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The Teen Corner by Katie Arons Prom and Homecoming Here's another great column from our teen expert, Katie Arons. Katie is a plus-size model, spokesmodel and author. She has learned all about beauty, fashion and self-esteem from the experts and she wants to share this information with all of us. She stopped dieting almost ten years ago and is now a happy size 18. She says “I use to think that I couldn't go for my dreams, unless I was thin. Now I know how wrong I was. (See Katie's high school picture below.) The big night is approaching - do you know who you are going with? (If you need tips in that department check out HiP Hotties at my Extra Hip website.) But more important than the boy on your arm is the dress on your bod. Prom and homecoming are nights you will remember for the rest of your life - and there will be plenty of photos taken to help remind you of it. Feel great on your special night by looking great! Once upon a time (not so long ago) - there was no such thing as a plus size prom dress - the only dresses that were formal looked like Grandmother of the Bride! While they are still harder to find than the department store filled with thin girl styles - plus prom dresses are HERE! Check out our partner Sydney's Closet - HiP Prom is their thing - you won't find a better selection ANYWHERE! Hip Tips: Find a style that flatters your figure, accentuates your positives and plays down your negatives - in otherwords, if you have great legs - wear a long skirt with a high slit in the front to show them off; if you have great cleavage, go low-cut; great back? You're in - low backs are HOT! Don't forget the foundation of looking good - your under garments - some dresses might need the help of a girdle or bustier - this is a night to sacrifice comfort for style - but find the right fit, you don't want to cut off your circulation or not be able to sit down. If you want to cover your arms - find a style with sleeves or wear a cover-up. Shawl's are in but be prepared to fool with it all night however, you can work a shawl to your advantage on the dance floor, it's a great prop - work it girl! (and what NOT to wear!).
Good luck & love life! Katie This is reprinted with permission from Katie. Check out Katie's Extra Hip website for more fun and info. Katie's book, Sexy at Any Size, is available in the Grand Style Bookstore Dating & Romance Section. For more info about Katie and her modeling career, check out Katie's personal website.
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The Teen Corner by Katie Arons, plus-size model, spokesmodel, author and founder of the Extra Hip website. Bathing Suit Blues Katie has learned all about beauty, fashion and self-esteem from the experts and she wants to share this info. She stopped dieting over ten years ago and is now a happy size 18. She says “I use to think that I couldn't go for my dreams, unless I was thin. Now I know how wrong I was. (See Katie's high school picture below.) Ah! Summer! Who doesn't love it? Longer days, beautiful weather and best of all schools out!! But oh no! What about the "Schools Out For Summer" pool party?? What will you wear? And the hiking trip next week to the water hole? Or the dreaded 4th of July beach party where absolutely everybody will be! WHAT WILL YOU WEAR? Scary thought, so much so that you almost want to skip the skin baring events all together. Oh, it will be easy, there are a thousand excuses you could use that no one would question. But darn it, you want to go and have fun. All your friends are going. Most important you know he'll be there, he even told you he would be! Maybe he told you because he wants you to be there??? There is only one way to find out girlfriend, YOU MUST GO!! And you must wear a swimsuit because you WILL SWIM! Swimming is fantastic, I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy being in water. I am sure you like it too. Also it helps to remember that once you make it in - your safe. Your light, graceful and all your flaws (along with everyone else) are hidden under the camouflage of the water. It is the thought of certain people seeing us practically naked that terrifies most of us. I am referring to "us" as in girls, women not to "us" as in big girls. Don't think for a second that some of the "hottest" chicks in the class aren't fretting about the exact same thing. They probably won't eat anything the week before so that their bellys aren't puffy. We all have insecurities (even boys, theirs are just about different things - later issue) and we need to get over them if we are going to get the most out of life. So let's jump in! Live life! Have fun! The more fun you have, the funner you will be to be around! Who knows, maybe he'll jump in next to you. HIKE & SWIM - You still want to look killer but you don't want to be "pool party pretty". You also have to remember the wet hike back, which can cause some mean inner thigh rash. That's where a great pair of bike shorts come in handy. Who says you can't swim in bike shorts? Top with a sports bra or wear over your one piece. Cover it all with a big windbreaker or big t-shirt and you are set. THE BEACH - This is the perfect opportunity to be part of a hot fashion trend. Wear board shorts! In other words, wear guy's trunks over your one piece. Some companies like... make them for girls up to size... if that doesn't work - hit the men's department. Never bought guys clothes before? Try it! No one will care and it's one of the key ways to building your own style. Too much for you? Okay, try a parea or sarong, wear it as a skirt tied around your waist. They are lightweight and dry fast, so you don't need to bother with a towel. Wear it while you sit in the sand, put it on right after you come out of the ocean - it'll dry. It is so tropical and easy you'll spend your day cruisin'; the beach to visit with all your friends. What's that? You got invited to watch the fireworks with who?? Good luck & love life! Katie This is reprinted with permission from Katie. Check out Katie's Extra Hip website for more fun and info. Katie's book, Sexy at Any Size, is available in the Grand Style Bookstore Dating & Romance section. For more info about Katie and her modeling career, check out Katie's personal website. Click here for Katie's earlier articles.
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The Teen Corner by Katie Arons Be Healthy - Don't Diet Here's another great column from our teen expert, Katie Arons. Katie is a plus-size model, spokesmodel and author. She has learned all about beauty, fashion and self-esteem from the experts and she wants to share this information with all of us. She stopped dieting almost ten years ago and is now a happy size 18. She says “I use to think that I couldn't go for my dreams, unless I was thin. Now I know how wrong I was. (See Katie's high school picture below.) Ah, I know how you feel - it’s rough! Young guys are SO immature -
they are worse than girls!! They are constantly afraid of what others
think and they want a girl so hot that all the other guys will think
that they are cool or studly because they can get that girl! The good
news is the guys who don’t care what others think are the better guys
to be with anyway. And it is a
Under-Where? by Katie Arons Here's another great column from our teen expert, Katie Arons. Katie is a plus-size model, spokesmodel and author. She has learned all about beauty, fashion and self-esteem from the experts and she wants to share this information with all of us. She stopped dieting six years ago and is now a happy size 18. She says “I use to think that I couldn't go for my dreams, unless I was thin. Now I know how wrong I was.” (See Katie's High School picture below.)
Aha! You think people can't see what's under your clothes, but they can, and it's not just Superman with his X-ray eyes! The right underwear is highly visible because it's the foundation of good style. You can spend magabucks on a killer new outfit and ruin the look if you don't have the right foundation happening. We've all seen it on others -- a babe who needs support in a bra that's falling down on the job or the one whose cups runneth over in a too-small bra. And oh, those horrible panty lines.  The good news is that now there are many options available for every shape and style of hip chick. You can choose from comfy cottons for everyday wear to shape-sharpeners for those special outfits that require a smoother finish. Manufacturers make bras to enhance or minimize in strapless, bareback, long length and in all colors, fabrics, and patterns. Another important addition to the bra family is the sports bra -- a must for our playtime. A goodie like the Enell Sports Bra reigns you in and provides the utmost support and comfort. Even the chestiest of hipstahs can run and jump in a good sports bra. A properly fitting bra is a vital part of your wardrobe; along with improving posture, it can make you look slimmer. A visit to a bra specialty store is an education in itself. The saleswomen are trained to know the right cut and brand for every shape -- not all 38Cs are the same configuration. If you can't make it to a specialty store, make sure to shop with an open-minded mom or patient friend who can make size runs for you. To check out a new bra, conduct a profile probe via the nearest mirror. Your bustline should be midway between your elbow and shoulder, not up under your chin. Underwire bras tend to take the load off your shoulders, while a little padding will help the smaller busted, A-framed hipstah look more balanced and shapely. The final test of a new bra: Pull a tight t-shirt on over it and check out the results. Be sure to watch out for too much binding in the back -- that creates a layered look right where you don't want one. The same philosophy goes for panties. Too often we just grab what we think is our size off the rack and head for the cashier. A lot of those purchases wind up in the what-was-I-thinking drawer. Try them on, leaving your own on underneath, of course. Then sit down in 'em, bend over, twist. Do they bind at the legs, roll at the waist? Are they everyday panties or the special-occasion girdle type? Many of us shy away from girdles, but listen up, girlies: They work wonders. Sometimes we need to tighten things up a little to look our best. Today's girdles aren't the torture chambers your great-gran used to wear. A lightweight girdle will stop the jiggles and remind you to suck it in and stand up straight, which always makes you look pounds trimmer. You can choose from full-body shapers such as the Nancy Ganz Body Slimmer that actually looks like a sexy slip-dress, to simple panty girdles in your choice of control. And you don't have to spend a fortune. Vassarette offers shapewear products at Wal-Mart for as little as $3. When you try on your support-wear, ask yourself these questions; Can I comfortably sit, stand and walk in it? Can I wear it all day? Can I dance in it? Can I breath comfortably? Many of us make the mistake of buying a heavy-control girdle in a smaller size. This might make it look as if there's less of you, but being stuffed into this item for an hour will make you sore, or worse. And when you're miserable underneath, it shows, in clothes and in life. Remember, those killer threads you paid for deserve the best possible foundation. Try things on first, and puhleeze, stand tall, straighten your shoulders, and hold your head high! Love Life! This is reprinted with permission from Katie. Check out Katie's Extra Hip website for more fun and info. Katie's book, Sexy at Any Size, is available in the Grand Style Bookstore Dating & Romance Section. For more info about Katie and her modeling career, check out Katie's personal website.
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I Love Summer! by Katie Arons Here's another great column from our teen expert, Katie Arons. Katie is a plus-size model, spokesmodel and author. She has learned all about beauty, fashion and self-esteem from the experts and she wants to share this information with all of us. She stopped dieting six years ago and is now a happy size 18. She says “I use to think that I couldn't go for my dreams, unless I was thin. Now I know how wrong I was.” (See Katie's High School picture below.) I LOVE SUMMER! And I love the beach! I was raised in a little southern
California beach town, full of surfers and typical California beach
babes. Being a big girl in that environment didn't stop me from “hangin'”
with the gang in my bathing suit. I'll admit there were times that I
felt uncomfortable, but my great friends (mostly guys) always seemed
to boost me up. They made me realize it was more important to be there
“hangin'” than to be home hiding out just because I didn't
want to bare my bod.
Ask Katie - Sweating While Exercising by Katie Arons Here's another great column from our teen expert, Katie Arons. Katie is a plus-size model, spokesmodel and author. She has learned all about beauty, fashion and self-esteem from the experts and she wants to share this information with all of us. She stopped dieting six years ago and is now a happy size 18. She says “I use to think that I couldn't go for my dreams, unless I was thin. Now I know how wrong I was.” (See Katie's High School picture below.) Although it's not a pick-up joint, I have been asked out while in
exercise mode and you should have seen this guy's face when he saw me
in go-out mode! So my sista - start moving! Go for walks (get a buddy
and walk at night) or get an exercise video and move it in the privacy
of your own home. Or really go for it and join a gym! Find something
you enjoy and MOVE! (Added hint - try listening to books on tape while
working out, works for me.) For more tips - you can read my book - SEXY
AT ANY SIZE. GOOD LUCK!
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Ask Katie - How Can I Get A Boyfriend? by Katie Arons Here's another great column from our teen expert, Katie Arons. Katie is a plus-size model, spokesmodel and author. She has learned all about beauty, fashion and self-esteem from the experts and she wants to share this information with all of us. She stopped dieting six years ago and is now a happy size 18. She says “I use to think that I couldn't go for my dreams, unless I was thin. Now I know how wrong I was.” (See Katie's High School picture below.)
For more tips - you can read my book - SEXY AT ANY SIZE - available in February. Until then - GOOD LUCK! And remember that when you get older the guys will be all over you - guaranteed at your High School Reunion some guy will claim that he had a major crush on you!
Ask Katie - Dressing to Look Thinner by Katie Arons Here's another great column from our teen expert, Katie Arons. Katie is a plus-size model, spokesmodel and author. She has learned all about beauty, fashion and self-esteem from the experts and she wants to share this information with all of us. She stopped dieting six years ago and is now a happy size 18. She says “I use to think that I couldn't go for my dreams, unless I was thin. Now I know how wrong I was.” (See Katie's High School picture below.)
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The Power of the Pen by Katie Arons, Plus Size Model and Spokesmodel Here's another great column from our teen expert, Katie Arons. Katie is a plus-size model and spokesmodel. She has learned all about beauty, fashion and self-esteem from the experts and she wants to share this information with all of us. She stopped dieting six years ago and is now a happy size 18. She says “I use to think that I couldn't go for my dreams, unless I was thin. Now I know how wrong I was.” (See Katie's High School picture below.) Once upon a time ... not long ago ... there was no such thing as a plus size model. There wasn't even plus-size fashion. It was a world where girls who were bigger than a size 14 or 16 could ONLY dress in fashions made for old ladies. Polyester, double knit, elastic waist pants, you know - like Grandma wears. Big, bright colored shirts in obnoxious designs, with short sleeves that came to your elbow and shoulder seams in the middle of your arm. There were no jeans made in sizes above 16, no skirts above the knee or to the ankle. Our choices are still limited compared to our thinner sistahs, but at least things are getting better. How did that change? Who finally stood up and said they wanted more choices? It started with a few very strong women who felt good enough about themselves and demanded that things change. Oh, they got discouraged and laughed at, but they stayed strong and got louder. They were heard and some designers started making real fashions up to size 24! Lots of money was made, so others joined the bandwagon. Today, the "plus" division of the apparel industry is the fastest growing, topping $21 billion in sales last year alone. We can't stop now! Now is the time to make our demands about what we need. What about cool clothes? Stores like Clothes Time, Wet Seal and Contempo - wouldn't that be great if they had cool stuff that fit us? What can you do? Let Them Know We Exist And What We Want! A request in writing holds a lot of power! Write the stores, tell them your size, how you love their clothes and that you want them to make some in your size. It's that simple! Call your local store and ask for a customer service address. Your letter will be read, and the more letters they receive, the more they'll change. Look at Deb Shops, they have about 300 stores nationwide that sell hip clothes for our thinner sistahs. Recently they heard our cry and started "plus" sections in a few stores. The “plus” sections did so well, that now they have 100 stores with "plus" sections and are planning more!! So Hipsters, Break Out Those Pens And Feel The Power!! This is reprinted with permission from Katie. Check out Katie's Extra Hip website for more fun and info. Katie's book, Sexy at Any Size, is available in the Grand Style Bookstore Dating & Romance Section. For more info about Katie and her modeling career, check out Katie's personal website.
The Extra A's - Attitude & Accessories by Katie Arons, Plus Size Model and Spokesmodel It isn't just clothes that give you hip style, it's an attitude and
accessories. The attitude is “I'm hip. I look hot today.”
You must truly believe this before you walk out the door in the morning.
Get your “looking hot” attitude by being in with the trends.
We can partake in the trends of our choice when it comes to accessories
because they are one size fits all! We can wear what everyone
else does!! Shop at the hip missy stores and hit the accessories corner!
Garage sales! Flea markets! Street vendors! You don't need to spend
a fortune to be extra hip! Even plain ol' jeans and a T can be hip with
the right A's! Get your A's when you put your best foot forward Sometimes we forget how important shoes are. Look at the funkiest
girls and check out their shoes. They never wear boring or worn-out
shoes. Don't be afraid of heights. If you are tall ... flaunts it! A
little heel helps make any leg look longer and slimmer. The must have
this season is boots, knee high or ankle. Go wild! Be bold! Get a pair
in a bright color or funky pattern! Go for the fit. There are many options out there. Don't sacrifice
your comfort. Aerosoles are renown for their comfort and have some really
happenin' styles this season. And they are so reasonably priced you
can buy all your favorite styles.
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HELP!!
Hey Erin -