WE NOW DO SIZE 16! :O

A topic most of us feel very strongly about – the media’s portrayal of how women should look. There has always been pressure from the media for women to be the slim, cellulite free, perfect woman. The truth is these catwalk models are that skinny because that is their life- their job is to be skinny. New incredible photos of Victoria Beckham have recently been released advertising the new women’s range of Emporio Armani underwear. She ran nine miles a day for six months to slim down for the sexy lingerie shoot. The 34-year-old former Spice Girl - who is frequently criticized for being too thin - reportedly embarked on a strict exercise regime in preparation- something busy mums and career women simply do not have the time or money for, so although Vic looks flawless, it is unrealistic.




I have never really given a great deal of thought about this topic as I am a natural size 8 and there are always a million size 8s when I go shopping so have never felt the frustration of not being able to find something in my size. However, I went shopping with a friend recently who is a beautifully perfect and happy size 16-18. We were shopping for something for her to wear and hit Topshop on Oxford Street. We saw so many lovely clothes that would have looked amazing on her but we did not find one item of clothing above size 14- even to find a 14 was rare. I thought it was a disgrace and it made me so angry that curvy women should be made to feel like this.


The average size for a woman in the UK is a size 14-16 yet high street shops order a greater amount of size 8-10s leaving larger healthy girls feeling as though they are abnormal thus feeling the pressure to lose weight. I work part time in a very well known high street shop and know from first hand that their clothes are not designed for girls over size 14. There is sometimes the odd size 16 and have signs everywhere saying, “We now do size 16!” Err hello?! They should be doing it anyway! The high street need to think of all body shapes giving everyone the chance to look fashionable and feel as fabulous as they are. As Gok Wan would say, girlfriend you are fierce just the way you are!