Honestly speaking, I’m not sure how I feel about the term Plus-Size.  What does the term Plus-Size mean anyway? And how is it even suitable? Why do we need to be labeled?  Why does there need to be a separation between clothing below a size 16 and above a size 16?  And please tell me why some stores have the Plus-Size clothing on a separate floor – by bedding….really?  Tucked away like a dirty little secret.  Be that as it may – at least they actually carry plus-size clothing in the store.  Some stores only sell “extended sizes” online.  What kind of (insert expletive here) is that? Why are we treated like a separate class – aren’t we all women interested in purchasing clothes?

Don’t get me wrong, I am very appreciative to those designers who remember the full-figured shopper.  Like, Michael Kors, Jessica Simpson, and the late Vince Camuto to name a few.  I am also grateful for stores like Eloquii, Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Monif C. and ModCloth. Thank you for thinking of us and sharing your talents with the curvy girls.  However, it would be so nice to see more designers show love to our dress sizes too.

I was inspired to write about the term Plus-Size after reading an article about model Ashley Graham by Gabrielle Olya.

http://www.people.com/article/ashley-graham-ted-talk

Hearing this beautiful woman talk about her struggles and perseverance with her body image within the fashion industry was very inspiring and encouraging. I whole heartedly agree with the importance of self love and acceptance.  The image of beauty today needs to be altered.  Beauty is found in various shapes, sizes, and colors.  I believe we must teach our young girls that they don’t have to fit into a certain mold or be a particular way to be beautiful.  We are all unique.  We possess various gifts and talents that play a part in who we are.  There is no need for us to be anyone else but who we are – God made you and I…and He does not make mistakes.

But, what – if anything, should be done about labeling?  Should the full-figured woman be separated from the Misses section in the department store? Or should we alter the perception of the various terms that are used to describe us? Can we make the terms or “labels” used to describe us into something positive?

For an example, the word plus means having, receiving, or being in addition to what is anticipated.  Plus is also defined as possessing a specified quality to a high degree.  I’ve decided that plus-size means being more than expected with a high level of quality. Looking at the term from this perspective – I am definitely Plus-Size.

We have the power and authority to define who we are – so, if you want to be called curvy, full-figured, voluptuous, plump, juicy, thick, curvaceous, bootylicious, or even Plus-size – own it…positively.

Until the next time, be you and most importantly…love you.

Being uniquely you is being uniquely beautiful.

B.B.