The gorgeous Hayley from Curves and Curls won Best New Blog at the British Plus Size Awards 2015, in which she was our guest and it was a real honor to have her and the ever so fabulous Caroline from Curvy Wordy with us on the night. We did a little interview ahead of the awards ceremony with Hayley, and here is what she had to say!
Hayley wears Charisse from our Sculptresse collection.
Hi Hayley, thank you for taking the time to have a chat to us! First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m Hayley from Curves & Curls and I’m a Londoner. I was born in London, grew up in South Africa, and moved back to London about 7 years ago. So I feel kind of half/half – English and South African. And I certainly feel like I have two homes.
I work in government communications which means my work life is full of serious stuff, which is why I love writing a fashion blog. It’s a fun escape full of beautiful things.
I love all things vintage, and I’m also a big fan of Rock n Roll especially the older stuff. My vinyl collection is the only thing that can rival my collection of dresses. I’m a major fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Beetlejuice and Harry Potter. I tend to like things a little magical and a little weird.
What made you start a blog?
When I first moved back to the UK I had no idea where to shop for a full figure. I needed help! So I turned to plus size fashion blogs. They not only helped me navigate the High street, but they talked about body positivity and it had never occurred to me I could love and accept my body. I got really passionate about this message and just wanted to be part of the community spreading it, so I started my blog to be part of this movement!
What is the biggest lesson you have learned since you started blogging?
I started blogging at the beginning of the year. On the first of January actually. I think this is the only new years resolution I’ve ever kept. And it’s just helped me appreciate how important it is to have something that you do for yourself. My job is really busy and I can be a bit of a workaholic. I’ve also spent a lot of time doing things I feel I have to do. The blog is something I want to do. Something I enjoy doing, and something I did first and foremost for myself. And that feels really good.
Whats the best thing about having a blog?
There are so many great things that have happened as a result of this blog, and I have gained so much personally in terms of confidence and self belief. But nothing beats the feeling when someone else tells you that something you’ve written or a picture you’ve posted has helped them with their journey. That puts me on top of the world because I remember how much other bloggers helped me (and continue to help me) too.
Tips for starting a blog?
If you want to start a blog my first bit of advice would be start it for you. Write something you’d want to read and that you will enjoy writing. Blogs are a lot of work and it’s really hard to keep going if you don’t believe in it yourself. Approach other bloggers whose style and content you like for help and advice. Most are more than happy to mentor and trouble shoot. The plus size community is great for that. And get on social media. It’s a great way to spread the word about your blog and meet other people with the same interests.
Do you have some words of wisdom on body image?
Changing the way you’ve felt about your body for a lifetime is hard. The media really narrows the amount of body types we see, especially in relation to women. We see the same types of bodies over and over. Which means that if our own bodies don’t fit into that very narrow idea of what is acceptable we’re left feeling like there is something wrong with us. Something bad. The easiest way to fundamentally shift how you feel is to start looking at other bodies! Start with looking at bodies that look like yours. And see that they’re not scary or bad or wrong. They’re bodies with their own beauty. The media is really far behind with this. But luckily our body posi sisters have got you covered. Follow body positive accounts on instagram, Facebook, Twitter and flood your timelines with all sorts of bodies. Because their are all sorts out there and none of them are wrong.
Where do you get your style inspiration from?
I’m a major lover of vintage styling, I have more dresses than its sensible for one girl to have. For day wear I tend to like outfits that are sweet and a little sexy at the same time. At night I like a bit of drama – bold, strong colours, luxurious fabrics and statement accessories. I’m almost always a little over dressed and I’m not very good at casual.
I love old school fifties and sixties starlets – Ava Gardner and of course Marilyn. I love burlesque stars like Dita Von Teese who are still doing that look so well, and the red carpet looks of Scarlett Johanssen. And there are so many plus size bloggers who inspire me – George from Fuller Figure Fuller Bust is one of my faves.
My mum is a real style icon for me. She’s always been plus sized and has always been glamorous and dresses really well. We dress quite differently but there are certainly similarities. We both love accessories, and colour and aren’t afraid to stand out.
Hayley wears the Kali babydoll from Cleo.
Thank you Hayley!
Keep up to date with what Hayley and what she’s up to over on her blog http://www.curvesandcurl.co.uk/
