It’s that time of the year when plus size teens across the country will begin to think about prom and homecoming. Because of this today’s installment in the ongoing series is going to deal with not only the issue but some tips and tricks to help you out.

1. Borrow Accessories
   Retro is in when it comes to jewelry and clothing.  For clothing I suggest ChicStar or Domino Dollhouse.  Neither are traditional but who said plus size fashion has to follow rules that were set without this niche in mind?
2. Find Frugal Frocks
   Every teenage girl wants to look like a princess at prom, but blowing your budget on a formal gown you will wear only once isn’t a smart purchase. Consider buying a gown that can be worn on more than one occasion. Price per wear is the name of the game.
3. Dreaming of a designer dress? You could sign up for some of the man flash-sale sites websites but your time would be better used signing up for the newsletter, Twitter, and facebook accounts for your favorite plus size merchant and shopping their bridal sales.
4. Do Your Own Grooming
   Do your own hair. If you’re old enough for prom, you’re probably capable of handling your own makeup and nails. You could also swap services with friends. Just this tip alone could save you hundreds of dollars!
5. Use Simple Floral Tricks
   Make your own boutonnieres and corsages, or order them from your local grocery store. Go for a more minimalist look, like an elegant single rose or flower with greenery.
6. Chuck The Formal Photos
   You will have your cell phone or digital camera with you so use that to record your night.  Share camera duties with friends for an honest record of the evening. Photo printing is very affordable today which will once again save you money.
7. Compare Tuxedo Prices(Guys)
   Tux rentals will set most students back $75 to $100 or more. That’s why it’s important to comparison shop. Don’t be afraid to barter for a better price. Choose a tux that is close to what you already have in your closet so you will be able to personalize your look.
8. Lose the Limo
   Most limos have four-hour minimums and require tipping, which could result in a bill of $400 or more. Consider the possibility of borrowing a nice car from a parent or relative.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

Do you know a teenage girl who wants to look fashionable?  Well I think it is in the DNA of a young lady to want to look nice and I am sad that it has taken so long for retailers to finally start noticing that kids today are not only bigger but have more disposable income than any group at the same time in known history.  Enough of that the big news is that plus size retailer Evans is looking to cater to plus-size teens.

It is the latest attempt by a major retailer to cash in on the growing waistlines of women in Britain, following the revelation this week that one in four British women are size 18 or bigger.

Evans, which is owned by Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia Group, already has 260 branches which cater for women of all ages in sizes 14 to 32. But this is the first time a retailer has focused on teenagers in the plus-size category.  It is the latest attempt by a big retailer to cash in on the growing waistlines of women shoppers in Britain.  The move comes a day after it was revealed that one in four British women are now size 18 or bigger. Source

With more than 6 million women in Great Britain wearing  a size 18(size 16 in the US) reports have stated that represents 40% of the total population.  That means a lot of teens and if the UK plus-size clothing industry is anything like the US industry then that means there are a lot of teens looking to find trendy fashionable clothes and Evans is looking to fill that gap.

Evans has worked with Crystal Renn, Beth Ditto, and Chaka Kahn and is looking to expand their operations to include teens.  From a purely financial standpoint they want a piece of the £3.8 million plus-size market in the UK.  From a socially responsible point, just my opinion, they are catering to teens to ensure the amount of teasing that young ladies have to endure because of their size is kept to a minimum.

Side Note:  You will notice the highlighted section at the beginning of this post.  That is a new featured I am testing out on Full Figure Plus to give you the reader a chance to interact with each other and me.  Let me know what you think about it as well as your thoughts on today’s topic.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

I get emails all the time about “How can I become a plus size model?”  In all cases I refer ladies to Gwen Devoe and Devoe Signature Events.  Why because Gwen has always been on top of things and with the Plus Academy she has broken new ground across the country.  The latest incarnation of the event that helps launch the careers of plus size models is going to hit the San Fransisco, Bay Area and be managed by my good friend the Curvy Fashionista herself, Marie Denee!

Aspiring plus models now have the platform to build, develop, and enhance their modeling skills with the launch of The Plus Academy BAY AREA.  Executive Director, Gwen DeVoe has carefully chosen her staff and has appointed plus size fashion blogger, journalist, and boutique owner, Marie Denee, as the Regional Director for the Bay Area.

On April 10^th, 2010, the Plus Academy BAY AREA will host its first open house in partnership with plus size fashion designer, Igigi. Potential attendees of the Plus Academy BAY AREA will have the opportunity to meet with Executive Director, Gwen DeVoe, and regional director, Marie Denee.  Instructors for the Plus Academy BAY AREA will also be in attendance.  These instructors include former model and runway coach,Charleston Pierce of Charleston Pierce Presents; Fashion on the Square director and producer, Y’Anad Burrell; professional model, Dana Roeting; and makeup artist Tracey Brown of Blinging Beauty.

The Plus Academy BAY AREA is also proud to announce its sponsors for the first Spring session.  They include Igigi, Plus Model Magazine, East Bay Loop, Bay Area Professional Women Network (BAPWN), Hands of Healing Massage and Spa Studio, Classic 8 Designs, Full Figure Entertainment, and Naturally Delicious Skin.

Please visit the website for more information about the Plus Academy BAY AREA.

About the Executive Director, Gwen DeVoe

Gwen DeVoe, C.E.O. of DeVoe Signature Events, has risen to international prominence recently for creating and producing the first ever Full Figured Fashion Week™ in New York.  Featured in the finale fashion show were models whose careers have been shaped by training through Gwen DeVoe’s Plus Academy, the country’s leading training and development academy dedicated to plus size women and teens.

About The Plus Academy

Since 1999, the Plus Academy has provided unsurpassed training and guidance, helping to launch the careers of several plus models, many of whom have appeared in print ads, runway showcases, television programs, online magazines, designer showcases, pageants and more.  They have also offered a variety of personal development and lifestyle workshops for plus size women and pre-teenagers.

Gwen has expanded her Academy to reach plus size women on a regional level.  In March, The Plus Academy debuted across the country, with workshops taught by a team of professionals who are experienced in the plus size market and in conducting workshops associated with issues affecting plus size models.  “I am delighted to announce the openings of several Plus Academy programs across the nation…” beams Gwen DeVoe. “ …aspiring plus models need a place where they can get credible training in an industry that is already very tough to maneuver.  We pride ourselves on being the number one resource for all things related to the plus modeling industry.”

The Plus Academy has been integral in the success of several plus models who received their training with the academy.  Former student and plus model Shanta Washington feels that her training at The Academy was essential to her growth as a model. “The Plus Academy served as the gateway to success AND self acceptance for me at a pivotal time in my life…”, Shanta reflects. “The Academy was the greatest starting point for me as an aspiring model while at the same time, the instructors and volunteers helped me to become in touch with my inner self…they taught me self acceptance on another level. I would never trade my experiences and the knowledge gained through The Plus Academy and the Director, Gwen DeVoe for anything in the world…I owe my career to it!” Shanta has gone on to appear in several magazines, including Essence.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

Forever 21 and Target appear to be paying attention to the spending power that teens hold by launching plus size lines of clothing specifically geared towards a younger audience.  If such is the case then they have noticed the same thing that I have and that is teens of today have more money at their disposal than any generation in history.

With the decline of the mall teens are hanging out at specialty shops and making purchases on Amazon.com, Ebay and others based off recommendations from friends on Twitter and Facebook.  My own daughter recently purchased a vehicle for cash and did not even blink when they told her how much it would cost.  If buyers for mainstream stores have FINALLY noticed this and are actually willing to do what it takes to cater to plus size teens then our children will get a handshake that we never could have imagined happening.

I have been saying for years that there are far to many merchants that do not want a peice of the billion dollar plus size fashion industry for fear of being labeled as a “fat” merchant.  Stores like Torrid.com and Plus Size Fix formerly Belle Avenue offer affordable clothing for young ladies that want to be fashionable, embracing the fact that teens want to look good period.

The key to this possible trend is in the hands of Target in my opinion.  They are a brand that is a part of pop culture, so if it catches on there it will easily spread to others merchants.  I am not so sure about Forever 21′s involvement because of the way they are launching but I will hold my final opinion till later this year.

Maybe finally someone has realized that teens are impulsive shoppers so if they have clothes that fit the mood of the moment they will buy and buy often not to mention spread the word about where to buy.  It may even save merchants on advertising becasue of the speed at which the plus size teens will get the word out through text messaging and social networks that there is a source for quality clothing for teens and they do not have to shop at Lane Bryant with there mother.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

In a question that I received from a reader it made me think about dieting again.  The question, “Do diet pills really work for teens?”  My Hollywood Squares response is sure they work, but we are still not sure what type of work they do.  Seriously, I think that it is a problem for anyone to take diet pills, but think that it is even worse when talking about a teenager that is not even fully developed.

The quicky weight loss problem is a direct result of people that want quick results for a slow developing situation.  For teens this is compounded in the world of Ipods, Tweeting, and text messaging so it is natural to think that they would want to just pop a pill and watch the pounds melt away.  Anyone that has witnessed the teen diet knows that nutrition is not a part of the equation and experimentation with things that would put most adults down is common.

Plus size teens today have the same issues that larger kids had in decades past, except that instead of there being only one or two kids that get teased and think of popping pills there are dozens in schools that have to deal with size discrimination and contemplate taking untested unproven drugs to try to lose weight and look more like the “in” crowd.

It would not suprise me if people that take pills for weight loss on a regular basis end up heavier in the long run that those that depend on diet and exercise alone.  If teens would put down the Ipods and video games and get outside more that would be a much better solution than downing a pill.

Teenagers typically think they are bulletproof so it is very troubling to think that a teen would think of dieting by artificial means.  On the other hand, it is just not in the DNA of a teenager to commit to things that will casue them to not be accepted by their friends so deiting and exercise would not go over well, which would make taking pills a better choice even though it is not the smartest one.

To parents that think that I am promoting kids taking diet pills, calm down.  I don’t think anyone particularly a teenager should take the easy way through digesting a pill that is going to probably make them throwup, go thorugh bouts of depression, or binge eat.  As a teenager there is so much more to life than taking the quick way to weight loss.  Set goals that are important to you and you alone and work towards your goal.  Don’t pay attention to fashion magazines, do read blogs like this one to get your daily dose of support on your road to living a more helathy life both physically and mentally.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

For most people prom season is in full swing. For those that have decided to go at the last minute but have no clue what to do the folks at Sydney’s closet have everything that you need to make prom or graduation a night to remember.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women