Sideeye: A Little Cleavage Never Hurt Nobody!

Morning!

I had a "Throwback Theater" post set for today, but I couldn't ignore this mess. We can see women rolling around on the beach half-naked toting diet pills, Victoria Secret models flaunting thongs and butt cheeks advertising those new "fitness sneakers" - but channels can't handle a big chest?

In the words of NY Radio DJ Ed Lover: "C'MON SON"

The Lane Bryant commercial featured plus model Ashley Graham in Cacique, the store's line of lingerie. Yes, Ashley Graham isn't a stick thin model toting underwear, she's a gorgeous size 16 woman - so where's the issue? It seems like certain channels had refused to air the commercial unless it subjects itself to heavy editing. Are network TV channels afraid of size? When I heard about this I just couldn't believe it - I mean seriously? What's the real reason? Another network showed the ad on Wednesday, but the fact that this ad was refused in the 1st place boggles my mind.

When are folks just going to get it... the average woman is a double digit size and eventually that "average woman" is going to want to see her images more like herself in the mainstream media. Why are people STILL so reluctant to show curves?

video courtesy of Lane Bryant.

Article via NY Post: Banned-ad model


I'd love to know your thoughts on this, do you think this ad is any racier than ads that we see on TV? Do you think that TV execs are apprehensive to represent all sizes on TV? What do you think the reason is?

Let's talk...

~Luvin' My Curves

Ask LMC: I can't wear what they wear

Hey Folks!

Today's question is a very interesting one. I'm usually pretty good at responding, but for this question I really needed to think a bit because it's a question that's been asked many times and there really is no clear answer.

S. from Mobile, Alabama asks "I love to read all the different plus size fashion blogs that are out right now. But there's something that bothers me -some can shop in straight size stores. I'm short, a size 26 and I can't adapt to the idea of making things that normally don't fit me, fit. I can't do that for two reasons- I refuse to pay money for clothes that don't fit me, and aren't made for me and two when I've tried to make it fit - it just doesn't work. I don't like when clothes look extremely tight or short on me, that doesn't work for me. I can't wear what they wear or maybe I just refuse to- what do you think?"


Hey S, this is a really good question - and depending on who you ask I'm sure you'd receive a different answer. There's no such word as "can't" so I think this all boils down to what YOU personally like for yourself. Everyone defines their own style and what works for them - so where one may like tight and short clothes, another may opt for pieces that "flow". I know of many ladies who are probably nodding their heads in agreement to your statement . I myself am not keen on shopping in straight size stores if I know that it will be a struggle to get pieces to fit, however I have become more willing to get creative and play with certain pieces by wearing them in different ways. I feel your frustration, as sometimes it's hard to visualize yourself in clothes in which the tag isn't in your size range or when you don't see it on a different body frame (in your case - short, over a size 20).

Like you, I'm not too keen on spending my money on clothes that I have to squeeze into - there are bills that need to be paid and other things that can be bought with that money- however that's just me. It takes time to know and work within your own fashion "comfort" zone - not everyone follows the "trends" if you don't want to buy clothes from straight sized stores then don't, it's ok!

Dressing for your body shape instead of focusing on your clothing size is VITAL ... what may fit you well may not fit another size 26 the same way. So my answer to your question is "DO YOU"... if you feel that you don't want to wear what others wear then don't worry about it, wear what works for you and makes you feel untouchable!


Do any of you feel the way S feels? Does the trend of wearing clothes that are not in your size range bother you? There's been alot of debate about this issue, so please speak your piece on this one...

FFF Week News :)

Morning!


The buzz is spreading and if you missed Full Figured Fashion Week™ last year then I would really love to see you this year! To make sure you're "in the loop" join the Full Figured Fashion Week™ facebook page here.

Full Figured Fashion Week™ 2010 is just around the corner (June will be here before you know it) and if you havn't heard by now plus-size supermodel Emme will be the host!!

via emmestyle.com

Cover Model Search ends April 29th - the gorgeous Teslyn Butler was the winner last year - will this year's winner be you? For more information on entering this year's contest please click here.


In other exciting news - I've been nominated for a FFFWeek™ 2010 Award for Plus Blog of the Year!!! I appreciate being nominated and would be through the moon if you voted for me! (pssst, click here)


~Luvin' My Curves

Reflections on 90 Days of No Shopping…

Good Morning!

So I made it 90 days without shopping for a darn thing. I'm proud of myself; because there were times when I really felt like I needed to shop. Last week on Day 90 I rejoiced a bit on Twitter and the main question I got back was "So when's the shopping spree?" - and to be honest I have no clue. I learned some things along the way and I'd like to share them with you:

1. I need a new hobby.
With no shopping,I found myself incredibly bored. Is this all I do? I questioned myself plenty of times as to how I exactly spent my time.

2. I saved money. The money I saved I applied to credit cards and student loans - it felt nice... sometimes. I also started to put some money away for a small vacation this summer :)

3. I wasted money.
I spoke on this when I reached the halfway mark. (read here)- but I can't stop thinking of how much money I've really spent on clothes.

4. I need to clean out my closets.
No seriously!

5. I AM able to pack for a 2 week trip overseas without shopping.
I've NEVER been able to do this before - I would go on a shopping frenzy before I left because I thought that I didn't have enough. By restricting myself this time around, I saw that I had more than enough to get through the trip.

6. I got creative.
By not being able to just go and get what I just knew I needed at the moment, I was forced to look through my closet to complete my outfits. I found things - as in I didn't know I had them, and I started putting pieces together that I hadn't thought of. I got so into making new outfits that I started taking pictures so that I wouldn't forget. Now that the 90 days are over, I will be extra vigilant in making sure I stay creative with my clothes - why keep buying if I know there's a gem in my closet waiting to be worn and used creatively, it's fun!

7. I appreciate all that I have.
And going back to South Africa definitely drove the point home even further. "Nothing is by chance"... I stop shopping, I go to South Africa and once again see the disparity between the have's and the have nots- I come back stateside and go into a state of deep reflection as to just HOW MUCH I have in all aspects of my life.

I'm shocked that I am not itching to shop now that I can - I have a better assessment of what's really in my closet so when I think of purchasing an item I think of what I already have. Besides for certain events on the horizon, anything I buy at this point will strictly be a desire. I'm hesitant to impulsively jump back into my old habits; as this challenge has made me realize so much more than I thought it would. Thanks for going along for the ride, I appreciated your encouragement!

Fulani Earrings, $17, Gold Coast Africa

How about these for my 1st post-90 days purchase?

What did you all think of my challenge? Did you think I went nuts? Do you think it's something you could do?