StyleXL 2015

At the start of the month, we saw the return of the fab StyleXL. An amazing body positive event featuring well known plus size brands, fashion shows, competitions and a safe haven for like minded people to socialise and catch up.

Like last years event, I was fortunate enough to model on the cat walk for brands inc Apples and Pears and Topsy Curvy. 

It's quite difficult for me to put in to words just how much I appreciate these type of events. Not only for the blogging opportunity aspect but for meeting new faces and reconnecting with friends I've made either online or through past events. Now, I've never really had much bother being 'the fat girl' in social situations but I absolutely love that events such as StyleXL, there is no judgement, no bitchiness, no fear of harassment, just a common ground and a real understanding of one another. 

Between walking on the catwalk, I got the chance to walk around the room and stop at the stands that were in attendance. Bon Prix were running some fun competitions so I took part in one of those and won a goody bag! I never win anything so I was pretty excited. 

        My winning IG photo!

Bon Prix also had this AH-MAZE-ING coat  that I now have my eye on for the colder months. 

Another brand I fell in love with was Scarlett and Jo. I've read review after review about their beautiful dresses but I had yet to try one on. I absolutely loved this Poppy print prom dress from the sample sale rail but sadly it was a little too big for me. 

I loved the quality of material and how the skirt sat on me. It felt full and 'floofy' without making me feel bulky and simply wanted to dance around and spin! And that poppy print was just everything! The brand is now firmly on my radar and I've already seen a jumpsuit that might just end up in my wardrobe.

A few of the other brands that attended were Claireabellas Closet, with beautiful custom made dresses, current Voodoo Vixen dresses and amazing hair flowers and vintage inspired accessories. 

Topsy Curvy with their trendy yet affordable fashions. Apples and Pears with their simple yet ever so stylish fashion pieces. Curvy Kate with their beautiful bra sets, they also offered a measuring service to ensure the best fit. Simply Be and Yours Clothing with a selection of their new A/W collections. 

Now for the catwalk, I modelled for Topsy Curvy, wearing a gorgeous black jumpsuit that can be found here.

This gorgeous little black Grecian style drape dress from Apples and Pears found here.

       Image by Kay Henry

The most amazing and super fun little outfit from one of my favourite designers Chubby Cartwheels. 

I was also very fortunate to model a funky little swim top that was made by Rosie Astbury for her Uni finals. A Rose Like This Designs feature gorgeous yet unique plus size swim and beach outfits. They were an absolute hit!

A massive thank to Leah Shafik who dedicated so much time and effort to host this wonderful event at The Paragon Hotel in Birmingham. It was an honour to be part of it x

Plus North pt1

Recently I attended my first ever Plus North. I had previously heard nothing but positive things for this event when I first ventured into the world of plus size blogging. Did it live up to expectations? Totally!

These events are not a simple thing to put together but spread over the two days, I thought it ran pretty smoothly. 

I was fortunate enough to model for two brands too. Like many others who attended, I was too busy enjoying myself that I forgot to take any pictures so I've had to pinch them from other people!

Modelling for Yours Clothing

The first day was a mixture of catwalks and shopping. Stalls included Curvy Kate with bra fittings and bargain knickers, Chunky Cat Cuddler with her beautiful laser cut acrylic pieces of jewellery, Nicky Rockets fab T shirts, Bon Prix, Zizzi, SLiNK magazine, Apples and Pears and Topsy Curvy. 

The fashion shows included Simply Be, Yours Clothing, Ann Harvey, So Fabulous and Topsy Curvy. 

The So Fab models

I travelled to Leeds for the event alone, shared a room with girls I've not stayed with before and was in a room full of people I either didn't know or only had seen or spoken to online, all this was completely out of my comfort zone. I get a little shy and uncomfortable around new faces and I'm generally a bit socially awkward. But here, I didn't let that bother me. Not everyone knew each other and that was ok. I met new faces and those that I have been following on social media sites for a while. If at any point of the day I found myself alone, there was a face I recognised to talk to. What a truly positive environment to be in!

After the first day was done, a group of us went out for meal before the afterparty 

Wearing Modcloth for the day

Part 2 to follow x

StyleXL

Last weekend I was given the amazing opportunity to model at a brand new plus size fashion event hosted and run by the ever so lovely Leah Shafik from www.thirtysomethingcurvyme.com

Some amazing plus size fashion brands were in attendance including Yours Clothing and Simply Be. I walked for Simply Be, MSSVG, Topsy Curvy, Pink Clove and Apples and Pears. 

 

This was me in Topsy Curvy. A fun, young and price savvy brand

Credit to Charles Davis

Here I am in Simply Be

And being a little poser in Pink Clove

 Credit to Aimee Tink

For it's first year, this event was very successful. There were plenty of people in attendance and things ran smoothly. There was some great stalls to shop at such as Chunky Cat Cuddler with their funky bold acrylic jewellery and Irridescence with their beautiful accessories.

I had so much fun modelling for the day and hanging out with fellow bloggers. It was such a positive environment and I was so proud to be part of it. I can't wait to see what's in store for next year!