Plus-sized women: It's our turn for fine fashion

(CNN) -- Mara Urshel had seen enough heartache to fill her 35,000-square-foot Manhattan bridal salon, Kleinfeld.

"Wedding dress sample sizes are all size 10," says Urshel, explaining that plus-sized brides previously could not try on gowns but could only look at them being modeled.

"But a bride is a bride is a bride, no matter what. She shouldn't have to be destroyed because some other woman has to try on dresses so she can decide how she wants to look on her big day."

That is why, six years ago, Urshel decided that Kleinfeld -- now known for being the store showcased in TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress" and "SYTTD: Big Bliss" -- would stock plus-size dress samples, which brides could order up to a size 32.

"We give the bride whatever she wants," says Urshel. "She is the customer."

Oh, for a world in which that were true for the rest of us, says Gwen DeVoe, the executive producer of the just- completed Sonsi Full-Figured Fashion Week in New York.

Still in its infancy, FFW was created on the premise that plus-sized women are generally ignored by American designers , every trendy mall store, all the glossy magazines -- and they're tired of it.

"Let's call it frustrated," said DeVoe.

DeVoe has not appointed herself the spokesperson for all plus-sized women in America, but she could.

Her goal three years ago in putting together FFW was to get fashion designers and their customers together because she just didn't think the people who are paid to do that in this country were doing it very well.

She thinks the designers and retailers don't get it. She thinks they don't respect the plus-sized customer. Furthermore, she thinks they are leaving gobs of big-girl cash on the table.

"They say we don't spend money on clothes? That's bananas," DeVoe says. "We're a very loyal customer. But we don't buy the magazines because we don't see ourselves in them. We don't go to their shows because we aren't invited -- and by the way, neither are you."

FFW's Saturday night finale brought together 1,000 of those previously uninvited designer-friendly customers who are ready to buy. Showcasing more than 25 designers, the event was what DeVoe had imagined -- a toast to the curvy figure, proof that women can eschew the cultural norm of model-thinness and wear the best clothes and be worthy of Italian Vogue. The fact that the show looked like a million and could rake in likewise was not to be lost in the shuffle of any such runway extravaganza either.

The Most Fashionable Plus Size Dresses - Eye Health Tips

Some people seem to have the bizarre misconception that plus size clothing can\’t be fashionable. Of course it can! In fact, if you\’re a plus size woman with an eye for style and the latest trends, the chances are you know how to dress far better than the critics – so why not use your skills as an excuse to head on a shopping spree and show them how it\’s done?One of the best pieces of advice if you\’re looking for stylish plus size dresses is to go for items that accentuate the waist. Actually, let\’s face it: for most women, the chances are that something that draws attention to the swooping dip of the waist is going to be a good thing. This type of dress will show off your figure in the traditional hourglass shape better than any other style, and this type of look is one of the most appealing and sexy looks to achieve.That\’s not to say that this style suits everyone, and if you\’re not sure what type of clothing suits your shape best there\’s really only one way you can find out – to get shopping and try on a bunch of new stuff to see what looks great! Alternatively, many people actually prefer shopping for plus size clothing online, because of the fact that they get to avoid changing rooms or even shop assistants that might make them feel a little self conscious.Plus size fashion is the same as any other fashion: it\’s what you do with it that counts. Related Coverage Plus size leather lingerie Fashion & Cosmetics Sometimes we get into the rut of wearing the same type lingerie most of the time, sure the design and fabric type may change but that’s how drastic of change we may opt to go for. Perhaps we wear simple gowns to bed and have a few sexier items that we pull out from time to time. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this, but sometimes you may be searching for a way to spice things up a little. One sure fire way to do this is to try something new with your lingerie and one type of lingerie that is sure to heat things up is Choosing the right plus size evening dress Women have a very large array of selections when choose the evening attire. Evening wear is a group in women\’s clothing, which lets women, express themselves in stylish and fanciful ways. Find Attractive Plus Size Graduation Dresses Plus size teenagers often find it difficult to get the perfect dress that can make them look attractive and elegant on their graduation day. But with so many selections of plus size graduation dresses available today, you are lucky to choose the perfect dress suited for you. Plus size teddies Fashion & Cosmetics For those of you who are in the market for Plus Size Lingerie, you have probably already discovered that you have a plethora of lingerie options to choose from. As you are searching for anything from plus size baby doll gowns to corsets to sleepwear, there are a number of things to keep in mind, especially if you are searching online. First of all, you need to pick which style of lingerie you want to buy. Once you pick the style, you will have to consider a few other things before making your purchase. If, for instance, you are searching forLuckily, there are plenty of retailers out there who have now realised that plus size women don\’t want to hide their figures away – they want to show off, and they want to look and feel fabulous! Whatever type of clothing you most want to dress up in, you can be sure that you\’ll be able to find it in your size somewhere. In truth, finding plus size dresses and other clothing that fits you and flatters you perfectly is a bit like anybody trying to find any type of clothing. After all, we all come in different shapes and sizes, so why would one style fit all? In any case, if you\’re willing to try a few different plus size dresses on for size, you\’re bound to find the perfect outside to suit your shape.

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