More Beautiful Woman © Copyright 2009
Intimate Attitudes Lingerie Exclusive
How do Curvy Girls wear Skinny Jeans?
How to build a Diva Wardrobe
Boot Camp! - Boots that FIT your curvy calves
MUSIC: Concerts and CDs
Art As An Investment
Are thinking about Bariatric Surgery?
Three Nights Before Christmas
Our Cover Model, Danielle Bye
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Our cover model this issue is Danielle Bye. She is more popularly known as Charlie. Many of you have seen Charlie grace the pages of many online magazines and advertisements. She has appeared on magazine covers and she has sashayed down catwalks, at numerous plus size fashion shows. Charlie is in love, and she is a proud new mom, of an adorable baby boy. She is a spokeswoman for the plus size community. Charlie embraces her curves and encourages other women to do the same. Charlie is a cutting edge fashionista and is a positive role model for all women of size.
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Style Special
Click to see Full Catalog
1
THE DEAD WEATHER -- **** +
Is Jack White the greatest creative mind in rocknroll today? My vote is YES! He is to rock creativity what Julie Taymor is to opera,/modern classical stage creativity. He is on this third musical endeavor of genius (that we know of there could be more). By grabbing Allison Mossheart from The Kills as his goth-Janis Joplin front-woman, he has blended hard rock and blues in a manner inspired by early Janis and Cream, but surely would make both rise to give the new kids an ovation Buy Horehound, the first CD and do not even consider missing the opportunity to hear and view this maestros new masterpiece if you can see The Dead Weather perform in person.
LINKIN PARK -- *** ½
Have all their CDs and never seen them live? Such was the case with me, too, until, Epicenter in Pomona in August. See them and watch them take it to another level and watch for their frontmans second, slightly heavier band that also played, Dead Before Sunrise.
DRAGONFORCE -- *** ½
Remember all of my recommendations of DragonForce? They are back on tour and will be all over the United States in September. Do not miss them at a House of Blues or whatever venue they are where you live for their Ultra-Beatdown Tour!
THE SOUNDS -- *** ½
Gwen Stefanis brilliance also includes her choice of groups who open for her and she had The Sounds and Paramore, both featuring superb female leads. I saw The Sounds for a second time at the Roxy and they return to L.A. in October on their own tour. Buy their CDs and do not miss this high-energy group, with a new, awesome female lead and a highly-skilled seductive band.
BAT FOR LASHES -- ***
Is Natasha Khan the new Kate Bush? Well, that I do not know. Ask me after her next ten CDs and I will venture a clear statement of my opinion. However, there is no question that she has been inspired by the genius and performances of Kate Bush and Enya and she has chosen well in her role models. I just saw her perform with her wonderful band on the last night of their American tour and the word enchanting comes to mind. In this case, the enchantment comes in more ways than one.
THE TING TINGS -- ***
REVISITED! Recently, at the suggestion of a friend, I went back to see The Ting Tings at Club Nokia in L.A. I got talked into going and am glad I did. Their performance was much, much stronger; more polished; and they had a light show that truly complimented their music, reminiscent of a scaled-down Radiohead light show. Definitely, I have changed my mind and say buy that CD and go see them live.
Plus-Sized Girl Group THE GLAMAZONS Release Debut Single "Sugar Rush"
Did you save room for dessert? We hope so because The Glamazons are back and are as sweet as ever! You may remember Lady Finger (Meryl Finger), Candy Apple (Sandra May), Caramella (Laura Johnson) andGinger Snap (Sarah Orr), the plus-size pop girl group whose mission is to show the world that talent comes in all sizes. The fierce foursome made it to the top 8 on the second season of NBCs hit show America's Got Talent.
Since the show, The Glamazons have recorded an EP (to be released February 2010), released a calendar, toured the world performing for hungry fans from Key West to Branson, Missouri to Italy, became models for Torrid clothings Spring collection and even sang the Star Spangled Banner at the Minnesota Vikings football game, but that was only a taste of what these buxom babes can do.
The girls have also had major successes on their own since Americas Got Talent. Each Glamazon has made a splash in primetime TV. Candy Apple recently appeared on FOXs plus-size dating showMore to Love.Lady Fingers wedding is soon to air on the Style Channels Whose Wedding is it Anyway? Ginger Snapappeared on Oxygens hit show Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood. And Carmella has appeared in numerous runway shows, most recently for designer Monif C on BETs Rip the Runway.
Come join The Glamazons for a night filled with sweet treats and surprises! They will perform everything from their hilarious bawdy standards to heartfelt ballads. They will even throw in some of their favorite holiday tunes and a sneak peek at The Glamazons brand new, original songs.
The Glamazons single Sugar Rush is available now on i-Tunes and Amazon.com. The girls are shooting a music video for "Sugar Rush" in mid January 2010.
The Glamazons are sure to satiate your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more.
For all press inquiries please contact: SASi Public Relations: Stephen Schulman,Stephen_SASiPublicRelations.com, t: 212.675.4690,
c: 646.246.6060, TheGlamazons.com
Photos by Krista Svalbonas
Fashion Formula
1.Tuck your jeans into a pair of great looking knee high boots.
2.Wear a boyfriend shirt of jacket that covers the hips.
3.Invest in tunic style tops.
4.Long sweaters look great with skinny jeans.
5.Make sure that skinny jeans fit right. Theres a BIG difference in skinny jeans and jeans that are just TOO TIGHT!
3
Runway Looks -Your Way!
By Simon
MBW
How to Build a Wardrobe
Step 1
Downsize your wardrobe. It's never easy to go through what you have and decide what you will wear again. A good rule to follow; if you havent worn it in one year, chances are you will never wear it again. Time to make a charitable donation. Check out the battered womens shelters. A great place to donate clothing. Women helping women. Domestic violence isnt size related.
Step 2
Decide what to keep. Downsizing and building a wardrobe is a challenge, but you save a lot of time with a workable wardrobe. If the clothing is stained, too big, too small, too out of style or you just don't like it dump it! Many church organizations welcome clothing in a variety of sizes. Anything you won't wear - that isn't in bad condition - donate. The clothing can be recycled, and you feel better knowing that a former favorite piece of clothing has gone to a good cause. We have emotional attachments to our clothing.
Step 3
Decide What You Need. Make a list and check it twice! After downsizing, look forward to replacing your wardrobe with staple items. Look for clothing that is timeless, not trendy. Classic colors that will not go out of style.
Step 4
Create a list of the things you need to buy over time. Check out clearance and sale racks and shop on the net.
Step 5
Go shopping. When you buy clothing, bring your list, and stick to it. Find clothing that fits you and flatters you. Find colors that flatter you.
Step 6
Mix and Match Outfits. While shopping, choose clothing you will wear often and go with other pieces of your wardrobe.
Step 7
Buy quality pieces. A $50 pair of jeans is more expensive than the $25 pair of jeans. If you like the way it fits you will get much more than $50 out of it.
Step 8
Add to your wardrobe. Once you have the basics, you can add to your wardrobe inexpensively.
BOOT CAMP
Where to find boots - that FIT your calves and curves!
Fits calves up to 22 inches.
Priced under $200
WideWidths.com
Avenue.com
Priced under $43
Priced under $40
Sizes 7 to 12 M,W,WW
Priced Under $65
OneStopPlus.com
Priced under $45
Priced Under $42
Sizes 7 to 12, With Scrunch Elastic for easy fit
Torrid.com
Priced under $60
Boot Camp For Larger Calves
ART AS AN INVESTMENT:
Thoughts and Resources
Robert P. Seldon
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Many years ago, my first mentor in the art business said these words to me:
Art is very un-democratic;
Its only for the wealthy.
However, I would today choose to revise those words slightly:
It is only for those who choose to
en-RICH their lives.
For those of you who have read my earlier articles about the art of collecting, it is quite obvious that I have and support a love of art. Sadly, love is not always enough, especially when it involves something that stretches the budgets of most people, and even with those whose budgets have few limitations, caution is still very much part of the decision-making process.
Just as important is the fact that if one collects on any level for quality and uniqueness, along with credibility of the artist and the existence of a resale market for that artists works prevail. Art has been and will continue to be an amazing hedge against inflation, which was best proved during the Carter presidency, when art values and the ability to cash in on them remained invulnerable to the high double-digit inflation. If such an event comes again (and it is inevitable that it will), again fine art (primarily paintings) will hold up and remain a true depository of wealth and a true hedge against inflation, which tends to devalue our dollars.
Granted, most dealers are in the business of selling (although some of us seem to enough the conversation about the art even more than the actual sale of it, since there are those among us who are true collectors at heart and hate to let a painting that we have grown fond of to leave our presence). As well, the auction houses are in business for themselves, and no longer uphold the extraordinary standards that they once did, when their determinations of the authenticity and value of a work were essentially gospel. Now, the lawyers have taken over, and they do not support their own expertise as they once did. If you have any questions about my statement, I suggest buying and reading the fascinating book, The Art of the Steal by Christopher Mason, about the horrible, criminal insider dealings initiated by Sothebys and Alfred Taubman along with his hired protégées. Fortunately, they were eventually brought down by the words and journals of former Christies Director and art authority extraordinaire, Christopher Wood. Therefore, one must exercise some degree of caution when buying, no matter how highly regarded the source may be.
Go to museums and especially museum shows. Read articles of art as an investment (especially my own, of course). Go to art shows at galleries. Attend the openings. Ask questions. Of course, many of the answers will be somewhat propaganda, but the key question is as to whether the gallery can back up words with solid facts, especially regarding the secondary market. If a dealer says that they have sold works for a particular artist for $20,000, it does not mean that you can resell comparable works for the same amount.
We all love to meet artists. Conversing with the living artist can be fascinating, learning his or her motivation, the meaning behind the work, and so on, however, there exists an enormous problem with buying the works of living artists. I will preface things with the fact that I am not opposed to collecting the works of living artists, HOWEVER, even though there may be a market for the artist now, because the artist is producing works that the artists dealer can sell, but what if the artist dies and is no longer producing? Will the market continue to exist for this particular artist? Will it support the price structure that was developed by the dealer or will it collapse as being unsupportable? Is it possible that those who represented the particular artist were really promoters and that in the long term scheme of things, the art was not worthy of the promotion? Was the artist unique? Was the artist an initiator or an imitator??? Think about these questions very carefully before buying the works of a living artist unless the money is not of any significance and it is a decorative work to hang in a recreation room, not a piece of honor to be bestowed that particular location of eminence in your home or office.
And, you can always email questions to me at FINEARTFUND_GMAIL.COM and I will endeavor to answer as openly as possible, with no charge.
Find a school of art that turns you on. I have mentioned many in previous articles and there exist many more still. Then collect it! Build a collection that makes sense. Make it coherent. Make it cohesive. Twenty minor Impressionist paintings or drawings or prints makes sense. Thirty Old Master Drawings makes sense. Fifteen German Expressionist woodcuts makes sense. What is important is that every dollar spent should eventually be able to come back multi-fold for you if you ever choose to sell, for the whole will always be worth more than the sum of the parts.
You can keep them.
You can sell then.
You can donate them to a museum.
Just make them important to you and to others.
I will provide you with a few more interesting images of paintings again. Seek that which entices you and choose wisely.
Robert P. (Bob) Seldon
FINEARTFUND, Inc.
(713)979-8879
FINEARTFUND_GMAIL.COM
Ask Dr. Coon!
Offshore Weight Loss Surgery
Is It Worth the Risk?
So, which is the most important concept in thinking about a weight loss surgery: results, complications, cost, convenience, time away from home, family and work, availability of post operative care, surgical risks, travel risks, or cultural risks? It is really a trick questions because all of these concepts are important.
Many journals and websites are offering weight loss surgery for less money with complete package deals that sound like a glamorous vacation at the same time you have surgery. Remember one tried and true test; if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Now, how does this relate to the question, where is it safe for you to have weight loss surgery? What should you think about while try to make this decision when cost or not having health insurance for weight loss and that vision of recuperating on a beach or in a luxury hotel sounds so appealing?
First and foremost, who will be doing your surgery? That being said, and being right in the middle of this issue, I believe there is no better place than the United States to have your surgery. Why? Because no one does it better! For example: Only in the U. S. are there designated Centers of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. As a Center of Excellence surgeon, I know how difficult it was to obtain that designation. There are excellent surgeons in many countries, but it is hard to evaluate training and credentials outside the U.S. For example, one offshore website advertises Mayo Clinic trained Bariatric Surgeon. Usually what this really means is the surgeon spent perhaps two days to two weeks at the Mayo Clinic taking a Bariatric course. And other than this long weekend, all their medical education was actually completed at foreign medical schools. There are certainly some places that do Bariatric Surgery as well, such as Europe and Australia, but there will be no cost saving in these locations. And nobody does it better.
Another seriously important concept is pre-operative and post-operative care. The America College of Surgeons, the foremost surgical society in the world says, Its not just about doing surgery and then walking away. Its about an appropriate pre-operative evaluation, often one or more diagnostic tests, perhaps consultations with other specialists to establish that the patient is both physically and psychologically ready for surgery. Then it is about doing an excellent operation in a safe environment and then managing both the immediate and long term post operative care to be certain that you have the best result. This is all opposed to taking your money and then putting you on a plane going back home to search for follow up care. You want to be able to walk into your surgeons office and have the surgeon or his staff be readily available to attend to your needs whether they are medical, surgical, or the very important emotional and nutritional support that is needed while making the changes necessary to be successful with your weight loss. If you were my patient, after the actual surgery, these concerns would be the most prominent issues for myself and my staff in helping you reach a healthy lifestyle through weight loss surgery. With offshore surgery, who will be there for you?
And yet another important concept is the risk of travel to and surgery at a distant location. That covers the issues everywhere from getting blood clots from sitting in an airplane too soon after surgery, to getting an infectious disease for which you have no natural immunity, to being stranded in a foreign country without family or friends should your stay need to be extended due to complications.
Offshore and vacation surgical packages stress cost, glamorous locations, fun, and the idea of a vacation when what is really important is your surgical care. Typically when you are researching offshore locations it is difficult to establish such details as;
Who is your anesthesiologist and what are their qualifications?
If you have a complication who will be taking care of you and what are their qualifications and experience? Just what are their complication and mortality rates? Can you obtain this information?
What medical equipment and supplies will be used? What are the hospital or outpatient clinic operating room protocols? Do these meet US standards for safety and effectiveness?
What organization has actually certified the physician, the staff, and the facility? Is it a legitimate organization like the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, which is the standard in the US for all Bariatric surgeons? In offshore locations, there is no way to monitor education and qualifications.
And remember, it will be difficult to change your mind once you have traveled there. You will be tempted to proceed with your surgery even when some of the things you see dont seem safe and up to the standard you expected. If you needed a blood transfusion, where and from whom does the facility get their blood supply. What if you developed a serious infection, would your doctor back home in the U.S. know how to identify and treat an anti-biotic resistant bacteria picked up in a foreign offshore location? Dont cut concerns when dealing with your body.
While the actual operation in Bariatric Surgery is the most important factor in your success at permanent weight loss, follow up care, emotional support, and nutritional advice from a staff you know and trust is incredibly important. While you may think cost and the idea of recovering on the beach is enough and you can handle the rest when you get back home, it really isnt. A year later the cost and the surgical vacation at an off shore location will be truly secondary to your continued success and health. And while you may be able to find a confident surgeon outside the US, who is going to provide for your continued success and health in the long term? Remember, the surgeon who invested the most in you by performing your surgery will also be the most interested in your long term health and permanent weight loss success.
Should you have comments or questions, we welcome you to contact us at New Image Bariatric Surgical Associates by email, through our website, or of course directly by phone.
New Image Bariatric Surgical Associates
John L. Coon, M.D., F.A.C.S.
3975 Jackson Street #201
Riverside, CA 92503
951-687-9400
newimagebariatric_yahoo.com
www.newimagebariatric.com
Fashion that Rocks
There are some great new looks for fall fashion, for all types of bodies. It is mostly what
you feel comfortable in, so go shopping and check out styles you like first, then try them
on to see what suits your body style. This fall, leggings are back in full force. So pull out your old ones or buy some new ones to match with some trendy new tops. Pull out your layering
tops and get some boots out and show the world your hot self.
This year is full of Crinkle tops, solids, plaids and even some animal prints. Button down shirts that are long with your leggings or some skinny jeans is this years trend. You can
add short or long boots or even some sexy high heels or flats, which ever makes you
feel comfortable and sexy. Sweaters are always in and this year is no different, long ones for your leggings, or short cute ones for your jeans. Speaking of jeans, the ripped, or boyfriend look is the hottest look this year, everyone loves the frayed look and us big girls are no exception.
Printed T's are in, such as peace signs and vampire prints are the rage. But my all time
favorite is the new cute vests, you can underlay, overlay, short or long this is what is making the scene this year. Purples, greens and browns are all time solid colors that seem to make
a statement. Big bold jewelry is busting out, you don't have to wear too much, less is more, so make a bold statement with some big hunky rocks for your neck, and a bracelet will
keep your look strong. Also you can do the hanging straight or loop earrings and a chain bracelet with nothing around your neck to show off your assets!
By Cher Rue
It was three nights before Christmas and all thru the house,
I was dreaming of sweaters, a skirt and a blouse.
My stockings and spanx were tucked away inside of my drawer.
Jimmy Choo Shoes were showcased on the closet floor.
I was wrapped in my electric blanket, so cozy and warm,
While I had sweet dreams of clothing that fit my curvy form.
Sweet smells filled the air of cinnamon and pine.
It had soothed me as I fell asleep, as if I had drank
two glasses of wine.
When out on the lawn, I awoke to a loud and strange noise.
As I peeked out the window, it was just the neighborhood boys.
I left the window and warmed a cup of spice tea.
I was thinking about my shopping list and remembered the times when I could shop for me.
As the sun began to rise, I prepared to get ready to shop.
I had already cleaned the kitchen with a new mop.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
A reflection of myself in the bathroom mirror.
Looking tired and pale, like a froth of waves off the coast,
I stopped and prayed to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
More rapid than eagles, I realized it quick,
Since I took care of everyone else first, thats why I looked sick!
My kids homework, the housework, the shopping and stress,
I needed to relax, before I began to dress.
All of lifes problems, my cell phone and a list of backlogged calls,
Dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!
Everyone will need to wait while I pull myself together.
When I find some extra time, I want to shop for Italian fine leather.
St. Nicolas Im sure would be proud of my choice.
Hed respect the fact that I found my own voice.
And there in a twinkle, I drew a bubble bath.
I turned on some music, remembered a joke, and had a good laugh.
As I finished my bath and wrapped my bath sheet around
Down the chimney St. Nicolas came with a bound.
He said, Now is the time to take care of yourself,
Your health and your happiness mean more than your wealth!
A bundle of goodies he had thrown on his back.
He gave me some gift cards, perfume, and cosmetics by MAC.
His eyes how they twinkled, his words were so kind.
He actually wanted me to pamper my soul and my mind.
He told me to dress and leave the house quick.
I couldnt argue with him, because hes St. Nick!
I took time as I dressed and pulled my bootstraps up high.
I kissed Santa on the cheek, thanked him, and then said goodbye.
I pampered myself on that cold winter day.
I remembered how I took care of myself once upon a time ago, so far away
By the end of the day I found peace in myself.
I thank St. Nick for his visit, hes such a sly elf!
He wanted me to respect myself more during this special Christmas season.
Just because was good enoughI didnt need a reason.
May you take time out for yourself and enjoy Christmas and at least one delightful sight,
And Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Love and Peace,
Cynthia Michaels
CEO, MBW
Ana Perez
VP MBW, Web Designer
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