Blogger of the month: Amy Simon
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This month we have the pleasure of introducing you all to the lovely Amy Simon of These Girls Turn Heads. For those of you who haven’t read her blog yet – Amy works in fashion PR, and writes about all things fashion with regular outfit posts. We adore her style and way of thinking!
Here’s Amy in our Simply Be Military Jacket.
Blogger of the Month: Rosie Astbury
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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
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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: Toni King!
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We’re back with our blogger of the month for October! It’s the lovely Toni’s turn of The Only Way is Toni to speak to us about all things fashion and blogging.
Here she is, looking gorgeous in our denim dress.
Now let’s hear what Toni has to say…
How long have you been blogging?
About a year.
What do you blog about?
Plus size fashion mainly.
Who inspires you? / Where do you get your inspiration from, when writing your blog?
I get inspiration from everyone. I love looking at how others dress and how they style items.
Biggest achievement? (blogging/otherwise!)
Definitely Plus North. All of the hard work that me and Becky did really paid off and we cant wait for next year.
How would you describe your style?
I don’t really have one. I just wear what ever I feel comfortable in. I like so many different styles, it would be too hard to stick with just one.
What do you do when you’re not blogging? / What would be your ideal job?
I love travelling. My dream job would have to be within the travel industry. I have worked abroad before and would go back again tomorrow!
Which celeb style do you admire the most?
At the moment I love Emile Sande. Her style is awesome. I love how she mixes masculine and feminine together.
What do you like about Simply Be?
The variety of items from Simply Be is amazing and the size range.
Any favourites from the current Simply Be collection?
I love the studded sweat Jumper from the must have range and the Jersey Maxi Skirt and Belt.
Do you have any style advice/ general words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Believe in yourself and regret nothing.
What single item could you not live without?
My iPhone. I cant remember what I did before I had it.
Apart from your own, can your recommend any favourite style blogs or books we can add to our reading list?
Soooo many; Curvy Wordy for all your bra needs, A Dress is for Life, Miss Kathryn’s MissTakes and The Ramblings of Mrs BeBe.
Shoes or handbags? Shoes…handbags……shoes….Both
Thanks Toni, it’s a tricky last question we too find it hard to choose between the two – after all a girl needs both in her life 
For more from Toni check out her blog! xx
Blogger of the Month – Claire Harris!
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Welcome to our second Blogger of the month, and this time we have the pleasure of introducing Claire from A Monkey Fatshionista.
Here she is looking lovely in our Joe Browns tunic.
Now lets hear from Claire…
How long have you been blogging?
Just over two years now, I started blogging in June 2010.
What do you blog about?
Mainly what I’m wearing but sometimes about what I’ve been up to.
Who inspires you? / Where do you get your inspiration from when writing your blog?
I get a lot of inspiration from other bloggers – plus and non plus sized ones. I also get outfit inspiration from people watching! Some of my best outfits have been unshamelessly copied from people I’ve seen on the tube!
Biggest achievement? (blogging/otherwise!)
I think my biggest achievement has been finding a job which ticks all the boxes. I’m one of those (annoyingly) rare people who can actually say, loves their job!
How would you describe your style?
I’ve been told my style is “quirky art teacher” which I love! So I’m sticking with that.
What do you do when you’re not blogging? / What would be your ideal job?
I work in the quality team for a well known dispute resolution service. My day job is my ideal job! However, I also long to own a pub! There is one up for lease near me and I daydream about what I would do with the space!
Which celeb style do you admire the most?
I’m not sure if she’s a “real” celeb but I love the cookery writer/chef Rachel Khoo’s style. I also love Marion Cotillard’s quirky style.
What do you like about Simply Be?
Where shall I start?! The fact that it’s the only plus size retailer that is really listening to it’s customers; it’s opening plus size stores when companies like Arcadia group are closing stores and New Look is reducing the number of stores that stock its plus size range. It gives us on-trend items every season – items we want and not just the items people think plus size women should wear… the list is endless! I LOVE Simply Be!
Any favourites from the current Simply Be collection?
The panel skirt by Joe Browns is amazing and I also love the printed PJ pants!
Do you have any style advice/ general words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Be comfortable in what you wear. It doesn’t matter if it’s not “for your shape”, but as long as you are comfortable you will feel great which means you will look great! Works for me!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Like who you are or do something about it!
What single item could you not live without?
This season – my denim jacket! I wear it with everything!
Apart from your own, can your recommend any favourite style blogs or books we can add to our reading list?
This isn’t an exhaustive list but -Plus size favourites are – Frocks and Frou Frou, Fatty Unbound, We Are Large People, Pretty In Plus, Pocket Rocket Fashion, reizende rundungen, The Nearsighted Owl, A Well Rounded Venture, Oh The Places You’ll Go and The Plus Side of Me. Non plus size favourites are Kendi Everyday, Wolf Whistle, Pretty Much Penniless, bluebird vintage and ultimate guilty pleasure – Rockstar Diaries!
Shoes or handbags?
Ooh difficult choice… I’d have to say shoes if forced to choose…
Any final words for our readers?
Just to say – enjoy what you wear! Don’t feel you should or shouldn’t wear something just because of your size. Try it on and see what happens!
Great advice Claire, now we’re off to take a look at that reading list! To find out more from Claire head on over to A Monkey Fatshionista! xx
Blogger of the Month: Becky Barnes!
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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.
