Venus Diva Magazine and Community

What initially started as a online plus size magazine has turned into a thriving community for plus size women and teens.

The magazine is delivered monthly by a troupe of extraordinary plus size beauties who are equally active in the community hobnobbing with members in the forums and on their personal guest books. They share perssonal stories along with beauty, dating, health, fitness and of course fashion advice.

For those wishing to learn about the world of modeling there is an in depth section providing advice on getting started, agencies, photography, makeup and more. This website has evolved over the last few years to involve any plus size women (and teens) and not just those looking for a modeling career.

It has a warm friendly environment.

Venus Divas is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

Kelly Bliss's Yellow Pages

If you are looking for a directory for just about any thing plus size related then you will probably find it on Kelly Bliss's Yellow Pages.

Kelly is a lifestyle coach and fitness instructor. She has many instructional materials on her website if you are looking for help increasing your fitness level or if you want to improve other areas of your life.

In the yellow (web) pages you will find listings for topics such as clothing, health and fitness, activities, shopping, and resources. Each area is broken down into numerous subcategories.

The website is easy to surf and provides an abundance of plus size options.

Kelly Bliss Yellow Pages is one of the best plus size websites.

Living XL

It wasn't until I needed an outdoor chair that I really realized that I was in need of a product just for me so I could feel relaxed and at comfort. Nothing spoils an evening in the backyard than the fear and humiliation of breaking a chair.

Living XL has an amazing selection of products built for plus size people. On their website you'll find:

• portable walk stools
• portable chairs with a 600lb capacity
• wide girth rocking chairs
• office chairs with a 1000lb capacity
• toilet seats
• robes and bath towels
  
• high capacity scales
• back scratchers
• seat belt extenders
• casual clothing for men and women
• heavy duty step stools
• and more!

Living XL definitely has taken into account many aspects of a plus size person's activities of daily living.

LivingXL is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

Kmom's Plus Size Pregnancy

Having a baby can be a scary process for any woman but plus size women have the added disadvantage of having every known complication compounded because of their size... at least that is what the medical profession would lead us to believe. These scare tactics can lead to a mentally draining pregnancy and fearful delivery.

It is possible for plus size women to have happy, healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Kmom's Plus Size Pregnancy provides a realistic and size positive approach to providing plus size women pregnancy information. The content was "written and sponsored by Kmom, a childbirth educator and freelance writer who has read extensively about obesity, pregnancy, birth, and related topics in both the medical and lay literature". At this posting it hasn't been updated since June 2007 but the information is far from out of date.

At Kmon's Plus Size Pregnancy website you'll find almost everything you need to know to encourage open educated discussions with your medical team and make informed decisions about your pregnancy:

* Preparing For Your Pregnancy
* Fertility Concerns
* Plus-Size Pregnancy Risks
* Finding a Size-Friendly Provider
* Kmom's Top Hints For A Better Birth
* Important Issues
* Prenatal Testing
* Dealing With Pregnancy Discomforts
* Plus-Size Maternity and Nursing Clothing
* Possible Pregnancy Complications
* Alternative Medicine
* Plus Size Birth Stories
* Breastfeeding
* Postpartum Issues
* Cesareans and VBACs
* Books, Links, and Support Groups

Kmom's Plus Size Pregnancy is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

Hips & Curves

Plus size women like to feel sexy too and for the last seven years Hips & Curves has been providing the vehicle for women to do so in the comfort of their own homes by providing beautiful plus size lingerie for sizes 1X to 3x (with extended sizes up to 6x for about thirty products).

Some of their hot lingerie has been featured on The Tyra Bank's Show and on Mo'Nique's Fat Chance. In terms of style you'll find everything from classic peignoirs to sexy teddies to inspirational costumes. The site is beautifully laid out with fashionable photos with great lighting and lovely models who prove that you don't have to be a size 0 to be sexy (or intimate).

If you are looking for some steamy erotica shorts then sign up for their newsletter and you'll receive a naughty story once a month as well as regular updates on new additions and sales on the site. There are also lots of tips for men who are shopping for their special lady.

Hips and Curves is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

Judgment of Paris

The title "Judgment of Paris" is a story from Greek mythology about three goddesses, Aphrodite, Athena and Hera, who were to be judged on their beauty by a mortal man. When it comes to the plus size community it's a website full of plus size role "models". Literally. You'll find information (and lots of photos) about such plus size supermodels as Barbara Brickner, Kate Dillon, Christina Schimt, Crystal Renn and more.

You'll also find oodles of resources if you are interested in plus size modeling or are just curious about the business of plus size modeling. The website has an active forum where members discuss tough topics like, "Professional Eye vs Public Eye" or "Plus Size, the New Healthy" or the latest news on our favorite supermodels.

There are great articles like Timeless Beauty which compares some of today's most beautiful women to art through the ages. And don't forget to participate in the survey providing your opinion for the most beautiful women in the world (which makes the title all the more appropriate).

Judgment of Paris is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

ChunkEbusiness

Looking for fun, whimsical and inspiring works of art with a plus size them? Then this is a good place to start looking. ChunkEbusiness has been promoting a number of artists looking to share their wares with admirers both big and small for a number of years.

ChunkEbusiness was the dream of three big and beautiful women (BBW) from California. Darliene, Peggy and Dianne. These women, also artists themselves, were inspired to bring products they were interested in to one easy location for other like-minded men and women to find. This website's purpose is to "offer fun, functional gift items along with original artwork that portray people of size in a positive manner, helping to build self-esteem and change the way in which we see ourselves and in which others see us."

Their current listing has two of my absolute favorite artists, Jill Haney-Neal and Joyce Mudd. In their online mall you will find gift cards, statues, bookends, t-shirts, paintings, photographs, figurines, ornaments, and limited edition prints. The site also has links to a number of BBW businesses and inspirational websites. Be prepared to be inspired, laugh and spend some money.

ChunkEbusiness is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

Joy Nash, A Fat Rant

She's funny, she's witty, she has attitude, she's obviously intelligent. Oh, yeah, and she's a fat girl who likes to rant. Working actress, writer and producer, Joy Nash has gained notoriety over the last year because of her You Tube video titled, A Fat Rant. With over one million hits it is safe to say this plus size cutie is a hit.

Somewhere along the way she also finds time to provide inspiration to thousands of followers. If you haven't seen her video yet then you can do so via the Squidoo lens link below, as well as watch her latest rant release.

Joy Nash's A Fat Rant is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

Topic Links
* Joy Nash Lens at Squidoo
* Joy Nash on Myspace

Skorch Magazine

This online fashion magazine was the brain child of Jessica Kane and Carrie Woomer. These young entrepreneurs started a venture together with the hopes of bringing plus size women quality fashion layouts using plus size models that depict the majority of the shopping population instead of the minority. All the glamour started officially in January 2007.

The monthly magazine provides beauty advice, visually stunning fashion layouts, news and pretty much everything else you'd find in a skinny girl magazine except with a curvy girl in mind.
The website contains a page turning view of the latest issue as well as an archive of all the past issues. They started a blog to keep readers entertained and informed between issues. If you subscribe (for free) they will send a notice via email to let you know when each new issue is up.

Skorch Magazine is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

Love Your Body Project

The Love Your Body Project was first founded by Cathy Miller (Big on Batik founder). Initially, the website offered wristbands, which come in a full 8.5" diameter and cost $3.50 each, to "enrich the lives of women of all sizes with a powerful affirmation: Love Your Body." The site now offers t-shirts, ball caps, tote bags, and buttons all bearing the logo in addition to the tri-color bands.

A portion of the sales from any of these items are donated toward body conscience organizations like the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), Council on Size and Weight Discrimination, Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH), and NoLose will all benefit from this project.

Currently, the official spokes person for the Love Your Body project is plus size model and 2003 Miss Plus America winner, Chenese Lewis. Chenese exudes charisma, strength and of course beauty, making her a dynamite role model for all women.

Mark a heart on your calendar for October 18th to remind yourself to celebrate Love Your Body day.

Love Your Body Project is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

Junkyard Science

This is one of best blogs online that isn't written just for plus size people but for everyone who has felt overwhelmed or confused by research discussed in the news.

Sandy Szwarc, (BSN, RN, CCP) is a registered nurse with a biological science degree. She delivers truthful commentary on today's headlines and research from her perspective. Sometimes she chastises them for delivering only part of the facts and sometimes she's explaining from a fresh perspective. Regardless, it makes so much more sense than what we hear/read in the media.

Her lively opinions have kept her blog in my RSS feed for over a year and she has never dared to deliver anything other than quality information for those with an open ear.

Junkyard Science is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

NAAFA

NAAFA (National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance) is a non-profit "human rights organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of fat people." This fat activist group has been standing up for men and women since 1969. They have a dream and they have goals they are working towards.

Naafa wants fat people (of all sizes) to know they are not alone in their plight against discrimination. Their ultimate goal is to "eliminate discrimination based on body size and provide fat people with the tools for self empowerment through public education, advocacy and member support." They educate the average joe, the media, the medical community and the businesses that surround us.

The website lays out all their goals and how they are working towards them. It is a useful tool for learning about activism, their conventions and the latest news and views in the world on being fat. You will also information on the latest research and NAAFA's interpretations and responses. The end of fat discrimination is in sight.

NAAFA is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

DTMWSIMB

DTMWSIMB is short for Don't Tell Me What Size I Must B. DTMWSIMB was founded by Jodie Hunter, a plus size diva tired of people telling her how she should be. She started this website in August 2000 and it is loaded with online fashion links for plus size women. There is also information on plus size modeling and fat activism.

The best part about the site isn't even the site, it's the Yahoo group which connects other like minded women. There are daily updates from Jodie and other members about topics relevant within the plus size community and of course up-to-date fashion advice. If you have a bone to pick with a company this is the place to air it. You'll find support and direction on how to turn your bone into a bonafide action. This is absolutely one of my favorite lists and groups of people. It currently has 2400 members.

DTMWSIMB is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

Luvees

Since yesterday's blog was about dresses it seemed logical that today's website would help plus size women be more comfortable in them. The Luvees website and product is the brain storm of plus size entrepreneur Anita M. Brody.

In a nut shell Luvees are thigh protectors. Their sole purpose is to relieve inner thigh rub and the painful side effects. Any plus size woman who has had to put up with warm inner thighs on a summer day or the swishing of pantyhose can relate to this ingenious product. We've all had the bicycle shorts but Anita designed an alternative that is comfortable, breathable and an affordable alternative.

The Luvees website explains the different styles of product available as well as offering an online store. Be sure to check out the 100% satisfaction guarantee. I had the opportunity to review this product in April and highly recommend them. If you suffer from inner thigh woes and long for breathable bare legs check them out.

Luvees is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

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Topic Link
* Product Review

Igigi

Plus size women used to be relegated to wearing caftan like dresses. Well no more! Igigi is a plus size clothing retailer that offers dresses for plus size women in sizes 14 - 32. You will not find any caftan type dresses here. Their dresses cling to all the right curves and are cut to accentuate the positive.

Igigi (pronounced ee zhee zhee) was born in 2000 via the brain store of Yuliya Zeltzer, a Ukrainian-born, self taught designer in her thirties. She moved to San Francisco, California in 1991 and spent time sewing clothing for her friends and family. Her business grew by world of mouth and before she knew it she became an international success.

While Igigi does carry other items like tops and pants, they are limited. Their niche is definitely dresses (including bridal). Their clothing is comfortable, flattering and fashionable and every plus size woman should visit their site because they have one of the best online selections of dresses for work, play and special occasions.

Igigi is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

Beauty Plus Power

It's hard to say in a few words what Beauty Plus Power is. It's a bunch of things really. First, it is a portal for fashion, having a directory for 500 + online fashion retailers whose main purpose is to provide curvy women with good looking duds. Second, it dispenses fashion advice through one of the best online picture editorials and via the founder Lisa Alpern's blog.

Lisa Alpern lives in New York in the hub of the fashion industry where she works as a make-up artist. As far as I'm concerned she coined the praise Fashionista on the net long before I saw anyone else using it. She's friendly, she's knowledgeable and she wants to makes sure plus size women love the clothing they are in.

The directory focuses on sizes 12 - 24 and there are over fifteen categories to choose from including bras, career, costume, outerwear, shoes etc. Beauty Plus Power also produces a gorgeous yearly calendar called "Women with Curves" which, of course, features plus size models.

Beauty Plus Power is one of the Best Plus Size Website.

Big Fat Blog

Paul McAleer has been blogging regularly at Big Fat Blog for over six years. And if luck will have it he will be blogging for another six (and a lot longer). The site has undergone a face life this past year but it still maintains the same feel and purpose.

As a fat acceptance blog it challenges the media's view of overweight and obese people. He has quite a following of regular readers ("just under 1200") who leave comments that are just as interesting as his own. And it is not all positive stroking. There's lots of lively discussion. You have to create a membership before you post any comments but it is easy and painless to do. Oh yes, and it's free. But leaving a donation once and while would be a nice gesture.

Big Fat Blog is an excellent source of information and Paul has a light-hearted fat-activism attitude. Reading through his posts you will feel someone is on your side.

Big Fat Blog is one of the Best Plus Size Websites.

Where it all begins

As it says in my bio I have been writing for the Large and Lovely site at BellaOnline for almost four years. During that time, and even years before, I've had the opportunity to do a lot of surfing for plus size related material. What follows is what I consider to be the 50 Best Plus Size Websites I've come across.

For the purpose of this blog "website" will include forums, blogs and such because these days even blogs are used much like a website. There will be a mixture of topics from commentary, clothing, community. The order will be random. Since I am a woman it will also be directed toward women.

It is my hope that visitors will find useful information and entertainment value in this listing.

Happy Surfing!