Blogger Spotlight
Up Close And Personal With Louise O’Reilly of Style Me Curvy
As we celebrate International Women’s Day we are so excited to feature Louise O’Reilly of Style Me Curvy.
Louise is an award winning blogger and curvy model represented globally. What does it take to create a brand this strong? Check out what Louise had to say…
Liqiao Zhu, IG @litschau
Describe yourself in 4 words?
Shopaholic, bubbly (laugh at my own jokes), workaholic, coffee obsessed, (okay more than four words!)
Liqiao Zhu, IG @litschau
Influencers are very important in the fashion and beauty industry. What responsibility do you feel about being seen as a person with influence?
I’ve been working in fashion now for over 8 years, both as a plus size model and a fashion blogger. I’ve always seen a kind of “social” responsibility that’s vital to represent for those who are actively working in a digital space. I have a broad age range that follow me, so I’m quite mindful of that when I create content. Body image topics are a big part of that, particularly on social channels like Snapchat or Instastories where a topic might be instant and in the news on a particular day. At an overall level I think there are elements of where, if you are lucky to have a voice in this industry to use it where you can to raise awareness on important issues that might be happening in the world. More importantly I think it’s great for people of influence, in any capacity, to work with charities that might be personal to them. I’m incredibly lucky to do what I do so I never take anything for granted.
How would you describe your brand to us?
My brand is about being inclusive. It’s about women and individuals learning to accept who they are no matter what their shape or size. I like to talk about fashion and beauty for everyone, giving insider information straight from the runway or behind the scenes on a shoot. I want my readers to feel happy and content when they’re on my website and to feel that my information was helpful.
For me when I was growing up, shopping was painful and emotional – I never, ever had anything to wear. I would have been around a U.S. size 18, which in Europe there were little or no options. Style Me Curvy was set up to make sure no one had to feel the same way I did ever again.
Many people think that bloggers/influencers simply post pretty/sexy images. What do you think is the biggest misconception about this line of work?
It’s certainly a common misconception and I too, before getting into this industry, didn’t realise the time and energy that goes into even the most basic shoot. I always try to be open with people about this. Showing the ‘behind the scenes’ of what a shoot entails or my messy desk behind the “pretty photos.”
Working on set as a model is another common misconception. People think we just take a photo and leave, when in fact it can be 16 hour days or on-location in -5 degree weather wearing Spring/Summer outfits and trying to “look warm”! It’s far from glamorous and even though I love what I do I try to highlight things, particularly for those who want to get in to this line of work so they know what’s really involved.
My day could start at 5 am – it could be full of emails to admin and outlining content for the month, castings and model work. Every week I have over 300 reader request e-mails that need to be replied to also. So behind the nice images is a lot more than meets the eye… but unless you’re in the industry it is hard for others outside of this to see it.
What projects have you worked on that you are most proud of?
I’ve worked with Cosmopolitan magazine across both fashion and a number of beauty campaigns, which I loved working on primarily because the beauty world is still slow at working with bigger sized girls and beauty/makeup is a huge passion of mine.
The same applied last year when I worked with St. Tropez Tan for a number of months. They embraced everything about my brand ethos and me for who I am, which was wonderful.
On the more fashion side of things I’ve collaborated with both Nike and Adidas on their plus size sports range, which was another big thing for me.
And behind the scenes I work with brands on projects who are trying to become more size-friendly but need a push in the right direction – these kind of projects I adore because even though it’s a more hands on approach to fashion, it has a great impact for every day consumers when done right.
The plus size industry and mainstream media has embraced size diversity. What do you feel still needs to happen in order for bodies of all shapes and sizes to be seen as “main stream”?
There is so much more that needs to be done. While the industry has seen some incredible changes in the past 3 years in particular, there is still a long way to go.
There needs to be more organic inclusion across all sectors – fashion, beauty, music videos, acting, essentially all media outlets.
In terms of fashion there are a few key things that need to be considered. We need more brands to openly give floor space in stores to bigger sizes and not just limiting them to online only. We need to see designers and brands doing this so that customers feel included and embraced by fashion for all ages. In a social media capacity there is still this disparity whereby brands are promoting themselves as “size inclusive,” however their Instagram or social media feeds seem to claim otherwise with little or no size diversity shown. In our fast paced digital age this is something that is a key responsibility by a brand to communicate to their marketing team and we need this sense of inclusion.
The same formula needs to be applied to fashion weeks and runway shows. There are numerous designers I can think of that have a wonderful size range in their collections but very few use a broad selection in sizes, and thus as consumers we presume the brand is not size inclusive. Inclusivity is like a domino effect– it needs a push, it needs consistency to create power and strength to knock down barriers, and when it does the results impact everything around it.
What is your advice to anyone looking to bring his or her brand into the spotlight?
Be genuine; don’t follow what other people are doing. You will never in your life work harder or put more hours into something but you have to stay true to your brand, work hard on interesting content that is relatable and true to the very fabric of why you started – never let that fall to the back of your mind. Get ready to turn down collaborations and partnerships and only take on those you truly identify with – that you personally would 100% support and love or find what they are doing to be of great interest to you or your followers.
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Visit Online:
Website: stylemecurvy.net
Facebook: facebook.com/StyleMeCurvy
Instagram: instagram.com/StyleMeCurvy
Twitter: twitter.com/StyleMeCurvy
Snapchat: StyleMeCurvy
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
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl3d3ivHYqU/?taken-by=jamiecbrody
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