Blogger Spotlight
Size 22 Blogger Shines in Fashion to Figure’s New Lookbook
With body diversity continuing to be a hot topic and more retailers trying to show more body shapes and sizes in their campaigns, we are always happy to see larger, more visibly plus bodies front and center.
It not only makes customers shop better by seeing how clothing looks on an array of different bodies but it also promotes confidence and empowerment to all women by letting them know that there is no single cookie cutter version of the perfect body that is worthy of fashion. We are all worthy of stylish fashion and looking good.
The latest brand that has us swooning is plus size fashion retailer Fashion to Figure. Their new lookbook titled Summer Nights is not only gorgeous and giving us a “Bright Lights, Big City” vibe but features blogger Nicole Simone as the face.
Nicole Simone wearing the Antonia Double Slit Maxi Dress, $46.90
Nicole is the blogger behind the blog Curves on a Budget and the Phoenix-based blogger is a size 22!
With Fashion to Figure’s sizing ending at a size 3, which equates to a size 22/24, it’s refreshing to see the brand showcase the larger side of their size range.
Nicole is perfectly cast in this lookbook, showing her on the streets of New York City during the beginning of summer, in a variety of looks from Fashion to Figure. We spoke with the blogger on her experience with working with Fashion to Figure and she was so gracious and humbled by how it all came together.
On how she got the opportunity to work with Fashion to Figure:
“FTF was the very first brand that reached out to me when I first started blogging. I only had maybe 7,000 followers and I was thrilled that they saw something in me. They are my most cherished brand because they’ve been with me since the beginning.”
On what it means to her, as a size 22, to be featured in a lookbook by a major fashion retailer:
“I think representation is everything. It’s cliche, but there’s so much truth in those three words. Plus size women have been demanding to see other visibly plus size women and I’m so thankful that I was part of making that happen.
I just saw the lookbook for the first time last night before it launched and almost cried because I had the same thoughts that many have about finally seeing visibly plus girl, but she’s me!”
On her style and how Fashion to Figure’s clothing fits in her lifestyle:
“This question is always so hard for me. <laughs> I always focus on simplicity and practicality. You won’t see me in elaborate calculated outfits. My life doesn’t call for that. I have a full time corporate job so my wardrobe needs to transition from office to the weekend. I like to be sleek, minimal, fun and sexy. Fashion to Figure has all those bases covered for me. There’s some brands that forget about the professional girl and focus on the weekend girl. FTF keeps everyone in mind.”
We’re so happy for Nicole to be featured in this lookbook and kudos to Fashion to Figure for showing body diversity.
Want to see more of this amazing lookbook? Click here.
You can visit Nicole’s blog here and follow her on Instagram here.
What do you think of Fashion to Figure’s new lookbook and their choice to feature a non-model who is a size 22? Please let us know below with a comment and let’s chat!
Influencer LIFE… An IG LIVE Replay
Want the low-down on Influencer LIFE? On this IG LIVE our editor Maddy Jones speaks to cover models and Blogger House Curvy Closet co-owners Darlene & Sandra about becoming a full-time influencer and building a business. We discuss what it seems like versus the reality.
While some people may be waiting for the perfect opportunity to launch their next chapter, these two vibrant women decided to go for it and have not looked back.
Part 2 of our video Interview with Darlene Lebron and Sandra Negron, owners of Blogger House Curvy Closet.
View Part 1 Here >>> VIEW
This month we are celebrating International Women’s Month with two of our favorite entrepreneurs Sandra Negron and Darlene Lebron, co-owners of The Blogger House Curvy Closet.
In part 2 of our interview with them, we discuss turning your hustle into your career and how it begins with YOU!
Blogger House Curvy Closet’
Darlene Lebron / IG @suitsheelscurves
Sandra Negron / IG @lapecosapreciosa
bloggerhousecurvycloset.com
facebook.com/bloggerhousecurvycloset
Blogger Spotlight
These 7 Body Positive Advocates Share Their Thoughts On Loving Yourself More in 2020
New Year, New (Improved) You…
That’s usually the consensus at this time of the year, with many of us now trying to follow those resolutions we made on New Year’s Eve. A new year means an opportunity to start anew.
We’re all on the same journey but at different places within that journey. Some of us are still struggling with self-confidence and love, and we hope the New Year brings you more peace of mind, love and happiness for yourself and others.
Photos, Michael Poley of Poley Creative for AllGo
We’ve now entered a new decade and it’s the perfect moment to inspire you to look ahead feeling empowered as you continue your journey.
In the spirit of inspiration, we reached out to 7 body positive advocates in the plus-size world to offer their advice on loving yourself more in the new year:
#1: Zach Miko – IMG’s first Brawn model
“In 2020, see things for how they truly are and break every negative feeling down. Feel bad about how you look today? Why? What don’t you like about your body? Who told you that part of your body is wrong? Who stands to profit from you feeling that way? How many of your insecurities were placed there by someone trying to sell you something? How many hurt people are lashing out because of their own institutionalized insecurity?
The small box of what is considered beautiful was built by people making money off your pain. But real beauty isn’t limited; beauty is individuality and diversity. You are beautiful now, and you have always been beautiful. Don’t let an antiquated system trying to profit off breaking your spirit blind you to that. This year, have 2020 vision.”
#2: Deb Malkin – Certified Massage Therapist & Movement Specialist for Every Body
“My advice for loving yourself in 2020 and beyond is to cut yourself a break. If you’re a recovering perfectionist like me, know that perfectionism is a total lie. The best thing in life is to try everything, fail a lot, be kind to yourself and lean into joy whenever possible. Life is short and there are no gold stars for doing anything perfectly, which includes loving our bodies. Don’t worry about getting it right!
I learned from life coach Kara Loewentheil that every thought we think someone else is thinking about us is really a thought we are thinking about ourselves. Whoa, my mind exploded when I noticed how often I was imagining other people having (negative) thoughts about my body!
Of course, we’re usually only upset about the negative thoughts. But unless someone is saying those words to your face, our own brains are the source of these thoughts we think they are thinking about us when we are on a date or at the gym or with our family, positive and negative. This is really good news because we can learn how to think new, more useful thoughts.
If we truly want to love ourselves we need to take back the power of how we are thinking about ourselves and not ask society, our loved ones or the person you just met on social media to provide that validation. All human beings are born worthy and deserving of love and this includes you.”
#3: Liz Black – Writer & Blogger at P.S. It’s Fashion
“Try to make 2020 the year of you. After so many years of putting yourself last, put yourself first this year. Stop focusing on what you think society deems acceptable, and wear the things you want to wear now. Give yourself permission to eat what you want, and do it in public. Stop waiting on your weight and go after your dreams – life is too short and before you know it, your future will be your past!”
#4: Rob Robinson, Big & Tall Model
“Acceptance… Attention… Appreciation… everyone wants a piece of each but are failing to see no one will love you more than yourself. Build on ‘you’ in 2020 and focus on making yourself happy. Treat your body and mind like an ‘Instagram Like’ and ‘Heart’ it every day!”
#5: Ashley Carter – Blogger at FabEllis
“The advice I am constantly giving to others, and reminding myself of, is that comparison is the thief of joy. To truly love yourself, honor who you are by not comparing yourself to others, embrace your gifts and accept your flaws. When you compare yourself, you are not honoring the amazing gift you bring to this earth. Be mindful of who and what you follow, set boundaries and unfollow anyone who makes you feel compelled to compare or feel less than or unworthy.”
#6: LaShawn Deangelo Millner, Fashion Designer/Owner of Designs by Deangelo
“Stay true to you because you are worth it. Remember that in 2020 and beyond. Don’t follow trends, set them. Love yourself like your life depends on it. Know that it’s okay to say ‘No’ and okay to some ‘ME’ time, because you’re no good to yourself or anyone else if you’re not at your best. Last but not least, find your purpose and ride it until the wheels fall off. There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing exactly why you exist.”
#7: Faith Costa, Plus Size Model (Bicoastal Mgmt) & Artist
“2020 is the start of a new decade. A time to reinvest in yourself and dive headfirst into pure self-love and care. It’s going to take some time and effort though, so don’t be too hard on yourself. You are worth every bit of it. This year, take steps to challenge yourself with radical self-love. Take the time to start your day with positive affirmations and beautiful short term and long term goals. Force time for yourself, your hobbies and your mental health. You are a work of art that is always changing. Be aware of that, acknowledge your strengths and needs. Self-love is learned through practice. Let 2020 be the year self-care thrives so that your self-love can blossom.”
We, here at PMM, wish our readers a happy and safe New Year as well as an amazing 2020! Here’s to loving yourself more and living life fully!
[divider] . [/divider]What do you plan to do in 2020 to love yourself more? Follow us on social media and let us know: @plusmodelmag: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Check out these 10 plus size male influencers…
They are passionate about fashion and are giving us LIFE on their Instagram feeds!
Our October 2018 cover model…
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn-CJU_BiMb/?taken-by=builtuprealnice
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnaKsH2HMX9/?tagged=bigandtallmodel
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoSniPRADWr/?taken-by=adydelvalle_
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoYBejuF6_1/?taken-by=iamdarklord
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnIclynjzjw/?taken-by=asos_trey
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Follow PMM on IG @plusmodelmag
#plusmodelmag #plussizemodels #celebratemysize #PlusSizeMaleInfluencers #PlusSizeInfluencers #PlusSizeMen
We are so happy to see plus sized women of all shapes and sizes breaking the “rules” which we never understood anyway.
Whether it is flowers, stripes or bright colors, these 10 plus size influencers are giving us LIFE in these bold looks.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm4YU9CB0qp/?taken-by=simonemariposa
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnADFchlp67/?taken-by=ceceolisa
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Follow PMM on IG @plusmodelmag
These models and influencers are bringing #summervibes to our instagram feed.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlgJY-XFwlm/?taken-by=iamvmays
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlTRLzeDB6f/?taken-by=jezra_m
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bls2L0tDGct/?taken-by=loralyee
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