Beth Ditto in Paper Magazine

 

Check out Beth Ditto's interview in Paper Magazine

“I said to my teacher, ‘I can’t be a singer because I’m not pretty enough and I’m fat.’ And she looked at me and said, “Tell that to Nell Carter, babe.’ That changed my life forever!”

Guys Spill It; They Can Be Self Conscious Too When It Comes to Fashion

I had a discussion with Ryan, the b-fran, a few weeks ago about body image and shopping as a bigger consumer.  I told him that I don't ever see a guy that feels self conscious (maybe they hide it well) or see them laying on the bed trying to stuff themselves into a pair of jeans (although I saw my roommate do it, but he's different, he wears the skinniest of jeans).  He corrected me.  He told me that guys do have body image issues.  Well, I wanted him to tell his story, so he is my guest blogger for this week.  Ryan is a comedian in the Los Angeles area.  He also writes a comic strip that he proudly calls, "The Adventures of Coochie, Piggy & The Chickenhead".  It's actually quite hilarious.  Comedy is what interested me most about Ryan, because I like to laugh.  So I definitely encourage you to check out his site at www.cpccomics.com and actually FOLLOW him with your Google Connect.  His page is still quite new, but you should check it out if you like a good laugh. ;o)  Now, on to his story, (p.s. it's slightly lengthy, but I promise it's a good read!)

Guys and self consciousness.  “What?  Guys are self conscious?  No F***’n way!” On the contrary, guys are more self conscious than you may think (especially us bigger guys) and I am here to squash that common misconception .

Now, as a B.O.S.S. (Brotha of Substantial Size) I want to let you guys know that we (plus size men), in most cases, are more self conscious than you may think. We go through as much, if not more, than the average man and woman...ok maybe not NEARLY as much as you women, but we do go through a lot! “How?” you ask. Where do plus size ladies shop?  Lane Bryant, Torrid, and Ashley Stewart, just to name a few. What about us plus size guys? Big & Tall?  HA!  That’s not for us regular big guys! Ok, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I stand at damn near 6 feet (5’ 10” & some change), I weigh 257 lbs,  I wear a size XL-2XL shirts & size 40 jeans (for a guy, I got a "DONK"! That’s what my girl tells me). I have a hard time finding certain clothes to buy. “WHY? Just go to Big & Tall!” Ok, first of all, have you seen their clothes? Not too flattering! No one WANTS to wear jeans with elastic band or a shirt that fits like a king sized bed spread! Second, it’s called Big & TALL! I told you I was DAMN NEAR 6 feet, not what most people would consider tall! So, shopping there is out of the question. “Well if you can’t shop there, then you can probably shop at a regular store… right?”  WROOONG!!!  Read my measurements again; size 40 and I’m DAMN NEAR 6 feet! I have short legs… I mean they’re not “sit on the toilet and dangle” short, but they’re not long either. My inseam is only 30-31 inches.  If there was a specialty store made for guys like me, it would be named “Big & Not So Tall…But Not Short Either”. So, as you can see, I’m built a little weird (by industry/fashion standards) BUT is it me or are clothes NOT made like they used to be? I guess now, the “style” for men is “form fitting” clothes. How am I supposed to keep up with today’s fashion if I can’t FIT today’s fashion? Let me give you a quick example of what I mean.

Not too long ago, I was shopping in a well known store, and I saw a jacket that I INSTANTLY fell in love with! Unfortunately, it was the last one, and when I looked inside to see what size it was, it said “LARGE”. Well, the shirt I had on was an XL, and it was a little loose, so I thought “Maybe if I don’t eat all day, it will fit just fine” Hell….I just HAD to have it! I slid my first arm into it, and I noticed that it was tighter than it should be, but I decided to keep going… nothing was gonna stop me from getting this jacket…NOTHING! So, I went for it… I reached around, got my other arm in the hole, and I slid it on…BUT now my arms are stuck in the air like a football referee saying that a game winning field goal “IS GOOD!!” Now I’m wondering how I got myself into this situation. I’m embarrassed as hell, trying to get this “extra medium” ass jacket off of me… I’m in the middle of this store ducking and dodging  behind racks of clothes hoping nobody sees me, and just as I duck behind the last rack, I turn around, and there’s an employee standing right there! So as I’m looking at him looking at me (he was trying SO hard not to laugh) he asked me, “Sir what’s wrong?” I said “NO!  The question is, WHAT’S WRONG WITH YO LARGES?? I GOTTA CLOSET FULL OF LARGES AT HOME AND DON’T NONE OF THEM FIT LIKE THIS!!” You see... I had to play it off like it was the clothes fault and not mine, but I realized that something was wrong! Whatever happened to the days when LARGE meant LARGE?

This is where the “self consciousness” kicks in! Now that LARGE means “Made for guys with large muscles and small waist” it makes it harder for us (plus size men) to shop. Hell…. I like the clothes at Express, Banana Republic, Guess, Urban Outfitters, etc…. So why don’t they realize that? Situations like the one that I just explained  FORCE us to buy bigger clothes, which some people don’t realize, makes us look bigger, BUT if I decided to wear something form fitting, then it looks like I’m either too poor to buy clothes that fit, or I have yet to come to the terms that YES… I am fat! So, in most cases guys will go for the bigger size… not because it’s more comfortable, but because we HAVE to! It’s almost like society is telling us “Cover that up… nobody wants to see that shit!!” I hear some of you out there saying, “What about Roca Wear, Sean John and clothes like that?” Really?? I’m not into the whole Hip Hop (urban) name brand, neither should ANY man over the age of 25 (I’m 32 years young), AND I don’t think those clothes are made as well as they should be for the price! (That’s another story and just my opinion).  Also, if notice, not too many hip hop artist are wearing hip hop name brands anymore, except for Diddy & Jay-Z, but it’s their brand and they have to support it… ok, I’m getting off the subject! Back to us big boys! We have to try twice as hard to look good because we are competing with all these “Skinny, muscle bound, no shirt to the beach wearin', I can walk into any store and find my size, let me wear a size smaller to show off my chest and arms” type guys. Hell, we may even try harder than that because like I explained before, it’s harder for us to find decent clothes to wear!

Ok…I feel as though I’m going on and on, so I’ll wrap it up. Just know that we big guys are really aware of how we look, and most of us try to look as good as possible. So ladies, the next time you see a bigger guy and he is dressed at least ½ way decent, give him a compliment or some type of props because it wasn’t that easy!

All Dressed Up & No Place to Go; OOTD

Today was a gorgeous day here in the Windy City.  I had plans of doing  lots of errands, and maybe even picking up some groceries since I'm getting low.  I even put on a bit of makeup and did my hair! haha But, none of my plans actually happened today.  I got busy doing, well, quite frankly, nothing.  I mean I've been doing tons of reading and researching on some things.  I totally made a video to welcome all my new followers and that was a fail.  Whenever I use my webcam to record things and upload them to Youtube I always get that funky kung fu effect.  You know, the one where your voice doesn't match the movements of you or your mouth?  Yeaaah, so I scrapped it and I'll attempt to record on my digi cam.  I'll just have to McGuyver up some makeshift tripod and make it work!  So pretty much today, I got all dressed up and went absolutely no where.  Boo! How slacker like of me, right? hehe Ahh well, tomorrow is another day.

• Drape neck tunic w/belt courtesy of Jens Fashion Plus
• Pencil Skirt, Ashley Stewart
• Leopard print shoes, Target 

SN, yes that is my name tattoo'd on my ankle. hehe Just in case I forget.  And WHEW! My legs need a TAN!

Let's Go Shopping! Fashion to Figure!

As a fashion blogger, I spend a vast majority online searching for  places to shop.  I have a list of places that I check on a weekly basis, somtimes daily. I call it "stalking", but in reality, it's window shopping (yes, that sounds much more sane and legal).  I click relentlessly all day in search of a good deal or something new.  I love coming across stores that are actual standing stores but also offer the option to buy online.  I follow Fashion to Figure on facebook through their fan page.  They have a store in New York and I actually believe I heard JB mention some pieces she got from them.  I admit that I have not paid much attention to them; simply because I didn't think they offered the online shopping option.   This morning, they updated their fan page with pictures of new items and it showed up in my news feed.  I noticed a super cute dress so I had to click.  Baited!  I checked out their website and to my surprise, you can shop online! Yesss!  The pricing is actually very budget friendly and they definitely have some cute pieces.  The size range is from 12-26, wonderful!  Now what kind of friend would I be if I didn't share a couple of my favorites with you?

1. Sequin Dress ($38.00)

2. Pleated Cocktail Dress ($38.00)

3. Ruffle & Lace Trim Tunic $38.00

4. Floral Chiffon Blouse ($24.00)

These are some pieces that I definitely think are cute and wouldn't hurt the wallet.  I'm patiently awaiting pay day now.  I definitely want numbers 1 & 3 for sure.  You absolutely cannot go wrong with a LBD and even though it will probably be quite short on me, I'm already envisioning the outfit in my head.  Perhaps I'll start with that piece because it's not something that I would normally wear (that's what I'm attempting to push myself to do, pick up pieces that I wouldn't normally go for just to give myself a bit more "edge").  

Have you shopped at Fashion to Figure before?  Ordered anything from them? What was your experience like?  Please share with the class ;-)

*EDIT* So I went searching after I thought about it, and yes, JB has shopped at Fashion to Figure before! Here's the picture I snagged of her in a LBD looking fab on New Years Eve!

 

Is It Trendy to be Plus Size Now?

There have been several wins within the full figure community this year.  Plus size models embraced the walkways of London fashion week, V Magazine dedicated an entire issue to "size" and most recently, Tara Lynn graced the cover of French Elle.  With all of this focus from fashion designers and well respected fashion magazines, critics seem to think this is just another fashion "trend".  Robin Givhan, fashion editor for The Washington Post gives his take on the use of curvier models, "One of the things that's happened is that as the general population has gotten bigger and bigger, the models were getting smaller and smaller and smaller."  Now, if being a full figured woman is a trend, there are many of us who have been in style for a long time.  Let's cross our fingers and hope that this beautiful thing called size acceptance is not just trend but a way of life for many women who struggle with their own self image.  I'm ready to see plus size women represented in mainstream fashion; slowly but surely we are chipping away.

Remember, beauty comes in ALL shapes and sizes and a real size woman is any woman. 

P.S.  Let's not forget about the plus pioneers such as Sharon Quinn, Barbara Brickner, Emme, Jordan Tesfay and Kate Dillion who blazed pathways for curvy women in years when it wasn't cool to be the token "big girl".

Girl Crush; Sara Ramirez

Yes, I think it's completely healthy and normal to have girl crushes. hehe I have them all the time.  It is just my way of admiring women that I think are beautiful in one way or another.  I have to say, when I first saw Sara Ramirez as "Callie" on Grey's Anatomy I was stoked.  She just seems like one cool chica to hang with.  I love the energy that she portrays on set and during interviews.  I hear she's also been in some stage plays as well.  It's nice to see a curvy woman on a popular television drama.  I admit, she's lost a little weight, but she's still quite healthy looking and still vivacious!

Wish List; ASOS

I haven't done a wish list in a while.  Maybe it's cause I don't like to tease myself.  HmPh!  This unemployed thing is taking a toll on my wardrobe.  But it's always nice to window shop, so I figured I'd treat myself to a virtual mall experience, minus the fitting rooms and screaming children.  I took a look at the ASOS site to see what was new.  Ooo la la, so many things I'd like to get my hands on, but I narrowed it down to these six items.

I realize that these are from the regular ASOS line, but they go up to a size UK20, which I found, can work for me depending on the material and fit, do not be discouraged to try things just because the size isn't what you'd normally buy. Like they say, "make it work!"

1. Nude is definitely a color I need in my spring wardrobe, I'm loving this Ruch Front Bandeau Cheesecloth Mini Dress ($34.19) I'm probably much too tall to wear it solo, so I'd pair it with a nice pair of destructive skinny denim jeans to a bit of contrast.

2. Navy is another spring essential and I'm loving the cut-out detail at the neck line for this Leaf Trim Top ($42.74) It looks so easy and relaxed, that's one style I won't argue with.

3. Some of you know I love my graphic tees (and those who don't know, now ya know) and although my heart is far from broken, I still love this slouchy, oversized ASOS CURVE Broken Heart Tee ($27.35)

4. A LBD (little black dress) with just the right amount of feminine flair? ASOS CURVE Exclusive Chiffon Babydoll Dress ($64.96) 

5. My shoes game is suffering and I'm aching for something killer in my closet this spring.  These Ash Spin Distressed Denim Open Toe Ankle Boots ($196.5) would definitely be a bit of stress on my wallet but look at them, aren't they worth it? 

6. I love pink, it's one of my favorite colors.  Armani Exchange Steel /Pink Silicone Strap Watch ($196.58) would make the perfect wrist candy.

My First Purchase w/We Love Colors

You will find the perfect colored tights, fishnets, or other hosiery items, to match any outfit or occasion here at We Love Colors. Also, leotards, unitards, and other dancewear. Kids to plus sizes. Now offering 51 Solid Colors opaque tights and over 13 Unique Splash Colors.

I'm pretty sure I'm probably one of the last bloggers to finally try We Love Colors tights.  I came across their site during the fall while searching for plus size hosiery through Google.  I've read many reviews from straight size and fatshion bloggers alike.  Most of the reviews have been wonderful.  I'd stalk the site and almost maybe think about buying some, then I'd for some reason, change my mind.  I had never wore colored tights, well not in my adult life anyways.  I worked in hoseiry at Target for a very long time, and I was always envious of all the brightly colored tights the size small through larges came in and literally rolled my eyes at the dumpy basic colors they provided us fuller figures with.  So initially, when I found We Love Colors, I was very excited, but I was nervous for two reasons; one, because I hate online shopping and two, being that I've never found a pair of tights or hose that I absolutely love.  I had received the dress from Jens FashionPlus for a review and with it being so short, I figured it was finally time to give We Love Colors a try.

We Love Colors offers 50 different colors!  50!  That just blows my mind and they also offer colorsplash tights as well.  It was tough to make a decision on what colors I wanted.  If it was up to me, I'd have every pair of tights in every color imagineable!  I decided to of course, order basic black, that's a wardrobe staple.  I've been itching to get my hands on purple tights and how perfect that the dress from Jen has purple in the color block so I decided to go with Amethyst as my second color.  I am 5'10" and a size 20 sometimes 22 with thunder thighs and big ol' hips, so I ordered a 3x, which fits weight <260lbs height 5'7"-6'0" hips 40"-50"

I placed my order on a Friday night, I received confirmation in my email immediately in regards to my order.  By Monday morning, I had received a follow-up email along with a USPS tracking link stating that my order had been shipped.  Thursday, it arrived in the mail.  Not bad for standard shipping.

Pros: I did not have to wrestle to get into these tights.  They are super soft and went on with ease. The color was BEAUTIFUL.  Sometimes with tights and panty hose and big thighs, I experience that uncomfortable chaffing, I did not have that experience with these tights.

Cons: I think the inseam could have been a tad bit longer.  If I would have had about an inch more in the crotch, they would be a pefect fit.  After only a couple hours of wear, I noticed that the tights were loose and started gathering around the ankle.  I unfortunately did find myself adjusting myself and pulling them up.

Overall: I like the tights.  I can't say that I am in love with them, but for $9 a pop, it's a pretty good deal.  I will probably go for the $15 nylon and lycra tights to see if I get a better fit.  I definitely think the material has something to do with the fit.  I don't want to go down a size because of how tall I am and I most certainly don't want to go up a size due to the loose fit after a couple hours of wear.  I will, however, try again!  With the range of colors, styles and sizes that they offer, I will definitely order from again.

Dress Review from Jens FashionPlus

I received this dress courtesy of Jen from Jens FashionPlus to review.

(excuse the quality of the pictures, good ol' cell phone myspace circa pics going on here since my roomie was out for the night)

The multi colored color block tube dress caught my eye for spring.  The color palette is actually quite flattering on the body.  With the elastic waistband, it creates an hour glass silhouette.  Originally, I was worried about if the body of the skirt would add on to the hips that I already have, but no.  It worked very well.  I ordered the 2x which is an 18/20.  I'm 5'10" and this dress is quite short on me which is why I paired it with the amethyst colored tights from We Love Colors.  I'm not quite sure if I'd be comfortable rocking it without some sort of leggings or tights underneath.  I can't help but wonder if I would've ordered a size up, if it would have given me another inch or so in length.  The dress was very comfortable, I even found myself dancing in it.  Normally I tug on short dresses to keep them in place, but this moved with me.  I didn't feel like I was flashing the goods.  I received lots of compliments last night.  With a price point of only $24.99, your pocket book will be happy.

At one point, I thought about pairing the dress with what seems to be my favorite denim jacket as of late, but I opted to go with the black cardigan and belt because a friend of mines told me I looked like I was Blossom stepping out of a Grease 2 set. haha  I personally like both looks.

Jen has some great things on her e-bay store.  The prices are quite reasonable if you're ballin' on a budget, like I am ;-)  You definitely won't break the bank if you choose to collect some pieces from her store.  Sizes are from a 1x to a 5x in some styles.  I know some of us have been burned by a past e-bay experience, but check Jens score, she's currently holding steady at a 99.8% satisfactory percent.  She gets great compliments on her speedy shipping and the items are exactly as she describes them to be.  She gives measurements to ensure that you are ordering something that is definitely going to fit.  All this, plus facebook friends get free shipping?!  I'd say that's a pretty swell deal (excuse me, I'm currently listening to The Brady Bunch playing on my tv)

My Guest Blog for TVP (The Voluptua Project)

I was approached by Michael Stagg of the Voluptua Project in regards to doing a guest blog about my favorite top 10 Real Gents.  This would be easy for me, so I thought.  I like men and I like them to have a sense of personal style.  He asked me to focus on larger men, or as they are known in the plus size community "big handsome men", and pick those celebrities who I thought would qualify.  PERFECT!  Most of the guys I date are bigger men, I have a thing for big arms and nice butts.  I'm not a football fan because I enjoy the sport, *wink*  So, I started googling different male celebs to compile a list and gosh, it wasn't as easy as I thought.  I wanted to find "real" men celebs who were debonair and handsome even though they may be carrying some extra weight.  After picking the brain of Michael and my boyfriend, I compiled a list that I thought would compliment Michael's list of 10 Ladies with Curve Appeal.

Click Here to read Top 10 Ladies with Curve Appeal

Click Here to read My Top 10 Suave Real Gents

The Voluptua Project™ caters to voluptuous women of ALL sizes but chiefly those size 6/8-18/20 and the men that love them.We provide access to curve-friendly resources, promote HEALTH, spirituality and wellness in addition to a rock solid experience – online and off – to connect with one another.

Make sure you add TVP to your list of blogs to follow!

The Pretty Girl Prom Project

*taken directly from the Pretty Girl Girl Project press release*

The most exciting event in a teen girl’s life is the senior prom. For most girls it is not only a party, it is the signal to an end of their adolescence and the beginning of womanhood.

The choice of what dress to wear to the prom is something that most girls fantasize about in elementary school. In these current economic times, realizing the fairy tale prom night may not be financially possible. The Pretty Girl Project is here to help!

The Pretty Girl Project is hosting their Annual Pretty Princess Prom Event. By gifting Detroit area high school students prom dresses, The Pretty Girl Project wants to add to the anticipation girls experience when attending prom. Complete with a day of speakers, demonstrations, activities and dancing, young women leaving this event will feel empowered and ready to embark on a new chapter in their lives. The day will end with the girls in attendance receiving the dress of their dreams!

There are multiple ways to assist us in assisting these deserving young women. 

*You can donate gently used or new evening wear, prom dresses, or cocktail dresses. We are also accepting gently used or new shoes and/or accessories.
*You can recommend a high school senior that you feel could benefit from this event.
*You can spread the word to everyone that you know.
*You can volunteer the day of the event.
*A monetary donation will help send a high school senior to prom as well.

If you are interested in donating in any way or have any questions please call us at (313) 492-1991 OR 313.850.4507 or visit our website www.prettygirlproject.org.

About The Pretty Girl Project:

Founded by Stephanie Penn-Danforth and Cassandra Jones-McBryde, the Pretty Girl Project is an initiative based non profit organization that empowers girls ages 12-17 to embrace their inner and outer beauty.  Positive reinforcement in areas such as individual expression, maintaining positive relationships and celebrating their self worth is made possible through various programs and initiatives throughout the year.

A Peek At My Plus Model Journey

A shot from my very first shoot (yes, I climbed up into a tree and the photographer followed)

In the Fall of 2005, I was talking to my, then, boyfriend about how I've always wanted to model.  Like every fat girl, I've always heard, "You have such a pretty face."  Talk about a back handed compliment.  Ryan, an old Ryan not the current Ryan, said that he thought I should give it a try.  I mean, I had maintained an 80lbs weight loss; I went from a size 26 to a size 18 over the course of 6 months.  We sat there and brainstormed about the possibility of photoshoots and modeling contracts.  It all sounded so very exciting.  He reminded me that I wasn't getting any younger and that if I wanted to try anything that I should probably jump on it.  I sometimes hated how unforgivingly blunt he was, but he had a point.  I was 23 and I knew for a fact that most models careers come to a close around that age.

A few days after our lengthy discussion, I started doing my research.  At the time, I had no clue about the modeling industry, let alone the teeny weeny plus modeling side of the industry.  All I knew at that time is that I needed to get my face out there, I needed someone to notice me.  I first joined www.modelmayhem.com to start networking with people who actually worked in the industry.  I posted a couple of everyday pictures of myself and awaited feedback and the possibility of setting up a shoot.  I reached out to other plus size girls who were aspiring models.  Whoever they worked with, I would click on that link to befriend the photographer/makeup artist who did their shoot.  During my search on plus size modeling, I came across a forum board, www.plusmodels.com where I was able to post pictures and get feedback from actual models and professionals in the industry.  The discussion forums were immensely helpful and the girls were able to provide me with constructive criticism.

*one of the pictures I had posted on MM so that I could get my face out there*

I had no problem getting interests of photographers.  The problem was this: is their work something I'd want to represent me?  My first shoot was done by Mike of Blue Water Photography and he was an amatuer.  Which was completely fine with me because I was fresh meat and needed more "professional" pictures.  My poor $20 webcam could only do so much.  But as I discussed with my friends, I wanted to always make sure that I was getting better, meaning, I had to step my game up and that included photographers as well.  At the time, I was being approached by lots of GWC's, a term created by pros in the industry meaning "Guy With Camera".  Usually these were guys (or even women) who preyed on new aspiring models.  They butter you up and tell you that you have a wonderful look, but in reality, they just want to get you naked in front of their camera.  I have nothing against nude photography, I just knew it was not the way that I wanted to go in terms of my modeling.  Especially not with a photographer that has a wrinkled sheet as their backdrop.  I've always been interested in photography, so I knew what quality looked like.

I traveled all over the midwest and set up TFP (time for photos or prints, it's an exchange between the photographer for a models time, usually a collaboration) shoots with photographers.  One weekend, my boyfriend and I (cause he made an excellent personal assistant and carried my bags and fed  me during long shoots and always after) made our way down to Ohio.  It was then that I worked with a couple of photographers.  My first stop was in Cleveland.  I forget the name of the first photographer, but I do remember she was a tad bit OCD and had this strange thing where she didn't like to touch the walls.  I had a lot of fun working with her and it was my first time wearing false eye lashes.  Lord, they were so long.  She did my makeup and provided me with props.  One of my favorite images was (to the right) me in a black jacket and black bra.  I only wish I had knew the importance of a supportive foundation back then especially when doing photoshoots. 

After that, Ryan and I headed to Columbus to work with Andrew Clifton, now in Chicago.  Andrew was full of information.  I loved his enthuisiasm for photography and his black and white images were to die for.  I was happy to work with him.  I do believe he was still in the process of developing his skills but he had a great energy which was infectious.  He was crazy and outspoken, I loved him instantly.  Over the years, Drew and I developed a friendship and he would always push me and my pictures to be better than the last.  I only shot with him once, but I value all of his input because I respect his work.

After a few months, I was starting to put my book together.  I had been approached by friends and family as to why I had not been to an agency yet.  Well, mostly because I lived in Michigan and there were mostly commercial agencies, most of which I found were scams anyways.  I knew that if someone wanted me on their roster, I wouldn't be paying them any significant cost up front for "classes" and such.  Secondly, I was still on the larger side of "plus".  I was a size 18 and from looking at Lane Bryant ads, I knew they used plus models between a size 10 and 14 for their campaigns.  My goal was to continue working out and get down to a 14.  That never happened, so I never actively persued going to an agency.  Besides, I lived in Metro Detroit, I mean really, was it feasible that I could travel to Chicago or NY for jobs on my retail income?  I always felt discouraged when it came to agencies.  I continued plugging away at shoots for my portfolio, which I found out after research, you don't actually need!  Your portfolio is usually built once your signed.  If you are a fresh face walking into an agency, they are not going to ask you for your portfolio, they will snap polaroids of you, give you feedback and either ask you for more info or decline.  Testing with photographers is what builds your port and the agency gives you a list of potential photographers.

During my networking, I met Sara Beth.  A fellow freckle faced aspiring plus model.  Sara eventually became my side kick and we were determined to take the modeling industry in Michigan by storm.  Sara and I traveled together for shoots and castings.  Together, we gathered information in regards to anything remotely related to plus modeling.  We talked about which photographers felt would benefit one another.  I think Sara was probably the captain of my cheerleading squad.  She was supportive and always pushed me to try out for things, even when I felt like I wasn't exactly what they needed.  It is important to surround yourself with supportive, positive people.  My family was suspicious when I first started but once they realized that I wasn't doing porn (lol) they jumped on board.

Over the last few years, I've tried to keep myself involved in the plus industry.  I have been seen in Beauty Plus Power editorials, rocking the runways and at any plus event that works with my schedule and funds.  My main goal at all times is to stay active and make sure that I am not forgotten about.  Before I moved to Chicago, I had been pretty low key for personal reasons, but now, I'm attempting to get my mojo back.  I've been getting back into the swing of things lately.

Points that I hope I made:

1. Research, research, RESEARCH!  The industry is always changing, it's up to you to keep current.

2. Network with people who's work you admire and are inspired by.

3. Beware of scams!  If it doesn't sound right, it probably isn't.  I've had many people try to scam me but I've noticed that when you ask a ton of questions, it makes them sweat.  Let them know that you've done your homework.

4. If you are a larger plus girl, make your body and your look work for you.  Don't be discouraged by the fact that many smaller girls may land a gig.  Keep trying, eventually you will get noticed.

5. Keep a strong support system.

6. Go to every model casting that is in your area, even if it doesn't call for plus models.  Try it anyways!

7. Stay active. 

8. If you want to know if you really have what it takes, an agency will glady give you constructive feedback.  If they turn you down, don't get discouraged, keep trying (medicine I'm trying to follow)

This was a pretty hefty post, so I will post another blog on tips and links, please stay tuned.  If you care to see more pictures, click my modelmayhem online port!