A Big Bone to Pick with Rail Thin

            The issue of weight and size, is one as old as time itself. And although it affects every aspect of our lives, controversy due to weight in fashion is one of the most prominent issues. Recently I went to an interview with one of my close friends, during the cattle call, on - the - spot, type interview process; my friend got a second interview and I didn't. I attributed it to the fact that she has more experience than me and is probably better at thinking on the spot than I. When I told my grandma what happened, she said something that shocked, appalled, and annoyed me all at once. She said "your friend probably got the job because she is skinny". -___- don't grandparents say the darnest things? Although I highly doubt that is the case, it is quite possible that, tho unnecessarily blunt in my time of slight ego bruising, my overtly rude grandmother might actually have a point.
            Later that day, I was posed with the same issue again, when reading a post on lovebrownsugar.com: http://www.lovebrownsugar.com/2011/01/great-debate-do-skinny-girls-have-more.html
http://www.lovebrownsugar.com/2011/04/jennifer-hudson-reveals-hollywood.html In the first post, she talks about if skinny girls have more fun, and the second is a review on Jennifer Hudson's reaction towards peoples reaction of her weight loss. As both a lover of fashion, as well as a "full figured woman" myself I decided to weigh in on the issue.

(Jhud before and after)

            Personally, I don't have any weight related health issues, aside from my doctor wanting me to be at a lower weight. Granted this is relatively speaking since I am so young. But I can still run, play sports, walk up stairs, and breath properly just like anyone 50pounds smaller than me. And as far as the misconception that heavier woman don't get as much attention from guys; a quick look at my call log and recent text and you will find a steady plethora of suitors. Not trying to tout my own horn by any means, but I'm just saying, I don't have a problem in the male department. So my problem lies with the industry that I love and adore so much.

(me in a dress from Faith 21)

             Once upon a time, women with wide hips and thicker thighs was in style, but that time is centuries away from the reality today. Not since the 1800's has actual curvy women been en vogue in fashion. (I can't include the 50's when curvy celebs like Marilyn Monroe were popular because she was at the most a size 8.) I'm talking double digits, real sized women. I'm sure you've all heard stories, of anorexia and/ or bulimia, I'm sure you've seen some designers feature real sized women on their runways, or seen the 'curves' ad for Levi's Jeans. But the market for plus sized women in the fashion industry is still tepid at best. Sure stores like Lane Bryant and Torrid exist. Sure places like Alloy and Delia's carry extended sizes, and of course Brands like Apple Bottoms, by Nelly and Faith21, for Forever21, or House of Derion by Beyonce are sold. But most of these brands are specific to a type of customer (people from urban areas), and are in a higher price point than their supposedly equally priced budget market retailers. Although I applaud the strides the fashion industry has made thus far, the effort is still weak.

         My problem is with the designers, who act as tho making the same garment a few more inches in size takes away from its aesthetic value. Or who feel that they have to change the design to make it in a bigger size. My issue is why "plus sized" or women's clothes usually consist of one relatively drab section in the back of department stores. I'm wondering why designers claim to be making clothes for bigger women, but only cater to the 25+ consumer, and completely disregard the young women from 13 to 24 who wear above a size 12. Why do I as a lover of beautiful clothes have to go on a mission or shop online or pay extra everytime I want a pair of jeans that actually fit my ass? Why is it, that the 'real women' models and features in magazines like Glamour and Seventeen is something new and special?

(plus sized model Crystal Renn)

         I personally feel that if you're going to do something, don't half ass it. Don't make clothes for bigger women and dress them like grandmas. The fashion industry still has a lot of growth to do. Many people will talk about how bigger sizes need to be incorporated but no one is doing anything about it. The plus sized niche in fashion is still relatively unattempted. Yes fashion is an industry based on a lot of materialistic and superficial aesthetics, but to be truly a force of influence in the world, and to truly cater to consumers, especially in America; designers and retailers alike need to stop ignoring the curvy step child, and accept that their are bigger women in this world, and they want to look cute as well. The average American women is a size 12, and yet the average American retailer stops at a size 12. I am not at all promoting obesity or unhealthy lifestyle habits, I'm simply just pointing out the obvious void in the market. Suicide rates, body issues, and food - related diseases would decrease significantly if the fashion industry could embrace normal sized women. Because let's face it, it wouldn't kill any designer to increase the seam and fabric of those jeans.