New Year Approching

Hello ladies! I pray all is well and you had a Merry Christmas. I know that I haven't contacted you all in a couple of weeks. Due to the holidays and the deaths in my family, things have been kinda Hectic!. However, 2011 is quickly approaching and I have some great info to share with you about Flaunt UR Curves and the direction we are going. So stay tuned and thank you for your support.

Sexy, Self Confident, and Realistic Self Sizing...that's what's up!

To'Nia Ruby

A Time to Grieve

Greetings and Happy Holidays!

For those of you who aren't aware, my cousin Tai Pinkelton was murdered this week by her boyfriend. While our family is dealing with this grief, we ask for your prayers. It may be a week or so before I send out another blog, so please bare with me. I thank you all so much for your love and understanding. Never forget to Flaunt UR Curves!

To'Nia Ruby

Founder and CEO of Flaunt UR Curves

Comfort PT 3

Hey ladies! Thanks for visiting Flaunt UR Curves!

In last week’s blog we talked about not only finding comfort in yourself, but comfort in your bras. I really hope that some of the tips I left for you were helpful. This week is going to be a simple one...at least for some of us; we're going to talk about finding comfort in your clothes as a whole.

I have seen some of the most horrifying appearances...especially in the summer time. Ladies we're so busy trying to be sexy that we look like if we drink water, all of our clothes are going to explode into a billion pieces. I stated in last week’s blog that sexy doesn't always mean short, tight, revealing. When I interview men on their opinion of "what is sexy" to them, many of them are very graphic...especially when it comes to us thick ones. Plus size woman catch it the worse because we are either one extreme or the other. We are either wearing sheets for clothing, or our clothing is two sizes too small.

Part of looking sexy is not only finding comfort in your weight, your body structure, and your natural beauty; but also finding clothes that compliment your curves and bring out your positive aspects. Please view the photo at the very bottom of the page....SHE IS GORGEOUS!

Take another look at her, do you see any breast? Booty out? Are her clothes extra tight? NO NO NO NO NO NO NO! She is all covered up and is super sexy. She’s showing off a little bit of arm, and very little bosom. The great thing about the top she is wearing...anybody can wear it and look just as sexy...big or little boobs, size 16 or size 26 (you can find this top at www.lanebryant.com ). Though she is not really what I would consider a plus size model, she is a great example of what sexiness can be without being over revealing. Whether we want to admit it or not, it is a fact that some items of our bodies we just shouldn't show as plus size women. There is being Confident and then there is being Crazy. I for one don't see a problem with showing stretch marks...I know body builders with stretch marks and unless you’re going to spend money to get rid of them...get use to them. However, showing dimples (the ones on your rear), letting saggy breast hang out, and allowing belly fat to flop over your clothes...YEAH...SO NOT COOL. Which brings us back to knowing your body. You can't be SEXY if you're not SELF CONFIDENT about how you look...and you can't be SELF CONFIDENT about how you look if you’re not being REALISTIC about your SIZE and the way your body has been designed.

Gotta run, we'll talk more next week about comfort. Please spread the word about Flaunt UR Curves...YOU KNOW YOU KNOW WOMEN WHO NEED TO READ THESE BLOGS!. So DON'T SLEEP ON THIS! Let’s change the way the world looks at plus size women.

Remember as always, You’re are beautiful...with yo thick self!

Sexy, Self confident, and realistic Self Sizing...that's what's up!

To'Nia Ruby

Comfort pt.2

Last week we talked about feeling comfortable in your own skin. The model we had advertized was obviously a naked Plus size model. As I stated before, most of would not have dared let anyone take a picture of us like that; however, it is important that we find comfort in our bodies and what our bodies look like. Learn our bodies and every nick and cranny that is throughout it. When I talk to people about the blog and joining the blog, some people make comments to me like, “Girl, I plan to lose all this” or “Oh...that’s nice but I don’t think being this size is something I wanna promote”

Look ladies, nobodies advertizing being fat, out of shape, or un-healthy…Flaunt UR Curves are against all those things; but until you get to your weight goal…learn to love yourself just as you are. What?... you can’t be attractive because you’re over weight….some of us will never…EVER be small…sorry to buss your bubble, but it is a fact. I’ve been a plus size woman all of my life, and though I may have had my own discomforts  about my own weight, I had to learn how to make myself look and feel great…I LEARNED TO LOVE ME. This is what it’s all about…feeling SEXY, having SELF CONFIDENCE in yourself and how you look, and being REALISTIC about YOUR SIZE! Work hard to lose that weight, change the way you eat and how much you eat….but most importantly be HEALTHY and LOVE YOURSELF!!!

Moving on, getting to know your body…hum, where should I start. View the picture at the bottom, let’s talk being comfortable with your breast, boobs, tah tah’s, melons, or as my mom calls them newni jugs…lol. Most plus size woman are known for having very large breast, most men are known for loving that…HA! However, I see SO MANY plus size women who buy these weak bra’s without really thinking about what their breast are going to look like in them…and there is a medium.

You don’t want to have the cone breast that poke people in the eye or stab them in the chest every time they want to give you a hug. At the same time, you don’t want to have the saggy breast where every time you take a step they flop too and fro like an elephant trunk. KNOW YOUR BODY! If you have very large breast…don’t waste your money on flimsy bra’s, because it is exactly what I said A WASTE OF YOUR MONEY! Save your money and take the time to find out where you can get bra’s that will sit your girls up. I have a friend who has to get her bra’s specially made…but when you see her, you would never think her girls were that big. Her bra’s are beautiful, comfortable, and keep her back from hurting (which is very important!) Know how your back is shaped and what bra’s would be most comfortable for you as well as make you look fabulous!

I took the liberty of looking up some websites that may help you out some. Of course there’s Ashley Stewards and Lane Bryant, but also visit http://www.brasthatfit.net/bras.html, they go up to a size JJ…whoo!

We’re gonna continue talking about comfort and knowing our bodies for the next couple of weeks. We want to cover all aspects of the woman’s body and knowing our bodies.

Remember…you are so beautiful…with yo thick self!

Sexy, Self Confident, and realistic Self Sizing…now that’s what’s up!!!

Comfort

Hello ladies! Thanks for visiting Flaunt UR Curves!

Today...I want to deal with the nature of being comfortable in your own skin. What do I mean by this? Well, first; scroll to the bottom of the page and view the beautiful naked thick madam. She may be a solid size 14, but even at that size...many woman would have refused to take a picture like that.

Working in the fashion industry, I got to see firsthand how uncomfortable some plus size women are in their own skin. I even thought one woman was attempting to steal something; but when I "striked" up a conversation with her, she stated that she follows people around to see what they’re going to buy in attempt to copy their style. She wasn't sure what to wear and didn't feel comfortable picking something out for herself. This is one of the main reasons for Flaunt UR Curves. Too many plus size women are totally lost on how to choose clothing for themselves. For many, the clothing that they do choose is either too small and devastating to look at; for other's their clothing is too big and frankly...un-appealing. SO...how do we find a medium? Is there a medium? What do you think?????

Here is Ruby's point of view on the subject....
         DRESS UR SIZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, now that I've gotten that out...let me explain myself. A couple blogs ago I talked about not being afraid to get measured; your waist, hips, breast, etc. Once you have ...
Step 1:  admitted you are a plus size woman.
Step 2:  went to get measured and found out your true size
Then you can move on to...
Step 3: finding out what clothes work and what clothes don't.

Let's talk about the Do's and Do Not's of Plus size fashion.

One of hardest things for a plus size woman to do is look at themselves naked in the mirror. Some of you may not have this problem...but I have even met skinny woman who have a problem looking at themselves to avoid seeing their "flaws." It is so important to know what your body looks like. Where do you have rolls (other than your stomach)? Where do you have dimples? Do you have a lot of spot all over your legs? In what places do you have stretch marks?  Are there moles all over your back? Some of you may be laughing, but this is for real. You would be surprised what you find out about yourself. Once you know where everything is, then going shopping is much easier because you can usually get a mental visual of what your body would look like in that outfit...with or without a girdle. HOWEVER.....this doesn't mean you shouldn't TRY THE CLOTHES ON! Next, be real with yourself....does the bottom of my stomach hang out of this? Are my dimples showing through my clothes? Do I have the right kind of breast for this outfit?

These are the kind of questions you ask yourself. This doesn't mean you can't be …sexy; you just have to find other ways to be sexy. Really skimpy, tight, or short clothes doesn't always mean sexiness. You can be just as sexy showing some leg and a little boob.

This is obviously going to be a two part series as well. Next week, I want to talk about how to highlight what you do have...so you can find some comfort in what you buy and feel comfortable in what you’re wearing.

Remember how wonderful and beautiful you are....with yo thick self!

Sexy, Self Confidence, and realistic Self Sizing...that's what's up!

The Girdle PT 2

Hello Ladies, thanks for visiting Flaunt UR Curves!

I want to first apologize for not posting anything all week, my son and I both fell ill and I was unable to get on the internet. So please forgive me for my absence.

Now let’s get down to business, we're talking girdles here! Last time we touched base on two types of girdles; Pantie Girdles and Straight Girdles. For those of you who missed part one of "The Girdle," make sure to go back and view my post on Oct. 16th.

Today I want to touch base on one particular girdle.....the "Full Body Girdle." (Oooh, Ahh! LOL)

This is one of the most dreaded girdles by far, especially for those of us who hate being 'confined.' (Please view the pic at the bottom of the blog.)

Most full body girdle is designed to place everything in tact; breast, thighs, love handles, stomach...the whole Shabang! There are other body girdles that stop at the panty line...so let’s get into what we wear these girdles with.

Full Body Girdle vs. Full Body Panty Girdle

The 'Full Body Girdle' is deigned to go from your breast down to your mid-thigh. These girdles are GREAT!  Nothing moves and everything is tight. However, these are not meant to be worn all the time. Most of them are designed to last only a certain amount of time in a 24hr period; more expensive ones may be worn all day (but don't plan to do much eating or you'll be a miserable somebody!) The best times to wear these girdles are with tube dresses or fitted clothing. For example; wedding dresses, prom dresses, and after five attire.  I wouldn't suggest wearing one of these girdles with pants outfits because you will be able to see where the girdle stops, creating a line in your pants (so not cute!)

The 'Full Body Panty Girdle' can be worn with just about anything. This girdle stops at the panty line, so if you wanted to wear this with a pair of pants it would be ok. For those of you who wear stockings, you want to put your stockings up under the girdle, that way you don't lose your stockings or have to struggle to keep them up all day. If there is a snap to fasten the girdle underneath, fasten that area BEFORE putting the girdle on, I promise you don't want that struggle.

A question that’s been frequently asked is, “Do you wear underwear under your girdle?” I have no shame in saying NO!  Who wants all that extra clothing when you’re already wearing a girdle? Now if you’re worried about catching perspiration, a couple of paper towels or a panty liner can fix that. If you perspire a lot, you may need at change once or twice a day. But feel free to be naked under your girdle.

Some disadvantage to these type of girdles include the magic trick that you have to go through to get out of them just to use the bathroom; I mean it can really be a workout to pull that thing all the way down just to kill yourself trying to get it back up. HOWEVER....this is why I recommend purchasing the more expensive full body girdles. I will admit...they are pricey, but worth the money! Once you buy one you will have it for a very long time and less struggle.

Now the bust of the girdle is something else you have to be cautious of. If you’re like me, you want your "GIRLS" to sit UP. Most of the full body girdles that I have worn support you, but don't make your "GIRLS" say Hello! LOL. So know when to wear a full body girdle and when to wear a bra and a straight girdle, or a bra and a panty girdle.

Alrighty, I think that’s enough to soak in for today. Take notes and make sure to check out the plus size clothing stores of girdles, or jump on the internet to find some great ones.

As always, remember your beautiful with yo thick self…lol

Sexy, Self Confident, and realistic Self Sizing…now that’s what’s up!

The Girdle PT 1

Hey Ladies...thanks for visiting Flaunt UR Curves.

Let's talk Girdles!

Do you know I have spoken to woman who REFUSE to wear a girdle? (Unfortunately, it's usually the ones who need them the most!) Ladies, the word "GIRDLE" is not a curse word...it can actually be a blessing; especially for plus size woman. Girdles go back to the early 18th century...another word for girdle is "Corset." In France (the originating country for girdles) prostitutes were forbidden to purchase these because they were only meant for the "ladies."

Girdles were not only designed to pull in the excess weight that us ladies may not be able to loose, but it also keep is from jiggling when we walk. That’s Right!  In certain clothing and settings, your body should not jiggle all over the place…I promise it’s not as cute as you may think.

Now adays there are several different types of girdles....the biggest problem is not that woman don't wear girdles, but woman don't know what girdles to wear with what clothing. And don't feel bad if you don't know....it's not like they give you Dress Up 101 in high school or college...so let’s go there for a minute.

First and foremost, be able and willing to try on a couple different types girdles. Some girdles work better for some people, and there are different types of girdles that are used for different types of outfits. There are also Controlled Top panty-hoes (for the few of you that actually still wear panty-hoes) that can keep your body in position as well.

Panty Girdles: are only meant to tighten your lower diaphragm. You can wear panty girdles with jeans, or depending how large your upper diaphragm is, you may be able to wear it with a skirt.

Straight Girdles: These girdles usually go from the top of your stomach down to your lower thigh. These are to be worn with straight dresses. They are to keep extra "rolls" from showing through your dress. However...don't be deceived, some dresses are just not to be worn by all body types. If you see consistent "rolls" showing through the dress after you but on a straight girdle, THAT DRESS WAS NOT MADE FOR YOU!

OK...we're going to turn this into a two part serious. Keep your eye's open for part two of THE GIRDLE ...LOL

Remember you are beautiful with yo thick self!!!!

Sexy. Self Confident, and realistic Self Sizing...that's what’s up!

To'Nia Ruby

Healthy

Hi Ladies! Thanks for visiting Flaunt Ur Curves!

Today, I want to briefly discuss the difference between being "skinny" and being "healthy."

Society will give you the impression that most overweight people are un-healthy. Do I believe this to be true???...I do! But why????

Fact! Most people who are overweight indulge in foods that are filled with preservatives and calories. They over-eat and rarely if ever exercise. I have learned this to be true! It can be an even worse situation for woman because we are 70% water and hold weight worse than men do. HOWEVER! Some plus size men and women are over-weight due to heredity. I'm one of those people. All of my dad's (dad's) side of the family are all plus size woman, and unfortunately most of them died of diabetes. (In those days, it was about eating what you had and could afford.) Now aday's we have options and there is really no excuse for eating unhealthy.

On the other end...I believe in enjoying life (and food without getting ridiculous with it) but taking care of your body. So can you be a plus size woman and still be in good health? I say yes!!! It's really not about how skinny you are. I can remember being in the workout room in my apartment complex, my apartment manager came down and stayed around to watch me run. She said, "Wow...your really moving out....I know "other" people who can't do that." What she meant was she knows "SKINNY" people who can't run as long as I can...AND I DO TOO!

 I work out on a regular; however, I still indulge in those foods that I love. I don't ever expect to be a skinny woman....I have thick bones like my dad...and would probably look awkward if I was too small; but I do want to live a LONG prosperous life...and I hope you do too.

SO...if you are the type of plus size woman who has problems walking down the stairs, can't run up the steps without feeling like you’re going to pass out, or can't walk through the super-market...I would suggest you put yourself on an exercise and eating plan. We all have to learn how to push the plate away when we're full, go out and take a walk, and eat more bake foods rather than fried or processed foods!

You DO NOT have to be skinny to be healthy, but take care of your temple...YOU ONLY HAVE ONE!

That's all for today. Remember...you are beautiful with Yo Thick self!

Sexy, Self Confident, and realistic Self Sizing...now that's what's up!

To'Nia Ruby

Weight of the World

Hey everybody, thanks for stopping by Flaunt UR Curves!

Today, let's deal with those of us who haven't always been plus size woman. I can hear some of you saying, "well...what's your definition of plus size?"

To'Nia's definition of Plus Size: A woman who cannot comfortably fit into a size 14(not wide either) without sucking in their gut or without 7lbs of flab hanging over their jeans.

Once you have reached this point you are OFFICALLY a PLUS SIZE woman....yes, I need you to get over it and accept it (or loose enough weight to get back into a size 12 or smaller.)

It's not always easy to accept that you can't fit your favorite dress, or put on those skin tight jeans anymore. You want to still feel sexy and wanted, you want those eye's to still follow you as you walk pass. Some of you may still be trying to where the same clothes that you could ONCE fit, and though you may still catch some men's eye's following you...some men will follow anything that shakes. Let me PULL you out of denial...IT DOESN'T FIT ANYMORE, IT DOESN'T LOOK GOOD! TAKE IT OFF!!!!!!!!!!

LOL....seriously, it's ok to admit you've gained a couple of pounds and you are now a plus size woman. Pass those clothes on and start experiencing the new you. Does this mean you have the right to sit around and be fat and lazy??? NO WAY!!! You need to exercise, eat healthy, and find your current and correct size. Go to a Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewarts, or some other plus size fashion stores. Ask them to measure your breast, your waist, your butt...find out what clothes works for you and what doesn't. You are still SEXY GIRL... you just have a little more to love.

Just a couple tips for you....a girdle can be your best friend; never (EVER) ware spandex, stockings with holes in them usually don't work for big legs, stay away from clothing with multiple flowers, and get a good bra that with sit your girl's UP!!!!

That's all for today....when you look in the mirror tell yourself...

Sexy, Self Confident, and realistic Self Sizing! That's what's up!

What do you look like???

OK, if you look below you will find the picture of plus size model Whitney Thompson. The girl is STACKED, I mean bad...ya hear me? However, a plus size model???? Hum, I beg to differ! She is a solid size 12....A SIZE 12? Now that she model's professionally, she's probably smaller than that.

Even though Whitney is a doll, she is not what I would consider a plus size model. She may be thicker than an average model, however...PLUS SIZE is truly an exaggerated statement.

Most plus size woman are not solid like this...you'll find a roll or two, bigger butts, larger arms....I mean you darn sure can't wrap some white tape around us and tell us to pose...HA! LOL!!!!

Ladies, ladies! Don't be fooled by the model industry....ain't (YEA I SAID AIN’T) no plus size woman that looks like that unless she Zenia warrior princess...LOL. WE NEED GIRDLES! NO! WE CANNOT WEAR EVERYTHING!
And that’s ok...we can still be sexy without being wrapped in tape. Don't get swindled into thinking you have to look like Ms. Thompson. Eat healthy; Work out, (YES! I said get your butt off that couch and go to the gym, take a walk, do some pushups or SOMETHING....just because we're thick doesn't give us the right to be Sloppy.) and wear clothes that actually FIT!

Coming soon… I will have a segment on dressing UR size. Doesn't have to be baggy to be comfortable, doesn't have to be skin tight to be sexy...ya feel me?

Sexy, Self Confident, Self Sizing....that's so what’s up!

Flaunt it Baby...FLAUNT IT!!!

OK YEAHHHHHHHHH! Got my blog up, I’ll be talking to you ladies at least once a day. PLUS SIZE LADIES WE NEED THIS!

The purpose of my blog is to bring awareness to plus size women about things we all talk about on the low, but never say out loud. Like, "Why in the Hell is she wearing that?" or "Why does this say ONE SIZE FITS ALL?" or "It looked real cute in the picture on the magazine cover."

I know I'm not the only one who has said these things....some of us are looking A MESS! Do I put the blame all on you...NO WAY!!!! The fashion industry has us dumbfounded on what heavy women are suppose to where. They show these "PLUS SIZE MODELS" on TV and magazines that are between a size 12 and 14. Everything is proportioned (breast, thighs, butt, hips, stomach) and they look MARVOLOUS in everything they where....IT'S DECEIVING AS ALL HELL!

OK...grant you, yes the world of the skinny's want us all to lose weight and be a size 2, however, the reality of the situation is more than 75% of women in the United States are a size 14 or larger. Some because their just obese and some is just hereditary. In other words...unless some of us get cosmetic surgery...some of us are just going have really big saggy boobs and ridiculously huge butts! Others have big tops and small bottoms (visa versa), some of our stomachs are larger then everything else we have; some of us are just extra hippy!

So should we be punished by society because we're over weight???? Should we be damned to wear clothing with flowers all over them, droopy pants to cover our figures, or low heals in fear of our stiletto breaking??

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOOO! We wear clothing that fits (first and foremost) we cover up what is necessary and FLAUNT the rest. This is the purpose of my BLOG. I wanna know what you think and how you feel. What questions do you have about fashion. For those of you who were small as teenagers and doubled in size as an adult....maybe you need help in changing your wardrobe...I AM HERE TO HELP!

Beginning November 1st (I should be healed from my accident by then), I will post a pic everyday for you to comment on. Maybe a pic of a new type of fashion, something horrible I saw, or something I'm sporting that day. SO....stay logged in and spread the word about "FLAUNT UR CURVES!"

Ladies....IT'S TIME TO FLAUNT IT!!!