Do You Remember? Jellies

Good Morning, Welcome to another installment of Throwback Theatre......

Today we explore Jelly Sandals aka "Jellies" ..... and you know you had at least one pair back then (don't front!)

These bright and sparkly, 80's childhood memory were unbreathable shoes that we couldn't get enough of back in the day. You hated them when your feet started to sweat or when it rained but you still wore them with a smile. Made of PVC plastic- they came in every color you could imagine and some were even infused with glitter and stickers. They became ultra popular in the 80's only to come back again with a vegeance (and a heel) in the late 90's.

Suddenly they've come back again - not so much in the cage-style like before but taking on the form of the seasonal trends such as wedges, gladiators and ballet flats. They're all grown up but NOTHING like their predecessors and to be honest, I refuse to pay upwards of $195 for some jellies when we all know they were cheap back in the day.

Take a look at the grown-up jelly:

Chinese Laundry Gladiate Jelly Sandal, Endless $20.22 Miriam Wedge Jelly Sandal, Endless $45.95 - Ralph Lauren Karly Jelly Sandals, Bloomingdales $136.50 , Chloe Ankle Wrap Jelly Sandal, Barney's $125 , Michael Kors Jelly Sandal, Macy's $29.99 , Tory Burch Reva, Bloomingdales $95

Want to see some more on trend jellies? Check out TopShop & Nordstrom's.

So let's be honest, did you rock the jellies back in the day? Did you have the flat, peeptoe or the ones that resurged in the early 90's with the heel?

~Luvin' My Curves

Sideeye: Fox's More To Love

Folks,

Last night. More to Love. (blank sarcastic stare)

I really, REALLY wanted to support this show, it was unprecedented and long overdue. However, many of you brought me back down to reality by reminding me that:

1. It was a TV reality dating show (which are always hectic) &
2. It was on Fox.

So like many of you, I was just waiting for the premier to see what would occur.

When I went to the Brooklyn Casting Call, I told you all about the beautiful and confident ladies I met - so a small part of me hoped "yes, there will be happy women on this show". (previous post here) So, needless to say I threw a fit (and a Twitter attitude fest) last night during the premiere of Fox's "More to Love".

• Why was the ladies' weight shown next to their name? The promos talk about Real Women finding love, so where did their weight come into play?

• The tears.... yes, dating can be hard for some. I myself, find dating to be an "interesting journey" as there are guys who won't date or seriously date a plus size woman. However, the show is not the answer.. 20 guys vying for 1 man... 19 of them will go home single - you're better off gaining confidence and doing YOU so the tears flowing as if this bachelor was your only hope... stop. Let's be real some of us have been in these situations... some of us are still there & some have never been.. I guess Fox is just capitalizing on it all- but geez!
  

• The Bachelor - he was eating this up....and what man wouldn't if 20 women were vying for your attention all at once.It was actually comedic listening to him flirting with these ladies, because it was sooo corny..... but I was here rolling my eyes at the ladies reaction and telling myself "it's all for TV, it's all for TV". It was as if one compliment and they were ready marry him and have his kids!
  

I've always been the "fat girl" out of my friends and back in the day, I swore my weight was the reason I didn't have a stream of guys to talk about. But my weight never dictated what I did, I went to BOTH of my proms!! So when these ladies speak on never doing this or that, I stop looking at the men's attitudes and I look at the ladies themselves. Perhaps because YOU played the weight card all the time on yourself you chose to limit yourself to not enjoy your own life. A man may spice things up, but he will not complete my life - he will not build confidence in me that I should already have in myself- Neil touched on this last month and we all saw it right there last night.

Now.... to be fair there is not a single dating/bachelor type show that does not put a women's vulnerability, sometimes craziness on display. (Think Bachelor, Flavor of Love, etc) However, none of their advertising campaigns relied on size and confidence, only to seem to bash that in the show. The very thing you used to draw viewers in was convoluted into something pathetic.... and for that many folks were justifiably riled up. Not a good look Fox!

I will say this.. some of them are acting but for some, this is their reality....

A reality show should NEVER be your "last attempt" to find love- life your life and love YOU!

Fox, let's not sensationalize low self-esteem......you may not have gotten the memo but confidence is sexy.


Did you see the show last night, what did you think?

~Luvin' My Curves

Dress Me: White Hot!

Good Morning!!

It's that time of year again... yes White Party Season. I've gotten a handful of emails asking for tips on what to wear and most of all how to stand out in a white outfit. Basically I've been "told"- "No more standing on the wall, this curvy girl needs to be the baddest chick in the party". Well, alright then... let's proceed.

White Party's are pretty chic, understated formal and just has a "ultra chill" vibe associated with them. It does take some prior planning to find the right outfit, as many people don't have a whole lot of white in their closet (besides the basic white t-shirt, and blouse) but when pulled off correctly it has the most dazzling effect.

Step 1: What to Wear

You can wear a dress, or mix and match basic bottoms with unique white tops.

Ivory Twill Skirt, $44 and Jalate Basic Short $28 both from Torrid

Mimi Dress, Curvygirlclothing $28.99, Adrianna Papell Eyelet Maxi, Nordstrom, $162, V-Neck Ruffle Shirred Dress, Baby Phat $64

AK Anne Klein Wide-Leg Linen Pants, Macy's $57.22. White Skinny Jean, Ashley Stewart $19.99

White Halter, PlusSizeFix $29.99 - Twist Strap Top, Old Navy $16.50

"Elaine" Ruffle Sleeve Frock, MonifC $148.50

Step 2: How to Stand Out

It's all in the shoes & the accessories. Even if you wore the most basic white dress, it's your accessories that will turn your outfit out! You can choose to go the bright route- loud in color and shape or go with the White Party classic, Metallics! You might even dig to go completely all-white but if you want to stand out, I say bring out the big guns with statement accessories & shoes.

Paris Hilton Madrid, Zappos $83.70,Neon Chunky Necklace, Fashion Junkee $29 Rough Justice T-Strap, Endless $109.62

LuichinyMoxy Heel, $89.99 Stretch Metal Beads 10GB, Asos , BCBGirls Lexs, $79.99 both shoes from Heels.com

Some More Tips
Stick with material that fits you well instead of only what fits....it'll show more in white. Oh and if you're prone to spilling drinks stick the clear libations. ;) Hope this helps!

How do you do white?

~Luvin' My Curves...limin' in white!

Things to Do: The Fuller Woman Expo

Hey Everyone!

Just keeping you in the know about events with our curves in mind- The Fuller Woman Network will be hosting the "The Fuller Woman Expo" on September 19, 2009. I'll be making my way to Detroit and I hope that you will too! Read on...

History will be made when The Fuller Woman Network (TFW) travels to Detroit, MI for their first ever Fuller Woman Expo in the United States. Scheduled to take place on September 19, 2009, the Fuller Woman Expo is an empowering event embracing women for who they are and uplifting them with a positive approach. This year the Fuller Woman Expo is being held at COBO Hall and Exhibition Center from 10am-5pm.

Following the tremendous success of the first ever plus size woman consumer trade show in Canada, Georgia Greenwood of Toronto met Cassandra Jones-McBryde, a like minded plus size model advocate based out of Detroit, MI. Through numerous conversations both women discovered their shared goals and set out to bring the impact felt in Canada, to women in the United States.

The 3^rd International Fuller Woman Expo will feature over 40 exhibits of the very best products and services including items pertaining to fashion, beauty, health, fitness, home, career, financial planning, education and much more. Attendees will also enjoy a full schedule of speakers, book signings, live musical performances, celebrity appearances, and cooking and design demonstrations.

Immediately following the Expo the Fuller Woman Network will present "Full Of Fashion", a fashion showcase featuring lovely models, from TFW Network, walking the runway with confidence and poise in some of the industry's top clothing lines and designers.

By bringing this trailblazing event to the United States, The Fuller Woman Network intends to change the way people regard size. According to TFW Expo Founder, Georgia Greenwood, “We are all different, some are tall some short some Black, White, Asian, slim or fat and that's the way it will always be. Once people truly begin to realize this, racism and size-ism will be eliminated and The Fuller Woman Expo is a step in that direction.”

Lane Bryant Outlet (a subsidiary of Charming Shoppes) the leading plus size women’s retailer has signed on as a corporate sponsor for the Fuller Woman Expo. The Fuller Woman Expo is presented by The Fuller Woman Network and will take place at Cobo Hall & Exhibition Center on Saturday September 19, 2009.

Women attending the Fuller Woman Expo can look forward to an empowering day planned with everything that enables them to live a productive life. In addition to women’s fashion, the 3^rd annual Fuller Woman Expo will feature booths and demonstrations that speak to the needs of women while celebrating the plus size woman. As an added bonus, Lane Bryant Outlet has agreed to sponsor a contest in which one of the women attending the expo will have a chance to win a complete outfit.

As a company that has been in existence for over 100 years, the organizers of the Fuller Woman Expo are not only excited but honored that Lane Bryant Outlet would align themselves with such a worthy cause and movement.

About The Fuller Woman Network

Established in 2004 as an image consulting firm catering exclusively to plus size women with the motto, “Image for both Body & Mind” as our guide, The Fuller Woman Network has evolved into a facet of subsidiary companies ranging from clothing designs, girls camps to our newly created project The Fuller Woman Expo. Throughout this transformation we have had one goal in mind; the advancement, acceptance and celebration of the plus size woman. We are on a mission to empower these women to recognize their internal and external beauty through educational workshops and seminars where she will begin to accept, love, respect, treasure and celebrate her unique beauty and join the CURVY REVOLUTION.

For additional information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please email: presstfwe@gmail.com

Please visit our website: www.thefullerwomanexpo.com.

Fan Fancy!!

Good Morning!!

It's hot here in NYC (finally, ok well maybe not totally) so I can now finally talk about one of my favorite accessories... the Hand Fan.

Yes, a fan! And not the church fan , those elegant fans that you often see "ladies" whip out to cool themselves on hot and hazy days. Me, I usually just take a flyer and try to decrease the heat by a temp or two but lately I've been drawn to elegantly made fans... I found a really beautiful leather and pearl handle fan at a thrift shop for $15!!!

I've seen a beautiful assorment over on Etsy...

Handpainted Silk Fan, Gilbea $45, Tulips Fuchias, PalomaSiaDesigns $23, WigglesFans4Fun,$30

Or look to wedding sites for an assortment of simple & affordable fans....

Asian Sandalwood Fan, Cherry Blossom Silk Fan both from Beau Corp

Also check out The Knot!!

The more unique, the more of a statement.... from bright colors, to interesting cuts to unique handles. It's an accessory that's often overlooked but if you add just one to your style arsenal, I'm sure it'll make you stand out. ;)

Think you might get one?

~Luvin' My Curves

Smile big girl, you are beautiful!

Todays post, comes from one of my fave chicks, DaLipstickBandit. She's fresh, she's fly...and I'm honored to have her grace Luvin' My Curves. I hope that this post encourages you to either keep doing you or to stop hiding in the back and step out to the front so you can shine. "The person in the mirror is more powerful than you know...", FIERCE! Enjoy!


Growing up, I was told of this magical remedy to cure all my life's troubles. It would make me prettier, more popular, and most of all, cure me of my loner-shy-Spice Girl-meets-Daria vibe I had going on. It slices, it dices, it gets that guy to call you back. Ladies and gents, its called... Losing Weight.

For many years, I pulled the weight card. Those girls didn't let me sit at their table at lunch, that guy didn't smile back at me, those people wouldn't talk to me - it all got charged to this card that I had in the back pocket of my size 14's (oh to be that size, again!)

I've noticed, either the card gets maxed out and since we have bad credit, we cut it up and try to pay off the bad debts of the lies people in the past have swiped or we just get a new one. Its easier to blame others for our misery than ourselves but guess which one is healthier for us.

A friend of mine, took hers to a shady doctor who performed a gastric bypass on her, although she was probably not more than 300 pounds at 5"10. The complications from said surgery sent her heart rate through the roof because not even morphine could dull the pain. She said it was an experience that made her feel as though she were dying. The only question I could muster was, "Why?"

Charge it to the weight card, please.

Growing up, Queen Latifah was in flannel shirts on a little show called, "Living Single." Now, she is a CoverGirl. I call that change. There is a revolutionary plus-sized movement shaking down the pillars of what mainstream society calls beautiful. I'm proud to be apart of that movement in any way I can. And just like the Women's Suffrage Movement, the Civil Rights Movement or any great uprising in history has taught us, it starts with one. The person in the mirror is more powerful than you know. Once we strip ourselves of the negativity we've been clothed in, and embrace the curves, the lines of our bodies, the dimples in our, umm...cheeks, and look at the person in the mirror and say, "This is me and I am beautiful." That is the day we will not be the punch line of the jokes, the funny sexless sidekick, the butterballs, but step into the roles that we were born to play: fun fearless women of girth. Hips and curves, thick thighs, succulent breasts. Strong women that can proudly proclaim that we are here. We have always been here. We're not going anywhere. We are a different type of beauty with a fuller frame. Dig that!

To that I say, "More runway opportunities, more affordable ready to wear, extended sizes in all department stores, more Gwen Devoes, more Mia Ambers, more Johana Drays, more Teiko Dornors, more YOU's. Smile big girl, you are beautiful!

~Luvin' My Curves....smiling!

Luvin' Her Look: Valerie

Good Morning!

Today's "Luvin' Her Look" submission is fellow blogger, Valerie from Belgium. The more people I meet the more I'm encouraged that more and more of us curvy girls are breaking out the oversized pants & baggy shirt stigma. I get excited when I see skirts, dresses, cool prints and of course color!


Take a look!

Monsoon dress, Stuart Weitzman platforms, Torrid belt.

psst, where did you get that grey jacket?

What's your personal style?

I guess that the best way to describe my personal style is girly. When I was younger I was practically living in jeans, tshirts and sweaters because the choice of plus size trendy clothes was very limited in Belgium. These days I don't think it's that much better. We are starting to see specialized boutiques but they tend to carry more classic clothes. But what has changed is that thanks to the internet I now have access to trendy plus size shops like Torrid. I also travel a lot to London where I always stock up on Monsoon dresses. I just love them! I also like to keep up with trends but don't embrace them all. It's all about finding what works for you and what doesn't.

Thanks Valerie! Make sure to take a look at Valerie's blog Blog to Be Alive

What do you all think, are you luvin' her look?

What I like about doing Luvin' Her Look is that you all get to see different interpretations of personal style. What may work for one, may not work for another but yet and still it's all about what makes you feel good and confident when you walk out the door.


Are you interested in being a Luvin' Her Look feature? If you have fun with your clothes and you're not afraid to show it off, send some photos, tell me what you're wearing and a description of your own personal style to luvinmycurves@gmail.com. I'll also need your name, age and where you're from.

~Luvin' My Curves

Qristyl Frazier to be on Project Runway Season 6

In other news.. that I've been bursting to tell you all!

Ms. Qristyl Frazier of Qristyl Frazier Designs was revealed as one of the designers for Season 6 of Project Runway. Qristyl was one of the designers for the Full Figured Fashion Week Finale, I don't know if she will be showing her Plus Size Sexy on the show- just have to wait until the show premieres on August 20th.

Congratulations Qristyl!

~Luvin' My Curves

JIBRI hits NYC for The Art of Fashion August 1st!

JIBRI High Fashion Plus Line - Jasmine Elder of JIBRI Debuts Her Fall 09' Collection at The Art of Fashion Event in New York

The highly anticipated release of the JIBRI Fall 09' collection is finally here. Designer, Jasmine Elder, will be debuting her Fall 09' collection at The Art of Fashion event that will take place on August 1, 2009 at the Dumbo Lofts in Brooklyn, New York. This event will be hosted by Li'stA, an enclave for the upwardly mobile and socially conscious; promoting change through artistic commonality. The JIBRI collection will be showcased along with two other up and coming designers and a portion of the event's proceeds will be donated to the High 5 Organization, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to making the arts affordable for teens.

A native of Atlanta, Jasmine Elder started creating garments at a very young age. She has lived in both New York and London as a design student. She decided to start the JIBRI line in 2006 and has never looked back. The JIBRI line is dedicated to creating garments for the fashion-conscious curvy woman and is inspired by vintage cinema, music, art, powerful female figures and underground culture. With a keen eye on construction and unique fabrics, Jasmine always thinks about the woman who will wear her garments first, then creates well structured pieces that will flatter that woman's body and express her design inspiration. Rio of Li'stA says, "Jasmine Elder has her fingers on the pulse of style and is currently breathing new life into the art of fashion." Think Grace Jones meets Grace Kelly as the collection boasts diffused metallic colors along with graphic prints. The fabrics are functional, but luxurious and the silhouettes are sensuous, but structured. "I anticipate this will be the best collection JIBRI has put out yet.", says Chastity Garner of Garner Style.


Luvin' My Curves has always been a huge fan of Jibri (check it out here & here) and I am very excited to finally have the chance to not only meet Jasmine but to see her line up close and personal. I'm excited for this show and if you're in the NYC area you should defiintely come and check her Fall Line out! Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.

~Luvin' My Curves

International Chic: Thank Evans!

Today we're visiting our friends across the pond in England:

Thank you to the ladies over at Plusologie for today's post! With Beth Ditto's Line debuting at Evan's last week- I'm sure folks are clamoring over to evans more than ever before. Don't be afraid that evans is only overseas, they have great sales, fast shipping and a collection that is sure to tickle your fashion fancy :)

THANK EVANS! With all the various plus-size apparel options slowly becoming available, evans is one apparel company that gets it right more often than not. Not only are they already fabulous on their own, but come July 9^th, they’ll be debuting the launch of the plus-size rock star diva Beth Ditto at evans collection. Don’t get it confused… this plus-size retail apparel option is purposely not spelled with a capitol “e”. Which makes perfect since because when your one of the best…u needn’t shout it, people will just know.

There are over 330 evans stores around the UK and Ireland. Being from the States, I’d say that their only downfall is that they are not located in the U.S. However, that doesn’t stop U.S. customers from getting their fashionista fix from evans because shipping to the United States is approximately 5-7 working days.

When browsing the evans website, it is clear that they have really put a lot of time and effort into fitting the plus-size figure. You can tell by the silhouettes that they concentrate on flattering the curvy woman rather than just covering her up. They have taken a smart approach at figuring out what best suits all the different types of curvy body shapes.

What I like best about evans, is that they have lots of fun casual chic clothing that can be styled up or down. Which is really what we fashionista’s ultimately need in our busy lifestyles today. One of my favorites is the necklace flower t shirt (above). It is a fabulous find at £28.00 (approximately $40 U.S. dollars). Pair it up with dark jeans, a hot pair of heels and a cocktail clutch handbag and watch out girl! Be careful because the stares you’ll be getting are not because you’re plus-size, but because you’re looking Hot!

Visit: Evans

Have you ever shopped at Evans? Is there anything you see at their site that you're itching to buy, let me know!

WUK UP for Caribana 2009 with The Fuller Woman Network!

Good Morning!!

I'm tempted to write this post in Jamaican patois but I wont' do that to you all. :)
Every year folks converge on T-town to get their wine on and celebrate what we call Caribana!!! Read on and find out why YOU need to be there this August 1st!

courtesy of Torontoist.com

This year, The Fuller Woman Network will make history as the first ever group of Plus size women to have a section in the Caribana parade dedicated to them.

Caribana 2009 celebrates its 42nd anniversary, it is the largest Caribbean festival in North America. Presented by the Festival Management Committee, the three-week Festival attracts over a million participants annually, including hundreds of thousands of American tourists.

This jubilant extravaganza where people from around the world will take to the streets of Toronto in an outpouring of enthusiasm for the culture and pleasures of the Caribbean will feature The Gem Stones. Presented by The Fuller Woman Network, The Gem Stones float will feature confident, sexy & outgoing women in custom made costume and head dress.

With over 60% of the women in North America being considered plus size, this is the perfect opportunity for women to celebrate their curves during this event that kicks off in Toronto, Canada on Monday July 14^th. Those attending are in for a treat as the celebration continues through Sunday August 2^nd.

Complete with live music performances, the parade will take start at Exhibition Place and proceed west along Lake Shore Boulevard. Admission to the event which takes place on August 1^st from 10am-6pm is $20-$25 to enter Exhibition Place. Spectators can witness this celebration for free on Lake shore Boulevard.

The Fuller Woman Network was established in 2004 as an image consulting firm catering exclusively to plus size women with the motto, “Image for both Body & Mind” as our guide, The Fuller Woman Inc. has evolved into a facet of subsidiary companies ranging from clothing designs, girls camps to our newly created project The Fuller Woman Expo. Their goal; the advancement, acceptance and celebration of the plus size woman. On a mission to empower women to recognize their internal and external beauty through educational workshops and seminars where she will begin to accept, love, respect, treasure and celebrate her unique beauty and join the CURVY REVOLUTION, The Fuller Woman Network is a definite thumbs up!

If you're interested in playing mas with The Fuller Woman Network contact playmaswithtfwexpo@gmail.com or call 416-208-3923 for more information.

Here are some videos to give you a taste of Caribana:

Will I be there? Definitely trying to make it!!! Who's coming with me?!

What are your thoughts on Caribana?

~Luvin' My Curves.... mi gwaan!

Spotlight: Mia Amber

Good Morning!!!

I am sure that you've seen Mia Amber all over the place, she's one of the most sought-after faces in the plus size modeling world and an outspoken advocate for the plus size industry. I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Ms. Amber, and as always she had some great advice for aspiring models and great insight on the industry as a whole. Enjoy!


The first time I saw you was in the movie road trip in 2000- were you modeling before that?

No, I was a size 24 during the filming of Road Trip and I was cast as "Rhonda" while working under contract as a Television Producer.

As a result of "Road Trip" I was asked to be a Belle magazine cover model and was bit by the modeling bug at the photo shoot. Prior to that day I didn't believe that there was a place for me in the modeling industry.

How did you get your start in modeling, was modeling always in your plan?

My original plan was to take over and become the youngest president in the history of NBC! I'd still actually like to have that job one day!

As for modeling...I sort of had a hunch that Road Trip might be a hit (because I was starting to get recognized before the film was released to the public) so I used the time prior to the films release and after the Belle shoot to visit agencies.

It was then that I learned I was "too large" to be a plus size model. I had gone up to a size 26 and tested with a photographer friend. I gathered those photos along with my Belle photos, made my first comp card and thought I had a good chance of "making it." As a producer I was used to booking models so I studied their cards and portfolios and created my own.

A couple of top agencies told me to get down to at least a size 20 and come back because they'd be interested in working with me. One agent even suggested I lose 70lbs in two months!!
I wanted to model and I was determined but not crazy!

I was doing some research, saw Gwen DeVoe's name in a magazine, called her up, met with her and she booked me for one of her shows. I was thrown into training immediately to learn how to walk, buy foundation pieces, create a model bag and to generally always be prepared.

What’s the biggest hurdle in your opinion to being a plus size model?

In my opinion, the biggest hurdle plus models have is being taken seriously as an integral part of the fashion industry.

We are just starting to break ground by walking in International Fashion Weeks yet here in NY we have yet to have that opportunity.

Also, we're really tired of being mistaken for hair and make up artists when we show up for work on sets and at shows where the crew isn't familiar with plus models!

What projects are you working on currently?

Currently I am focused on building Mia Amber as the brand. Please look out for the launch of my website soon. It will encompass all of the aspects of my career; acting, modeling, producing, hosting, styling and much, much more!

What’s the most common fashion dilemma you see?

One of the biggest dilemmas I have witnessed for full figured women is finding many options for figure flattering clothing.There are definitely a lot more options on the market than there have been in the last decade but we still need more.

However, the best way to utilize what's currently available is the following...
Take a really good look at yourself in the mirror to determine:

A. Your true body shape
B. The things about your body that you love (find something!)
C. The things you're not too crazy about and would like to minimize or camouflage
D. The variety of pieces in your foundation wardrobe that will help you maximize your shopping experience. If you don't have a foundation wardrobe (a drawer full of girdles) then make a point to get one!

Armed with all of the above info do your research and find out what styles look best on your body type while helping you to showcase or hide your best and not so hot assets.
When all else fails--find a great tailor! (LMC: Read about why a tailor is essential, here!)

You’re a model, an actress, what else would you like to do?

Basically, my goal is for "Mia Amber" to be the go-to girl for all things plus industry related, then pop culture and entertainment related. I would like to do it all!

In April, you received the Independent Woman award at Curves & Cocktails. When you accepted the award you stated that even though 62% of women are over a size 14 we are still treated as a minority,what are you views on the retail industry and the way they do/do not cater to the plus size industry?

I was honored to receive the Independent Woman Award at Curves and Cocktails and wasn't prepared to make a speech. What I did was speak from my heart about the fact that we are a plus size nation yet we are practically invisible when it comes to retail, mainstream media and advertising. I am a staunch advocate for unity in the plus community. I believe that if we came together and stepped into our role as the majority rather than minority we'd be unstoppable and the outlets who readily ignore us would have no choice but to cater to our needs.

It doesn't make sense that our options are so limited. Its a simple case of supply and demand not being met. For example, the mall near my home was rebuilt as a mega center with over 200 stores yet the only places for a woman of size to shop at that mall are the two department stores women's departments. 200 stores and two options for 62%? It doesn't add up.

You appeared on “The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency” , it’s well-know that Janice has issues with plus sizes? Can you share your experience on this?

The #2 most asked question I get (after how can I become a model) is..."How did you manage to keep it together with Janice Dickinson?"

I don't like to give light to the negative however, I will say this...generally speaking, when someone you've never met has a problem with the way you look and carry yourself (I'm speaking about positive self esteem, charisma, inner beauty and confidence) they generally have a problem with themselves in one or more of those areas and instead of trying to find a way to love themselves and harness the positive they will use their energy to bash you.

Do you have any advice for aspiring plus size models?

Yes...do your homework! You can start right now by going to my Myspace page (www.myspace.com/Mia_Amber) and reading my blog on how to get started in your pursuit of plus modeling!

You are a role model for so many, what would you say to a young woman who has not fully embraced her size?

Thank you so much! All I can offer is this...If you are not happy with how you look or feel then do something about it but please don't wait until you lose that 5, 50 or 150lbs to start living your life. We must learn to love who we are right now not who we would become if we were smaller. I've been 150lbs overweight and I know its a battle but I never missed a day of being me.

Thank You Mia!!

~Luvin' My Curves... never missing a day of being me.

Staying Connected.... LMC style!

Hey Folks!


1. Luvin' My Curves FINALLY has it's own home, please update your favorite places, links & bookmarks to www.luvinmycurves.com

2. If you didn't know, I'm on Twitter - I not only tweet about fashion but about life in general- I'm actually kind of funny, and depending on the day a bit snarky, check me out!

3. Luvin' My Curves is on Facebook. Join the fam' here! It's a great way to stay updated, and there will be some exclusive giveaways there too! ;)

~Luvin' My Curves

The Jumpsuit... Yay, Nay or Maybe?

Good Morning!!

Call it what you want; jumpsuit or catsuit... the one piece ensemble is a piece that many women are on the fence about. There's no mistaking that it's a versatile piece, but in the same vein it's one of those items that causes body apprehension in many. (Seriously, who strives for camel toe?)

I used to be against jumpsuits, however I've seen it pulled off seamlessly and now have a new found appreciation for the jumpsuit. I've done the "dressing room shuffle" , testing out if the jumpsuit is for me. The jury is still out on that one but I found a couple of jumpsuits that are cute and worth a look, check them out:

Jumpsuit, Jessica London via One Stop Plus $34.99

Strapless Jumpsuit, $180 - Grown & Sexy Jumper, $180 both by Qristyl Frazier Designs

Pinstriped 2fer Jumper $50.98, Torrid

Tube top Linen Jumper $79 & Linen Halter Jumper $94, both by Baby Phat

Here are some tips for rockin' that jumpsuit:

1. Break it Up! Find a belt or blazer to break up the monotony of the jumpsuit.. have fun with it!

2.It's all in the fabric- who says that a jumpsuit has to be shiny satin? Why not jersey material? Choose fabrics that can help to conceal whatever you're trying to hide.

3. It's all in the accessories; shoes, jewelry, the bag and the belt- WERK IT!

4. Beware of the patterned jumpsuit- depending on your frame it may not work for you. Feel free to follow rule #1 and break it up a bit.


So what do you think of the jumpsuit, yay, nay or maybe? Think you might try a jumpsuit? Let me know!



~Luvin' My Curves...

Hey Folks, check out my interview with Venus Diva Magazine, here!!