The Fat-chelor: Fox’s More to Love reveals that romance doesn’t only come in a size 2

It’s summer and summer means there really isn’t much on TV. But one little (ahem) BIG show has been drawing me to the couch every Tuesday night. More to Love – a plus-sized Bachelor-type dating show that pits 20 voluptuous single women against each other as they vie for the affection of Luke, the luscious 3oo+- pound bachelor.

The premise sounds good. Finally, a “reality” show about regular folk looking for love. No teensy-tinsy models or hunky chunks of man meat frolicking in hot tubs. Just frumpy, jiggly, curvy, soft people who deserve love just as much as the next guy or gal. AND finally a “reality” show that isn’t afraid to show fat people without trying to make them loose weight or undergo drastic makeovers to be deemed worthy of attention.

I’m not a size two. Never have been, never will be. I’m tall, curvy, and go to the double digits when shopping for sizes. So I was excited and down right curious to see how this show played out. Episode one (when Luke gets to meet all the women) was pretty interesting. It really was a way to size up the cast. “Helpful” weight and height descriptions were placed by each woman’s name as they were introduced. At first I was a little shocked to see that information displayed (how rude they don’t do this on The Bachelor!) But at second thought, I think it’s good for America to understand what 5′ 8:” 198 pounds or 5′ 2″ 230 pounds really looks like.

Despite the promising plot line, However, there are a few things that kinda fall short for me about the show. There seems to be a big focus on eating. Every outing, date, or excursion involves snacking and all out chowing down.

On this week’s episode Wacko Danielle (the same chunky chica who decided to jump in the pool evening gown and all in the first episode) refused to eat seafood while out on a date with Luke, but then went for it when the  dessert tray came out.

“Oooo desert,” Daniel said as she stuffed a frozen chocolate-covered banana in her mouth. Yikes, I’m sure that prop was carefully chosen.

A lot of the girls also are really open about never having a relationship before or even a date and they blame that on their size. Lots of tears are shed about “being too fat” to love. There are lots of people in this world (of all sizes) who have found love. I don’t think size has everything to do with how lucky in love you are. Although I do believe that a lifetime of ridicule can do a number on one’s self-esteem. That is likely the culprit here for many of the contestants. They don’t think they are worthy of love.

More to Love is only three episodes in. So I won’t be too quick to judge.  And in the end I think the show really does have a positive message in there. Be yourself and totally go for it, despite your size. And if just one woman walks away from this show feeling prettier, worthy and ready for love (even if its not Luke) then I think they will be OK.

A Run down on the girls:

I’m was a big (excuse the pun) fan of tattooed rockabilly chic, Bonnie. But she got the boot tonight. I think she said it best, “I would’ve scared the hell out of his mom.”

I’m not really sure why, but I think the super curvy Malissa (in the photo above) has a shot. And by the looks of it Luke is pretty much into here too. Although some of the girls seem a little upset that she hasn’t been fat all of her life. She gained all of her weight since high school.

I have a feeling that the sensative curly-headed Kristian likes loves Luke a whole lot more than Luke likes her. She’s already talking about how she’s falling for him and they’ve barely been alone together! I’m afraid she is setting herself up for massive heartbreak later on.

Thanks, Bloglovin

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Happy Friday! R.I.P. John Hughes

Mad Men Style Mania

Everyone seems to be mad for Mad Men (including me) and the oh-so-cool clothes featured on the show. So in honor of the new season of Mad Men starting (Aug. 16, yippie!) I’ve put together some inspiring images and other fashion tid bits about 60s vintage Mad Men style.

Banana Republic was wise to hop aboard the Mad Men fashion band wagon. The shop has special selections inspired by the series including this pencil skirt and top inspired by everyone’s favorite curvy Mad woMan, Joan!

By the way, if you would like to find out how to make your own pencil necklace like Joan is often wearing (as she is above) check out fellow Austinite, and Naughty Secretary herself, Jennifer Perkin’s blog.

eBay also is a great place to find vintage 60’s dresses. Whether you are a Betty, Peggy, or Joan you can find the right curve-hugging frock (even in yummy plus sizes) to wear to that Mad Men premier party. During a recent search I even found a vintage bullet bra. I also found The Rainbow Has a Mustache’s photostream on Flickr. They have lots of cool ideas on how to rock the vintage in a modern way. OH, and they have an Etsy page. Bonus!

 

From the rainbow has a mustache

AMC has an awesome video tour of the Mad Men costume shop. The woman behind the vintage threads lets us know that the next season will be filled with even more dramatic shapes, colors and textures. Now, word has it that Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant may launch her own clothing line.

Chose the Wright Photographer

Finding the right photographer to capture that special moment, that special feeling, that special look is difficult. It takes someone who is both technically able and artistically talented. Krist Wright, a self-taught photog from Austin, may be rather new to photography, but her passion, raw talent, and attitude is simply poignant.

“I’ve always found magic in pictures and the stories they reveal,” she writes on her new Web site. “The possibility of capturing the truthful moments is what excites me the most. I believe those are the images that we truly hold dear.”

Years spent in front of the camera as an actress gives Kristi the experience it takes to direct her subjects. But she also is a great observer and is able to take a step back to let the action play out and catch candid moments. 

Kristi’s photos often have a dreamy, romantic, sometimes vintage vibe. Soft colors, unique angles, and attention to detail truly create timeless images. She describes her style like a contradiction. “I’m drawn to the light and the dark. The old and the new.
The vintage and the modern.”

Kristi has snapped toddler’s birthday parties, backyard weddings, backstage at fashion shows, and concerts…..a true versatile photographer with oodles of potential.