My Highlights of 2011!

Hi lovelies, hope you all had a wonderful holiday! With the arrival of the new year nearly upon us, it got me thinking of my major highlights this past year. 2011 has been exceptionally blessed year for me in regards to fashion. I've been so lucky to have had these awesome experiences, and meet so many wonderful people this year. So without further adieu, these are my highlights (in no particular order) of 2011! :

Highlight of 2011 :  

Tara Lynn, Candince Huffine, and Robyn Lawley on the cover of Vogue Italia

• Meeting Robyn Lawley and Laura Wells! (Thank you Evans!!) 
• Making fab friends in the blogging community!
• Receiving lovely message/e-mails from my readers
• Reaching over 300 followers on GFC
• Reaching over 100,000 page views
• Witnessing the rise of the "plus size" model!
• Attending LFW and going backstage
• Meeting jewellery designer Haley Kruger
• Meeting celeb make-up artist Adam De Cruz
• Meeting Thibault Masson of Ma-Grande-Taille/Plus-Size-Tall 
• Meeting the lovely Simply Be team
• Meeting the awesome Evans team
• Meeting fashion designer Zandra Rhodes at the stunning Paramount restaurant
• Going to fashion shoots
• Going to the Plus-Size-Tall/Evans modelling competition finale
• Doing fashion reviews
• Starting a Tumblr (which can be found here!)
• Interviewing Robyn Lawley
• Being the Social Media Co-ordinator for Evolve magazine
• Guest blogging for Evans
• Attending press days
• Attending the Curvissa launch event
• Meeting Big Brother 11 Winner Josie Gibson
• Meeting fashion designer Susana Bettencourt
• Meeting Rivkie Baum editor of the awesome SLiNK magazine
• Getting previews of future collections

So there you have it folks, my highlights of 2011!

What were your highlights of 2011? Let me know! :)

* Disclaimer : In no shape or form am I trying to brag and showoff. Just wanted to share my experiences with you all!

Inspiration : Tess Munster

Tess Munter is one of my favourite plus size models to date. Not only is she unbelievably stunning and fierce, but she's an actual plus size model! Standing at 5'5 and wears a voluptuous size 18, she has curves for days and knows how to rock them!  Tess is mostly known for being the face of the US show 'Heavy'. She's the beauty editor for SKORCH magazine, and has been featured in INKED Aus/NZ for being a tattooed role model for women. And when she's not modelling, she works as a MUA and makes her own nifty accessories (which are now available to purchase!).

What I admire the most about Tess, is that she stays true to herself, and you can see that in every shoot or magazine spread that she does. She's inspired numerous amount of people, including myself and she is a rising star so keep your eyes on this beautiful lady! ;)

 

Tess modelling for the awesome plus size brand Domino Dollhouse!

Speaking of Domino Dollhouse, have you seen their new lookbook? Marie Denee over at the Curvy Fashionista has all the details!

Check it out : Domino Dollhous A/W 11 Dotti Noir Collection

Tess is the 'face' of  the TV show Heavy

All pictures courtesy of Tess's FB fan page!

To keep up Tess Munster, check out her Facebook fan page! :

Tess Munster - Plus Model

 

Laura Wells for Cosmopolitan!

Laura Wells looks absolutely stunning in the September issue of Cosmopolitan Australia! Styled in a neutral palette with a pop of vibrant orange, Laura is sizzling in this fashion spread! I love every outfit featured, but my favourite has to be the last outfit, with the nude flared dress and the bright orange belt, fabulous!

Now, if only more plus size models were featured in fashion spreads on a regular basis, I would be completely happy!

Laura has also launched her official site, so be sure to check that out!

Enjoy the pics!

Check out Laura's official site! : http://www.laurawells.com.au/index.htm

Curvissa Launch Event!

Last Tuesday, I attended the Curvissa launch event at the decadent Cafe de Paris in the heart of Piccadilly Circus. I arrived an hour early, so I had time to spare and decided to explore Piccadilly until the event started. When 11:30 am rolled around, I made my way to Cafe de Paris, and was greeted by a glamorous hostess who reminded me of Dita Von Tesse. I then descended downstairs, where I was presented with my very own pass for the event, and entered the vibrant club. Lights were flashing, music was playing, and people were buzzing with anticipation about the catwalk show.

Curvissa runway

Excuse the blurriness of the pictures, I have a dodgy camera

and took them at an awkward angle! :(

Vogue Italia & Curvy Models....

Vogue Italia has decided to break the standard moulding of the fashion industry, and used plus-sized models Candice Huffine, Tara Lynn, and Robyn Lawley on the cover for their June issue, signed by renowned photographer Steven Meisel.

The black and white editorial spread featuring, Marquita Pring, Tara Lynn, Robyn Lawley, and Candice Huffine, is reminiscent of the 1960's Italian cinema glamour. The beautiful models, are oozing sex appeal and sensuality, while showing off their curves in lingerie. This spread, is a direct response to the fight against pro-anorexia websites.

This is the first time, plus-size models have been on the cover since Sophie Dahl. It's refreshing to see curvy women, in Vogue, because they represent the 'every day' woman. Not only are these women naturally beautiful, but they exude confidence, and are comfortable within in their skin, and I think that is an important message that needs to be publicised and promoted.

The message : Curves are Sexy.


Brava, Vogue Italia!

Pictures courtsey of Vogue Italia

What do you think of the 'Bella Vere' Vogue Italia issue?

Are you happy to see plus-size models featured in Vogue?

Exclusive Interview - Heather Hazzan

Check out this amazing interview with the beautiful Heather Hazzan! She recently modelled for Evans in Barbados. I've had the pleasure to speak, to Heather on multiple occasions, and she is just a delight! She is inspirational, intelligent, and a star on the rising! :)

Crystal Renn in Avant Garde Magazine.....

Can you say 'fabulous'!? Crystal Renn looks stunning, in her editorial for Avant Garde Magazine. Crystal just keeps getting better, she has truly grown as a model, I think it's safe to say, we can only expect bigger and brighter things from her. This coming November keep an eye out, Crystal will be featured in numerous editorials, I don't know about you but I can't wait to see them! For more pictures and info visit : http://madisonplus.com/mp-daily/crystal-renn-for-avant-garde-magazine/

Enjoy!

Crystal Renn - Photographer - Phillip Riches

I ♥ Crystal Renn...

I first came across this video in 2007. I was 15, and at this time I was beginning to accept myself.  I was looking for someone who would inspire me, alas I found Crystal Renn. I first saw Crystal when she began modelling for Simply Be, she was featured in the Anna Scholz collection, and I was blown away by her sheer beauty. So I began to search for anything I could find on Crystal, then one day, I found a video of her, and her message was the same as it is today, love your curves!

Crystal Renn - Fashion Gone Rogue- Photographed by Seth Sabal - 2010

Now, before you say :

"Crystal isn't plus-size!!"

I am aware of that, that doesn't change the fact that,  I admire for who she is, and not her size. Yes, she's lost a considerable amount of weight, but she is still a fierce model! How can we, as the 'plus-size community', judge Crystal, because she's lost weight? Aren't we asking people not to judge us about our weight? (just a thought) 

Plus-size or not, she is one of my favorite models of all time and always will be.

Simply Be Model Winner : Amy Sellu

Today Simply Be chose their winner! Amy Sellu was chosen as the new face for Simply Be! The grand final took place today at Pure in Manchester with 16 girls vying for the top spot. They were introduced to the judges, had their make-up done and strutted their way through a catwalk tutorial with a professional tutor. Look out for her interview in Best magazine, and her photo shoot on the 18th of October! Congratulations Amy!

The Winner!

Amy Sellu the New Face of Simply Be

Behind the Scenes

Finalists on the Catwalk :

Go to Simply Be's Facebook for more pictures! -

http://www.facebook.com/SimplyBeFashion#!/

It's the time for Change.....

This past Sunday 'The National Eating Disorder Associtation' (NEDA) held it's 2nd Annual NYC NEDA Walk. The event was a success, NEDA raised $140,000 and more than 700 people attended to support an important cause. NEDA ambassador, plus-size model and ANTM winner Whitney Thompson spoke to the crowd about the importance of positive body image :

" I want everyone to know, that they don't have to conform to the images they see in the media. Real beauty is something that cannot be found in a magazine or on TV. I encourage all of you to speak out, write letters and insist that the publications work harder to promote a positive body image." - Whitney Thompson

The NYC NEDA Walk was chaired for the second year in a row by WABC-7's Diana Williams. It included a mile stroll along the Riverside Park Promenade and an exhibition throughout the day full of vendors. The theme of the NYC NEDA Walk was "It's Time to Talk About It; It's Time to Walk About It!"

"The Walk was a fun celebration that promoted healthy body image and helped in the prevention of eating disorders. We can see that the Walk has brought hope to everyone participating both directly and indirectly. We had such a large outpouring of support that day. With all the funds raised, we have an even better chance to save lives and to eradicate eating disorders" - Diana Williams

Lynn Grefe & Whitney Thompson - Photography - Katherine Decotiis

"It's not the size of your hips, but the size of your heart that matters." - NEDA, CEO Lynn Grefe

About NEDA :

Formed in 2001, NEDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serving as a catalyst for prevention, treatment, and cures. NEDA provides education, advocates for improved access to quality treatment, and increased research funding to better understand and treat eating disorders.

For more information about NEDA please go to : www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Simply Be's Model Competition

Hello dolls, I hope everyone is having a fabulous day! By now you’ve probably heard of Simply Be’s awesome competition, because it has the blogging community buzzing, but I wanted to share it with you anyway. Simply Be wants you to “Be the new face of plus size fashion”! This is such an amazing opportunity, and this will change your life tremendously. So here’s what you need to do to enter :

• You must be 18 years old or older to enter
• You must have a full length shot, a side profile and a head shot
• You must include your weight , height, and waist measurements
• Dress, bra, and shoe sizes
• You must tell Simply Be a little about yourself, a mini summary
• You must tell Simply Be in ONE sentence why you should be Simply Be’s Plus Size Model 2010
• Send your entries to Griffin House, Lever Street, Manchester, ME60 6ES or you can email them at simplybefashion@hotmail.co.uk
• Entries must include your contact details; email address, postal address and telephone number.

The competition starts today the 5th of July 2010 and it closes on the 27th of August 2010. The finals will take place on the 16th and 17th of September 2010. The winner will be announced on the 24th of September 2010, and the winners first fashion shoot will take place on the 18th of October 2010.

 

Well what's in it for me?

• The winner will be swept away to a Best Magazine makeover shoot
• The winner will also win £10,000 to spend at Simply Be (awesome!!) for a new wardrobe
• The winner will get a chance to have a consultation at 12 + UK Model Management!

 Here is the link to the competition page : http://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/page?pageId=3969&cm_sp=DAL%20freeformat-_-Model-_-EnterNow

So I want to wish everyone good luck, if you decide to enter, and at the end of the day we’re all winners and beautiful! So keep a look out, on my blog, because I will soon be sharing some of the questions I asked Simply Be about their competition.

God Bless,

Love,
LaCara

<3

Inspiration : Tara Lynn

Tara Lynn is making a stamp in the modelling industry, with her beautiful features and curvaceous body she is breaking all the moulds. Tara is signed with Ford Models and was featured in V Magazine's “Size Issue” in April 2010. She also graced the cover and had a 20 page editorial feature in French “Elle”. Tara was recently featured in the London Times Fashion, she is 27 years old and her measurements are 38-34-46in, she is a true curvy inspiration, as most models are out of the business by 25. Tara is a true beauty, and I think we will definitely see bigger and brighter editorials from her!

Crystal Renn : Losing her "Curves"?

Crystal Renn is undoubtedly a beautiful woman, however in recent events women are concerned that she is no longer “curvy” enough. Crystal was featured on the Glamour cover alongside Alessandra Ambrosio (Victoria Secrets) and Brooklyn Decker (Sports Illustrated), many thought that Crystal was “photo shopped into oblivion”. So the million dollar question is, has Crystal lost her “curves”? In my opinion, no. Has she lost weight, most definitely. Although many were happy to see Renn on the cover of Glamour, they also felt disdain, because she has lost a considerable amount of weight. I think a lot of curvier women are feeling that they can’t relate to Crystal anymore, perhaps its because she is currently a size 10-12; but whether she is a size 6 or 16, she is still an icon, and in my personal opinion, created the pavement for curvaceous women.


Over at Glamour.com, there was a debate on “"How "Curvy" do you have to be , to be "Curvy"?", essentially the debate was about being a “real woman” based on body types. I reiterate, what editor in chief Cindi Leive says, it doesn’t matter what size or shape you are, a real woman comes in different forms. A skinny woman is just as much of a real woman, as a plus-size or curvier woman. Another thing that was discussed was labels, and this has been playing on my mind for awhile. Why do we label ourselves? I mean why do we separate skinny from fat, or curves from no curves etc. Why is so important to label ourselves? I think we find comfort in labels, we belong to something instead of feeling alone, I just think there need to be more positive labels for everyone, not just plus size women (we really need to find another term, ergh I hate the term “plus-size”).


However, I do feel the mainstream media, needs to promote ALL sizes, not just stop at a size 20. Every size and shape needs to be celebrated, after all if we all looked the same the world would be such a boring place! I think slowly but surely the media is accepting curvier sizes, but there is still a long way to go. I'm hopeful that someday, EVERY shape and size will be admired, and celebrated and praised, instead of being put down and receive negative reactions.


So my questions are, can you still relate to Crystal? What is the definition of “Curvy” to you? And do you think that society and the media will ever accept anyone larger than a size 20?



LaCara

Slimmer Crystal...

Was this the Crystal you related to?

Curvier Crystal....