Plus Size Beauty Pageants Hit the UK

Beauty pageants are a huge thing in America, but are slowly on the increase in the UK.  A new series of plus size beauty pageants has begun, bringing exciting times for wanna be beauty queens called Miss Curvy UK.

Majestic Models and Casting Agency have launched the competition and are looking for ladies size 10 and above and aged between 18 and 55. The series of pageants will hold regional competitions across the UK before the big finale in London where Miss Curvy UK will be crowned. The first heat will be held in Merseyside followed by Greater Manchester, West Midlands, and London. More heats will be added to the schedule to be held this year and into next year.

Miss Curvy UK wants to promote a healthy body attitude and banish the thin ideal. Winners can expect to receive a modelling contract, a cash gift and many other fab prizes too. The event also hopes to raise lots of money for the charity Cash For Kids.

There have been other plus size beauty pageants in the UK which have all had great success. Some people may say that Miss Curvy UK is not a competition for the fuller figured woman as contestants can be a size 10, however we think that size 10’s competing alongside larger women is a positive move as it will demonstrate diversity and that all healthy sizes are acceptable.

Miss BBW International - Celebrating the Beauty of Curves

Following the success of Miss BBW United Kingdom, Miss BBW International has been launched to open up the competition to everyone worldwide.

The pageant is the brainchild of Linda Koch, who is plus size herself and well respected in the UK BBW community. Linda says "There are so many beautiful plus size women in the world and it is only fair to give them all the opportunity of winning this title".

Miss BBW International is a competition where plus size women can come together to celebrate their beauty in a non judgemental environment. Most importantly it aims to show that many plus size women are comfortable in their own skin, and don’t feel intimidated by pressure from the media to fit into a certain size pigeon hole to be deemed acceptable in society.

Larger women are often rejected by other beauty pageants and the organisers aim is to change the perception that you can only be beautiful if you are slim. They want to let the world know that it is possible to be plus size, intelligent, and beautiful.

Their site states “We at Miss BBW International do not encourage obesity we purely provide a platform for the plus size women of the world to showcase their beauty on the catwalk that has previously been reserved for our slimmer sisters!”

Kirstie Mouncey is an 18-year-old childcare worker from Hull. She is entering Miss BBW International to send out “out a positive message about feeling confident with who you are” and recently appeared on ITV’s This Morning alongside her boyfriend and the organiser of the Miss BBW International contest, Emma Walker.

She says that in the past she has tried to lose weight but never been able to. She said “I did it more because people were telling me to lose weight and there was lots of pressure to look a certain way. Obviously for health reasons if I needed to lose weight I would, because health is the most important thing, but then I just think if you love the way you are and you’re comfortable what’s the problem?”

Presenter Kate Thornton asked Emma Walker if the contest promoted obesity. Emma replied that it was important to encourage overweight people to feel confident: “A beauty pageant is a good place to show off yourself and be positive.”

The Grand Finale will be held in London on Saturday 10th November 2012 and be presented by well known plus size TV personality, Alison Hammond.

Sale Bargains to Brighten your Day

If the lack of Summer sun is getting you down we have just the thing to lift your mood. 


Curvety has launched the end of season sale early this year so you can brighten your day the retail therapy way and at a snippet of the original prices. 


There are amazing deals across many summer lines in sizes 16 to 36. It's the perfect opportunity to grab a last minute outfit for a special occasion or much anticipated holiday!!


Here are our favourite picks of the sale steals...


Amelia Dress - Beautifully feminine yet striking dress which will take you from day to night. The cotton/silk underlay is trimmed with lace which peeks below the sheer mesh overlay. Embroidered round neckline leads to flattering stitched flower design which runs down the entire front of the dress.


Was £129, Now £103.20


Bella Butterfly Top - A versatile top in the most stunning butterfly print which is sure to brighten up your wardrobe. The gathered neckline can be worn on or off shoulder giving many options for day or night. Lined ruffle bottom is paired with flared sleeves. Try cinching the waist with a belt for an alternative look.


Was £105, Now £84


Shelley Cardigan - Stunningly soft and lightweight, this wrap style longer length cardigan will see you stylishly through any occasion. Can be worn in a number of ways, as seen in the picture with the longer front panels buttoned up. Or you can use the one button closure at the front which creates a waterfall effect with a longer panel, perfect for creating a flattering silhouette on the fuller figure. This is paired with a fashion hood and scarf style tie neck, pockets & full length sleeves which are fitted from the elbow.


Was £78, Now £62.40

Summer Maxi Dress Madness

The Summer has finally arrived and with it a noticeable splash of colour on the streets as women all over the Country shake out their Summer dresses & strappy sandals in celebration!

I love this time of year, Summer is in the air and everyone is high spirited  - it's amazing what a bit of sun can do for the general mood. With so much to celebrate this Summer it's definitely time to treat yourself to a new Summer wardrobe essential - and we recommend one of our fabulous new maxi dresses to make sure you are ready for all of the parties and celebrations.

If you want to add a splash of colour to your wardrobe then the Adeola Or Kiyomi are perfect. Both are full length maxi dresses which can be dressed up or down for any occasion and will guarantee you stand out in a crowd at special events. Both available in plus sizes 16 to 36 to rock those curves.

If pattern inst your thing then the new Charlize mazi dress may be more your thing. Available in watermelon or black and available in plus sizes 16 to 32.

Whatever killer outfit you choose for your Summer celebrations, enjoy!

Curvety Stocks New Designer Collection

We are very excited to announce a new designer collection now available at Curvety. Que is a Danish brand offering on trend quality womens fashion in plus sizes 16 to 34. This new collection is available online in the UK exclusively at Curvety.com.

We have a number of new styles in now, such as the stunning Gracie Dress, pictured, which features delicate bead embroidered flower detailing on a chiffon shift dress which falls perfectly on the curvier figure. We will be adding more new styles from the designer very shortly, so watch this space!

What do you think?

Official (Well Kinda) Curvy Women Are SEXY!

A US based plus size store have undertaken a survey which shows that women think curvier celebrities are sexier and have the best fashion sense.

The survey asked 10,000 women questions about fashion and body-image and although the majority of women spend their time aspiring to unrealistic body forms, it turns out that they actually think that curvier is better!
36% of women said that Marilyn Monroe was the sexiest celebrity and wished they had her body, followed closely by Beyonce Knowles, Sofia Vergara and Kim Kardashian.

Results for Sexiest Celebrity -

Marilyn Monroe: 36%
Beyonce Knowles: 24%
Sofia Vergara: 20%
Kim Kardashian: 11%
Gwyneth Paltrow: 6%
Katie Holmes: 5%
Christina Hendricks: 4%
Blake Lively: 2%

Although  more evenly spread, it seems that the majority also think that the more curvy celebs dress better too...
Results for Best Fashion Sense -

Kim Kardashian: 20%

Beyonce Knowles: 19%
Marilyn Monroe: 18%

Gwyneth Paltrow: 18%

Katie Holmes: 14%

Sofia Vergara: 11%
Blake Lively: 4%
Christina Hendricks: 3%


Plus size model Katie Green, talked about the results - "How refreshing to find a survey that actually shows that curvier women are more desirable. Marilyn Monroe set the standard all the way back in the 50's, and I'm glad that peoples perception’s haven't changed! Well done OneStopPlus on highlighting this, as I feel this sort of public information will make a significant contribution to women's health.''

Well, it's no surprise that curvy women have upped the anty in the style stakes with such luscious fashion now available in plus sizes from companies like Curvety!

Hair Salon for Curvy Clients

Now this subject should cause some debate!

Bashar Brown, a British hair stylist, has opened Hair By Bashar, a salon that caters to plus size clients who feel uncomfortable in mainstream salons.

"Increasingly, larger women were telling me how they hate going to the salon because they are filled with slim, glamorous women," Brown explained to the Daily Mail. "For them, it feels the same as walking into a gym full of ultra-fit people. They feel like everyone is staring at them."

So Brown has created a salon where larger women and men can feel comfortable getting their hair styled. This means extra large seats, gowns and hair-washing basins.

Brown says he sympathises with curvier clients because he used to be overweight. Now he wants to make those who feel uncomfortable with their bodies glamorous when it comes to beauty.

I find myself with mixed opinions on this one. Being pampered at the hair salon is one of the lovely luxury rituals that most women look forward to. I think its admirable that Bashar is attempting to create this environment for people who may not have enjoyed the process in the past. BUT... why should the more voluptuous of us feel uncomfortable in the same salon as our slimmer counterparts? Doesn't this go against everything that we are fighting for, ie, to not be judged by size, shape, age etc?

Heres hoping for a world where we can all share a salon/gym or any other public place without judgement or discomfort.

What do you think?

Heart Stopping Valentine Day Fashion

I can't quite believe it's less than 3 weeks to that most special of nights, when romance blooms & love is in the air - Valentines!

Whether on a first date, a night out with that special person in your life, or a girly night on the tiles, you are sure to want to look your best. So here are some head turning outfit ideas which are guaranteed to get that special someones pulse racing.


Lady in Red
Sultry, sensual & synonymous with Valentines day, no other colour speaks of love and passion in quite the same way. Red is the color of love, and on Valentine’s Day nothing can beat the magic and charm of a red dress.

Top red dress picks in sizes 16 to 36 -

Luscious in Lace

The perfect look to ooze sophistication on this most special of nights out. Lace speaks of class & elegance & is guaranteed to sweep that special someone off their feet.

Top lace dress picks in sizes 16 to 36 -  

Passionate in Purple

The colour of intrigue, purple is the perfect hue to create an air of mystery & excitement on a first or early date. Universally flattering to the majority of skin tones, you are sure to wow in passionate purple. 

Top purple dress pick in sizes 16 to 36 - 



Whatever you do this Valentines day make it a fabulous fun filled evening. 

Just As Beautiful

Britain has launched a new magazine: Just as Beautiful - the first glossy magazine devoted to plus size women.

“Just As Beautiful” has been created to give plus size women what they want, hundreds of surveys were sent out to their audience to find out what they wanted to read. It showed that many people wanted the same as a regular woman’s magazine should give, without knocking their self confidence.

The editors of “Just As Beautiful” have promised to only include ‘real’ women no smaller then a size 14, also completely ignoring diet tips and that no airbrushing will be used on any of the models images.

This magazine is aimed at women between a size 14 to 20 and will not use models who are slimmer than its target audience. It gives readers the chance to read more about plus sized celebrities, fashion, entertainment, real life stories and modeling and how to get involved.

This is not about ‘fat’ women it’s about naturally curvaceous women and how to come to terms with loving your body no matter what. There are amazing tips in the magazine to help finding the right sort of clothing and where to purchase it.

The editor Ms Thomason (who is a size 18 herself), worked on her body image for years, explained that one of their mission statements is to “Help end the current harsh visual obsession suffered by curvier women.”

“Appearance need to be rethought and placed firmly back where it belongs - in the entertainment section of your life, along with fashion and make up.”

If you feel anxious about your looks instead of being relaxed, it’s a sure sign that you need to change your mind and not your body.”

By Kelsey Knowles

Paris Fashion Week Presents Beth Ditto for Jean-Paul Gaultier

Gossip singer Beth ditto strutted down Paris’s catwalk this week for Jean-Paul Gaultier modelling once again two of his beautiful dresses. Beth also sung at the fashion show and received huge applause. The invitation card for Jean-Paul stated the aim was to show beauty between XXS and XXL.

The plus sized diva who designs her own range of clothing for British retailer Evans opened and closed the shows this weekend.

However this is not the first time Jean-Paul has used plus sized women on his catwalk during a fashion week. Models such as Velvet d’Amour and Johanna Dray did this for Jean-Paul 10 years ago.

The sized 26 star has become a fashion icon and is a regular guest at Paris, London, New York and Milan fashion shows.

Beth Ditto strutted down the run way modelling a 3D JPG dress made for this year, while the audience wore 3D glasses to appreciate the full effect of the dresses print.

To show that Ditto mattered JPG wore a gossip T-shirt as Beth greeted him on stage with a glass of champagne.

So is this just a one off or is the world finally ready to embrace fully figured fashion. We’ll just have to wait until next season.

By Shaniece Aldred.

Love your body day!

On the 22nd – 24th October an annual event that encourages women to 'speak out against advertisements and images of women that are harmful, offensive, disrespectful and demeaning' is being held in New York.


Love your body day is a day to promote self acceptance and positive body images. The National Organization for Women (NOW) first launched the event in 1998, to help women accept themselves and feel good about their bodies, regardless of the size or shape.

The president of Hollywood now is Chenese Lewis. The first women to ever be crowned “Miss Plus America in 2003”. Since then she has become advocate for all body images and boosting self esteem. Chenese is also known for being the ambassador for the Binge eating disorder association. (BEDA).

“I’m promoting Healthy Is Beautiful. It’s not a weight. It’s not a size. It’s not a number. It’s a state of mind. It’s a state of well-being.”
Headlining “love your body day” is Whitney Thompson who is the spokesperson for the National Eating disorder association. (NEDA). She also was the only plus sized woman to win America’s next top model in 2008 wining a contract with Elite Model Management, a $100,000 contract with Cover Girl cosmetics and a six-page spread and cover in Seventeen Magazine. The lucky model will be the star guest for the big event.
“All women to be at one with their bodies”.

"I want to support those people affected and their families and I want to help people identify and resist the social stereotypes and images that lead to unhealthy behavioral patterns”.

At the event there will be a lot of entertainment from a Launch party, a festival, a comedy show and also a body/image panel discussion.

You can follow “love your body day” on Facebook, Twitter & MySpace.

http://www.loveyourbody.com/


Kelsey & Shaniece - Curvety.com

An Evening of Diversity

Curvety was very excited to be  involved in the launch party for Models of Diversity, an organisation fighting back against discrimination in the modelling industry.

The success of the first fundraiser showed how much good will there is behind the campaign, and the true beauty that is real women in the UK.

Held at The Millennium Hotel in Knightsbridge, models proved their beauty and expertise on the catwalk. Models of colour, mature models, models with disabilities & plus size models each took their turn on the catwalk. The plus size models were styled in dresses supplied by Curvety.com.

Guests included David Guest, some of the cast of skins & some newly famous big brother faces. Kelly Knox, winner of "Britains missing top model" also graced the catwalk looking absolutely amazing.

Hats off to the team behind the evening, it was a great success and the Curvety staff enjoyed being involved very much!

Picture: The Curvety team - Malina, Kelsey & Shaniece, with Queen, plus size model and organiser of the plus size catwalk.

An Evening of Diversity - Plus Size Fashion Show

Curvety is very pleased to have been asked to be involved in "An Evening of Diversity", a fashion show and fundraising event which celebrates the female form in its many and varied forms.

This fundraiser and fashion show is hosted by Models of Diversity and promises to be a fantastic night of entertainment. It will bring together celebrities, wags, models, designers, and the fashion elite with live performances and a catwalk show with a difference.

Loads of celebrities and press are already confirmed. The night will consist of a fashion event featuring 5 catwalk shows divided into sections, each with 5 models or more... this will include disabled, mature, and plus size models, including 5 world-class models (such as Kelly Knox, winner of Britain's Missing Top Model), with opening and closing bands for entertainment.

As part of the show Curvety will be featuring some of its lines in a plus size catwalk show so its definitely not one to miss!

Tickets are £20, which includes champagne and canapés on arrival, plus a spectacular goodie bag and can be purchased here - http://www.modelsofdiversity.org/event/

Check out the event on youtube.

CURVES TO BE FASHIONS NEXT BIG THING!

Model, Angelica Gray flew to Milan last month for a photo shoot for Vogue Curvy, an off-shoot of Vogue Italia.

To everyone who doesn’t believe that being bigger than a size 0 can make it big, you’re wrong.

Model Angelica Gray has recently been photographed for Vogue. The lucky 19 year old has the option to become the face of Britain’s biggest high-street brands!

All around the world people are judged for not being a size 0, however being curvier is becoming THE healthier look.

"The fact that a size 12 is seen as 'plus size' when it's just normal is unhealthy in its own right," he said. "We absolutely need more normal-looking women like Angelica out there.”

DR Alex Yellowlees, head clinician at the Glasgow priory.

The fashion world has been hit with a lot of negative publicity in recent years for its use of size zero models on catwalks and in magazines. Yet, plus size model Crystal Renn has appeared on the pages of US Vogue. While British designer Mark Fast sent size 12 and size 14 models down the runway during his London Fashion week show in February of this year.

"The profile for plus size is definitely rising and there is more interest within the fashion industry. Girls like Angelica are proving that curvier models can be just as beautiful as a slimmer model and can work equally well in high fashion clothing."

Victoria Allison, model booker at Model Team.

It’s good to see a rise in real woman being on the front pages of our magazines and being respected for their curves!

By Kelsey Knowles, Curvety.com

Channel 4 Need You - The Sex Education Show

Ever fancied being a part of a TV show?

If so, here's your chance. We have been contacted to see if we can help find participants for a new series of "The Sex Education Show" which is looking to talk to plus size couples about their relationships. If you think you can help here's how...

"Channel 4’s ‘The Sex Education Show’ is now in its third series. As part of the new series we are producing a series of features called ‘it’s okay to be different’. During this feature we are producing a piece celebrating plus sized love and are trying to find out what men and woman prefer about the curvier, larger figure.

We are looking for a plus-sized couple, over the age 18, who may be interested in featuring in an interview during the programme discussing everything about sex & relationships."

If you're interested please contact Marcus on - 0208 222 4886 or at the following email address marcus.english (at) endemoluk.com

Let the Fat Bashing Begin

The film "precious" has been a big hit & plus size star Gabourey Sidibe has received much praise for the role with oscar nominations to boot, she looked amazing in a beautiful marchesa gown on the night.

With every rise comes a fall in the world of celebrity, and unfortunately it was only a matter of time before the fat bashing began.

Howard Stern, a top US presenter has publically been so rude about Sidibe that I cannot bare to repeat it, but the general consensus of his outburst is that she has no future, as what other role could possible suit her. Fortunately he has already been proven wrong as Sidibe is already lined up for a number of new roles & I am sure has a great future ahead of her.

I have also heard rumours of a diet pill company contacting Sidibe, asking her to use their product to lose weight. Now, if she WANTS to lose wieght then that's fine, and completely down to her, but why is it presumed that she cannot possible be happy as she is?

I've said it before, and no doubt will say it again, but why is it still ok to prejudice because of weight when no other type of prejudice is (quite rightly) acceptable? Would Stern have been so forthright with his opinion had he been talking about an actor with a disability for example?

How will it ever be possible for "normal" to become the norm on our screens when there is such a backlash to anything which represents this. Why should all leading ladies look like Angelina Jolie - is this real?

Goks Fashion Fix Search for Roadtesters

If, like me, you are a fan of Gok Wan you will no doubt have seen Goks Fashion Fix, the fab fashion show with great advice. Last season featured a group of plus size women testing out various items of clothing from the high street, including jeans from Curvety.

Well, a new series is underway and Gok is in search of a new team of lovely ladies to test the latest high street fashions. For this series they are looking for women who are all a similar shape, so a group of friends or colleagues who are all blessed with big boobs or all over 6ft tall for example.

Think you fit the bill? Then give the fashion fix team a shout...

goksroadtesters@endemoluk.com

Is Fashion Finally Embracing Curves?

Could 2010 be the year that fashion finally accepts curves?

Well early signs indicate a swing in the right direction with US V magazine dedicating an entire issue to the wonders of the curvy figure.

"The Size Issue" which is out on the 14th January, comprises of a high fashion photo shoot using no less than 5 stunning plus size models. Norwegian fashion photographer, Solve Sundsbo, has shot these luscious curvy models in figure hugging Agent Provocateur bodysuits, Cut out Gucci swimsuits, Dolce & Gabbana lingerie, and even a sexy nude shot!


Sundsbo said: "I loved the opportunity to show that you can be beautiful and sexy outside the narrow interpretations that normally define us."

Models used in the shoot include Tara Lynn, Kasia P, Candice Huffine, Marquite Pring & Michelle Olson - some well known faces in the plus size modelling world & used by brands such as Kiyonna, which is available in the UK at Curvety.

It seems the fashion world is slowly making progress and accepting different body shapes. It will be a long time before size zero is not the norm on our catwalks but a step in the right direction none the less. Lets see is any UK magazines follow suit and brave the joy of curves!



V magazine on sale 14th january - www.vmagazine.com

Must Have Style for Curvy Women

As the evenings draw in and the temperature starts to drop there is always one thing that cheers me up - shopping!

It's that time of year when the fab new Autmn/ Winter styles are hitting the shops and a bit of retail therapy is sure to brighten the most gloomy of days.

As always, Curvety have some luscious examples of this seasons hottest styles, all in plus sizes to ensure curvy women everywhere stay one step ahead of the game on the fashion front.

Basic season essentials -

Jeggings

The jean style legging is a wardrobe essential this A/W. Designed to replicate skinny jeans without the bulk, jeggings were definitely designed with the curvier lady in mind. Perfect for dressing up or down with this seasons hot layered look, this is one piece you can't be without.

Teal & Purple

The two hot colours to inject into your winter wardrobe will be sure to add a bit of glamour to your day. The penny purple knit dress is the perfect example of how to find wearable style which will make you look like you have just stepped off the catwalk.

Chunky knits

As the UK is not famed for its winter weather it's fortunate that one of the key looks this season is knitwear, however 09/10 style sees the look taken to the next level. perfect for layering (and keeping warm!!), we love the pippy jade knit cardi.

More styles not to be missed this season....

Animal print - Back with avengance and more imagiation than ever. Check out the vray animal print top.

Houndstooth - Inject some glamour into your winter wardrobe. We love this houndstooth jacket.

Checks - For casual chic, check print is an essential look this season. Check out the caley check top.

A few flexible key pieces will ensure an Autumn/ Winter wardrobe to be proud of without spending a fortune so pick wisely and you will look fab all season.

HUGE SUMMER SALE CONTINUES

It's the perfect time to grab a bargain with many summer sales in full swing. Curvety's huge summer sale means you can update your wardrobe at a fraction of the cost without the stress and hassle of fighting for bargains on the high street!

Just visit their website at Curvety.com, where you will find steals like these....

Top was £28, now £21
Capri jeans were £36, now £18

Top was £28, now £21
Shorts were £36, now £18

Many more bargains to be had so don't miss out!