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The 40+ Blogger Series: Beth of BethHallman.com

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If you’re 40 or older, you have had a front seat to the evolution of plus size fashion in the last few decades.

When I hear 20-something year-old’s complain about how limited plus size fashion is, I always tell them, “You have no idea. What’s available now is leaps and bounds from where we used to be.

Add being over a size 24 to that and you really know the struggle that we had to endure in the 70’s and 80’s.

With that said, we thought it would be interesting, as well as insightful, to spotlight plus size fashion bloggers over 40 in a weekly series, chatting with them about their style, favorite trends and how their fashion choices have evolved over the years.

This week, the 40+ Blogger Series features someone I have been personally following for years and she is one of the bloggers that has inspired me in so many ways… the always empowering and gorgeous Beth, who you may know as One Fabulous Mama, but has since rebranded to BethHallman.com.marcy 1

Blogging since: 2010

Age: 45

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Size: 3X to 4X (or 26/28) range

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How would you describe your style right now in one sentence?

I wear precisely what I want with little, or no (on good days), regard for trends, what’s “flattering” and the societal conventions about how fat women (or women my age) should dress.

What were your favorite brands and trends when you were in your 20’s?

In my early 20’s, I was a thrift store junkie who put together outrageous, glorious outfits. Think florals with boots and plaids with sandals. In my mid to late 20’s, I was a mother who’d gained weight, but still wanted desperately to fit in with the other moms who were smaller and had access to trendy clothes in their sizes. I wore what was available in plus sizes in my small, rural Southern 90’s town – mostly muumuus of shame from K-Mart. Once I had access to a Lane Bryant store, Sears, and JC Penney, I branched out into the safe world of vests, matching tops and bottoms, pantsuits, and “elastic band in the waist” denim.

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What are your favorite brands and trends now?  

As a rule, I wear what I want regardless of what’s hot right now. I’m embracing the rebel I always wanted to be and now that I have more options as the fashion industry catches up with their consumers, I can express whatever style suits me. I do adore Torrid for its edginess and On the Plus Size by Making It Big, because I can get high quality clothes that actually fit. I live in their leggings and, come fall, will dive back into the most comfortable, gorgeous cardigan ever. Penningtons is amazing. I’m in love with an asymmetric dress by Tess Holliday they have! For budget friendly buys, my go to is Forever 21, but it’s trickier to find upper plus size clothes there. You have to ignore the size on the tag sometimes and see what fits. I’m still a big fan of thrift stores where I can find vintage scores. Gwynnie Bee has been a gateway to more fashion choices. They offer me more access to beautiful clothes.marcy 9

How has your style changed over the years? Did your body image affect the way you dressed?

My evolving body image impacted my style in succulent, delicious ways. When I was 38, I decided I was going to work on being precisely who I am no matter who was watching. I used to hide my body, but once I actively began a journey of self-acceptance and love, I let loose. I get to decide what’s beautiful. What a radical notion! With that fierce (and sometimes fragile) body love, I’m willing to explore different clothes, looks, and be myself.marcy 7

What advice would you offer your younger self when it comes to fashion and body positivity?

After this treacherous journey from self-loathing to self-love, I’d encourage my younger self to buck the system by not comparing her body to other bodies. I’d ask her to release unrealistic personal body standards by avoiding the diet industry at all costs. Despite what the media and her peers tell her, she’s allowed to dress any way she chooses and that means reaching beyond what fat women are expected to wear. I’d encourage her to accept her body just as it is (and celebrate it too!) by challenging what she defines as aesthetically pleasing. Best advice I can give my younger self is to ignore the status quo. The bold truth is she isn’t somehow less because her body is beautifully more.marcy 8

Who are some of your style inspirations in the blogger world?

Lisa at MustangSallyTwo comes to mind immediately. We don’t have the same aesthetic. Her relationship with the camera, the soul shine, the personality she reflects in the outfits she wears – all of this inspires me. I enjoy Cynthia at Flight of the Fat Girl. She’s fierce. Seeing women who are my size wearing what they want empowers me. Both Lisa and Cynthia do this. And Marcy (Fearlessly Just Me), honestly, when I’m closeting at Gwynnie Bee, I ALWAYS look to see if you’ve reviewed the outfit. I adore your style and trust your opinion about the cut, feel, look of any given piece. You rock your style and help me crush those archaic fat fashion rules like wearing belts, showing your belly, or wearing a jumpsuit. I appreciate you and the other women who share their fashion choices (and personalities) online.marcy 10

What trends are you looking forward to this spring?

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Can I just tell you how happy I am to shed the sweaters and boots? I usually adore boot weather, because we see all of two weeks of it down here in South Georgia, but this year, I’m longing for the sun on my skin! Although I shy away from trends, preferring to wear what suits me from day to day, I’m delighted to see candy pink, raspberry, and lemon yellow on the horizon. I’m also looking forward to the throwback seventies style floral prints. I’m a sucker for the seventies. Metallics, leggings, and jumpsuits are pretty exciting this spring as well. It’s gonna be a rockin’ season for me.

What are your plans for the blog in 2017?

After blogging under the moniker “One Fabulous Mama” for the last seven years, I’ve just launched my new website BethHallman.com. It’s not even complete yet, but traffic is coming in daily. While I’ll still be freelancing and blogging, I’m fully embracing my dream of writing fiction. This is a huge step for me on my journey and I’m owning it!marcy 6

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You can check out Beth’s blog Beth Hallman.com here.

You can find her on Instagram here, Twitter here and on Facebook here.

Check back next Tuesday on the blog to see who we feature next in our 40+ Blogger Series.

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A body positivity advocate, freelance writer and author, Marcy is on a mission to empower everyone to love the skin they’re in. Her blog Fearlessly Just Me is the go-to blog for women seeking inspiration in fashion, confidence, traveling and more.

Blogger Spotlight

Influencer LIFE: What It Seems Like vs Reality

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Spring Fashion & Style With Blogger House Curvy Closet

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.

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Blogger Spotlight

Interview With Blogger House Curvy Closet – Part 2

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Interview With Blogger House Curvy Closet - Part 2

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

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Blogger Spotlight

These 7 Body Positive Advocates Share Their Thoughts On Loving Yourself More in 2020

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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.

These 7 Body Positive Advocates Share Their Thoughts On Loving Yourself More in 2020

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.”

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#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!”

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#4: Rob Robinson, Big & Tall Model 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2MYTUsH7jj/

“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

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2KKpF3neJn/

“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!

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What do you plan to do in 2020 to love yourself more? Follow us on social media and let us know: @plusmodelmagFacebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter

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Big and Tall Mens Style

10 Plus Size Male Influencers To Follow On Instagram

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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…

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#plusmodelmag #plussizemodels #celebratemysize #PlusSizeMaleInfluencers #PlusSizeInfluencers #PlusSizeMen

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Blogger Spotlight

10 Plus Size Influencers Show Their Love For Prints This Summer Season

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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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Summer Vibes On Our Instagram Feed

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These models and influencers are bringing #summervibes to our instagram feed.

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