Curvy Confidential

Check out some gorgeous vintage inspired pieces from Hips and Curves featured in Bust Magazine.  Makes me wanna lounge around in bed all day!

I’m so excited about Love Your Body Day!   I get to judge a modeling contest with Plus Model Magazine and Brand Model and Talent Agency.  The model wins a contract with Brand, a cover and editorial in Plus Model Magazine and a chance to join the ranks of the famous Hips & Curves faces and to have her curves seen by millions of people around the world!

I can’t wait to meet all of the contests and find out who we’ll do our shoot with.   I love working with sensual, vulnerable, curvy women.  I love how our lingerie looks on soft, feminine bodies.   I love the strength and vulnerability our models show when they get under the lights and stand (or sit or lie down) in the middle of our studio in lingerie, and bare their souls to me, the camera and the world.

What I look for in a model is someone who is totally comfortable in her body.  When she puts on a piece of lingerie she commits to the look and makes it happen.   When she’s wearing our products she can’t be timid or afraid or concerned about how her stomach, hips, arms – whatever – look.  She has to love and accept all of herself – even what she might perceive as her flaws.  She doesn’t just put on a piece of lingerie and pose – she lets who she is come through her eyes, her face, her body and the way she moves.   She gives 100% of herself and doesn’t withhold anything from the photographer or the camera.   She embodies strength and vulnerability.  During a shoot, we give everything we have – and the model has to give everything she has to make it a success.

Being a Hips & Curves model is not for the faint of heart. But it’s a wonderful experience for the brave, daring, sensual – or even the timid, who want to break out of their comfort zone and do something truly incredible.    Our models inspire people to be proud of their curves and their sensuality.  They are role models and powerful examples of embracing their feminine power   I’ve read the emails from customers and seen the faces of the crew during the shoots.  I’ve seen perspectives shift and eyes being opened for the first time. What could be more inspiring than seeing soft curvy figures, moving to the music and being free, confident and amazing?

If you’re curious, excited, confident (or want to be more confident) send us your pics!   Sign up for the contest here.

Time flies at Hips and Curves, but this week seems to have gone by even faster.  On Monday, the stylists were busy coordinating looks for a big photo shoot.   Tuesday, meetings, meetings and more meetings.  I was excited to report that tons of orders were being placed for the Essential Everyday T-shirt Bra in our featured summer colors, lime and turquoise.   I personally love the lime and need to get my order in   Wednesday the office was electric again.  Last minute samples were arriving for the shoot, stylists were coordinating looks – corsets, thigh highs, shoes, bras and panties.

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!

Okay. I was having a girls’ night the other night and before the movie we started talking about women’s studies and somehow got onto the topic of women’s image. We went all over the place; talking about suffrage, women’s rights, the lack of chivalry and politeness in general (sorry guys, but chivalry just isn’t as common as it used to be!) and of course, women’s self esteem and self-image in the world today.

There once was a time any man would hurry to open a door or pull out a chair. You would pass by and hats would tip to you left and right. In the society we live in now, that has become a rarity. These days it’s more common than not, to have an elevator door close on you as you rush to make it in, and hats are left on as if stuck with superglue.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying all men behave like this. It’s just the number of those who have lost their manners has increased dramatically over the last few generations. There are still some men (and if you find one, keep him!) that will open the door for you, and not only you. To be a true gentleman they will hold it for you and the group walking in behind you. They will hurry to open your car door, and let you pass ahead of them as you walk through a tight squeeze on the sidewalk.

Some would argue that this decline in society contributes to the lack of self esteem and self respect that we see in the women of today. I even heard a close friend of mine say “Men make me feel the worst about myself. Sometimes I feel as if I don’t even deserve to have a door held open for me anymore.” We know it isn’t anything personal men, but women are complicated and observant beings and the little things mean a lot. I’m sure it also stems from the difference in how boys and girls are raised. Girls are brought up awaiting their fairytale prince and being told to stay clear of the wrong kind of guy. However boys these days are being taught less and less about manners and chivalry, replacing Cotillion with PS3’s and YouTube. Continue Reading »

I’ve always been interested in what makes men attracted to certain women so I decided to ask three of my friends to tell me why they love dating curvy girls like us…. Here are their answers…

From Manuel – a civil engineer and one of my dear friends from Italy:

Ciao Misty! Here are some thoughts to your question… thanks for asking.

I think what I like most and I would extend many men like about bigger women is the absolute appearance of the female form.  Many women, while trying to stay thin or exercise too much are coming to a point where they look more like men dressed up like women.

When you combine the softer appearance of a real woman with a proportioned body, the image conveys the idea of a woman who fully appreciates all that life has to offer, who seeks every joy in life and that shows to the world her appreciation of Joy.  Furthermore, it enhances and boosts all the sexual symbols that are embedded in our brains, and the desire of experiencing all that fulfillment is pervading!

hmmm… I can’t wait for my Italian vacation later this year to get some of that appreciation in person!

From Adam – an extremely fun and dynamic CEO from Los Angeles:

Okay, let me start off by saying that I love women. I love their femininity, their sweetness and their softness.  This goes hand-in-glove with what you’re asking.  Crudely, I’m drawn to hips and butts and boobs.  More subtlety, however, I love women’s curves.  It’s the curves in a woman’s silhouette that melt me every time.   I like feeling wrapped in love, enveloped, if you will, and a “skinny” girl just can’t hold me the way a woman of substance can.

As for the “look” of a curvy girl, there’s just something about natural cleavage and the soft yielding flesh of a healthy figure that makes me swoon every time.

Ah yes, there is nothing I love more than making a man swoon!

And finally my favorite sentiment 

From Matt – a blue collar guy from the Midwest with a heart of gold:

You know, there is a place between the shoulder and hip that is meant for an arm.   I mean… have you ever driven through Nebraska?   It’s flat and boring and I think that is why not too many people live there.   I like scenery and points of reference, terrain that lets you know where your at. 

Well said, darlin’… I’m happy to be your road map anytime!

We want to hear from other men – what makes you attracted to curvy women?