That time I was practically naked on Oxford Street...

Last weekend I took part in the NuNude campaign #PerfectlyYou. A group of women of different skin tones, sizes, heights and other unique features all took to the streets of London to campaign for diversity, positivity and acceptance of all women. We were all wearing swimwear provided by NuNude.  NuNude have created a line of "nude" swimwear and lingerie in varying skin shades, creating more realistic nude shades than are widely available.


The concept of this campaign was to empower others to be comfortable in the skin they're in, we all had signs, which we held as we walked the streets together in solidarity.  Our signs represented negative comments that each of us had been called at some point in our lives. For example, mine said "You see fat...I see perfect"  Now let me just say here that in my opinion the word "FAT" is not a negative comment in itself.  It's a descriptive word, an adjective, one that simply describes me further. However many people throughout my life have flung this word at me in an attempt to belittle, hurt or offend me, so I bared reference to it in my sign.


Just like the rest of the thoroughly brave women who walked beside me, I felt empowered by the fabulous response we got from the public on the streets.  People were receptive to the fact that we were making such bold statements and sticking two proverbial fingers up at anyone who thinks that these things are attributes to things to be ashamed of.

I struggle with the word "perfect" personally.  I don't think that anything in this world is "perfect" as everyone's perception of what they deem as perfect is different, it's subjective. By me adding the words "I see perfect" I do not mean that being "fat" should be everyone's idea of perfect, I simply feel that I am perfectly fine with the way I am and I am happy and utterly confident in the skin I am in.
In today's society so many people deem that being overweight is unhealthy and undesirable and should be something that people should not wish to be, therefore anyone who is confident in a fat body is therefore glorifying obesity. *insert eye rolls*



So when NuNude posted a shot of me and Kay on their Instagram page, I was totally happy with sharing the image of myself.  The image was shared several times and has amassed over 70,000 likes so far. So what if you could see my tummy and chunky thighs, I was grinning like the Cheshire Cat, I was as happy as Larry (who's Larry? anyone know??) BUT...it seems that my fat ass seemed to offend a LOT of people too!

Some of the 1,700+ comments were lovely and supportive of the campaign and supported the message we were trying to convey, others took it upon themselves to be judge, jury and executioner over the pressing case of my health.

The only problem with that is...YOU CANNOT JUDGE A PERSON'S HEALTH BY LOOKING AT A PHOTO!



So many people assumed that I am unhealthy, likely to die of diabetes or a heart condition or that I am "two mouthfuls away from a gastric bypass" (their comments not mine!)  Many people even resorted to name calling, I was called a "Fat ass n***a", a "Fat c**t", a whale and many other colourful words...some even told me I should just kill myself, (nice eh?)  Many of the worst comments were deleted by the brand in an attempt to reduce offending me.


I am not naive, I understand that being overweight may exacerbate health problems but you cannot assume that because I am overweight that I suffer with these things.  You cannot assume I am lazy or that I "spend all day shoving cake in my fat gob" (how do they know my secret!) I don't need these people to worry for my health, I don't need them to assume that I do not exercise or that I am unfit. I certainly don't wanna hear about the fact that they are so repulsed by me that I should take my own life!  I would love to know if these keyboard warriors would be so brazen if they were stood in front of me?  If they knew me or actually had enough of a brain to do a little research on the person they were slating, would they still think the same?  What is so criminal about being overweight and more importantly, who the hell gave them the right to pass judgement on me or my health?  To be perfectly honest if fat is the worst that these guys can do, then I will take it all day long, cos I would much rather be known as a fat girl than a complete ass-hat!


Many people reached out to me personally, asking if I was okay after reading some of the comments. I am grateful for the look out, but really keyboard warriors do not phase me in the slightest. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and I understand that I will not be everyone's cuppa. I do not need their concern over my health.  I responded, I said my piece, I had no desire to retaliate to any of the comments personally or individually.  


I consider myself extremely lucky that I have the mental tools to allow me to treat that negativity like water off a duck's back.  Many people unfortunately aren't at this stage of acceptance and could have found the comments devastating.  A few years ago, I would have not been so strong, my mental health would have taken a severe beating.  Imagine if I had not had such thick skin and I had been so hurt by their opinions that I resorted to taking my own life.  I'm not gonna lie, this is really my first real taste of trolling and it does hurt to hear the comments, but I do not dwell on their toxic negativity and I certainly do not let the words penetrate me. They are JUST WORDS and they are JUST trolls and they cannot hurt me.


If you can take one thing away from my experience, take this...
Trolls are ass-hats! If you ever are faced with this kind of experience, know that you are all kinds of awesome and the negative opinions of others do not define you in any way.  You do not need the validation of anyone else to make you whole.  If you are truly happy within yourself then no ones' negativity can penetrate your skin. Don't retaliate - it fuels their fire. Don't let them win - silence is way louder, ignore the ignorant...and keep fucking smiling!


xXx

The Curve Fashion Festival 2017

The Curve Fashion Festival is one of the highlights of my year and in my opinion the best place to meet up with a tonne of like-minded ladies to shop and catch up all under one roof. 


I have attended every year and it has always been a fab day filled with oodles of cuddles and selfies with so many women who I admire and don’t get to see often enough.


This year was exceptionally busy for me and I didn’t get much time to shop *boooooooo – that’s the best part*


I spent half the day literally prancing around in gown, crown and sash fulfilling my “royal” duties with my Miss British Beauty Curve family.


I love doing this as it allows people to see that being a pageant queen isn’t all about fitting into a certain stereotype.  Each of our queens are diverse and unique, all bringing different things to the family. 


I also had the pleasure of manning the Yours Clothing stand alongside the rest of the #YoursDreamTeamLaura, Charl and Violet.  


We met so many fashionistas and bloggers alike some of which stopped to show us their fave pieces from the collection...

Shop these looks
Floral Duster//Red Leopard Print Shirt
Shop this look
Red oversized check shirt
Shop this look
Pink Culotte Jumpsuit
I even spotted a few lovely ladies wearing Yours too – that’s awesome to see so many ladies rocking the clothing;

Shop these looks
Floral Bardot Top//Tiger Embroidered Wrap Dress//Floral Cold Shoulder Top
I got to play dress up with Kate and Lottie as my dollies. Using my killer styling superpowers (I know I’m reaching here!) I managed to convince them to buy some of these awesome outfits and Katie has even tagged my in a recent pic where she wore the top out to a family occasion. I knew she would look fabulous in it, maybe my superpower is premonition! (I know, I know reaching again!)

Shop Lottie's look - Floral Cold Shoulder Dress
Shop Kate's looks - Black & White Checked Shirt
Floral Velvet Dress
I met a lovely lady called Lesh on the stand who was shopping with her mother and sister.  I needed to know how this woman looking so young could possibly have these two beautifully grown woman as her children, I was desperate to know her secret!  She was so stylish and they were all oozing charisma, it was such an honour to meet them.  I have since been contacted by Lesh, to let me know that she will be starting up her own personal styling service which is an awesome achievement, I wish her the very best of luck.


This lovely lady looked fabulous in this PU midi pencil skirt, so much so that we had to grab a twinning pic or two!

We got to hang out with two of the impeccably handsome Bad Rhino models, AJ and Brett, these guys are a hoot, so funny and outgoing plus they’re super easy on the eye so that’s always a bonus!


Priorities, Kat – what did you wear!?

Shop my look
T-Shirt//Shoes//Skirt
I teamed this slouchy Empowerment tee with a leather look pencil skirt and colour matched shoe wise with these converse style pumps.


I’m so excited for next year it’s always such an amazing weekend!

Did you come too?  What were your highlights?

Disclaimer
Written in collaboration with Yours Clothing UK as part of #BETHEBLOGGER

xXx

Fasten your seat belts, we're ready for take-off!

Props to those glam women who opt for uber stylish travel outfits, but that's just not me.  I have one underlying rule for any plane journey; comfort!

Having a pilot boyfriend definitely has it's perks, like flying to Southend-on-Sea just for fish & chips, seeing the beautiful sights of England from miles above ground or roping him into taking some impromptu photos for you at a local airfield. Thank you Andy :) 


I'm going to show you three super comfy outfits, all available from Yours Clothing which are perfect for any plane journey.


I chose a pair of cuffed joggers, a basic t-shirt and a pair of converse style pumps creating an outfit that oozed comfort.

SHOP THIS LOOK
Joggers//T-shirt
When it comes to joggers I always go for the extra baggy look, so I chose a size 22/24 and they are perfect. Just how I like them. Lightweight enough to keep you cool if your travelling to warmer climes. For the t-shirt I chose a size 20, it's a nice length (no roll up) and it's not fitted in any way.


I wanted to also give you an outfit that is versatile enough to be able to wear out on the other side of your flight. 

 I teamed a pair black skinny jeans with this white sleeveless choker style top.
SHOP THIS LOOK
Rebellion Top//Black Jeans
This top is lovely and loose, I adore the slashed back, I may even add a few more slashes to customise this top further as I am really loving this look right now.  Plus it has my birth year on it - so it was always gonna be a winner. The top is a size 20 and I could have sized down to be honest.These jeans fit so well, they hug you in all the right places and they feel so soft, just like a second skin. I chose a size 20 for the jeans and they literally fit me like a glove.


The last option is the addition of this lovely red sweater.  I always get cold on planes, so I usually pack a light jumper, hoodie or oversized scarf to add another layer.

BUY THIS NOW
Red V Neck Jumper
I like my jumpers like I like my joggers, oversized and baggy. I went for a size 20 and it's roomy - perfect! 


All these outfits make for fab travel choices, they are not restricting in any way, they are breathable fabrics which don't overheat and keep you warm when necessary.


Check this out, I even got to "pretend" to fly!  Maybe we'll leave the flying to the one with the license, eh?!

What do you go for, for the holiday journey??

Disclaimer
Written in collaboration with Yours Clothing UK as part of #BETHEBLOGGER
xXx