Tuesday 22 March 2011

As waistlines grow, sales of women's clothes size 18 or larger are booming

The market for large sizes in women’s clothes is booming as obesity levels soar, bringing radical changes to average body shapes.

The demand is so huge that one in four of all women’s fashions sold this year will be a plus size – counted as size 18 and over.

Retail analysts Verdict suggest the market for large sizes, particularly for clothes aimed at young women and teenagers, is the fastest-growing on the high street.

Recent research suggests UK women and young girls are the biggest in Western Europe.

Successful pop artists such as plus-sized Adele have become icons for a new generation of large teens and young women.

And both leading catwalk designers and high street chains are trying to tap into the reality of modern women’s larger shapes with collections for bigger sizes.

Designer Mark Fast caused waves when he used size 12 and 14 models during London Fashion Week.
Last autumn, the billionaire retailer behind Topshop, Sir Philip Green, launched a fashion website for teen girls and young women up to size 26 called STYLE369.com.

Verdict analyst Carly Syme said: ‘Retailers are looking to expand their niche collections such as plus size, petites and maternity to ensure growth.

‘Our research has revealed it is the plus-size market that offers the biggest opportunities.‘There is an increasing need for more fashionable plus-size items for younger shoppers, who are under-served.’ She added: ‘While the weakened economy will have an impact, drivers such as obesity levels and an ageing population in a society where women tend to get bigger as they get older will more than offset this.’

Researchers at Imperial College, London, found that British women were the most overweight in Western Europe, with the highest Body Mass Index of 19 countries surveyed.

The good news is - they finally realise the need for more fashionable plus size clothing to suit all age groups in the British retail market which is great news for all us plus-sized fashionistas.

Monday 21 March 2011

Jordin Sparks dumps plus-size modeling after 30 pound weight loss

Singer Jordin Sparks shows off her new body after losing 30 pounds using a special portion control diet to get Hollywood skinny.

The former American Idol star disregarded past preachings on being proud and plus-size and was proud, instead, of her new slimmed-down body wearing a (US) size 6 dress and weighing an estimated 142 lbs.

In 2007 when she won American Idol at 17 years old Sparks weighed in 190 pounds, after the show, Sparks says she scaled up to 209 pounds, wearing her highest dress size 13 (US), and eventually settled in a size 12 dress at the end of the year.

At the time, Sparks said she loved her curves. She also said she appreciated being able to fulfill the role of being a plus-size role model for young girls and plus-size fashion model for retailer, Torrid. In several interviews over the next couple of years, Jordin also expressed regret for Hollywood's negligence in portraying plus-size figures, and a variety of body shapes, in media.

Moving forward in her career, Sparks' weight loss was becoming a noticeably hot topic. Jordin claimed her diet wasn't "really different" and she wasn't trying to lose weight, but pictures of an obviously smaller Sparks led to questioning about what was behind Jordin Sparks' diet and weight loss.

In an interview with OK! magazine, she later revealed she'd been working out with a personal trainer while on tour and using portion control to manage diet indulgences. Completing workout sessions filled with running, "throw-downs", stairs and lunges, Sparks began to distance herself from the role of plus-size mentor.
In 2009) Sparks was quoted as saying:

"I love food and I love my curves. I'm very strong-willed and I'm stubborn in that sense to where I'm just like 'No, I won't be that way,'" she said. "I definitely do like exercise. I like to eat right. It's all about being healthy. The stick-thin thing, I'm kind of just like 'Not gonna do it' and 'I couldn't.'"

Debuting her new body on Saturday night, the singer who said she'd hoped to "find herself in her 20's," found the cameras snapping her new weight loss and size.
Since mid-2009, Sparks has shed 30 pounds in weight and chopped her dress size in half.
While she was once proud of being plus-size, Sparks is equally as proud of her newly shaped and slimmer figure, too.

Jordin Sparks Before and After Weight Loss Photos


Friday 18 March 2011

Evans Spring 2011 Catalogue Now Online

Evans New Spring 2011 Collection is now online and I'm loving the look and style of their new collection which is full of fresh, floaty and floral tops and tunics, flowing maxi dresses, stunning evening wear, cropped jeans and denim shorts plus comfy summer pumps.

Clothes are available in plus sizes 14 -32 whilst Evans shoe range is available up to a size 10 with extra wide fit in most styles.

If your looking to update your Spring wardrobe then check out my favourite pick of Evans Spring collection.

You can view the entire catalogue here Evans Spring 2011 Catalogue
Gorgeous green printed top with embellished neckline and dipped back frill hem


Coral asymmetric ditsy floral print dress with button loop detail 3/4 length sleeves

Tiered maxi dress with crochet straps featuring sequin detail neckline

Price: £38.00 Sizes 16-22
balloon sleeve floral printed tunic with ruched cuff detail


Flared split long sleeved multi coloured floral top with a scooped round neck.Fully lined body

Team up this seasons gorgeous tops with a pair of cropped jeans or denim short for a great Spring trend.

Sizes 14-32
Denim shorts with, gold button and rivet detail and turn up at knee.

Put a Spring in your step by finishing off your new Spring outfit with these lovely comfy pumps

Pastel colour stripe floral pumps with espadrille and bow detail.padded sole for extra comfort.
Available in wide and extra wide fit.
Blue denim espadrille pumps with bow detail.
Available up to size 10 in standard fit (D) and extra wide fit (EEE)
Multi coloured floral ballerinas with patent toecap and ribbon bow detail
Available in extra wide and wide fit

Thursday 17 March 2011

Up to 30% off at Dorothy Perkins - Exclusive Online Deal

A great opportunity to update your summer wardrobe at a discounted price!

Dorothy Perkins are currently offering up to 30% off their new season fashion tops to online customers.

Tops for every occasion, ranging from casual womens tops to stylish tops for a night out and as they go up to a size 22 its perfect for us plus size fashionistas.

My favourites;
Was £29.50 Now £26.00
Blue floral print sleeveless tunic with crossover v-neck and border detail

 
Was £30.00 Now £25.00
Orange square and flower print tunic, with pintuck neck detail and belt

Was £24.50 Now £22.00
Bright multi paisley/stripe border print cotton shell top

Was £26.00 Now £23.00

 
Was £26.00 Now £17.00
Rust vintage georgette hanky hem tunic with cami underlayer

 
Was £45.00 Now £31.00
Blush georgette tunic, with embellished detail on hem.

Monday 14 March 2011

Plus Size Swimsuits for Women


When it comes to choosing a plus size swimsuit you want to select a style that truly suits your shape, flatters your plus size figure and makes you look and feel fantastic.

Whatever your size and shape, retailers online in the UK stock the perfect plus size swimsuits for you. Stylish & Support Swimsuits with Hidden Tummy Panels For Control!

Dont go for a boring plain black plus sized swimsuit - be proud of your curves and show them off one of these fashionable, bright sexy styles.

Ive picked out my favourite plus sized swimsuits from online stores, so whether your off on holiday or just down to the pool you will look and feel great while showing off your curves.
Fan Printed Dress Swimsuit
Evans £32.00 Sizes 14-30

Silhouette Tummy Control Swimsuit
Marisota £42.00 Available up to size 32

Halterneck Spot Tummy Control Bodyshaper Swimsuit
Marks & Spencer £35.00 Available up to size 24


Silhouette Print Swimdress
Marisota £39.00 Available up to size 32

Zebra print tummy control swimsuit
BHS From £28.00 Sizes 14-22
Halterneck Stripe Skinny Swimsuit
Marks & Spencer £29.50 Available up to size 24

Bow Detail Swimsuit
Evans £25.00 Sizes 16-28
Evans £29.50 Sizes 16-28

Feel like splashing out! Its not cheap at £130 but it will make you look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds - the miraclesuit swimsuit.

Evans £130 Sizes 16-26 


Friday 11 March 2011

Plus-Sized Model Targeted by Sick Anti-Plus Size Groups


Stunning plus size model Louise O'Reilly is fast becoming one of Ireland's most in demand catwalk queens, and has even been scooped up by agencies in Milan and Munich, as well as being represented by leading agency Morgan in Dublin.

But the curvy cutie was targeted by 'anti-plus size' groups online, telling her to be "ashamed of herself" for "promoting obesity".

She explained: "I have a Facebook page, which is purely for my model contacts. Then I started to receive e-mails from an anti-plus size group, which I never knew existed".

"The comments weren't nice, and of course they did upset me, and I reported them to Facebook."

However, Louise is rising above the petty attacks, saying that she has received positive feedback from stylists and editors in the homegrown industry, and is looking forward to making her mark on the international scene.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," she said. "It makes you feel like a bigger person in the long run, because you can't help the way some people think. I just feel sorry for them that they have nothing better to do than email me.

"It's just ridiculous and not realistic. At the time it was upsetting, but it's fizzled now. The feedback I've received in Ireland alone has all been so positive."

The blonde beauty will be spending her summer in New York, which has a more lucrative market for plus size models, and is in high demand for work throughout Europe.

The DCU student has now become a role model for women throughout the country, who are struggling with their own body image, and she said that she loves helping women of all sizes increase their confidence.

And she said that women throughout the world regularly contact her to ask for advice.

"That would be really nice, if I could possibly be a role model," she said. "It's nice to know that people can come to me, and know that I'm approachable enough to have a conversation.

"I'd like to make it a more positive shift in line with the American style of thinking, who are overly positive and think curves are brilliant.

"They have all these curvy magazines, and encourage female empowerment of any kind. We are still behind in the plus size modelling world, but hopefully these girls will associate with me until somebody comes along with something new."

Thursday 10 March 2011

New Plus Size Model Teer Wayde

Teer Wayde is a Plus Size fashion model, Pin up and Singer from Melbourne, Australia. Known best for her killer curves Teer has been featured in numerous international publications, websites and campaigns including a recent shoot for Plus size clothing range Simply Be lingerie range.

From Editorial to Pinup, Runway to Studio she has the ability to create herself into many different characters and make amazing imagery.

The size 16 beauty is an alternative model with curves, changing the face and shape of beauty.

Keep a look out for Teer Wayde, a new face of plus size modelling http://www.curvestokill.com/


The dress that suits EVERY shape: From petite to plus-sized

Kate Middletons engagement dress is the perfect fit whether you are petite or plus size.

According to U.S. Glamour magazine, there is one dress type that flatters every size and shape.

It is suitable for the office, yet sexy enough for a date - and affordable, too. This wonder garment is the jersey dress. Its draped front, three-quarter sleeves, longish length, cinched waist and clever ruching means it solves any problem even the most self-conscious woman can come up with.

Better still, it’s the sort of dress popularised by Brazilian designer Issa, and worn by Kate Middleton when announcing her engagement. So it’s on trend, too.

The jersey dress, popularised by Kate Middleton, right, suits and flatters every figure but that the bigger the girl, the better it looks

The draping on this dress stops it from being too clingy over the hips and stomach, while the nipped-in waist gives a good shape - and the long sleeves hide the upper arms. Perfect!


Plus-size model urging the Fashion and Media Industry to Lead by Example

In addition to employment status, many sources have also linked low self-esteem amongst young people with the coverage of body image in the media. While young men are feeling more pressure to take supplements and 'bulk up', young females are feeling more pressure to count calories and aim for ultra thinness.

A study has shown that 51% of young women in the UK would have surgery to improve their looks. Also 33% of those who are a UK size 12 consider themselves overweight.

Such statistics do not prove surprising when there is said to be an estimated 1.1 million people in the UK living with an eating disorder, with 14-25 year olds being the high-risk group.

Plus-size model Mayowa Anthea Adebiyi has officially launched a campaign to promote youth empowerment on two fronts. She aims to tackle youth unemployment particularly in the Creative and Performing Arts industries, and encourage a healthy self-esteem in young people.

The 22 year old is the Founder & Managing Director of the Social Enterprise called Enpower which works to empower young people (14-30 years) by providing career development and networking opportunities. The organisation focuses on providing guidance for young people pursuing careers in Art & Design, Fashion, Health & Beauty, Journalism, Media, Advertising, Performing Arts and Photography.

Mayowa started as a plus-size model following a pageant entry in 2008. With features in fashion shows and publications including Just as Beautiful Magazine, Mayowa has a good insight as to how the industry works. As a plus-size model of colour she is passionate about challenging society's perception of beauty and promoting diversity and body confidence, particularly amongst young people. The young model was featured on the Channel 4 Documentary Beauty and the Beast: Ugly Face of Prejudice last week. She was part of a fashion show organised by presenter Adam Pearson to demonstrate the need for more diversity on the catwalk.

Through her campaign 'The Lost Youth' Mayowa is calling on the Fashion and Media industry and the Department of Education to pledge their support and raise awareness regarding important youth affairs. She believes the Fashion and Media industry have a major impact on the way youths view themselves and that education should incorporate more topics focussing on body confidence, self-esteem and disabilities into the national curriculum.

'It's only when I look back and think about the way I used to view myself that I realise how highly influenced young people can be. Whether it is from media, friends, family or general pressures a lot of the experiences obtained from childhood can affect the formation of an individual when they are older. By forming Enpower I felt I could give young people a sense of self-worth.'

Mayowa believes that as well as providing a greater scope of career opportunities for young people, the perpetuation of diversity and realistic beauty in the entertainment industry is important in developing a generation of healthy, fulfilled and positive individuals.

With the marginalisation of young people in present day society, she believes that a vouch for youth empowerment is long overdue.

In addition to being a Plus-size model Mayowa has a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (Royal Holloway, University of London) and a MSc in virology (Imperial College London). She thus demonstrates first hand that young people can have ambition and make the most of their talents.
Visit Mayowa at her official website www.anthearose.com

Curvy Kate Modelling Competition

Ever fancied your chances at being a curvy model? Are you a D Cup or above?
Apply Now to Become the New Face & Body of a Top Lingerie Brand – Curvy Kate!

Who can enter?

• You must be a D plus with natural curves
• Live in the UK or Ireland
• Be at least 18 years of age can enter.

Curvy Kate is a brand that offers a gorgeous collection of DD – K cup lingerie designed specifically for the fuller bust.

Curvy Kate bras not only support and lift a fuller bust but also compliment those killer curves.

Curvy Kate Modeling Competition

This is how the competition works:
1. You apply on Facebook by filling in your personal details and uploading 3 photos. The last day to apply is 15th Match 2011!
2. A panel of judges will shortlist their favourite 30 girls who will appear on the Curvy Kate Facebook page. The public will then vote on the girl who they’d like to see modelling for the brand.
3. Voting top 10 – closed. The girls chosen by the public will be invited to meet the Curvy Kate team and be professionally photographed at a top London Studio.
4. Professional photoshoot with the finalists.
5. The professional shoot photos will be posted on the Curvy Kate Facebook page and the girls will be put to the Public Vote.
6. Winner announced! The votes have been counted and the official Face and Body of Curvy Kate is announced.

The prizes: as well as being the face of Curvy Kate Lingerie for two seasons, taking part in all advertising and marketing campaigns, you will also receive £500 to spend with top curve loving retailer Simply Yours.

ENTER NOW - www.starinabra.com