has an empire waist and fuller straps so is sure to flatter rather than drown. Another great style is the eyelet halter dress which just shouts femininity. The silk sash is very luxurious. Both styles are by American designer Igigi, but are available in the UK at Curvety.com.
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Posted: 02:47, 5/6/2008 in Plus size fashion |
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Nintendo Fitness Game Calls Kids Fat
Obesity experts today slammed Nintendo after its Wii Fit game told a 10-year-old girl she was fat. They fear the game could damage children's body image and called on the company to warn parents it is not suitable for their offspring.
A father spoke of the embarrassment his stepdaughter faced when she played the fitness game and was labelled fat.
'She is a perfectly healthy, 4ft 9in tall 10-year-old who swims, dances and weighs only six stone,' said the father, who did not want to be named for fear of embarrassing the girl further.
'She is solidly built but not fat. She was devastated to be called fat and we had to work hard to convince her she isn't.'
The game costs £69 and sold out very quickly when it recently went on sale. The player enters their height & the game uses BMI to calculate their level of obesity, placing them in categories such as 'underweight' and 'fat'.
Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum called for children to be banned from playing the game, claiming the BMI measurement was misleading.
'I'm absolutely aghast that children are being told they are fat,' he said. 'BMI is far from perfect but with children it simply should not be used. A child's BMI can change every month and it is perfectly possible for a child to be stocky, yet still very fit. I would be very concerned if children were using this game and I believe it should carry a warning for parents.'
Nintendo said it would not be placing a warning on the game.
I was a larger child myself and although I am now content to be a plus size woman that was not always the case. Many of my self esteem issues were caused by the way my weight was dealt with as a child - constant diets, comments from family members etc. The poor youngsters of today face a future of self doubt if everyone is to be judged purely by their BMI. |
Posted: 06:33, 2/6/2008 in Plus Size News |
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A Message from Americas Next Top Model
I haven't as yet written about the groundbreaking win of a plus-size model on 'America's next top model' recently over in the US. But Whitney Thompson, A UK size 12, has a great message to give out to the industry which is definitely worth sharing.
“I’m not really plus-size in real life, I’m regular,” Thompson recently told reports. “I’m the weight I’m supposed to be and that’s considered plus size, and what kind of message is that sending to girls and boys all over the world?”
Well said Whitney, which is why its great to see the public over in the US supporting a model who promotes a real life healthy image.
As for the goals she has for her newfound fame?
“No one from the generation behind me has anyone to look up to. Truly all of their role models are in rehab or have eating disorders, and I feel like it might be a lost generation because of that,” the model said. “I’m not saying no to anything. I really want to work and work and work and just get everything I want to out there.”
Fingers crossed for a long and successful career for a most beautiful woman.
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Posted: 05:32, 28/5/2008 in Plus Size News |
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