ParkesLife: Big is beautiful

I know it’s sad but I love looking at the fashion and hair styles, not to mention the latest love trysts and pop star spats.

Sometimes I buy three a week which is ridiculous because they all have the same stories with slightly different pictures.

If I’m feeling flush I’ll go for one of the more sophisticated glossy mags which actually have some human interest stories and more in-depth interviews.

The problem is they are heavier, more expensive and harder to manoeuvre while in the bath.

I have piles of outdated magazines which I keep just in case I want to take a picture of some star’s fringe to the hairdressers or a recipe which let’s be honest, I’ll never really have a go at.

But anyway, magazines are one of my guilty pleasures so I was quite excited to learn that a new one was coming to the market....called Just As Beautiful (JAB).

JAB is aimed at curvy and plus-size women. The writers behind the concept say that despite the average size of women in Britain being a size 14-16, there is very little representation offered to this curvier market in terms of fashion, beauty and editorial coverage.

The plus-size market has continued to expand despite the recession and with top designers and fashion icons such as Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian and Beth Ditto all launching plus-size fashion ranges, the options for the curvy woman are rapidly expanding.

Sue Thomason, editor, said: “If you’re a woman over size 14, you’re likely to be stuck for something to read that doesn't make you feel like you're too big or wrong because you're not a size zero.

“We want our readers to know that they don't need to change their appearance to fit in or be truly happy.”

Well, I think this sounds like a great read and as a size 14 I do appreciate the curvier lady being recognised in this way.

I have to say though, most magazine’s I read do offer style tips for pear shapes or top heavy ladies so we are not totally ignored by the industry.

I’m lucky enough not to fell depressed when I look at pictures of skinny celebs like Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham. Yes I may be overweight (confirmed by the doctor) but I’m the one smiling because I’m enjoying a muffin at the weekend.

I’m trying to swim more often and make it to the gym at least one a week so if God gave me curves I’m going to celebrate them!!! (not use them as an excuse to be unfit).