Review: Figure Magazine / Www.FigureMagazine.Com

I discovered Figure at my local Fashion Bug store, where the magazine is primarily sold. I hadn't planned on buying any sort of store magazine, especially not one with a $3.95 price tag, but the cashier told me the magazine was part of a special and would discount my order, making it pretty much free, so I figured I'd give it a read.

I enjoy Fashion Bug's clothes because they actually do have a plus size section, where the clothes for larger women are just as nice as the ones for the girls a size 4, so I was glad this magazine seemed to be geared more towards "real women."

The current issue of Figure I obtained is the Jan./Feb. 2009 issue, which stars a pretty picture (and top article) of Melissa McCarthy, who has starred on both The Gilmore Girls, and Samantha Who?. The article is an interview of a larger woman who has played the "best friend" on more than one occasion, but who has an amazingly wonderful outlook on life, and was an interesting read.

Inside the cover is an advertisement for Fruit of the Loom's Fit For Me collection, which is a bra/panty line geared and "specifically tailored for all your wonderful curves."

I was impressed that all the clothing ads in the magazine are actually for places specializing in larger sizes, and showing models that are bigger modeling the clothes! I have come across several ads in other magazines for larger size clothing stores, showing models that I'm pretty sure wear a 4, not a 16.

There are numerous articles/sections in Figure, just like you'd expect in any other magazine--winter beauty tips, looking good on a budget, letters to the editor, workout tips, etc., as well as articles more tailored to real women.

In the current issue of Figure, there are some interesting reads, such as a Romance-themed article speaking about "Love, Men & Sex in the City" which showcases 5 NYC women of different sizes who are candidly discussing romance and sex, and being bigger.

Figure is tastefully put together, and is just as appealing as some of the other bigger magazines would be in grocery stores for thinner women. Another plus is it came with coupons for such places as Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, and Catherines.

Figure also has a website, www.figuremagazine.com, which showcases articles in the current issue, as well as hosts quizzes, a food section, slideshows of current pictures, a body-mind-spirit section, etc.

While I prefer the magazine to the website, you do get better access to the website if you're actually a member/subscribe (i.e., you can join the web community, see podcasts, etc.).

Currently, the website (and the Figure magazine itself) offers a subscription discount (2 years for the price of 1--six issues!), which makes the magazine come to about $1.33 (plus s.& h.), a great deal.

I personally, as a "real woman", am planning to subscribe to Figure, because it seems to be a insightful, fashionable read, and a good magazine!