Fashion
Plus Size Bloggers Join Catherines in a Jamaica Getaway To Remember
When you get a call from Kellie Brown of the blog And I Get Dressed to hold dates on your schedule, you just go ahead and do it without asking any questions. You know whatever it is she has planned will be nothing less than spectacular.
Knowing this, I still feel like I underestimated what was to come. My “Jamaica Getaway” began at the Amanoka Villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica. The house included a private beach, jacuzzi/pool suite, beach side swings, exercise and massage villa, private bedrooms and a staff of 8 that treated us like royalty.
Our host was Catherines, a brand known for providing trendy plus size fashion for women sizes 0X to 5X. My journey as an adult has taken me from a size 16/18 to size 24 and back. Throughout this journey, I have learned so much about dressing my body, realizing my options were fewer as my size got bigger. Thankfully Catherines is not afraid of dressing bigger bodies in bold prints, exciting colors and the latest fashion trends so my experience was not as terrible as it could have been.
And now that very company had brought me to “paradise” alongside my friends Beck of www.Manfattan.com, Rochelle of www.beauticurve.com and Chante of www.everythingcurvyandchic.com. We were greeted to tropical drinks and a tour of the property. Not long after, our traveling clothes were off and the shenanigans around the pool began. When looking for a swimsuit, I look for comfort and fit. The Crown Jewel Swimdress kept up with the waves of the ocean and pool games with my girls. (Click here to buy that swimdress.)
Crown Jewel Swimdress and Crochet Dot Cover-Up
For our very first dinner together, I chose a fun and sexy look. Living in NYC, I tend to gravitate towards darker colors, but while in “paradise” I decided to dress in the mood I was in. What I loved about this dress was the faux wrap on the top of the dress and the combination of colors cascading throughout the handkerchief hemline.
Delightful Night Dress paired with Laguna Bracelets
Beauty Inside and Out: Our second day included yoga and massages; I had one other yoga experience in my life and all I can remember was the pain I was in the next day. My yoga experience in Jamaica was a true spiritual and emotional one. I live a very hectic lifestyle and to be able to calm and unite my mind and body was truly something that benefited me in many ways.
Good Vibes Tee and Yoga Legging Capri
After yoga, Kellie and I headed over to have full body massages. Our private massage suite was located in a private area of the property surrounded by streaming water and the natural sounds of the island around us.
(personal selfie of Kellie and I)
On this night, Catherines asked for dinner to be served on the beach with a bonfire. I chose the Sunburst Dress, which was completely out of my personal comfort zone and I’m so glad that I did. Stripes are ALWAYS such a big deal among plus size women, but I believe it truly depends on the design. This design made me feel ready for a night of dancing around the bonfire with my girls.
Sunburst Dress and Hollywood Glam Bracelet
On The Water: The next day we set out for a Dunns River Falls excursion armed with sunscreen, snacks, towels and plenty of external batteries for our cell phones. We arrived to a very friendly crew who took us around the coast, pointing out all the majestic sights the island has to offer. When we arrived at the falls, we turned into little 7-year-old girls playing in the water and taking in the beauty of the clear blue water as it landed at our feet.
I’m wearing the Boho Garden Peasant Top and Diamond Denim Capri
The Last Supper: On our last evening together, dinner was served on a beautiful outdoor patio which was adorned with lights and a beautifully decorated table. We each spoke about what we loved most about the trip and how much we would miss waking up each morning and sharing our days together.
I chose this beautiful shift dress because it’s chic and sexy wrapped up in one. This is probably one dress you will see me in a lot this summer 🙂
I’ve worked in this industry over 15 years; my experience with Catherines was one that I will cherish and keep close to my heart. Throughout this trip, I was able to get to spend quality time with Beck, Rochelle and Chante. Not only did we enjoy a bonding experience, but the time I was able to spend alone meditating helped to realign my spirit with my body. Truly a plus positive experience 🙂
Many thanks to Kellie Brown, Kate and the Catherine’s team for affording me this amazing experience. I also want to thank photographers Lydia Hudgens (www.LydiaHudgens.com) and Christina Emile (www.ChristinaEmile.com) for being so awesome and capturing the images so exquisitely.
Click on the first image to start the slideshow:
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Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
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Feature
SwimStar All Stars Partnership With Renowned Plus-size Model and Swimsuits For All Ambassador, Denise Bidot
Inclusive Swimwear Brand Collaborates with Prominent Plus-Size Model Denise Bidot to Empower Aspiring Models…
Swimsuits For All, a pioneer in inclusive swimwear, proudly introduces its inaugural SwimStar All Stars campaign in partnership with renowned plus-size model and Swimsuits For All ambassador, Denise Bidot. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, nearly a decade following Denise’s groundbreaking “Beach Body, Not Sorry” campaign with Swimsuits For All in 2015, which showcased unretouched imagery aimed at promoting unapologetic confidence.
Denise Bidot and Swimsuits For All have jointly unveiled the SwimStar All Stars nationwide search, dedicated to discovering emerging talent in the realm of swimsuit modeling. Encouraging aspiring models to share their personal narratives, the initiative aims to inspire women of all backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. Following a rigorous selection process, Brittany Wilborn, Camryn Henry, and Sharon Clawson emerged as the chosen winners. In January 2024, these models embarked on a transformative journey to Harbour Island, where they had the unparalleled opportunity to shoot alongside Denise under the expert direction of internationally acclaimed photographer and director, Ben Watts.
Reflecting on the initiative, Denise Bidot remarked, “This was a truly exceptional opportunity to celebrate the diversity of plus-size models and cultivate an atmosphere of support, empowerment, and knowledge sharing. The camaraderie on set was palpable, and I am deeply honored to impart the wisdom and insights I’ve garnered throughout my career. Opportunities like these are scarce for plus-size models in the industry, and it has been a privilege to collaborate with the exceptional team at Swimsuits for All to bring this campaign to fruition.”
The models showcased the latest swimwear offerings from the Swimsuits for All 2024 collection, featuring innovative designs tailored to meet the diverse needs of women, including:
Feel-good Fits: Addressing common concerns such as tummy bulges and fit issues, Swimsuits for All offers a range of fits designed to instill confidence and comfort in every body. Incorporating features like Power Mesh for a smooth, flattering silhouette, and adjustable straps for customizable support, the collection caters to various body types.
Bold Prints & Colors for Summer: The summer swimwear collection boasts vibrant colors and captivating prints, injecting excitement and personality into beach and poolside attire. From vivid neon hues to tropical motifs, the collection encourages self-expression and style experimentation.
Liquid Shine: Introducing Liquid Shine, a striking swim fabrication characterized by a glossy, liquid-like finish, adding an edgy allure to beachwear. Available in multiple silhouettes, including bikinis, Liquid Shine ensures you stand out with confidence.
Bikinis that Suit You Best: The Mix & Match Bikini collection offers a personalized approach to swimwear, allowing individuals to mix and match colors and silhouettes for a bespoke look tailored to their preferences.
Beyond showcasing inclusive swimwear designs, the SwimStar All Stars campaign embodies a celebration of women uplifting one another in an industry often marked by competitiveness. Throughout the week-long shoot, models engaged in one-on-one sessions with Denise, fostering meaningful dialogue about the evolving representation of plus-size bodies in swim and fashion.
Jordan Hauser, Senior Director of E-Commerce & Marketing, expressed, “This campaign transcends conventional notions of body positivity and representation in the swim and fashion industries. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and authenticity in reflecting the diverse experiences of our customer base. We are committed to fostering a movement where women find strength in unity, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey alongside Denise Bidot, one of the industry’s foremost advocates for inclusivity.”
The summer 2024 swimwear collection is now available. For further details about Swimsuits For All and the SwimStar All Stars campaign, please visit www.swimsuitsforall.com.
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@plussizewildflower
@msgigggles
@talitakate
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@curvy_ambassador
@nativeactress
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@pridantas93
@shunitawynne
@nostalgic_nayok
@dlovecurve
@ariwearsthings
@thickfitdee
Plus Size Fashion Inspiration from YOU! Our fabulous readers share plus size fashion inspo on Instagram!
…Want to share your style inspo? Click here to follow us on Instagram and hashtag your pictures with #CelebrateMySize. You may be featured on our Instagram page or website.
@amandaneumanoficial
@aaliyahrenaa
@iheartcandyboo
@organiccurves_
@annemanyi
@johanamaya81
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