On size 14 as the ‘ideal’ and other revolutionary ideas…

Earlier this week the Daily Mail published an article about our new Equalities Minister, Lynne Featherstone. She made some comments over the weekend about the media’s portrayal of women, the ridiculous ideals that young women have to live up to, and the amount of tiny, airbrushed models we see in publications every day. She even suggested some kind of kitemark system for images that have been digitally altered. “Advertisers and magazine editors have a right to publish what they choose, but women and girls also have a right to feel comfortable in their own bodies.” She said.

So far, so good. But she then suggested that girls would be better to aspire to the curvaceous figure of my current girl crush, Christina Hendricks, rather than the impossibly thin models on the catwalk. “Christina Hendricks is absolutely fabulous. We need more of these role models.”

This, of course, led the Mail run with the shock headline “All women should aspire for hourglass size 14 figures, claims new equalities minister.” Talk about paraphrasing…

‘Vogue Curvy’ – Italy embraces the voluptuous woman

Vogue may be all about aspirational high fashion, but they know a hot topic when they see one. Hot on the heels of the so-called ‘rise of the size 16 supermodel’, Vogue Italia has dedicated a whole section of their website to women like us: Vogue Curvy.

So far it seems to be relying on two tried and tested topics – models and celebs. There’s a gallery dedicated to Crystal Renn, complete with behind-the-scenes pics you might not have seen before, and one for America Ferrera. Model Sindy Gourland gives style advice, and the ‘curvy blog’ covers the Mark Fast show…

Gorgeous girls at the Golden Globes

The majority of ladies on the Golden Globes red carpet may have fit into tiny designer sample sizes, but that didn’t stop the more voluptuous women stealing the show. From plus-size divas Gabourey Sidibe and Supporting Actress (Drama) winner Mo’nique (both stars of hotly-tipped flick Precious) to Big Girls Browse’s favourite modern-day bombshell Christina Hendricks with her waspish waist and impossible bosom, we loved the looks the more curvaceous women went for and picked out a few others that would look just as good on fuller figures as they do on Hollywood stars…

Big Girl’s Babe: Christina Hendricks

Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks may not be plus size, but with that gravity-defying bosom and handspan waist, she definitely embodies the kind of curvy girl we’d all love to be. With her Marilyn-esque proportions, she’s a poster girl for the curvaceous woman. Let’s face it, nobody pulls off a wiggle dress like Joan Holloway!