Top Plus Size Model Danielle Line Joins New Plus Size Activewear Company AdoraOm

Wife, working mom, plus size model, Danielle Line adds ‘entrepreneur’ to her already full plate as she helps promote AdoraOm active wear into the plus size fashion forum. Check out Danielle at http://www.AdoraOm.com

The AdoraOm active wear collection becomes available via an online shopping boutique in October, 2011.

Superstar Plus-Size Model, Danielle Line, known for her girl-next-door good looks and natural beauty, has been contracted as the face of AdoraOm. Danielle’s role is as a “Curvy Consultant” for the new plus-size premium active wear brand by My’Om Active, LLC.

After performing as the company’s fit model for their breakout collection, AdoraOm chose the award-winning Los Angeles based plus-size model that has graced countless runways, websites, print ads, and catalogues, as well as magazine editorials, including Plus Model Magazine. In addition to her role as Curvy Consultant, Danielle will also oversee the free online personal shopping experience for the AdoraOm community.

“Originally, Danielle was hired to be our fit model. As we got to know her on a more personal level, we realized she embodies what we are exclusively about: empowerment through a healthy and self loving lifestyle. Although seam placement and fit are important to us, more importantly, AdoraOm is about relationships, friendships and elevating one another,” explains Jodi Geiger, a founding partner.

Danielle is all too familiar with the challenges plus size women must overcome to be more active, healthy and simply comfortable. According to co-founders Stacey Goldstein and Julie Koenig, “Danielle fits exactly who we are.” The company’s creed, “There’s Room for Every Body,” exemplifies Danielle’s personal philosophy and further emphasizes the company’s goal to, not only dress fuller figures, but also to create a lifelong bond with their customers and their lives. The brand AdoraOm is much more than a clothing company for plus-size women; it is a lifestyle company which encompasses all arenas of healthy living.

Danielle Line is preparing to spark a passion for all plus size women to dress confidently, comfortably, and to incorporate a healthy lifestyle. In her new role as “Curvy Consultant,” Danielle will promote the AdoraOm collection, which currently includes active tops, bottoms, capris, jackets and headbands, proudly designed and assembled in the USA. All pieces have been created and fitted for plus-size women, using the finest fabrics and the most appropriate sewing techniques to fit and flatter the fuller figure. As Danielle has learned to use her inner beauty to express her outer beauty, she will focus on empowering others to do the same wearing the new AdoraOm collection.

AdoraOm will be ready to greet online shoppers, October 2011. Visit http://www.adoraom.com to sign up for their newsletter or chat directly with Danielle and learn more about the AdoraOm brand.

For more information, contact Danielle Line via email at danielle@adoraom.com, visit her website: http://www.danielleline.com or call AdoraOm at: 1-800-936-2311.

House of Brides Premieres the Diva Plus Size Bridal Boutique in Glen Ellyn, Illinois

House of Brides celebrates the opening of the Diva Bridal Boutique in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The Diva Bridal Boutique is the first salon in the nation dedicated to plus size Brides.

House of Brides introduces its new specialty store, the Diva Plus Size Bridal Boutique. The boutique joins House of Brides’ other specialty stores, which include the Occasions & Quinceanera Boutique in Schaumburg, the Occasions Boutique in Glen Ellyn and the recently opened Quinceanera Boutique in Glen Ellyn. Diva Bridal Boutique specializes in plus size wedding dresses sizes 18 – 40.

House of Brides was established in 1929 and has been dressing brides for 82 years. Along with changes in wedding fashions and trends, they have also seen a change in their customers’ sizes and shapes. “Nearly fifty-percent of our brides wear size 12 or larger now”, states Eva Buziecki, President. “This is a major shift from even a decade ago when our average bride wore a size 8 or 10”.

A recent study by the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health confirms U.S. women ages 20 – 34 are experiencing the fastest increase of overweight and obesity rates among demographic groups. With the average marrying age of 28 for U.S. women, a growing majority of today’s brides are considered plus size by bridal industry standards.

House of Brides recognized this early on and modified their sample buying to add larger size wedding dresses to the inventories of their 6 bridal salons. However, president Eva Buziecki knew that having women sized styles wasn’t the only concern for this bride. “A plus size bride faces unique challenges when buying a wedding dress. They are discouraged by small samples, limited selection of off-the-rack styles and the overall shopping experience. We created the Diva Bridal Boutique to provide plus size brides the ultimate in selection and service”.

The Diva Bridal Boutique is the first store in the country devoted to real size women. The boutique is stocked with designer wedding dress samples in sizes 18 – 40 and “W” sizes only. Brides can try-on samples in their sizes instead of the typical sample sizes of 10s and 12s. The gowns are from leading designer collections and in the latest styles.

House of Brides understands plus size brides tend to shop closer to their wedding dates and often purchase off-the-rack. Diva Bridal offers special order gowns but also a wide selection of immediate delivery dresses. Nearly every wedding dress in the boutique is available to buy off-the-rack. New samples are continually added to keep the inventory stocked and current.

Perhaps the most important feature of Diva Bridal Boutique is the experience. Diva Bridal is a contemporary space with an inviting atmosphere. It has private dressing rooms and stage areas. The wedding dresses and products are specialized to the customer. The expert consultants understand the importance of dressing the plus size silhouette and the trained seamstresses ensure the best in fit. The Diva Bridal Boutique caters to the plus size bride giving her the special shopping experience every bride wants.

The Diva Plus Size Bridal Boutique is a one-of-a-kind store specializing in dressing brides, sizes 18 – 40. The boutique is another example of House of Brides continuing to grow its brand and customer base. Other efforts currently in consideration are the opening of 6 additional stores in Illinois plus stores outside the state and the company going public. Also, House of Brides is exploring options for domestic and international partnerships to advance as a global company.

The Diva Bridal Boutique is open 7 days a week. The boutique is located at 1184 Roosevelt Road, 1 door west of House of Brides in Glen Ellyn. House of Brides’ 6 bridal salons also offer a wide selection of plus size wedding dresses. Salons are located in Chicago, Glen Ellyn, Oak Lawn, Aurora, Orland Park and the World’s Largest Wedding Store in Schaumburg. Visit http://www.houseofbrides.com for directions and hours.

JD Williams Revamps Website & Launches Autumn 2011 Collection

JD Williams, one of the UK’s leading home shopping companies and online retailers of women’s plus size clothing in sizes 12-34, has re-launched their website with a brand new look and feel for their latest Autumn 2011 fashion collections.

Bringing together great value for money pieces for the fuller figured woman, the new women’s clothing range offers an affordable fashion collection for women to quickly and easily update their look for the new season with the latest styles for the autumn and winter months on a budget.

From coats and knitwear to jeans and dresses from both their own brand line as well as names like Joanna Hope and Changes by Together, the new plus size clothing collection has something for all occasions and individual styles, making use of this season’s key looks and shades that make easy to wear and versatile additions to any wardrobe.

There are also new footwear styles for the season too including practical winter boots, stylish ankle boots and also introducing evening shoes for the party season too, with many in a choice of foot and calf widths too. Shoppers will also find new lingerie collections too with bras in A-JJ cups and 34-56 backs as well as some K and L cup bras too, while the latest lingerie pieces offer briefs, nightwear and shapewear in sizes 12-34.

JD Williams have also launched a Petite collection for autumn 2011 too, which has been designed for women under 5ft1 with a selection of trousers, skirts, dresses, tops and coats in shorter lengths, offering petite plus size women the perfect fit when it comes to shopping online.

The newly redesigned website and brand new plus size fashion collection for Autumn 2011 is available to buy online now. You can also choose to pay now or spread the cost by paying on your account. Visit JD Williams website: http://www.jdwilliams.co.uk .

Queen Latifah Launches the Queen Collection on HSN

Last Saturday 27th August, Queen Latifah launched her brand new clothing and accessory line, which she has aptly called the Queen Collection. This collection is now available exclusively through HSN (the Home Shopping Network).

This has been a long awaited collection; I know that many plus size women look up to Queen Latifah for her sense of style and confidence, so this Queen Collection will be very much welcome within the plus community! Having said that, I was slightly disappointed to see that the sizes of most items in the collection go up to just 3XL: this will surely leave some women disappointed, especially seeing the gorgeous styles available in this collection.

I’ve browsed around and so far I am loving the Suede Moto Jacket with leather trim and the Sequin Tim V-neck Tunic. I do hope more styles are added on to this collection, and more importantly it is expanded to cater for women sized over 3XL.

Besides sweaters, jackets, dresses, jeans, leggings and ponchos, the Queen Collection also includes a variety of stylish handbags and accessories.

So, what do you think of the long awaited Queen Collection?

Evans Launches New Autumn Boots Collection

New knee high boots, ankle boots, wedge heel boots and biker boots mark the start of a new season of beautiful boots available at evans.

Online PR News - Award-winning plus-size ladies clothing retailer evans is helping women step out in style this Autumn with a new range of boots. Women visiting evans stores and evans.co.uk will find a great range of fashionable styles to suit all tastes available in sizes un-available in regular high street stores.

One of the benefits of buying boots at evans is they come in sizes 4 -11 with wide fit E and extra wide fit EEE. They are specially designed to give extra room around the calves so customers feel comfortable and content in their boots from the tips of their toes to the length of the rim.

To take the guesswork out of choosing the correct size for their feet, customers can consult an online fitting guide and fitting video at evans.co.uk. This is located in the Behind The Curve area on the top bar of the homepage and shows customers where to take measurements that determine their shoe size.

Armed with the correct size, new Autumn styles include:

• Biker Boots – perfect for busy days out and about, battling the elements. Or simply to add a rock chick element to any outfit
• Brogue Ankle Boots – can’t decide between a shoe and a boot? Now you don’t have to as evans has made one of it’s most popular shoes, the brogue, into a boot. Perfect for Autumn’s preppy look. Wear with leggings and an oversized shirt or blouse.
• Knee High Boots – the ultimate Autumn boot as you can wear them with jeans as well as knee length skirts. Browns and tans are the key colours for 2011.
• Ankle Boots – Ankle boots look lovely with jeans, offering your feet more protection than court shoes, which is ideal for damp days. Lace up ankle boots support your foot so you can wear them from day to night. The suede pairs are lovely for evenings as they’re strokeably soft.

Before making a purchase at evans.co.uk, shoppers can look at ratings and reviews by other customers who are invited to review their purchases in terms of fit, design, quality and value.

Orders placed at evans.co.uk can now be delivered to more than 100 countries around the world.

While online, customers can also join the community of evans shoppers by reading our ahead of the curve area and the Fashion Fix blog. There is an option to sign up for evans newsletters to keep up to date with style advice and offers.

Judgment of Paris Calls for Fuller-Figured Plus-Size Models

TORONTO, Aug. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - While the size debates in the fashion industry rage on, one web site — the Judgment of Paris (www.judgmentofparis.com) — has been calling for larger models for over a decade.

“For years, curvy women have lobbied retailers to use genuinely full-figured models,” site administrator Heinrich Saint-Germain explains. “These calls have largely been ignored. In fact, the plus-size fashion industry has flouted public wishes by making its models even skinnier. But shrinking the size of plus-size models to gain grudging acceptance from the anti-plus ‘regular’ fashion industry does nothing but eliminate the larger body type from fashion altogether.”

But what about the claims that, according to survey results, full-figured women don’t wish to see larger models, and that thinner models are “aspirational”?

“Myths,” Saint-Germain argues. “No one has ever revealed what these supposed surveys looked like. Many variables that have nothing to do with size could skew such results.

“Far from being aspirational, faux-plus models distract from the clothing. Customers focus on inadequate model size and loathe the false advertising. But when the models are authentically full-figured, customers are satisfied and can appreciate the fashion.”

And what about padding thinner models to pass them off as plus-size?

“Ridiculous and offensive,” Saint-Germain states. “It’s a clear acknowledgment that the models are too small. Instead of taking semi-plus models and padding them, companies should use more generously proportioned models who need no artificial enhancement.”

So why does the practice exist?

“Some plus-fashion professionals have a minus-size bias and favor models with thin-looking features,” Saint-Germain contends. “But that’s not what the public wants. Customers wish to see models who truly look plus-size, whose faces and figures exhibit actual fullness. Aspirational beauty, yes — but in a size 18.”

In response to the common excuse that modeling agencies don’t supply larger talent, Saint-Germain identifies numerous prominent fuller-figured models.

“At this year’s Full Figured Fashion Week, models such as Kelsey Olson, Katherine Roll, and Lindsey Garbelman, size 16s and 18s, were among the most popular stars. These curvier models wore the same fashions on the runway that the participating brands typically display on skinnier models in their print advertising, and in every case, the clothing looked better on the fuller-figured models.”

Saint-Germain also highlights advances in the international market. “Vogue Italia gave Sophie Sheppard, a British size 18, a five-page editorial in its July issue. In Brazil’s recent Fashion Weekend Plus Size, the top model was Mayara Russi, a U.S. size 22.

“There is no reason why the American industry can’t feature size-22 models — or at least size 18s. If one agency doesn’t offer models in this size, a client can go to another agency and find them there. These models do exist, and the public is clamoring for them.”

AboutCurves.com Promotes Size-Acceptance & Self-Esteem Through A Blogging Charity Campaign

Online retailer AboutCurves.com plus size lingerie announces the launch of the first annual size-acceptance and self-esteem blogging charity campaign, Lingerie Loves Your Curves. For two weeks, August 8th – 21st, participants from around the globe will blog about topics in size-acceptance in an effort to combat industries that make money from women’s lack of self-esteem.

Plus-size lingerie retailer About Curves is coordinating the blogging efforts. “We’re hoping to get a lot of support and to help bring more awareness to these issues,” says KC Culver, co-founder of AboutCurves.com. “We’d love to do this again every year.”

In addition to blogging, About Curves is also helping to promote the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA). Since 1969, the NAAFA has been dedicated to ending size-discrimination in all of its forms. The non-profit’s goal is to help build a society in which people of every size are accepted with dignity and equality. The About Curves blogging charity campaign helps shed light on these issues by providing an opportunity for individuals to share their own experiences and suggestions.

Blogging participants that raise the most money through their blogging efforts have the chance to win a $200 gift certificate to spend on the AboutCurves.com website. “All women deserve to celebrate their curves, no matter what size they are. The media shouldn’t be a reason as to why you don’t feel comfortable with your body,” continues KC. “It’s as if people are oblivious to these messages. I want every blog, website, and Facebook page to be bombarded with messages of size-acceptance.”

People may get involved by, (1) promoting the event on their website, (2) donating to the cause, (3) participating in the event, and (4) spreading the word via social media.

To find more information about this event, go to http://www.aboutcurves.com/charity.

About AboutCurves.com

About Curves was started in 2001 by mother-daughter team Robin Bryan-Culver and KC Culver, who were frustrated by the lack of options available to women who do not fit the “model mold.” Their mission is to provide women with the ability to feel sexy and encourage women of all shapes and sizes to celebrate their curves.

Every product offered by About Curves is personally approved by a team of discerning shoppers and modeled by plus size women in About Curves’ very own photo shoots. About Curves owners pride themselves on their insistence that women should not be made to squeeze their bodies into outfits that are uncomfortable, disrespectful, or poorly made, as is often the case across the apparel and lingerie industry.