Crystal Renn gets "Shopped"

Hastily gathering my things to run out the door this morning I had one ear on the television set when I heard a teaser for a story involving Crystal Renn. I ran out of the bathroom to see what news Crystal Renn was involved in and why The Today Show was airing it. Unfortunately all I got was the general summary that Crystal Renn was upset because some of her most recent photos had been Photoshopped. I had to leave for work before the full story.


So here is what I could find online of what's going on. Apparently the people over at Glamour and Passion for Fashion think Crystal Renn is perfect for their campaign. Just not as perfect as they could make her with a skilled retoucher. Crystal says she was "shocked" when she saw the retouched photos and is being very open with the fact that she has not shed a bunch of weight. Still shots from video of the shoot have been posted up against the retouched photos to prove Crystal is still the plus sized gal we all love. Read more about the ordeal at the frisky.

Kate Dillon - An Intelligent Model (and she's plus sized, too!)

A little inspiration this morning : "I really belelive that if you're being the person you want to be, you'll care less about looking like the person everybody says you should look like."


A very intelligent and inspiring article about Kate Dillon, a plus sized model who speaks about her struggles and just trying to get into a normal life. Beautiful, smart, witty, she is quite interesting.

Read the full article here.

Plus Size News - New Series Featuring Plus Size Actress

If you have been watching any of the new summer series on ABC Family this summer then you have probably caught a commercial for the upcoming show, Huge. As far as we can tell from the promos, it's plot surrounds a fat camp and the campers who attend, focusing mainly on a rebellious and somewhat egotistical camper played by Nikki Blonsky.

Here is the plot synopsis as seen on the ABC Family website:
Funny, heartbreaking and provocative, Huge follows the lives of seven teens and the staff at a weight-loss camp, as they look beneath the surface to discover their true selves and the truth about each other.

In Huge, Nikki Blonsky will portray Willamina, a teen whose sardonic and rebellious nature make her a menace to some and revolutionary to others. Additional cast include Zander Eckhouse as George, Harvey Guillen as Alistair, Ari Stidham as Ian, Ashley Holliday as Chloe and Hayley Hasselhoff as Amber.

Huge, based on author Sasha Paley's book of the same name from Alloy Entertainment, is being developed by Winnie Holzman (Wicked, My So-Called Life, Once & Again) and daughter Savannah Dooley. Holzman will serve as executive producer as will Kim Rozenfeld (American High), while Dooley will serve as producer on the series. Alloy Entertainment’s Leslie Morgenstein and Bob Levy (Gossip Girl, The Vampire Diaries), will also serve as executive producers; Robin Schiff (Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion and ABC Family’s 10 Things I Hate About You) will serve as a consulting producer.

So now here comes my point of view on the show. I think the term "healthy" is becoming more and more prevalent in today's views of beauty and weight. While some of the actors in the series are clearly more overweight than others, their characters (from what we've seen so far) all have their own problems. Being obsessed with weight is not healthy whether or not it's coming out in the form of rebellion against exercise, or worrying about every bite of food that is taken. Getting healthy, physically and mentally is something that we all need to be focused on, whether or not that means weight loss is different for every individual.

I am happy to see that this series features some prominent plus sized actresses. Nikki Blonsky first made her debut in Hairspray and has since been a household name. This is the first time I have seen Haley Hasslehoff and am excited to see what she has to bring to the table.

Set your DVR's and get ready for yet another new summer series from ABC Family. I think this is one to watch.

To check out the official website click here.

Nice Weather Means Being More Active

The warm weather has been inticing me to go outside for months now, and I knew that I wanted to start an exercise routine. The only problem is that I hate running. So what to do? I had been an avid walker in college, spending hours walking around the indoor track at our state of the art gym, but I don't have access to anything like that anymore. So I trekked out in search of some walking paths. What I found was something much more enjoyable, much more beautiful, and a heck of a lot more captivating than either walking or running.

See, the thing with walking and running is that I lose interest very quickly. I have to change up my route a lot in order to keep from being bored, and that's a lot of work. And then there is the heat. Around here it can stay in the 90's up until about 8:00 which only gives me about an hour to be outside while it's cooling down. You can only get so far in half an hour when you walk before you have to turn around.

So what did I find that is so wonderful? Hiking. I'm not out in the woods with a bundle backpack and walking stick, but I am walking through a small forest alongside a creek. We encounter hills and valleys, overgrown paths, narrow walkways and even a daring pipe bridge or two. I never considered myself the outdoors type so I am shocked that I love this so much. But, sure enough, every night I'm ready to go on a new adventure. It's no surprise that plus size super model, Crystal Renn has said that she uses hiking whenever she is in need of some toning up.

What's your favorite way to get outside and get moving?

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.

Dancing with the Stars - Niecy Loves Her Body

Season 10 of Dancing with the Stars premiered last night. I'm not a diehard fan, but I will watch it ocassionally. I stumbled upon the premiere kind of by accident. Even though I didn't see all of the celebs and their routines, I did happen to be near the television when television host and comedian Niecy Nash performed. You may recognize her as the host of Clean House or as a police officer on Reno 911, but it was what she was saying in her pre-performance interview that got my ears to perk up.


Niecy is plus sized, something they like to play up for her character on Reno 911! In her interview for Dancing with the Stars she expressed concern. Not concern for her size or her skills, but concern for her shape. Niecy says that she likes her body and her "jiggly parts". She says that many celebs get on the show with the intention to get skinny but Niecy is hoping to stay the same. She even expressed how important it was that she keep her "jiggly parts" in tact to her partner. And boy did she ever look smoking in her gold sequined mini dress.

While she may not be out there in a two piece like some of the celebs this season, she looks good and knows how to dress and accentuate her body. She is truly beautiful, and has great character and personality. I hope that she inspires some of us (maybe even me) that you can get out there and dance, wear attention getting costumes, and flaunt your personality if you are plus sized. No body said there is anything wrong with that, and Niecy is a great example of finding charm in someone different than the norm. I will be rooting for this season!

Product Review - Old Navy Empire T Shirt

First, let me say that I have been a patron of Old Navy for over 10 years now. They often have cute things that I like to wear and even more often have the kinds of staples at the prices I need. I will always shop there as it is convenient, has my size, and will always be there.

However, I was quite disappointed with my recent purchase from their Women's section. They have quite a few new spring t shirts on their site, which is perfect for the climate in which I live. I am the layering queen so cute t shirts are great to go under jackets on the windy days and on their own on the sunny days. So, this cute striped shirt looks perfect for the upcoming warmer days. When I purchased it there weren't many reviews online and they were kind of mixed, so I took a chance. Now, checking back it seems most people are having the same problems with the shirt that I am.

Here is the rub. The colors are not as presented and the widest stripe on the shirt is white and placed right around your middle. When I first put it on (with no body shapers) I looked like I was wearing one those inflatable rings for the pool. Then, the "gathering" under the bust that appears to bring in the waist is not that at all. It's really a piece of elastic sewn into the shirt, about 3 inches long. The shirt does gather a bit right where the elastic is but does not bring in the waist at all. Basically it's a big striped boxy shirt and that's not usually a style that plus sized girls go for. I am keeping the shirt. I have found that with a dark camisole under it, it can pass for very casual weekend wear. But that's not really what I was intending to use the shirt for.

So, items fall flat sometimes. It's hard to shop online, right? Right. Except that what really irks me about this particular fashion flop is that it makes me wonder if the clothes are being misrepresented, as in are they being pinned on the dress form? I guess I'll never know, and as I said before this wont stop me from shopping at Old Navy. But I will have to keep in mind that things may not be exactly as they appear on their website. It makes me miss the days when they carried plus sizes in the store.

New Plus Size Shopping Site - Lucie Lu

Luck would have it that this new store some how found me. When an email came through last night advertising this store I knew that it would require further research. At first I thought they were associated with B & Lu, a rather well known plus sized apparel site because the names are similar. After some preliminary digging I can't seem to find any indication that they are in fact affiliated.

But what I did find was that they have absolutely gorgeous clothes for reasonable prices. This great new store is called Lucie Lu and they are brand new on the plus sized scene. They offer a variety of clothes including dresses, skirts, denim, knit tops, blouses and more. Their line offers a trendy and youthful vibe with a mix of elegant and classic pieces dotted in. A few of my favorites include the Adele Tunic, the Antoinette Dress, and the Patience Skirt, all seen below.

Their sizes vary by garment and can range from size 16-20, 1x-3x, and some styles even going up to 5x. Prices range from about $16 - $62.

The jury is still out on the fit and quality of this line as they are brand new, but I will definitely have my eye on them. I'd love to add another fantastic plus sized store to my list of favorites!

Perfect Jeans - Review

Every plus size girl knows that finding jeans can be one of the most gut wrenching tasks. Something as common as jeans shopping can be really quite traumatizing and not having a pair of jeans that you are comfortable in limits your wardrobe options. So when I determined it was time to throw out my old jeans last week I was dreading finding a new pair.

See, I've never quite found a pair that I loved, I jump around from brand to brand, buying different sizes, lengths, and washes hoping to find that one special pair that is made for me. And I know that when I find them I will never again have to search through millions of jeans. It puts a lot of pressure on the jeans shopping task.

When I found these Levi's online I knew I was interested. They are the Levi's 590 Women's Plus Fuller Waist Boot Cut Jean. I had loved Levi's jeans in college but hadn't tried any of the plus sized options as they were not easily available at the time. The reviews were good for these jeans, and the price just right so I went ahead and ordered them. They arrived and I quickly tried them on.

They are heavenly.

They are a beautiful dark wash with a boot cut leg. The boot cut isn't too extreme so it doesn't hug you in the wrong places. There is just enough room in the waist to let you breathe without stretching out too much. And it really hugs your butt in the best way, something that plus sized gals tend to love!

I found a couple of different prices on a couple of different sites (levis.com, amazon.com, macys.com) so be sure to do the price checking for your size and wash. They run a little long (perfect for me, but probably not so perfect for others) so order the short or plan to get them hemmed. I have washed and worn them three times now and they have bounced back beautifully every time. What a great find!

Snow Bunny Style

The Winter Olympics started this past weekend and I'm sure you've been caught up in the drama and glamor of the competition as much as I have. Even though I have never stepped foot on a snowy mountain, watching these athletes has me interested in trying my hand at some of these sports. So, I got to wondering what I would need and if I would even be able to find it. Now, for the more experienced skier I'm sure there are better places to find your gear, but for a true beginner with no access to snow gear whatsoever I found a site that I would be comfortable buying from. It's called Beautiful Skier and it offers a pretty large collection of plus sized snow gear. They offer everything from jackets, parkas, and snow pants in cute colors and girly styles. You can order online and pay with PayPal (always a bonus in my book) or you can search for a location near you. With locations in Canada as well as many states in the US, you are sure to find what you need!

Unisex Doesn't Have to Mean Manly

Screen printed t shirts are highly popular right now. If you're like me you have scoured the internet, scanned pages of Etsy, and shopped racks at clothing stores trying to find something cute that fits correctly. Many plus size stores have screen printed casual t shirts but the designs can be limiting. Some of the indie stores than can be found on Etsy only carry woman's sizes that tend to run on the small size and only go up to an XL. But I have found a breakthrough solution to this dilemma. Pay attention for the word Unisex. Unisex means for men and women. Now before you get an image of a Hanes Beefy T in your head, take a look at these beauties.


This is a Unisex V Neck shirt from American Apparel. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The biggest size in an XL with measurements of 48 inches at the chest. But I own this shirt and I would bet it measures even larger than that, plus it stretches.

Here is an example of an Etsy store who is using Unisex sizes in her designs. Even though it doesn't directly say American Apparel, it is pretty clear that this is the style she is using. Still looks pretty girly to me! This shirt is available at EveryLittleCounts store on Etsy.

A Very Special Etsy Seller

It's always great to find an Etsy seller who makes plus sizes. It's even more special to find one who loves their shop and their customers. I have been sort of stalking TheGarbologistsWife for quite some time. All of her items are so beautiful looking and she often has plus size ready to wear items. But when on the search for a dress to wear to the theater, this gem came up I knew I was in love.

This seller was extremely friendly and welcomed any and all of my questions. She offers to custom size any dress even though she has a wide range on her sizing chart. This dress comes in 4 colors, but she also offered to find any color I wanted, and can be made in sizes Small - 3X!

Check out her blog, too, she has some great plus sized finds.

I was thrilled when she informed me my dress was completed and that she herself was so pleased with it that she put it on her own blog! My dress is famous! Yes, that's MY custom dress right there in that post. So hurry over to her store before I buy up all of her cute plus sized stuff!

Forever 21 Plus Size Line - Faith 21 Extended Sizes

I appreciate plus size designers. They understand the different proportions that a plus size gal has. She isn't just "bigger" but her body is distributed differently than an "average" girl. But sometimes I shop around and whimper at the cute stuff available at awesome prices for those "average" girls. "Why can't they just make those exact designs in plus size proportions?" I ask myself. Well, someone over at Forever21 must have been a mind reader. They have introduced their new extended size line called Faith 21.

There are so many cute things Faith 21 and at those coveted Forever21 prices. They are adding new things to the website every day and the selections are different all the time. And the best part is that most of this line is the exact same stuff as the "average" sizes, only it's plus sized! You can see many of the pieces modeled by the gorgeous plus size models they have at Faith 21 and then again over at Forever21! And is that Miss Whitney, the first ever plus sized winner of America's Next Top Model I spot over there at Faith 21? Why yes it is!


Delight in some of these gorgeous selections from Faith 21. Don't forget you may even be able to catch this line in person as some of the Forever21 stores are starting to carry the line. Be sure to check the website to see if it's available at a store near you!

Get legs that will make everyone jealous!

Don't spend hours at the gym agonizing over those legs. Flaunt what you got, confidence makes anyone glow! And look at these gems of stockings I have found to draw attention to your stems. These tattoo tights by Post on etsy.com are so unique you are sure to get stopped a million times when you wear them out. "Where did you get those?" everyone will ask. It's up to you to keep it your little secret or share it with the world.

I love these tights so much I decided to share them with the world. And of course, the best part is that they come in plus size! All of their styles and colors come in size XXL, which can stretch to 48 inches at the waist and 55 inches at the hips. They are available in 5 colors so you can either try to match your skin tone or choose black or white. Now be sure to treat your tights well as they are delicate, hand wash them and be careful not to snag them. These tights are the oomph needed to jazz up a plain dress. I guarantee you'll feel extra special when you wear these out, just try not to feel beautiful, it's impossible!

Dress the Part - Undergarment Guide

With all of the new styles and options for the coming season, one thing is for sure. Nothing is going to make you feel as great as you do when you have on the correct undergarments. Getting a correctly fitted bra can make or break an outfit. I recommend getting measured in a store where they offer bra fittings. Both Lane Bryant and Victoria's Secret can help you out with this. I have found, though, that the number they give you may only be a starting point. That may the size you are in some bras, but other bras may be too tight across the back or the cups may not sit snuggly against you. Any time you are buying a new bra in a new style or brand I recommend getting a few sizes to try on. Here are some of my favorite places for sexy and comfortable bras in plus sizes.

For each store I have selected one sexy and one practical bra that I adore.

Hips & Curves:
This Ruffle Demi Bra is ridiculously cute. Right now it is available in 38 DDD to 44 DD in all black, black with pink ruffle, black with red ruffle, or all white. Some selections and color choices may be unavailable or limited. This bra is $42.95


The Essential Everyday T Shirt Bra looks oh so comfy. It is available in 38 DDD to 50 DD in black, lime, nude, mocha and turquoise. This bra is $22.95.


Lane Bryant Cacique:
Perfect for Valentine's the Ruby Red Pattern Balconette Bra is so cute. Stock is limited online right now but may be available in stores. This bra is $44.00.


The Smooth Balconette Bra is one of my favorites. I personally own several of these bras and can say they work with almost anything. The balconette is low enough to wear v - neck shirts and lower necklines but not so low that it makes everything bulge out the top. This bra is available in sizes 36C to 46DDD in delicate pink, cafe mocha, chocolate, algiers blue, white, black, and ruby red. It is prices $34 - $40.
Victoria's Secret:
I had written off Victoria's Secret for several years when it became harder and harder to find larger sizes. That was until not too long ago when I wandered in only to find a huge basket of bras in DDD! Thanks to that fateful day I have been eyeing some beauties on their website:

The Biofit Uplift Full Coverage Bra is to die for. Silky smooth and light weight, this bra gives the coverage and lift you need without any digging or pinching. I highly recommend this bra. Available in 32B - 40DD in a variety of colors. This bra is $45-$48.


This lace and striped bra is sure to make anyone feel sexy. Available from 32C to 40DDD in two colors. This bra is $48.

I hope you have found some selections that delight you. After all getting the right undergarments is all about making you feel great.

Ahoy Matey - eShakti Looks Toward Spring

I've been a huge supporter of eShakti for a couple of years now.  Everytime I wear something from eShakti I get huge compliments.  They offer beautifully crafted clothing that is trendy, yet different.  They like to embellish their clothing with bright embroidery, beading, or pleats and offer a huge selection from dresses and pants to jackets and coats.  The best thing about eShakti is that they offer all of their clothing is sizes 0 - 26W.  It feels awesome to have the same cute styles available to smaller sizes also offered to the plus sizes, and with no extra cost!  If you would like to opt into paying a small fee your garment can be custom fitted to you!  As long as you know your measurements, and preferences (yes you can change things like neckline, sleeve length, or hem) you can get an item that is unique just to you.  

I was absolutely thrilled when I got this email from eShakti earlier in the week celebrating their new collection called "Nautical".  They are offering awesome early spring styles from a tiered striped sun dress, to floral tops and sequin striped tanks.  They even have coordinating accessories for this collection.  I have ordered the Stripe Poplin Corset Style Tiered Sundress and will be waiting anxiously for it's arrival.  I too am looking forward to warmer days!  Oh!  And as always eShakti offers great deals and coupons, just for signing up you get $20 toward your purchase.  Happy shopping!

Review : Bronx Linus Tall Boot

I've searched high and low for a boot that will fit over my larger calf. I've searched all of the major shoe websites for extended calf selections only to read that to those designers a large calf means 15 inches. When I whipped out my handy little tape measure I discovered that I apparently have monster calves, almost 17 inches at the widest point! I did a lot, and I mean a lot of research to find some boots that were young, hip, sturdy, and would fit over my calves. So ladies with the large calves, I bring to you the Bronx Boot Linus Tall Boot.
This boot is fantastic. It's made of real suede, the smell is divine when it comes out of the box. It's a western style boot with a small heal. These boots pull on and you'll have to do a little wiggling, especially at first. But once it's on it fits like a dream. It even stretched out a little bit so now I have the option wear socks or tights and pull it up all the way, or to slouch it down a little around my ankle. These boots are available at a variety of stores if you just search by name (and a variety of prices so some comparison shopping is recommended), but I found the best selection at Amazon. There are many color choices and I think the style will allow it to be worn 3 seasons of the year. What a great find!

Welcome and happy shopping!

Even though January is just now coming to a close, the stores are looking ahead to spring. It's time to think of warmer days and I'm getting excited to start collecting some great items I can go to when spring finally arrives. I hope you enjoy the things I have found, focusing on plus size clothing and living.