Blogger Spotlight
The 40+ Blogger Series: Meshel of The Muffin Queen’s Closet
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 12 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 the always fun and beautiful Meshel of The Muffin Queen’s Closet.
Blogging since: 2013
Age: 46
Size/Height: 26/28, 5’7” 55-50-64
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How would you describe your style right now in one sentence?
Vintage Vixen meets Dr. Seuss
What were your favorite brands and trends when you were in your 20’s?
I shopped mostly at Lane Bryant and Avenue in my 20’s, as they offered some of the only options at that time. One summer, Lane Bryant had knit mini skirts and lace trimmed leggings, and I liked that trend, and especially that it came in so many colors. In the mid-90’s, I was listening to various riot grrrl and grunge bands, but only Courtney Love’s style resonated with me. I was obsessed with finding a baby doll dress in my size — I bought 2 smaller dresses and cobbled them together. The late 90’s brought a return to black and goth clothing… velvet and lace. I still have many of those pieces from Lane Bryant.
What are your favorite brands and trends now?
Cherry Velvet, Melissa Masse, Kiyonna, City Chic, SWAK, and Lane Bryant.
My favorite trend lately is bohemian/boho style… the colors, patterns, and flowiness all speak to me as a child of the 70’s. I am also enjoying swing dresses in colorful patterns.
How has your style changed over the years? Did your body image affect the way you dressed?
When I was a fat kid, my mom made most of my clothes and I didn’t have much say in what I wore (polyester pants and cords). In my teens, I had a mix of 80’s Madonna/Cyndi Lauper/Siouxsie Sioux style with a lot of vintage and second-hand clothing in wonderful prints.
As I crept further into my 20’s, I gained weight and mostly gave up on fashion because nothing I liked was made in my size. I discovered Lane Bryant at my local mall and started wearing brighter colors, then went back to being mostly goth, since that was a culture that accepted and accommodated fat fashion. Then I rediscovered color and explored the body acceptance movement.
As an adult, my body image didn’t affect the way I dressed as much as what was available — when not much is offered in your size, it greatly affects how you feel. When clothing you like just doesn’t come in your size, that speaks to you — for me, it made me feel unworthy, not worth dressing, less than a person. Fortunately, things are better now, though not perfect, and I’m able to find clothing I like that fits me instead of shrinking to fit into clothing. Now I like to wear a lot of colors and I’m happiest when I’m pattern mixing. And vintage jewelry. Always vintage jewelry.
What advice would you offer your younger self when it comes to fashion and body positivity?
Wear clothing that makes you feel good, no matter what your size. Don’t stop sewing. Remember that you are your only obstacle to loving yourself and being everything you want to be. And most important of it all: There are no rules. Love your body and take care of it and it will always be there for you. If you can do that, anything can be.
What trends are you happy to see return this fall and winter?
Velvet, bell sleeves, ruffles, gold metallic, plaid, dark florals, warm red shades, spicy mustard shades, and the color pumpkin spice.
Who are some of your style inspirations in the blogger world?
I like to see confident women wearing clothing available in my size, so I am most certainly inspired by Lisa of MustangSallyTwo, Leah from xLove Leahx and Marcy of Fearlessly Just Me. I also appreciate the art of dressing in thrifted clothing and Sheila of Ephemera blog really fits the bill. 
What trends are you looking forward to this spring?
I’m looking forward to diving into more yellows, vibrant stripes, and exploring more possibilities with romantic patchwork, 70’s prints, and metallic finishes.
What are your plans for the blog in 2017?
I have so much more I want to share! So much of my collection has been lost to disarray, but this year, we are moving into a new house, and converting one of the rooms to a massive walk-in closet — and, I will have my own make-up station. So far, I’ve been getting by with storing things away, and putting myself together at my desk, but in 2017, that will finally change. What treasures will be unearthed this year? How will I accessorize when I can find everything and know where it is? Stay tuned to find out!
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You can check out Meshel’s blog The Muffin Queen’s Closet here.
You can find her on Instagram here and on Facebook here.
Check back next Tuesday on the blog to see who we feature next in our 40+ Blogger Series.
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
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk5V1F4jhoU/?taken-by=bcuz.im.elena
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