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Club Curvaceous
2008-09-18 10:46:00
Written by Emily RobertsonClub curvaceous is hosting what is sure to be a classy, cool, electric BBW night in coco?s upstairs in Stratford upon Avon. With its ?hunky hosts and curvaceous hostesses? it is really going to be a fantastic night to remember and for the next 7 days it is 3 for 2 for tickets!This exclusive night includes a Congo drummer to get your rhythm going and a belly dancer who will be teaching all you voluptuous goddesses some top moves. The trendy bar will have nibbles and a comfortable V.I.P. seating area boasting a chic atmosphere if you fancy relaxing or simply taking a break!The evening is being hosted by Julie Lou Weston who launched these special nights. Julie is also a qualified photographer and will be charging a small fee to any girl who would like to have some professional, beautiful photos taken on the night either alone or with your friends. She is an expert at photography BBW so don?t be shy!A lucky girl will also win this free on the night, you will a...

Fern Britton Weight Loss Surgery
2008-06-09 13:39:00
It has recently come to light that Fern Britton underwent a gastric band operation 2 years ago which has enabled her to lose 5 stone. Until now Fern has attributed her weight loss to exercise and healthy eating, but now it seems she had a little help along the way. Husband chef Phil Vickery, 46, has been reported as saying: 'Fern has lost a lot of weight through cycling, walking the dog and not eating too much - simple as that.'Now as you know I am a firm believer in maintaining a healthy (to you) weight through good diet and exercise, and in all honesty am not adverse to operations such as this in extreme cases where health is affected and all other options have been explored. However, I think that celebrities who are just not happy with their weight and want an easier route to their 'ideal' figure are aiding the terrible public image of being overweight. I still think Fern is a great presenter and TV personality, who has a lovely curvy figure - for now. I am sorry that I can n...
More About: Weight Loss , Weight , Weight loss surgery , Surgery

Maxi Dress in Plus Sizes
2008-06-05 15:42:00
This summer has seen the popularity of the maxi dress continue, and why not? Who doesn't feel fabulously feminine in a long flowing summer dress. It's not always the easiest style to find in plus sizes as the free falling cut of the maxi dress can have a very unflattering tent effect on the fuller figure if not handled well. That's not to say there aren't any acceptions...I particularly love the maui dress which has an empire waist and fuller straps so is sure to flatter rather than drown. Another great style is the eyelet halter dress which just shouts femininity. The silk sash is very luxurious. Both styles are by American designer Igigi, but are available in the UK at Curvety.com.
More About: Dress , Maxi

Nintendo Fitness Game Calls Kids Fat
2008-06-02 19:23:00
Obesity experts today slammed Nintendo after its Wii Fit game told a 10-year-old girl she was fat. They fear the game could damage children's body image and called on the company to warn parents it is not suitable for their offspring.A father spoke of the embarrassment his stepdaughter faced when she played the fitness game and was labelled fat.'She is a perfectly healthy, 4ft 9in tall 10-year-old who swims, dances and weighs only six stone,' said the father, who did not want to be named for fear of embarrassing the girl further.'She is solidly built but not fat. She was devastated to be called fat and we had to work hard to convince her she isn't.'The game costs £69 and sold out very quickly when it recently went on sale. The player enters their height & the game uses BMI to calculate their level of obesity, placing them in categories such as 'underweight' and 'fat'.Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum called for children to be banned from playing the game, claiming ...
More About: Kids , Fitness , Calls , Game

A Message from Americas Next Top Model
2008-05-28 18:25:00
I haven't as yet written about the groundbreaking win of a plus-size model on 'America's next top model' recently over in the US. But Whitney Thompson, A UK size 12, has a great message to give out to the industry which is definitely worth sharing. ?I?m not really plus-size in real life, I?m regular,? Thompson recently told reports. ?I?m the weight I?m supposed to be and that?s considered plus size, and what kind of message is that sending to girls and boys all over the world??Well said Whitney, which is why its great to see the public over in the US supporting a model who promotes a real life healthy image. As for the goals she has for her newfound fame??No one from the generation behind me has anyone to look up to. Truly all of their role models are in rehab or have eating disorders, and I feel like it might be a lost generation because of that,? the model said. ?I?m not saying no to anything. I really want to work and work and work and just get everything I want to out there....
More About: Next Top Model , Top Model , Americas , Model , Message

Is Plus Size Discrimination on the Rise?
2008-05-23 12:57:00
I came across an interesting article talking about some recent research into weight discrimination.Yale university have entered into studies that show that more and more people are facing discrimination due to their weight, a problem which is so widespread it's often more prevalent than race & gender discrimination.According to Yale there has been a 66% increase in the past decade, to include situations like healthcare and the workplace.Sandy Schaffer of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance says she experienced this first hand. 'I was told point blank, that I was qualified enough and that I was smart enough and capable of doing the job, but they wouldn't offer me the job because I was too fat,' Schaffer said.When asked if the employer was that blunt, Schaffer said, 'Point blank, those words.Schaffer is now fighting back with the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. She's trying to get 'weight' and 'height' added to anti-discrimination laws.Thes...
More About: Discrimination , Size , Rise

Summer Dresses for Curvy Women
2008-05-15 11:33:00
I love the summer, the perfect excuse to go all girlie in beautiful summer dresses. This year there are some absolute corkers - and with the growing choice in plus sizes us curvy women aren't being left out!!I love this dress available at Curvety.com. It's a new style and i'm sure it wont be around for long!
More About: Women , Summer , Dresses

Celebrity Plus Size Designers
2008-05-13 14:15:00
The last couple of years has seen an increase in the number of celebrity designers - either going solo or designing for well known high street stores. Kate Moss, Lily Allen, Jodie Kidd to name a few - but where are the plus size celebrity designers?Beth Ditto of Gossip has expressed her interest in working with Topshop. This hasn't materialised which is a shame as I think Beth would make a great contribution to the plus size fashion industry.Another curvy celeb with great style is Adele, who I would love to see share her style with us.Which celebrities would you like to see design for the plus size fashion industry?
More About: Celebrity , Designers , Size

Back by Popular Demand
2008-05-09 13:57:00
The dress pictured was available in the UK earlier this year at Curvety.com but sold out almost immediately! It is now available again but in very limited quantities so if you want this fab halter dress you will have to be very quick indeed! I love this sparkly number and it is one of the dresses I have shortlisted for my wedding dress. The buckle shawl is a particularly nice feature.
More About: Popular , Back , Demand

First Single from Plus
2008-05-07 13:31:00
You may remember that last year I wrote about the X factor style formation of plus size girl band - Plus.5 girls were chosen and the band was formed. Now, after months of planning, rehearsing and whatever else girl bands get up to, they are releasing their first single.The new group featuring, Stacey-Lee Cuddy, Rachel Faulkner, Shirley Slaymaker, Kate Newnes and Hannah Lee are all a size 16 +.Spokesman Kizzi Nkwocha, former publicist for the Bay City Rollers, said:?Plus?s new single will symbolize the beginning of change for the music industry. It will be the song that opens the door to thousands of performers who were turned away in the past because of their size.??The average woman in Britain is a size 16 yet the music industry is obsessed with the idea that a singer has to be a stick insect in order to be marketable. We think that?s wrong, most of the people in this country think that?s wrong and, after Big Fun hits Number One, the music industry will have to admit they?re wrong....
More About: Single

Race for Life
2008-05-02 11:56:00
This year I am entering race for life again in the hope of raising some cash for cancer research.Like many others my family has been plagued by cancer. 1 in 3 adults will have to deal with cancer in their family at some point which is why it's such a worthwhile cause. All money raised helps continue the vast improvements already made in treatment and helps save more and more lives of those who get diagnosed with the dreaded disease.Hopefully by posting I can motivate a few others to run too. It really is fun to do something as part of such a large group, Plus it's a great excuse to get out and do a bit of training, tone up a little and improve your general fitness a notch. I will be running at Kempton Park in July and am aiming to beat my 2006 time so will be training hard!I would love to hear from others that are entering too. If you don't want to enter but want to do your bit to help the charity then I have added a link to my online sponsorship page where you can sponsor me if ...
More About: Life , Race

Fabulous Curvy Style
2008-04-28 15:36:00
I am absolutely loving this new summery strapless dress that is available at Curvety.com. This style is perfect for a summer wedding or some similar occasion which requires a knock em dead outfit. It comes in sizes 16 to 26 and features the most beautiful bold flower print in black and yellow. The tie waist will help create a gorgous hourglass silhouette, particularly effective on fuller figured women. In the past I would have found the idea of a strapless dress a little daunting, but it is much less so now due to the increase in good quality strapless bras which are now made in larger sizes.
More About: Style

Author Chooses Igigi
2008-04-18 13:53:00
Chamein Canton, the 2007 Reviewers Choice Award-winner for African American Romance in the US, has chosen to wear an Igigi design to the Romantic Times Booklover's Convention on April 18. Canton will receive the award for her book 'Not His Type,' a romance novel about a full-figured, size-16 woman who finds the love of her life in a New York Yankee.The black & red lace dress from Igigi is available in other colours too, and in the UK it can be purchased from Curvety.com.'I'm wearing IGIGI's sexy and romantic red lace dress for a sexy redhead like me and Cathy Chambers, my main character in my book. Red is for dangerous curves ahead!'
More About: Author

10% Off at Curvety
2008-04-17 15:35:00
Fancy a bit of guilt free shopping?Curvety.com are giving you the chance to grab a bargain new outfit, by offering a 10% discount on all orders for over £100!The discount code is valid from today until the end of Sunday 20th April so don't hang around.Curvety.com have the most gorgeous selection of eveningwear and dresses in plus sizes, as well as separates and other wardrobe essentials - all in sizes up to a UK 36. To get your discount you need to quote this voucher code at checkout - Spring1754.

Fashion Sweatshop Documentary
2008-04-15 17:44:00
TV presenter & ex model Alexa Chung has set up a sweatshop for a shocking look into the world of High Street fashion.Set up in London's trendy Covent Garden - the aim is to show the gruelling conditions of workers in Asian factories who earn just 15p an hour making clothes for well-known labels in the UK.Conditions are based on evidence obtained about factories in the Far East. 15 volunteers who are all fans of budget shopping, are working 60 hours each over a period of five days.Alexa, 24, said: 'I love affordable fashion but I'm questioning the real price of £2 T-shirts and £8 dresses.'I wanted to experience the reality of conditions in some of the Asian factories that supply our retailers - and it's an eye-opener.'At Curvety.com the majority of the clothing available is made in USA, and under fair conditions so you can purchase with peace of mind!
More About: Fashion , Documentary

Big Babes Party!
2008-04-11 13:33:00
I have received an email today from Claire at Big Babes Bash, telling me about a great new party venue for BBW.If you fancy a night out with other like minded curvy women (and the men that adore them) then why not head down to Bar Risa in Birmingham on the 23rd May for the next event. More info available at their website.What they say about their nights - 'A Big Babes Bash is designed as a celebration of Big Beautiful Women. A BBB party will make your night out a great one. Be sexy, be comfortable and have fun! Everyone is welcome but being a Big Beautiful Woman is a bonus!'If you need a new outfit for the ocassion you can pick up a fab new party dress at Curvety.com which go up to a gloriously curvy size 36.
More About: Party

Plus Size Summer Essentials
2008-04-10 12:28:00
As the eternal optimist that I am, I'm going to take yesterday's beautiful weather as a sign of things to come (and ignore the snow of the weekend!!!). I think it is high time to plan our Summer wardrobes. Lots of people will have their summer holidays booked and be dreaming of bathing in the sun, lying by the pool or sipping cocktails on the beach! To finish off this dreamy image you just need the perfect beach to bar outfit. I love this halter dress which is perfect to throw over your costume and wonder round town, or head out for lunch. It is so soft and comfortable whilst still having a lovely fashion edge - a real holiday essential. I also love this feminine chiffon top which is the perfect summer cover up.
More About: Size , Essentials

Curvy Celebrity Pressure
2008-04-07 16:45:00
It seems to me that whenever a plus size, or curvier woman in the public eye is praised for being a good role model representing 'normal' women in the UK and portraying a 'normal' body shape, suddenly they feel an overwhelming urge to lose loads of weight!Sophie Dahl, Nigella Lawson, Lily Allen, Fern Britton & Geri Halliwell are all guilty of drastic slimming following a stint in the public eye as an ambassador for curves. Most of these women have not only had positive press about their figure, but have personally & publically announced that they are proud of their bodies. Take Nigella Lawson for example, who only two months ago told 'The Telegraph' that she was happy with her curvier figure, saying 'I'm very glad that I don't have that skinny straight-up-and-down shape'. Two months on and She has reportedly hired a personal trainer to get her into shape!!!As with most things, with the good come the bad - and in media land the bad can be down right harsh. So for ev...
More About: Celebrity

Fight Chloe Marshalls Backlash
2008-04-03 12:20:00
As much as I was hoping it wouldn't happen, there was always the possibility that Chloe would receive a certain amount of bad press for her success in what has always been a closed and unaccepting industry.This morning I was alerted to an article on the 'Daily Mail' website, written by a rather charming (not) Monica Grenfell. The heading sums up her views - 'A role model for ordinary women? No, Miss England finalist is fat, lazy and a poster girl for ill health'.As a published author of well known & informative titles such as:Crash Diet - Lose 7lbs in 7 DaysThe New 5 Days to a Flatter StomachRevenge Diet: Lose 15lbs in a month!: Make Him Sorry He Dumped You!Fabulous in a Fortnight: The Day-by-day Programme - Shape Up and Lose WeightThe Beat Your Body Chaos Diet: Turn the Clock Back in 28 Days(Thanks Bob at Sizenet for this info)I'm sure you will agree than Monica is quite clearly an ambassador for what is healthy - like extreme dieting for short term weight loss - somethin...
More About: Fight , Backlash

Topshop Snubs Beth Ditto
2008-04-02 11:36:00
After Beth Ditto publically refused to sing in Topshop s flagship store as they didn't stock her size, it was widely rumoured that Ditto would be their next celebrity designer collaboration.She was quoted as saying 'Give me the job. I want to design. I want you to make clothes for big girls - big boys. I want you to make big sizes.'It has now come to light that Topshop have snubbed her offer, however, it is set to launch the new line by Kate Moss imminently.Earlier in the year, NME also favoured size zero over plus size, when they crowned Kate Moss with the sexiest female award, beating nominated Beth, size 20.Although the high street may not see the value in Beth's quirky, but highly regarded style, this is not the case in designer land. Henry Holland, one of the hottest names in British fashion at present, is keen to work with Beth.'In terms of collaborating, I absolutely love Beth Ditto,' Holland said.The pair met at the Brits when the Gossip star wore one of Holland's jump...

Goodbye Size Zero Role Models
2008-03-31 13:22:00
Now, I know that Coleen McLoughlin is NOT a plus size woman, but there is no denying she has more curves than the average WAG. This is why I was so pleased to hear that she is now regarded as the nations top fashion role model, replacing her size zero counterparts.Introduced to fame as the fiancee of top footballer Wayne Rooney, she is now a bigger influence than Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham, according to the poll.Supermodel Kate Moss, 34, takes second place, followed by actress Sienna Miller, 26. Posh Spice, 33, is fourth while Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole, 24, is fifth - and the third Wag to make the Top 10.Other top 10 fashion influences included Kylie Minogue, Gwen Stefani, Keira Knightley, Lily Allen & Angelina Jolie.Look editor Ali Hall said: 'Coleen has transformed herself from puffa jacket schoolgirl to style icon in just a few years. Women relate to her as she's more shapely than your average Wag. 'She doesn't mind splashing out on a designer 'it' item but mixes...
More About: Models , Role , Size , Goodbye

Curvety on BBC Radio Tees
2008-03-27 14:37:00
This morning I had the pleasure of appearing on BBC Radio Tees to talk about Curvety & my views on Chloe Marshall, the first ever size 16 Miss England finalist.It was a pleasure to put my opinions across to the North of England, and do my little bit in promoting real women in the fashion and modelling industries. Although very pleased, I am also a little surprised by the effect Chloe has had on the public.For the first time in as long as I can remember it seems that the more curvy among us have someone to get behind and support in an industry usually lacking in larger representatives. It also seems to have given curvy women a bit of a boost, and the energy to stand up and say 'I'm proud of who I am'.In my opinion one of the reasons is that it is the first time a real size women has appeared in DIRECT competition (and won) to traditional entrants - rather than in a special 'plus size' alternative competition.As i've said before, Chloe looks to be a perfect role model. She s...

Chloe Wins Miss Surrey
2008-03-25 13:00:00
On Friday Chloe was crowned Miss Surrey 08 and won a guaranteed entry to the Miss England final - a first ever for a size 16!As some commenters of earlier posts have pointed out, it is hard to class Chloe as a plus size. She is a young & beautiful curvy woman who is the UK's national average size. But whatever your personal views on what is plus size, there is no debating that within the pageant and modelling industries a size 16 is NOT the current norm.Chloe is a refreshing change to the size zero trend plus her continued support, from both the media and the public, shows a change in the tide.Not only is Chloe beautiful, but a brilliant role model to young women.She says 'Everybody thinks you have to be a tall, slim blonde and I'm a curvy brunette. I want to show it is possible to be beautiful and not a standard size zero. The reaction I've had is great. Other girls have told me I have really boosted their confidence, which is terrific.''I wanted to go through to the Miss...
More About: Wins

The Proposal
2008-03-19 15:50:00
After 11 years together my partner finally proposed last week. After I had picked my jaw up from the floor, and spent numerous hours staring at my new sparkly diamond ring, my thoughts, as always, turned to fashion.If anyone else is planning on getting married in the near future here are my first finds for the perfect plus size wedding dress.The hot trend in wedding dresses this season seems to be shorter. Now this is a brave step for some, to shun the traditional floor length gown in favour of a mid length dress, but for me it's perfect. At only 5ft 2' I always feel more comfortable in a mid length dress which doesn't swamp me. Plus it gives me the chance to show off my legs which, as a standard apple shape, are my best feature. My favourite find so far is this shimmering halter dress, which comes with the most beautiful buckled shawl to cover upper arms.If you prefer something more traditional then this Long beaded dress is absolutely stunning for a Spring/Summer wedding.Both o...
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Fern Britton Plays Dirty
2008-03-17 17:49:00
One of my favourite curvy role models, Fern Britton, is receiving some stick along with fellow presenter Phillip Schofield, for a bit of riske fun on daytime TV.This Morning plunged into controversy last week after Fern presented an interview with a woman who sells sex toys for Ann Summers. Gwen Bailey, 75, claims to be the oldest host of sex toy parties in the country. During the interview Gwen encouraged a giggling Fern to test the wares on her nose for suitability while a bemused Phil looked on.I can see how this would possibly cause concern to some viewers, but I must admit that I fall into the category that found it hugely amusing! Fern to me looks like she was put into an uncomfortable situation (after all, she wont have scheduled the guests) and made the best of it by having a bit of a giggle. As always, Fern looked on hot on the couch, sporting a sexy black skirt suit, get the look here.
More About: Dirty , Plays

New Spring Styles in Plus Sizes
2008-03-13 14:13:00
Wow, how gorgeous is this new lace dress available at Curvety.com. It is almost sold out already but I am assured it will be re stocked as soon as possible. They have added a number of other new styles this week, in sizes up to a 34. So it is definitely worth a fresh look, particularly at the dress section!
More About: Spring , Styles

Chloe on "This Morning"
2008-03-11 15:54:00
Chloe Marshall, The first 'plus size' Miss England entrant, is really making a name for herself. Today Chloe has appeared on 'This Morning ' - something I only know about due to the huge influx of positive messages I got from readers of my recent blog about Chloe - 'First Plus Size Miss England Entrant'.Never before have I had such a large response to one article!Keep up the good work Chloe. Not only are you a beautiful curvy young woman, but you are showing that you have it in you to be an inspiration to girls & women all over Britain, for both your curves and your attitude!
More About: Chloe

Real Women Model Jordans Lingerie
2008-03-07 12:01:00
Glamour model Jordan stripped to her undies with 6 competition winners to show that all women look great in her sexy new collection by Panache.Now more commonly known as Katie Price, she used a selection of different women, from petite to plus sizes, to highlight the fact that everyone should be embraced.?Fashion modelling is totally different from glamour modelling. They?re all about being skinny while we?re all about celebrating our curves.?I launched my underwear range on Wednesday and I just got a bunch of normal-sized women to model it.?Other celebrities have stick-thin girls modelling their underwear but I don?t think that?s right. Good underwear has to fit every shape and size. I just believe that whatever size you are, you can be sexy and you should embrace it.?It is so refreshing to see a mix of real women that the public can relate to promoting underwear. It is hopefully a large step in the right direction of size acceptance - and by that I don't just mean plus size, but ...
More About: Women , Lingerie , Model , Real

Adele - Proud of her Curves
2008-03-05 16:29:00
The first time I heard Adele on the radio I was an instant fan of her sexy, timeless sound. She has seen huge success over the last 6 months or so, but as with any curvy star, she has had to put up with a certain amount of media sniping about her weight.I am heartened to hear that Adele has the strngth of character to ignore such comments - she really has the personality and talent to be a role model to women in the UK who want to succeed and fight the stereotypes that weight has anything to do with talent.Adele fights back against the negative criticism by making her views public - 'People are starting to go on about my weight but I?m not going to change my size because they don?t like the way I look. They can f**k off. My favourite way to relax is to get a pizza or curry and get lots of beer round my house. I also love Malaysian food. My weakness is alcohol.'In another interview she said - 'I?ve always been a size 24-26, and been fine with it,' Adele told The Times. 'I would ...
More About: Curves , Proud

First Plus Size Miss England Entrant
2008-03-04 14:17:00
Beautiful & voluptuous Chloe Marshall has set her sights on challenging the fashion industry stereotype by becoming the first ever size 16 Miss England entrant.The 17 year-old from Guildford in Surrey is already topping her regional heat and has her sights set on the final in July. You can vote for her in the Surrey regional heat by visiting http://www.missengland.info/. Chloe is 5ft 10 with a curvy 38/32/42 figure. Miss England organisers are behind Chloe, saying she has what it takes to shatter the stereotype that beauty means being stick-thin.Angie Beasley, Miss England director said: 'The sky's the limit for a beautiful, curvy girl like Chloe. She has already made history as the first plus-size entrant and I hope many more will follow and promote bigger bodies.''Girls are under such crazy pressure to be thin these days.' says Chloe. 'I'm not a stick insect but I've got a strict exercise regime and I enjoy looking pretty. When I pick up a size 16 in Topshop I'm made ...
More About: Size