What's it like to be the #FaceOfYours?

#betheblogger


Yours Clothing have only gone & shortlisted little ole me in their recent #BeTheBlogger competition. I am over the moon, but I wanted to delve a little deeper into the world of Yours.

I hooked up with some of the ladies of The Rubenesque Effect to talk all things Yours, especially as two of them were selected as finalists of their #FaceOfYours competition to find the new faces of the brand.
Photo Credit - Tendai Pottinger - The Rubenesque Effect -  Left to Right - Claire Hynes, Kat Henry, Daniella Smith & Sian Yapp
Meet Claire & Daniella;

So ladies congratulations on being shortlisted I thought I would ask you a few questions to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to be behind the scenes with one of the UK’s largest Plus Size clothing brands.

Firstly how did you feel when you found out you had been selected?
Daniella:  It was very much a shock! I really didn’t expect to be picked out of hundreds of ladies for this as I knew there would be a lot of stiff competition but when got the message from Yours I was elated. I was even more so ecstatic when I got the email to be told I was picked to model one of their trends, it definitely was a dream come true.
Claire: I felt completely shocked too! I had applied to quite a few similar competitions for similar brands and had never been picked before. I couldn’t quite believe it, I've been wearing their clothes for years, half my wardrobe is from Yours.  A couple of their stores are near to me in Basildon and Southend, so I was truly over the moon.


You were each given a trend to showcase, what line did you model?
Claire:  I wore their party wear and Christmas range.
Daniella:   I modelled the Athleisure wear, which I was happy to model as this suited my every day style.

How did you find the fit and feel of the items you wore?
Daniella: I found the items to be very good quality and they seemed to fit me well.  I personally think that the items were true to size.
Claire:  I loved all of the items I wore, the fit of the party/evening dresses were great and really accentuated my curves. I especially loved the Christmas jumpers, they were really fun, and for someone who is tall, jumpers don't usually come down to my bum and these ones do, plus the materials were really soft.

How was the modelling experience overall?
Claire:  Overall, It was a great experience, very nerve wracking but everyone made me feel super comfortable and I came away with some great pictures, I'll remember it forever.
Daniella: I agree, the experience for me overall was great. The team at Yours were lovely and helpful, they made me feel so comfortable and at ease. From the stylist, to the photographer, to the hair and make-up artist and all others involved, they truly made the experience one to remember.

If Yours were to run another competition like this one – what would you say to women who were thinking of entering?
Claire:  I would just say to go for it! People can sometimes doubt themselves and over think stuff but I would advise to just put yourself out of your comfort zone and enter! The Yours ladies love people of all shapes and sizes and this is reflected by the people shortlisted in the #FaceofYours competition.
Daniella:  Everyone should take a chance in life, I did and it paid off, you never know what could happen. When given these opportunities just grab them with both hands and just try your best. They didn’t have any rules or regulations when entering so you didn’t feel like you couldn’t enter either because you’re not the right height or size. If they run something similar, hopefully it will be open to all again.

Thank you ladies, for taking the time to speak to me, just one more thing before you go.  Can you create me a look from Yours which you feel represents elements of your style...

Claire: Sure we can and while we’re at it – why don’t you and Sian get involved too? Here’s mine, I've chosen these items as its winter.  I went for a warm turtle neck jumper with long sleeves and I would usually tuck this into the skirt.  You could wear this to a casual day outing like lunch with friends or a day out shopping! You wouldn't have to worry about wearing heels all day because the Yours heeled boots are super comfortable!    
Shop Claire's Outfit >> Turtle Neck//Ankle Boots//Tights//Skirt
Daniella: So I have paired together a late spring/summer day time casual look.  You could wear this to go shopping, lunch with friends/partner or even a family party.
Shop Daniella's Outfit >>Jeans//Faux Fur Gilet//Longline Tee//Plimsolls//Tote Bag//Jewellery

Sian: Well hey there ladies, I’ve chosen this little selection which I think is super cute and I would totally wear this for a date night or perhaps even out to dinner with the girls.

Thank you ladies, here’s what I would pick;

Shop my outfit >> Coat//Scarf//T-shirt//Jeans//Boots
This outfit is very “Kat” I would wear this for a weekend shopping trip or out and about for lunch.  It’s versatile enough to dress up with a cute clutch & some heels for a night out too.

I also reached out to a couple of ladies who really lived and breathed the ethos that I believe Yours Clothing stands for; fun, fearless and trendy clothing that embraces and enhances the woman’s natural curves, regardless of their shape or size.  They both chose to rock outfits in national beauty pageants.  I watched them both strut their stuff with pride and confidence on the stage so I wanted to know why they chose Yours for their outfits.

Meet Aisha & Alexandra...

 Alexandra:  "I entered Miss British Beauty Curve pageant for the first time last year. I was a bit of a late entry and with only a month to get all my outfits sorted in time I was panicking!! I work in one of Yours Clothing stores so they were my first choice. I absolutely love their clothes!! There is such a range for woman and men of all shapes and sizes and they keep up to date with the latest fashion. I managed to find 2 gorgeous dresses as well as a swimsuit, kimono and 2 pairs of shoes. When I walked on stage in my outfits I felt confident. I had found clothing that fitted me perfectly and was comfortable. Especially my final Chi Chi prom dress I felt like a princess which has got to be every girls dream."

Alexandra - Photo Credit - Paul Carroll
Aisha: "I chose Yours Clothing because as a plus size fashion retailer they do more than just give us fabrics to put on our bodies. They consistently present lines that a woman can be proud to be seen in they represent a fun and fabulous edge to fashion that other high street plus size retailers lack. They have in many ways changed the face of plus size fashion and I was proud to be able to showcase their clothes in a way that they may not have been worn before. I rocked the bikini with no cover up because quite frankly when a bikini makes you feel like a goddess why on earth don't you want the world to see it! The full length shirt I styled with some Afro-centric Nubian styling, with its palm print it was the perfect way to show some Afro-centric sass by mixing with the head wrap and showing a tiny bit of tum to help ladies see that skin is not just for the thin! I chose yours because they are a brand I wear, a brand I believe in and a brand that's accessible to all!"

Aisha at Miss Plus Size UK - QR Photography
I really do think that Yours have found a way to market clothing for plus size folk which is appealable to all different body shapes and sizes and even skin tones.  Speaking to all these ladies has really made me see how much an impact a brand can make, their competitions show inclusivity and diversity whilst their trends breathes an air of sass and versatility.  All these things just really reinforce the reasons why I would love the honour of joining the Yours Clothing Blogger Dream Team – it sounds like not only would it be a tonne of fun but maybe I could reach out to more people with their help to show that fashion is accessible to ALL and not exclusive to any particular size.

xXx

Plus Size Skater Dresses from Want That Trend - Modelled by The Rubenesque Effect

#plussizemodel
We at #TRE HQ had the pleasure of modelling some gorgeous dresses for Want That Trend at our #TREPicnic photoshoot.  Now you may be thinking who are Want That Trend? Don't despair...me too. That was until +Lottie Moor reached out to me telling me about this primarily straight sized brand who had just launched an extended range up to a size 24.  I was intrigued, I share Lottie's sentiments in the fact that whilst I wish this range didn't stop at a 24, it is a positive thing that they have extended their range into plus size, without raising the price tag at the same time.  

You can read Lottie's opinion right here >> *New Brand Alert! Introducing Want That Trend*

We were sent five skater dresses to showcase in our shoot and I couldn't help but want to throw together a little review for you ladies to let you know all about this fab new collection.


The sizes start at a size 8 up to a size 16 in their standard ranges, however they have extended some of their outfits up to a size 20, with a small selection available up to a size 24.  The dresses available on the website are made up of an array of beautiful vibrant colours and floral prints, many of the dresses are made of a thick scuba material with quite a bit of stretch in the fabric.  The have many skater style dresses and body cons and even a few maxi's.


I asked the #TRE ladies and our gorgeous friend Kimberley to give me their opinions on the dresses they each wore.  Here's what they had to say...
Claire wearing Aliza//Size 20//Height: 5ft 10"//Photographer: Freddie Onadeko (c)
Claire said; "Loved the colours of the dress, the blue really made my eyes pop. The quality of the material was very nice and I liked the shape the dress gave me, however, the dresses are far too short for anyone over 5'7 really.  WTT should think about doing a range for taller women then I think a lot more people would by their dresses"


Sian wearing Tanya//Size 22//Height: 5ft 11"//Photographer: Freddie Onadeko (c)
Sian said; "Although the dress is too short in the leg and the body for my own comfort level being 5'11, it is a beautiful dress! The colours are vibrant and you really stand out in it.  The fabric is a scuba material so it hugs you just the right amount and is very flattering.  I would most likely save the dress for winter and wear some thick tights and boots with it to brighten up those dull days!"


Daniella wearing Jayne//Size 18// Height: 5ft 5"//Photographer: Freddie Onadeko (c)
Daniella said: "I adored the cut of the chest area, it didn't show off too much cleavage. The colours complimented my skin and eyes. The material had a nice feel. The only negatives is that I felt the puff of the dress made me look bigger than what I was and that even at 5ft 5 I felt conscious of how short it was at the back. Overall a lovely dress but needs to be made longer."
Kimberley wearing Julie//Size 20//Height: 4ft 10"//Photographer: Freddie Onadeko (c)
Kimberley said; "The dress hugged my curves and made me feel very girly, the skirt length was perfect and the material was soft and breathable. A definite for every wardrobe."

...and last but by no means least....

Kat wearing Cavalier//Size 20//Height: 5ft 4"//Photographer: Freddie Onadeko (c)
Overall Summary:  I personally wish that I could own every single dress on the website.  The dresses have such eye-catching prints that are perfect for Spring/Summer occasions.  The scuba fabric is light-weight and cool.  I like the fact that even though this dress only retails at a mere £22.95, the quality of these dresses outweighs the price tag.  The cut is complimentary to the figure, showing just enough cleavage and accentuating the waist.
Rating:  7.5/10
Potential improvements: I echo the sentiments of the other ladies, even at my height, I am conscious of the length of the dress.  A little extra length in the body and the skirt would make this dress a winner for me.
Would I recommend this? Yes without a doubt, the prints are gorgeous and if you don't mind showing a little thigh, then these dresses will be right up your street.


Hair & MUA: Models Own, Hair for Kat - Mya Henry
Photographer: Freddie Onadeko
Disclaimer
These products were sent to me for review purposes. The review above is based on our own opinions of the product and I own all creative content of this post.

xXx

...and the Nominees are....

#BGP
Since the nomination window closed on 30th June, we have all been sat in eager anticipation of the announcement of the nominees for this years' British Plus Size Awards.

Today the shortlist of nominees were released...




You may recognise a fair few faces in this immense list of names, some of them may be new to you. I'm impressed with the global diversity across this list, so many different brands, international additions which have taken this year to expand into the UK such as Curvy Swan, Ms Pomelo Bras, Coral & Co, Monif. C and Sydney's Closet. I welcome the additions of UK based brands such as Silly Old Sea Dog, A Rose Like This and Vixen Curves, who haven't previously been nominated for a BPSA alongside some of our most treasured brands such as Anna Scholz, Nicky Rockets, Scarlett & Jo and all the mainstream retailers like Simply Be, ASOS Curve, New Look, Yours Clothing, Evans, Boohoo & Very.  

There are more than a handful of WOC flying the flag this year which is fantastically positive for ethnic diversity.  We have Kemi, Jerri, Olivia Campbell all up for Best Model whilst, Jodie Folley, Emily Blake & The Rubenesque Effect ladies are all up for Best Achievment. In addition to these fab ladies, well known celebs Gabourey Sidbe, Alison Hammond are also nominated. Also at least two brands that I personally know are fronted and founded by women of colour; Curvy Swan & Gorgeous Bride Magazine.  Also Rianne Ward heads up UK Plus Size Fashion Week and Ms Curvaceous is owned by Theo. 

I would love to see this continue in future years and perhaps a further inclusion of people within the plus size industry who are less able bodied too, but it should be noted that WE the public set the nominations. The power is in our own hands.  Let's keep nominating those who we feel deserve recognition.

I'm immensely proud to have been nominated myself for not one but two categories this year; Best Plus Size Social Media and Best Plus Size Blogger.  Now I simply do not stand a chance of winning up against the ladies in my categories, they are all masters in their fields and whilst I feel like I am worthy of my nomination I cannot compare to these beautiful women.  That being said, to be nominated alongside them is an honour and I couldn't have picked a nicer group of ladies to share this pitch with.

I'm also ecstatic that Ms Curvaceous UK has been recognised for Best Event. I have a lot of love for my MCUK family and this to me feels like a huge achievement. Well done team!

Also My TRE sisters and I have been nominated for Best Achievement, we are gobsmacked to say the least. I joked with the ladies and said I'm surprised people can even spell our name to be honest let alone nominate us!  We are total newbies to this and we are simply overwhelmed that people support what we are doing enough to nominate us alongside such fantastic achievements like Callie's Marie Claire win and my Sister Queens Jodie & Emily being crowned as representatives for Great Britain and the amazing record breaking photo shoot with over 100 plus size ladies for Scarlett & Jo that we were a part of too.

I am thoroughly looking forward to November's awards ceremony, can't wait to see who wins and to get the chance to once again be present at one of the Plus Size communities social highlights of the year to shake & wiggle with some of my favourite people.

Obviously being nominated is pretty immense, but I would be super grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes just to vote for me... Just click on the image below and it will take you to the voting page.

My nominations are;
VOTE Katherine Henry for Best Plus Size Blogger
VOTE Kat Henry for Best Plus Size Social Media
VOTE The Rubenesque Effect for Best Achievement
VOTE Ms Curvaceous UK for Best Event

Congratulations to all of the nominees and best of luck to you all. We're winners in my eyes just for being nominated!  I would also like to thank every single one of you awesome people who took the time to nominate me - if you could just make sure you vote too, it would be greatly appreciated.



See you all on the night - do not miss out!

Xx

Throwback to the 50's with Lil' Miss Vintage

#lilmissvintage
The Rubenesque Effect ladies had the pleasure of having our last shoot's outfits sponsored by 
We thought we would give you a little review of the gorgeous dresses we were given...

Price: £40 
Available Sizes: UK 8 to UK 24
This dress truly is delightful! I wore a size 20 in this style. I am between sizes 18/20 so the 20 was roomy on me, but I would say this runs true to size. The colours were gloriously eye-catching and the cut was flattering to my curves.  The bow on the waist is for feature only, but the cut of the dress does cinch in at the waist to create an hourglass figure.  The material has a stretch to it, it's a cotton and elastane mix.  It can be worn with or without a petticoat but the skirt has a beautiful flare to it.  There is a small triangle keyhole cut out at the neck to add a little reveal.  This dress makes me instantly feel girly and adorable and I cannot wait to wear it again!

Daniella wearing the Amelia Pink Floral Swing Dress.
Price: £40 
Available Sizes: UK 8 to UK 24
Dani said; "I had the pleasure of wearing the Amelia Pink Floral Swing Dress with the white petticoat. As soon as I slipped it on I felt like I had transformed into the perfect 1950s housewife. The fit was perfect and sat well on all my curves. I loved the extra detail on the bust area and with the array of different colours on the floral pattern it was easy to accessorise with different coloured jewellery or heels. The dress wasn't restricted for me to move in and flowed how a swing dress should do. Definitely a thumbs up from me." Dani was wearing a size 18.
Price: £40 
Available Sizes: UK 8 to UK 24
Claire said; "I absolutely loved my dress, the fit was perfect, it pulled me in at the waist and really flared out so it gave me a really nice shape.  I love the colour; cornflour blue, my favourite and it made my eyes pop!  It's such a classic dress, polka dots are always a winner, I'm so happy with the dress and so happy I got to keep it! :)" Claire was wearing the Size 20.

Price: £35 
Available Sizes: UK 8 to UK 24
Kirsty said; "I was very lucky and really happy to wear a Lil Miss Vintage dress. My dress was not only beautiful, but such lovely quality fabric too! Usually getting the correct size is so hard to get right when ordering online, however I was so pleased and impressed that as a size 16 lady the '16' dress I ordered was a perfect fit!  It has a back zip as well as an elasticated panel, which along with the halter neck tie meant that even a larger busted girl, such as myself, could wear this dress comfortably.  The full skirt really gives that wow factor and the overall shape & length is so flattering! 10 out 10 from me!" Obviously Kirsty was wearing as size 16.
Sian is wearing a cupcake print of the Swing dress.
Unfortunately this print is sold out. There are similar styles available in their clearance sale in varying sizes.
Check the website for availability.

Sian said; "I love a dress with a great pattern on, and I was over the moon to receive the Cupcake dress. It's bright, fun and beautiful.  It's a halter neck with a sweetheart neck line which is super flattering on a fuller busted female.  It has a think black band around the middle to emphasise a small waist, which if you wanted to nip in the waist a little more with a waist cinching belt to boot, you definitely could!  The skirt is a full circle one and looks just as amazing on it's own as it does with a petticoat underneath for more volume! I felt super girly and pretty in this gorgeous dress and oh so vintage!" Sian was wearing a size 22.


I think you would agree that all these dresses look fabulous on the ladies and we cannot recommend Lil Miss Vintage enough.

Check them out!

Xx

Girl of the Day - Team Plus Size UK

#tre
What an utter honour to be featured as "Girl of the Day" for Team Plussize UK.

 This team holds values that are very close to my heart so I am happy to support their movement, after all we are all working towards a common goal and that is to promote Body Confidence to people of all sizes.  As one voice we  may not be heard but together we can start a revolution!

 #EVERYBODYISBEAUTIFUL

 Representing all my avenues - I love this journey!

 +Miss British Beauty Curve , Model XL, The Rubenesque Effect, +Ms Curvaceous UK 

 Photographer: Tendai Pottinger Photographer​
Modelling: +Scarlett Jo


Team Plussize
"Kat Henry 31 yr old Croydon born, living in Surrey. for the last 5 years.
I work full time for a law firm in the City and have a 14 yr old daughter.
I am currently representing my county as Ms Surrey Curve 2015 in Miss British Beauty Curve.
I am an Ambassador for Ms Curvaceous UK; a plus size modelling company and signed to Model XL. I am a member of The Rubenesque Effect. I also run a blog called "The World Through Kat's Eyes" incorporating my love for music, beauty, fashion, food & wellness."

Every BODY is Beautiful

#curvemodel
These days the media puts such pressure on us to conform to what is seen to be physically acceptable or desired.

Different strokes for different folks though...so what one person dislikes, another might crave.
Every single one of us in this world is unique and our differences make us interesting and something to be celebrated.

People deserve the right to enjoy life regardless of their weight, size, height, colour, age, sexual orientation, religion etc.

The Rubenesque Effect is a group of 8 plus size models (of which I am one.)  Together, we are striving to promote body confidence, self love and acceptance of the body you are blessed with.
This world is filled with too much hate, so we wanted to celebrate with positivity.


When we saw the Victoria Secrets shot promoting "The Perfect Body" it got us thinking that perhaps that slogan could've been more inclusive of all bodies, because what one person considers perfect may not be the same in the next person's eyes.

So...we shot this...

#everyBODYisbeautiful

Follow us on our journey...