Plus size models are beautiful

The facts according to Wikipedia:

What is a plus size model?

Plus size models participate in a variety of modeling jobs including print work, runway shows, and fit or informal modeling. Fashion modeling is the category aspiring models usually think of when they dream of being a model. Fashion plus modeling can include a magazine cover or layout, representing a plus-size manufacturer in print advertisements, or strutting down the catwalk in the latest Lane Bryant lingerie.

Requirements Include:

Height-
Between 5'8" and 6'0"
5'9" is pretty much minimum for larger markets although some companies represent girls who are 5'7" and 5'8" but this is rare.

Average Clothing Size-
Size 12, 14, 16
Sizes 10 and 18/20 are also used, but are not nearly as common.

Must be toned-
You may be "plus size," but you may have to be in shape to be able to model swimwear, lingerie or fitness gear.

Proportionate-
You should be in proportion. Your bust, waist and hips should be about ten inches apart in size (i.e. 42-32-42) or very close. In addition, the shorter you are, the smaller your size should be. Someone who is 5'8" would be expected to wear a smaller size (12/14) than a taller model. It is all about length and proportion.

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As many of you know, I went to school for four years for fashion design and merchandising. Modeling of all types is something that has always interests me and in particular plus size modeling because I am a plus size girl. I would actually love to pursue plus size modeling myself if I can drop a few more pounds and tone my body. My parents told me all during highschool I should pursue it but I think I held back because of the fear of the unknown. But I love reading other's opinions of what a "plus size" girl looks like. It stills amazes me how some people think that if you are a size 12, you are plus size. But I understand that compared to the average american model size 12 would be considered a good deal larger. By the way, just a few facts for you: The average American female supermodel is 5'10'' and only 115 pounds. On average, her measurements are 34 inch bust, 24 inches waist and 34 inch hips. But to make you feel better about yourself, the average American female is only 5'4'' and 170 pounds! Not to mention every time I see a super skinny model that looks emaciated, I desperately want to throw her a doughnut! I take pride in being a full figured woman and I believe plus size women are beautiful.

I became very interested in these facts and began researching some of today's plus size models. I hope you all find this as interesting as I do. Here are a few of my favorite girls :)

Plus size model #1: Whitney Thompson

She is the winner of cycle 10 on America's Next Top Model and the only plus size woman to ever win on this show. She is 5'10'' and 165 pounds, a good 50 pounds heavier than all the other winners on America's Next Top Model. I think she is gorgeous just the way she is. She said that she is honored to be a role model for young girls and show America what the real woman really looks like.


Plus size model #2: Christina Schmidt



Isn't she gorgeous?! She is Canadian born but currently lives in New York City. She was an actress for several years but decided to leave the acting world to pursue modeling. Christina is 5'6'' and currently wears a size 14. She clearly fits the size description of an average american female and she is absolutely stunning.



Plus size model #3: Crystal Renn



Crystal started high fashion modeling when she was only 14 years old. All the modeling agencies told her before she would be able to model, she needed to lose a third of her body weight. This sent her into a downward spiral of unhealthy eating and she struggled with anorexia and other eating disorders. After several years, she decided to become healthier and gained a total of 70 pounds back. This put her in the plus size model category and she wore a size 12, sometimes a size 14 and this is the size she is currently. She is the only plus size model to be on the cover of Harper's Bazaar and appeared in several issues of Vogue. She was also asked to represent Jean Paul Gaultier's spring 2006 collection.


And as we all know, the fabulous and gorgeous Marilyn Monroe was a size 12-14 at several times during her life

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My point being....which is more beautiful?

Or this...

Exactly. Point proven.

No matter what size you are, embrace yourself. Love who you are and what you stand for. Don't let people tear you down just because of what you look like. I can say I have truly mastered this part of my life. Ever since I was a little girl I was taught to love myself the way I am, whether I was a normal size 10 in middle school or now at a size 18 in my 20's. I know who I am and what I stand for and it has nothing to do with the size of my clothes. Look in the mirror and love yourself because you have so much to offer the world! Plus size women, we are all beautiful inside and out! Love your hips, your waist, your arms, your legs....love your curves!

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And while we are on the subject....
Just for fun, here are a few pictures of myself as a wanna-be model HAHA:

Ladies, have a fabulous week!