If you missed the new Lane Bryant commercial with the full-figured lingerie model confidently strutting the pluses of her plus-sized figure, it's not your fault. Some networks decided the spot was too sexy to air. Karen Salmansohn weighs in.
In my opinion, the ban on this Lane Bryant spot is a big step forward for plus-sized women everywhere. The fact that a TV network would find this Lane Bryant spot far more sexually enticing than Victoria's Secret spots—which air all the time—simply shows they're acknowledging the extreme sexiness of voluptuous women!

Oh, and by the way, I'm not just saying all this right now because I'm 35 pounds heavier than I've ever been in my life, due to the fact I'm due to give birth to new life—a baby boy in August. Although I must say it's been interesting to have this new life lens, living as a highly curvy pregnant woman and shopping in plus-size clothing stores, instead of the more petite clothing stores where I normally go.

I must confess that at first it was a difficult transition, entering into a bulkier body. At the beginning of my weight gain, I'd experience many days of feeling oddly self-conscious-verging-on-insecure. In particular, I found myself worried my beau might start to find me less sexy. But I'm happy to report he finds me just as sexy—even highly sexy—as I sit here on my newly padded tushy writing this article.

Out of curiosity I showed him the Lane Bryant spot of the plus-size lingerie model to gauge his male-o-meter reaction about her sexiness. He enthusiastically complimented the model, explaining how her strong appeal had just as much to do with how confidently she carried herself as it did with the babe-alicious curves she was carrying. Basically, he felt this model looked like she was a "real woman"—and highly happy about it.

Interestingly enough, when I showed this Lane Bryant spot to friends here in New York and on my Facebook wall, comments like "real woman," "real beauty," "authenticity" and "self-love" kept popping up. Basically, most people, including myself, seem to agree—a woman's sexiness has mostly to do with her realness, authenticity and demonstrated self-love...rather than her clothing size.

Indeed, I believe a big reason the Victoria's Secret spots aren't as sexually threatening to the TV networks is that these waify women don't seem real or authentic. Instead, they're a more plastic representation of highly unattainable beauty. Even the models' pouty facial expressions are plastic. And I'm sure most people would agree: A woman's confident, sparkly smile is far sexier than lips pursed in a posed pout!

What's the good news?
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