Every now and then in life, you come across a person that you are automatically on the same page with… A kindred spirit some may say. Well, that’s exactly what we felt when we came across model and blogger Louise O’reilly from Style Me Curvy, a blog all about positive body image and fashion, and we just had to meet her and find out a little bit more about one of the many new inspirational army of women trying to help with people’s self esteem and body image issues.
Tell us a bit about your background?
I started working as a plus size model six years ago, just after a year I signed with my first international agency and my career grew from there. At the time I was studying in University, International Relations and Political Science, and for me it was really important to have a solid degree to fall back on before I pursued the fashion world full time. Since then I’ve been so blessed to be able to work with incredibly creative people from magazines to brands and photographers around the world.
What made you start a blog?
A few years ago, I found more and more emails began to flood in relating to fashion and style from a broad age range of women, all with the same questions. Issues to do with sizing, where to find a particular item to more body conscious issues. I really felt like there was this avenue that wasn’t being represented properly. I wanted a blog that fused both worlds of fashion from the ‘standard’ to plus sizes without a big deal being made about it. A blog where women aged 18 or even 58 could look to for style inspiration regardless of their size and learn to feel confident in their own skin.
What is your biggest achievement to date, and what is your end goal?
Being interviewed by Vogue Italia was a really big deal for me as it was just incredible to be asked. The end goal is to keep promoting body confidence to the best of my capacity.
Who is your role model and why?
My Nana, she’s one of the strongest women with the biggest heart I know.
What are your four words to live by?
It’s not exactly four words but I live by the saying “ What’s meant for you won’t pass you by”
If you could give one piece of advice to 18 year old you, what would it be?
That its o.k to be different that obsessing over your body will never make you happy or help you achieve your goals.
What is your favourite style of lingerie?
Low cut plunge styles with a feminine twist.
Where do you get your style inspiration from?
Everywhere! Because I travel quite regularly I really enjoy watching true street style of different cultures even to the finer details of belts and accessories.
What is your one ‘can’t live without’ item?
My iphone. It’s practically joined to me, I need to be contactable at all times as with work every day is different. I would be lost without it.
What is your favourite destination?
I love Rome. There’s something totally indescribably magic about the city from the architecture to their culture, and of course the fashion!
Thanks Louise!
Don’t forget to check out Louise’s blog for everything body image related, and you may even spot some Panache lingerie soon!
