“Fat.” A word, an idea, an example that we fear. Well, most of society that is. Somewhere out there, is a community of women that could care less what you think! Call it “disgusting,” “unhealthy,” “promoting obesity,” call it what you want. These ladies are ready to tell the world that, “Not all fat girls want to be skinny! Can you handle it? Does that just blow your mind!?”

They are the ladies of the TLC show “Big Sexy.” A television show that follows four larger than life, and larger than industry women through their daily endeavors. Exposing real accounts of “fat” girls in New York City’s life of fashion. The camera rolls through even their most vulnerable moments. Capturing real hardships from real women in an industry built on image.

What is it about being fat that frightens us so much? I’ve posted before with images and stories of plus-size women that really work it! Beth Ditto, Tess Munster, etc. This fueled quite the debate over how fat is too fat…? I got thinking about it, and realized how many other “problems” there are within our society. How so much of our living is based on the ideas of more, more, more…and bigger is better. Well, that is, as long as it isn’t your body.

How hypocritical! Our children are demolishing brain cells with excessive gaming, we are tapping the Earth dry, and our country is basically one big Wal-Mart. (ew!) Yet, a fat girl can’t be herself, because “it promotes an unhealthy message”…?

As a lady friend recently put it, “it’s not like we’re slappin’ up images of fat people scarfin’ down Mcdonald’s french fries. It’s about acceptance.” It is. It’s about realizing that we have personal freedom in this land. We actually have the choice to be who we wanna be, and look how we see fit. Now we just have to teach each other that is okay. Be skinny, be fat, be everything in between, whatever. Most importantly… be happy! With yourself, and with other’s choices. Especially when they don’t affect you.

These plus-size beauties say it, I think they are just trying to get one point across. “I’m me! Accept it!”

Some aren’t swallowing this idea as easily as others.

The article I recently read in Jezebel doesn’t quite agree with the message that the plus-size cast of Big Sexy is sending. Especially criticizing Plus Size Steals’ favorite Tiffany Bank’s tagline, “once you go big, you never go twig!”.  Now.. TLC has teased us, just 3 episodes, with this awesome new show “Big Sexy”, will we get more?  Or will the message be muted.. (Contact @TLC on twitter and let them know how you feel).

So tell me, in a world rolling in so many atrocities, what is it about “fatties” that really creeps under people’s skin? 

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Tags: Beth Ditto, big sexy, fashion, fat, fat girls, plus size, plus size fashion, tess munster, TLC

The punk singer/songwriter is iconic for her “wild” style. Her eyes transform into their own piece of art. Two unique geometric shapes or clean angles. Yet, she aims for comfort. Caught saying “I won’t wear heels and I don’t really wear pants-why wear pants when you could be wearing a muu muu?,” in an interview with Jezebel.com.

Beth has defined her own performance style.

When I see a photo of Mizz Ditto, I can feel her emotions -almost as clearly as my own. My skin shivers as I catch the smooth material flowing over my arms. I dream up the freedom that comes with caressing the stage in flats she designed herself. The heat of the spotlights compete with the sultry song pulsing through her body. Within 3 minutes of her dancing stage style, it is evident that she puts passion into everything she attempts. Creating her own serene musical environment. As well as in her laid back sense of fashion.

“ And I wanted to do a lot of things you’re always told not to wear if you’re big.” Says Beth Ditto in a very personal interview with The London Times. Not only does Beth pull off free flowing tops, and dresses. Ignoring any figure flattering suggestions that larger women are usually trying to abide. She defies all societal “rules” that are placed on plus-size women. If you type “Beth Ditto” into a search engine, you’re going to see her in the raw. She is not afraid to bare her body to the world, to journalists, to her own esteem. It is no phenomenon that Beth has created a successful career even as a plus-size lady in a skinny world of entertainment. If anything her size and blunt confidence have given her an advantage.

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Tags: Beth Ditto, fashion, jezebel, mary beth patterson, Music, plus size, plus size clothes, plus size clothing, singer, the london times

Halloween! (not to be confused with an Alexander McQueen runway show!) The only holiday in my book. A day with no expectations and no limitations. It’s that one recognizable day that we are truly free to be something or somebody else.

That is… unless you plan to dress up as Hitler. Really though, the day is nearing us. Creeper style.

I, for one, have been contemplating my costume. Hm…as of Halloween night, last year. Problem is, there are too many options nowadays. Many of them turned more sex appeal than actual creative reproductions. It seems like year after year, Halloween becomes just another excuse to dress up sexy and strut around in a meaningless ensemble. So, in no particular order, I’ve narrowed down some ideas into a list of my current top 10 plus size costume favorites! Some for the overzealous. Some for the easy.

10.To you, that may dress up as Beth Ditto…I bow to you.

9.

This one’s just funny!

8.

In the spirit of Hallows Eve.

7.

Plus size couples costumes? (I just had to) :]

6.

For the Telma in your Zelda dreams. [cosplay costumes are sooo good!]

5.

I don’t exactly know what this costume is…other than sexy! Either way…

4.

A preconstructed Steampunk costume? yes, please!

3.

I know it’s a lot to absorb and build, but given the resources I wouldn’t hesitate for a second. In fact, I don’t think there is a single costume idea from the musical “Wicked,” that I would deny!

2.

The only 3 words you ever need to know: Helena Bonham Carter! It doesn’t matter what character she plays, i will worship her for a lifetime. Another dauntless curvy woman I love.

1.

I don’t care who you are. If you don’t absolutely adore “Joan Holloway” from the t.v. show “Mad Men,” then we must have a serious sit down and some popcorn. Stat!

She’s confident, she’s crazy, curvy, and a whole lot of redhead. Plus, it takes only a few things to turn your anachronistic fashions into one sexy Joan. Here are the necessities. [After Barbie & Rick Moranis got a hold of them]

Sometimes it can be difficult to track down the “right” costume when you have curves. Get creative. Use your resources. Feel free to ask others. (Like me Most importantly…have fun!

Keep in touch as more plus size Halloween costumes appear, and this list gets narrowed down to a couple finalists. : }

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Tags: Beth Ditto, beth ditto costume, christina hendricks, costume ideas, curvy costumes, helena bonham carter, joan holloway, mad men, plus size, plus size costume ideas, plus size costumes

…”FAT!” I say. Just as my Aunt shooshes me with an, “at ta tah da.” As her hand slides up to separate these words from her two young daughters sitting next to me, she whispers, “we don’t say that word.” As if I had just made a slur, or deemed someone “mentally challenged,” in less favorable words.

So in a very matter of fact way, I make note that I was indeed, fat. I am fat.

Well…I prefer squishy. Regardless, I find it more offensive to tie an anvil to the 60% of the population that is overweight, and just throw them to the sea. Pretending that this group doesn’t exist, by removing the word from our mouths, and them from our thoughts.

 That is, until one of these plus-size beauties pops up in the media to represent the whole of us. Reminding humanity that this is what we look like. Not who we are.

The fashion industry is opening their door, more and more lately. Big time magazines are featuring “larger” models, and even shocking the world with spots on the cover. Yet, they are of course, flawless, thanks to over re-touching. They are more voluptuous than your typical straight size model, but still fit, and still photographed at their most flattering angle, to appear slender.

In many ways, this saddens me. Gives me hope at the same time, but breaks my heart for young girls and women, like myself. Women who still do not fit the mold that we see plastered over billboards, televisions, and magazines. Even if it is now including some plus-size ladies.

I have a difficult time as a plus-size model for this reason. I aspire to be out there, working. To be such a good model, that I’m constantly shooting, and showing other women that this body…this body is beautiful. This body is not fit, is not proportioned, does not include typical long hair, and seductive lips. This body is just as imperfect, and perfect as any other woman’s body, because that is what other females need to see in the media. To know that their bodies are ever changing, but in this moment, they are gorgeous! Maybe not as physically healthy as they are told to be, but sane, at the very least. That even after years of being saturated with weight-loss commercials, criticism, and a constant desire to be something that we are not…we can finally get a message of acceptance. So that we may accept ourselves, as we are, in this moment. Beautiful in our flaws, and loving in our every thought.

To Beth Ditto & Tess Munster….for living outside the box, and being damn good at it!

~ You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Enjoy every moment that comes, dear ladies. :]

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Tags: Beth Ditto, fashion, fat, plus size, plus size modeling, tess munster, Vogue, vogue italy

Hi Y’all!

Beth Ditto is the lead singer for an indie band called The Gossip. While she might not be super well known (she manages to stay out of the tabloids), her style is something to take note of.

I have always admired Beth Ditto because she breaks flat out demolishes every fashion rule for plus size women. You know all those dont’s you have been told your whole life–don’t wear vertical stripes, don’t wear large prints, don’t wear skinny jeans–she gives them all the finger. As a result, her style has been noted and praised by the entire fashion community (not just the plus size industry). Even cooler: she posed nude for the cover of the avaunt guard fashion magazine, Love, and closed Jean Paul Gaultier’s latest runway show…

Her style can be characterized by bright colors and bold prints. She is also famous for wearing curve hugging plus size dresses and body suits. No matter how bold her outfit is, SHE ROCKS IT!

Next time you are at a store and shy away from a piece because it is too “loud”, just ask yourself “WWBD” (What Would Beth Do?). I bet  she would go for it and look fabulous!

Pictures courtesy of (from left to right): top news.in, stylefrizz.com, hollyweirdgazette.com

Get inspired!  Is Beth your plus size icon?  What are your most Beth Ditto-ish pieces?

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Tags: Beth Ditto, forever 21, plus size, plus size clothing, plus size dress, plus size jumpsuit, plus size skinny jeans, plus size trendy, plus sizes, torrid