Big Sexy: The New Sex in the City

Yesterday was the season premier of Big Sexy, a new reality TV show featuring five plus size women in the fashion biz living in the Big Apple. Let me first say, I'm really proud of The Learning Channel (TLC) for picking up this show. There is not another show like this on television that promotes beautiful women of all sizes. So kudos!!

TLC's Big Sexy

My favorite person on the show...well persons...are Tiffany and Heather. Heather, a bra and swimsuit designer, because she seems laid back and low key. Though she has some walls that she constructed due to something that's happened in her past. You know how I can tell...she didn't go to the club with the rest of the castmates. She's been through the shunning, the giggles, the hate and doesn't put herself in that situation.

Tiffany, a plus size model, because it's like looking in the mirror. When her ex told her she was a stalker...hahaha...I've done some crazy foolishness like that. But Tiffany's ex said it best..."If your size is a problem for you, then your size is a problem for them." That statement rung bells in my head, and it's so true.

Leslie, a fashion stylist and retail associate at ReDress, is the most confident of the group. She gets it. I'm jealous of her confidence. She's come to terms with herself, her flaws and her beauty. Leslie's embraced it and encourages others to do so. She's the mother of the group...the foundation... the rock.

Audrey gets a WHOOP WHOOP cause she's from Indiana and relocated to NYC to pursue her dream in fashion. The MUA and now model is gorgeous at her 6 foot 3 frame. Jay (who watched it with me last night) was like WOW, she's taller than me. I am happy her mother came to watch her in the fashion show, though I'm not convinced she enjoyed it as much as she said she did. Her face was stone cold as Audrey walked down the runway; almost disapproving. But...you know how things get edited. Yeah...we'll chalk that up to editing.

And last but not least there's Nikki, plus size model. The married but separated model finds love in the arms of an old classmate who is also married but separated. I want to see how that turns out. Escandalo!!

Sooo let me tell you though...when ol gurl (Nikki) pulled out that snack at New York Fashion Week...I was appalled. There is a time and place for everything. I cringed when she pulled out the cookies, crackers, whatever it was...and Leslie wanting to eat a whole chicken. That scene was so stereotypical of a plus size girl...always hungry and got food in her mouth. It makes it seem like she just took it out of her bra and started munching! Time and place chicas...time and place.

BBW...I hate that term. It reminds me of porn. So when the group went to the BBW party...I was mesmerized at the "Thunderthighs" competition. When of of the contestants, Erika (the black woman with the pleather fitting dress not one of the featured women) started popping her booty/fat...my eyes grew 10 times. She needs her own show! LOL

But in all seriousness, the show is a great behind the scenes look at a typical plus size woman; her fears, her outward confidence but inward fight to be strong in a world where big is bad. It focuses on relationships between a plus size woman, family, friends, lovers and haters.

Is it a must see...well I will definitely watch it...but a must see...Meh. If you haven't seen it, you should watch it for yourself. It's on Tuesdays on TLC at 10pm 9 central time.

What do you think of Big Sexy?

Janelle

Journalistic Wonder

Sometimes we meet people that have an impact on our lives. I met one a couple of months ago and her name is Karla A. Toledo Rios. I blogged a while back about how Casiano Communications was gracious enough to make an art for my daughter Ana announcing she had been chosen to model at The Curvy Revolution. This lovely young woman works for them.

Karla A. Toledo Rios

Karla answered my e-mails when I was inquiring on how plus size models could be acknowledged by their magazines. It meant a lot to me because she was one of the few who answered them. I contacted her and told her I wanted to blog about her so people who read my blog would get to know her better and can see a journalist here in Puerto Rico can also be a kind and caring human being. 

She was born in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, where she plans to go back someday, and raised by her mother and grandparents; her father died fifteen days before she was born. Karla grew up among cows, gas stations and men ... and if you think this affected her femininity you are wrong. 

Dove 50 Real Women

On October 2007, she won the prize of 50 Dove Real Women with 49 other contestants. She was the youngest at just 19 years old. As a requirement of the contest, she had to say what she had done with her life to make her become a real woman. 

She became independent when she was18 years old; fully funding rental expenses, utilities, transportation, gasoline, clothing and food. Furthermore, she worked full time to study part time in San Juan, a place so different from her birthplace Hatillo and graduated with a degree in journalism on May 2010 from Sagrado Corazon University.  

Interviewing Victor Manuelle

 She is a journalist from birth, always wanting to know who, how, when, where, and why they exist. Karla loves to write. This woman even offered to work as a volunteer for Casiano Communication, even though she needed the money...now this is love for what she does! 

Eventually she got the job and as of today, she is a Coordinator of Social Networks and Digital Sales Department of Casiano Communications. The management of social networks dedicated to maintaining the different pages of Facebook, Twitter and blogs of the 10 publications of the company and their customers. 

Karla doing what she loves!

  Karla has had the opportunity to meet and interview various artists such as Luis Raul, Raulito Carbonell, Andrés García, Noelia Crespo, Raymond Arrieta, Saritza Alvarado, Sonya Cortés, Yolanda Adams, Olga Tañon, Hannani, FM5, Zuleyka Rivera, Papo Brenes, Johanna Rosalia, Victor Manuelle, among others.

     Karla is very grateful to God for the opportunity to work at what she studied and loves to do. She is a very creative person and does not rule out reaching out to achieve other dreams.  Karla, good luck in your journey through life, the sky is the limit!

Blessings to all,

Marta

You're Going to Vegas!

It's summertime, so I don't watch a lot of TV. There's only two shows in my summer roster, True Blood (which is starting soon) and So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD).

I come from a family that LOVES dancing. My sister is a dance teacher (she teaches hip hop, jazz, contemporary and lyrical) here in Indianapolis. My five-year-old niece takes dance classes and has competed in competitions all across the state. I've been known to cut a rug or two when I go out. When SYTYCD is on, everyone in my inner circle is glued to the TV, talking, texting and sometimes crying to each other. 

I was SO ecstatic last night when dancer Natalia Mallory got through to the Vegas round. To have a plus size woman be praised for dancing in mainstream is WONDERFUL! I know plenty of chunky dancers that belongs on the show. Hopefully now they will step up since this courageous girl has broken the mold.

Congratulations Natalia! I hope you go far!

Plus Size TV Commericals

My husband noticed some commercials that use plus size women spark a lot of controversy. Brands are showing more of the plus size body than the public is used to. Lately a lot of commercials have been banned from daytime television due to being too racy for television; there are certain times these commercial can be aired. I like Lane Bryant's commercial. It shows a woman meeting her boyfriend in her bra, panties and a trench coat. Makes me want to go get a trench coat!

This commercial was banned, but you can see it online.

Serena has a shape men and women fantasize about. She's a great tennis player and has brought fashion to the tennis world. She is comfortable with her muscular curvy frame. Yes...some of Serena's outfits can be questionable (What was she thinking?) I would like her to make a new commercial so her fans and people who look up to her can view her in a positive light.

Takia

A Look into Imagen

Who does not like to sit down on a rainy day with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and read a great fashion magazine? I certainly do. We have quite a few magazines in Puerto Rico and today I'm going to blog about one of my favorite magazines. It is called Imagen Nuestra Revista.

 Imagen is the pioneer in Puerto Rico’s magazine market. They recently celebrated their 25th Anniversary and have set a standard of excellence which has made them the number one magazine on the Island. Imagen’s successful regular sections include Fashion, Beauty, Social Affairs, Travel, Fine Dining, Puerto Rico Celebrities, Fame, Nutrition, Art and other fascinating topics. I can tell you for a fact it's the most read magazine on the Island. Everytime I visit a doctor’s office or any other office, Imagen is always on the table and that’s the one that people want to read. It’s very well priced too.

Imagen and Casiano Communications have a special place in my heart. As you all know I am a plus size advocate since my daughter Ana began her journey in the plus size modeling world. She was chosen to model at The Curvy Revolution in Las Vegas this year. I sent Ana’s picture all over Facebook to magazines that had Facebook pages; spending hours on my computer.

It was so funny because Ana told me one day, “Mom you’re acting like a crazy woman sending my picture all over the place” I still laugh thinking about it, and then my hard work paid off, Casiano Communications was gracious enough to make an announcement with the picture I sent them congratulating her. I will never forget that moment because plus size modeling is not common in Puerto Rico at all.



Ana & an Imagen photographer



The models that are in the magazines in Puerto Rico are thin girls, very beautiful, and for Ana to be recognized by them was a dream come true for her. They called her and made a video. She had a photo shoot for their Facebook page and of course I went with her. To my surprise, the people who work for Casiano Communications were very charming and very nice. I met Yelitza Santiago, a lovely professional woman who does the health blog for buenavida, the photographer was also charming and very professional, he even let me take a pic with him and Ana. I was literally in Imagen heaven because I was standing where I imagined Ricky Martin had been and other great stars they have interviewed.



Ana being interviewed by Yelitza Santiago



 I have read their magazine since the first edition and my daughter was being interviewed and photographed by them, you see Imagen is magazine royalty on the Island.

 My friends, dreams do come true. If you want something bad enough, you persevere, you never give up and one day your dreams may also come true. If you ever get a chance to buy Imagen Nuestra Revista, you will not regret it.

I loved blogging about Casiano Communications and Imagen, it put a smile to my face remembering all the emails I sent Karla, she is an excellent journalist that works for them; she was always kind enough to answer them. I'm remembering the smile on my daughter's face when she was contacted by them. It was priceless and anything that puts a smile on our faces is worth blogging about. Casiano Communications, you are the best! I hope we will have the honor of reading your magazines for 25 more years.

Blessings to all,

Marta

Local Love: Did You See It?

Just in case you didn't see it, I was in the Indianapolis Star back in January. I just got the PDF for it today. Here it is in case you missed it! Or check it our on the Indy Star website.

Ashley Stewart Bought by Investment Firm

More Ashley Stewart news! I have a good friend that works as a store manager for Ashley Stewart. She told me Urban Brands, Ashley Stewart's parent company, has dissolved. Ashley Stewart has been sold to an investment company. According to my friend, this is the same investment company that owned Steve & Barry's and Goody's, both defunct brands and stores.

Store managers are told to work 50+ hours a week and can take no vacations or days off to increase sales. Meanwhile, many district managers have suddenly taken a leave of absence. It doesn't seem like very promising times for the plus size retail giant. More information as it comes.

Fluffy is Disgusting: Response to Marie Claire Blog

 I'm sure by now the whole plus size industry is in an uproar about Marie Claire's article, "Should Fatties Get A Room? (Even on TV)", written by the now infamous Maura Kelly. Kelly shared with her readers two fat people kissing "grosses her out" and to see a fat person walking is "aesthetically displeasing". People are mad...hell most people are downright pissed off! Her words slung across the computer like daggers into the minds and hearts of people of various sizes.

After the swarms of faithful Marie Claire followers vowed to take up arms with the publication by canceling subscriptions and not putting another dime into the pages of one of the top fashion rags, I'm sure it was the editors that urged Kelly to revisit her article and show some remorse for her words. But to tear people down because of there size is unforgivable, though Kelly tried to clean up her dirty little mess with a statement and a few comments posted. The author apologizes IF her article was found offensive and wishes the post could be taken down. A little too late for Kelly and Marie Claire, the words are already branded into the mind of the public. Tisk tisk...

Was it not a month or so ago at New York Fashion Week, the industry praised the fluffy and pseudo-fluffy and courted us with a little attention? Did they just throw us a bone to pacify our egos or was it like a form charity work?

I'm a fashion magazine hog. I subscribe and purchase quite a few. I received a please subscribe letter from Marie Claire last week. It tried to persuade me to subscribe with a low cost of $5.99. I kept in on my kitchen counter because I was going to subscribe. Last night I threw it away. I will join the boycott of Marie Claire. They have a lot of work to do to gain the trust of the public, especially the plus size people who are readers despite the lack of plus size representation.

Let Marie Claire know how you feel about the article. Though apologies were given, the issue is far from over. It's not a plus size thing...it's not a skinny thing...it's a human thing. Get on the ball MC!!!

Proenza Schouler's Act Da Fool

Fashion house Proenza Schouler's new line debuts in a short film, directed by Harmony Korine (director of the movie Kids), called Act Da Fool. I really love the pieces displayed in the film and as much as I love black women being promoted in fashion and film, this video makes me a bit uncomfortable. 

The film shows a day in the life scenario of a young poor black woman wearing the Proenza Schouler brand. The visual is embraced by a poem spoken in the main character's point of view. The viewer follows the woman in her daily routine which consist of drinking 40s and destruction of property with her friends while looking fabulous in Proenza Schouler. This video in my opinion promotes the stereotypical life of a young black woman in the ghetto. I understand the grit and the realism the designers tried to display, but I feel it was at the expense of black women. In my opinion, we are starting to go back to the time where black women would only be portrayed as cooks and mammies. Now in the media, black women are portrayed as ghetto hoodrats delinquents with no education or class. I will admit toward the end of the film the woman shows she's a dreamer; this is the life she doesn't want to live. Unfortunately for her, if she continues down the road the character travels, she will be destined to stay in the world created for her.  

There are some black women that lead a hard life, but there are others that can't relate to this stereotype. Again, I love the promotion of black women in fashion and film, but let's try to promote the full spectrum of black women.

What do you think about Proenza Schouler's short film?

Proenza Schouler's Interview about their short film "Act Da Fool".

In God We Trust

In recent days, there is a scandal rocking the church community. The alleged discretion of Bishop Eddie Long is causing strife and discontentment within the religious community and rocking what many Christians believe in. Everyone is voicing their opinions on if the minister is innocent or guilty. Lots of people are condemning him for his actions. Other people are condemning the people who are even talking about it. Even on Facebook a women stated all who talked about the allegations shouldn't speak on them and warned these people will "wake up dead" tomorrow because they are speaking against an "anointed" man.

Religion is always a touchy topic. Whether it is opening an Islamic center at Ground Zero or a minister allegedly using his clout to persuade young men to have sex with him, religion is one of the top sources for today's news.

We have to remember as people, if you're lucky enough to believe in a higher power, you have to make sure that we don't put your trust and faith into mere men. We have to stop putting people, ministers and celebrites on this pedestal and follow what we truly believe in. We have to stop judging others and loving our higher power and ourselves. At the end of the day, that's all you got.

Fade to Black

(Elle cover vs. Showtime premiere. Pic from thegrio.com who pulled pics from MSNBC)

Everyone is talking about the photoshopped picture of Gabourey Sidibe in the upcoming edition of Elle. While I understand why everyone is upset, I'm trying to figure out why is this any different. The media has been touching up celebrities for years; making fat girls skinner and people lighter. They claim they work magic with their photoshop wand to make "minor" changes to "small" flaws in a photograph. Everyone just rants about it on blogs and television shows, but no one does anything about it.

(Beyonce Knowles. Pic from The Grio)

Until we hit the media and other companies where it hurts, their pocketbooks, they are going to continue this practice. They assume the general public wants to see a smaller Kate Winslet or a lighter Beyonce, but what the public wants is to see someone that looks like them in the spotlight. We want to see a fuller Jessica Simpson. We want to see a darker Freida Pinto. It's evident that our desires are being heard with the first plus size fashion show during New York Fashion Week. We love it. Now we need to convince the media and companies we will not condone the modifications of physical appearance on magazine shelves and advertising. It's not a black/white thing or a skinny/fat thing, it's a wrong/right thing.

Discrimination at an Atlanta Nail Salon

A woman getting a pedicure in a Dekalb County, Ga, was charged an extra $5 on her tab because she was overweight. The woman received other services at the salon and started to tally her bill. She noticed she was overcharged. The manager informed the patron she was not overcharged, but billed because she was overweight. According to the shop's manager, the pedicure chairs only holds up to 200lbs. If the customer damaged the chair, it can cause repairs of up to $2500. The new $5 fee would offset any charges for repairs to broken chairs. After a discussion with the patron, the manager waived the undisclosed $5 fee, but asked the customer not to return for services in the future.

When will it stop? Private companies are imposing new rules and fees; starting their own war against the plus size community. They can do this because they are private companies, but at what cost to their patrons. Airlines started the trend by charging plus size individuals for {let face it} a seat that a thin person finds uncomfortable to sit in. America is growing and our waist size is growing too. Whether good or bad, we need to make accommodations for all people thin or plus to live a comfortable life free of bias and discrimination. What these companies need to remember, plus size patrons have money too. Shutting a group of people out because of their size will hurt the bottom line in the long run.

~Janelle

WHERE ARE MY SCRUPLES?

(Just a corner of my office...starting to sort through clothes for consignment. This place is a madhouse.)

I am sorry for my absence. I didn't realize that people actually read this ol thing! So I am back to stay...YAY! I will not stay absent for so long again. Well lots of things have been going on in the world of  sonsie life! I think the biggest thing is the Lane Bryant Ad. If any of your are a Facebook fan, then you will see that I posted the feud between Lane Bryant and the networks ABC and FOX. After refusing to air the Cacique Lingerie commercial due to indecency and family values, the networks finally relented and showed the ads. I think it is hilarious that a half naked skinny woman can dance around in "barely there" bras and panties, doing almost everything but putting a breast on the glass, in a Victoria Secret commercial. BUT a "plus size"woman (who is just barely plus size mind you) sitting at a vanity getting dressed and finishes the shot fully clothed is a sin. FOX you guys offend people everyday with your programing. Family Guy, a prime time show (a show that I love) which gets hate mail from Christian and family groups routinely, is on for younger audiences to see. So really...you can't show LB's ad during American Idol? Give me a break.

On to new business!

So I am going through some changes in my life. I have seriously been at a crossroad. As Dolly Parton says in one of my favorite movies, "Steel Magnolias", I don't know whether to scratch my watch or wind my butt! I had an idea for a plus size marketplace later on in the summer. Plus size women in the Indianapolis, IN area can come together sale some of their clothing items and mingle. But I wanted to do something more. If you know me personally, you know I have many goals and mini-dreams in my life. I have serious commitment issues and tend to be a bit ADDish. One dream I always wanted was to be in fashion merchandising, but I took the journalistic path instead. I also wanted to own a boutique and consignment shop. Fear has held me back from that vision. What if I do poorly? It's scary to take that leap of faith. But I am going to do it! I'm very excited. I am laying the groundwork now. So get used to me talking about putting this project together! Tonight I had to change some legal and tax stuff around to meet the needs of a retail store from a publishing company. Ugh...this stuff is hard. All these forms and contracts. Pray for me...seriously...

Dr. Phil's Ultimate FAT Debate

(from photobucket.com)

Takia Harrow, one of our guest contributors, texted me Tuesday night to tell me Dr. Phil was doing a show about obesity. She urged me to DVR it. I missed Tuesday's episode, but the show carried so much controversy, it was split into two parts. I missed the first part, so I set my DVR Wednesday to see what Dr. Phil has to say about the subject of obesity.

Let me just say, I am not a fan of Dr. Phil. He really rubs me the wrong way. He has a pompous arrogant aura around him; like his shit don't stink. So to sit down and watch an hour of his show really was a big sacrifice for me.

The show was hosted by Dr. Phil and Kelly Osbourne. The show turned out to be a panel debate. There were two fat haters disguised as health professionals, fitness trainer Michael Karolchyk and Director of National Action Against Obesity, Meme Roth. Fitness trainer and Biggest Loser fame, Jillian Michaels, rounded out the panel of health experts. Speaking on behalf of plus size community were, Director of the National Advancement for Fat Acceptance, Peggy Howell, plus size comedienne, Erica Watson and author Marianne Kirby. Comedian John Pinette shared his plus sized humor and tidbits as well.

The show picked up where part two left off, childhood obesity. Both parties agreed that nutrition should be taught in the school and the food industry and government are pushing poor foods on today's youth. According to Roth, in the New York City school system, 40% of the children are obese. Seventy percent of obese children will go on to become obese adults. All agreed the faux positive images presented by commercials and other advertisements coerce children and parents to make poor choices.

After all the guest agreed on that subject, things took a turn for the worse. Karolchyk told the audience there was no such thing as a healthy overweight person; and finding one would be like finding Sasquatch. "Everyone says he's real but no one can ever find him," Karolchyk said. Funny when I was a size 14/16, (the size I am trying to get back to.) I was in impeccable health. I could run a marathon. It is possible to be healthy and still be thick.

Karolchyk also said that U.S. Attorney General Regina Benjamin was too fat to hold such a title. Benjamin is only a size 18. The fitness trainer claims at her size she is not a good role model for our country. Erica Watson asked the trainer what size should the attorney general be. She got no answer.

Trainer Jillian Michaels spoke on how it takes hard work to lose weight and even nodded when Kelly Osbourne said there is no "magic pill". I find that hilarious considering Michaels' face is posted on numerous diet supplements and pills for endorsements. In fact, she has multiple lawsuits against her for false claims.

The only thing I did agree with Michaels on was the amount of hatred from the skinny community toward people of size; and boy was she right! There was so much hatred oozing from that show that it made me sick just to watch it. Everytime someone of size, on and off the panel, voiced something, there views were dismissed.

The show was not a success at all. It was just a lot of mudslinging. Nothing was solved...no one changed their point of view. What people need to realize is that if you want to lose weight...lose weight and do it in a healthy manner. If you want to stay your size...stay your size. No one should force their views and opinions on anyone else. Make sure you are healthy.

Osbourne wrapped it up perfectly, "You have to be happy with you."

The Curvy Revolution...I Paid My First Installment!

(From thecurvyrevolution.com website)

So sorry, I was sick last week so I didn't get any posting done. I hate being sick. I'm back on my game Mamis!

But while I was sick, I put my deposit down on The Curvy Revolution conference 2011 being held in Las Vegas, NV Feb. 18th-20th. I am so excited. I found out about the conference while blog surfing a couple of weeks ago. So I have been telling all my friends about the "big gurl conference".

Fashion shows and workshops are just a small part of the three day agenda. But what I think I am looking forward to the most is the "Diva Swap", swapping gently used clothes with other divas from all around the country. Just think about the possibilities!

Registration is inexpensive and easy! Go to thecurvyrevolution.com to find out more details. Come on girls, even though it's in February, we all know that time is flying by. So plan now! Let take over Vegas yawh!

Hopefully, I can get an interview with the hostess of the event. When I do, I will definitely post it. I will keep you posted of any changes and updates as the event gets closer. I hope to see you there!

Form of Art?

(Taken from March Issue of Vogue)

Ok, so I know this is old news; but this Roberto Cavalli ad in this month's issue of Vogue takes me back to this issue.

In the October issue of French Vogue, Lara Stone posed in black face. Many people found themselves in a time warp where blacks were mocked in Vaudeville and the silver screen. The dramatic coal colored skin and hulking white lips, reminds some of the old shuckin' and jivin', lazy and watermelon eating stereotypes burned in the minds of the offended. Art critics and fans of the photo immediately classified the photos as  works of art, not a statement of racism. Like other issues of race, the photos were talked about in blogs across the country then forgotten.

Although the models in Cavalli's ad are not in black face, they are covered in enough faux tanner to give the effect of darker skin, and depending on the eye, a different race. Why not use a black model to make your point? With models like Chanel Iman and Quiana Grant, surely there's not a lack of beautiful black women. Is is truly a work of art or racism in its truest form?