Hi all! I was thinking today about how nowadays there are a lot more celebrities than ever before saying, "Yes, I'm bigger than average-- but I'm fabulous!" Even if it's just a big pregnant belly on a small woman, remember that decades ago women would've hidden themselves away somewhere until they were thin again. So... who is your favorite celebrity who has broken down the size barrier?

My favorite has to be Kate Winslet. I saw "Titanic" and thought she was the most beautiful woman ever, and although she was certianly not overweight by most standards, she had 20 or 30 pounds on every other actress! (I also love Queen Latifah and Kathy Bates!)

Don't forget Camryn Manheim! Hope I spelled her name right.

I love Kate Winslet, too! I also like Kirsty Alley, Kathy Najimy, and I love Sara Rue!!

Oprah and Queen Latifah. I know that Oprah has struggled with her weight (and I make fun of her diet plan at every opportunity), but she's not a "skinny minnie" today, she looks like a real, sexy woman (totally love her hair these days). I thought she was beautiful at any weight.

Ooooh, these are all really good ones. I can't believe I forgot Camryn Manheim and Oprah! They're such standards...

I think that Melissa McCarthy (Sookie from Gilmore Girls) is beautiful.

Ok, call me weird...Roseanne Barr. LOL

Trying to think......we've got so many stick-like women that I'm actually struggling to think of one who isn't......Hmm....I'll go with Delta Burke.

I know, it's hard to think of them off the top of your head. It's funny that stars can be pedophiles, drug addicts, abusive husbands/wives and surrounded by sex scandals, and it's totally fine. But as soon as they gain a few pounds, they're kicked out of the limelight. It really makes you question culture's priorities, doesn't it?

i looked at this thread earlier and i couldn't even think of one. how sad is that.

i still can't think of anybody.

I've always thought that Trisha Yearwood (a country music singer) is gorgeous, and she's not a waif-y lady.

Yes it does! This reminds me of an article I read earlier today on AOL that asked in a survey what was the worst presidential blunder of all time.....most people put Clinton and his sex scandals as number one over Vietnam and others! I was just appalled! Personally, while I am all for high moral standards from our leaders, I'm far more concerned with their actions directly affecting this country than I am with their sex life. Same deal with Hollywood....You rarely hear about the folks that have sustained long marriages, been there for their kids, and so forth. This reminds me of the situation with that singer from Wilson Phillips (can't remember her name). When she lost most of her weight, the papers were praising her left and right. But when she started to gain it back due to pregnancy and so forth, all of a sudden people backed off on her.

What makes me mad is that the press pastes huge headlines if an actress gains a few pounds, but when someone like Nicole Richie loses weight and is too skinny (which she IS! I'm not a fan, but I think her friends and family should worry), they're on her like a pit bull on a three legged cat.
You can't win. We need to have a cookie cutter mold so that we can all look "right" and be accepted.

BrunetteChic, those photos are... wow! Really well done. Amazing attention to detail, with proper shadows and shading and fabric draping and whatnot. It's astounding what can be done these days with digital photography.

Who here remembers the old ad campaign, "Is it real... or is it Memorex?" I guess this is the modern-day equivalent!