Vintage Plus Size Dresses

Simply Be are currently offering 60% off their party wear collection and I am loving these vintage style dresses, perfectly glam for Christmas and the party season.

Grab a bargain and also get free delivery this weekend using Simply Be voucher code RHXJ5 at the checkout.

 

Rise Annie Beaded Dress £48.00

 

The hand-sewn embellishment is what really sets Annie apart from mass produced vintage copies, inspired by flapper fashion and teamed with a cute ballerina skirt for a contemporary effect.

 

 

Rise Rosalie Beaded Dress £51.00

 

Embellished deco dress from Rise. Rosalie features stunning longline sequin and bead detail to create an exquisite look and a very flattering shape. Perfect for those who love to relive the glamour of a bygone era!

 

 

Rose Detail Pleated Dress £60.00

 

3D rosettes, a gentle, blush palette and a swingy, pleated skirt... the romantic vibe of this impossibly pretty piece is the perfect way to channel all-out feminine style this season. Designed with all your curves in mind, this delicate dress has been constructed like couture to ensure a truly beautiful.

 

 

Rise Evelyn Dress £60.00

 

Black Georgette cut dress with eye-catching beaded neck detail and sheer puff sleeves. Wear with black tight and chunky heels to create the perfect 60's vintage look.

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa Riley Drops 4 Dress Sizes

Plus size actress Lisa Riley is looking fabulous in the current season of Strictly Come Dancing.

The former Emmerdale star has dropped 4 dress sizes since joining Strictly and it certainly shows.

The bubbly actress revealed the gruelling dance training with partner Robin Windsor have caused her to lose an inch from her waist every week.

The star had spoken out earlier about the compliments she's been getting from her stint on Strictly, and even said she's had offers to make her own fitness video.

But Lisa doesn't seem to be keen on that idea, as she said: ‘Why would I want to do that?'

'What do I know about aerobics DVDs? I’m an actress. Who am I to preach at women about what shape they should be?’
Despite the dramatic weight loss Lisa still has lots of lovely curves and is looking stunning both on and off screen lately and is a true curvalicious inspiration.

Philomena Kwao - Britain’s first black plus size model

Philomena Kawo, 22 from Dartford Kent is being hailed as Britains first black plus size model after beating thousands of other hopefuls in a nationwide contest run by plus size clothing brand Evans in conjunction with Models 1 and Style369.com.

Philomena was one of five girls to make it through to the final of the plus sized modelling contest and as the winner of the competition, she is now signed with a division of Models 1, a company called Excel-Models1.

With her gorgeous curvy size 16 and striking looks Philomena has already had previous modeling experience as she was crowned Miss Ghana UK in 2008.

Since her win she has starred in numerous fashion features
including a beach-inspired shoot in this month’s Cosmopolitan magazine which is out this month.

Commenting on her recent win she said: “I hope to use this as a platform by which I can hopefully
empower girls and young women like myself. I also want to be a figurehead for young girls today who sometimes may become disillusioned by ‘the glamorous lifestyle’.”

Fiona Ross brand director from style369.com hopes that curvier representatives such as Philomena will help change attitude towards body size. Shelly Vella, fashion director of Cosmopolitan UK said:

“She has an incredible face and body, not to mention a professional and driven personality. She will excel, whatever she decides to do.  Personally I would love to see her front a beauty campaign.”

There is a fantastic article on the Daily Mail website this week about plus size fashion bloggers.
We dont get that much recognition so to find such a great indepth article on a major news site was fantastic.

The article is based around Lesley Kinzel whose blog Two Whole Cakes is soon to be turned into a book, and aims to empower plus-size women.

Lesley shares her style advice on her site, along with authors of similar blogs titled Fat Girls Like Nice Clothes Too, Curves to Kill and Thicker Than your Average Girl, which all give the same message: We're fat, we look fabulous, and you can, too.

Fat is a loaded word, with weight and questions of what constitutes a healthy and attractive body image continuing to be a central discussions in the fashion industry.

Lesley Kinzel hopes to change the way the world views the adjective, seeing it as a fact rather than a word the politically correct tip-toe around, or a word the bullies use to inflict pain much the same of course as myself and my own blog does.

Read the full article on the Daily Mail Website.

AX Paris Curve Collection

AX Paris stocks the latest party looks and young fashion including concessions from New Look, Republic, Debenhams and House of Fraser. And the great news is they have now launched their new CURVES collection for sizes 16-26.

For fierce female fashions Axparis offers a wide range of affordable casual and eveningwear to suit every occasion (and now every figure) with great maxi dresses, rock chick tops, summer stunners and shapely silhouettes.
There is no compromise on style, quality or price and plus size style seekers can bag a bargain starting from as little as £18.00.

Gorgeous butterfly print dress. Great for spring - dressed up or down, for work or play! £35.00

Button collar skater style dress takes you in at the waist also with belt and kicks out on the box pleat skirt £35.00

Chiffon floaty long sleeve tunic with stud neck and cuff tunic, a perfect party piece £35.00

Colour block big flow sleeve tunic, can be worn on or off shoulder. £38.00

Showstopping jewel embellished maxidress. The ultimate in party glamour this season £45.00

Clements Ribiero launches at Evans

Finally a designer collaboration especially for us plus size women.

British designers Suzanne Clements and Inacio Ribeiro the design duo behind luxury London label Clements Ribeiro and the former creative directors of French fashion house Cacharel have teamed up with Evans to launch the Swan collection.

Oozing vintage style the collaboration is everything it promised to be. Beautifully cut pieces to flatter a fuller figure, vibrant patterns and inspiring style in all sizes 14-32.

Ive selected a few of my favourite pieces below including the Purple Pansy Print 'Peggy' Dress (above, main pic) which was featured on Gemma Collins ITV This Morning plus size fashion slot last week.

Swan by Clements Ribeiro Printed ‘Joan' Midi Dress £75.00 

Mint Green/Putty Jersey Wrap ‘Frida' Dress £70

Red ‘Joan' Dress with Sequin Shoulder Embellishment £75

Even the photo shoot is stunning and retro inspired......

View the entire new Swan collection at Evans.

Plus Size Model Competition 2011

Style369.com in association with Evans have launched their 2011 plus size modelling competition to find a curvy girl size 14 or over the become the UK's next Plus size supermodel.

The lucky winner will receive;

A photo shoot as the new face of Style369.com or feature in Evans Spring 2012 campaign.

£1000 shopping spree with Style369 and Evans.

Consultation with Models1.

Tickets to a Models1 Event.

So if you are a UK resident aged over 16 and a size 14 or above and think you have what it takes to be a Plus sized model then apply now for your chance to win these fabulous prizes.

Enter Plus Size Model Competition Here >>>>>

Full Figured Fashion Week Is Back

On the heels of last years massive success, the third annual Full Figured Fashion Week, hosted by Shanda Freeman is returning to New York on June 16.  

International designers specialising in sizes 12+ will debut their designs in a whirlwind of presentations spanning 3 days. This event is so popular that tickets for the events have already been sold out. 

Gwen Devoe of DeVoe Signature Events, the organisers of the event, expects over 1,000 people to attend the finale of Full Figured Fashion Week.  

As the mainstream fashion world mostly ignores the needs and styles of woman over 12.  That is what Full Figured Fashion Week is all about; showing the fashion world that just because a woman has curves does not mean she cannot own good quality, designer clothing at great prices.

Most plus size women either have to pay extra for trendy clothing in their size or just settle for just plain ugly clothes that do not even flatter their figure.  

Full Figured Fashion Week features sexy plus size swimsuits, figure hugging skirts, outsize cocktail dresses, wide fitting shoes and high end evening wear that make any plus size woman feel like a goddess. 

Plus size Designer clothing brands such as Lane Bryant, Plush and Vikki Vi will showcase colourful and trendy clothing for womens sizes 12 to 30.  

RIP Mia Amber Davis

Road Trip actress Mia Amber Davis has died at the age of 36 after routine knee surgery led to a fatal blood clot.

Davis who was also a plus-size model famously played Rhonda, the curvy lady who seduced geeky Kyle (DJ Qualls) in the 2000 film.

She was also well known for her work with clothing outlet Ashley Stewart and for being the face of Jill Scott's Butterfly Bra and this year she became the creative editor for Plus Model magazine.

The actress who stood at over 6ft tall and reportedly weighed over 300 pounds was said to have had a personality and passion for helping others and was said to be larger than life.

Such a sad loss of a young life.

Italian Vogue Features Plus Size Models

Following other publications such as French Elle, US Glamour or V Magazine, Italian Vogue has dedicated a month to curvaceous women.

Plus size supermodels Candice Huffine, Tara-Lynn and Robyn Lawley feature in a fetish inspired lingerie shoot snapped by photographer Steven Meisel.

The 'Belle Vere' (the cover's title, translating to 'True Beauties') features the models lounging around a baroque-inspired apartment, wearing boudoir-esque ensembles by Alberta Ferretti, Dolce & Gabbana, and Agent Provocateur - all styled by Edward Enninful.

You can see more photos from the shoot on Vogue Curvy website (www.vogue.it/en/vogue-curvy).

Or watch the behind the scenes video of the shoot below;

Tara Lynn stars in new H&M campaign

H&M's last campaign starred ultra-thin supermodel Gisele Bundchen. So it's refreshing to see the fashion chain challenging stereotypes by hiring a plus-size model for their new ads.

Their fashion-conscious collection comes in sizes 16-30 and is also aimed at younger customers

Recognising the growing demand for more fashion conscious designs when it comes to their larger sizes, the High Street chain is hoping to tap into the younger market.

BiB designer Lisa Hajian said: 'This season a more trend conscious collection has been designed to offer customers a wider range of fashion in sizes 16-30'.

'We have gone for a higher fashion content with this collection, which will appeal to younger customers too.'

Changing the shape of things: Tara joins a growing list of plus-size models who are being chosen to star in big-brand campaigns.

Tara Lynn proudly displays her curves in a bathing suit for the latest Big is Beautiful collection.

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.

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

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."

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

Evolve Magazine and Plus Size Model Agency

Evolve Media LTD is a new UK based company that is dedicated to developing products & services that influence higher levels of self esteem throughout the plus size community (size 14 +), through positive imagery and media.

Evolve Media are the only company actively serving this community in the UK through a:

  * Soon to be launched monthly online fashion & lifestyle magazine
  * Inspirational Workshops
  * Fashion Events
  * Plus Size Modelling Agency

They do not believe in advocating women to be large and unhealthy but rather full figured women to: Be Proud… Be You!

Regardless of your size it is all about believing in yourself and loving yourself.

Evolve are currently working on launching a fantastic magazine this summer, the uk’s first fashion and style magazine created for the fuller figured fabulous woman with Mica Paris as their first cover star and you can read their first test issue online at http://www.evolve-magazine.com/

Their Plus size modelling agency is now taking new submissions from experienced and inexperienced plus sized models http://www.evolve-magazine.com/modelling.html

Take a look at their fabulous website for lots of plus size inspiration.