Thursday, January 29, 2009

Plus Size Shopping Directory

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Featured Post: We Love Colors


Meg is featured in NOV 2009 Skorch Magazine wearing tights from We Love Colors.
featured!

About SKORCH Magazine

"We just want to be represented - afterall,
we are the majority!"
- Reader Nicole from GEORGIA

SKORCH MAGAZINE is the #1 fashion magazine for sizes 12-28, also known as plus size fashion. We actually hate that term, however for women to find us - we have to say plus size.

SKORCH was co-founded by Jessica Kane and Carrie Woomer in October 2006 under the company SKORCH INC. as a free digital publication with the intent to go to print. In 2009, ownership of the magazine changed when Jessica Kane became the owner & publisher of SKORCH Magazine under her company KANE KREATIVE. Carrie Woomer became owner/producer of SKORCH TV.

In 2009, SKORCH Magazine had announced plans to go to print in December 2009, however due to limited capital and an unstable market, Jessica Kane (owner/publisher) decided to postpone a print edition until 2011.

SKORCH MAGAZINE is for trendy and fashionable women sizes 12-28 who crave a magazine that looks and feels like every other fashion magazine, but also offers fashion commentary and advice for a plus-size woman. We are the translators of “skinny” fashion to plus size. Think of us as a pinch of ELLE, a dash of VOGUE and a dab of InStyle.

SKORCH MAGAZINE is not about glamorizing being overweight or obese, but celebrating our individuality as women and our unique beauty. We absolutely feel every woman should strive to be the best version of herself, not the best version of someone else (no matter what size). Instead of waiting till you get the weight off to live your life and wear cute clothes, SKORCH Magazine believes you should be living NOW and we are here to help you figure out how to do it fashionably.


SKORCH Magazine Mission Statement: Written by SKORCH Editor Lourdes Gutierrez

SKORCH Magazine is a comprehensive digital magazine targeting women over the standard 0-10 clothing size range. Within our issues we cover a number of topics including beauty, fashion, health, sex, finances, and lifestyle. Our pages not only feature plus size models, but plus size women out in the real world working hard, forming businesses, and living their dreams regardless of their size. It is SKORCH's mission, and the mission of founder Jessica Kane and the magazine's team, to encourage women of larger sizes to pursue their goals without embarrassment or shame simply because they do not fit a model considered acceptable in modern societal standards of beauty. We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the latest issues of SKORCH, but within those great comments there were a few negative ones based on confusing our mission. Yes, we are part of the size-acceptance movement, but the term "size acceptance" needs some clarification.

Size acceptance is not size ignorance. SKORCH Magazine and others involved in the size acceptance movement strive to be the best we can be given our current situations. This means that while we may not be within an acceptable weight range, we are not going to lock ourselves away. We are not going to stop ourselves from going out in the world and leading a fruitful, normal life simply because, at the moment, we are plus size. However, we will not be size ignorant by ignoring the health risks associated with being overweight. This is why there are advertisements for exercise and fitness programs in SKORCH Magazine. It’s not because we secretly want everyone to be a size zero, but because we want our readers to be healthy.

Everyone involved in the SKORCH team struggles with self-image and weight issues. We have our good days and bad days. We start diets, fall off the bandwagon and keep going. We even try to find exercise routines we love so that we can stick to them. Would some of us like to be skinny? Maybe--but all of us certainly want to be healthy, active, and happy.

To further simplify our goals, how about a little experiment? Let's eliminate the words "fat" and "skinny" for a moment and only use the words "healthy" and "beautiful," because honestly? Being healthy is beautiful, and healthy is a status that can be achieved by women of many sizes. The number on the ticket of your clothes does not determine the status of your health. The only numbers that should really matter are those related to health: cholesterol levels, blood counts, heart rate, and so on. Basically, only a doctor can tell you whether or not you are healthy—not clothes, television, or a magazine. To go back to our eliminated words, a "skinny" girl could suffer from high cholesterol (it is possible) and a "fat" girl could suffer from high blood pressure. Neither of those conditions are healthy, and SKORCH would strive to encourage both girls to seek medical attention.

We encourage beauty, self-love, and health-- not achieving a certain clothing size; especially since a size 12 on one woman’s frame could be healthy on one and unhealthy on another. What we will not encourage is size ignorance. If you are a plus size woman striving to be the most beautiful, healthy, and successful version of yourself, then SKORCH Magazine is for you and if not, perhaps another publication would better suit your needs. We welcome plus size readers of all races, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and walks of life. If you want to be healthy, happy, and live your life to the fullest then SKORCH Magazine is here to help you do it—fashionably, of course.

Plus Size Modeling for Skorch Mag

We get asked probably a 100 times a day, how do I become a plus size model? Or, how do I get on the cover of SKORCH Magazine?

While we are not the authorities on how to break into plus size modeling (we do have some great friends who do, however), we can give you some info as to what we look for.

HOW DO I GET IN SKORCH MAGAZINE?
Like any magazine, we are constantly in need of new fresh exciting images. We need images of fashion spreads, beauty, events and more. The best way to get in SKORCH is submit the test shots you take with a photog.

HOW DO I SUBMIT?
Email the LINKS to the pictures - DO NOT INCLUDE ATTACHMENTS, email will be deleted if you do. Include your contact information in the email. Email to modelentry[at]skorchmagazine.com. We will NOT accept submissions through any other channel of communication including Facebook, Twitter and more.

WHAT IF I'M A PHOTOGRAPHER THAT WANTS TO GET MY PICTURES IN SKORCH?
We would love to see your shots. Photos must be fashionable, include a plus size model(s) and have full image disclosure form. Submit your shots by emailing the LINKS to the pictures - DO NOT INCLUDE ATTACHMENTS, email will be deleted if you do. Include your contact information in the email. Email to modelentry[at]skorchmagazine.com.

HOW DO I BREAK INTO PLUS SIZE MODELING?
Since we are the voice of plus size fashion, not modeling, we have some great resources for you to check out...

  • Plus Size Model Chandra Chase gives her tips of the industry >> CLICK HERE

Advertise in SKORCH

SKORCH is dedicated to giving our fans what they want - and they want fashion 24/7, they want interactive blogs and interviews, exclusive deals and tips! Since advertisers get the scoop, we make sure every issue has what our reader wants to keep them coming.

SKORCH Magazine has a global reach of over 100K fans through our social networks, email subscribers and more.

PERKS! BUY A 1 Page Ad or larger and get extra!
+ SCORE SOCIAL MEDIA BLAST TO OVER 100K People through our social networks
+ Listing on SKORCHBlog.com!

THE SKORCH SOCIAL NETWORK IS OVER 100K PEOPLE STRONG
*twitter *facebook *myspace *inside curve community *curvychick.com *del.ici.ous *stumble upon *youtube *technorati *issuu *blogtalkradio *RSS feeds *digg

FREE GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICE FOR ALL ADVERTISERS

VIEW FULL MEDIA KIT > CLICK HERE

Magazine Ad Specs - artwork must be at 72dpi in JPG/PNG format and emailed to jessica@kanekreative.com.
2 page spread = 1320px wide by 990px tall
1 page = 660px wide by 990px tall
1/2 page horizontal = 660px wide by
495px tall
1/2 page vertical = 330px wide by 990px tall
1/4 page = 330px wide by 495px tall

Magazine Deadlines
Artwork & Payment due by 25th of the month for next month issue.
(Example: to advertise in March issue, artwork and payment is due Feb 25th)

Website Ads are on first come first serve basis.

Video Advertising

If you are interested in advertising with SKORCH Video - please email jessica@kanekreative.com to be placed in que for next video.

PAYMENT
Invoice will be sent via PayPal electronic invoice. Payment is accepted using Paypal which DOES accept non-paypal members credit cards. Payment is due in advance.

Jessica Kane
Owner/Publisher
Kane Kreative
jessica@kanekreative.com


Ask Illeanna!


Ask about love, life, fashion and more and your answer could appear in the next issue of SKORCH!








Your Name

Email


Question



Ask Illeanna – Questions Answered!

Published: October 7, 2009

Since I spend a good majority of my time getting acquainted with you
ladies through your questions, I think it is only fair that you get to
know me. Let’s get the basics out of the way; my name is Illeanna and
I’m a 30 year old Latina residing in California. I work full time as
a therapist and also do research and development for a worldwide company
working with mental health and, as if that was not enough, I’m also a
single mother of a two year old. I was a plus size model for many years
and was signed by various agencies in Los Angeles, New York and the
United Kingdom. I, like you, am a SKORCH magazine reader and found my
niche by intertwining my education and fashion into what we all now know
as “Ask Illeanna”. Am I qualified to give advice you ask? Yes. I
feel my background, personal struggles and accomplishments more than
qualifies me to speak my mind. With this said; let us begin this
journey.

xo,
Illeanna

Q: when you are fat or have more weight than you in fact wanted, can we
Truly say – I am happy? – sandraA:


A: YES! When a person is happy they’re happy. Their body size or shade
of lipstick does not matter. Of course there are people that will say
“I am happy…” and not mean it, but that in itself is a different
issue. So, can women of size be happy? ABSOLUTELY!

Q: I constantly ask my sisters and brothers if I am really pretty or at
least decent and of course they tell me yeah but when a man looks at me
I’m passed over, my best friend is my size and she has that confidence
but she’s White so what’s the difference? I’m outgoing and fun but she
gets all the guys. – jaiaA:


A: Let us first state that race has nothing to do with confidence,
attractiveness or size. Now, the fact that you constantly ask your
siblings if they think you are pretty or not is a sign of low self
esteem. This could solely be the reason you are not attracting guys.
Guys are not as egotistic as we believe they are. It is important to be
attracted to someone but it is just as important to know they also think
they are attractive. The only way to fix this is to do some major soul
searching and give your self esteem a boost.

Q: Hey illeanna, I am a freshmen in college and I’ve never dated. Coming
from CA I’ve always been intimidated by the “healthier” girls and
followed my studies rather than a love life. Now it looks like I have
no chance. How do I get on the road to finding a companion? – nina


A: Girlfriend, there is NO timeline for love! It is admirable you have
chosen to dedicate yourself to your studies, but finding a balance for
fun or love is not only necessary it’s healthy. I am going to assume by
“healthier” you are implying thinner, and if so I need to stress the
fact that thinner doesn’t always mean healthier. The majority of plus
size women are indeed healthy. Since you have never dated I would start
off by encouraging you to have a friend set you up and try a double
date. I am sure your campus bookstore is flooding with potential.

Reach the plus size fashionistas of the world!

SKORCH is dedicated to giving our fans what they want - and they want fashion 24/7, they want interactive blogs and interviews, exclusive deals and tips! Since advertisers get the scoop, we make sure every issue has what our reader wants to keep them coming, here's what we are up to.

Model Hunts - Averaging over 100 ladies per location. We are adding more and including Toronto. Will be announcing winners as cover girls.

SKORCH Dolls - This promotion features real readers who are SKORCH. These readers are helping us BIG by telling everyone when they are featured.

SKORCH Blog - Our blog was just launched and we are receiving thousands of hits a month, a direct response to our social media marketing of the blog.

These marketing activities are helping us get an average 12,000 NEW readers a month to the magazine!

As the magazine for you, the plus size fashion retailer, we are dedicated to being your broadcast station and social media networker. Therefore, I've revamped the ad structure to include social media blast perks!

Get 1 Page Ad for $100 & SCORE SOCIAL MEDIA BLAST TO OVER 100K People!

We are harnessing our vast social media network in your favor as an advertiser. With your purchase of a 1 page ad in the digital magazine for $100, you will also receive 1 media "blast" that will easily reach 100,000+ people through the following networks:
*twitter
*facebook
*myspace
*inside curve community
*curvychick.com
*del.ici.ous
*stumble upon
*youtube
*technorati
*issuu
*blogtalkradio
*RSS feeds
*digg

GIVE US THE EXCLUSIVE - WE'LL GIVE YOU A FREE "BLAST"!

We want the scoop - the exclusive - we ask that you make sure to tell us first so you can get the maximum exposure. We take care of our advertisers, and as a paying supporter, these services are offered at no charge (for exclusives only). We will broadcast your exclusive across our networks at no charge for paying advertisers. Be sure to have your PR people let me know the news first.

****PURCHASE ADDITIONAL BLASTS at $100 each.

ADDITIONAL ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
E-NEWSLETTER
*250px tall by 500px wide w link : $250
*Exclusive advertiser email : $500
Reaches over 35,000 subscribers

WEB/BLOG ADS
*125px by 125px : $50 per month
*250px by 250px : $200 per month
*798px by 90px (bottom page placement) : $300 per month
Reaches average 175,000 hits per month.
Ad placed on EVERY page of blog/website.

PAYMENT
Invoice will be sent via email. We accept payment through Paypal which does accept non-paypal members credit cards. Payment is due in advance.

If you are interested in up'ing your game and advertising in the largest network for ladies size 12-28, email jessica@kanekreative.com today.

XOXO
Jessica Kane

Owner/Publisher

 
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