Lane Bryant Ads Stir Up Controversy and Publicity

I was all ready to scoop the heck out of this story last week when the controversy first reared it's ugly head. I was lining up with my pitchforks right along side the rest of the Lane Bryant and plus sized women supporters. But then I decided I wanted to wait. I wanted to give the networks a chance to make a statement, because I do have an interest in what they could have possibly been thinking. So I waited, and it turns out they have nothing particularly helpful to say. So here is the official Falling Off the Blog entry on the Lane Bryant lingerie ad:

For those who haven't already heard, Lane Bryant has revamped it's Cacique lingerie line and are wanting to run ads announcing it's new products. So, naturally they did their research and determined they would get their message to many of their customers if they air an ad during Monday night's Dancing with the stars on ABC. According to Lane Bryant, ABC did not want to air the ad, saying it was not appropriate for prime time. They eventually gave in and said it could air, but only in the last 10 minutes of the show. The reason they felt the ad was inappropriate was because the model "had too much cleavage," and apparently that could be a problem for viewers. Lane Bryant is also claiming a similar reaction to advertisers over at FOX when they tried to purchase a spot during American Idol.


Now Lane Bryant is crying foul because they feel like this is discrimination. The lingerie featured in the ad is pretty generously cut bras, panties, and chemises. They are also saying that both ABC and FOX have been running Victoria's Secret ads during the same slots they were trying to purchase. Victoria's Secret ads often show as much or more cleavage and skin. Lane Bryant points out that a fuller figured woman often has large breasts and that there is nothing offensive about the models body or how it is dressed. They claim the networks are discriminating because the model is plus sized.

Ok, so now you have the facts, as best I understand them. Here's where I go "Huh?" with all of this back and forth from the networks and Lane Bryant. I understand that the networks have the right to decide what could be offensive to their viewers. Yes, the model has more cleavage than an average television actress or model would have. But is it an offensive amount of cleavage? Heck no. Is the model doing anything, suggesting anything, or posing inappropriately? No. And remember that they were wanting to show this during Dancing with the Stars. Now, I'm no prude but sometimes the costumes, or lack there of, make even me uncomfortable. And that certainly has nothing to do with the dancers size, since all of the dancing professionals are very thin.

Here is what I think this means for our society and how it must change. Being plus sized I automatically jump to the side of Lane Bryant and the full figure woman. I would appreciate seeing an ad for Cacique lingerie during a show I watch from time to time and I think the model in the ad is beautiful. But I have to admit when I saw her I thought "sexy". In my opinion it wasn't offensive sexy, but sexy nonetheless. And then that got me wondering, do I think "sexy" when I see Victoria's Secret ads? The answer is that generally I do not. Now I thought that this was because I had seen those ads so many times that I had gotten used to Victoria's Secret models in their underwear so it didn't effect me. But the truth is that I don't personally find them sexy. To me they are pretty, beautiful, and certainly very fit, but not sexy. When I see a woman I think is sexy she doesn't look like a Victoria's Secret model. She is often curvier, with cleavage, and hips. So does this mean that as a society we still think that boobs = too much sex? Do we see a straighter, more up and down figure, and think tomboy? It's terrible, really, that just a minor change in the shape of a womans figure can change what you think of her without even knowing her.

So, I say air the ad, represent both sides equally and maybe we will get to a point where a curvy woman wont be such a shock for the audience. Maybe the curvy woman can catch a break and not have to worry that what she is saying, doing, or wearing is too sexy because she apparently already exudes sex because of her shape. And maybe in doing so we'll get the world to see that all shapes of woman are equally beautiful and equally sexy and if you're going to have a problem with seeing skin then it should be with seeing any skin on any shape.

To see the Lane Bryant ad click here.

To read some current articles about the controversy click here.

Christina Hendricks Named Esquire's Most Beautiful Woman in America

Fans of the hit television series Mad Men are very familiar with Christina Hendricks, the actress who plays the fiery and voluptuous Joan. In the past year or so Christina has been the topic of many tabloids and newstories, but not always about Mad Men's success. Often she has been targeted about her size. And by size I mean that she's not a size 2. Now, let me get this straight, Christina Hendricks is not plus sized, probably not even close. But she is very, very curvy, with hips and a large chest which looks oh so beautiful in the form fitting style's of the 1960's which she wears in Mad Men.

Perhaps you saw an article slamming The New York Times for calling Christina a "bigger woman" and somehow distorting one of her red carpet photos to make her appear wider. This isn't the first, or certainly the last, of attention you will see about Christina's size. The fact is that her size is sort of dividing the public. Many of us are crying "Finally, a beautiful, curvy actress we can relate to" while men are reminded of leading ladies from decades gone by who were often very voluptuous. And then there is the other half who, while entitled to their own opinion, need to realize that the stick thin models and actresses are getting just a tad bit played out.

Now, I for one am in the Team Christina camp, I have been following her since season one of Mad Men. I think she is not only beautiful, but witty, charming, and stylish. I feel a great sense of validation to see that Christina has been named Most Beautiful Woman in America by Esquire magazine. Yes, Esquire is a men's magazine. Perhaps this tells us a little something about what will turn a guys head nowadays. The interview with Christina is beyond informative, it's quirky and smart, too as she discusses her opinions on men, what habbits she would rather see go away and how she feels about what she finds attractive.


I think Christina Hendricks is a great model for woman everywhere. Too often we want to label her. Is she plus sized or isn't she? Is she too big, or is she just right? Is she beautiful or is she (gasp) fat? But when it comes down to it those are just words. Christina is who she is and that's the sexiest thing a woman can be.

Model Crystal Renn Is Our Hero

Crystal Renn, easily one of the most recognizable plus sized models is recently talking about her past, her current life, and her book.

You can catch her on the cover of the upcoming May issue of Glamour or visit modelinia.com for a short video of her looking very relaxed.

Renn talks about her voyage to being a plus sized model, starting out at 175 lbs and trying for a traditional modeling career. She shrunk down to 95 lbs and developed a very dangerous eating disorder. In order to save her life she decided she couldn't stay at such a small size and went back to where her body wanted to be, 175 lbs, and one hell of a fantastic plus sized model.

You can see pictures of her at 95 lbs, and her current weight, her video to fans, and her book cover here.



And be sure to check out her book, Hungry, where she tells her whole story.

Renn is just another example of how some bodies just are what they are and I think they are more beautiful that way. Here's to you, Crystal Renn, and long and succesful career!

Understanding Sewing Patterns

For the crafty plus sized gal, sewing your own clothes can be a great way to get things in the styles, colors, and patterns that may not be available in store bought clothes.  You also get the options to size the clothes to your specific body shapes.  Choosing your favorite fabrics, details, and trims will allow you to make clothing that really shows your personality and is completely unique to you! Patterns are necessary to learn how to put clothing together and they have come quite a long way.  Many designers now offer patterns and some vintage patterns can create an interesting look.  I have found that pattern sizing varies greatly and they all tend to run very large.  This is a great thing for us plus sized gals!  Here are some tips when looking at patterns.

-  You don't necessarily need to look for plus sized even if you are plus sized, many patterns will contain larger sizes but are not marked as plus sized.

-  Know your measurements, but remember patterns run big.  Patterns can be adjusted in areas so you only need a very basic idea of what size you are.  If the measurements are close to your own measurements then that is probably the size for you because you can expand or reduce the pattern.  

   The Anda Dress pattern from burdastyle.com, a very loose fitting style that can be adjusted.

-  Measure the pattern as soon as you open it!  Many patterns include several sizes, don't assume you are the one that you selected based on the numbers.  Measure the pattern to see how big the garment actually will be and choose your size based on these measurements.

-  Take your fabric into consideration.  Knits provide a lot stretch meaning you can get in and out of them easier.  You may be able to make the overall garment a little smaller because of this.  

-  Vintage patterns run SUPER BIG.  And they can offer very cute retro looks so be sure to read the measurements, get your basic size and go from there. 

 

A vintage style pattern with a dress and jacket.  This marked as a size 20 with a 40 inch bust.  However, it measures closer to 48 inches at the bust.

The DIY movement is huge right now and making your own clothes is very rewarding.  Give it a try and see how you do.  

Check out the great patterns on www.burdastyle.com or the great vintage patterns at www.etsy.com.