Hips and Curves has clearly done its research: models of all shapes and sizes display lingerie of all types and tastes. In the sidebar, women can find tips on doing a striptease, an endorsement from Tyra Banks (I have very mixed feelings about her as a spokesperson for anything let alone the plussie world, but we’ll talk about that later) and a gift ideas section clearly directed at the wandering husband and boyfriend. Prices are solidly mid-range, and the designs are definitely for plussies.

But… I have doubts about them. Please remember, I used to work as a battered women’s advocate. My thoughts on feminism are broad and complex. Maybe it’s the stripping advice. Maybe it’s the models covering their breasts on the “hole in the bra” designs (which, by the way, are gross). They’re right on the borderline of taste - some shots are classy and sexy, while others really are there just to titillate.

I endorse open female sexuality - hell, I encourage it. Women improving their sex lives improves everybody’s sex life long-term. But it seems like Hips and  Curves is still about pleasing men, and to a point, that’s fine - but for a woman to express her sexuality, she needs help learning to please herself first.