Blogger of the Month – Lauren Ding
0 Comments
We’re back this year with our first blogger of the month 2013 and now it’s the turn of Lauren, from Pocket Rocket Fashion to have her say. Lauren is pictured below wearing our spearmint skater tunic from our previous collection.
Now let’s hand it over to Lauren…
How long have you been blogging?
My blog turned three in August 2012. I can’t quite believe it’s been 3 years! I’m a very different person now from when I was back then.
What do you blog about?
Plus size fashion, fat fashion, whatever you’d like to call it! I decided to blog about a specific subject instead of my life, as you can get quite vulnerable putting your feelings out there for everyone to see. And fashion, specifically plus size fashion was something I loved, so it made perfect sense.
Who inspires you? / Where do you get your inspiration from, when writing your blog?
So many people inspire me! I’m pretty much always inspired by someone or something. I guess when I first started, Beth Ditto was a big deal for me. Going to a Gossip gig back in the day was one of the first times I felt truly beautiful. Generally speaking it’s a combination of old Hollywood photographs and cool girls I see on the tube and more recently, on tumblr.
Biggest achievement? (blogging/otherwise!)
Blogging-wise, being asked to design an outfit – I went for a dress as I’m ridiculously girly – for Simply Be (more on this will be revealed soon, so watch this space!). It’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to me. Literally a dream come true! In my life, getting a decent set of GCSE’s when I’d struggled with deep depression in my teens was a huge achievement for me.
How would you describe your style?
This is so hard! I really like looking glamorous and ladylike, but then I also love wearing kitsch and cute clothes. I asked a friend once and she said “teacups and fists!” So I would say ladylike, with a bit of a bite.
What do you do when you’re not blogging? / What would be your ideal job?
When I’m not blogging, I’m at work (on the opposite side of the blogging fence, I work in SEO) or catching up with friends and going to see bands I love. And watching TV – I’m a proper telly geek!
Which celeb style do you admire the most?
It’s almost a cliché now but I still think Beth Ditto looks incredible – she has such an amazing eye. I also love classic actresses: Audrey Hepburn of course, Anna Karina, Marilyn Monroe. More recently I like Dita von Teese, (pictured left) and Ginnifer Goodwin (pictured right) has been making me gasp with her last few red carpet outfits!
What do you like about Simply Be?
I love that they’ve really made the effort to provide something for everyone. So many people assume everyone who wears over a certain size all want the same style of clothes, but that’s not true at all. Some of us are confident and unafraid to take fashion risks, others are more modest and less happy with their bodies – and that’s okay! One of the really nice things was looking through the latest catalogue with my mum and her cousin – we’re different generations and all have such different tastes, but all of us found things we wanted to wear.
Any favourites from the Simply Be collection?
I really love the flocked and velour skater dresses and was gutted that they sold out before I could buy one! I love all the dresses from your new in must haves, and also the amazing flapper dress. I treated myself to your sweetheart jumper which I wear all the time!
Do you have any style advice/ general words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Forget the rules. If you like something, give it a try. If it doesn’t work, it’s not the end of the world.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Just reading about people learning to accept themselves in the here and now – that was so powerful to me and I don’t think I would have done some of the things I’ve done and made the friends I have without it. Learning to accept myself in the present, instead of a possible (thin) future genuinely changed my life for the better.
What single item could you not live without?
Oh, easy – my phone! It would need working wifi, though!
Apart from your own, can your recommend any favourite style blogs or books we can add to our reading list?
Well it’s not a style book per se, but I just bought Hot and Heavy edited by Virgie Tovar, and it’s amazing. It’s a compendium of articles written by plus size women about life, love and fashion. Such a great, life-affirming read! As for blogs, I literally follow hundreds. I’m really enjoying Gem (Not So Serious fashion), Callie (From the Corners of the Curve) and Isha (Creative Type Fashion) at the moment.
Shoes or handbags? 
My heart says shoes – even though I find the best ones really hard to walk in!
Anything else you’d like to get across?
Here’s to an awesome 2013!
Thanks Lauren, here’s to 2013 indeed – lets make it a good one ladies! For more on Lauren head on over to her blog. xx
Blogger of the Month: Rosie Astbury
1 Comments
Here she is looking lovely in our floral print skater dress!
Now let’s get to know more about her…
I started blogging in April 2010. My college course got us to create blogs for somewhere to show our work etc and I really enjoyed it and I’d read fashion bloggers before then, so decided to start with outfit shots. I should probably thank my then tutor for encouraging me, because I wouldn’t be where I am today with my blog if they hadn’t got me to create one.
What do you blog about?
I blog about almost anything, though outfit posts are the main subjects of my blog. I also post about music from videos I like, to gigs I’ve been to. Places I visit with family and anything else I want to write about!
Who inspires you? / Where do you get your inspiration from, when writing your blog?
I tend to get my inspiration from everyday life, other bloggers, stores where I’ve seen something I want, window displays and gardens. Some of the most inspirational people to me are my fellow bloggers, as well as all the amazing people I’ve met on the way.
Biggest achievement? (blogging/otherwise!)
I’ve had so many amazing opportunities thanks to blogging. A few highlights being; meeting Gok Wan in January at the launch of one of his collections for Simply Yours, modelling for the recent Plus North event which was amazing! I’ve also been lucky enough to be invited to a number of events which are based in London, so having the opportunity to travel to the city is always brilliant. Outside of blogging I guess my biggest achievement to date is making my collection in my final year of college and seeing it down the catwalk and actually somehow managing to get into uni to study fashion.
How would you describe your style?
In my opinion I would say pretty eclectic as I wear whatever I want to and I’m not one for completely following a trend. Saying that I’m always sure I know what’s in style. I also adore vintage styling – be it antique style lace on dresses or the perfect pin up look.
What do you do when you’re not blogging? / What would be your ideal job?
When I’m not blogging I’m either studying for my degree in fashion buying with design at DMU (De Montfort University, Leicester) or flicking through fashion mags, but blogging is never far from my mind. My ideal job would be in fashion as it’s something I’m hugely passionate about. But currently my ultimate dream is to be a stylist though I’d happily do anything fashion based as I love all aspects of the industry.
Which celeb style do you admire the most?
I’m sure a lot of plus size women would say Adele and as much as I wish my hair and make up was just like hers, I just think she wears far to much black. But I still love her. There isn’t one celeb style I admire the most as I tend to be influenced by a number of different people. Currently I’m loving Paloma Faith‘s eccentric style but I also like the indie cool of Alexa Chung.
What do you like about Simply Be?
The thing with Simply Be is that you truly listen to what the customers would want, fashionable styles for the fuller figure! You have the perfect mix of edgy cool and safe staples.
Any favourites from the Simply Be collection?
I have a few favourites in my wardrobe, including the polka dot sheer shirt (from last season) and oversized turquoise clutch. At the moment I’m also lusting over the Gok collection, and pretty much the whole autumn/winter collection.
Do you have any style advice/ general words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Don’t use black as your safety blanket when it comes to clothes and experiment with colour even if it’s just shoes/belt or a vibrant clutch with an LBD, it will change the whole look of the finished outfit and the outlook you have on yourself.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Love yourself for who you are. And manners mean everything!
What single item could you not live without?
LEGGINGS. I pretty much wear them daily, even as trousers if they are thick enough and my top is long enough! Though my pet hate is see-through leggings – I don’t really fancy seeing what colour knickers the girl in front has on.
Apart from your own, can you recommend any favourite style blogs or books we can add to our reading list?
Of course, there’s a huge number of bloggers I read, from fashion, plus size, beauty and lifestyle so my list would be endless! My latest new read would be Mel from gladrags and the handbags though I love all the blogs I read equally. Being a fashion student I’ve also read a lot of style books over the last few years one of my all time favourites being self titled Celia Birtwell book, because the pattern and illustrations are utterly beautiful and eye catching.
Shoes or handbags?
Handbags! I would say I don’t have many but the straining wardrobe door would say otherwise! And once I’ve found a pair of shoes I like, I wear them until the sole can talk.
Anything else you’d like to get across?
I think it’s really important to wear what you want to wear don’t be dictated by what people think you should for your shape. As long as you feel good, who cares?! I also think there needs to be more role models for plus size young girls to show them that it’s okay not to be size zero and that there is some seriously brilliant women out there just being who they are!
Hear, hear Rosie – we couldn’t agree more! For more from Rosie, head on over to her blog! xx
Blogger of the Month: Just Joanna
0 Comments
It’s that time again for another Blogger of the Month and this November we have the pleasure of introducing you all, to the lovely Joanna of Just Joanna.
Joanna loves all things fashion and beauty and here she is to tell us more…
How long have you been blogging?
I have been blogging for around 3 years, it took me a few years to find a blogging style I was happy with. Just Joanna is now one and a half years old .
What do you blog about?
My blog is a mix of everything; plus size fashion, nail art, shopping hauls, make up and beauty, home interior and storage posts. There really is something for everyone.
Who inspires you? / Where do you get your inspiration from, when writing your blog?
I find inspiration everywhere. I can be in a park looking at the scenery and imagine taking some great outfit posts, or flicking through magazines looking at the latest beauty and fashion products, lusting to get my hands on it to review. But my biggest inspiration comes from other bloggers. I love being surprised at how people can piece together an outfit using items I wouldn’t dream of using, it makes me a little more daring with colour and prints.
Biggest achievement? (blogging/otherwise!)
Blogging wise it was meeting Zandra Rhodes, it was so surreal to be chatting about holidays and fashion with such an epic British fashion icon.
How would you describe your style?
Current, colourful and on trend.
What do you do when you’re not blogging? / What would be your ideal job?
My ideal job would be a style consultant/personal shopper in a fashion store picking out the latest trends and making women feel and look great.
Which celeb style do you admire the most?
Holly Willoboobie (Holly )! Lol she mixes curves and elegance perfectly.
What do you like about Simply Be?
How long do we have here? This could take some time as I love EVERYTHING about Simply Be so I’ll keep it short and simple: Simply Be make catwalk fashion trends accessible to the plus size woman and that’s not easy to do.
Any favourites from the current Simply Be collection?
Bird print tunic (pictured below), and Jersey Skater tunic dress, I love how you can jazz up this skater dress with a belt or scarf, simple and chic.
Do you have any style advice/ general words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Embrace your curves and love the skin you’re in.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Be experimental with clothing, use tube skirts as boob tubes and pull up maxi skirts over your bust to use them as dresses
What single item could you not live without?
A pair of black leggings
Apart from your own, can your recommend any favourite style blogs or books we can add to our reading list?
Claire from Claireabelle. Love her outfits so much and she has great beauty tips.
Shoes or handbags?
HANDBAGS! Paul’s Boutique in particular
We’re with you on that Joanna – a good pair of black leggings is our wardrobe staple! For more from Joanna, head on over to her blog here!
Don’t miss out on our next Blogger of the month, coming soon…xx
Blogger of the Month: Becky Barnes!
4 Comments
Welcome to our first ever Blogger of the Month feature! Every month we’ll be interviewing a fabulous fashion blogger to find out what inspires them. We are very pleased that the gorgeous Becky Barnes of The Ramblings of Mrs BeBe is going to kick things off.
Here she is in our very own high low hem dress!
But enough from us – let’s hear from Becky…
How long have you been blogging?
Less than a year
What do you blog about?
Mainly plus size fashion, but I am known for having the occasional rant about things that get on my nerves!
Who inspires you? / Where do you get your inspiration from, when writing your blog?
I like to people watch, if I see great style on someone in the street I think about the items I have in my wardrobe that I can recreate the look with. Of course other bloggers are a constant source of inspiration and I love whiling away the hours on Pinterest.
Biggest achievement? (blogging/otherwise!)
I’d have to say organising Plus North (The plus-size fashion event that took place in Leeds, early July), it was just amazing to see so many fabulous women in one room, enjoying fashion and having fun, I swell with pride every time I think of it!
How would you describe your style?
Eclectic, classic with a twist.
What do you do when you’re not blogging? / What would be your ideal job?
I’m a full-time mum, I recently sold my business where I ran a Vintage Tea Party Service. I’m not really sure what my ideal job would be, I’ve never been a career girl. I’ve always wanted to be in Musical Theatre, so a lead part in Les Miserables would be pretty cool!
Which celeb style do you admire the most?
This question has been asked a lot lately, and I’d like to be able to name a plus size woman, but I just can’t think of anyone. Beth Ditto isn’t my cup of tea style wise and as much as I love Adele, and I think she’s well dressed, her style doesn’t set my world alight. Think I’d have to say Fearne Cotton, I love her style the way she mixes classic glamour with punky edges.
What do you like about Simply Be?
I love how Simply Be stay on trend whilst always offering a wide size range, it’s great to know they believe style doesn’t stop at a certain size.
Any favourites from the current Simply Be collection?
I’m loving the Horse Print Shirt and the floral jacket and trousers. The western style denim shirt is a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe – so versatile and easy to wear.
Do you have any style advice/ general words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Wear what makes you feel good, confidence shines through and improves most outfits… Oh yeah and to hell with the rules!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Trust your instincts.
What single item could you not live without?
My trusty and now famous denim jacket.
Apart from your own, can your recommend any favourite style blogs or books we can add to our reading list?
I love Rosie over at aroselikethis her cute young style makes me wish I was young again! And the fabulous Hanna at thewardrobechallenge Hanna always looks great!
Shoes or handbags?
Shoes every time!
Anything else you’d like to say to our readers?
Enjoy fashion no matter what your size, you might not be happy with your body but that’s no reason not to look fabulous. You never know a passion for clothing might start to change your perception of you, because you know what? You’re amazing!
Becky – we couldn’t agree more! Get more from Becky over at The Ramblings of Mrs BeBe.
October News Round-Up
0 Comments
We can’t believe it’s November already! Let’s take a look back over last month’s happenings…
We’ve been super busy with our model competition final – but some of our favourite bloggers have been busy too!
Laura and Naomi both wore some fab Simply Be outfits that made them feel a million dollars – how gorgeous do they look?
Mhairi from Lily Bobomb’s Lovely Lumps blog has picked out some of her Simply be favourites in this blg post - great chocies!
While over at Lady from a Tramp blog, Katie has pulled together a fab Simply Be outfit based on Kim Kardashian’s look.
There have been a few more write-ups from our exciting new store launches. Stephanie from Buttons Bows and Brogues and Laura from What Laura Loves went along to the Liverpool store launch – check out their blogs for their reviews.
And of course everyone has been talking about our model competiton. Claire from Big Beauty Blog went along to the final and got some great snaps from the day - take a look. And while everybody agrees our winner Abi Hill is a most gorgeous and worthy winner (we’ll be sure to share her first photoshoot with you) some people said that they woud like to see a bigger model win. Georgina gives her take on it over at Fuller Figure Fuller Bust blog.