Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway...

So here we are at essentially the middle of week three of my new programme but it’s only really my second week as last week was a asthma filled nightmare of a write-off!

 

Anyway, I digress. This week I want to talk about courage. 

 

Now, I am by nature frightened of my own shadow. Years of bullying at school can do that to a person. And whilst I am continually striving to become a stronger, more decisive person, there are times when I can give the Cowardly Lion a run for his money!

Take this week for example: I returned to the gym last night after a six day hiatus and I had to talk myself into walking through that door. I had no justification for my fear other than barriers I was creating in my head, but I was afraid nevertheless. What will people think of me? Is everyone going to stare at the ‘big bird’ on the treadmill? Will someone make fun of me? All of which are groundless, but nonetheless real, fears.

 

After a good ten minutes in the car park, I decided that no good was going to come of sitting there thinking about ‘what if’s’ – the only way to find out the answers was to go on in and see.  So that’s what I did.

 

As it was, I found the session very hard. The gym was full of very fit people, all warming us for their ‘Insanity’ class. But as much as my vanity makes me believe that they were secretly jeering me and my flab, I put my head down and got on with my circuits.

 

Towards the end of my session, there was just myself and an older gentleman left in the suite and he approached me. He told me, “You did well tonight”. I must have looked agog as he continued “You have great control on the machines, you know your breathing and you know what you are doing. Don’t be put off by what other people may or may not think”. You could’ve knocked me down with a feather. My fears and anxiety were clearly that obvious to someone who cared enough to reassure me and that meant an awful lot.

 

I guess what I’m trying to get at is that we all get scared sometimes, and that’s OK.  What is not OK is to allow those fears to disable you from doing something that you really want to do.  Sometimes you don’t know what’ll happen until you try…

New Year, New You... What's wrong with the old one?

Well, here we are on 9th January 2016 and I still haven't written the first blog of the year that I faithfully promised to do at the start of the year. So here goes - and apologies, it's going to be a it of a long one...

I started something a couple of years ago, and I've suck with it this year. Rather than making straightforward resolutions, I instead chose to 'theme' my years. Let me explain...

In 2014, I decided to make it my year of 'yes'. I figured that if I said 'yes' more than 'no', more nice things may happen. As it turned out, they did. I took part in two burlesque courses (and graduated), I joined the Red Hat Society (as a Pink hatter), I took part in two photo-shoots and I started my own business. Not bad for simply saying 'yes' a bit more.

Then in 2015, the theme was 'why not?'. Applying the same principle as above, I said, 'why not?' a bit more. This meant wearing a bikini (for the first time since I was four years old), taking part in the Race For Life despite being the largest lady there and entering the plus size pageant 'Miss British Beauty Curve'. If I'd not taken the 'to hell with it, why not?@ approach - I would never have done these things.

So I have decided that 2016 is going to be my year of 'healthy'. I'm not after the whole 'new year, new you' thing because that it trite rubbish. There's nothing wrong with the old me; I'd just like to improve it a little. This means that I will be making positive, healthy changes to my lifestyle but also a few more healthy changes in terms of positive thoughts towards myself too. For example, I am a plus size girl, and likely to always be so. Whilst I am, as my friend and fellow Miss British Beauty Curve finalist, Tracey puts it, 'fat and fierce' that does not mean that I have to be unhealthy about it.

Since the pageant in August, I had, I must confess rather let myself go in terms of regime. Unfortunately I had taken the approach that if it was not nailed down, I'd eat it and to hell with exercise! Consequently, I gained weight and become even more unfit than I was before. With Christmas into the mix too, and absolutely no will-power at all, you can imagine my predicament.


Then on Boxing Day, I made a decision; whilst I like my junk food and the odd pint, I'd like to be healthier and I'd like to regain some of the courage and pride I had in myself last year. My friend Tracey, whom I mentioned above, has been my inspiration. Her fantastic blog http://Bigbeautifulhealthywoman.wordpress.com is absolutely the steer

I needed in the right direction and so with a pint of Rattler Pear in one hand and a box of Salt and Vinegar Pringles in the other, I started trawling the internet for local gyms and classes to help me move forward, inspired my Tracey. I found 'Gravity' in Tewkesbury, run by John Cooper and Suzanne Meaden, at my old senior school, Tewkesbury School. I emailed them straight away explaining my predicament - size 26, hate exercise, thought of the gym filling me with dread, fear of being sweaty in public, etc... - and awaited their response.

Well, long story short, John kindly contacted me just before new year and I was up at the fitness centre on 2nd January, talking through my fears and goals. It was strangely cathartic going back to my old school sports centre. I detested sports and particularly the obnoxious women who taught the sport at our senior school. I was always tall, chunky and completely uninspired. It took an immense amount of courage to walk in there and I'm so proud of myself for doing it. I'm even prouder that I signed up to the gym on the Monday and this week I have completed my gym induction and attended both the Yoga Balance and Pilates class. More to follow about my classes and my progress in the coming weeks

In the meantime, I think I'd best sign off for the time being, but suffice to say that this is the first step in a very long road and I hope you'll stick with me and see where it leads...

Recommendation for the week: If you are not already a Lane Bryant shopper, I really urge you to take a look at their 'Livi' sportwear collection, and in particular, this weeks saviour - the Livi Molded underwire sports bra (item #127197) http://www.lanebryant.com/plus-size-active/sports-bras/20233c20242/index.cat. Available up to an H cup, this little beauty has been a God-send this week and has kept the girls firmly where they needed to be!

The Curve Fashion Festival

The Curve Fashion Festival, is a brand new and unique fashion event, and is slated to become the largest plus size fashion festival in the UK.

 

Louise O'Reilly, Tess Holliday, Nicolette Mason
and Hayley Hasselhoff
Photo courtesy of The Curve Fashion Festival

 

Chilled out after a
lovely massage



With the beautiful Georgina
of 'Fuller Figure, Fuller Bust' 

Debuting on Saturday 26th September, in Manchester Central, the event welcomed some great fashion brands and top plus-size celebrities and was attended by over 1,000 people. Here's my personal take on the day:

I arrived at 11.30am and was welcomed with a gorgeous goodie bag full of lovely treats including a New Look Handbag, Boohoo gift card, Curv'i'licious gift card, Creighton hair products and Bee Good skincare. I made my way to the Fashion Hall and began my day with a lovely back, neck and shoulder massage from Allie at the Spa Parties stand. It was heaven!

With my very favourite plus size blogger, the truly
gorgeous Betty Pamper

 



Duly relaxed and ready to face the day, I met up with some of the plus size bloggers before heading to the swap stand! I traded three dresses and a jumpsuit for three new-to-me dresses and a top! I love a good swapsies!

With the perfectly gorgeous
Lisa Riley at the launch of her new
collection - 'Just Be You'

 


 

 
 Following my fellow plus size bloggers lead, I headed to the Figure 8 stand to meet the lovely Lisa Riley for the unveiling of her beautiful new clothing range 'Just Be You'. If you haven't seen it - you must get yourself along to http://www.figure8collection.co.uk/18_just-be-you for a look. 

 

I bought myself the simply divine 'Katie' dress from the new collection and will be writing a blog on my purchase really soon!

Lisa Riley and the plus size bloggers
Photo courtesy of The Curve Fashion Festival

 

Next it was time for the catwalk shows with key new looks on show from ASOS Curve, Elvi, New Look, Boohoo.com, Very So Fabulous, Studio 8, Miss Guided, Evans, Pink Clove, Monif C, Taking Shape, Elomi, Simply Be, Studio Untold and Tess Holliday. The collections were beautiful and I've certainly got lots of inspiration for my autumn/ winter 2015 wardrobe.

From the ASOS Curve
Catwalk show
photo courtesy of
The Curve Fashion
Festival

 

From the Elvi
catwalk show
photo courtesy of
The Curve Fashion
Festival

 

From the Miss Guided 
Catwalk show
photo courtesy of
The Curve Fashion
Festival

My only criticism of the catwalk shows was the lack of representation of the plus size community in terms of models. The models, provided by Hughes Models, were of course beautiful ladies and did an excellent job of showing off the collections. However the buzz I got from the ladies watching the shows was that they (and indeed I) would liked to have seen more variety in the size, shape and height of the models. We are a very diverse community and this was my only downside to the day.

Following the fashion shows, it was back to the hall for a spot more shopping!

During my shopping trip, I was fitted for a new Elomi bra by the lovely Lucy at the Mish stand (https://www.mish-online.co.uk/). I was one of the 80% of women wearing the wrong size - who knew?! I had a sport of window shopping at the Very and Elvi stands, and I then went on to buy some gorgeous dresses from the 'Scarlett & Jo' (separate blog on my purchases to follow soon!) and (yet another!) t-shirt from 'Nicky Rockets'.

Tess Holliday
Photo courtesy of The Curve Fashion
Festival

With Tess Holliday

I also spoke to the perfectly gorgeous Tess Holliday at her '#Eff Your Beauty Standards' stall. I am such a massive fan of this lady and it was an absolute pleasure to meet with such a genuinely lovely person.

I could think of no better way to round off my day at The Curve Fashion Festival than with a photo of my MBBC girls; the reigning Miss British Beauty Curve, Rebecca Argent and Ms British Beauty Curve, Kat Henry.

Rebecca, Me and Kat
#MBBC

I'm so proud to have been awarded my title of this years' 'Ms Congeniality' and I'm looking forward to entering again in 2016.

Ms Congeniality 2015

I was sad to have to leave early and miss out on the seminars with Lisa Riley, Nicolette Mason, Louise O'Reilly, Tess Holliday and Hayley Hasselhoff, that completed the days events. However it has given me an added incentive to start planning my day for the 2nd annual Curve Fashion Festival.

Roll on next year...

 

 

Taking Shape Vintage Tea Party - don't mind if I do!

Last weekend was a whirlwind of pageantry and I loved every minute of it. Unfortunately in my haste to record the events of Saturday evening's 'Miss British Beauty Curve 2015' final, I neglected to mention that Sunday saw a lovely event too - the 'Taking shape' (Cheltenham branch) vintage tea party!

Yours Truly - Ms Gloucestershire Curve 2015
and Ms Congeniality 2015



Lady She and Ruth enjoying a little tipple! Chin chin!

Who could resist a warm welcome home at their favourite shop after such a fabulous weekend?! Greeted by the truly lovely queen of Vintage Styling, Lady She (of SheUnique Vintage Cirencester) and gorgeous Mary Kay make up artist, Ruth Dewick (http://www.marykay.co.uk/rdewick), we were spoiled as usual. Bellini's Kir Royale and Pimms flowed freely and scrummy cakes were abound! What more could a girl ask for? Except perhaps, beautiful clothing and a truly personal service - which is great because that is always available at Taking shape Cheltenham!



Lady She works her magic on vintage boutique owner,
Emma Adams of ''Katherine's Closet"

 Now as you all know, I am a complete devotee of the Taking Shape Cheltenham store, not least because of the wonderful staff Natalie and Tabbi who make each visit an absolute pleasure. Taking shape clothing really is about comfort - not simply in terms of clothing but in terms of being comfortable in your own skin. Natalie and Tabbi put you at ease straight away and I always leave the shop feeling good about myself - and the purchases that I make (I've never yet left the store without buying something!)

The afternoon was a perfectly lovely one and I hope the start of many more lovely in store events to attend. 'Taking Shape' Cheltenham is a credit to the 'Taking Shape' brand and ethos. I heartily recommend a visit and be sure to say that Charlotte sent you!

Cheers! with store manager, Natalie, Tabbi and Lady She

The Road to the Pageant may be ended but the journey's just begun...

Saturday 8th August saw the final in the 'Miss British Beauty Curve 2015' pageant, at the Epsom Playhouse - and what a fantastic time we had.

Myself and 'Katherine's Closet owner (and bestie!) Emma Adams
outside the Epsom Playhouse

Starting out at 11am with the rehearsals for our opening number, we all bonded really well and with an amazing soundtrack we were all dancing and singing along together in no time - I haven't laughed so much in ages! The time went so quickly and before we knew it, interviews had been completed and we were in the changing rooms prepping for the start of the show! Then the magic started - 28 women ready to show the audience what they could do!

Isn't this supposed to be a beauty pageant?!
(clockwise from top) Stephanie, Tracey, Aisha, me, Kat, Kim and Heila

We opened to Ariana Grande's 'Problem' and I felt truly amazing in my Lady Voluptuous 'Ursula' dress and Ruby Shoo 'Piper' navy polka dot shoes. The whole theme of the opening number was the Union Jack, so we all worked our Red, White and Blue dresses with Union Jacks in hand - and we rocked it (even if some of us slightly miss-footed and nearly fell over at the end!)

Opening number - the Red, White and Blue of the Union Jack

Feeling fab in Lady Voluptuous and Ruby Shoo

After introductions, it was on to the fashion wear round and I really enjoyed this. It was a chance for us all to show the audience a little bit of ourselves and our own individual style. I chose the Gemma Collins 'Copenhagen' dress. You might have remembered that a wiggle dress was an alien concept for me not so long ago, but with a new found appreciation for a dress of a closer fit - I felt fantastic! 

Working the wiggle in
a Gemma Collins 'Copenhagen'

Then on to swimwear! Now, you can imagine that, having had a lifelong fear of a wiggle dress, the thought of wearing a swimsuit on stage once filled me with dread. BUT not anymore! We had another amazing song in Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj's 'Bang Bang' and I, like every other lady on that stage, worked my look. There was a great mix of one and two piece swimwear, cover ups and kaftans and I adored wearing my Magisculpt 'Marilyn' swimsuit and Grazia kimono (both from Simply Be).

Myself and Ms East Coast, Tracey Haynes

As I said, it all went so quickly and before we knew it we were in our Evening Wear for the final round - and what a round. So many beautiful dresses, worn by so many beautiful, caring and talented ladies. My dress was a Grecian style chiffon dress in coral from Trixxi at Macy's teamed with 'Crisp Kendra' shoes in coral suede by Clarks.

The Finale - Trixxi at Macy's and
Crisp Kendra by Clarks

After a brief interval with entertainment from 'Kaiya' and 'Dance Flavourz', it was on to the final part of the pageant - the awards ceremony. We were joined on stage by 2014 winners Emily Blake and Yvonne Cardoso, 2013 winner Amarise and 2012 winner Rio Watchorn. And the winner for the Ms category was....


The Ms Category awards

The gorgeous Katherine Henry, Ms Surrey Curve. I am so pleased to know this beautiful lady and it was a very well deserved victory.

Ms Katherine Henry - Ms Surrey Curve 2015
and now Ms British Beauty Curve 2015

Equally deservedly won were the titles of 2nd runner up, won by Ms East Curve Tracey Haynes and 1st runner up, won by Ms Hertfordshire, Kim Ireland. Best in interview was the lovely, Ms North Wales Stephanie Jaziri and Top Model was won by Aisha Namurach.

Ms East Coast and 2nd Runner up
Tracey Haynes

Ms Hertfordshire and 1st Runner up
Kim Ireland

Ms North Wales and Best in Interview
Stephanie Jaziri

Ms Cardiff and Top Model
Aisha Namurach

Yours truly didn't fair so bad either - I was honoured to be awarded the Best Application award and - much to my utter delight - Ms Congeniality! I am the Gracie-Lou Freebush of Miss British Beauty Curve 2015! The award is amazing and all the more special as it is awarded based on voting by fellow contestants. I am truly blessed to have met such amazing ladies who value me for who I am.

Receiving my Ms Congeniality sash and certificate from
Amarise and Yvonne Cardoso

My Titles

I would like to thank Leah Precod for allowing me to be a part of this amazing pageant and to the whole Miss British Beauty Curve team for their time, patience and support. It has been a privilege. Many congratulations to the winners, both in my category and in the Miss category. Very many thanks to my Mum and Dad, Sally and Clive and to my friend Emma for coming to support me, and also to all the family and friends that supported me here at home in Gloucestershire. I couldn't have done it without you.

Finally I should like to say - Ladies and Gentleman - my road to 'Miss British Beauty Curve 2015' is now at an end but this is simply the beginning of a much bigger journey....

Useful links:
www.facebook.com/KatherinesClosetVintage
https://ladyvlondon.com/LadyVoluptuous/
www.rubyshoo.com/
http://gemmacollinsofficial.com/
www.simplybe.co.uk

Katherine's Closet - from spare room to Cheltenham boutique

It’s just over a week since Katherine’s Closet, Cheltenham opened its doors but I want to look back not just to what was a truly wonderful opening day but to look back even further to the birth of the ‘Closet’.

The Katherine's Closet Opening Team!

Katherine’s Closet is the brain child of the wonderful Emma Adams. A vintage inspired fashion devotee herself, Emma knew the value of a good dress and the fantastic feeling you get wearing something that makes you stand out and feel truly feminine. She wanted all women– regardless of their size – to have that same empowering feeling you get from wearing beautiful vintage designs. And so starting with a few items in the first floor sitting room of her town house in Tewkesbury, ‘Katherine’s Closet’ was born.

The Closet Girls

By February 2014, as Emma says, a monster had been created! What began as a little hobby had morphed into a Facebook page business with 2,000 followers and a customer base of similar proportions. She quickly took the decision to move into small premises at Perform Fitness in Tewkesbury and operated from there for just over 12 months, carrying sizes 8 – 28 in most styles. And still the business grew! Now in July 2015 with nearly 4,500 followers on Facebook, Emma has been joined in the business by a new business partner, her friend Emma Mason and the business once again has morphed! This time moving into a fabulous new shop in an area of Cheltenham locally being coined as ‘The Home of the Hipster’ – Bennington Street. Nestled between, ‘Smokey Joe’s café’ – a vintage inspired diner and ‘The Libertine’ - a stunning vintage barber shop, the ‘Closet’s’ new home at 10 Bennington Street, Cheltenham couldn’t be more perfectly placed.

'Twinning it' with Betty Pamper



 As you know, I am the store’s Plus Size Ambassador and I am delighted to be sponsored by the ‘Closet’ in the forthcoming ‘Miss British Beauty Curve’ pageant. So I was ecstatic to be asked to help with the first day in the new store.  



Right to left: Emma Mason,
Betty Pamper & Closet Founder, Emma Adams

Opened by fabulous plus-size blogger, Betty Pamper www.pamperandcurves.com and with glorious entertainment from Betsy Harmony (http://betsyharmony.webs.com/)  and Sarah Kelly (http://uke-can.vpweb.co.uk/), it was a wonderful day! The ‘Closet Girls’ decked out in their ‘Nicky Rockets’ T-shirts, the wonderful cupcakes from by the lovely Suzi Thomas at ‘Spongecakes Suzebakes’ (http://www.spongecakessuzebakes.co.uk) and the chance to see founder Emma Adams dream of a 'wall of petticoats' realised was all I hoped it would be and more.


Wall of Petticoats

I have been extremely privileged to have been able to follow ‘Katherine’s Closet right from the very beginning and I am fortunate to count both business partners as my very close friends. Their combined passion for vintage inspired fashion for all women is as wonderful and enrobing as the warm welcome that they give to all who pass through the doors of the ‘Closet’.

A lovely welcome

  

 

 

But don’t just take my word for it: check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KatherinesClosetVintage and then pop on down to the ‘Closet’ (at 10 Bennington Street, Cheltenham) and see for yourself!

To wiggle - or not to wiggle - that is the question!

Bellatrix with suede mid heels
from Office and Hair flower by
Rockaflower

As many of you will know, I love my vintage and retro style clothing. I'm a particular fan of the 1950s - Full skirts, Dior's 'New Look' and generally really feminine shapes and styles. There is, however a style from that era that has never graced my wardrobe - a wiggle dress. That is until now!
I am now the proud owner of a rose print 'Bellatrix' dress from the Lady Vintage London - Lady Voluptuous range (http://ladyvlondon.com/LadyVoluptuous/). Now I have long favoured the Lady Vintage 'Hepburn' dresses - owning almost their entire collection - but the wiggle is a whole new ballgame for me. I've always been frightened of showing so  
much of my shape. But I've bitten the bullet and I'm really pleased with the results.
The 'Lady Voluptuous' range has been created in collaboration with the wonderful Georgina Horne (Fuller Figure Fuller Bust) and is the UK's first dedicated Plus Size Vintage Clothing label. The 'Bellatrix' dress (as you can see from my photo) features a V neck, 3/4 length sleeves, with a peplum hem. And best of all - drum roll, please - my size 22/24 dress is 46.5" in length! Yay!

Keep yours eye open this coming weekend for more vintage fun at the opening of the new 'Katherine's Closet' boutique in Cheltenham! Gracie and I can't wait!