I've enjoyed all these lovely words--It is true, things have come a ways, but we also have to keep hanging in for the ways we have to go!! We're up for it though, we're comin' up and out!!Any thoughts about how to de-program those people out there who I have heard say that people who are overweight, more specifically 'obese' should die!?!? Isn't that the craziest thing? Obviously these folks have issues, but from the time their parents sit them in front of the television while they're cooking, cleaning, and so forth,they're getting programmed already--even if it's not obvious to a lot of adults, many shows, commercials, award shows,whole networks (!) and the like only reinforce the belief that to be seen by many people you must fit a certain idea of beauty.WE all know this is not sensible, but SO many people don't think about it. Your 10-year old child seeing MTV seems almost terrible to me-and I have met several who are very knowledgable about current videos. This breeds another generation of closed-minded,brainwashed people who may be walking next to you on the street resenting you for breathing the same air as they are because you are not a size 6, 8, whatever. I'm not trying to sound like kids shouldn't see TV at all and many parents monitor this closely, but when you really think about it, yes it's perpetuating the falsehood that you have to LOOK a certain way to succeed.What is up with the "Dove girl" ads I've been hearing about? Someone was actually quoted as saying that they didn't want to see real life portrayed in an ad, they wanted it to be just perfect beauty---are those commercials or billboards, ??the only picture I saw was of some girls, in underwear, one of them was MAYbe pudgy!! CRazy! Wishing television wasn't such an integral part of life,I've met some of the most beautiful and compassionate people reading books in cafes and who say they only have one channel they kick it with the bunny ears just to watch some news..It seems there's a definite difference--I remember wanting to be WonderWoman when I was little, but of course you know, ya gotta look good in that bathing suit get-up. We'll overcome, and sites like this help strengthen us all,and I'm lovin' all members for workin' it!!!! All starts within. We have to continue word-of-mouth strategy, I think it's best for spreading word about new designers, stores and so on... muchluv

love the thought Shea, and all the women here. its is attitudes like yours that will spark the change and keep it going. and i would just like to add, in regards to what is seen on tv, i have heard many stories about these "perfect size" women. they subject their bodies to horrible things. eating lemons, starving, throwing up, viniger, grapefruit. water diets, so many women kill themselves trying to be beautiful, i understand that beauty costs, but your life is a price that is too high. i am not saying that you should eat every and anything, but you must use common sense. starving, throwing up, that is just ridculous. what are these people thinking. i don't know about anyone else, but i will never go to that extreme to be accepted by people. if you can't accept me for who i am then too bad. i ain't getting sick or dying for you.

I think we should be looking beond online zines.
when I first heard about Amaze I was ready to buy it and flip through the pages to see what it was like. I was a lil disapointed to find out it was only an online zine. I'm a hold in my hand, flip through pages, fall asleep with a magazine type of gal. so I guess I was just looking forward to some thing more solid for us plus gals.

I think It would be a proud moment when we could walk through the magazine ilse in a supermarket and see not just one, but several mags dedicted to us. With a beautiful size 20 girl on the cover. not only will we be overwhelmed with joy, but it will rase awareness to others. it will also show that we are not invisible or ashamed, but instead proud and secure of our selvs as is.

if there are plus mags out there on shelves I have not seen them. belive me I looked.

Hi all,
Just joined the forum, and I am so thrilled to find so many wonderful diva sisters online! I just found Amaze online, and I can't wait for the print subscription.

I am a dramatic diva - have been since my teens, and I agree with the member who said we have to support those stores and magazines who are keeping it real.

I just discovered Ashley Stewart while on a trip to Detroit for a reunion, and believe me, I've been evangelizing them all over my hometown. The denim suit I bought there is just gorgeous!

As an Image Coach and Consultant, I often deal with plus-size clients who I can't help with wardrobe or image until I raise their self-esteem. They don't believe they are beautiful, and that's just so sad! I do my absolute best to help plus size women (really, any woman) raise her self-esteem and self-confidence first, because if you don't do that, no matter what you dress her in, she still won't feel beautiful.

Carry on, Sisters! I'll definately be back for more!

I can't support plus size vendors particularly of clothing if the prices are outrageous. Period. Some of these prices are just ridiculous.

Furthermore, I am deadset against purchasing clothes online that I cannot try on. We all know that the fit varies from item to item and I find it insulting that the Gap, for instance, offers my size but only online. I will never purchase a thing from that store because of that. Old Navy, which is owned by the GAP, had the good sense to put their women's plus line in stores. It's affordable and stylish and I can try it on before I make a purchase.

Beyond fashion, how else do we support the plus size industry? I'm not so sure because I see myself as a woman who just happens to have some killer curves. I'm no less female because I'm not rail thin. I'm strong, smart and sexy....I will support vendors that keep all 3 of those characteristics in mind when they are designing and marketing their clothes.

DJ