What do you consider plus size?

So, what do you consider as "plus size"?

Industry standards say it is a size 14, but some people say a size 16. A size 14 has a 34 inch waist (a true 14, that is). Coincidentally, the average woman, at 5'4", is also a size 14.

If you look at the size charts of major plus companies, most will agree that a size 18 is a 38 waist and 46 hip and goes up or down about 2 inches per size. What you get when you shop at most of these places, however, is an entirely different story, but that is a different blog (rant) altogether.

Every day we receive tons of emails from our friends, fans, supporters (and some haters). And every single day we have discussions about what is "true to size", or even a more general question of - what is plus size. Most women will say they are a size 18, for whatever reason. Owning a plus size clothing company, I can give most of these women a once over and know that there is no way they would fit in an 18, but I keep my mouth shut. But, then, they start talking about how they USED TO BE PLUS SIZE or say something offensive about plus size people. And it irks me. A lot. I still keep my mouth shut and those close to me know exactly how hard that is for me to do. I want to drag them by the ear and go store to store and demand they put on an 18 pair of jeans without lying down, the use of a fork to assist in pulling them up or some serious squat thrusts. But I don't. Lying to me is not a big deal. Lying to yourself, however, is tired and pathetic. I'm offended when people don't accept being plus size. Like something is horribly wrong with it. Meaning, something is horribly wrong with me. Or maybe you just don't know that what you measure up to is considered plus size (again, I blame a lot of the clothing manufacturers for this and I wish there was consistency and industry standards).

I'm a size 22. I have a 42 inch waist. My measurements are 53, 42, 49. I don't apologize for my size but I could never look someone in the eye and say I was a size 18 and I would never look someone in the eye and deny falling into the plus size demographic.

This past week, we dealt with three women who insisted they were size 18 with the following waist sizes: 41 (close), 46 and 53. 53!?!?! What is interesting to me is that I hear from no less than 2 women per week with 50+ inch waists who say they are a size 18. Always 18, like clockwork. And who am I to say they aren't? I just say that at my store, a size 18 is a 38 waist and if you want to have a good fit, to use the measurement chart to determine your size. You see, even if I talk to you on the phone, my size 18, 38 inch waist pants will still not fit your 53 inch waist - the measurement chart still applies.

If EVERYONE is a size 18, then what is true to size? What is really an 18? Is it a 38 waist? Is it a 42 waist? Or does it matter? My vote is for womens clothing to be like mens - sell them by inches (i.e. 36x32) and then there is no confusion.

More importantly, what do you consider plus size?

Our principal model is a size 14 (34 waist) with a true hourglass shape (42, 34, 42). She is also 5'7", 4-5" shorter than the average model in height but 5-6" larger in the waist. As stated above, the average woman is a size 14 and 5'4". A size 14 is considered plus size, therefore, by using a size 14, we are reaching the largest audience. That is, if you consider the law of averages.

She can't walk into a store like Forever 21 and buy something unless it goes on her feet or on her head. She's too big for pretty much all of the items. Can she shop at most other large name shops? Yes, but there are also tons of stores and trendy boutiques that she cannot shop at. She understands the pain and frustration of a plus size woman and she identifies with being plus size. Why is it that some larger plus women refuse to accept her as plus size? Why is it that 1 in 500 emails is from someone who is irate because our model is not the same size that she is? Why is it that if a woman is not your size or larger, that she must not be plus size? Some days I feel that size 26+ women think size 26 should be the small end of plus size and that women smaller than them are "too skinny" to be plus size.

I am curious to how many plus women look at their Roaman's catalog when they receive it. And, admit it, most of us receive it. Did you notice the size 6 women they have modeling the clothes? Did it ever disturb you to see these women modeling things up to 9x? It disturbs me. Why? They are size 6.

Did you know that agencies consider size 6 (but usually 8) the low end of the plus model spectrum? Did you know they consider a size 14/16 to be the very large end of the plus model spectrum? We are talking about the larger (and more reputable agencies here). Call a large agency looking for a size 18 or 20 and it is slim pickings.

Did you know that there are several large online companies who use models who PAD themselves with "fat suits" prior to a shoot? Yes. It's kind of unnerving because the model can't even fit in the smallest size of the clothing she is representing. Why do they use them then? I know why. They SELL the clothes. If they didn't, they wouldn't use them over and over again. But why do they sell the clothes? No one knows but the consumer. So, you tell me why you are buying clothes from a website or catalog that are using models who are wearing inches of padding. I'm guilty. I buy from sites who use size 8 models.

We use a 14 as our core model, for many reasons. But, she's a 14. A size society recognizes as plus. Another favorite model of ours is a size 18 with the hips of a size 20/22. And she's got a rockin' body (and a rockin' personality we might add).

Are we opposed to using size 22+ models? Absolutely not. If they sell the clothes. We've done our research. We've used larger models. By and large, when we put our items on larger models, the clothes sit on the shelves longer. A lot longer. We change out the photos to a size 14/16 model and the clothes sell at a much faster rate. Larger sizes first. Go figure.

Someone tell me why!?!? I can just hypothesize. I sit back, a plus woman with plus relatives and plus friends in a plus world - and I can just shake my head in disbelief. As an entrepreneur, I need to do what sells because this is how I support the people I love. After enough trial and error, you go back to what everyone else is doing because your first goal is to sell merchandise.

This is kind of a random blog and I'm trying to piece my thoughts together, and it's hard to do. I want to hear from other people, other plus size women who have the same thoughts. It's so taboo to talk about plus size stuff and even more taboo to admit to falling in the demographic.

We get some (not much) slack regarding our models and their size and so I wanted to write something about it. I will say that most correspondence regarding our models is so positive and optimistic and it makes me feel like we are making small strides in getting "normal" or average sized woman to get the attention they deserve. My personal goal (above and beyond Curvy Girl, the clothing brand) is to get as much media attention as possible for our partners, models and curvy fashionista friends. Hollywood needs to show our children more women who have double digit pant sizes. Hey, throw us a bone. Give us a size 12-14 actress and make her a superstar. You'd give me a heart attack if you let a size 18 star in a movie or her own tv show, but I'm willing to risk it. You could kill me, of course, if you gave the main character a hot husband, of course, to make up for years of "plus" husbands with hot wives, but I'll go out in style! Someone, anyone....just put a size 16 on the cover of a magazine without the words "WORST BEACH BODIES" or "DIET SECRETS" below it. There are funny comediennes and funny actresses and funny models - all wanting to do tv, music, movies and commercials. There are some woman in big bodies with huge pipes - why aren't they on my radio!?! Convince writers to write parts for curvy women. Why? It is important for my 7 year old niece (and your daughers, nieces, sisters) to identify with a woman on her tv. It is important for her to understand that most women aren't size 0-2. Women come in all shapes and sizes.

But, first, it starts with us. It starts with us accepting that we are plus size. It starts with us taking our measurements and knowing what they are even if it means we might fall into that PLUS SIZE category. Let's not lie to ourselves and let's not lie to others. Are we plus size? Yes. Fat? Perhaps. A majority? ABSOLUTELY. And majority rules....let's use that power for something productive.

Most importantly - love your body - every curvy inch of it.

~Lisa

Offensive? MadTv Plus Size Fashion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4TSn8lXf58

Yes, it's MadTV. They poke fun at everyone equally but I failed to find the humor in this one...am I being too insensitive?



Are there any positive message videos on You Tube about plus size women? (yes, we know about Joy Nash's brilliant Fat Rant). Other than that, what is out there?



When searching for the terms: Plus size or curvy girl I seem to find women shaking their booties for the camera (whether they know they on camera or not), women feeding themselves or trying on clothes that are too small (someone is obviously enjoying this) or offensive material (offensive to me at least) - I'm assuming most of the material I'm disappointed in is not even posted by a plus woman trying to be a role model for other plus size women, but who knows....


Challenge for my Curvy Sisters - start posting videos with a positive message for other Curvy women to view....can ya do it?
 

Earthquake Safety

Usually when someone asks me, "What's shakin?", I reply, "my ass". Which is a lie. Everyone who knows me well knows that the only thing on me that does not shake is my rear. I would pay thousands of dollars to have it just shake a little.

I have lived in California for nearly a decade (in San Francisco and now in Los Angeles). In those years, I have managed to be out of town when small earthquakes hit. About 3 years ago, I was sitting at my desk and it moved (slightly). I was delighted, ecstatic in fact, when I knew it was an earthquake. I actually knew it was an earthquake and this was amusing to me. Other people in my office who have been through earthquakes in the past, however, were not as entertained as I.

So, here we sat in our Los Angeles Curvy Girl office on Tuesday, when my chair started shaking. Everything started shaking, including my backside. Then, our photo backdrop system was going crazy and starting to fall down. The building (a HUGE cement building) was shaking like nothing I have ever felt (or want to feel again). About 5 of us were in the warehouse and I was the only one who realized what was happening. I started screaming EARTHQUAKE and I told everyone to run downstairs and get out of the building. I felt that was the safest place to be.

Once we realized the 5.4 earthquake was behind us, I did some research on earthquake safety. Running out of the building during the shaking seems to have been a really bad idea.

According to and earthquake safety page, this is what you should do in case of an earthquake: I found thise information at the following web page: http://seagrant.uaf.edu/features/earthquake/index.html

Do you agree???????

What to do during an earthquake
1. If you are indoors, duck or drop down to the floor. Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, woodstoves, and heavy furniture or appliances that may fall over. Stay inside to avoid being injured by falling glass or building parts. If you are in a crowded area, take cover where you are. Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise.

2. If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings and power lines.

3. If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car. Stay away from bridges, overpasses and tunnels. Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible. If possible, avoid stopping under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs.

4. If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rock and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.

5. If you are at the beach, move quickly to higher ground or several hundred yards inland.

Submitting your information to be a plus size model with Curvy Girl Clothing

If you are interested in modeling for us, please familiarize yourself with our submission requirements.

Check out our blog at: http://curvy-girl.blogspot.com/2007/10/as-owner-of-plus-size-clothing-company.html

To make it easier on amateur models submitting photos - I will outline the requirements for submission below. Please take the time to ensure you are complying with submission requirements, otherwise you will not be considered.

- You must submit via MYSpace. Add us as a friend. (do not send emails with attachments, they will not be opened).

- Create a folder in your MySpace dedicated to your modeling pursuits. We will no longer search through people's random photos. Your main photo of the folder should be a headshot (doesn't have to be professional, but does have to show your face from the top of your head to the bottom of your neck). Alternatively, you can use a full body shot, but you must be wearing an item from Curvy Girl Clothing.

- All submissions must include you wearing a Curvy Girl Clothing item. We need to see how our items fit on your body. We need to envision you as a model for our brand, and part of that is seeing you in the types of items we sell.

- You must have a headshot photo (as listed above) and also a full body photo. We need to see your entire body. We will not accept photos of you in your wedding dress - the outfit you are wearing should be form fitting and show the silhouette of your curves. If you have a big rear, please flaunt it and let us know (it probably won't hurt you, trust us). If you are overly busty, we should see this in the photos (we prefer bottom heavy over top heavy, but with certain items, busty is preferred). Hourglass (perfectly proportioned measurements) types will always receive preferential consideration for principal work.

- Need an outfit idea? We prefer a knee length sleeveless dress that shows your arms and legs, but that is not required. The outfit should show your body (and all your curves). We sell many short dresses and sleeveless items so it is important that we see how you would look in such items. If you are not comfortable in sleeveless or knee length items, it is unlikely you would be able to model for us (or anyone else for that matter).

- You must submit an email for submission (via MySpace). The title of the email should be "Modeling submission". In this email, you should list the following information: Your name, city you are located in, age, measurements (NOT SIZE), height. We do not need your weight or shoe size (shoe size will only become important if we book you).

- If you are outside of Los Angeles or Portland, OR, it is UNLIKELY we will use you for any work. Our shoots are all completed in these cities and we use local models. If you are traveling to either of these areas, please let us know and if we are interested, we may be able to coordinate some time so we can shoot a few things while you are here. NOTE: It is very unlikely we would use a model who does not live in either of these areas - it is simply too inconvenient - but for the right model, we are willing to be somewhat flexible. Plain and simple, it takes a lot of coordination (and money) to do a shoot - so we have to make it as easy as possible. Being that Los Angeles is full of beautiful talent, photographers, great weather and locations, many of our shoots are now completed down here.

- You should indicate any modeling you have done and if you are signed or unsigned. If you are signed, your agency will have to submit your information to us (but you probably know this) :)

- Curvy Girl Clothing accepts models of all ages, races and body types. We prefer models between 5'4" and 5'8" (yes, shorter than the typical model). We also prefer women sizes 14-20 (most big agency plus models are sizes 8-12, just as an FYI). Our samples are made in size 18. We prefer models free of tattoos and body piercings (especially facial piercings). You may submit your portfolio if you have piercings or tattoos, but it is unlikely we would use you for our principal work - you would likely be used for editorial work.

- If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian will need to sign a release on you behalf. If you are over 18, you will be required to sign a talent release.

Most work with us is paid. Some editorial work is TFP (time for print) but it all depends on the project.

While you don't have to have an expensive portfolio to submit to us, we expect a professional looking one (pay attention to our submission guidelines). We understand that everyone is busy (as are we), but when you are trying to convince us we need to use you as our model, we need to know that you took the time to prepare the right submission. Show us that you are taking it seriously. The models we use represent our brand, which we have spent years building.

If we are interested in you, we will notify you via email (or phone number). If you do not submit your information based on our guidelines, it is unlikely we will respond to your request.

We look forward to seeing your submissions!

Corset Front Tops - new ad

What do you think? :) It's kind of cutting it off at the right - it says "Because it shouldn't cost a lot to look this cheap" (one of our taglines). Curvy Girl Clothing is proud to announce the launch of our plus size corset front back (shown in photo below) and corset back tops. These will be in our eBay store (http://stores.ebay.com/Curvy-Girl-Clothing) starting March 15th and our retail store in OR (starting March 20th) for the first run and our second run will show up on www.curvygirlclothing.com in early April.

Curvy Girl Clothing is in Entrepreneur Magazine

http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2008/march/190186.html

Curvy Girl Clothing made it in Entrepreneur Magazine (again) :)

We’d like to think our mother is not the only one buying the magazine (hurry, she will buy them all before you get your hands on it) - but, this is the digital age folks - you can see it online for free!

Thank you to each and every one of our customers, our fans, our friends, our followers and those who believe in us (including those who are not our customers, but those who love and support us: our friends, our family). A heartfelt thanks to everyone who said we couldn’t do it - we just work that much harder to prove that we can, not for you, but for us (but we know it secretly makes you mad, and we secretly enjoy that). :)

This article is about our eBay business...yes, we started on eBay and we run a successful store there (in addition to our online site and our retail store, and soon, Curvy Girl TV) :) Check out my blog about eBay, it gives you insight to our humble beginnings (who am I kidding!?!?! It's still pretty darn humble around here). :)

We hope that our story and mild stepping stones towards success encourages other women, other entrepreneurs of similar humble backgrounds to take a risk - to follow their dream - to keep chugging along. After the piles of debt, the headaches, the long hours, it's worth it to work for yourself and feel like you are doing a bit of good for others - our goal is simply to give plus size women the same styles our non curvy counterparts have. With every email we receive, every photo we see of customers rockin' out our styles - we feel blessed that this is our life and we are blessed that you are a part of it.

XOXO

Laura, Lisa & Mi’Lane (your Curvy Girl Clothing team)

Curvy Girl Clothing launches our plus size tattoo inspired clothing line!

Right now, we are testing the waters for our tattoo inspired line. We have both tattoo print & rhinestone/nailhead motif designs printed on just about anything including tops, camis, corsets, shrugs, hoodies, purses, hats, etc... This is a HUGE investment for us (remember, we're just a little operation run by 3 crazy sisters, who like to yell a lot, I might add) - so we need to know plus size fashionistas are looking for these types of styles. NONE of us has a tattoo (too squeamish) - but we simply LOVE these designs. They are for women who have tons of tattoos, or none - and just simply like the style. Your feedback is so important to us. Obviously our sales will be the best indicator to let us know if we should (or should not) move forward with this line, but we appreciate your comments & feedback! And, of course, we're always looking for some rockabilly looking plus size fashionistas who want to send in their photo (wearing one of our tattoo designs) as we may use it for various promotional needs. Thank you so so so so so much for being a part of our success. NOTE: These styles are slowly trickling into our Portland store starting Friday - we should have a full collection available by next weekend (unless they sell out first). We will start adding them to our www.curvygirlclothing.com website the first week of March, but for now, they are all available in our eBay store at http://stores.ebay.com/Curvy-Girl-Clothing Below is a GIF that includes many of our tattoo styles (and some of our other non tattoo styles, but I'm too lazy to re-create another GIF) :) Oh - PS - Entrepreneur Magazine has us in an article again, super cool, eh :)