The Curvy Blog
Traveling while plus-sized…and tall…and anxious…
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on September 10 2022
For the Labour Day long weekend, I took a trip to Comox, British Columbia to hang out with my (favourite) aunt Marilou and her adorable dog Essy. I had a flight booked from Calgary to Vancouver, a short layover and then off to Comox for a 3-night stay. Well…that didn’t exactly go as planned.
Empowered Women Empower Women
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on July 05 2022
It’s my hunch (and this is just a hunch, I have zero scientific evidence to back this up…just 20+ years of professional experience to back up my claims) that part of the reason women are held back from progressing to higher levels in their careers, the C-Suite, Board roles, etc. is because of how we treat one another. Some of you may know what I’m talking about…those sneaky or bullying behaviours that serve to pull other women down, rather than lifting them up.
Style Story: Fashion to Figure
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on June 07 2022
FTF is THE place to go when you want to dress up for a date, night out on the town or beach getaway. We love them for their collabs with plus-size models and influencers, and that they’re a cartoon character-free zone. Their pieces are designed to hug and show off your curves!
Here are some of our favourite looks…
Abercrombie & Fitch: Hot or Not?
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on May 03 2022
I recently watched a new documentary on Netflix called “White Hot: The Rise and Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch.” It’s definitely worth a watch if you haven’t seen it yet! I was fascinated by the story of turning the company around from a strategic standpoint and following the company’s demise due to the behaviour of their narcissistic leader (former CEO, Mike Jeffries), and negative publicity surrounding the company’s racist, ableist, fatphobic and sexist hiring practices.
Self-Care Isn't Selfish
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on April 03 2022
During one of my outdoor walks with Peloton, the instructor was talking about changing your mindset from thinking about things that you “should” be doing to things that you WANT to be doing. This really resonated with me, as…if I’ve taken any learnings away from the pandemic…it’s to think about the things that really matter to me and what I want in my life.
Fatphobia in Dating Shows
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on March 02 2022
This month’s blog is focused on fatphobia in reality dating shows. I’ve been watching Season 2 of Love Is Blind on Netflix (don’t worry, there are no spoilers here!), where the premise of the show is to meet your match based on forming strong emotional connections, sight unseen. The participants talk to each other in “pods” through a frosted glass window, removing the distractions of physical appearances, sex appeal, etc.
What's New in The Shop?
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on November 03 2021
Since we last chatted, we’ve added a TON of new products for Fall and Winter to The Curvy Shop. Everything from cozy shackets and sweaters from Eloquii and Madewell, to faux fur and puffer jackets from Hilary MacMillan, to wide-leg friendly footwear from Keds and Hunter Boots. We are adding new items every week and The Sparkle Shop featuring holiday-worthy looks will be opening very soon!
Why Can’t I Find Outdoor Gear in Plus Sizes?!?
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on October 05 2021
If plus-sized folks want to enjoy outdoor activities like skiing, biking or hiking, you should be able to find suitable clothing and equipment to fit your body. So why can't we find outdoor activity clothing in our size?
How It's Going...and What's Coming Up!
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on July 08 2021
With so much on the go, you’re going to want to stay in-the-know. Many exciting things have happened at The Curvy Shop over the past several weeks, and there are many more cool things in store. Here's what's happened and what's coming up!
It's Been a Minute!
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on July 04 2021
It’s been a minute and I hope you are all having a lovely summer so far. Hard to believe that our last blog was two months ago! One of my goals for 2021 was to write a monthly blog but what can I say, life sometimes gets in the way. I made the call to take the month of June to rest, recharge and focus on other activities.
What is the Fat Tax?
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on May 04 2021
How does the Fat Tax work when it comes to plus-sized clothing?
Essentially, the plus-sized consumer is charged more for an item in plus sizes when the same item produced in straight sizes sells for less.
Many brands try to justify this pricing by claiming that the item costs “more to produce” because of “all of the extra fabric” they need to make plus-sized garments.
What is Size Appropriation?
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on April 05 2021
Size appropriation in fashion means using plus-size or curve models in advertising as a means to attract plus-sized customers, without actually doing the work or selling products to cater to the majority of plus-sized people. Basically, it’s a teaser or a bait and switch.
Winning the Race in Plus-Size Athleisure Wear
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on March 04 2021
Athletic and athleisure wear.
It’s become a bigger part of our wardrobes over the last year, as we’re spending more time at home and working in leggings has become the norm.
What is Food Policing?
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on February 02 2021
What is Food Policing...and why it needs to stop!
Food policing is behaviour that labels food and eating as either good or bad, and gives food varying (and arbitrary) levels of moral value, often in the name of “health.” These labels could come from the internal messages in your head to outward comments from friends, family, colleagues or even strangers.
Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021!
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on January 01 2021
2021 is upon us! It goes without saying that 2020 has been an interesting year! This definitely won’t be one of those New Year’s Resolutions blogs packed full of #humblebrags and all of the things I accomplished throughout the year. If your biggest achievement was making it through 2020, in one piece or not, THAT IS OK!
When Extending to Extended Sizes Fails
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on August 19 2020
Over the past several months, brands such as Kendall + Kylie and Adidas x Ivy Park have launched collections with extended sizes. In the case of Kendall + Kylie’s Holiday 2019 partnership with US plus-sized retailer Ashley Stewart, it was the first time they had ventured into the world of curvy fashion. And the plus-size fashion world responded with some less-than-favourable feedback.
Collaboration with Artist Shannon Smith for Empower Magazine
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on July 16 2020
Our friend Artist Shannon Smith has published the first edition of Empower magazine, and The Curvy Shop has contributed an article on why Canada needs more plus-size fashion.
Shopping for Plus-Size Clothing in Scottsdale
Aymie Rondeau
Posted on January 06 2020
Hey Curvy Girls! Happy New Year! I hope you all had a lovely holiday season with your...
