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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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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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Is Plus Size Discrimination on the Rise?
I came across an interesting article talking about some recent research into weight discrimination.
Yale university have entered into studies that show that more and more people are facing discrimination due to their weight, a problem which is so widespread it's often more prevalent than race & gender discrimination.
According to Yale there has been a 66% increase in the past decade, to include situations like healthcare and the workplace.
Sandy Schaffer of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance says she experienced this first hand.
'I was told point blank, that I was qualified enough and that I was smart enough and capable of doing the job, but they wouldn't offer me the job because I was too fat,' Schaffer said.
When asked if the employer was that blunt, Schaffer said, 'Point blank, those words.
Schaffer is now fighting back with the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. She's trying to get 'weight' and 'height' added to anti-discrimination laws.
These are obviously findings based on the US and I optimistically think that the situation isn't as bad in the UK. I certainly haven't experienced any such discrimination first hand just for being plus size but would love to hear other views on weight discrimination in the UK.
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Posted: 12:04, 23/5/2008 in Plus Size News |
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Summer Dresses for Curvy Women
I love the summer, the perfect excuse to go all girlie in beauitiful summer dresses. This year there are some absolute corkers - and with the growing choice in plus sizes us curvy women aren't being left out!!
I love this dress available at Curvety.com. It's a new style and i'm sure it wont be around for long!
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Posted: 10:41, 15/5/2008 in Plus size fashion |
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Celebrity Plus Size Designers
The last couple of years has seen an increase in the number of celebrity designers - either going solo or designing for well known high street stores. Kate Moss, Lily Allen, Jodie Kidd to name a few - but where are the plus size celebrity designers?
Beth Ditto of Gossip has expressed her interest in working with Topshop. This hasn't materialised which is a shame as I think Beth would make a great contribution to the plus size fashion industry.
Another curvy celeb with great style is Adele, who I would love to see share her style with us.
Which celebrities would you like to see design for the plus size fashion industry?
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Posted: 05:25, 13/5/2008 in Plus size fashion |
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Back by Popular Demand
The dress pictured was available in the UK earlier this year at Curvety.com but sold out almost immediately!
It is now available again but in very limited quantities so if you want this fab halter dress you will have to be very quick indeed!
I love this sparkly number and it is one of the dresses I have shortlisted for my wedding dress. The buckle shawl is a particularly nice feature.
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Posted: 01:03, 9/5/2008 in Plus size fashion |
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First Single from Plus
You may remember that last year I wrote about the X factor style formation of plus size girl band - Plus.
5 girls were chosen and the band was formed. Now, after months of planning, rehearsing and whatever else girl bands get up to, they are releasing their first single.
The new group featuring, Stacey-Lee Cuddy, Rachel Faulkner, Shirley Slaymaker, Kate Newnes and Hannah Lee are all a size 16 +.
Spokesman Kizzi Nkwocha, former publicist for the Bay City Rollers, said:
“Plus’s new single will symbolize the beginning of change for the music industry. It will be the song that opens the door to thousands of performers who were turned away in the past because of their size.”
“The average woman in Britain is a size 16 yet the music industry is obsessed with the idea that a singer has to be a stick insect in order to be marketable. We think that’s wrong, most of the people in this country think that’s wrong and, after Big Fun hits Number One, the music industry will have to admit they’re wrong.”
Their single, named Big Fun, will be available online at music stores such as iTunes and Napster.
The girls all look fab and know how to dress those curves. To get your new plus size outfit visit Curvety.com for a great selection in sizes 16 to 36.
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Posted: 12:41, 7/5/2008 in Plus Size News |
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