This style is perfect for a summer wedding or some similar occasion which requires a knock em dead outfit. It comes in sizes 16 to 26 and features the most beautiful bold flower print in black and yellow. The tie waist will help create a gorgous hourglass silhouette, particularly effective on fuller figured women.

If you fancy a night out with other like minded curvy women (and the men that adore them) then why not head down to Bar Risa in Birmingham on the 23rd May for the next event. More info available at their website.

What they say about their nights - 'A Big Babes Bash is designed as a celebration of Big Beautiful Women. A BBB party will make your night out a great one. Be sexy, be comfortable and have fun! Everyone is welcome but being a Big Beautiful Woman is a bonus!'

I think it is high time to plan our Summer wardrobes. Lots of people will have their summer holidays booked and be dreaming of bathing in the sun, lying by the pool or sipping cocktails on the beach! To finish off this dreamy image you just need the perfect beach to bar outfit.

I love this halter dress which is perfect to throw over your costume and wonder round town, or head out for lunch. It is so soft and comfortable whilst still having a lovely fashion edge - a real holiday essential.

Sophie Dahl, Nigella Lawson, Lily Allen, Fern Britton & Geri Halliwell are all guilty of drastic slimming following a stint in the public eye as an ambassador for curves.

Most of these women have not only had positive press about their figure, but have personally & publically announced that they are proud of their bodies. Take Nigella Lawson for example, who only two months ago told 'The Telegraph' that she was happy with her curvier figure, saying 'I'm very glad that I don't have that skinny straight-up-and-down shape'. Two months on and She has reportedly hired a personal trainer to get her into shape!!!

As with most things, with the good come the bad - and in media land the bad can be down right harsh. So for every positive story these women will find about themselves, I am sure they are notified of another which frankly blows a hole in their self esteem.

Take the recent publicity surrounding Chloe Marshall for example. Although most stories and comments about the first plus size Miss England entrant have been very positive and supportive - there is always one or two spiteful opinions thrown in to rock the boat. Lets hope that Chloe doesn't feel the pressure to conform to the unhealthy size zero trend because of this coverage.

I could say that these women should ignore these comments, but I can imagine how hard it is dealing with such a personal attack, and what it must do to your confidence. If they were murderers they would expect to receive bad press, but just for your weight - why?

This morning I was alerted to an article on the 'Daily Mail' website, written by a rather charming (not) Monica Grenfell. The heading sums up her views - 'A role model for ordinary women? No, Miss England finalist is fat, lazy and a poster girl for ill health'.

As a published author of well known & informative titles such as:

Crash Diet - Lose 7lbs in 7 Days
The New 5 Days to a Flatter Stomach
Revenge Diet: Lose 15lbs in a month!: Make Him Sorry He Dumped You!
Fabulous in a Fortnight: The Day-by-day Programme - Shape Up and Lose Weight
The Beat Your Body Chaos Diet: Turn the Clock Back in 28 Days

(Thanks Bob at Sizenet for this info)

I'm sure you will agree than Monica is quite clearly an ambassador for what is healthy - like extreme dieting for short term weight loss - something we all know is SOO good for you!

Monica is very keen to point out that portraying a size 16 with a BMI which is supposedly in the overweight category (but doesn't take into account muscle tone so is absolute nonsense) is unhealthy, and a bad message to give out - unlike her own message - being thin is essential for happiness and health.

Chloe has said on numerous occasions that she eats a healthy diet and exercises regularly - a lifestyle that will put you on the right track to a long and healthy life. I would be keen to point out that I know plenty of 'thin' women who eat a diet of absolute junk and who NEVER exercise. Yes, they're thin, but probably far from healthy, and much more likely to incur health risks.

At the moment the link between health and weight is unbreakable in the eyes of many - this is just not true. The sooner these people realise that you can be a little overweight and healthy, just as easily as being thin and unhealty - the better!

She was quoted as saying 'Give me the job. I want to design. I want you to make clothes for big girls - big boys. I want you to make big sizes.'

It has now come to light that Topshop have snubbed her offer, however, it is set to launch the new line by Kate Moss imminently.

Earlier in the year, NME also favoured size zero over plus size, when they crowned Kate Moss with the sexiest female award, beating nominated Beth, size 20.

Although the high street may not see the value in Beth's quirky, but highly regarded style, this is not the case in designer land. Henry Holland, one of the hottest names in British fashion at present, is keen to work with Beth.

'In terms of collaborating, I absolutely love Beth Ditto,' Holland said.

The pair met at the Brits when the Gossip star wore one of Holland's jumpsuits. The all-in-one featured in his autumn/winter collection and bears his signature motto.