Lizzie Haines, who was named the plus-size model of the year by lingerie firm Curvy Kate, feels incredibly happy and proud of her curvy figure now. But it hasn’t always been like that. When she was younger her peers used to demoralize her with cruel remarks about her body making the girl feel ‘fat and frumpy’ and wear baggy clothing to cover her shape.

She said:

I was a later bloomer. When my boobs came in, boy did they come in. There is a sort of stigma. It seems acceptable that people can talk about your boobs. People would yell at me in the street. I was brought to tears. It can be really destructive. There is a fine line. I have never dressed provocatively. I never showed off my cleavage. Most of the time I got attention I was covered up. The clothes I had to wear did not fit well. Everything hung from my boobs, which made me feel really fat and frumpy.”

I wouldn’t walk with my back straight because it looked like I was showing off my boobs and being arrogant so instead I slumped and walked with my arms across my chest.”

Now, at the age of 31, the self-employed wedding photographer is confident parading her size 14 body and 32H bust down the catwalk. She has beat 400 other contestants in the annual Star in a Bra competition and got her crown.

Lizzie Haines said it was just a whim that made her enter the competition, but she surely has no regrets of doing that.

She said:

I entered the competition on a whim last year. It was a turning 30 crazy act. I just thought what the heck, I’ll go for it. It’s been really great. To begin with it was really surreal. Standing in your pants was not something I thought I would ever do.”

Lizzie Haines received 64,000 votes and was awarded with the Plus Size Model of the Year accolade at the 100 per cent people Plus Size Awards 2011.

Talking about how much it meant to her to win the competition Lizzie said:

At 31, it is a real level of acceptance. I have no idea where it will take me but 2011 has been a year of highs.”

The story of Lizzie’s success tells us once again that we should love ourselves no matter how we look. Lizzie had had hard time hating her own body but she finally realized she could no longer live like that. We should learn the lesson from her mistakes.

Of course I am in no way trying to say you should eat like a horse and spend your whole day in front of TV. Work on your body, think of a healthy diet and do sports, you will even feel better. But never ever let anyone bring you down. Love and respect yourself.

One more thing to mention here… I would like to warn everyone of you who teases and bullies a person in your class, school or whatever: he or she can become someone much more important and influential than you and you will feel proud of the fact you’ve been acquainted. Think of that, life puts everybody in the place he or she deserves.

• Lizzie Haines
• size 14 model
• size 14 body
• size 14 models
• plus size models crowns
• size plus models
• 32h boobs
• lucy moore model
• plus size modeling
• plus size model surreal

First of all you should know that maxi dress is any dress that flows to your ankles or below and there are lots of interesting designs for every taste, even the most particular one. You can opt for a clinging style to show off your waist or find a strapless gown to emphasize your bust. There are many options you might want to try.

Flatter your shape. The most important thing to remember is that bigger is not better. A plus-size shape doesn’t want to be fully covered up. Baggy clothing never looks good. Just find a dress that fits you, that is neither tight nor loose. Or you can try a belt that always works perfectly. Have your belt monotone and avoid overly shiny metals. Put the belt on just above your waist (preferably placed high on the waist) or at the thinnest part of your torso.

Find the neckline that looks great. Actually necklines can do miracles with bust. By wearing a V-neck you’ll look leaner and your bust will be the center of attention (that’s great if you want to drive attention away from your butt). A round or square neckline will show your breast more modestly.

Experiment with colors and prints. Plus-size dresses often come in a variety of prints that is fantastic because prints focus the eye on themselves which means your problem areas will be less noticeable. Your figure allows you to choose nearly any print – big and bold or small and romantic. You will look good in prints anyway. Animal patterns and military prints will work, too.

Choose the color that flatters you. Of course you know which colors look pretty on you (you don’t have to be a fashion expert to see this). So, just find a few plus-size dresses that you think look interesting and try them on. To stay on the safe side you can go for neutral and slimming hues like black (that doesn’t have to be the only option!!!), dark brown, olive green and navy.

Accessorize! Accessories are essential for every outfit because they add finishing touches that you lack with wearing only clothes. Find a necklace to accentuate your bust. If you are tall opt for large and long necklaces, big rings and wide-brimmed hats. Shorter ladies should go for smaller items respectively. You might wish to add a brooch or another statement piece – that will be a good idea, but remember to not overload you look!

All these pieces of advice are helpful and they really work because I always help my curvy friends to choose clothing. But they are nothing if you don’t add your imagination and fashion sense. You should always keep your style in mind. Think of something that will make you look unique!

• Plus Size fashion
• flattering dress styles for plus size women
• big size fashion
• evening dress for plus size women
• plus size maxi dress
• maxi designs
• dress plus size
• plus size fashion dresses
• dresses for plus size girls
• fashion plus size

Christina Hendricks

The focal point of AMC’s Mad Men this curvy red head draws a lot of luring eyes whenever she steps on screen as her character Joan Harris (née Holloway).
She is reported to have had trouble in the past finding designer dresses for her size 14 frame, because most couture designers only lend out sizes 0 and 2.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe is a classic American sex symbol, but did you know she was also a size 12?
She is an icon of style, fashion, sexiness and a symbol for natural and beautiful bodies.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique really does do it all, she is an actress, comedienne and all around role model for bigger girls who are proud of their body image. She knows how to flatter her curves with the right garments.

Khloe Kardashian

No one is actually sure what Khloe Kardashian does,
but she is in Hollywood, she’s plus size and she is a hottie. I wonder where she buys that pretty plus-size clothing she wears.

Jennifer Coolidge

You might know her for her role as Mrs. Stiffler in the comedy sex romp American Pie or for her fantastic performance in Best in Show.
Jennifer Coolidge has proven herself as a power house plus sized actress with style to boot.

Kathleen Turner

Kathleen Turner, with her full figure and husky voice, was a sex symbol who demanded attention for her performances in films like Body Heat.
Although she a little past her prime and doesn’t go out as much as she used to, when she does, she is dressed to the nines.

Toccara Jones

Toccara was at one time the 7th place contestant on America’s Next Top Model but has since blossomed into a full time plus size model.
Being extremely successful with her top notch style and full figured curves, she has graced the covers of numerous fashion and men’s magazines.

Anna Nicole Smith

Although her last days weren’t her most glamorous, during the mid-90′s, this plus sized beauty was on everyone’s top ten list.

America Ferrara

The Ugly Betty star got her start in the fantastic independent film Real Women Have Curves
and has been a public advocate of women’s body image issues. Her sense of style is flawless.

Nikki Blonsky

This vivacious actress and singer is best known for her starring role as Tracy Turnblad in the in the 2007 remake of Hairspray.

• marilyn monroe size
• plus size hotties
• joan harris
• what size was marilyn monroe
• marilyn monroe size 14
• plus size actresses in hollywood
• plus size hollywood stars
• mad men red head
• nikki blonsky
• marilyn monroe dress size

The campaign ‘Curves ahead!’ features five plus-size models demonstrating us their curvy bodies. The women look good and happy with their lives. They aren’t afraid to show their imperfect bottoms, love handles and other stuff we always try to hide.

Some pictures show models dressed fashionably and some feature them almost nude or completely nude.

The models look good but I don’t think their bodies are to show this way. This isn’t the healthy size. In my opinion, the women need to lose weight.

Speaking about celebrity figures I would say Scarlett Johansson is the most perfect example of a healthy-sized woman. She is slim enough and has curves.

In modelling industry Lara Stone can be described as a healthy-sized model and her shape should be a goal to reach for ordinary women.

• curves
• scarlett johansson curves
• curvy body
• photoshoot ideas for women
• love handles women
• curvy bodies
• photoshoot ideas for teenagers
• curves ahead
• scarlett johansson height and weight
• celebrity curves

This time it’s Crystal Renn who opens up a new page with the photo shoot for V magazine. She is photographed together with the rising star Jacquelyn Jablonski.

The girls are both 5ft 9in tall and have long straight black hair but that’s all that is similar between them. Jacquelyn is 17 and very skinny, just like any other conventional model of nowadays. And Crystal, 23, is a famous plus-size model.

The shoot is intended to show people that plump girls can look as beautiful and hot as thin ones wearing the same clothes.

As it turned out Renn, who is a curvy size 16, looks as nice and sexy as Miss Jablonski. Both girls wear tribal-inspired outfits by high-fashion designers including Ralph Lauren, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana.

The pictures which were taken by top fashion photographer Terry Richardson, are the latest in a series of campaigns for designers and magazines to use models of different ages and body shapes.

In September we all saw British designer Mark Fast showcasing his creations on skinny models together with ones of a healthier size. The show caused a lot of controversy.

Crystal Renn tries to promote the idea of using curvier models at catwalks and making larger sizes of clothes. She has written a book detailing her own battle with the modelling industry, and the presssure to be thin. The book has already been received warmly by the public. It is entitled Hungry: A Young Model’s Story of Appetite, Ambition and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves.

Current sample sizes that models are all expected to fit into are ridiculous – a US size zero or British size 4 is the standard. They should go up to a British size 16. I’m not saying all models should be size 16, but bigger dresses can be pinned and adjusted, while tiny size zero clothes can’t really be changed. It means all these models starve themselves, like I did, to fit them.’

Recent events prove Renn’s idea is to be considered. This year two models have died from anorexia. Something has to be changed.

But zero size rein is difficult to destroy. Just last month Kate Moss added more fuel to the debate saying her motto is: ‘Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.’ Besides, this week Selfridges, a huge retailer in Britain, dropped plus-size fashion line Marina Rinaldi.

Well, being skinny myself it’s really hard for me to say something againt zero size models, but Renn does look good. What do you think about the shoot and the zero-plus-size-controversy?

• crystal renn
• jacquelyn jablonski
• size 16
• jacqueline jablonski
• jacquelyn jablonski crystal renn
• crystal renn before and after
• tribal outfits
• Crystal renn jacquelyn jablonski
• tribal inspired fashion
• tribal inspired clothing

Selfridges have announced they no longer offer the Marina Rinaldi range, which includes sizes from 14 to 26. As a result, the largest size a woman can get now is 16, or 18 in some fashion lines, though those are scarce.

The retailer explains the decision stating that the ‘company does not believe larger lady customers, who often struggle to find clothes in their size, are good for its image’. This means that now plenty of women might be feeling hurt as they aren’t good for the image of Selfridges.

While Selfridges refuses to dress their larger customers other retailers seem to recognize modern people’s needs better. For example, in 2005 Topshop chiefs admitted the necesity to ‘inflate their sizes in order to cope with the fact that Britain’s young women are ‘blossoming’’. The same thing was done by Marks & Spencer.

The new policy of Selfridges immediately provoked huge discussions among ordinary people and fashion executives.

Cheryl Hughes, who runs plus size modelling agency Hughes Models, said:

Half the country need size 16 or bigger. It’s disgusting that Selfridges won’t sell them.’

What do you think about the news?

• marina rinaldi summer2012
• selfridges
• selfridges larger sizes
• why did selfridges stop selling \plus size\ clothes what is the reason for this

The British actress commented the growing popularity of plus-sized models:

I sincerely believe that that’s more beautiful than someone who is poker-thin. I really do.”

Sienna even said she would love to have more curves herself:

I would love to have boobs to go with my hips, but I don’t,” she says. “That’s just not the way the cookie crumbled.”

The actress who is currently performing on Broadway in After Miss Julie, told about her own experience as a model.

Before she started acting she found work posing at photo shoots.

She complains:

I was, like, the short, funny one that they booked to make the other girls laugh and to make them look taller.”

The photo shoot for Elle Canada January 2010 issue graces gorgeous plus-size model Crystal Renn. She looks fresh and healthy. Her curves do look nice and I’m sure there are lots of men who adore her shape more than skinny models’ ones.

The shoot is named ‘Ring The New year With High Glamour Frills, Feathers Sequins And Dazzling Diamonds’. I like the theme of Christmas and New Year popping everywhere. It creates holiday atmosphere and expectance of something magic, like in childhood.

Crystal looks fabulous at the pictures wearing clothes from Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Robert Rodriguez, Hermes, Kate Spade, and others. Shoes come from famous Manolo Blahnik.

The garments are embellished with crystals and sequins adding holiday glamour. The list of beautiful accessories include: long earrings, chic necklaces, rings and bracelets, luxury headwear, fabulous clutches, sexy fishnets, etc.

The model is featured enjoying herself at the party, drinking wine, relaxing on a sofa – doing what we all do during winter holidays. I can’t wait to start celebrating!

Photographers: Leda & St. Jacques

• elle models
• crystal renn skinny
• crystal renn thin
• elle accessories
• crystal renn elle canada
• Accessories elle
• elle christmas
• crystal renn skinny pictures
• Crystal Renn elle
• crystal renn january vogue 2010

You might want to shed a few pounds before the wedding and it is a good decision but don’t let yourself starve as this can spoil your mood and make you too nervous. What is much better is to look through lots of catalogues and online stores that offer dresses to every taste, finances and shapes. A plus-size bride can and should look fabulous at the altar.

Now let’s talk about what the dress can be like to make the most of your curves.

First of all, forget about hugely puffy wedding dresses which were fashionable in the 70-80s. They look cute but not on big girls.You may think it is the best for you as it can cover all those bulges you’d like to hide. But while your full arms are hidden under balloon sleeves and heavy bottom covered by a voluminous skirt you, as a whole, will look even bigger than you are. Is that really what you want? Of course not. So, stay away from cute princess-like puffy dresses with lots of lace, layers and balloon sleeves; unfortunately they aren’t for you.

Besides, steer cleer of mermaid and sheath dresses, those which accentuate attention on hips much.

Plus-size girls look good in dresses that have a trapeze silhuette, without too much volume and details. Fabric should cling to the body but not pull in too tight. Avoid shining materials. They create the illusion of a bigger form.

Plumpness can be different. If one woman suffers from a wide waist, another one can worry about her big bust and heavy bottom. All these problems can be solved if you know how to flatter you body.

If you have full arms and shoulders and a big breast, dresses with tight-fitting long sleeves and square neck are to avoid. What will look good on you is a wide V-neck which will make your neck look longer and bust smaller. Choose sleeves that are long and bell-shaped starting from the elbow (a bit higher than that or a little lower) or short loose sleeves. If the dress comes without sleeves try a lacy bolero or a tippet. Bustier models are not the best decision.

If you have a wide waist, try to shift the focus to the bust or hips. If the hips are beautiful and not too big opt for a mermaid dress. Another decision can be a flower attached to the bodice to accentuate the bust area. A dress with diagonal wrap over or waist drapery will be nice as well, as it hangs down to your hips and breaks the width of the midriff.

In case the waist is too big corset can work, but wearing it means you will hardly feel comfortable at the wedding ceremony. Empire-waist dresses can be good options too.

To draw attention from your problem areas try embroidery or insets in contrast colors from the color of your dress.

Bottom part needs just a little correction as wedding dress nearly always comes with at least a bit puffy skirt. Mermaid dress is the worst what you can choose in case you have huge hips. An empire dress will smooth the disbalance between your hips and the waist.

I hope these tips are enough for you to make your choice. But our tips are just tips that will help you create a leaner silhouette. You might want to try something different, not mentioned here or even said to stay away from. Everything depends on your choice. It is your day and you must feel confident in whatever you choose. All brides say they FEEL their dress as soon as they see it. Maybe you will understand it too. If you do, forget about all the tips and advice. Make your own choice!

• plus size wedding dresses
• wedding dresses for plus size women
• plus size dresses
• wedding dresses for fat girls
• wedding kiss
• wedding dresses for big women
• wedding dresses for big girls
• wedding gowns for plus size women
• WEDDING DRESSES FOR LARGER WOMEN
• wedding dresses plus size

Now plus size ladies can get delighted as Full-Figured Fashion Week has been started. It is in progress now, to be precise, today is the last day of the fashion week. (24-27 June)

It took five years to organize, but, at last, arrived in New York yesterday. Designers are showing buyers and the press their clothes for plus-size women, and also take part in panels such as “The State of the Curvy Community.”

The main objective is to show the consumers and buyers that there are other designers out there,” organizer Gwen DeVoe said.

She also noted that plus-size women do care about looking good, and want something that is more attractive than tunics and jersey dresses.

Plus-size fashion has been developing pretty fast in recent years, though these is some drop of interest to this sphere at the moment explained by the fact economic downturn influences the ability of women to purchase clothes.

Anyway, I hope newly-opened Full-Figured Fashion Week will do a lot to increase the range of garments and variety of styles offered to plus-size women.

To know more about Full-Figured Fashion Week go to here >>

• 2010 full figure fashion
• 2010 full figured fashion highlights
• fashion trend for 2012 for full figured woman
• full figure summer fashion 2009
• full figured fashion
• full figured fashion week 2009
• full fiquered fashion week