Every Thursday, my guilty pleasure arrives, People Magazine. I put my purse down as soon as I walk in the door, sit in my favorite chair by the window and open up the first page.  I go through the entire magazine, first scanning all of the pages and then going back to read everything carefully.

This week I read an article about Niecy Nash – recently famous for her role on Dancing With the Stars.  I like her – she is funny and really cute.  I don’t watch DWTS as much as I used to but I watched the first episode of the season.  When Niecy was introduced she spoke about how she didn’t want to lose weight or her curves.  Nice and all, but I thought it was a little strange because I was recently in an elevator with her (at the Beverly Center) and I thought to myself “boy she is really tiny, she looks a lot taller and bigger on TV!”.  I said “hi” and commented on how much I liked the dress she was wearing.  She was nice and said “why, thank you!” and we both got off of the elevator and walked to our cars.

In the People article she said that on DWTS she is “the big girl on the show” because she is – are you ready for this – a SIZE 8!  Hollywood just stop it. Jessica Simpson was wearing a size 6 when she was called “FAT”.  Size 6 is not fat; telling someone they are a size 6 – and fat – is a disaster and an eating disorder waiting to happen.

I wear a size 14 and you know what?  I am a girl that does everything she can to be her best everyday.  I am not plus, fat, curvy or thick, I am me.  I am not my size.

]]> http://www.curvyconfidential.com/2010/04/does-size-really-matter/feed/ 4 http://www.curvyconfidential.com/2010/03/beautiful-gabourey/ http://www.curvyconfidential.com/2010/03/beautiful-gabourey/#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:13:15 +0000 Christine http://www.curvyconfidential.com/?p=1420 Can you believe that two plus size women are nominated for Academy Awards? Mo’Nique for best supporting actress and Gabourey Sidibe for best actress for the film “Precious”.

I have not seen the film. To be honest it looks too heart wrenching. Emotionally I am not ready for it. Looks like a box of Kleenex type of film.

But I didn’t have to see the movie to admire Gabourey’s confidence. In every interview I’ve seen or read, she’s always going on about how she doesn’t let her weight get in the way. In the February issue of Harpers Bazzar, Gabourey says, ”People always ask me, ‘You have so much confidence. Where did that come from?’ It came from me. Once day I decided that I was beautiful, and so I carried out my life as if I was a beautiful girl. I wear colors that I really like, I wear make up that makes me feel pretty, and it really helps. It doesn’t have anything to do with how the world perceives you. What matters is what you see. Your body is your temple, it’s your home, and,” she chuckles, “you must decorate it.”

Its so inspiring to see that weight was not an issue when Gabourey was nominated for an Academy Award. That it wasn’t an issue when she was on the cover of V Magazine, or Ebony. Gabourey is on the cover because she is talented, smart and confident. She isn’t a poster girl for plus size women. She’s a poster girl for all women. Her achievements don’t stem from her appearance but because she is tremendously talented and that is inspiring. A plus size girl can make it despite her weight.

One day, at 21 years old she decided that she was beautiful and began to live her life as a beautiful girl. Her confidence and self-love amazes me. I think Oprah says it best,

It’s like she’s from another planet, because she’s so evolved, so confident, so secure about who she is.”

I wish all women could feel the kind of confidence that Gabourey speaks of. That they are beautiful regardless of their size. We are not numbers. We are beautiful human beings with emotions, brains and talent.

Thank you Gabourey. In my eyes you have already won.

The other day I was thinking about a silly habit I have.  I buy something special to wear somewhere special and it just ends up sitting in my closet.   Here’s an idea!  Wear your clothes – all of them!  You know, the ones you purchased for a “special occasion” but haven’t worn yet.   I do it all of the time!  I struggle everyday with what to wear because I am always saving the good stuff for something “special”.  And I end up wearing the same old black t-shirt and jeans everyday.  Well no more! I am going to wear what I want to wear each and every day, for myself not for a special occasion.  It’s probably going to make it a whole lot easier to get dressed in the morning!

Well as the saying goes, you gotta’ get back in the saddle! Here’s the thing. I didn’t have time to write last week because I moved into a new apartment! I didn’t have Internet access and frankly, moving is a lot of work and takes a lot of time! So there you have it. That is my excuse. I think it’s a pretty good one as far as excuses go

I am so excited about this move. This is my first apartment that I am living in by myself. I was married for 16 years and prior to that, I always had room mates. I’ve never lived alone and you know what? So far I like it! I know there will be times where I will feel lonely or be fearful, but most of the time I will enjoy it. So far so good!

One of the things I like most about living alone is not having to explain anything to anyone. Like why I am having cereal for dinner, watching a movie I have seen 20 times, eating dinner in bed, playing the music I want to hear, basically not having to compromise.

A good thing I discovered about moving is it makes all of my old stuff seem brand new. Everything has a new life – including me. I get a “do over”! When I was apartment hunting the one thing I did not compromise on was location and I am happy I didn’t. I wanted to live on a nice tree lined street that was in walking distance to stores and restaurants and that was safe to walk my dog late at night. So with that, I am off to walk my dog and enjoy my time alone for now

This week I did something that was simple and easy.  I have been fighting it for a long time, but this week, I bit the bullet.  I did it and I feel so much better!

I bought a new bra.

Simple right?  But oh, what a change!!   The girls are lifted and separated.  I didn’t think it was going to make this much of a difference. I really don’t know why I waited so long.  It made no sense.  A bra is something I wear every day and I had not purchased a new bra since…umm…. I am really embarrassed; it has been over a year!  What is wrong with me?  Why do I do this to myself?  No one was suffering but me!

Here are the two bra’s I bought:

First of all, both bra’s are on sale right now, score!  Secondly, my blouses look better, my posture is better, and it was more than worth it.  You know what’s the best part? I don’t dread putting on my bra everyday like I used to.  Before I was constantly tugging, pulling and adjusting my bra.   And I could not wait to take it off when I got home!

Paying more for a bra is totally worth it.  Ladies – don’t wait like I did.  Do it today, buy a couple of quality bras that fit and build from there.

My new commitment?   Buy one every 2 months.  That is 6 new bras by the end of the year.

Life is too short to wear an old, ill fitting, ugly bra.  A bra is not an extravagance.   It is a necessity.

Go out to a department store or get online and buy a new bra today!

Remember – don’t wait for a special occasion to buy a new bra; TODAY is a special occasion!

P.S. If anyone needs help figuring out what bra size they are, feel free to call one of our lingerie consultants at 800.220.8878.  They helped me find the right size!

Last week while at the bookstore I happened by the self-help section.  UGH!  is all I could say to myself.  I am sure that the authors of these “self-help” books have only the best intentions, but enough already!  I flipped through the pages of a few books… A Million Ways to be Happy, Things to do Before You Die.  There was even a book that suggested I doodle my way to happiness.  The book literally had blank pages for you to doodle on.  I felt like the books were judging me, not helping me.  Some of these books suggested that I  “See the horses cross the finish line at the Kentucky Derby,” or “Take a road trip across the country,” or  “Go on a hot air balloon ride,” and on and on and on.  And all I kept thinking was, “Boy, these would be great if I was independently wealthy and had unlimited vacation from work.”  Not very realistic.

Which brings me back to a new take on the New Years resolution.  This new way of thinking is more about making small changes here and there… things that are realistic!  To enjoy your life a little more, not have any regrets at the end of the year, and not to focus on your weight!

Most of us wait for special occasions to do special things, like wearing the antique ring your grandmother gave you, buying a great bottle of champagne or dining at your favorite restaurant.  What are we waiting for?  As the saying goes, “Life is short!”  Why wait for special occasions to do special things?  Isn’t every day special?

The only person not enjoying life and doing things you truly want to do is YOU.   The New Year is a fresh start and there are small things you can do each week, things that are manageable and won’t cost a lot of money.

What I am proposing is doing one thing, once a week.  One special thing.   If you want to try along with me, my first idea is to always use your nice china dishes (if you have china.)  Why save it for a special occasion? Did you know china is more durable and longer lasting the everyday dishes?  And it is dishwasher safe!  I’m going to use my china everyday and I encourage you to do the same!

Now I need ideas for next week, and the following week and the rest of the year!  Please share some ideas with me and all of the other readers and let’s make this year SPECIAL!

Sometimes I get signals that I am doing the right thing – accepting my body just as it is.  One of those signals was an article in the Los Angeles Times I came across on Sunday morning entitled “She Is Who She Is”.  The “she” is singer/song writer, Adele.   With an angelic, seductive face, curvy figure and a soulful voice far beyond her young age of 21, Adele is making history in more ways than one.

I am a huge fan of Adele’s music, but I’m an even bigger fan of her confidence.   It’s amazing to me that some one almost half my age has the ability to be true to herself, and stand strong in an industry that prefers thin, cookie cutter pop stars who do exactly what they are told.  Not Adele, she is her own girl.  As she says,

I’ve gotten this far without looking like Britney Spears. I think I can go a bit further.

But what I like most about the article is that Adele is confident about her size and feels there is room for everyone and every size.  Adele says,

The most important thing is the way that someone carries themselves.  If they feel comfortable, they carry themselves differently.

That is so true, there is nothing sexier or more fashionable than a confident woman.  A woman can be successful no matter what her size.  And there are many others Etta James, Jennifer Hudson, Beth Ditto and Jill Scott,  all successful and all true to themselves.

Adele, just like the others, followed her dreams and carved out her own path.   Girls, we cannot let anything hold us back!  Let’s embrace who we are and never apologize for it.  Let’s celebrate all woman, all shapes, all sizes.

Lets keep the confidence going like Adele.   Check out the entire article here.

I have always struggled with my summer wardrobe. Looking through magazines and knowing that most things will not fit, I was almost always disappointed. Since working at Hips and Curves, I am no longer disappointed. Shopping on the site I know everything is in my size. Girls with curves REJOICE, summer is here; let’s show some skin! Whether you are a sun block girl or a sun worshiper, flaunt what you have.

Here are my must haves for a great summer wardrobe:

First a new bra, bright colors are back, I suggest the Molded Underwire Bra With Push-up Padding in pink or Essential Everyday T-shirt Bra available in lime (my favorite) or turquoise.

Next is the Damn Sexy tank Damn Sexy Goth Tank , it looks great with shorts, jeans or a skirt and looks fun with a bright bra.

Another staple that flatters all bums is the Cheeky Lace Boy Leg, in great new colors, very berry and purple.

Relaxing around the house? Try a cool cotton Cami Jami Set, it covers just enough for a quick trip to the coffee shop for an iced latte.

We all need shorts for sizzling summer days so this summer try a rose floral print boxer for something different. Comfy cotton boxers in just the right length are cute enough for a romp outside or for a trip to the pool.Ready for a night on the town? Hot summer nights will never be the same again once you try a steel boned corset. Show off sun-kissed shoulders, have a enviable waist, and push up the “girls”. These corsets, Valentina Steel Boned Underbust Corset, The Contessa Steel Boned Corset and The Duchess Steel Boned Corset, can be dressed up with a short skirt or with a pair of jeans. The Valentina underbust would look fabulous with the Damn Sexy tank. Add a Tear Drop Petticoat in pink, red or black under a short skirt and show off those tanned legs!

If you are like me and love a great summer read, head to the beach or a lazy day in a park with a good book in a Hips & Curves Signature Tote Bag. This bag is perfect for a weekend getaway.

I am ready for the summer!

Thursday was a group effort getting everything ready for the shoot.   The crew built a beautiful set using one of our new harem canopies and spent a large part of the day setting up lighting and scenes.  The stylists were busy putting together the final pieces for each look, steaming lingerie, pulling shoes and hosiery from the wardrobe closet and staging and labeling each look on clothing racks.

When Friday arrived there was a buzz in the air. The model arrived and took her seat in hair and make-up. The make up artist, hair stylist, photographer and wardrobe assistants discussed the looks and shots for the day.   Then, with lights on, fans blowing and music blaring, the model arrived on set in a red jacquard corset and a stunning long black slinky ruched skirt.  It was then that the magic began.  Everyone’s hard work and long hours paid off. Ideas, meetings and samples came to life for the first time.  The shoot was a success.

PS – Make sure you check out the “behind the scenes” email newsletter for more!  If you’re not already signed up, you can sign up here.

PSS – The stylists used my suggestion for one of the outfits – the underbust corsest with the ruffle trim demi bra!

I received an email about a week ago requesting my presence at a brainstorming meeting.  The email asked me to bring any and all ideas, no matter how big or small, to our holiday corset design meeting.    I went on line and researched my wish list of vintage corset ideas, my dreams of an hourglass figure and the added plus of great posture were in my sights.  Am I the only girl that loves the “Marilyn” figure?

Today was the day.   With my wish list in hand I kicked my shoes off, grabbed a seat on one of our many comfy couches along with everyone else and the fun began.   Everyone brought their “A” game, big, small, extravagant, wild and sexy; all ideas were welcome in this brainstorming event!  Marcy was writing down feverishly as one idea topped the next.  Pizza was delivered and the ideas kept coming for an amazing few hours. 

That was fun – I am so excited to see the final list.  I really do hope a couple ideas from my wish list make the cut.    Stay tuned to see which beautiful new corsets made the coveted list! 

 By the way, did you all order the Contessa? I am waiting for mine, oh and the Cinderella petticoat!