Public Transportation Peril Ignites Protestors and Police Investigation in India

Today, a very brave young woman perished from injuries inflicted from a gang rape and beating that took place on a bus in India.  Unfortunately, this is an all too common occurrence for those that frequent mass transit in India.  Often times, women who are sexually assaulted, are blamed for the crime, which forces them to keep quiet, and for those that speak up, they are often ignored by police, or rare prosecutions are delayed in court for years.

Protesters have been rallying for days and 6 arrests have been made of the suspected perpetrators.  I hope that this young woman’s death has not been in vain, and that the politicians and law enforcement will take heed and do something to protect all their citizens and work to prevent these terrible things from continuing.

Tragedy Strikes Singing Sensation Jenni Rivera

Hi all.  It is with great sadness that I share with you that singer, and reality TV star, Jenni Rivera has perished in an airplane crash that occurred in Northern Mexico. She was well known for her soulful ballads that sold out music halls, as well as for her "take me as I am" attitude in both her life and her style. 

This curvaceous sensation had an amazing following, sold 15 million records, according to Billboard, and recently won two Billboard Music Awards, including favorite Mexican music female artist.and was looking to break into the English-language U.S. market and was reportedly on the verge of a crossover with a sitcom inspired by the success of "I Love Jenni," a Spanish-language reality TV show on Telemundo's mun2 network. 

She was a symbol of strength, and success, with a can do attitude. She was a mother first, and worked hard to give her children a better life than she had, and was also a fierce business woman. Rivera eventually became the owner of several companies, including Jenni Rivera Enterprises, which produced and marketed her music, a fragrance brand, a jeans factory and a television production company.

 

 

Rivera was nominated for Latin Grammy Awards in 2002, 2008 and 2011. In October, People en Español named her to its list of the 25 most powerful women. She is an amazing example for curvy women, and women everywhere, and will be greatly missed. 

 

 

 

Behind the Curve: Halle Berry

Now we've all wanted to dress so hot, to be so hot that men want to fight over us. I get that. To have two men--a fiance and an ex-boyfriend--fighting over us is probably soaked in drama and unhealthiness. But, having a fiance and and ex-boyfriend fight over you in the presence of your four year old daughter, is just downright nutty.

That's just what happened in Halle Berry's house on Thanksgiving Day when the father of her daughter, Gabriel Aubry dropped off daughter, Nala. Olivier Martinez and Aubry got into a fist fight in the presence of Nala.

Now, I know that some will disagree with me as I lay the blame for this fight at Halle's feet. Hot headed men, can be emotional and uncontrollable. But, Halle should have known better than to have her current lover, and her ex-lover meet and interact with each other during a most contentious custody dispute. The fight, could have been avoided by having Aubry drop Nala off at a neutral location or having Martinez leave for a bit while the drop off took place.

Halle Berry. She has mastered poise, class and fabulousness in fashion. At 46, she looks better than just about every working actress in their 20s. But, because she helped create an unhealthy environment which lead to the two men in her life fighting over her young daughter, she is behind the curve this week.

 

Holiday Look: Sparkle in Sequins

Ladies, we all know that sequins can be sassy, but there is that fine line between sassy and mermaid style sequins, and we definitely want to avoid the latter.  Here are a few of my favs below to let you really shine(in a good way) for the holidays.

 

 www.monifc.com $228.00

 

www.bloomingdales.com $134.00

www.igigi.com $90.00

www.avenue.com $89.00

 

Minnie's Gone Skinny?! Looney Tunes and Barneys New York Partner for Holiday Collection

So, Disney has agreed to partner with Barneys in the 2012 Holiday collection, but after the collaboration, the Tunes are looking….well. a little looney, to say the least.  According to Women's Wear Daily, Barneys collaborated with Disney to take their characters into a realistic fashion world for their "Electric Holiday" campaign, set to debut at their Madison Avenue flagship store on November 14. The highlight is a film, also debuting about Minnie Mouse's fantasy to attend Paris fashion week. As such, our favorite animated characters have ditched their signature garments for high-end clothing to wear down the runway. 

 

Barneys' creative director Dennis Freedman said their makeovers were a collaborative effort with Disney. "The animator and I sat next to each other and went over every detail of the clothes - how they're made, what material, how they would move - to get them as accurate as we possibly could," Freedman told WWD. He even brought in a model so they could study her movements and facial expressions and apply them to the illustrations. "When we got to the moment when all Disney characters walk on the runway, there was a discussion. The standard Minnie Mouse will not look so good in a Lanvin dress." 

All I can say is, really?!  Do we really live in a place where even the cartoons need to be 5' 11" with their heads out weighing their bodies? What happened to the lovable Minnie and sassy Daisy that can work that waddle?  I think it is really unfortunate that Barneys feels that the need turn a childhood favorite into something that does not even resemble a shadow of that memory.  What are they telling everyone out there,especially young children, by photo shopping even the cartoons. Shame on Barneys for not letting Minnie and Daisy be who they really are!

 

 

Faux What?

In news that should make us all angry and a bit relieved all at the same time, China has just arrested 73 people for their part in a faux luxury bag manufacturing ring.

The ring manufactured around a million faux Lois Vuitton, Coach and Hermes' bags.  Chinese authorities confiscated about 20,000 of said bags when they arrested the ring.

I'm not a tough on crime kind of gal, but if ever the proverbial book should be thrown at someone, the faux bag ring leaders are justifiable targets.  Ladies, say it with me: making faux Coach is a crime.

But, to lighten the spirits, here are my winter bag picks:

The Clutch

www.nordstrom.com $26.00

The Tote

www.nordstrom.com $150.00

The Satchel

www.macys.com $358.00

The Crossbody

www.nordstrom.com $278.00

Calvin Klien Ain't No Friend of Mine...Or Are They?

In the 1980s, perennial hip hop group Run DMC famously noted in a song of theirs, that "Calvin Klein ain't no friend of mine..."

In the 1980s that was true.  Hip Hop and the establishment were not friends.  But, in the 1980s a lot of things--the threat of nuclear war, Parachute Pants, and mullets, were also true.

But, we live in a new age.  Lil' Wayne is doing commercials for Mountain Dew, Diddy and Jay Z have their own liquor labels, and Dr. Dre has his own high end headphones.  I think it's safe to safe that hip hop and the establishment like each other now.

This new age has also allowed Calvin Klein to get cozy with curvy women and women of all sizes.  Look at these new additions from Calvin Klein:

www.macys.com

www.macys.com

www.macys.com

A few short years ago, I wouldn't have been able to write this because Calvin Klein wasn't offering clothing for curvy women.  These are fabulous additions to the wardrobe, which make Calvin a friend of ours.

Should Macy's Pull it's Trump Card?

It is no secret that this is my favorite time of the year.  The air is brisk, snow is about to fall, and at any given moment, one can smell gingerbread, sugar cookies and other baked goods baking in carefully decorated homes.  Sleds are cleaned up and readied, stockings are hung on the chimney with, well, yes, care, and people are friendlier, if not downright jovial at this time of year. 

If you think this my romanticized notion of this time of year is a little Norman Rockwell, you're probably right.  But, I love this time of year.

Macy's commercials are one of the most reliable signs that the holiday season is in full effect.  Macy's commercials with their bright colors, witty dialogue, and general holiday cheer, notify all of us that the holiday season is here.  They are billed as "magic" and almost always deliver.  And Macy's holiday commercials usually features some of the most notable entertainers.  Diddy, Kimora, and the 'Bibes (yea, this is really happening) have all made appearances in them.

This year, as in many years past, Macy's holiday commercial features Donald Trump making an off colored, although witty joke about his political leanings.  For those of you who don't follow the Donald, he has been frothing at the mouth for the last 18 months, as he claims the president of the United States was not born in the United States--he has demanded to see the president's birth certificate, college transcripts and applications, his Mickey Mouse Club membership card and so on...

So as seen below, he makes light of this little fact in the commercial, which has caused a few people (see here) to ask Macy's to sever ties with Trump.

What do you think? 

Behind the Curve: Victoria Secret

How?

Old Westerns had plots that were as predictable as they were thin.  There were some "cowboys" and there were some "Indians."  The cowboys were always the good guys, with the sun in their faces, and the wind at their backs.  And they were always, fighting and conquering and outsmarting the Indians, who were uncivilized savages.

The Indians in these westerns, always talked in broken English.  "How," an Indian, bathed in stereotypical Native garb, would say when he or she greeted someone.  Sigh.  It was an ugly time in American cinema history.

But, today I say "how," not as a greeting, but rather as a question to lingerie designer, Victoria's Secret.  How did they make the decision to send a model down the run way, wearing Native headgear?  Who okayed this?  Who thought this was a good idea?

So even if people responsible for making these kinds of decisions at Victoria's Secret didn't know that the sacred nature of Native headdress or why it's worn (see here) it's so irresponsible to believe that it's okay for a woman prancing around in panties and a bra should wear it.

Victoria's Secret.  Insensitive.  Behind the times.  They are behind the curve this week.

Preppy, Peppy Peplums

It's never too early to start planning for entertaining for the holidays. Dinners, cocktail parties, New Year's Eve celebrations, even religious services.

My pick for this holiday season's entertaining is the peplum dress. The peplum, originally an outer shawl worn by women in ancient Greece, is now a jazzy, fun and flirty dress that is appropriate for all of our holiday celebrations and events. With medium, to high heels, the peplum dress deserves our curves.

 

 www.macys.com $81.00

 www.macys.com $68.00

 www.macys.com $54.00

Mr. McConaughey….We Can't See You!

Matthew McConaughey has made his bread and butter with the beef cake role.  Granted, he may not have always played the most intellectual roles, or is the most talented of actors, but we don't care! We just want to see him work the H-U-N-K role that he broke into the scene with, and what has continued to get him roles and fanship. But, what does he do now? He channels Twiggy's 2nd cousin, and dwindles to a shadow of his former self.  Come on, man! It's time to wrap that movie up, and grab a big, juicy steak!

A beef steak, that is!

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful....Cozy Up!

Some things, are so complex they need lots of explanation. The Doppler Effect. The Arecemedies Principle. President Obama's thoughtful healthcare initiave. Why Lindsey Lohan is still acting.

But some things are so clear, they need little or no explanation. Like these. Lingere for the curvy. As the weather is getting frightful, the right lingere, by the right fireplace, with the right somebody, can be so delightful.

 www.shop.com $44.00

www.shop.com $59.00

 www.shop.com $29.00

 www.shop.com $49.00

Be Cute and Cozy this winter…Sweater Dresses

Ladies, you do not have to give up your style when the snowflakes start to fall.  Layering and sweater dresses are a great way to go to keep that cute look beneath a vest or coat. Here are a few of my favorites that you can pair with knee high boots and tights to help you work it in the winter months.

www.macys.com $42.99

 

 www.lanebryant.com $79.95

 

 www.onestopplus.com $78.00

The Big and the Beautiful Plus Size Dating Website

The Big and the Beautiful

The only plus size winner  of America's Next Top Model has started a plus size women's dating website, for women with curves and the people who love them. See Whitney's message below.  Let me know what you guys think.

 

Welcome to The Big And The Beautiful, the online dating site where you can really be yourself!

I created this site for real women with real curves ... looking for real pleasure. Unlike other dating sites where members feel pressured to fit a certain mold, posting older “flattering” pictures or even lying on their profiles, everyone here has the freedom to be their true selves.

So what if you have a big butt? Men love extra padding! Whether you’re voluptuous, curvy, athletic, or tall, embrace your shape because the men on this site are just waiting to meet you.

And guys, I don’t have to tell you this site is the best place to meet all of your needs. Spend a little time talking to these sexy ladies and I know you’ll be satisfied.

As a plus-size model I know how big the demand is for sexy, curvy women, so get out there and start searching, dating, and enjoying every minute of it!

Welcome to your Big and Beautiful life!


Whitney Thompson

President
TheBigAndTheBeautiful.com

5 Coats for Winter

Greetings all. Even though the leaves are just starting to turn to their beautiful autumnal colors, the winter weather will be here before we know here.  Here are a few different options for those colder days from cute vests to puffer coats, see some of my favs below.

www.nordstrom.com $138.00

www.nordstrom.com $238.00

www.nordstrom.com $995.00

 

 

www.nordstrom.com $396.00

www.nordstrom.com $258.00

Winter doesn't mean you have to give up your fashion! Be warm and stylish!

The Scariest Shoes of All Time

Now, as you know, I'm all about suffering for art and fashion.  I've been known to suffer through the irritating pain of an underwire bra, the uncomfortable squeeze of snug fitting jeans, and the acute agony of pumps, to look dazzling.  It's fashion.  I'm willing to make some sacrifices for fashion.

But, these shoes put a whole new spin on all of that. The shoes, which are a collaboration between artist Leanie van der Vyver and Dutch shoe designer René van den Berg, and serve as a commentary on today's impossible standards of beauty, as they appear to be backwards on the woman's feet below.

I get it.  The way we see beauty is backward and all that. 

But, couldn't their point have been made say with diverse models, bold color choice, or just smaller shoes? 

The Month of Hallow's Eve....Costume Ideas

Halloween is approaching and I thought I would put together some thoughts about costumes for busty and curvy women.  Oh sure this article could have come a little bit closer to Halloween, but I wanted to start making suggestions early.  If you are curvy like we are, the folks who design Halloween costumes don't do us any favors.  They attach the word "sexy" before any costume (sexy nurse, sexy devil and the sexy kitty) and expect us to swoon all over it.  Like we don't know the difference between sexy, and slutty.

Here are some suggestions I have for this year's Halloween that are jazzy, classy and will accent the curves:

The Snow White
   

Mother Nature

 

Mad Men dress

 

Cleopatra

 

 

Greek Goddess Minerva

As always, I suggest we keep our curves out of the cliches (Marilyn Monroe, Cat Woman, or the Head Nurse) or anything that has the word "wench" or "sexy" in the name.

This Ain't No Rodeo...

I never thought I'd have to type this, ever, but cowboy boots are here. Once reserved for Boot-Scoot Boogiers, Jon Travolta in "Urban Cowboy," and sweaty country singers, the cowboy boot has made its way back into the mainstream of fashion apparently. As seen below at the Fashion Week, a number of models rocked them with shorter skirts or western wear attire.

 

I have nothing against the cowboy boot in and of itself. But, where other boots (think ankle-length boots or the simple black rider boots), are generally more versatile in they can be worn with several outfits for several diverse occasions, the cowboy boot generally looks good with some specific looks.

If you must indulge in this trend, I suggest skinny jeans or a peasant dress for a little more jazzy look.

Fashion's Night Out? For Size L or Less….

This week celebrates one of the most coveted weeks in the fashion world, 2013's Spring New York Fashion Week.  But, upon reviewing the evidence that allows one to loudly and proudly support and celebrate fashion week, specifically the  Fashion's Night Out Event (which is in its 4th year and is done on the Thursday Eve), leaves me feeling a little perplexed, a little irked.  The evidence that I noticed is that the Fashion's Night Out T-shirt, which is made specifically for this event, is only available in sizes XS-L.  Did I miss something? Are people who are not those particular sizes not "allowed" to partake in the Fashion's Night Festivities, or at least not claim to be associated with it? Really?!  Now, I know, I know, we plus-size gals finally got our "own"  fashion week, which is held every June (since 2009) and I cannot and will not rain on that parade. It truly is a wonderful triumph and a glorious celebration of real, beautiful women and the clothing that they make look fabulous! But, come on people, are you really not going to make a t-shirt, in a size larger than size L? I'm just saying…