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Keep Fit at Work
2007-11-19 14:10:00
I am one of the many people in the UK who spend an unhealthy 8 hours or more per day desk bound at my PC. As necessary as this is for me, I often feel that it has a large part to play in my weight issues. I try to exercise daily and spend a minimum of 1 hour a day walking, but in comparison to my partner who spends all day on his feet I am just not burning enough calories because of long periods of physical inactivity.It was only a matter of time until someone latched onto this and Gamercize have been the ones to do it. They have launched an exercise stepper which sits discreetly under your desk and is linked to your keyboard or mouse. Stop stepping and they stop working!Equivalent to a brisk walking pace, the GZ Power Stepper, which is height adjustable and fits neatly under a desk, can help people burn up to 400 calories an hour. Keeping moving also helps circulation, reducing the risk of DVT for the desk bound, as well as improving general fitness and muscle tone. 'The beauty of...
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No IVF for the Obese
2007-11-16 13:54:00
Are you fed up with hearing that every health problem is related to your weight? You go to the doctors with a bad leg, it's because you're overweight, you've got flu, it's because you're too heavy!The newest health advice from experts is to deny anyone with a BMI of over 35 fertility treatment until they lose weight. Both privately and on the NHS! With about 25% of women in the UK falling into to overweight category is this fair?'Obesity reduces the chances that a woman will conceive naturally and decreases the possibility that fertility treatment will be successful,' said Mr Tony Rutherford, the chair of the BFS's policy committee. 'It also increases the risk of complications during fertility treatment and pregnancy and endangers the health and welfare of both mother and child.'The complications listed include the difficulty of providing safe anaesthesia for obese women during procedures, as well as problems with viewing ovaries on an ultrasound scan.The BFS guidelines ha...
More About: Obese

Belle of the Ball
2007-11-15 15:11:00
The party season is approaching fast and I am in desperate need of some new dresses for a number of black tie events I have coming up, which is why I was so pleased to see some new styles at Curvety.com.The style pictured comes in 3 different colours - navy, black and the gold pictured, and is very reasonably priced. It is also unique and really flattering with its overlay which is a nice change when lookng for plus size outfits to wow. There is no reason why you can't be curvy AND the belle of the ball!
More About: Belle , Ball

Sizenet has UK Focus
2007-11-08 16:18:00
One of the problems I have when seeking inspiration for my blog is finding news of particular interest to those of us here in the UK. There's loads of coverage on size related issues but it often tends to be US based, which, although interesting, is not always relevant.This is why I was so pleased to hear that one of my favourite resources has launched a UK only site! Check out Sizenet UK.Their site says - 'Back in 1999, finding anything to do with obesity and size and self acceptance was a hard task. SizeNet was created to bring together diverse information from the Internet to a central place. That aim is still true today. SizeNet has adapted to meet the changing face of news gathering and reporting. A style that has proved very successful. Now SizeNet is meeting the next challenge.With the UK Government focusing more on obesity and media interest still increasing, SizeNet has created a website focusing on the UK.'They too are great fans of Curvety.com, and together they will m...
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Fabulous Faux Fur
2007-11-07 14:24:00
Vivienne Westwood has followed in the footsteps of other leading designers to ban fur from her collections. She joins Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, all of whom have already boycotted fur. ?We have not used fur of any kind in next season?s collection and have no plans to use it in the future,? a representative for the label told animal rights group PETA.The controvery which surrounds fur has always been increased by its high class following, fur is a constant favourite with the rich and famous due to its luxurious feel and expense. In recent years the stigma attached to real fur has grown due to an increase in celebrity petitioning and a change in the views of the general public to saving the planet in general.Opulant fur trim and accessories are very fashionable in this season of glamorous evening wear and embellishment. This is possible thanks to the improved quality of faux fur materials so make sure you're supporting the cause by opting for faux fur, like this...

National Television Awards
2007-11-02 15:22:00
This week I took great delight in indulging my love of trashy TV by watching the National Television Awards . To ease the rest of the household I boldy announced my requirement to watch it to report on the fashion, as everyone knows, those TV stars love an excuse to dress up and party!!This year didn't disappoint, and the stars were out in some of the best (and worst) evening dresses to have been seen so far this season. Here's a round up of my favourites. Firstly I have to pay homage to Fern Britton who looked absolutely amazing in a simple black halter dress with one of my favourite bolero style shrugs as a cover. Fern is a beautiful woman and she really seemed to glow. Another favourite for me was Kelly Brook in a grecian style floor length gown which accentuated her beautifully curvy figure perfectly. The night brought a mix of timeless classics and bold new styles. One colour which seemed to be a firm favourite with our TV celebs was electric blue, a bold colour which if used ...

Buddy Power
2007-10-31 18:05:00
There is an excellent social resource for plus size women to chat and support one another. Until recently the site which is run by Anne Diamond was called FatHappens.com. They have recently relaunched under a new more user friendly name - Buddy Power .net.The website will now be focusing more on how the site members provide support for each other. Anne Diamond said in their newsletter - ?I just thought it was about time we stopped defining ourselves by the word ?Fat? and went instead for what can really make a difference ? Buddypower.?She continues - ?I originally called it Fat Happens because I wanted to remove the sense of blame, of failure. I wanted everyone to understand that fat happens to you in the same way that shi* happens in life ? you just have to deal with it and get on.??But thousands of members have, over the last year, made me realise that the real strength of the website is the feeling of community, of beating fat (and the other problems in life) through the power of f...

America Ferrera on Curves
2007-10-30 16:48:00
America Ferrera, the 23 year old star of 'Ugly Betty' has recently spoken out for the curvy woman about her views on curves, eating disorders and size sero. In the real world America would be classed as a woman of normal proportions - but in LA and the world of celebrity that she resides she is classed as curvy. Does living in such a looks obsessed bubble have an effect on how America feels about herself?' There are time when I go to the gym and really try, and there are times when I just don't. Even if I wanted to be anorexic, I just don't have what it takes. After four hours of being anorexic, I'd be like, 'It's been a whole four hours. Feed me!' She says; 'There's just way too much attention placed on the way we look. And I think it's hilarious when people call Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria curvy. Come on - they're not curvy. I'm curvy!' Luckily for America she has landed a job that celebrates her individuality so she is not under the same pressure as other actress...
More About: America , America Ferrera , Curves

UK Obesity Epidemic
2007-10-25 16:41:00
Recently there has been much media speculation about the supposed obesity epidemic plaguing the UK. Jane Feinmann of the Independent interviewed Professor Patrick Basham to get to the fact in this argument. He says there is no real evidence to back up the claims.The claim, which states that half of the British population will be obese in 25 years time, makes many assumptions which have yet to be confirmed as fact. For example every overweight child will have to become an overweight adult and every overweight adult will have to progress to obesity for the figures to be true. There has been no research to prove this is the case.So what about the adults that will all become obese? In 1997 the BMI classification of being overweight was changed from 27 to 25. Overnight millions of people previously classed as normal suddenly sat in the overweight category, and based on the epidemic claim they will all become obese. So although it is true that Body Mass Index statistics show a significant...
More About: Obesity , Epidemic

Breast Cancer Awareness Month
2007-10-24 17:03:00
Breast Cancer Awareness Month began with the 11th Breast Cancer Care Fashion Show which took place at London?s Grosvenor House Hotel. The 23 models featured (21 women & 2 men) have all experienced breast cancer and are at varying stages of recovery.Dressed in the latest styles with their hair and make up beautifully prepared, the models sashayed down the catwalk to show that there is a future beyond cancer and you can still look good and feel great.Fashion is an industry which has high public appeal and press coverage so it is a great way to raise awareness to a well deserving charity. This year the special catwalk show raised an amazing £517,000, while an additional £400,000 was raised by QVC shopping channel through online sales during the live airing on their TV channel.The black tie event was presented by Lisa Snowdon and David Walliams, both of whom looked amazing in their formal evening attire. If you have a black tie event to attend in the near future ou can find suitable...
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Plus Size Suits
2007-10-22 14:48:00
There are certain lines that are just harder to find in plus sizes, like fashionable jackets and coats, work suits are always a little mission impossible if you are an 18 plus. The main problem I have with this is that I feel that a well cut suit is one of the most flattering outfits on a curvy figure.That is why I was so pleased to find a new line of workwear at Curvety.com. I am assured that the line will be growing over the coming months to include more choice in size and style. Right now they only have up to a size 26 (this will grow to a 36 to match their other lines) but the three new styles available are all flattering and on trend, Particularly the very smart waistcoat suit which I am rushing to buy now before it sells out as I think it will offer just the right mix of fashion while making me look presentable and professional in the office.
More About: Size , Suits , Suit

Igigi features at BET Awards
2007-10-17 19:37:00
Two plus-size models dressed in the IGIGI Crown Jewels Velvet Gown in Onyx will escort host Kat Williams in the opening act at BET (Black Entertainment Television, a tribute to urban music artists at the top of their game. They have once again chosen to use dresses made by the fashion house in a performance at the 2007 Hip Hop Awards . Actress Mo?Nique and accompanying dancers had previously worn Shimmering Dress in Silver by IGIGI in the opening act of BET Awards in June 2007.Yuliya Zeltser, IGIGI Founder and Designer has said ?I am thrilled that yet another IGIGI gown makes it on BET in less than six months. Stylist Katja Dandri of Dandri Design chose to work with us again based on the feedback she got on the design and quality of the dresses from the previous BET Awards show.?The crown velvet gown is an original IGIGI design in velvet adorned by sparkly, elegant rhinestones. It is available to buy in the UK at Curvety.com.
More About: Features , Feat

Chico goes Curvalicious
2007-10-11 13:35:00
Chico is back, and this time it's personal (well if you're a size zero anyway!!). The infamous star of X factor 2005 has released a new song - 'Curvy Cola Bottle Body'.So have the more voluptuous among us found a new male voice to promote the importance of self acceptance? Chico would like to think so, he says; 'As far as size zero is concerned, it?s a real epidemic and it?s a real problem ? as far as what I wanted to do, I just wanted to bring power to the curvy lady?.The idea for the song came last year when Chico was starring with actor John Clegg in a pantomime in Brighton. Chico was unimpressed as Clegg stared at a particularly slim woman passing by.?Some guys like their women slim and fast, but I like them swervy curvy shaped like an hour glass?.And so a song was born?It would be fair to say that Chico is not an obvious spokesman for the larger lady with his toned physique which obviously takes some man hours to maintain. It is clear, however, that he is a man of convicti...
More About: Goes , Vali

New Curvety Own Label Brand
2007-10-09 13:47:00
Curvety.com, a UK based plus size clothing specialist, has started developing its own label. You can now purchase from their Curvety branded line of evening and day dresses in UK sizes 18 to 36.Curvety.com have always sold fab plus size clothing on behalf of worldwide deigners such as Igigi and Kiyonna. These lines are still available but over the coming months Curvety plans to add more and more of their own styles in sizes made exclusively for the UK public. There is a severe lack of UK brands catering for a size 32 or over so this is a welcome development.
More About: Label , Brand

Fave Evening Dress for Plus Sizes
2007-10-05 15:12:00
My favourite evening dress is back in the shops just in time for the party season. The Satin Dreams Gown is designed by US plus size clothing specialist Igigi, but is available in the UK at Curvety.com. It is a truly fabulous dress for the fuller figure, with heavy drapey stretch satin material and a matching shawl to cover upper arms or other troublesome areas. The fit is perfect and really flattering. Whenever I wear it I feel amazing. I'm not the only fan - Lakisha was featured wearing this dress on American Idol last year in a different colour. Plus it has had a number of mentions in magazines across the US. If you have a special night planned in the near future then don't miss out as every time i've seen this style in stock it soon sells out!
More About: Dress , Evening

Black on Black
2007-10-03 16:38:00
Fashion's all time favourite colour gets a texture twist this Autumn/Winter with the black on black trend. You will see an array of shade & texture mix match such as luschious jet on raven-black silk to inky velvet glittering with crystals.This look is a real winner for plus size women as wearing shades & variations of one colour is guaranteed to give a flatteringly tall & slim silhouette. Try wearing separates in different finishes like this sexy stretch satin shirt paired with this sleek chiffon skirt.The look can be taken one step further by adding contrasting pattern & decoration such as this black velvet wrap top with a stunning burned out pattern to the neckline, paired with a contrasting black lace skirt.Have a little fun with this trend. You can be as brave and bold as you like with this look as many of the problems that arise when trying to follow fashion, such as matching on trend colours to your skin tone and existing wardrobe, are not going to pose a pro...
More About: Black , Lack

Glitzy Winter
2007-09-27 12:08:00
The time for dressing up and partying is fast approaching, and this year fashion has politely accepted the challenge and given in to glitzy, sparkly glamour.There is always a little sparkle at this time of year, but this season you can go all out and glimmer the night away. You will see celebs in dresses seemingly made out of sequins & oversized crystals, but how does the normal curvy woman pull off such a flamboyant look?Firstly, keep the silhouette simple with a basic cut tunic or t-shirt which is embellished, to avoid full on glitz. For a special occasion choose a shimmering dress with a classic but simple cut which skims your curves and flatters your shape.Keep your accessories simple - this season sees a huge rise in geek chic extras such as school style sock and shoes. You will also need to minimise the make up and keep hair sleek to balance the look.Pictured you can see Fern Britton looking fab in a classic cut little black dress which shimmers from head to foot, paired w...
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US Plus Size market Largest fashion sector
2007-09-26 14:46:00
Currently the womens plus size market in the US counts for 43% of the retail apparel market, a huge percentage for what has always been classed as a niche sector. By 2012 Women?s Plus size is projected to grow to 62.4 billion dollars, a massive growth of 20%!In the US this is catered for by some great plus size brands such as Igigi and Kiyonna, plus a number of high street names. In general the UK market follows four years behind US size trends, so with such a large market for the future are we prepared here in the UK? Many high street brands in the UK are starting to realise they need to cater for a more diverse size range, including plus sizes, and the choice is improving. There is also a large increase in the number of specific online retailers such as Curvety.com, which means plus size women can now find trendy clothing in their size rather than the tent like outfits which have been associated with plus sizes in the past. Over the coming years the acceptance of the plus size ind...
More About: Fashion , Market , Size , Largest , Large

Walk The Catwalk Campaign
2007-09-25 14:06:00
Plus size models Diane Pellini and Liis Windischmann are responsible for a new campaign called 'Walk the Catwalk ' which aims to make people re think fashion.This campaign's goal is to bring curves back into what people think of as mainstream and change the philosophy that led to ultra-skinny models appearing on the runways. As Liis and Diane point out - they are there because the designers samples are made to fit them. 'Strengthening the fashion industry by broading its foundations is the answer.'The website contains a number of resources for companies, shops, designers and the general public to use as a guide to start making those small steps needed to change the stereotypes.There is a long way to go before the industry will accept such a change, however with the growing number of specialist sites such as Curvety.com now available we are definitely heading in the right direction of size acceptance for all.
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Jen Hunter loses battle against fashion industry
2007-09-21 18:10:00
Jen Hunt er won the hearts of the British public in the television series 'Make Me A Supermodel' when she refused to lose weight for the judges even after constant pressure to do so.Miss Hunter, who is 5ft 11in and weighs 11 stone was shocked by judges, including model Rachel Hunter, who described her as 'fat, lazy and greedy' while competing in the 2006 reality show.Despite being voted the leading female by the public, Jen was not given a contract by chosen agency Select, who instead booked sub-zero Marianne Berglund - known as the 'walking skeleton'.Cape Management, a mainstream agency who were impressed by her attitude and the impression she had on the public then stepped in to offer Miss Hunter work - the first size 12 on their books.A happy ending? Unfortunately not.Repeated knock-backs at catwalk castings have forced Jen to quit the mainstream agency to join one for plus size women - despite being below the average size.Jen said: 'I'm grateful to the Cape Model agency f...
More About: Fashion , Industry , Battle

Big is Beautiful Reality Show
2007-09-19 17:59:00
T4 are currently looking for plus size ladies to take part in a new reality show. The show is currently in production and seeks to challenge the notions of what is perceived as attractive by the general public.They are interested in speaking to young, trendy, body-confident girls between the ages of 18-25 - think Beth Ditto!There is a prize of £10,000 up for grabs so if you fancy the chance to win it, or just want to prove to the world that big can most definitely be beautiful then apply now by emailing beautifulpeople@tigeraspect.co.uk.Need a new outfit for the ocassion? Check out my favourite plus size clothing store, which sells trendy and sexy plus size clothes in sizes 16 to 36 - Curvety.com. I'm sure they will have an outfit to make you stand out from the crowd!
More About: Reality , Show , Beautiful , Ality

Size Zero Debate resumes with London Fashion Week
2007-09-17 16:05:00
Last year, the death of an anorexic model in Brazil was the catalyst for world wide debate on size zero. This prompted the introduction of minimum BMI requirements at fashion Week s in Milan & Madrid. The continued spotlight on the size zero debate has since seen a number of highly publicised deaths caused by eating disorders in the modelling industry.Despite this, London was refused to follow suit and has not banned underweight models from the catwalk.In an article by a member of the British Fashion Council - the organising body responsible for the staging of London Fashion Week - I found attempted justification. The article explained that 'size zero' is not a real term in the UK and is only used for effect in the media. The author further justifies that by banning a BMI of under 18 it is patronising these girls, who would be being treated as if they were brainless pieces of meat, unable to think for themselves.It is true that size zero is not UK sizing, it is actually the equ...
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Free Style Advice
2007-09-15 11:52:00
Have you ever wondered if the look you have perfected over the years is the right one for you? Or maybe you know that you could dress better to suit your shape but you're not quite sure where to start.The thing with being a plus size is that there is such a huge variety of different body shapes that it makes dressing to suit you so much harder. But I think I have discovered the answer.iStylista.com is an exciting new and revolutionary virtual personal stylist website that profiles your specific body information and provides you with your very own style guide. In the past, the personal stylist at iStylista.com have worked with my favourite plus size clothing store - Curvety.com who have a fab range in sizes up to a 36. Now with a little help from iStylista.com you can shop there safe in the knowledge that what you ordered is going to look amazing.
More About: Advice , Free , Style , Free Style

To be or not to be Body Conscious
2007-09-13 13:41:00
From a young age I have been a plus size and at times I have been extremely unhappy with my body, blaming it for failings in other areas of my life.All of my friends were thin and seemingly happy. It was not until recently I realised that many of them were much more unhappy with their lot than I. A few members of my extended group of girl friends have now opted for surgery, a fourth, one of my best friends has real issues with the size of her breasts and there is no doubt that at some point she will follow suit. Are they happier? Maybe, maybe not - the reasons behind their feelings of inadequacy are there's to come to terms with but it goes to show that insecurities, justified or not, are part of everyone's lives, regardless of how good they actually look.Now I know this happens daily throughout the world, but for me it was a huge eye opener. To see women that I have compared myself to over the years, and mostly found myself lacking, are so conscious of their flaws that they are w...
More About: Body

Autumn Trend Shimmering Metallics
2007-09-12 14:48:00
Metallics have been on trend for a while now and this Autum n sees the continued use of shimmering colour in fashion and make up.It seems that the look has grown up for Autumn/Winter 07 - with an increasing elegance, sheeny colours and artful detailing.The colour pallet has been broadened and metallics can now be found in fresh alternatives to gold and silver such as anthracite & bronze which can be more subtly flattering.Bravely use this look in the day with accented pieces - pair tailored trousers with a fine knit metallic top and handbag for example. In the evening you can go all out and celebrate curves in fabulous dresses such as this Shimmering Evening Gown, available in the UK from Curvety.com.To complete the look go for soft smoky eyes and simple hair pulled back from your face, you will look like a curvy goddess for the party season ahead.
More About: Trend , Metallic , Erin

Do you want to be in Wife Swap?
2007-09-10 17:14:00
Have you ever watched Wife swap and thought that larger families are not fairly represented? Would you like to show that fuller figured families can be life loving, healthy and happy? Well, here's your chance to prove it.The makers of this BAFTA award-winning documentary series are on the hunt to find fantastic larger size families who enjoy living life to the full.In the series two families swap mums for a week to experience life in another house and to teach this house something new.The guys at RDF Television say: 'We are very keen to feature a big and beautiful family on Wife Swap . We want a family who are proud of their size and keen to share their life style with others. If you are fed up of the current Size Zero craze, think that children are healthier with a bit of meat on them and are proud of your curves, then we want to hear from you'.If you want to find out more about applying then please contact Kerry Plant at RDF Television: kerry.plant@rdfmedia.com or telephone 020 ...

Long Live The Dress
2007-09-06 18:39:00
Good news for those of you who love to dress with a little girlie influence - Early speculation from New York Fashion Week indicates that the dress is to stay on trend through Spring/Summer 08. Many of the designers shown so far have featured the dress heavily in their collections, even if the styles are very different. For me, two designers made an impression yesterday... Gwen Stefani took to the catwalk with her young son Kingston as part of the Lamb show in a black & white shift. You can create this look in plus sizes with this black & white wrap dress. But in a season that looks set to be dominated by the dress, the big success so far is Marchesa, which showed gorgeous strapless goddess gowns in lace and tulle destined straight for the red carpet. There was also a definite Indian influence with gold applique details & colors taken from spices of the region, including lemongrass and saffron. This gorgeous red carpet look can be picked up in plus sizes from Curvety.com, on...
More About: Dress , Live , Long , The D

Valentino Retires
2007-09-05 20:04:00
It was announced on Tuesday that the legendary Italian designer Valentin o will retire after two final collections for October and January.The 75-year-old couturier has dressed the world's most glamorous women for decades & in July celebrated 45 years in the business. He is known for his trademark scarlett dresses, a look which can be replicated in plus sizes at Curvety.com'It's the perfect moment to say adieu to the world of fashion,' Valentino said in a statement, adding that he would present his last ready-to-wear collection in Paris in October and a final haute couture line in January. 'Even as a young boy, my passion was to design, and I have been very lucky to be able to do what I have loved all my life. There can be few greater gifts than that,' he said.'I am especially grateful that I have been able to keep my own style over the decades, in spite of the many changes that have taken place in the world of fashion and in its business.'The fashion house have today announc...
More About: Tires , Lent , Tire

Purple for Plus Sizes
2007-09-03 19:00:00
Each season has its colour and this Autumn/Winter it is purple that reigns supreme. From lavender to violet, lilac to plum. It doesn't matter if it is vibrant or subtle as long as it suits. Purple is a brave and bold colour which I love but has the potential to be a fashion nightmare for some. Make sure you select a shade that matches your skin tone. And use as an accent rather than all over colour if you aren't comfortable being so bold. This fab wrap dress from Curvety.com is perfect for fuller figured ladies who are a size 22 to 36. Not only is it the best colour for the season but the tie waist detail is also very on trend and the material is to die for.

New Plus Size Resource
2007-08-31 14:36:00
I have discovered a brand new plus size resource called 'Larger Than Life'. This is the first UK based forum site I have come across specifically for the fuller figured woman and I think it is a great idea to have a community where we can air our grievances, give & receive advice & chat to like minded people.The website is brand new so needs your support to make it the true resource it has the potential to be. Check it out now - Larger Than Life.There are also some introductory offers available, specifically a discount code for my favourite plus size clothing shop - Curvety.com.
More About: Size , Resource