Thank you for supporting me on Facebook

I have decided to have a giveaway on March 3rd to celebrate all my wonderful fans who are continuing support me with wonderful words of encouragement.
Here is what you need to do...go to my facebook page Curvy PLUS ME, like the page if you have not already and comment what prize you would prefer, or if have no preference just say both. I think that is pretty easy.
And to be fair, I will send your prize to where ever you are! I hate when a giveaway is country specific. If you have already liked the page, you still need to leave a comment on which prize you would like.

The two prizes are: A beautiful dress jacket from Pennington's. The size is 1X but it will comfortably fit at size 2X and a gorgeous necklace and earring set from Ricki's

Thanks for your support!

What I wore today...

As I get older, I find that my fashion style is changing and ever evolving. I love shopping, both in store and on line and design outfits that I want to wear to express my style and taste. My sweet patient husband would probably tell you I like to shop too much, sometimes I think I don't shop enough, but the key is to find balance.

The balance for me is having clothes that last through several seasons, are affordable, they don't look dated, out of style, or are poorly made. I am a huge fan of the "sales" rack, whether in store or on line. I like to go there first and see what treasures I can find tailored to my budget. Another way is going to a local thrift store. This one took me a little longer to adapt to because by my husband's definition I am a clothes snob. Once I got over my initial prejudice I was astounded at how many plus sized clothes I could find that were name brand and in excellent condition. Once of my new go-to-places to shop that I have mentioned in a previous post is fatshionxchange. A place where you can buy, sell or trade new or gently used clothes and accessories. I thought I would share with you my latest purchase a dress I got from one of the sellers. The dress arrived exactly as promised and it has quickly become one my favourites. 

Dress from Fatshionexhange
Sweater: Addition elle
Pants: Kiyonna
Boots: David Tate

Tess Munster

The journey to body acceptance is not easy, it is ongoing with no real destination. What I mean is as much as you try to love myself, there are always going to be challenges, days when self hate rears its ugly head and you have to start again. But you don't have to make the journey alone. If you are lucky you can find a role model, some one you look to who has embraced themselves and show you a world of possibilities.

 For me that person is Tess Munster, plus sized model and activist for empowerment of all women.

She is vibrant, sexy, non apologetic and a person I would like most to emulate in my quest for positive body acceptance. Her story is not without pain or struggle in becoming a plus sized model, but that is what helps me to identify with her. She has faced criticism from people in her life who are suppose to love her the most, not only to overcome, but succeed.  Her strength of character is just as beautiful as the face she shows to the world.

Tess modeling for Sealed with a Kiss Designs

I wrote to her to thank her for showing me that beauty does not have a size and she took the time to write me back with some beautiful encouraging words.

Tess Munster- Facebook Pictures

To quote Mae West...." the best way to learn to be a lady is to see how other ladies do it". Tess shows you how to do it, how to do it well and there is nothing stopping you for doing it too!

Sometimes I have to ask WTF?!?

I am trying to understand why some fashion designers don't want my money. Why they stop their lines at a size 12 or occasionally, as if they are doing me a personal favour, a size 16. I am confused because I thought that besides being able to express themselves creatively, they want to make a profit. I thought that I should do my job to enlighten them about a "huge" opportunity they are missing out on.

Why Designer Should Embrace my Curves!!

1. I have money to spend. I am a professional woman with a reasonably good income. Last time I checked skinny money was the same as fat.
2. There are more women my size. We are everywhere!
3. Plus sized shoppers are loyal. If you have a good product, well made, we will stick by you. We will follow you on facebook/twitter, your choice of social networking. We will share your sales and encourage our friends (see point 2) to shop there as well.
4. We like clothes. Most plus size women I talk to have the same problem that I have..too many. If I find something I like that fits, I probably will buy two of them in different colors for fear that I may not find it later.

Now that being said (please feel free to comment and add your own), let's address some of the designers who try to design for the plus size of me

1. I don't need large, shapeless clothes with fabrics from the cutting room floor made into ugly moo moos. I want fresh vibrant fabrics, tailored to fit my body correctly.
2. I want models I can identify with like my current girl crush Tess Munster. When she models clothes, I can visualize myself in them.
3. Give me lots of options. Some women don't like fabric that clings to the body, other women do..lets accommodate all!
4. Provide correct measurements..for instance don't just put as a description on a pair of boots as "wide calf", whose wide calf are we referring to?

A thank you to the companies that have listened, responded and designs clothes that I want to wear and feel good wearing. I hope to continue to showcase them on my blog.  I have noticed a slow gradual change with an increase in more options for the plus sized woman, but I believe more change needs to happen.

Kiyonna Clothing - Stylish Plus Size Women's Apparel

When I first started on my journey of loving my body, just the way it is, I wanted to dress to celebrate it. In order to do that I needed to look at my clothes and see what kind of statement I was trying to make. The statement I was making then was "camouflage body under layers of fabric". There was no definition, no joy, no self esteem  in my clothes. I did not want to make an impact. I did not want to be noticed. As my mind set changed I started looking at different  on line sites to help me find my way. I found Kiyonna, and they helped me to look my best. If you are not familiar with Kiyonna, they are an american based company from Anaheim California. They do have an actual store front, but for me on line was my only option. Their goal is "to make your feel amazing". Specializing in sizes from  0x-5x, there is always someone to help you get the right fit, size and style. They have made a positive impact on this woman's life! If you register with them you get 20% off your first order, insight to new products and sales and even a special birthday discount. One of my favourite features is the Real Curve Cuties. You look at real women in your size range, including height, to give you an idea of how the clothing might look on your body. The clothing is well made, stylish, going from everyday to formal wear. For me it started with a coat from their sales section and has progressed to several pieces I can wear on the week end or to work. One of the fun features about Kiyonna is they love to play games with their fans to win gift certificates or clothing. Maybe I am little bias, I actually won a dress from one of the games played over the holidays. Explore the site yourself, feel free to ask questions and you will get a personalized  answer because they truly care about the women they dress.

The coat that started my love affair with
Kiyonna

Scalloped Boudoir Lace Dress
I am 5'3 and the dress is 2x

I will...

I will love myself, my whole self, the flaws, perceived imperfections all that makes me...me
I will make love with the lights on and be worshiped as voluptuous and worthy
I will not wear black to hide my curves
I will get a sexy little black dress that emphasizes my cleavage
I will not attempt to wearing clothing that will "draw the eyes to my face"
Feel free to check out my ass
I will not eat to fill my soul..I will eat to feed my hunger
I will savour food..it is not my enemy, it nourishes my body
I will not devalue or demean myself because I am plus sized
I will not allow you to do it either!
I will take care of myself, my whole being
I will dance if the mood moves me..even if I am the only one who hears the music
I will hug more, cry less
I will never again ask the question.."does this make me look fat?" because I don't care what the answer is