Joanne Borgella
Make-up and Hair: Julia S Dalton Brush

Jenn Maitland
Make-up and Hair: Enid Seymore

Katya Zharkova
Make-up and Hair: Katya Zharkova

Avenue is presenting the Curves for Change Fundraiser 5k supporting the empowerment of women and girls on Thursday, May 19th 2011 at 7pm. Madison Plus is the official media sponsor of the event and we could not be more proud. Come out and help us raise money for two great organizations- The Komera Project and Hardy Girls Healthy Women. For full event details and how to register, please visit the official Curves for Change website.

To celebrate this great fundraiser, we have asked each model that will be participating in the 5k to tell us why they are personally connected to the cause. Check out why Julie Henderson is running!

“I run because….
It’s time for a change. It’s time for all of us to come together. It’s time to unite and make our mark on the world.”

-Julie Henderson

There are ONLY 300 spots available for this run/walk so you better register quickly here!

Why are you running the Curves for Change 5k?

Avenue is presenting the Curves for Change Fundraiser 5k supporting the empowerment of women and girls on Thursday, May 19th at 7pm. Madison Plus is the official media sponsor of the event and we could not be more proud. Come out and help us raise money for two great organizations- The Komera Project and Hardy Girls Healthy Women. For full event details and how to register, please visit the official Curves for Change website.

To celebrate this great fundraiser, we have asked each model that will be participating in the 5k to tell us why they are personally connected to the cause. Check out why Bernadett Vajda is running!

I am running…

“To beat Julie Henderson“

-Bernadett Vajda

Now those are racing words!

There are ONLY 300 spots available for this run/walk so you better register quickly here!

Photo by. Jeff Licata

Why are you running the Curves for Change 5k?

Ford+ Model Ashley Graham in a smoking motorcycle lingerie outfit.

Ford+ Candice Huffine is laced up.

Wilhelmina’s W Curve model Lizzie Miller.

Ford+ model Ivana shows her wild side in leopard.

All photos by the fabulous Netta P.

Follow her on Twitter at @NettaP

Check out her website at xoxoNettaP.com.

What do you think of these Lane Bryant fashion show images?

The fall 2011 collection by OneStopPlus.com is called Sultrous Garden it is going to be sultry indeed! From sexy silky garments to simple color blocked pieces, there is something for every woman and every occasion from casual to formal. One things for sure OSP is hyping up the glamour for the upcoming season so stay tuned!

What do you think of OneStopPlus.com’s Sultrous Garden’s collection for Fall 2011?

Teen Prom’s Winter/Spring 2011 issue is out on newstands and features a wonderful editorial on “Got Curves?”, “Flaunt them in frocks that flatter your figure.”. We could not agree more and had to share the editorial with our fans who will be going to Prom this spring.

Check out Wilhelmina W Curve Plus Model Sheridan Watson modeling a gorgeous dress by Fabulous! By Mac Duggal, sizes 14w-30w.

Prom Dress #1- Fabulous by Mac Duggal, $458 Sizes 14w-30w

Prom Dress #2- Studio 17, $238 Sizes 0 – 30, Studio17prom.com

Prom Dress #3- Fabulous by Mac Duggal, Sizes 14w-30w,

Prom Dress #4- Night Moves by Allure, $338, sizes 14w-32w.

Prom Dress #1- Precious Formals, $310, sizes 00-26

Prom Dress #2- Studio 17, $238, sizes 0-30

Prom Dress #3- Fabulous! by Mac Duggal, $498, sizes 14w-30w

Prom Dress #4- Tony Bowls Shorts, $318, sizes 0-20.

Dress #1- Xcite, $308, sizes 14w-30w

Dress #2- Night Moves byAllure, $338, sizes 14w-32w

Dress #3- Sydney’s Closet, $129, sizes 14-26, $148, sizes 28-32

Dress #4- Tony Bowls Paris $450, sizes 0-24,

Are you a teen going to prom this Spring 2011? What kind of dresses are you looking for?

Photography by Jessica Levoie.

Macey Long has been working as a plus model with features in major publications such as Glamour and Redbook. She has also had much success on television with nation-wide commercial spots and TV show appearances. Check out her monthly columns on Madison Plus!

So we have all been there…..the orange sunless tan. Even though it is quite cold outside there is still a yearning to have that summer glow. The most recent shoot I did this week was one that the client had a certain request. They wanted me to come to set with a spray tan. When I originally got the request I was a little surprised since most clients either create a tan with photo shop or they will have the makeup artist bronze the model on set. Since the outcome of most spray tans is uncertain, usually the clients do not take the chance of the model getting spray tanned on their own. In this case, whatever the client wants the client gets. So it was off to the tanning spa I went. The only option available at the time was the spray tan booth. Now with this technique you never know what you are going to get with the results. I have had wonderful spray tans that I feel like I just stepped off of a beach in Hawaii and I have had those that I look like an umpa lumpa for about a week. I have also had the spray tans that a technician applies to you. Now some of those have been great and some have made me look like a Georgia Peach so it is either a hit or miss with both options.

Photography by Jessica Levoie

So I wanted to blog this month about my tips for getting the best spray tan available.

I was pretty lucky with this last spray tan courtesy of the infamous spray booth. And I have had a lot of experience with this so I thought I would share some of my tips for getting the best tan without the rays of the sun. If you want to have a glow for a special event like a wedding or reunion do a test run first. I know it will cost a little more but believe me when you show up looking like a bronzed goddess instead of a pumpkin in a dress you will thank me. Most of the places that offer spray tans usually have a package deal that you can buy and can test out the results. If you are using a technician make sure the same technician is available when you want to come back for your second appointment Each technician has a different approach and if you like what you get the first time you will want the same outcome for the second visit.

Now let’s talk preparation. First of all you want to make sure you go to the salon completely clean. Shower before you arrive. In the shower take the time to shave and to exfoliate.  I know it is a pain but it will make a world of difference. If you don’t have an exfoliator don’t worry just run to the kitchen and grab the sugar. Put the sugar in your shower gel or rub it onto a bar of soap. Now you have an exfoliator! When you get out of the shower make sure you have nothing on your body except your clothes. I mean do not put on lotion, moisturizer, deodorant, perfume…nothing. You do not want anything in the way of the spray tan soaking into your skin. Before you leave your house or apartment make sure you have loose fitting clothing, a hair tie, and some kind of lotion in case the salon doesn’t have any. It is always better to be prepared with everything you need. Also take off all jewelry before you go so you don’t have any worries about leaving your jewels at the salon.

When you arrive do not be afraid to ask for a tour of what to expect from the booth or technician. There is no shame in asking any questions you might have. Remember bronzed goddess not umpa lumpa. After you are comfortable with what is going to happen make sure you pull your hair back and take the lotion and cover your toes and fingers. This is my biggest problem area. Most of the time when a spray tan goes bad it is on my hands and feet. So I have learned to slightly cover my hands and feet as well.  It is also very important that you not put too much lotion on. Just a nice thin layer. That way the spray tan won’t be too harsh on your hands and feet. Make sure you spread your fingers and keep your arms and legs at a good distance apart from one another. It feels a little weird but you want to make sure you are able to get a nice even tan all over your body. Now it is time to dry. Take your time. Most of the time I do at least 2 drying sessions. Sometimes I even do 3 sessions just to make sure I feel comfortable that I am dry. When you get home it is very important that you allow the tan to have at least 8 hours to dry. That is why I usually make my spray tanning appointments later in the day or even at night if possible. If you decide to allow it to dry over night make sure your sheets are dark ones or you place a towel to protect your lighter sheets. The tan will transfer onto your sheets but majority of the time I have no problems washing it out. After your beauty sleep don’t be alarmed if you look very tan. The top layer will wash off in the shower. Do not exfoliate this time. If you usually use a loofah sponge  in the shower refrain from doing so. It will exfoliate the tan right off. Just use your hands to wash. When you are done getting clean make sure to moisturize. The more you moisturize the longer your tan will stay. Now you are a bronzed beauty so enjoy! Go have fun and look fabulous knowing that you have a glow that looks great and didn’t harm your skin!

Check out Macey’s previous posts:

MP Plus Model Spotlight: Macey Long

Baby its cold outside…and oh is it a little slow!

To learn more about plus model Macey Long, check out her website at MaceyLong.com!

What are Leona Palmer holiday wishes?

“For the holidays, as cheesy as it sounds, I really just want to be cozy with my family. Warm, full of yummy comfort food, and in total gratitude for the love and  precious time I share with the people closest to me.

Of course, stuff is nice too. I’m really excited about getting Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff. Did you know she’s was of Greek descent, not Egyptian? Yeah, me neither. Probably the most iconic, famous, mysterious, intriguing, seductive, and powerful woman in history. I’ll be studying up.

And a Kyocera ceramic chef’s knife. I love to cook, and am always paranoid about ruining my knives with my seriously amateur sharpening skills. This is perfect.

And for gifts I would suggest some of my super favorite charities:

- Heifer International, which gifts livestock for totally sustainable and self-reliant assistance to families around the world.

- Unicef, for the kiddie-winkles across the universe who deserve every chance.

- Something closer to home that I came across, which I love, is Buffalo Babysitter, which helps protect the Buffalo of Yellowstone who sometimes wander outside of the park. You can also help protect the wildlife of your choice through NRDC, the National Resources Defense Council”

We love bringing you our holiday wishes and favs, but we also wanted to know what you’re wishing for too! MP asked some of our friends to send us in their hopes and wishes this holiday season and we’ll be sharing them with you in a feature we’re calling Holiday Wishes!

What does Wilhelmina W Curve plus model Bernadett Vajda?

“My birthday is the day after Christmas, and I usually get a two-for-one gift.  So this year for Christmas I wish for people to continue donating to the two great causes we are supporting at Curves for Change, and for my birthday, I want an iPad!

We love bringing you our holiday wishes and favs, but we also wanted to know what you’re wishing for too! MP asked some of our friends to send us in their hopes and wishes this holiday season and we’ll be sharing them with you in a feature we’re calling Holiday Wishes!

Check out plus size model Toccara Jones as she teams up with Donald Trump for a new reality television show to find love. Ultimate Merger 2 will be holding castings in NYC, Detroit, LA, Birmingham and DC for the show. If you or someone you know has what Toccara is looking for, head down to a casting near you! Want love with a gorgeous curvy model? Well heres your chance!

What do you think of plus model Toccara Jones having a reality show?

What does plus model Taylor Steel of Wilhelmina Models want for the holidays?

“Last summer my cousin took a life-changing trip to India to work at an orphanage.  This holiday season, in lieu of asking for gifts, she’s asking for people to donate to the charity of their choice.  I will be donating to the Lower Eastside Girls Club to support the programs they provide for young women.  My cousin has inspired me, and my holiday wish is that her inspiring trip will inspire others to donate to their favorite charities as well.”

Donate to the Lower Eastside Girls Club now!

We love bringing you our holiday wishes and favs, but we also wanted to know what you’re wishing for too! MP asked some of our friends to send us in their hopes and wishes this holiday season and we’ll be sharing them with you in a feature we’re calling Holiday Wishes!

“For this holiday season, my wish is very simple. I want to turn off my cell phone for one whole week (not sure if i thats possible) and stay in my PJ’s and snuggle under the covers reading my brand new Color Nook!! Im so behind on my reading for this year! I just want to get lost in so many wonderful books! So The Color Nook is at the Top of my list this year! Im also obsessed with being the perfect traveler and books take up space and are so heavy, but with my new Color Nook I’m one step closer to being the perfect packer in 2011!”

Shop Julie’ Henderson’s pick.

We love bringing you our holiday wishes and favs, but we also wanted to know what you’re wishing for too! MP asked some of our friends to send us in their hopes and wishes this holiday season and we’ll be sharing them with you in a feature we’re calling Holiday Wishes!

Calling our stylish MP Fans!

We want your style! Your style boards from Polyvore.com that is! Submit your style boards to info@madisonplus.com for a chance to be featured on MadisonPlus.com! Check out this great board from our fan Sydney! This board features the W Curve models in one of their Curves for Change pictures.

Do you Polyvore?

WCurve plus model and Madison Plus guest blogger Amanda Tice came by our studio so we could capture her fall style. Amanda has legs that go on for miles and she did the right thing by showing them off with her animal print mini dress, and it fit perfectly with her oversized chunky knit cardigan.

Shop Amanda’s Look:

New Look – Plus Size Animal Shift Dress

Macys – Kelsi Dagger Shoes, Wilma Ankle Booties

Old Navy – Plus Size Shawl-Collar Sweater Coats

Evans – Glitter Bangles Set

Nordstroms – Hinge Perforated Leather Tote

Shopbop – Gorjana Somerset Disc Earrings

Zappos – AK Anne Klein Silver Watch

What do you think about Amanda’s look?