Wide-leg trousers. A timeless option that flatters most body types. Length is key here — when worn with heels, these floor-grazers should make you look two inches taller and 10 pounds leaner. I am obsessed with Rafaella’s Modern Fit khaki trousers. Made with thick, form-fitting rayon/spandex and boasting a forgiving, stretchy waistband, these are clutch for warm-weather workwear.

A dark-wash skinny jean. I know, I know: You’re convinced that they’ll highlight your ample thighs. But as long as they fall just past the ankle (no bunching up at the shin) and aren’t muffin-top tight, skinnies are totally wearable for the plus-size set. Opt for indigo or black — no distressing or whiskering, please. Yes, they’ll shape your thighs. There’s no getting around that. But you can offset the effect with a long cardi and heels.

Find out why graphic prints & cropped pants are top picks, too, here!

“No Horizontal Stripes” & Other Plus-Size Fashion “Rules” That Are Meant To Be Broken!

The Curvy Girl’s Guide To Lingerie

VH1 Casting Reality Show For Plus-Size Girls Only; Will You Watch?

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Wide-leg trousers. A timeless option that flatters most body types. Length is key here — when worn with heels, these floor-grazers should make you look two inches taller and 10 pounds leaner. I am obsessed with Rafaella’s Modern Fit khaki trousers. Made with thick, form-fitting rayon/spandex and boasting a forgiving, stretchy waistband, these are clutch for warm-weather workwear.

A dark-wash skinny jean. I know, I know: You’re convinced that they’ll highlight your ample thighs. But as long as they fall just past the ankle (no bunching up at the shin) and aren’t muffin-top tight, skinnies are totally wearable for the plus-size set. Opt for indigo or black — no distressing or whiskering, please. Yes, they’ll shape your thighs. There’s no getting around that. But you can offset the effect with a long cardi and heels.

Find out why graphic prints & cropped pants are top picks, too, here!

“No Horizontal Stripes” & Other Plus-Size Fashion “Rules” That Are Meant To Be Broken!

The Curvy Girl’s Guide To Lingerie

VH1 Casting Reality Show For Plus-Size Girls Only; Will You Watch?

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Here’s what Nicolette Mason told Refinery 29:

“Head-to-Toe Black is The Most Flattering”—While I certainly love my monochromatic looks, I’m also in love with the bright, punchy colors that Jil Sander, Gucci, and Prada’s spring collections made me lust after. Now if only my budget (and waist line) were more accommodating… Plus-size retailers have followed the direction of fashion’s heavyweights (no pun intended) to offer plus-size individuals similar runway-influenced styles. Colorblocking isn’t limited to a size number!
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“Avoid Denim, Especially Skinny Jeans”—I was completely baffled when I came across a column on what plus-size women should avoid, and found that the columnist discouraged the use of denim, insisting that they only highlight problem areas. As for the “skinny jeans” part? False! Actually, if you are concerned with clothes being “flattering,” a slim, fitted cut can elongate the length of your legs, creating a slimming effect. But more importantly, skinny jeans are a good look. I’d hardly recommend you saddle up with a pair of boot cuts, right..? A great pair of well-fitting jeans are an essential part of every wardrobe!
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“Never Wear Horizontal Stripes!”—I get why stripes can be intimidating, really, but there are so many new cuts and shapes and silhouettes adorned with simple stripes that there are just too many cute options to dismiss the notion of horizontal stripes entirely. The key with styling stripes (on any body shape!) is to pay attention to fit, shape, and colors, and using these factors to help create balance in your outfit. If the thought of all-over stripes is still too much, you can break up patterns by adding a “third piece”—like a cardigan, blazer, or vest.

Read the rest & find out where to purchase these items here!

10 Crop Tops For Under $50 (And 3 Tips On How To Wear Them!)

3 Essential Rules To Remember When Wearing White

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Shape it up
Girls who are pear shaped should look for ways to accentuate the upper body. The pear body shape is heavier on the bottom than on top, with fuller thighs and hips, a slimmer midsection, and smaller bust. A bathing suit that draws attention to the upper body while minimizing the hips is key. Always look for opportunities to create a balance with your curves, top to bottom. A swim dress or swimsuit with a skirted bottom or short sarong are also good options for your body type. Go for suits with a halter or scoop neck top and padded bust. Stay away from strapless suits and bandeau tops, as they emphasize a small bust.
Apple shapes should go for suits that slim the midsection. Swimwear with a tummy control panel, or an empire waist swim dress, are great options for creating a more streamlined silhouette. Choosing swimsuits that draw the eyes up and away from a wider middle is the best way to visually balance your frame. Select a strapless suit with a built-in bra, or one with a plunging neckline for a waist-narrowing effect. Stay away from suits with vertical stripes or designs across the middle, which can make your waist appear wider.
Hourglass shapes have a balanced frame from top to bottom. Go for a halter style suit with comfortable wide straps and ruching to flatter your figure. Always look for opportunities to show off your curves. Stay away from swim dresses, as they will hide your slimmer tummy and make you appear bigger than you really are.

GALLERY: 10 Beyonce-esque Retro Swimsuits

Don’t be afraid of color
Yes, black is slimming, but there are other options too. For the curvy girl looking to accentuate the positive and hide a few flaws, there are many colors to choose from. Dark colors like chocolate or midnight blue work well, but don’t be afraid of patterns or bright colors. There are many figure-flattering swimsuit styles with sexy color options. Also find ways to use colors and patterns to your advantage. If you are pear shaped, a two-tone suit with a light color on top and dark color on the bottom will help accentuate your bust while slimming your bottom, which creates the illusion of an hourglass.

8 Bold & Brightly Colored Swimsuits

Accessorize
Rock a colorful sarong, a cute, two-piece coverup, or matching shorts with your suit. Don’t forget a hat or cool shades to complete your look.

GALLERY: Colorful Coverups

The Curvy Girls Guide To Swimwear:

Plus Size Swimwear

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“Left Right Productions now casting the hottest, most bodacious, voluptuous single women who are at least 21 years old and appear younger than…” Read the rest of the casting call request HERE!

Plus-Size Show Debuts At NY Fashion Week For First Time Ever [PHOTOS]

Young Women Preferring Curvy Bodies Over Thin [REPORT]

ANTM’s Plus Size Model Goes Nude To Fight Eating Disorders [PHOTOS]

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It was the first ever plus-size fashion show to take place at a Major Fashion week. OneStopPlus.com is a company that sells plus-size clothing for full-figured women sizes 12 to 44, as well as lingerie, accessories and wide-width shoes.

Come Spring 2011, there will be many options to choose from, as the Belle Epoque collection for 2011 captured the beauty and elegance acknowledged as “The Golden Age” by Zahir Babvani and Galina Monaco, VP of Design and Designer, respectively.

Draped dresses, some asymmetrical, emerged from the runway, most in hues of peach, lemon and blue. The collection than transitioned into sheath dresses, trousers, cardigans and blouses but this time with hints of lace.

Fashion icon and one of the top earning plus-size models, Emme, who is also the brand ambassador for OneStop Plus.com, told CBSnews.com,

“I think there is going to be a ripple effect from this fashion show to all of the fashion community. 62 million women are a size 12 and above, why hasn’t this been done before?’”

Young Women Preferring Curvy Bodies Over Thin [REPORT]

Plus-Size Model Marquita Pring Shows Off 6 Looks For Fall [PHOTOS]

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The UK edition of Cosmopolitan magazine claims that young women would rather look like the breakout ‘Mad Men’ star Christina Hendricks than iconic waif model Kate Moss.

“Joan [Harris, Hendricks' character] has had a huge impact on fashion and on women having the confidence to flaunt their curves,” editor Louise Court told the Radio Times.

Read more of the report over at PopEater.

Please Note: Commenters, this story is about body image, not the color of the women’s skin (we know they’re white). Thank you.

Plus-Size Model Marquita Pring Shows Off 6 Looks For Fall [PHOTOS]

ANTM’s Plus Size Model Goes Nude To Fight Eating Disorders [PHOTOS]

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The guide boasts 6 looks that will be “your go-to staples for fashion forward fall.”

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RELATED LINKS:

ANTM’s Plus Size Model Goes Nude To Fight Eating Disorders [PHOTOS]

Marc Jacobs To Develop Plus-Size Clothing Line

Networks Censor Lingerie Commercial Because Of Plus-Size Model?

Toccara Models Overseas, But Is She Still Considered “Plus-Size”? [PHOTOS]

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The model chimed in on Tyra’s recent thin-waisted model controversy. She told Dailymalk.co.uk:

Thompson has also stepped in to defend America’s Next Top Model’s host Tyra Banks who was embroiled in controversy recently after she was seen putting her hands around the waist of an extremely thin contestant on the latest series of the show.

‘Tyra supports women of all sizes as long as they are healthy,’ she says. ‘I do not fault her reaction to seeing such a tiny waist.

‘Tyra remains a leading figure in the fight for body equality in the fashion industry.’

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More Stories:
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Marc Jacobs is set to become the first top fashion designer to create a plus-size line.

The fashion house is currently in talks about a range for women over size 14, and canvassing opinion on how much demand there is for larger sizes.

Marc Jacob’s business partner Robert Duffy announced the plans on Twitter last week.

He later admitted he had been ‘over sharing’ news about the brand – there has been no official announcement from the fashion house about the potential plus size clothes.

Mr Duffy, president of the Marc Jacobs label, said it would be a year before the line was available.

He tweeted: ‘Want to do plus sizes. Great opportunity. Need to get the customers interested. They don’t buy our 14 and 16′s. I always get stuck with them.’

He added: ‘Interest in Plus sizes? Women are dying for fashion. Need to get the message out. But when we put 14 and 16 in the stores no takers.Stopped.’ SOURCE

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Louis Vuitton Makes The Trash Bag Into A Purse

Tyra is always the judge who likes the bigger girl out of the group.  Constantly promoting plus size models, we were shocked when she supported the stick thin model.  Some people are having a hard time distinguishing between what Tyra actually prefers and what she prefers in order to promote diversity on America’s Next Top Model. Does she actually like this girl? Or does she like her for the sake of shocked viewers constantly tuning in to see her?

When do you think someone is too skinny? Why do you think people drive themselves to that point?

Check out the shocking photo and Tyra’s positive reaction to her body at PopEater.

RELATED LINKS:

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5 Black “Top Model” Contestants

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Congrats are in order, of course, but would you still consider her “plus-size”?

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And Check Out This Week’s Exclusive Interview: VIDEO: Toni Braxton Admits To Having A “Cougar Crush” & Blaming Herself For Son’s Autism

And check out some other “plus-size” models of color.

Jordan Tesfay, CoverGirl Cosmetics’ First Plus-Size Model

Networks Censor Lingerie Commercial Because Of Plus-Size Model?

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Jordan Tesfay is featured in the “Feel Pretty” spread for Plus Model Magazine’s latest issue.

PLUS SIZE MAGAZINE: You are the first plus size model to work for Cover Girl Cosmetics. Can you tell us a little about the experience of working with this cosmetics giant and Queen Latifah?
Jordan: Humbling. I feel so fortunate to have worked with Covergirl and Queen Latifah. It was an opportunity for me that went way beyond any expectations I had when I began modeling and I will always feel honored that they selected me to work with them.

PSM: At the shoot for this month’s issue, you brought beautiful scarves from Ethiopia to the set. Can you tell us about your passion for helping local artist in Ethiopia and how your business will impact your passion for it?
Jordan: While the scarves are from Ethiopia my family is actually from Eritrea, and I was born in Italy. I wanted to find a way to help protect handmade craftsmanship while providing a fair wage for local artisans. Tesfay Textiles has been my way of encouraging business development in Africa while providing people a unique and beautiful product. CONTINUE READING BELOW THE GALLERY!

Networks Censor Lingerie Commercial Because Of Plus-Size Model?

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PSM: You are in excellent shape; do you follow a specific health regimen?
Jordan: Thank you. I try and cook as often as possible using natural ingredients from my local famers market. I also run and do Yoga a few times a week.

PSM: The modeling industry is very different now, what advice do you have for aspiring models?
Jordan: Be patient, stay grounded, appreciate every job and save your money.

PSM: How do you feel about the Curvy Revolution people say we are currently in?
Jordan: I think it’s great. There are so many beautiful models that are finally getting the attention they deserve. CONTINUE READING ABOUT THE BUDDING ACTRESS & LAW STUDENT HERE!

Chaka Khan Is A Plus-Sized Model

If you watch the major TV networks, you’ve probably seen Victoria’s Secret’s recent “The Nakeds” campaign, with gorgeous models flaunting their curves in nearly-nude underthings. But you probably haven’t seen Lane Bryant’s new lingerie commercial.

The plus-size brand took to their blog, Inside Curve, to rant about the seeming double standard these TV networks have imposed on their plus-sized offerings.

ABC and Fox have made the decision to define beauty for you by denying our new, groundbreaking Cacique commercial from airing freely on their networks.”

Yes, these are the same networks that have scantily-clad housewives so desperate they seduce every man on the block — and don’t forget Bart Simpson, who has shown us the moon more often than NASA, all in what they call ‘family hour.’

While it’s no secret that Victoria’s Secret ‘The Nakeds’ ads are prancing around on major networks leaving little to the imagination, steaming up TV screens and baring nearly everything but their souls, our sultry siren who shows sophisticated sass is somehow deemed inappropriate … Does this smack of a double standard? Yep. It does to us, too.

The post also claims that ABC “restricted our airtime” and refused to air the spot during Dancing With the Stars, while Fox “demanded excessive re-edits and rebuffed it three times before relenting to air it during the final 10 minutes of American Idol, but only after we threatened to pull the ad buy.”

Seems that the retailer has a strong case — the ad is not in the least bit racy or offensive.

SEE THE AD BELOW!

MEANWHILE, VICTORIA’S SECRET IS DOING THIS:

See another story on double standards here: BET Bans Teairra Mari’s “Sponsor” Video For Glorifying Golddiggers?

Model Iman’s Daughter Zulekha Talks Her Gastric Bypass Surgery

Tyra To Launch Plus-Sized Teen Model Search

V Mag Features Half Naked Plus-Size Models

Are plus-size women finally be taken seriously?

It appears so!

In September, Glamour Magazine debuted a very provocative feature, “What Everyone But You Sees About Your Body,” which commented on self-image and how to gain respect for you body. It wasn’t the content that shook up Glamour readers, but the plus-size model they used for the spread.

20-year-old plus-size model Lizzie Miller changed the face of fashion by posing nude for the story, which received immense amounts of positive feedback. The reaction was so profound, that Glamour decided to follow up their plus-size love in their November issue, again having plus-size models pose nude in the name of confidence.

Check out Lizzie Miller discussing her photoshoot:

The love for “real-size” women has become so overwhelming that Glamour pledged to, moving forward, use more plus-size women in their issues than ever before:

“Enthusiastic support for any designer who manufactures chic clothes we can photograph on full-bodied models. Isn’t it time for changes like these? Reality, after all, is everywhere. On Twitter, Demi Moore tweets matter-of-factly about her body: “I still have excess skin & stretch marks!” And then, “Comes with having a few kids 4 some of us!” Scott Schuman, a.k.a. the Sartorialist, has attracted a cult following by photographing real people with great style — and quirks.”

Plus-Size Women Are Too Whiny!

And it looks like they’ll be keep their promises.  Glamour Editor Cindi Leive, discussed the December issue that has First Lady Obama as one of its five covers, and the steps taken to make sure “real” women are represented:

“We’ve shot stories for every issue from now through February using fabulous plus-size models, and not just in our feature shoots, but also in fashion and beauty,” she said. “One of the plus-size models who was featured in our original story is in one of our two major fashion features in December, and looks amazing,” she added. So going forward, the models are finally clothed, Leive told us. “It only seemed fair, much to my husband’s chagrin.”

We’ll see if Lieve and Glamour will keep their promises!

Complain, complain, complain. That’s all plus-size women do. It’s bad enough they want to share clubs with us, but they take up opportune shopping space in our stores and squeeze into the tightest seats on the bus. And aren’t there enough specialty stores, magazines, and even runways for them? They’ve got it all!

Will plus-size women ever stop complaining?

With all of the progression women of different sizes and shapes have made in the name of “self-confidence” and “self-love,” plus-size women have been stepping their game up and giving skinnier women a run for their money. Stores like Ashley Stewart and Manik Magazine cater to the “little more to love” crowd, and stores like Forever 21 have created lines like “Faith 21” with the size 12 and above in mind. But are they thankful? Of course not.

Why should people who are bigger have their own exclusive clothing and fashion shows instead of being of one accord with the general population?

Fat Acceptance Activists Push For Plus-Size Nightclubs

Why do you ask? Well, to put it simply, plus-size women are always the “butt” of jokes, (i.e., Mo’Nique, who uses jokes about herself as a defense mechanism), and don’t receive the same caliber of clothing, treatment, or respect as everyone else.

The average American woman is not a 6 or 8, but a 16! And yes, there are stores that satiate the “thicker than a snicker” fashionistas, they are so few and far between, that it’s hard to avoid looking like carbon copy. And the ratio of “big girl” stores to “slender” women’s boutiques are drastically low.

Yet stores insist on “dumbing down” styles like skinny jeans and leggings and slap the “plus-size” sticker across it and call it “plus-size fashion.” Think about the last time you went to store with a “plus-size” or “women’s” section. Notice how cute and fitted the “petite” section’s clothes are. How flattering and unique every garment is. Then step into the big girls’ area, typically all the way in the back of the store. The very store that carries the cutesy clothes for skinny women, offer bigger women “tent-inspired” garments with the nerve to make them in the same fabrics as the skinny stuff like they can’t tell the difference!

And there are no haute couture designers that make double digit sizes, except if they lines for H&M or Target. Otherwise, forget it!

Designer Says: “No One Wants To Look At Fat Women”

In fact, people like Chanel designer Karl Lagerfield, insist that

“Fat mummies sit there in front of the television with their chip packets and say skinny models are ugly.”

Very hypocritical Karl! We remember when you were a happy meal away from a heart attack!

Plus, nothing shows off clothing better than the “real curves” of a woman.

So are plus-size women, bitch, moan, and complaining a little too much? Maybe, but until the playing field is leveled, might as well invest in some ear plugs ’cause the fight will continue to wage on!

THICK VS. FAT: Aren’t They The Same???

MANIK MAG: The New Fashion Mecca For Plus Sized Women

We’ve come across a new web magazine that tailors its content exclusively to the fashion forward plus-sized set. ManiK Magazine is on the cutting edge of style, producing material that caters specifically for a group that is largely excluded from the elite fashion circles. According to the mags website:

ManiK Magazine is an online fashion & lifestyle monthly publication for the stylishly conscious curvaceous woman who craves the utmost of apparel and accessories- never missing a trend. Bringing beauty, style, social, and health editorials together under one domain, ManiK captures the epitome of, “What’s hot – NOW!” while promoting health and wellness.

All you curvaceous fashionistas out there now have a place to call your fashion home! There is nothing sub-par about ManiK, as their site features the most cutting edge style advice in a more inclusive way.  The online mag is attentive and sensitive to the needs of the plus-sized community, without coming across as frumpy or matronly, as is so often the case with these types of sites.

For your daily fashion, beauty, health and wellness reports check out ManiK. It is definitely a resource for women of all sizes, with more emphasis placed on a demographic that has for a long time been ignored.

Check the site out here.

Here’s a gallery of some of our favorite curvy girls’ best photos:

Designer Says: “No One Wants To Look At Fat Women”

THICK VS. FAT: Aren’t They The Same???

The goals of the event were to get people more conscious of plus size women and the struggles they have shopping. Also, the event was a wake-up call for clothing producers to see the type of audience they are missing.

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This is much needed as the size of a fashion model is shrinking along with the patience of many full figured women. I would argue many people couldn’t name 5 plus size models, but could easily name five non-plus ones. We know the queen of fashion, Anna Wintour, isn’t too happy about this recent development, based on her statement that “I had just been on a trip to Minnesota where I can only kindly describe most of the people that I saw as little houses, and I just felt like there’s such an epidemic of obesity in the United States. And for some reason everyone focuses on anorexia … We need to spend money, time, and education on teaching people to eat , exercise, and take care of themselves in a healthier way.”

The past 10 years has seen major improvement in this area. Now there are at least select brands that produce some very cute clothes for big, beautiful women, however it is not surprising for a full figured woman to have to shop online or search weeks before finding a great outfit. These women should be able to spend a day shopping where she doesn’t have to sit behind a computer screen and stare at pictures. Maybe this will be the breakthrough for plus size fashion.

Take a look at a recap of the show…

Full Figured People Dance Their Way to Health!

First Lady of Fashion Accepts Her Award

Fashion Gets a Black Makeover!