Bodacious & Curvaceous

My computer is malfunctioning. I will be away for awhile!

She is beautiful- no doubt – but is she really plus size? According to the fashion world, size 12 is a plus. The reality? She’s just a regular woman! She’s not fat. She’s not chubby. The only thing “big” on this girl is her 34DD chest size. Even that comes in a regular bra shop (always has!). So, what’s plus about her?  I still haven’t found that out.

Nonetheless, she’s a stunner. This Scottish 19 year old is well on the way to becoming a leading plus size model. The word on the street is that Gray is in very, very high demand after only 5 months in the business.

What does concern me though is that by labeling her plus size, the industry – while trying to be supportive of size concerns and image issues – is classifying a healthy woman as “plus”. Since plus has always meant “big” “fat” “overweight” or what have you, what message are they sending when they label a non-fat, non-overweight, healthy, attractive, size 12 woman as “plus”??

I am in love with Elle’s April 2010 plus size issue, featuring model Tara Lynn. She is absolutely stunning. The Huffington Post has a uploaded 12 of the magnificent photos. I love the nude picture with Tara’s tiny fat rolls. They’re super cute.

I understand the current trend is to to offer a plus size magazine issue, but is this trend only a marketing scheme to appease magazine critiques for contributing to eating disorders and low-self esteem in women and girls? Don’t get me wrong. I love the idea of a plus size issue by mainstream magazines, but why not an overall of fashion magazines in general? In my opinion including women of all shapes, heights, statures, race, and ethnicity would be more a suitable approach.

From girl-next-door to sophisticated-sexy-lady! This is Anne’s simple mini makeover. Take a look and be inspired. A new hair cut and style is an easy, inexpensive way to reinvent your look and bring about a new attitude.

Before

I love before and after pictures. It’s amazing what a little bit of hair color and a new cut can do. In this simple do-it-yourself makeover, my friend Anne went from a dirty blond to a gorgeous brunette.

After

The brown hair shade with reddish tones make Anne’s green eyes pop. The layers add dimension and character to her facial features. With just the right amount of fringe, Anne’s hair style is more mature and sophisticated. Light pink lipstick, purple eyeliner, and green eyeshadow make her facial features sparkle. Anne, you look amazing!

Have you recently had a mini make over? Send me your pics. I’d love to make a page for you.

Natural Hair Color

This past year I tried nearly half a dozen hair colors, lengths and styles. I went through a lot of changes in my life. I ended a bad relationship, moved out on my own, and started university full-time. Basically, for the first time in my life, I became 100% independent. I guess you can say I tested out my freedom through my hair! From what my girlfriends tell me, alot of women change their hair after a significant life change.

Natural Hair color with Blonde Highlights

My first change was to highlight my hair. I went for a medium blonde shade. I went to Top Cuts and they used a cap. They stripped the hair color out first though. Below is the same cut but just a different view. What do you think?

Highlights

One thing I can say about highlights is that they look great in the summer time! I really felt the summer spirit.

Purple Brown Hair

Then I decided I wanted a significant change. I wanted PURPLE-ISH brown hair. Instead of purple brown hair, I got pretty much almost black hair with very few purple tones (they washed out within a month).

Almost Natural Looking Hair Color

In this picture, I have a side-ways poof with a few curls. I purchased one of those style rods that you simply wrap your hair around versus clamping and rolling. It came from the venders in Eaton Centre. I’ll have to write a review about that at some point.

Super Short Hair Cut

And then in December I decided to REALLY cut my hair short. It took some time to figure out how to style it. I wanted a more daring-fashionable style. Instead, I ended up with a very “mom cut”…something, I was trying to avoid.

New Years Eve

I must say just alittle bit of moisture can KILL a short hair style. I also found it almost impossible to keep my hair big and puffy as I wanted it. The backcombing and teasing simply would not hold.

January - My Birthday

When my hair started to grow, I didn’t know what to do with it. It was too short for most hair clips. I can’t wear headbands without getting headaches. So I just kept it simple and blow-dryed my hair.

Short Hair with Volume

Now, I mostly roll my hair in the mornings to give it lots of volume. My current style is mature and sophisticate. I’m planning on growing my hair out. Perhaps I’m wrong, but I think longer hair is more feminine and youthful. Most likely, I’ll be wearing short hair when I get older. Finding the right hair style can be difficult when there are endless possibilities. Maybe I will continue changing it up!

For a sleek, sexier look, I have one simple tip. For longer, leaner looking legs, I have just one simple tip. 

Look at the tip of your shoes!

What do you see?

Are they  square, round, pointed, wide, narrow?

The tip of your shoe can make a significant difference in the look of your legs. No matter if you chose to where high-heels, flats, lace-ups, or boots, the tip of your shoe should be considered. For a longer sleeker looking foot and legs choose a shoe with a point, but not too pointy. Narrow pointed shoes can cause foot pain and may actually make your ankles and foot appear wider.

Here are six pairs of sexy shoes with a suitable point.

Pointed-Toes by ummzahra featuring Forever21 shoes

One of the biggest myths about big girls (and guys) is that they’re lazy. WE ARE NOT! I personally LOVE working out. It’s near impossible for me to work out without music. I mentally focus on the lyrics of the song in order to drive through  difficult workouts. The nature of the music stirs up different energies in  me. Sometimes, I want very positive energy. Those are the songs that say, “Look up to the sky, Vicky. You are strong. You are Beautiful!”  Other times, I need something bitchy. These songs say to the world, “I don’t care about you. I’m the one that’s worth it. I DO THIS FOR ME!”  Other times I want a Party theme playlist that screams, “LETS HAVE FUN!!” I love to mix up genres and styles, although I must admit I lean towards Eurodance, HipHop and R&B. I throw in some Arabic and Spanish music now and then. Sometimes, I add another language that I have no background in if the beat is hot.  Oh, and bringing back old favourites can give you a feeling of nostalgia. It does for me! Anyway, for a moment in time, these songs are my mantras as I sweat and my heart pounds. Now, they can be yours. =)

Inna “Hot”
Favourite line: Fly like you do it… like you’re high like you do it … like a woman

Samantha  “U-Turn”
Favourite Line: Burn Motherfucker, Burn! I push the breaks and make a u-turn.

Pink “U+ Ur Hand”
Favorite Line: Keep the drink, just give me the money!

Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina “Stereo Love”
Favorite Line: I can fix all those lies … But baby, baby I run, but I’m running to you

The Ian Carey Project “Get Shaky”
Favorite Line: Baby go crazy! Break the rules!

“Number 1 Punjabi” from the Bollywood film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke
Favorite Line: I have no clue what they’re saying, but basically since 2002 when I saw the movie, I loved the song. The beat is so catchy, makes me want to break into dance or run, or both!

Alexandra Burke featuring Flo Rida “Bad Boys”
Favorite Line: the Bad Boys are always catching my eye…

Black Eyed Peas “Imma Be”
Favorite Line: Imma be on the next level

Godsmack “Crying Like a Bitch”
Favorite Line: I told you one too many times, And you were crying like a bitch.
*Might I suggest this song for bicep, tricep, or upper body work in general. It makes me feel like a bad ass. Indeed, I am a rockstar.

Alicia Keys “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart”
Favorite Line: Tonight I’m going to find a way to make it.

Now that’s one awesome set of tracks!

I love being a woman and I don’t mind being a big girl, but I HATE SHOPPING FOR PLUS SIZE CLOTHING IN CANADA! There simply is not enough selection. Here is a quick list of my favorite online plus size clothing stores.  And don’t worry, none of the stores I’m listening below sale pop-tents or granny-clothes(even my granny never would never have worn some of those heidious things I’ve found in plus size stores!). These retailers do ship to Canada!

Women should dress confident, sophisticated, fun, and even sexy no matter their size or body shape.

A Light  http://www.alight.com

The girl next door… A light offers sweet fashions for plus size women and girls in casual, work, and formal styles. The prices are modest and the selection is huge. These aren’t my usual style, but I can vouch that they do ship fast and have great customer service.

Apple Bottoms by Nelly http://www.applebottoms.com

Artist turned designer, Nelly creates styles for the hip-hop mamas! I love the fun and vibrant selection of skinny jeans. The tops are very stylish and it’s hard to go wrong with these styles. They are perfect for the younger crowd (plus size teens) and 20-somethings.

BabyPhat http://www.babyphat.com

These are designer clothes by Kimora Lee Simmons. She offers regular sizes and plus sizes in the oh-so-sexxy hip hop style. The clothes are urban and very trendy. If you haven’t heard of the BabyPhat brand, you must be hiding under a rock!  The site puts up new looks every season and the prices are reasonable. It’s a designer brand you really should own a piece of.

Great Glam http://www.greatglam.com/

Great Glam is an awesome store for trendy, fashionable, and party wear. There prices are very modest. They sale regular and plus size. Be advised, however, that they do run a bit small. Be sure to check the measurements out. I’m 5’7 and I found that the mini dresses were an inch or so too short. If in doubt, order a size up. I can tell you now that they get new merchandise all the time! They are constantly updating and the sight and taking down stuff. So be sure if you see something you like, take it before it sales out. They sale out quickly.

Size Appeal  https://www.sizeappeal.com/

Size appeal has young and urban styled plus size clothing. There’s sexy clothes for clubbing and casual tees for everyday wear. There are clothes here that most teenagers would wear and any fashionable girl might pick up a few of their items. They are low cost items, perfect for shopping on a budget. They sale shoes and other items as well.

Torrid http://www.torrid.com

This is one of my all-time favorite plus size clothing stores. They have everything, including designer Ed Hardy in plus sizes! Tops, dresses, shoes, accesories, purses, everything, everything everything!! The prices are suitable and the service is great. By the way, the beautiful belt I’m wearing in the picture above is from Torrid!

Forever 21 – Faith 21 http://canada.forever21.com/

Forever 21 sales the cutest things and now they’re selling plus sizes under the name Faith 21. I have to warn you that they are sized small so order two sizes up. They should fit a size 18. The styles are really nice and the prices are superb.