I am a bit ashamed of not having discovered this song earlier, but thank goodness I stumbled on it a few weeks ago online whilst browsing around YouTube.com. Since then this song has been playing in my car constantly.

Let me introduce to you Mika, a singer who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to a Lebanese mother of Syrian-Lebanese descent and an American father. A lot of you might probably know the song… ‘Relax, Take it Eaaaaasy‘… well Mika is the man behing that song. And he has recently launched another great single which simply praises big beautiful curvy ladies. The song is aptly name ‘Big Girl… You Are Beautiful!’.

Besides loving this song because it is truly about time full figured women get some love in the music scene, the piece is simply up beat and just makes you want to get off your chair, dance and celebrate your curves! Woo hoo! The video is great and the plus size women dancing along look gorgeous and sexy too.

Some snippets from the lyrics of the song, which stand out for me…

You take your girl
And multiply her by four
Now a whole lot of woman
Needs a whole lot more

Right on! And also…

No need to fantasize
Since I was in my braces
A watering hole
With the girls around
And curves in all the right places

Please share this with every curvy lady you know, I am sure it will make her day!

The following is a guest post by Sara Johnson.

The right pair of denim jeans may be the single most important piece of clothing in your wardrobe and will without a doubt be the most versatile piece in your collection. Plus size denim lines are ever increasing and the trend focused options available in standard sizing are rapidly becoming available for the plus size community. From your favorite tee to a kimono top, your entire look can be changed without ever taking off your denim. However, what looks stylish and sexy on one woman, makes another one look frumpy or outdated. So, how do you know what’s right for you? Below are some basic guidelines to follow when shopping for the perfect piece of denim.

The golden rule is: Know what thyself is workin with! If you got it flaunt it, accentuate the positives. Booty like J Lo? Mile long legs? These are the features you want to accentuate. Work with different washes and of the minute denim shapes like boot-cut and wide leg that enhance your favorite features.

What is your body style? Wide Hips, avoid the temptation of drowning yourself in relaxed fit jeans, they will only add inches where you’re trying to lose them. Instead draw the eye down and balance the body with a pair of slight flare boot-cut jeans in a mid rise that’s fitted throughout the hips. If you have short legs, make sure you pay attention to the length; this is one of the most important aspects when choosing a pair of jeans. Denim should be about a half of an inch above the ground when wearing heels or flats. Darker washes, with a front crease from the knee to the hem, also elongate your legs. A new option re-emerging is the higher waist trouser jean, which not only slims, but creates the illusion of mile long legs. Girls with a boyish figure or a body style considered to be rectangular will want to opt for a cut that will add the illusion of having curves, such as a mid-rise flare leg jean, where the denim is fitted through the hips and thigh, with the flare beginning above the knee.

The devil is in the details; you will want to consider different details of the jean itself. A fan of distressing and aged denim? Make sure not to go overboard. Extreme fading or jeans that appear to be destroyed may be popular with 15 year old pop tarts, but in reality can look tacky and dated. Dark denim in a crisp shape is always chic, as is a medium wash with well placed whiskering. Pay attention to pocket shape and angle. Hexagonal shapes that angle in towards the center tend to work best in creating a heart shaped booty for any body. Pockets placed slightly higher on the tush tend to make a flat booty look perkier and higher. Flap, or cargo pockets, also add some oomph to a small tush. Long pockets that pass the bottom of the tush are fantastic for shaping and lifting an ample booty. Avoid excess fading on the butt and the thighs, as they will make these areas look larger. Also pay attention to a lot of whiskering around the zipper area, which can also accentuate the hips. When considering rise, most women will be best served by a mid rise (a few inches below your belly button).

When choosing the right pair of plus size denim know your body type first and foremost, it is the basis of your search. Know which styles will work with your type and most importantly, what makes you feel fabulous.

Who is Sara Johnson?
Sara Johnson is the co-owner and product buyer at Velvetsiren.com - A posh plus size clothing boutique for curvy girls. She currently works as a fashion consultant for curvy women worldwide. Come see what everyone is talking about!

AboutCurves.com, an online store offering exclusively plus size lingerie, has recently announced the addition of a brand new collection to its stock. The new items can be purchase directly through their site, and  include an assortment of lingerie featuring hearts, flowers, and feathers.

"We really aim to make the everyday woman feel sexy," says owner Robin Bryan-Culver. "Did you know more than fifty percent of American women are size 14 or larger?" As an exclusive retailer of plus size lingerie, Robin understands that many larger women get a message from society that they should be shameful of their bodies. But as a plus size woman herself, Robin believes that all women should have the opportunity to feel sexy and self-confident about their bodies.

Visit AboutCurves.com to view the new collection.

Ladies living in New York will be very pleased to get to know that Alight.com has now opened up a boutique in Long Island, at the west end of the Morton Village Shopping Center in Plainview, NY. I have always called Alight.com the online plus size ‘mall’, due to the vast selection of items and labels it makes available. So I can only but imagine the vast choice made available through this brand new boutique.

For ladies who may not really be comfortable with shopping online, and who are in the area, the opening up of this store is great news! The store currently carries a collection of junior and contemporary plus size fashions, including tops, dresses, jeans, skirts, as well as gown for those special occasions.

How To Get There
The store is located on Old Country Road 1/2 mile from NY 135, the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway. The Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway/NY 135 can be reached from the Northern State Parkway, the Long Island Expressway or the Southern State Parkway. From the Northern State Parkway or the Long Island Expressway head South on NY 135. From the Southern State Parkway take the North exit for NY 135. Please note that when traveling Westbound there is no direct access to NY 135 from the Northern State Parkway.

From the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway exit at Old Country Road East - exit 10. Proceed 1/2 mile to the Morton Village Shopping Center.

Store Opening Hours

• Monday: closed
• Tuesday: 11am - 6pm
• Wednesday: 11am - 6pm
• Thursday: 11am - 8pm
• Friday: 11am - 6pm
• Saturday: 11am - 6pm
• Sunday: closed in February

For further details visit Alight.com.

Hat tip to Glen at Full Figure Plus for the news!

Just a short post to let you know about an interesting, and free, online stool which I came across today called MyShape. This new site, which I’ve just registered to and I’m currently finding my way around, helps you identify what type of shape your body is, and based on that gives you fashion suggestions. It helps you find out which particular clothes will fit well and flatter your figure, and also those which don’t.

I’m rushing off to continue experimenting with the site a little bit further, and will give you a more detailed roundup on my take on it later on, but so far it looks like an essential fashion tool, especially as an online shopping aid.

Hat tip to Meieli at About.com for this!

I have just been given a sneak peek into what is coming up Missphit’s Spring/Summer 2008 collection, and I must say I am impressed!

Ever since I was introduced to the Missphit clothing line I was immediately impressed at their attention to detail, style and most of all quality. And as time passes by the Missphit line continues to impress me as it grows and matures to include more and more designs. Their styles are up to the minute, and most of all figure flattering.

I can’t wait to show you what’s in store for you ladies from them, but you’ll have to hang on a while longer!

If you live in the Salem, Oregon area, then you might be interested in going to see Neil LaBute’s latest play entitled ‘Fat Pig’ which opened last week at the Salem Repertory Theatre. As the StatemanshJournal.com reports, LaBute chose this title precisely to make us feel guilty just by saying the name of the play, and therefore getting us into the whole mood of the play. Director by Rhett Luedtke this play toys with our sympathies, engages our emotions and keeps us off balance in this romantic comedy/drama about an uncertain young man and his plus-size girlfriend.

This play will be showing until 2nd March, 2008. Find out more about it and purchase tickets for the show if you’re interested. I’d love to go and watch, but obviously I am way out of the area. If you happen to actually go and see this play, please let me know about it and how it was by commenting below!

The NewsObserver.com carried a plus size related fashion Q & A recently, which I wanted to point out to you ladies, as I am sure it will come in handy to some.

In this feature, Jane is asking for some tips on choosing the perfect plus size mother of the bride dress. Fashion writer Deborah Friedman answers responds to her dilemma and suggest taking a look at jackets from Nordstrom (within their plus size department), as well as items from Belk at Carbtree, Eileen Fisher, Karen Kane, Anne Klein or Ralph Lauren.

These are great suggestions, though I would like to add my own two cents to this. Sydney’s Closet has a wonderful ‘Mother of the Bride/Groom‘ section within their online store, which includes some beautiful choices. So Jane, if you are reading this, do take a look at this collection as well, as you might find the perfect outfit here, at a great price.

SwimsuitsForAll.com has today launched an excellent sale on a limited selection of plus size swimsuits. They have chosen 4 gorgeous swimsuits from their collection, and they are literally giving these away at only $10! What’s more, you also get your swimsuit delivered to you for free, as they are also throwing in complimentary shipping and handling. All you need to do in order to take advantage of this offer is use coupon code 5495SFA upon checkout.

This promotion is set to run until supplies last, and by the looks of it that won’t be a very long time. So if you’re looking for a figure flattering swimsuit, do take a look at these! Here are the chosen swimsuits, which can be yours at only $10:

1. Forget Me Not One Piece Plus Size Swimsuit by Beach Native
This gorgeous one features a soft cup bra which provides both support and coverage. The great tummy control lining flattens your stomach to give you a smooth and streamlined shape. A sexy final touch is the tie halter top.

2. Flowers in July One Piece Plus Size Keyhole Back Swimsuit by Beach Native
Another beautiful and very colorful piece. This again features a soft cup bra for comfotable support. The all over pattern works great as it camouflages any flaws you might want to hide. The keyhole back prevents slipping straps, whilst the high neck provides a streamlined silhouette. This piece also features the tummy control panel which slims the waist.

3. Orange Fusion Two Piece Skirtini Swimsuit
This fun two piece skirtini would be a great addition to any swimwear collection. This item features a soft cup bra, which will comfortable accomodate up to a C cup. The slight V-neck gives this swimsuit a more feminine fit. The mid-rise skirt botton is 10" link and comes along with a detachable belt with plastic ring detail.

4. Pink Camo Beach Two Piece Tankini Swimsuit
A cute piece, perfect for relaxing on the beach! This swimsuit also features a soft cup bra and a slight V-neck style. The bra will comfortable accomodate up to a C cup. The low rise brief bottom give you moderate coverage, and the foldover sash featured at the waist is tied to the side.

Remember to use coupon code 5495SFA when shopping for one of these swimsuits this week, to purchase them for only $10, including free shipping and handling!

The following is a guest post by Sara Johnson.

Several fabulous core pieces are essential for any fashion maven’s wardrobe and for plus size women the devil’s in the details…The selection of a few core pieces, that most importantly fit one’s body and work harmoniously with one’s lifestyle will carry their wearer seamlessly through any occasion. The following are five absolute "Must Haves" in your plus Size wardrobe.

A Good Bra:
When the girls are drooping or bulging out of your current bra, you look heavier regardless of your size. 60% of American women wear the incorrect bra size, which while aesthetically unpleasing, more importantly "especially in larger busted women" means many are subject to shoulder, neck and back pain/chaffing/skin abrasions. Get fitted by a professional! Nordstroms has knowledgeable staff and free fitting services, or visit a local lingerie boutique in your area. Be prepared to make a small investment, high quality lingerie can be pricey. Pleasantly, you’ll find after choosing a quality, well fitted bra that even your least expensive garments look divine.

Wrap Sweater:
Plus size women are blessed with fab curves, but often cover them up with far too much fabric for fear form-fitting items will make them look bigger. Not so curvy girls! Oversized knits make your silhouette bigger, while curve skimming styles show off the feminine form. Skin tight styles are not flattering on anyone, but wrap sweaters that clearly cinch at the waist and have a v-neck to elongate the torso and flatter the bust, creating a gorgeous hourglass shape on curvy frames.

Dark Denim:
Dark denim, in a slight boot cut with a mid-rise is a chic essential wardrobe staple. Jeans should fit well at purchase through the hips and thighs; you can always have the waist taken in, but you can’t have the thighs let out. The mid rise (just below the belly button) emphasizes your waist and the dark rinse elongates the leg. Regardless of how popular skinny jeans may be, please AVOID! Tapered styles make most women look like an olive on toothpicks. The same is said for Capris and cropped styles; they do nothing but shorten and widen the appearance of the legs. Denim should always be approximately an inch off the ground, so consider your preferred heel height when shopping.

A Proper Fitting Winter Coat:
Time and again, women pull together a fab outfit, only to top it with a ski parka from four seasons ago. Go the extra mile and find a coat that fits and flatters your frame and style. A properly fitting coat never pulls at the bust and is most certainly "buttonable". The shoulder seams should fit AT your shoulders, not between your shoulder and elbow. The sleeves will hit you no lower than where your thumb joins your palm, however if your sleeves are long at purchase this is an easy fix for a tailor. Style-wise, chose a coat with a long line and a V-neckline, as well as an optionally cinchable waistline. Three quarter length (just above the knee) is typically the most flattering, car-length (just below to tush) is lovely on women with great legs and full-length styles create a statement look on tall women. Avoid puffy anything or fur-trimmed hoods, which just add bulk.

Slim Skirt:
The slim skirt, like the wrap top, may seem risky, but when you wear a plus size, more is not better. A full skirt will indeed cover your hips and thighs, but the extra volume will also make them look larger than they really are. Opt instead for a slim skirt, or slight a-line, fitted at the waist and hips then falling to a straight or slight a-line shape. Chose a thick, quality fabric in a neutral charcoal, tweed, black pinstripe or brown color.

The afore mentioned basics, in well tailored shapes create the beginnings of a timeless, sophisticated wardrobe, well-suited to show off a curvy physique. Add pops of color and trend focused accessories and shoes to update a timeless, chic look for any occasion!

Who is Sara Johnson?
Sara Johnson is the co-owner and product buyer at Velvetsiren.com - A posh plus size clothing boutique for curvy girls. She currently works as a fashion consultant for curvy women worldwide. Come see what everyone is talking about!