I went to a function the other night. That's not news in itself, I have to attend a lot of functions for my role but this was one with a difference. City Chic hosted the finals of their nationwide search for a plus-size model to be the face of their fashion brand.

Teaming up with BGM models Australia and internationally-renowned agency, Ford Models New York (their plus-size division) we watched as 10 very nervous finalists, selected from all over the country, strutted their stuff on the catwalk - all dressed in fab frocks from, City Chic of course.

Drum roll please. and the big winner on the night was Veronika Cvak, 20, from Melbourne.

During the entire event, the catch-phrase was overwhelmingly sexy and sassy - and I have to admit, even though the girls were clearly novices on the catwalk, they appeared to love every minute of the limelight. Stands to reason really, they had entered a modelling competition!

But it did get me thinking. I've had a whole week of looking for anything OTHER than sample size garments. I'm shooting real women for the next couple of weeks and it's all about showing them how to dress for their shape and feel fabulous and confident. But you wouldn't believe how hard it is! Or maybe you would if you're considered a plus-size (for those outside the fashion industry - that's considered size 12 and up, crazy I know).

Given that the average Australian woman is around a size 14 you would think there would be more stores that stock clothes for curvy gals. But once you hit size 16, your options are becoming pretty limited. Don't even get me started if you're bigger than that. Even the chain stores that do stock size 16 don't have all that many items to play with although I do applaud Sussans and Myer both for great selections.

While we all know it is easier to dress a slighter frame - clothes just hang better off a coathanger (that's why all sample size clothes are made in 8-10) - if we have a growing population why aren't we dressing them properly?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to advocate that we all go out in protest and beef up in order to force the fashion industry to create plus-size samples, after all there is the little issue of growing obesity in this country. What I'm saying is that if women are bigger boned and more voluptuous these days, why hasn't someone found a way to dress them so they feel fabulous and fashionable. After all, that's what all women want... simply to feel good - big or small.

That's why I enjoyed the night so much. The young girls took to the catwalk in gorgeous fashionable dresses that they clearly revelled being in. They walked with their heads held high and huge smiles on their faces. It's all about positive body image these days and these young girls had it in spades.

So here's cheers to City Chic's celebration of curvaceousness!

If you have any fave fashionable stores for plus-size dressing, drop me a line. I'd love to have more options.

Lee-Anne