Thank you to everyone for voting in the 2011 About.com Readers' Choice Awards. Voting took place between February 11th and March 8th in 9 categories, and we even had a unanimous winner!
A huge CONGRATS! to our plus-size winners, representing the best in the following categories:
Your Winners and Finalists
- Best Sports Bra
- Best Plus Designer
- Best Plus Model
- Best Wide-Foot Shoe Shop
- Best Plus Deals
- Best Extended Jeans
- Best Plus Multibrand
- Best Plus Fashion Magazine
- Best Plus-Size Etsy Shop
Note: No prize was given to the winner outside of a "cute" graphic badge for the winners to display on their Web sites and the bragging rights that come with getting recognized by the readers of one of a leading website owned by The New York Times Co.
Who Is the Best Plus Designer?
Best Plus-Size Designer: Igigi
Igigi was consistently ahead of the pack in this race, and a well-deserving winner. Not only are the seasonal options unique and trend-conscious, but they are designed and made in the United States. As you can see, Anna Scholz and Hips & Curves ended up jostling for position as a runner-up, and Anna Scholz took the honor.
How You Voted:
Igigi: 45%
Anna Scholz: 27%
Hips & Curves: 26%
What Is the Best Sports Bra for Plus-Size Women?
Best Sports Bra for Plus-Size Women: Enell
As an owner of a plus-size bra by Enell, I could understand why they won the RCAs in the "Best Sports Bra for Plus-Size Women" category. The bra has an intuitive fit and allows bustier women to still pursue high-impact activities like running and plyometrics. Wire-free and still highly effective, the Enell is number one in my book. Those who enjoy underwired sports bras should definitely look into Champion, the runner-up.
How You Voted:
Enell: 69%
Champion: 19%
Playtex Sports Bra: 11%
Who Is the Best Plus-Size Model?
Best Plus-Size Model: Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham's sumptuous curves are just part of her appeal: she's a smart woman with a huge heart who does yearly volunteer work in Africa. She represents those of us with roller-coaster curves and is unapologetic about her plus-sized frame--as she should be! As you'll notice, our runner-up, Louise O'Reilly, was close behind Ashley. I was surprised at how loyal her fans are across the pond, and I can't wait to see what Louise does next.
How You Voted:
Ashley Graham: 52%
Louise O'Reilly: 45%
Kumiko Ming: 2%
Where Can You Get the Best Plus-Size Deals?
Best Deals for Plus Sizes: Sealed with a Kiss Designs
If you're short on cash and you need some basics, SWAK can definitely help you out. The West Coast-based plus-size label has consistently low prices and some cute basics to fill out your closet. Runner-up Lane Bryant offers a great number of plus-size deals, including lingerie, with generous sizing.
How You Voted:
Sealed with a Kiss Designs: 53%
Lane Bryant: 34%
Just My Size: 12%
What Is the Best Wide-Foot Shop?
Best Wide-Foot Shoe Shop: Barefoot Tess
Barefoot Tess steps up offerings each year, but their emphasis has always been on quality. With exceptional customer service and lots of wide-foot options, their impressive numbers show your dedication to their site! Evans is our runner-up and always has something trendy for wider feet.
How You Voted:
Barefoot Tess: 51%
Evans: 29%
Duo: 19%
What Is the Best Plus-Size Multibrand Vendor?
Best Plus-Size Multibrand Vendor: Sonsi
Sonsi might be new on the scene, but they are making their mark! Combining multibrand offerings with lifestyle tips, the site has a strong social media presence and many fans. Fashion to Figure was a runner-up and offers brick-and-mortar options in additional to an online shop.
How You Voted:
Sonsi: 58%
Fashion to Figure: 24%
One Stop Plus: 16%
What Are the Best Extended-Size Jeans for Plus Women?
Best Extended-Size Jeans for Plus Women: Svoboda
Svoboda's plus-size jean offerings are unique, because the label happens to go from straight sizes to extended sizes without skipping a beat. If you wear an "in-between" size, you can shop at Svoboda without fear.
How You Voted:
Svoboda: 52%
Torrid: 27%
PZI Jeans: 20%
Best Plus-Size Magazine: Madison Plus
Madison Plus may have changed their format recently, but they haven't changed the way they hunt out fresh models both behind-the-scenes and on the job. Their interest in the plus modeling industry and in trends makes them a great read. Runner-up Plus Model Mag deserves a pat on the back for enthusiastic spreads and an intelligent take on the modeling world.
How You Voted:
Madison Plus: 61%
Plus Model Mag: 24%
Skorch: 14%
Best Plus-Size Etsy Shop: JIBRI
How You Voted: You nominated JIBRI unanimously! I omitted JIBRI from the Finalist voting period because this Etsy-sold label was chosen by 100% of About Plus-Size Readers for the RCAs. Now that's an honor!