Then I saw Nancy Upton’s pictures. I thought they were brilliant because with the use of her body and food she made a satirical statement on the contest and the company behind it. I loved that her pictures mocked the sentiment that fat people eat (even slather ourselves in) unhealthy food all the time. I do not believe she was insulting the other serious contestants at all. On her blog, she encouraged votes for other women who really wanted to win the contest several times.

I think it is actually funny and very telling that Nancy won the contest. AA should see that the plus sized community is a serious community and could have used this, or perhaps even the backlash that my experience caused last year, as reasons to really try to understand the potential of treating plus sized women with respect, and how that could go a long way in helping their struggling company. The addition of more sizes could have been done in a much more considerate, responsible way.

As far as the mention of my experience in the open letter from American Apparel creative director Iris Alonzo, I think it is a year and 4 months too late to acknowledge what happened to me. I am surprised that they were even aware of my situation, because I was never responded to or contacted by anyone from American Apparel last year. I also highly doubt that they “don’t recall the name of the confused employee credited with saying that” because I was at their Downtown LA headquarters meeting with their showroom rep specifically to work on my plus sized clothing line. This woman (whose name I DO remember – Maggie P.) was well aware that I was meeting with her to find pieces for my plus sized clothing line. Her disinterested attitude during the entire meeting makes it hard to believe that she “was sadly uninformed.” And during our meeting, the only piece of clothing I was shown that went up to a size 3XL was a Men’s t-shirt. That was an article of clothing that was hardly inspiring or appropriate for the sexy, flattering clothing I to hope to create for plus sized women.

I applaud Nancy and think it is great that she made such a huge statement with her opinions and pictures and continuing an important dialogue!

**Special thanks to my friend Lillian Behrendt!**

For years it has been my dream to be able to find cute, sexy, funky clothes that properly fit me and have lots of style! I have received many emails from those of you who are also frustrated with the selection of fashions for the plus sized girl.

I am extremely excited to announce that I will soon be working on my own line of clothing for those of us with more meat on our bones and I need your help! Tell me what you are looking for. Tell me your frustrations with what is currently offered on the market today. How do you want your clothes to fit? Which styles work for you and which don’t? What fabrics do you love? Which prints and colors do you look for in your sexy wear? What are the prices you pay for your current sexy wear? Tell me about the labels. Do you like or dislike the standard sizes of 1X 2X 3X? Do you prefer Queen size or Plus size, or is there another term that you feel better describes your body? Tell me what makes you feel sexy and confident!

I will be designing CLUB WEAR which will include dresses, skirts and tops. The LINGERIE line will of course feature lingerie, and POOLSIDE will include bikinis & one pieces.

All the pieces will be high quality, colorful and designed to make you feel great! Most importantly, I want you to love the clothing! We are in the very, very early stages of this, so any and all input you can share with me would be beyond great and much appreciated!

PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR THOUGHTS AT APRILFLORESLINGERIE@GMAIL.COM.