Elegant Plus Model Calendar 2004 Celebrates Curves and Benefits Dress for Success ®

Beauty, curves and empowerment are what its all about in 2004. ElegantPlus.com (www.elegantplus.com), a fashion and lifestyle portal and e-zine on the World Wide Web specializing in sizes 12-34W, showcases twelve dazzling beauties and some wonderful photography in an upscale plus size model calendar, now on sale exclusively on the Internet.

(PRWEB) January 1 2004--The Elegant Plus Model Calendar of 2004 has fresh new faces to the fashion world mixed with more experienced models that have graced the pages of BBW Magazine and print ads for exclusive department stores such as Dillards. But they have one thing in common -- the ability to prove to Madison Avenue, Hollywood and the world that you dont have to be a size 2 to create fashion fantasy, real women with real curves can be gorgeous creatures, and true feminine power lies in healthy self esteem and body image, no matter what your size. Ranging in size from 14-24, these ladies have the beauty, charisma and style to lead the empowerment charge.

This message is especially important after the recent financial fold of Grace Magazine, a fashion magazine with a circulation of 200,000 in its first year that catered to healthy women with curves. Of further concern is the increasing gap between the shrinking dress sizes of cultural and media icons and the general population (over half of the women in the United States wear a size 14 or larger) and how this can effect self-esteem.

Everyone donated their talents to make this work", says Thea Politis, founder and managing editor of ElegantPlus.com. Photographers gave their permission to use some of their fashion shots free of charge. Models competed for a spot in the calendar during October and November, and corporate co-sponsors provided prizes for the winners. The co-sponsors are a mixture of clothing designers and stores specializing in larger sizes, and organizations involved in empowering the BBW (Big Beautiful Women) community. (A complete list of co-sponsors is at the end.)

Olga Gonzalez-Ramos, an ElegantPlus.com staff member and the model featured on the cover, has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make everything come together", adds Politis. I dont know where she gets all the energy, especially with three children, a husband and a full-time job. We couldnt have done it without her." What Politis doesnt say is that she too has put in many hours, is the creative vision and control behind the project, and her design skills are what displays everyone elses talents. With a background in aesthetics and art history she can be a picky editor", laughs Gonzalez-Ramos.

But dont buy this calendar just for the sheer beauty gracing its pages. All the net proceeds from the sales are going to benefit another empowerment organization: Dress for Success® (www.dressforsuccess.org). In fact," states Politis, each page contains a reminder, urging the reader to find out how they too can get involved and help this important charity." Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organization that assists low-income women transitioning from unemployment to self-sufficiency, by providing interview suits, confidence boosts and career development. Women are referred to Dress for Success by a diverse group of not-for-profit organizations including social services agencies, domestic violence shelters, immigration services and employment training programs. Approximately 65% of the women helped by this program wear a size 14 or larger, and they are always in need of new or nearly new interview appropriate clothing donations in larger sizes.

If that isnt enough, Gonzalez-Ramos states, We also wanted to specifically support BBW clubs, since this project is as much about the average American woman as it is about beauty, glamour and holiday good deeds." ElegantPlus.com hopes that by enabling local BBW clubs to purchase fifteen or more calendars at wholesale prices for $16.99 apiece (plus shipping), that their message of confidence, positive body image, and empowerment will reach more women. BBW clubs can use this as an opportunity to fund raise by reselling the calendars at full price ($22.99), or simply offer a discount to their members. This offer is available exclusively to BBW clubs, and clubs must contact ElegantPlus.com at elegantplusmodels@yahoo.com to make special arrangements.

ElegantPlus.com (www.elegantplus.com) would like to thank the following co-sponsors for their support:

Junonia (www.junonia.com)

Voluptuous Woman Company (www.volupwoman.com)

IGIGI (www.igigi.com)

Dont Tell Me What Size I Must B (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/donttellmewhatsizeimustb)

Dangerous Curves...The Tour --Hips, Heels, & Curves (Traveling Runway Fashion Show)

Plus Style Ladies (www.plustyleladies.com)

Venus Divas (www.venusdivas.com)

Size Appeal (www.sizeappeal.com)

ArtStones by Deb (artstones-by-deb.com)

XR Fashion, Beverly Hills, CA

Womens Suits (www.womensuits.com)

The Red Dress (www.vintagestyleclothing.com)

For more information or to order your calendar, available exclusively on the internet, go to: http://www.cafeshops.com/elegantplus2004.9000159 International orders are accepted.

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