It is not getting any warmer and you big guys need to keep out the chill….but where is the best place to buy men’s winter coats size XXL?  Look no further! Zalando [site: www.zalando.co.uk] has 7 winter coats to choose from including traditional parkas, duffle oats, leather coats, and even a MOD styled coat! Plus Size and Tall picks out some of their fave men’s winter coats size XXL.

The Adidas SLVRWinter Coat in beige is a MOD styled parka with fish tail hem and funnel neck to keep out the chill. There is a zip off centre and belt around the waist which fits into loops. This retro trendy coat is a great price reduced from £340 to £235, a saving of 31%. I love the on trend Jack & Jones SALT Wool Coat in blue. This duffle coat has a front zip and four traditional toggles. The hood looks really warm lined with wool. The lining of this jacket is very jazzy in a purple check. This coat also has great looking patch pockets either side and is £140. If you really want to keep out the cold then the Jack & Jones MONTREAL Winter Coat will definitely do the job with a fur trimmed hood which is removable and lots of padding. The sleeves end in a ribbed cuff to keep out the wind and the coat comes with a multitude of pockets. This coat is available in blue or black and has been reduced from £160 to just £80, a fantastic saving of 50%! Now, if you like leather and have got a bit of money to spend on a quality coat…there is none better than the GMS-75Winter Coat. This long coat is 100% leather with a 100% wool lining.  Say no more! This quality coat is £1669.95.

Plus size coats: Adidas SLVRWinter Coat £235 - Jack & Jones SALT Wool Coat £140 - Jack & Jones MONTREAL Winter Coat £80 - GMS-75Winter £1669.95

To look at these men’s winter coats size XXL in more detail and look at the other winter coats available visit Zalando at www.zalando.co.uk.

It is seriously cold at the moment, and that calls for a seriously warm coat! And it will be an investment with the big chill becoming an annual occurrence! Plus size down coats are the answer to keeping out the cold but where can you get one? Lands’ End [site: www.landsend.co.uk] has a great selection of plus size down coats for both men and women. Plus Size and Tall takes a look at what is on offer.

Plus size down coats for women

How warm does the Women’s Plus Shimmer Down Coat look with a gorgeous faux fur trimmed collar and hood? This coat has a two way zip and button fastening on the collar to ensure an extra snug fit and of course the down ensures this is the warmest coat you can get! The longer length also means you keep warmer too! I love the shimmer effect of this coat which is available in mushroom brown or autumn brick in sizes 22 to 30. And all this warmth and style costs just £69.50 as it has been reduced from £160.00. A down coat for £39.50? Not possible I hear you say! Well it is at Lands’ End with their Women’s Plus Essential Down Coat which has been reduced from £130. This down coat has a fleece lining on the collar and down insulated hood for a snug feel and the longer length means extra warmth. The drawstring tie at the waist creates a flattering look. This coat is available in several colours including teal and purple and is available in sizes 22 to 30.

Plus size down coats: Women's Plus Shimmer Down Coat £69.50 - Women's Plus Essential Down Coat £39.50

Plus size down coats for men

For men the Men’s Tall Down Gilet is perfect to wear under coats for extra warmth or over jumpers and shirts in less cold weather to keep out the chill. This gilet is wind resistant and waterproof to help fend off the elements and has popper fastenings down the front. This gilet is available in many colours including red and black in sizes up to XL and has been reduced from £49.00 to just £24.00.

Plus size down coats: Men's Tall Down Gilet £24

To look at all of the plus size down coats for men and women visit Lands’ End at www.landsend.co.uk today!

Isn’t it funny how in the UK when it snows, is windy, rains, leaves fall off the trees…..the country comes to a standstill! Well, don’t let this big chill stop you in your tracks, invest in a warm fleece from Curvissa [site: www.curvissa.co.uk] who has a great selection of plus size fleece jackets to keep you warm. Plus Size and Tall takes a look at what is on offer.

Plus size fleece jackets Soft Fleece Jacket £38 - KangaROOS Fleece Jacket £38 - Fleece Gilet £22

The plus size fleece jackets from Curvissa make you feel warmer just looking at them! The Soft Fleece Jacket looks sooo warm and comfy with a high collar and hood which can be pulled around your head to keep out the chill. This fleece also looks stylish with two seams down the front to create a flattering look and 2 side pockets. This fleece is available in black, petrol, and purple in sizes 16 to 30 for £38.00. The cosy KangaROOS Fleece Jacket is perfect for all round warmness as it has extra length in the body so covers the hips, and the sleeves can be pulled down over the hands and have a thumb hole in the cuff. The two way zip helps you to adjust the warmth as required and the fleece also has a hood and pockets. This fleece is available in black, blue, grey, or off white and in sizes 14 to 32 for £38.00. Fleeces are great for layering. A Gilet can be worn under a heavier coat to keep extra warm or over shirts or jumpers in warmer weather. So versatile! The Fleece Gilet from Curvissa is available in blue, grey, or red and in sizes 18 to 32 for £22.00.

Don’t let the big chill slow you down this winter. Visit Curvissa at www.curvissa.co.uk to check out their range of plus size fleece jackets that are guaranteed to keep you warm.

At the beginning of this year France introduced the Sugar Tax in a bid to curb obesity. America have been talking about introducing something similar for some time and some authorities will not allow food tokens to be used to purchase sugary drinks. US experts are now saying that sugar is as addictive and damaging as alcohol and tobacco and as such should be regulated.

The food industry in America is not supportive of this move claiming that portraying sugar as a vice is not being helpful. However, Prof Lustig, a leading child obesity expert, says governments need to consider major shifts in policy, such as taxes, limiting sales of sweet food and drinks during school hours, or even stopping children from buying them below a certain age. Interestingly, sugar consumption has tripled worldwide over the last 50 years and is closely linked to the increase in obesity and other health problems.

The professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, told the BBC: that sugar “meets all the criteria for societal intervention that alcohol and tobacco meet.” To restrict sugar would be a good move for the health of the nation: “These simple measures – which have all been on the battleground of American politics – are now taken for granted as essential tools for our public health and well-being. It’s time to turn our attention to sugar.”

However, some experts do not believe in the Sugar Tax approach. Whilst they acknowledge the need for dietary change, they believe concentrating on one food type is not the solution. “demonising individual food components does not help consumers to build a realistic approach to their diet. The key to good health is a balanced and varied diet, in the context of a healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of physical activity.”

What do you think of the Sugar Tax idea? Do you believe it to be one solution to the growing obesity problem or do you think that to concentrate on one food as a bad food to be more damaging on health? Maybe you have experience of the Sugar Tax in France. Let us know what you think.

Read More: Sugar tax needed, say US experts

How are you going to show your man you love him this Valentine’s day? Why not buy him some decent undies?! Both Banglads [site: www.banglads.com] and Dead Good Undie [site: www.deadgoodundies.com] have great selections from boxers to thongs and even undies that will ‘enhance the package.’ Plus Size and Tall takes a look at suitable men’s Valentine underwear  

Men’s Valentine underwear from Banglads

Show your man is a winner by buying him the Bon Bon white trunks with no side or back seams and a double panelled pouch to ensure a streamline fit. What is unique about these pants is the gold waist band and blue trim on the legs. These ultra soft pants also have an embellished logo on the left hip. They are available up to a large for £20.80. Maybe you would like to see your man in a thong this Valentine’s? The Andrew Christian Show-It Enhancing Thong has the added advantage of aiding ‘in the lifting and adds up to 1.5 inches to a man’s frontal measurement and provides the biggest enhancement of any underwear.’ Available in black or white these undies re available up to an XL for £18.00

Bon Bon £20.80 - Andrew Christian Show-It Enhancing Thong £18.00

Men’s Valentine underwear from Dead Good Undie

Gregg Homme has a collection of saucy underwear for Valentine’s. Want to see more of your man in his briefs? Well, you literally can with the Gregg Homme pimp boxer brief. These red briefs have a mesh front displaying all and three alloy XXX’s on the waistband. These exhilarating pants are available in XL and are £36.67. Something less revealing but just as sexy and playful is the Gregg Homme Boy Toy boxer brief. This slick and shiny pant comes in a multitude of colours for £34.13 and available in sizes up to XL.

Gregg Homme pimp boxer brief £36.67 - Gregg Homme Boy Toy boxer brief £34.13

To look at the men’s Valentine underwear here and view more of the collection visit both Banglads [site: www.banglads.com] and Dead Good Undie [site: www.deadgoodundies.com] and have fun!

The government has convened a group of experts to identify non-legislative solutions to tackle the causes of low levels of body confidence. This includes representatives from health and fitness, fashion and retail, youth and education, media and advertising, and the beauty sectors. And the plus size magazine Beautiful has taken part. The editor, Sue Thomason has even given evidence at the parliamentary inquiry this week into the Causes and Consequences of Body Image Anxiety in the UK.

Two weeks ago it was the turn of the diet industry to be on the stand when a Weight Watchers representative had to admit under pressure that Weight Watchers customers are being unrealistic if they expect to lose much weight! However, it was the turn of the media this week yet there were not many brave enough to give evidence on the impact the media have on body image except for Beautiful magazine, Shout, and Attitude. The question was posed Do Magazines Create Body Image Anxiety? So what did they say? The editor from Attitude claimed to have no control over advertising in his magazine and it is a well known fact that editors will keep advertisers happy by adapting the magazine contents to match the advertising. He said covers with Stephen Fry and David Cameron don’t sell as well as the ones with shirtless muscle guys.  The editor from Shout claimed that they supported and included in their magazine stories regarding positive body image however failed to mention the thin girls which adorn their pages.

It is lucky then that Sue Thomason from the plus size magazine Beautiful was there to give her evidence and highlight the bigger picture on magazines and body image. She was asked if there should be guidelines forcing the media to publish more diverse body shapes; she replied ‘yes because the media ideal is one of the root causes of the deaths from anorexia and the independent research shows it to be one of the main factors in overeating, which means it is also responsible for the deaths that we call ‘obesity related’ said to be the biggest killer next to smoking’. When she was asked if Government intervention was adequate she replied ‘no because every bit of information and advice on the Department of Health website is based on diet industry-funded research.’ So was their a positive outcome? Well, the politicians did sit up and take notice but only time will tell! You can find out more about the evidence that Sue Thomason from the plus size magazine Beautiful gave by reading her blog post in the Huffington Post: Do Magazines Create Body Image Anxiety? UK Parliamentary Inquiry Finds Out

I love carnival! For those who have not experienced a full on carnival Mardi Gras style then just imagine drums beating, loud music playing, dancing queens, boys, and girls, floats galore full of people partying, bright colours, drink, and lots of fun. Oh, and don’t forget, dressing up is obligatory. Where I live, I have never seen so many men dress up as women…but there is normally a theme to follow. Last year it was pirates, this year it is western. But if you are celebrating carnival, what costume would you chose? For great plus size fancy dresses visit Escapade at www.escapade.co.uk.

Plus size fancy dress picks

But why is carnival so important? It is the last day to indulge before lent, so everyone lets it rip! The key for girls is to go for sexy, be it a school girl look or scantily clad pirate! Fantasy characters are also a big hit such as Alice in Wonderland making the Sexy Alice Costume a perfect choice with a short blue dress with puff sleeves and lacey petitcote. This dress also comes with a cutesy petticoat and hair band. Available in XXL and XXXL, this outfit is £37.99. So, what about that sexy pirate look? The Pirate Lady Costume is very sexy with a black skirt with a handkerchief style hem, apron, ruffle white shirt which sits off the shoulders, and a brown leather effect corset, shive me timbers hearty! This outfit is £19.99. If you would rather your costume had a bit of sophistication for carnival then why not opt for the Fashion Flapper Costume with its retro look of tassels that will swing while you dancing the night away. Just add beads to perfect the look! This XXL outfit is £31.99.

plus size fancy dress: Sexy Alice Costume £37.99 - Pirate Lady Costume £19.99 - Fashion Flapper Costume £31.99

Will you be indulging before lent and enjoying a carnival somewhere? The official carnival night is the 20^th February but in reality the fun will last for weeks! Check out your plus size fancy dress options by visiting Escapade at www.escapade.co.uk.

Channel 5 has announced their intentions to make a new show called Big Body Squad. This will be a 6 part series that follows the men and women whose job it is to look after the nation and its growing needs. With nearly a million morbidly obese people in England, ambulance teams, fire crews, carers, and more are having to adapt to be able to provide a service for Britain’s ‘Big Society’.

The number or morbidly obese people in England has doubled since 2000 and in another 10 years it is predicted that more than a third of people in England will be obese. Big Body Squad will follow the supersized ambulance teams, fire crews, equipment specialists, builders and carers across the UK as they deal with all the associated complications  and risks that come with mobilising an obese nation.

As the nation grows in size, so must ambulances, beds, and so on. Different equipment is required in order to assist the morbidly obese such as hoists and lifts, and heavy duty medical equipment. Staff also require extra training in order to meet the needs of the morbidly obese. Big Body Squad will give a thorough insight into all aspects of the specialist training and the risks associated with dealing with these patients.

The show will follow the specialist ambulance teams who take to the road in their £90,000 adapted ambulances designed to transport plus size people, meet the crews and their patients, and learn about life on both sides of the stretcher. The show will also explore what it is like to be so large that simple every day tasks become impossible and so require carers to assist them.

Do you like the sound of this new show Big Body Squad? Too American? Too insensitive? Or do you think it will make good viewing? Let us know what you think. The producer believes “We have been given amazing access to what is mainly a hidden world.  It has allowed us to see the shocking reality of what it’s like to live at these extremes of bodyweight.”

With Valentines round the corner it is time to start thinking of what token of love to send lovers. If your man normally buys you lingerie for Valentines (and maybe gets it wrong?), point him in the direction of Yours Clothing [site: www.yoursclothing.co.uk] who has a sexy selection of lingerie in their plus size Valentine’s shop. Or maybe you are going to offer yourself as a Valentine’s gift? Yours Clothing can help you look sexy for you man, just check out the plus size Valentine’s shop!

Sexy Basques

Stun your man with this sexy black Basque with pink and black lace trimming. The Black & Pink Basque has ruched detailing down the centre on the back and vertically on the front starting from each cup. This creates a sexy and flattering shape. The cups are trimmed with pink lace and there is a pretty bow between the cups for a feminine look. The lace detailing on the hem creates the effect of the Basque having a little skirt to create a suggestive look. This Basque is £25.00 and selling out fast! Keep your man in suspense with the Red Lace Trim Basque in red with black lace cups and inserts on the hips. This Basque has dainty little suspenders to add to the sexiness for Valentines. This Basque is £25.00.

Plus size Valentine’s shop: Black & Pink Basque £25 - Red Lace Trim Basque £25

Sexy Lace

Lace exudes sexiness and looks seductive on lingerie. The Lace Control Brief in black with a lace insert on the front of the brief will thrill your man especially when combined with the Pink Lace Non Padded Underwired Bra which has dainty bows on the straps. The briefs are just £8.00 and the bra is £16.00. They are also available in blue. The Babydoll Chemise is a pretty way to introduce lace to the bedroom. This babydoll has horizontal bands of black lace in black or if you opt for the red the cups behind the lace are red. This sexy number is £25.00.

Plus size Valentine’s shop Lace Control Brief £8 - Pink Lace Non Padded Underwired Bra £16 - Babydoll Chemise £25

What will you be buying from the Yours Clothing plus size Valentine’s shop? Visit Yours Clothing today at www.yoursclothing .co.uk.

Beth Ditto announced on the Gossip Facebook page on the 26^th January “Beth is collaborating with MAC on a makeup collection! Out this summer! Peggy Moffat realness campaign shot! And NEW RECORD coming too!” The shot shows a clever image of Beth Ditto wearing bold makeup. Who would expect anything less? So, what do we know about Beth Ditto for MAC?

It has got to be said, very little! We know the limited edition Beth Ditto for MAC makeup will hit the counters in June. However, we can surmise the makeup will be a bold, daring and unconventional display of wild textures and loud colors, just like Beth herself! Beth has already been a huge hit in the fashion world designing two collections for Evans and walking the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier not to mention being a successful rock chic and singer in the band Gossip; a makeup collection seems to be an obvious move and Beth a good choice on the part of MAC. Indeed, MAC is no stranger to hooking up with iconic celebs and has previously collaborated with Lady Gaga on a range of lipsticks to benefit the MAC AIDS foundation.

What to expect!

In celebration of the partnership, Beth attended a Gala Sidaction Dîner de la Mode as a guest of John Demsey, group president of the Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. and chairman of the MAC AIDS Fund, and Karen Buglisi, MAC global brand president. Are you excited at the though of the limited edition Beth Ditto for MAC? I know we are!

Read More on this story:

MAC Cosmetics Signs Beth Ditto
Gossip’s Beth Ditto Tapped by MAC for Collaboration Collection