I have to say that I’m excited — a more targeted diet, coupled with exercise, has made me get closer and closer to my goal weight. However, the more I read in the plus size fashion world, the less I feel as if I deserve a voice — especially if instead of a size 24, I become an 8 or a 10.
Therefore, today’s question is, what qualifications must be met before one can, with conviction and credibility, write about women’s plus size fashion. Does one have to be plus sized in order to do this? Heck, does one even have to be a woman in order to write about plus size fashion?
Well, the latter question is answered with a no, as Glen from Full Figure Plus writes about women’s plus size fashion all the time.
But the other question, for me, is harder to answer. The designer of a well-received brand in the plus size world, Igigi, is not a plus size woman in the slightest. Yet her line of clothing has turned women’s heads and made us all collectively drool (and collectively wince over the price tag) over those collections.
I’m a blogger that writes about women’s plus size fashion, who is also plus sized herself. However, I’m reaching a part of my life where I need to get active. Am I silently slapping the faces of silent multitudes who aren’t down with the weight loss train? I certainly hope not, though I feel as if I post progress on my weight loss or anything health-wise, I will undoubtedly step on some toes.
You want to know something about weight loss and Deluxegrrl? It’s been a hard ride. I’ve given up soda, candy, chocolate (for the most part. I do slip in a little dark chocolate as a treat every now and again), ice cream (now reserved as a once in a while treat), and fast food (though I still order a steak at a nice restaurant). Am I going to plus size hell for giving up the grease? I surely hope not, but since I kinda exist in a bubble, I’d appreciate comments at this point.
Whenever someone talks about weight loss, especially a plus size person, I almost feel like a million people are sighing, like “oh no, not another ex-big-girl-to-be!” It’s not like I’m going to go from a 24 to a 2, I just don’t have that type of build. But even at 19 going on 20, I have to get real: diabetes, high blood pressure, and other ailments are a huge problem in my family, and the thought of jabbing myself three times a day (or more, my mom definitely had to poke herself a lot more than that!) with a needle is not my idea of a good time.
I’m not saying that every plus sized person is on the same wavelength as me, or faces the same problems as me. I know several that are healthy as horses, and could outrun me on a bad day. But I’m taking control of this weight loss issue for my health, and therefore I might have to break away from traditional thought on the plus size manner.
If I was doing this for looks, I’d laugh at myself. I’m no starlet, but I definitely get enough attention when I’m out being just plain old Isabella. So I don’t wish to do this for the “hot factor”, since my ego tells me I’m hot as is. 
But when it comes to describing myself, I’d prefer elegant over hot, it seems to last longer.
OK, I’m done. Discuss.
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June 21st, 2007 at 5:56 pm
For me I think that anyone that wants to write about plus size fashion can. The reason I chose to go the direction I did is because I hate the word diet. You will never see me post anything about how to lose weight. How to live healthy yes which I think is more important than dress size.
When I started out there where a ton of diet and size acceptance blogs out there and even more today. I simply wanted to be different. I say chronicle your journey if that is what you want to do. At the end of the day your readers will be on your side. I know I will.
June 22nd, 2007 at 10:10 am
I agree with Glen … keep the blog coming! To write about a subject, you don’t need to look like the subject … you just need to understand the subject.
As a plus size woman I say “Go For It” whenever someone talks living healthy … even if that includes weight loss. And you should keep your conversation going … you have a valuable story to tell.
And, on the “hot factor” … I gave up trying to be “hot” a long time ago. Elegant is easier … and it takes less closet space!
June 24th, 2007 at 5:06 am
Well said to Susan and Glen! Although I believe that plus size women and men can give a more personal touch when writing about plus size issues, anyone can write about this issue if they understand it. Just because you are making certain changes to your lifestyle, which can lead to your losing weight, it does not erase all your feelings and experiences from the ‘plus days’ and that is still a great asset, which can fuel your plus size writing.
July 18th, 2007 at 4:25 am
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August 15th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Hello, I now run my own website called www.JagApparel.com we sell plus size clothing, missy size and Junior with hundreds of styles and brand names. Lowest prices on the net with sales up to 75% off. Check out my website called www.Jagapparel.com. For the average female this is a great site to visit.
September 5th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
I don’t think you’re going to “plus size hell” (lol). It’s your body and you are entitled to do what you want with it. If it makes it happy, knock yourself out. There’s nothing wrong with a little exercise and a good meal.
As for continuing to write, I think your perspective won’t change much when you lose weight, as part of that whole ‘been there, done that’ mentality. You still know what it feels like to be fat. As long as you don’t become one of ‘them’. You know who I’m talking about.
I personally think it’s great when guys and thin women write about plus size fashion. It shows they are more intuitive than the average person who throws around fat remarks.
Best wishes!
September 8th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
I don’t feel that losing weight or exercising is “selling out”. I think we need to set realistic goals for ourselves that include eating healthy, fresh food and exercising to tone our big, beautiful bodies. I like the Slimfast commercial that says “find your slim”. Everyone has a different slim. It may be a size 16 or a 24. What we can do as women is support each other in a healthy lifestyle which includes surrounding ourselves with positive people, developing ourselves creatively and spiritually and professionally.
November 27th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
There are many plus size women on the pluscupid.com. I believe you can find the right one to write for you.
April 10th, 2008 at 9:22 am
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