Sonsi New Online Destination Combines Shopping and Socializing for Full-Figured Women

Sonsi.com launches today with a new social commerce concept that merges fashion retail with magazine-style content and social networking, specifically for plus-size women. As the fashion world begins to slowly embrace full-figured women - occasionally even on the cover of magazines - many retailers remain "zeroed in" on smaller sizes. The launch of Sonsi(TM) represents another fashion-forward step for the majority of American women - nearly 60% of who wear a size 12 or above. Sonsi(TM) is dedicated to bringing these real women a variety of
fashion choices in a fun, community-based environment that embraces beauty in all shapes and sizes.

According to a recent study by BlogHer and iVillage, 68% of women use online communities to "connect with others" like them. Sonsi(TM) gives women who wear plus-sizes a single destination to both shop and connect with other like-minded women, all from the comfort of their home.

Sonsi(TM) features apparel, accessories, intimates, handbags, shoes and other products from over 80 brands at a variety of price points. The site offers notable brands such as Kiyonna(TM), Lane Bryant®, alight, Fashion Bug®, Catherines®, Cacique® and many more. Sonsi(TM) will continue to add online plus boutiques and brands throughout the year.

SonsiLiving(TM), the social side of Sonsi(TM), is an online social community fully integrated into the retail experience where women can make friends, share stories, review products and feel empowered with information and advice covering topics such as fashion, beauty, health, relationships, food, entertaining and more - from experts and peers alike. SonsiLiving(TM) also provides a variety of social networking experiences including online clubs, groups, live power chat sessions and expert blogs from notable plus-size industry insiders including Megan Garcia, plus-size model, yoga instructor and author of Megayoga, the first guide to yoga for plus-size women, and Susan Moses, fashion stylist to celebrities such as Wynonna Judd, Jill Scott, Emme, Mo'Nique and Queen Latifah.

"Our goal at Sonsi is to create a new experience that allows women to shop for their favorite brands in one convenient location while enjoying
the conversation and community that comes from social networking," said Jill Hutchison, Publisher of Sonsi(TM). "We chose the name Sonsi because it truly personifies the full-figured woman." The name Sonsi [son-see] is a play on the old Scottish word Sonsie and means strong and healthy, curvaceous, and a woman having pleasing curves.

To celebrate its launch, Sonsi(TM) is sponsoring Full Figured Fashion Week (TM), a four-day fashion event in New York dedicated to the evolution of plus-size fashion. Hutchison says, "Partnering with Full Figured Fashion Week(TM) is a natural fit for Sonsi to introduce itself to the plus-size fashion world. It embodies the mission of Sonsi, which is to celebrate fashion for today's women."

About Sonsi

Sonsi(TM) offers one of the largest online assortments of women's apparel, accessories and products, specifically for real women sizes 12 and up. With over 80 brands in one convenient shopping destination, Sonsi(TM) features trendy tops and bottoms, classy cocktail, evening and casual dresses, career wear, active wear, outerwear, swimwear, intimates, accessories and more, in a variety of price points from great brands such as Kiyonna, Lane Bryant, alight, Catherines, Fashion Bug, Cacique and more. SonsiLiving(TM), the social side of Sonsi(TM), is an inclusive online social community where real women can participate in social networking, groups and clubs, live power chat sessions, interactive quizzes and games, and stay informed with expert blogs, content and advice covering topics such as fashion, beauty, health, relationships and more. Sonsi, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Charming Shoppes, Inc. (CHRS).