Are You the Next It Girl"? ElegantPlus.com launches the 2004 calendar plus size model search

ElegantPlus.com announces 2004 calendar plus size model search to benefit Dress for Success and BBW social groups.

ElegantPlus.com, a fashion and lifestyle portal on the world wide web specializing in helping larger women find stylish clothing in their size, with a dash of curvy lifestyle and image consulting thrown in for good measure, launched a plus size model search on October 15, 2003.

The web site advocates the principles that self-esteem and size acceptance are the keys to good health and style is not limited by dress size. Founder and Managing Editor, Thea Politis and plus size Cover Model and Staff Columnist, Olga Gonzalez-Ramos developed the idea of the 2004 ElegantPlus.com Calendar together.

Since over half the female population in the United States wears a size 14 or larger, we want something that shows the attainable beauty of real women, not the often unhealthily thin fantasy images frequently seen in the media. Plus we want to keep the tone fun and classy, showing the positive aspects of women with intelligence, grace and sophistication," Politis said.

That doesnt mean fuzzy web-cam pictures or backyard snap shots. ElegantPlus.com expects entries will be professional quality modeling proofs with high style and glamour. Real doesnt have to be unprofessional," says Gonzalez-Ramos, Models, photographers and stylists will be credited for their work under each winning photo."

ElegantPlus.com also advocates community service. So, all proceeds from the calendar sales will go to this years designated charity, Dress for Success (www.dressforsuccess.org), a non-profit devoted to helping low-income women make transitions into the workforce. In addition, Politis and Gonzalez-Ramos wanted something that would specifically benefit the plus size community. While every calendar sale will generate money for Dress for Success, BBW clubs will have the chance to pre-order calendars at a few dollars above wholesale which they can then use as a club fundraiser for themselves over the holidays.

The $20.00 entry fee covers administrative costs. Plus all contest entrants are given the opportunity to post a headshot and modeling portfolio in the Elegant Plus Model Gallery for free (a $24.99 value), which also makes them eligible for the Elegant Plus Model of the Month competition.

Backing the project are curvy businesses like Size Appeal (www.sizeappeal.com), Womensuits.com (www.womensuits.com), ArtStones by Deb (artstones-by-deb.com), The Voluptuous Woman Company (www.volupwoman.com) and The Red Dress Vintage Clothing Styles (www.vintagestyleclothing.com) who are credited co-sponsors of the winning models and calendar months. In addition, one lucky winner will receive a paid guest appearance in a Dangerous Curves...the Tour - Hips, Heels & Curves! runway fashion show sponsored by DeVoe Signatur' Events of New York City.

Details on the plus size modeling contest which closes November 15, co-sponsorship, and BBW club fundraising opportunities can be found at:

www.elegantplus2.com/Modeling/Model-Search.htm