Victoria Tiefermann-Cordle founded Sober Brat because she saw a tremendous need for a line of clothing that celebrated the choice of sobriety.  A line of apparel that was both trendy and hip but with a positive message. As she notes, ” I didn’t want to create a “Just Say No” type t-shirt that would be worn only for Red Ribbon Week at school or something.  I wanted to create clothing that carried that same message but that was cool enough for people to pull out of their closets to wear any day!” Using her own experiences and daughters for inspiration, she took the initiative to create her very own clothing line.

Sober Brat is the first line of fashion apparel that encourages and supports the choice of sobriety!  At Sober Brat, they view so·bri ·e·ty (Abstinence from consumption of alcoholic liquor or use of drugs) as a fresh way to live life!  Their clothes are for anyone who sees strength and hope in their message.  Most importantly, it is their dream that the positive message this line sends to the next generation will encourage them to choose to live a fulfilled life without turning to alcohol or other drugs! So, click here to see their full line of clothing and let us know what you think about their message!

The Body Image World is a-buzz with reaction to Karl Lagerfeld’s stupid and insensitive remarks about no one wanting to women with curves in a magazine (or in real life, if he had it his way, I think.) My fellow empowerment bloggers have had their way with him and even I’ve put up a nasty Facebook status or two on this German fashion designers idiotic take that any woman who challenges the whole ’skinny model’ thing is a ‘fat mummy’ and better yet, a fat mother sitting on the couch eating chips and thinking skinny models are ugly.

Um, dude – what is wrong with you?? Is it perhaps that you are still self-loathing after losing over 90 pounds yourself (congrats on the increased physical health, I am sure) but let’s work on your mental health. While statements like these get you publicity and exposure – it can’t feel really good in your head to think these crazy, negative thoughts.

You must be really upset with yourself for allowing your own misinformation, shame, and ignorance to spill out all over the dang place. Karl, it isn’t that everyone who challenges myopic views of beauty are fat (or eating chips) – it’s that we are done with the one note images of women shoved down our throats by bizarrely gloved fashion designers like yourself. We are just done with seeing skin and bones inhabit our TV’s and covered as though being able to see your liver through your skin is an admirable quality and worthy of media attention.

I don’t begrudge you your crazy furry fashions you showed at this year’s fashion week. And I don’t even begrudge you your ridiculous concepts of today’s modern (and marvelous) woman. But what I do begrudge you any more space on my blog, in my mind, or on this page. From now on – I will instead focus on warriors leading the way and will again give kudos to Glamour Magazine for not being afraid to challenge out dated designers like you and celebrate those real curves you can’t stand seeing by displaying them in full glorious color on their page.

Join the revolution Karl – cause we are going to leave without you!

Thank you Glamour Magazine! Thank you for taking a step further to break the “magazine beauty” stereotype and empowering the FACT that beauty does not come only in one size!

Did you guys see the new glamour magazine this month? click here if so, then you probably couldn’t help but notice the six beautiful fuller-figured models (and by that I mean ‘not emaciated’) draped around each other in nothing but the beautiful curves God gave them! The picture in and of itself is revolutionary for a mainstream women’s magazine. But what’s even better is that the editorial powers that be are choosing to buck fashion convention and begin featuring a more diverse size (and color) of models for their fashion spreads. Have you ever wondered why you don’t see models larger than a size 4 doing a spread like that? Well glamour explained why:

It all starts with the clothes. Designers only send sample sizes to magazines to photograph. And usually those sizes are between a 0 and a 4. Actually, did you know that is almost impossible to find a clothing piece larger than a size 6 to showcase in a photo shoot? So because magazines can’t typically go to the rack and buy clothing that isn’t even out on the market yet – they have to accommodate what is being sent to them and find models to fit the clothes! But now glamour says they will begin to work more (and publicly celebrate) designers who offer a more diverse sizing (even in sample sizes!) and I happen to think that this kind of industry accolade (and pressure) could actually work!

My question to you guys is: would you buy clothing from a designer whose line looked like it could be worn by more than a walking coat hanger? Do you like seeing more realistic bodies in magazines?

I think these are steps toward the celebration not of a dress size or a number on a scale, but confident beauty; fabulous diversified beauty.

Believe it or not, it does take a lot of guts for a woman’s magazine to make such a bold move and declare it publicly. It means they get to be held accountable now going forward to continue to embody what they promise in this month’s issue. Let’s all keep watching. And who knows – maybe glamour magazine will end up as our next featured actionist. What do you think?

Full-Figure Fashion Designer

Anna Nicole is a native of Detroit, Michigan but has lived in Los Angeles most of her life. After gaining work experience, primarily in retail, Anna decided to join her mother (producer, Dorez Douglas) in the entertainment industry. She worked on several projects in the Wardrobe Department, including a showcase video for actress/comedian Angelique Bates (formerly of Nickelodeon’s hit show, “All That”). The costume designer noticed Anna’s passion and desire to learn. She told her about Los Angeles Trade Technical College’s distinguished Fashion Design Program. Two years later, Anna had completed the program and received her certificate.

In July 2005, she decided to establish Jahqoi, Inc. Jahqoi now handles both retail and wholesale sales. Currently Anna Nicole is working on a new collection for JahQoi that should be available July 2008. To view our designs visit: www.jahQoi.com

Working as a fashion designer has really made me feel more comfortable in my skin. I am able to appreciate the curves of my body and how they enhance the details of the garment’s design. I am also very proud of my ability to help all of the women out there like myself, who need more appealing options. Clothes can’t make you a star, but they sure can make you shine.