By Nina Ashe, SexyPlus Clothing Blogger

Ladies… what’s with the jiggle?  What’s more, what about those horrid panty lines or worse – egad! – the bright colourful granny panties shining through thin material?  I’m not just pointing at the sexy plus sized ladies, but the slimmies too.

Now, don’t you dare give me any excuses:

“I feel constricted.”

“It makes me sweaty.”

“I don’t really need it.”

Uh-huh.  Can you ladies just picture my I’m-not-buying-it look?

Shapewear is no longer a dirty word. This is neither our grannies’ girdle nor our Victorian ancestors’ corsets. This is modern, breathable, flexible, hold-you-up, tuck-you-in goodness!

I will always remember the salesgirl who sold me on my very first pair (Spanx at the time).  The Numero Uno selling point to me was not that it would flatten my stomach, take me in a size or even holster my jiggle… it was its promise that it would almost eradicate a serious problem that most women, big and small, suffer from: summer thighs.  You all know about sweaty summer days and thighs that rub together… the rashes, the acne, the discoloration… oy vei! We’ve all tried baby powder (dries up eventually), baby oil or vaseline (works great but eww to the slippery feel), and every acne over-the-counter medication that simply does not stop the problem.

Shapewear has made that a thing of the past.  Now, I have soft pink inner thighs and I brazenly say to summer heat: Bring it on! But I mostly sing the praise of its jiggle-stopping powers. 

How many women complain how a certain dress would almost fit like a glove if it weren’t for the visible panty line… or how a particularly fetching top only seems to accent their belly roll… or that they simply “look fat” in everything! Fat or not (or “traditionally built” as my favorite heroine would said) there is no reason you cannot look and especially FEEL like a goddess in everything you wear… even last year’s sparkly pantsuit… smoothed out, tucked in and flawlessly supported!

Mamitas, let’s be frank, even if you were to start doing 500 crunches every morning, you will not get this feeling.  On the other hand, the right shapewear will do this for you. Even my lovely friend Hélène, Miss Natural Size 2, swears by her own shapewear when going out on the town in her favourite slinky dress. 

All the beautiful plus size women who have tried one on after some careful prodding have all agreed that their original misgivings were baseless.  I’ve yet to encounter anyone who has survived the first gruelling and arduous attempt to put one on who did not leave with it… and possibly a second pair in black!

But… I can already hear a few of you humming… “…it’s all good for every day or under that napkin-colored bridesmaid dress I have to wear… but what if I’m on a date… a sexy date no less?” Well my dear naughty ones, whatever happened to excusing yourself to go the ladies room to powder your nose?

Women throughout the ages have used that excuse for a myriad of reasons: to push the girls back up in their holsters, to make sure nothing is stuck in their teeth, to reapply some lipstick and a strategic dab of perfume, to rearrange their hair and give themselves a pep talk or even because they actually had to go!

Personally, I am a big fan of the old “change into something more comfortable”.  After ensuring that nothing is indeed stuck in my teeth, I simply remove my shapewear and either slip on a naughty little piece of floss (aka a thong) or nothing at all.

It doesn’t make you less of a modern feminist to harness your shape nor does it relegate you being a fake let’s-try-Botox-next kinda gal.  This is not a total transformational sham… this is just figure flattery.

We all pluck, shave, wax, blow-dry, make-up, cream and whatnot?  So why not start with the basic?

And last but not least… not only will you look better in whatever you chose to wear but you really will FEEL better.  We all remember what feeling better leads to, yes?  You feel good about yourself, you start standing up straighter (remember posture), you might smile a bit more, be a tad less self-conscious… and the world around you will feel that way about you too!

Ooh and let me tell you… they don’t just come in the short format anymore!  They make the panty one too with elongated torso (perfect to really cover all our bellies and not roll down unseemingly), that can be tucked in under our bra wire as I do.  I’ve also been lobbying the company who makes my favorite pair (the BodyWrap) to also make a thong one as they do in the regular sizes.  In the meantime, I’ve been cutting mine out in the shape I want… nothing sexier than being fully supported and knowing your sweet buttcheeks are poking out (they’re allowed to jiggle).

Oh… and ladies… no man will be the wiser! No man ever is!

Quick Basic Intructions

-         Put them on like you would stockings and not like they are a pair of shorts.

-         Rub a dab of cream into your skin prior to putting them on; it will keep your skin softened all day long.

-         Wash them like you would your favourite bra: either by hand or in the delicate cycle.

-         Do not machine dry. ]]> http://sexyplusclothing.com/2010/05/support-your-shape/feed/ 3 http://sexyplusclothing.com/2010/05/pretty-woman-series-bodice-top-in-floral-blue/ http://sexyplusclothing.com/2010/05/pretty-woman-series-bodice-top-in-floral-blue/#comments Tue, 11 May 2010 23:51:30 +0000 Stef http://sexyplusclothing.com/?p=4028 Continue reading →]]> We are proud to release the highly anticipated Pretty Woman Series for Spring/Summer 2010. You’ll absolutely LOVE these dresses and tops. They are a true plus size collection with stunning prints and A-line cuts that are slimming, feminine and provide beautiful movement. Fully stretch, soft to the touch and wrinkle-free. Their generous fit can easily accommodate up to size 4X. For a slightly more fitted look, choose one size down (for example, if you are a size 16 and normally wear a 1X, choose an XL). 92% polyester, 8% spandex.

This Bodice Top in crease dye floral blue has a fluttery sleeve, ruching at the bosom with a decorative tie, and measures 25.5 inches in length.  Very flattering due to its empire cut, especially for apple shapes. Treat yourself to this Pretty Woman Bodice Top in floral blue and fall in love with being a woman again. Ships in 24 hours or less.

We are relocating to serve you better!

This weekend (Saturday, Jan 30 & Sunday, Jan 31) will be our last weekend at the Toronto West Flea Market location (Dr. Flea’s, Highway 27 & Albion Rd). 

Enjoy savings of 25% on all regularly priced plus size clothing and stock up on clearance items this weekend only. Tell your friends and get some hot new outfits!

As of March 1, 2010 our entire collection will be available at Curvaceous Consignments located at 8108 Yonge Street, just south of the 407. This spacious and charming store will win you over from the moment you walk in. Shop Tuesday through Sunday and enjoy free parking and large fitting rooms. Stay tuned for more about our exciting relocation to Curvaceous Consignments and our grand opening celebration!

You can also shop with an appointment from my home in Etobicoke. Simply use the Contact page to send your request and we will respond within 24 hours to book your shopping appointment.

See you this weekend!

Dear Customers,

Our online shop is open and ready for you. Shop safely using our secure site with PayPal payment processing. You do not need to create a PayPal account, but you may use your account if you have one. Orders are shipped in 24 hours or less because we only sell what we have readily available in stock. And don’t worry about returns because we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. Read our friendly Return Policy here.

We thank you for your business and we look forward to serving you. If you have any questions or concerns, you may use the Contact page to submit your inquiry.

SexyPlus Clothing – sexy, affordable, finally.

Friday, November 20, 2009
When: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, open house means come and go as you please
Where: Stefanie’s
73 Widdicombe Hill Blvd Unit 1505
Etobicoke, ON M9R 4B3
647-999-6682

NEW Fall fashions, jeans, stretch pants, wrap sweaters, bigger sizes, holiday wear, lingerie and much, much more.

Sassy and classy clothes at great prices with good service and ambience; what more can you ask for?

SexyPlus Clothing wants to help you look and feel great, without breaking the bank. Come to our next Open House Fashion Party in November and you won’t be disapointed with the selection. Bring a friend or two and spread the word – curvy girls need to know!

RSVP for this event on Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/GTA-SexyPlus-Clothing-Group/calendar/11691226/?success=rsvpYesOrgCreateGroup

On October 17, 2009, SexyPlus Clothing celebrated its website launch alongside Curvacious.ca at Maple Leaf House in Etobicoke, Ontario.

All guests were greeted by a warm, smiling face, a free champagne ticket and a $5 coupon for SexyPlus Clothing. The room was ambient with candle lighting and good karma. We delivered a fashion show to remember, with our gorgeous models showcasing classic styles, club wear, lingerie and Halloween costumes. From New York, LA and Montreal, our sexy, colourful and funky styles came alive on stage. The voice and energy of our charismatic MC carried the show forward. While the crowd cheered and roared for more, some audience members were moved to tears from the courage the models demonstrated as they rocked the cat walk with a confidence that most of us only aspire to.

When it was time for me to take the microphone, I allowed myself a moment to feel the magic in the room. It was as if the clock ticked slower for just a few precious seconds. Honoured to have friends and family present, but also amazed at the force that pulled so many strangers and volunteers together. We were not only celebrating the launch of the SexyPlus Clothing website, but also the wonder of woman, the effectiveness of teamwork and the pursuit of dreams.

SexyPlus Clothing and the website would not have been possible without this tremendous network of support. Our website includes a full shopping cart, international shipping with super low shipping costs, shop by shape functionality to help you find the best garments for your body type, a photo gallery of real women just like you, and a blog with lifestyle tips, events and more.

It is with sincere gratitude that I recognize the special individuals listed below.

(In alphabetical order of last name.)

Anna Anastasiou – volunteer and guest, Gisele Augusteijn – my mother, Patrizia Berardini – your amazing MC, Suzanne Birch – friend, David Brown – friend and colleague, Dave Callender – friend and stage show bandit, Melanie Chin – my sister, Dave Cole – owner Maple Leaf House, Tasia Duncan – my dear friend and biggest fan, as well as your greeter, Brenda Hall – my dear friend and colleague and Larry Kelloway (who was there in spirit!), Rachel Hill – my dear friend and colleague, as well as your sales table hostess, Carla Langhorst – friend, mentor and business advisor, Mike Lucas – website brains, Kathryn McCallum Pipes – Curvaceous Consignments, Julian Nurse, JRN Plus Size Photography, Cathy Patania – dear friend and Rose Patania – new friend, Easton Rose – my dear boyfriend, Michelle Seguin – dearest friend, Shawna Thibodeau – my PR partner and runway coach, Joe Kippax – photographer, Wanda White – Curvaceous Consignments, Sabrina – friend, and of course all the customers and guests…

Models (in alphabetical order of last name):

Sherferene Alleyne – Community Job Developer, Angelina Barrona, Heather Cormier-Lielbardis – Curvacious.ca, Pilar Crew, Colleen D, Rita Elia – Curvacious.ca, Joy Kippax, Nadelle L, Juliet Laleye, Lesley Lowe, Julie Nestorovski – Curvacious.ca, Ro Reid, Jennifer States, Keisha Thomas and Sandra Vides Martinez.

Click here for model pics.

You are beautiful – thank you!

Love, Stefanie Augusteijn – Owner, SexyPlus Clothing

Note: You can also have the store come to you via our Mobile Store.

Curvaceous Consignments is a specialty consignment boutique catering to women sizes 14 and up. They celebrate curvy, beautiful bodies by looking chic while shopping cheap! And now they also offer a selection of SexyPlus Clothing fashions, at the same affordable prices.

SexyPlus wants to enhance your shopping experience which is why we host one open house fashion party per month. Try on as many pieces as you like, have fun, socialize with your friends and other awesome women, have a glass of wine and shop with no pressure.

We are located at Kipling & Eglinton which is very accessible from the TTC and the 401, 427 & Hwy 27. We accept cash, Visa and MasterCard.

Join the Meetup group “GTA SexyPlus Clothing” to stay informed of all the details  or join our Facebook group because curvy girls need to know!