PopSugar

Chick Lit Comes in All Different Sizes

TresSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:12 -0800

As far as I knew, literary characters already came in all different shapes and sizes, but apparently there's a "publishing phenomenon" sweeping America like a fad diet: curvy chick lit characters who fully accept their weight.

The UK Guardian explains that average-sized women want to relate to the heroines they read about - and they don't want the stories to be all about dieting. Titles that fit under the "big chit lit" umbrella include The Wife's Tale, a book about a woman who turns her life around (not by losing weight!) after her universe shrunk "to a well-worn path from the bedroom to the refrigerator," and Last-Minute Proposal, the story of cake-baker Tilly and the man who loves her cozy curves.

Do you think books like these will help women love their bodies more? (And if you're looking for books of any genre to add to your reading list, check out our list of November must reads.)

Say What? Karl Lagerfeld on Moms and Models

TresSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0700

"No one wants to see curvy women. You've got fat mothers with their bags of chips sitting in front of the television and saying that thin models are ugly."

- Karl Lagerfeld weighs in on the never-ending debate about thin models. The once-overweight designer was responding to German magazine Brigitte's decision to use only "real women" as models. He disapproves. Based on his comments, it seems Karl doesn't think fashion is meant for a mom who might be carrying a little weight.

This isn't the first time a fashion icon has come to the defense of thin models by shifting the attention to overweight people. Anna Wintour said America should focus on obesity, and not anorexia, following a visit to Minnesota where she said people resemble "little houses."

Are you surprised Karl is so quick to discount the opinions of average women?

Glamour Magazine's November Issue: Plus-Sized Beauties

TresSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Glamour magazine learned that it pays to feature so-called plus-sized models in addition to the typical size 0 variety in their pages. (I say so-called because these women look pretty average sized to me!)

They got so many positive reader responses from their nude picture of model Lizzie Miller (sporting a little familiar-looking-to-most women pooch) that they've decided they're going to feature Miller and other curvy models like Crystal Renn, Kate Dillon, and Amy Lemons (shown above) in their November issue. They, too, will be in their birthday suits.

Are you looking forward to this issue?

Retailers Offering More Options For the "Woman of Size"

TresSugar — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:00:00 -0700

"When you’re fat you stand out anyway. It’s really important to go all the way and do something fun or even outrageous with your clothes."

- Annie Maribona, founder and part owner of Fat Fancy, a boutique in Portland, OR, that sells modern and vintage clothes up to size 24. (Pictured is Emme, one of the most famous plus-size models.)

Retailers are increasingly providing plus-size fashions to teens and women who wear sizes 14-24. Singer Beth Ditto, complaining to trendy London-based Topshop that they had nothing for women her size, is now designing a line for the Arcadia Group, Topshop's parent company. Forever 21, Kmart, and Lord & Taylor also provide their fashions in plus sizes. Some stores, like Old Navy and Ann Taylor, no longer carry plus-size clothes in their stores, but still have them available online.

One interesting thing I noticed in this news story was the variety of words used to name women who are not thin. Some, like boutique owner Annie Maribona, have reclaimed the word "fat," as have women who advocate what they call fat acceptance. Then there's plus size, "woman of size," big girl and curvy. The only person in the article who didn't use these euphemisms was Andrea Marks, a specialist in adolescent medicine in Manhattan. She simply calls women who aren't thin "overweight."

What do you think about the idea of "fat acceptance," and what is the best term for a woman who isn't a size 12 or under?

Fat Princess: Harmless or Harmful?

GeekSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:00:52 -0700

Can't video game ladies catch a break? It seems like we're usually bemoaning the aggressively curvy forms of female video game characters, but that's not the case with Sony's new game - quite the opposite.

Fat Princess is causing a stir with the figure of its titular character; yes, she's also quite curvy, but not in a Lara Croft way. The object of the game is to capture the princess, who's being made heavier by her enemies, who are feeding her cake (well, at least they're not trying to say she's just "big-boned").

Have we traded objectification of women's bodies for the mockery of obesity? Is there no middle ground of average-looking bodies in the video game world?

On the other hand, is that too harsh, and is Fat Princess merely cute, as the female concept artist herself thought? Is she merely a character who looks a certain way - and if so, then is it the title that's what's really offensive?

What's your take?

Source

Five Times We Are Sexy to Men

DearSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Feeling sexy means something different for every woman. Sometimes it's when we're in sexy clothes, and other times it's when we've just woken up, au naturale. Of course it is all about how you feel inside, but according to the October issue of Glamour magazine, it's these five simple acts that men find sexy. Check out what they are below:

When you lock eyes and smile: Researchers at Scotland's University of Aberdeen Face Research Lab proved that when a woman looks at a man, smiles genuinely and locks eyes with him, he finds her face much more attractive than if she were to stare at him without the grin.

When you use girly body language: According to the classic study of 1985 conducted by psychologist Monica Moore, PhD, women have 35 "courtship signals" ranging from hair-flipping to lip-licking that work when attracting men. In Moore's study, the women who used these body language techniques were approached by an average of four men. Those that didn't use body language didn't get approached at all.

Want to see the other three? Just click here to read more.

When you don't starve yourself: After researchers at the University of Texas at Austin drew figures of female body types for their participants, all the men were more attracted to the curvy images. Apparently men subconsciously know that curves are a sign of health and fertility - nice!

When you're ovulating: Men are especially attracted to women when they ovulate. Researchers say that estrogen plumps skin and lips and promotes a healthy glow so ladies, be sure to hit the town come ovulation time!

When you're the woman he loves: Just because you're coupled up doesn't mean the passion is gone. Research proves that men who know, like and respect someone find her more attractive. And the more he loves you, the sexier you become in his eyes!

Do you agree with these picks? Do you think anything is missing from this list? Share your thoughts below.

Source

Fab Blab: Daisy Lowe

FabSugarUK — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:00:16 -0700

This weekend the Observer Magazine caught up with Fab favourite Daisy Lowe. The model, who is rumoured to have broken up with Mark Ronson this weekend, is currently back in London for fashion week. She has also recently been revealed as one of the faces of Agent Provocateur.

Daisy is often out spoken about her role in the fashion industry. She complains that they only want super skinny girls and in this interview she was quite explicit about her feelings.

"The thing is I'm not teeny-weeny stick sample size so I don't want to go along to the cattle castings and not fit into any of the clothes. Show size is very small and I eat doughnuts and Red Velvet (cupcakes). I love curvaciousness. Curvy girls are the sexiest girls. If clothes were built for curvier women, which is most of the population, one: people would look better; two: designers would sell more clothes, and three: they wouldn't have to use tiny anorexic models."

She also talks about what she was like before she became a model. "I loved chemistry and psychology. I won a chemistry quiz and got given a forensic scientist's uniform. I was 15. So at the same age as doing all this science stuff, I did the Agent Provocateur perfume campaign and I did get a Saturday job, in AP. I worked in the store room upstairs, but I still got the pink uniform."

Reading the interview left me wishing Daisy Lowe was my best friend! It's so refreshing to hear of somebody so level-headed in the modeling industry, particularly a model who is under so much pressure to conform. Daisy hinted that she'd soon move back from New York to London because she's "bored of planes".
Source

Who Wore It Better? High Waisted Skinny Jeans

FabSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:00:22 -0700

Back in March, Jennifer Lopez proved curvy women can pull off high-waisted skinny jeans. Now, Deal or No Deal model Claudia Jordan is attempting to bring back those jeans. It's a toughie to pull off so I give props to both women for trying. Jennifer deserves a few extra points for those YSL pumps, layered bangles, and cool vest. Who do you think wore them better?

Source, Source

Fab Body Guide: Evans.co.uk

FabSugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:00:22 -0800

Evans.co.uk is a UK-based site that stocks clothes for curvy, beautiful women. There are tons of Fab clothes to sift through, and they are all stocked in sizes 14-32! Much of their Fall merchandise is on sale up to 70 percent off and they just stocked the site with their Spring collection, full of '70s-inspired daywear, lingerie, work-ready pieces, and more. Fab-u-lous.

Life-Saver Shavers For Sensitive Skin

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 06:00:00 -0800

For those of you who have sensitive skin, most likely your face isn't the only part of your body that suffers from redness and reactions. I find that if I'm not careful about changing my razor blade frequently, or if I don't use ample amounts of lubrication such as shaving cream or moisturizing body washes, my legs, underarms and even bikini area often burned and become pink and swollen. Here are a few of my favorite sensitive skin shavers that have helped tremendously reduce inflammation and irritation - hopefully they'll be able to help you too.

Gillette Venus Divine ($9.99) has blades that are coated with aloe and plant oil infused moisture strips so that they will glide over your skin easily. The blades are also positioned so that each one cuts lower than the next. This results in fewer missed hairs and a closer shave.

The razor also features an ergonomic no-slip grip, a finger rest for better control, a wall hanger for in-shower wall storage and shower-safe refills (how convenient).

For two more sensitive skin shavers for females, read more

Bic Soleil Twilight Triple Blade Shavers for Women with Sensitive Skin ($5.79) comes with triple blades that are lubricated with aloe and vitamin E to help moisturize and soothe sensitive skin. It also comes with a curvy no-slip handle in fun pink and purple colors.

But best of all is that there is a lavender scent infused into the shaver handle for a more enjoyable and relaxing experience.

Schick Intuition Plus Shaving Kit for Sensitive Skin ($9.49) is a triple blade razor surrounded by a skin conditioning soap made with aloe, cocoa butter, shea butter and vitamin E so that you can lather and shave at the same time! Just wet the shaver and keep both your skin and the razor wet as you shave. This ensures that your skin is lubricated so that you have fewer nicks, a closer shave and wind up with less irritation. Also, I appreciate the indicator on the unit that tells you when you need to replace your blades.