Ben Barry wrote in Elle Canada about the findings from his PhD. studies, Can using different types of models benefit brands? When I read this yesterday I was going to write about it but decided to re-read the article and give my opinion in total support of what he wrote.

Immediately I thought of conversations over the years with ladies of all ages, sizes, and races about the fashion industry and the size models they use to sell different brands.  Even thought most were said in a joking manner the conclusion was “Why would I buy that dress when I have no idea how it would look on me and they probably don’t have my size anyway.” The study backed up this water cooler talk in a major way.

Barry did an excellent job of confirming this with hardcore data collected from women in the United States and Canada.  The study included more than 2,500 women ranging from 14 to 65 years old and a dress size from 0 to 18.  Additionally, they reflected a diverse range of ethnicities. Some of the numbers surprised me some did not but the data confirms in my opinion why plus size fashion is growing at the rate it has and how plus modeling is also heading in the same direction.

Interesting findings:

• Women increased their purchase intentions by a dramatic 300 percent when they saw curvier models
• When women saw models who didn’t reflect their size, they decreased their purchase intentions by 60 percent
• Women increased their purchase intentions by more than 200 percent when the models in the mock ads were their size.

I feel he will challenge the fashion industry with his findings, but I am being realistic in knowing no full scale changes will happen for quite some time. One fact remains though, the door has been opened and the dialogue has begun.  In other words you can’t get rid of an idea once it is released to the public.

Reading the following paragraph again confirmed what I have been thinking for years and one of the reasons Full Figure Plus exists.

Companies seldom cast models who reflect their markets. The typical model is size 2, whereas the average woman is size 14. Most models are between the ages of 15 and 24, yet there are more Canadians between 40 and 49 or 50 and 64. Only 10 percent of models in North American fashion ads are non-Caucasian, yet 16 percent of the Canadian population is non-Caucasian—and that increases to 40 percent for Toronto and Vancouver.

Having recently obtained my MBA it amazes me this model works and works so well with women even though it is widely known the majority of the ad campaigns for fashion do not reflect the reality of what women today look like.

I was taught in introductory level marketing classes that marketing to a target niche is what pays the bills.  I do it with this blog but apparently even though Ben Barry confirmed this with his study the fashion industry is going against the grain despite losing business because of outdated modes of marketing and design.

In the plus size niche we exist because we HAVE to reflect what our demographic looks like.  If we did not then we would lose our audience so fast it would make our heads spin.  it is good to see data backing up what many have been speculating on for years that size does matter when it comes to the shopping habits of ladies. Congratulations to Ben on obtaining his doctorate degree and for shedding light on an issue that needs to be talked about more and more.  Let him know your thoughts by visiting him on Twitter.

Photo source

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

When you think of Avon what comes to your mind?  If you are like me you think about the “avon lady” coming to the house once a month to collect on last months order and take this months order.  It was cosmetics, deodorants, colognes, and perfumes.  Yesterday I was introduced to something I never would have associated with the legendary brand and that is trendy clothing.

My wife came out of the room wearing the top you see in the photo. The Embellished Sequin Printed Tunic is a take off of the styles inspired by middle eastern cuts and prints.  At a cost of $19.99 not to bad for a nice summer top. I was surprised when she told me it was an Avon product.

Surfing through the site it was nice to see clothing accessories that did not look like they were stuck in time and that time had long since passed. Just like most ecommerce sites today when you make a selection there are suggestions to complete your look as well as items similiar to the selection that other customers have purchased.

Considering Avon is a makeup and accessories company do not get excited and think you will come across a vast selection because you won’t.  Some of the items do not appear to be the best looking but with price points mainly below $40 I did not go in expecting a lot.

I like clothes are offered that someone under the age of dead can wear but I do not like the navigation of the website.  No matter what you click on you will first go to the core products then you will be able to select from the navigation menu to the left.  Let me quit being picky and continue.

Other items you will have access to on the Avon website:

• handbags
• accessories
• footwear
• fashion specials
• Curves (yup that curves)

The blogger boutique takes you back to the core of Avon which is makeup.  Why not pick up some makeup while you are shopping for other things.

While shopping at Avon you are not going to load up on vast amount of fashions but considering the talk that plus size fashion is dying it is nice to see older companies paying attention and offering clothing and accessories that the average woman would not mind wearing to work or on the go.

What do you think about Avon and what do you think about accompany know for makeup offering clothing?

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

One of the City Chic designers has taken the hard work out of picking the hot clothes of the season by choosing eight combinations from clothes to swimewar for you so all you have to do is say yes and continue shopping.

What I like about the looks the designers chose is the emphasis on lingerie and swimwear.  I am not sure if it is just the time of the year in which these items are promoted more or what but when you have been covering plus size shopping world as long as I have you may remember a time in which promotion of plus size anything connected to lingerie and swimwear just did not happen.

My favorite look of the eight is Siren Corset which will not be available on the website until this Friday which gives you time to make up your mind or stock up on some of the other items.  Though the looks below are from the new collection be sure to pay close attention to the sale items for end of season closeouts.  It is your chance to grab some great stuff for next to nothing.  Stay tuned for more on City Chic.  I am looking to see big things from this retailer in the future.

Enjoy FREE SHIPPING AND RETURNS – US and Canada only

The City Chic Woman
Not only is the city chic woman bold, sexy glam and chic, but she is fun, fashionable, and fearless.  With a hectic lifestyle and a passion for fashion she is not defined by the way she looks but the way she feels and embraces her curves. She need not feel left out as we are here to show you that “fashion” is not only for the “skinny”.

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

I am showing my age when I state rain boots when I was growing up came in two colors, neon yellow for kids and black with a red stripe around the top for adults who where probably farmers.  Galoshes were seen sometimes but not often.  The one thing for certain was if you wore rain boots they were not meant to be your primary shoe and there was nothing fashionable about them.

First we saw camouflage makes its way into the world of fashion now we see that rain boots have become the in thing into the world of fashion.  Today I am listing some of the more interesting boots I have come across.  Are you a fashion rain boot person or are your thoughts still on the rain boots from days long gone?

Bootsi Tootsi Shoes, Leopard Rain Boots

Rockport Women’s Shoes, Lorraine Rain Boots

Dirty Laundry Shoes, Raincheck Wedge Rain Boots Women’s Shoes

Cole Haan Women’s Shoes, Dorian Rain Boots Women’s Shoes

Lucky Brand Shoes, Orland Rain Boots Women’s Shoes

Bandolino Shoes, Giantleap Rain Boots Women’s Shoes

Calvin Klein Shoes, Ivy Tall Rain Boots Women’s Shoes

Dirty Laundry Shoes, Raindrop Rain Boots Women’s Shoes

The snake skin boots are by far my favorites. As you can see black is still one of the main colors in the high end fashion rain boots but the style is nothing like what we saw in years past.  If you live in a rainy area then you do not have to skimp on style when it comes to rain boots.  Not only can you look fashionable but you can stay dry at the same time.

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

Wedge heels – a heel extending from the back of the shoe to the front of the shank and having a tread formed by an extension of the sole —called also wedge – Meriam-Webster Dictionary

The above definition is for one of the best shoes on the planet as far as I am concerned, the wedge heel.  Why do I like this shoe so much?  It is quite simple.  Wedge heels are simple, sleek, sexy and best of all the conversations I have had with women about shoes there are few conversations involving wedge heels that involve pain in their feet.

My thoughts on this are that because you have more shoe so you have more to support your foot especially if you have a wider foot.  Enough of my rambling.  Below are ten shoes that I like that I think will be perfect for Summer.  Wifey will for sure have a surprise in store the problem will be picking out just one!

Penny Wedge – GreenAmp up your style in these posh wedges from Restricted. Penny is a cute wedge in olive green leather with a moccasin-like feel and an open toe. A 3 ? inch wedge heel gives this adorable wedge a funky edge!

Lucia Wedge – GreyA fun twist to the classic wedge is here from Matiko. Lucia has it all, this style features a grey leather upper, open-toe, t-strap, and adjustable ankle straps. A 4 inch wooden wedge and 1/2 platform complete this picnic” ready sandal.”

Veva Wedge Heel – PurpleAdd a little rock star flair to your wardrobe in this glitzy Ed Hardy wedge. Veva is a peep toe 4 1/2 inch purple suede wedge. This sassy style is adorned with silver and purple rhinestones spelling out the Ed Hardy logo on the back.

Carol Wedge – MustardThis casual wedge will add to any warm weather apparel. Carol brings you a pretty mustard suede upper with an adjustable t-strap leading to a peep toe vamp. A woven 1 inch platform and 5 inch wedge will create one amazing everyday look.

Pout Wedge – RedThere will be no pouting when you step out in this gorgeous sandal from oh?DEER! A red patent leather upper features buckle and strap details at the vamp and slingback with a 3 inch faux cork wedge heel.

Ed Hardy – Cerra Heels (Aqua) - Footwear: Make a sassy statement with these wanton wedges on your feet! ; Easy slip-on wear. ; Fabric upper with glittering rhinestone accents and classic Ed Hardy tattoo-inspired design at vamp. ; Open toe. ; Fabric lining. ; Lightly cushioned fabric footbed. ; Cork platform and wedge heel. ; Fabric and man-made sole.

Sam Edelman Wesley Tassle Wedge ShoeWedge shoes by Sam Edelman. Featuring a loafer style with a rounded toe, fold down panel to front with a pinked edge, tassel trim, gold-tone detailing and a contrast platform wedge heel.

Charles by Charles David Women’s Flare Wedge SandalLaunched in January 2004, the Charles by Charles David line is designed for the woman who demands fashion and style at an appealing price. The variety of styles — pumps, kitten heels, evening sandals, wedges and boots — make this a versatile line of shoes ideal for a casual weekend, a night out or a boardroom business meeting.

Emilie Wedge Directly from Tory Burch – A truly stylish hybrid, the Emilie Wedge combines the pointy-toe shape of a pump with a pop of bright patent and a stacked wood wedge heel. It’s a polished way to bring a quirky spirit to your look. Wear with angle length cuffed pants or a dress.

Sequined espadrille wedge sandals- Covered wedge heel measures approximately 140mm/ 5.5 inches with a 25mm/ 1 inch braided rope platform- Black sequined faux leather- Topstitched stripes, open round toe- Buckle-fastening ankle strap}

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

After losing several family and friends to breast cancer I am always happy to promote those who support breast cancer awareness. I stumbled upon this press release so I am passing the info on to you guys.  If it was only as simple as buying a T-shirt to cure this deadly disease.

Plus size women looking to support cancer research can now join the cause with Sealed With a Kiss Designs (otherwise known as SWAK Designs) who has partnered with iconic ta-tas® Brand to offer a selection of authentic plus size fit tees, where a percentage of each sale goes to fight against cancer at every stage by supporting break-through research.

The partnership began from a simple need; to offer Save the ta-tas® tee shirts in an authentic women’s plus size fit with a company that caters to this market.

“We are thrilled to be making tee shirts with Save the ta-tas®,” says Sarah Sapora, Director of Marketing and Business Development for SWAK Designs. “Women of all shapes and sizes are interested in supporting the fight against breast cancer. Now, plus size women can buy these well known tee shirts in sizes that will fit and flatter them!”

“We are thrilled to partner with SWAK Designs and to offer Save the ta-tas® products to women of all shapes and sizes,” said Julia Fikse, Founder and President of Save the ta-tas®.  “Together, SWAK Designs and Save the ta-tas® can not only fight cancer with humor, but also with donations that go directly towards research in finding a cure for cancer.”

SWAK Designs launches its collection with three tee shirts. The classic, V-neck Save the ta-tas® logo tee in both pink and black, the bold and flirty “I Love My Big ta-tas” tee shirt and western-inspired “I Love My Cowgirl ta-tas” tee.  Each shirt is available in sizes 1x – 5x, the equivalent of a woman’s size 14 through 32 for $29.97each. They may be purchased online at www.swakdesigns.com.

About Sealed With a Kiss Designs

Sealed With a Kiss Designs offers contemporary women’s plus size fashions in sizes 14 – 36. Styles are available online at and at select boutiques across the country and internationally. The California- based business prides itself on making the majority of all its styles locally, within the Los Angeles metro-area. For more information, or for wholesale inquiries, visit them online at www.swakdesigns.com or call 818-888-3800. Join SWAK on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sealedwithakissdesigns and on Twitter @SWAKDesigns

About Save the ta-tas®

ta-tas® Brand (est. 2004) and Save the Ta-tas® Foundation (est. 2008) were created by fashion designer,Julia Fikse, as a way to fight breast cancer using laughter and fun. Formerly a designer for Jessica McClintock, Levi and Adidas, Julia started Save the ta-tas® as the perfect combination of fashion design and supporting a cause.  ta-tas® Brand has donated 50% of their profits to the cause over the last six years and to date, has donated $790,000+ to fund the fight against cancer.  For more information, please visit www.savethetatas.com, join their community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Savethetatas and on Twitter @savethetatas.

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