This weeks #aussiecurves theme is “VULNERABLE SIDE” which is open to each individuals perception as to what it means to them.
I’ve been sitting staring at the same screen thinking about what to write. Everyone else has opened up big time discussing what they feel vulnerable about.
The fact is that we all have things we love and dislike about our bodies and looks. I’m a big believer in focusing on what works and what I love rather than thinking about how my bust is too big, my nose is tiny or that I hold most of my weight in my stomach area.
In 2012 I attended NYC Full Figure Fashion Week. This event is packed to the brim with international fashionistas many of them pushing the boundaries of fashion, some dressed so they got noticed and some because…well they can pull it off. And if there’s anywhere you can be fashionable it’s NYC.
I’m a conservative matchy matchy kinda gal {totally fine with showing some cleavage and leg though}. After working in the corporate world for almost 10 years I wear clothes that suit my body, are flattering to both my shape and my skin tone. So even though I felt like I dressed well when I attended FFFWeek 2012 I decided that if I attended in 2013 as a plus size model and new blogger, it was time to step out of my comfort zones a bit more.
CurvySam’s vulnerable side = BODYCON DRESS
I have never worn a thin fitted dress that shows every lump and bump. I’d been browsing on ASOS and came across a stunning floral print bodycon and I decided then and there I was going to buy it and wear it to the final fashion show at NYC Full Figure Fashion Week 2013.
I was so excited to open the package. My first ever order from ASOS Curve.
And…it didn’t fit me. I ordered a size 18 and I could barely get it past my butt. With less than 24 hours to my flight I just had to deal with it. No time to exchange.
I stood in front of my best friend and my mum and they both said no way, it wasn’t flattering. I felt vulnerable, you could see all my lumps and bumps.
Even though I am confident with my looks and do some work as a plus size model. There is a line…and this for me was crossing out of my safe zone. BIG TIME.
But I packed it and took it to NYC with me. Just in case wearing shapewear underneath would make a difference.
When the big night came I did my hair and my makeup, put my shapewear on and wiggled into the dress. I only had 45mins to get showered and ready so there wasn’t too much time to fuss.
I looked in the mirror, the lumps and bumps were still there but a bit smoother.
I had a backup dress just in case I chickened out wearing the bodycon.
My roomie and good friend Jessica Kane loved the dress. She took some photos with her SLR to show me different angles. With time running out I decided to take the risk of wearing it. Silently freaking out and feeling self conscious.
In the cab on the way there I decided that no matter how uncomfortable and vulnerable I felt, the second I stepped out of the taxi and walked on that red carpet I was going to rock it.
Belly bulge, arms and all!
These photos were taken on my iphone. There are decent photos on other peoples camera’s but this is all I had handy.
I still to this day haven’t posted any photos on social media of me wearing this dress. So here goes!
The pre departure selfies {I’m not normally one of those girls who takes vain mirror selfies all the time but I wanted to see a side view}
The arrival photos {iphone and only had two seconds to take them. Will hopefully be able to see the profesh shots soon}
The networking photos
Clockwise from left, fashion designer Shanda Freeman, Blogger Ty Alexander from Gorgeousingrey.com, CurvySam, Plus model Alex LaRosa
Aussie plus size model Robyn Lawley one the award for ‘Model of the Year’. Congrats Robyn! {Thanks so much to Olivia from WaitUntilTheSunset for taking this photo of Robyn and I and emailing it to me}
After such a fun night a group of us headed out to dinner to celebrate the end of NYC Full Figure Fashion Week 2013.
{@jessica_kane, @littlelimedress, @itsmekellieb, @gabifresh, @thelizblack, @masquemag, @curvysam, @manfattan}
Outfit Details
~ Bodycon Dress In Mirror Floral Print from ASOS Curve
~ Black heels from Calvin Klein
~ Pink Belt from Lane Bryant
~ Bracelet from Torrid (borrowed from Jessica Kane)
~ Pink lipstick from Sportsgirl
~ Eyelash extensions by Miss Eyelash
Oh Sam! Your post almost had me in tears at work because I don’t think you see what I’m seeing! You look absolutely breathtaking. Exactly how I’d want to look if I were in bodycon. I’m so glad that you decided to take the dress to NYC, and that you didn’t chicken out of wearing it (or sharing the photos with us), because I think that you look absolutely divine!
xM
Thanks Meagan!
I’ve marked it off my fashion bucket list finally. It was good to be able to post it online to the Aussie Curves network.
You may have felt vulnerable in that dress but you looked fab Sam! Good on u for not chickening out & for sharing this story with us. Your so beautiful!
You look amazing in that dress 🙂 So glad you took it with you
Sam you look absolutely gorgeous in this dress! good on you for taking a chance and wearing it anyway, I hope you will wear it again 🙂
Thank you! I’m about to sell the dress {moreso because I won’t wear it again and have a huge dress collection}, but I have since purchased some other body con dresses that aren’t as clingy on the waist area and I love wearing them.
If I had that dress and that body I wouldnt take that dress off!!!! you look better than the model in the picture and that was honestly the first thought that came to my mind!
Naw thanks! I wish ASOS Curve would use models above a size 14 for their curve range. It’s always nice to see it on a lumps and bumps body
You are such a gorgeous woman, I think you’d look perfect in a potato sack! And that nose…no, not too tiny – the perfect button nose! I want your nose so hard! haha
hahah thanks, maybe we can do a potato sack fashion challenge. It is a tiny nose, I love it because its mine and now laugh when people want to poke it {weird I know but it happens}
Sam, just found your blog and I’m thrilled I did! You look stunning! Gorgeous dress and you rocked it. You go girl!
Glad you found me and thanks so much for writing a comment 🙂
you are absolutely R O C K I N G that dress! you seriously look amazing, even if you felt self-conscious some of your poses suggest the opposite 🙂 x
I love this dress on you!! I see pictures of you and think, wow! if i could look like her! You are amazing and don’t let anyone tell you any different!
I love this dress on you!! I see pictures of you and think, wow! if i could look like her! You are amazing and don’t let anyone tell you any different!
I think it’s perfection Sam. Sure a larger size would’ve had you be a little more comfortable but sheeesh lady, you rocked it. And it’s a gorgeous dress. Great post lady. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Thanks Melissa, it was totally wild for me. I like my safe matchy matchy
Sam that dress looks smashing on you. You rocked it and rocked it hard.
Sam that dress looks smashing on you. You rocked it and rocked it hard.
You looked fantastic – and I know what you mean about the ASOS Curve models (I’ve had them up about it on their facebook page particularly about the straight range listing the model’s size, but the plus size range never does because it’s obvious they dont ACTUALLY fit an 18/20).
I think you always look so amazing and this outfit is no exception – my husband must agree because he takes my blog photos and he often says “Let’s take photos in the garden, like that girl with the flowers” and he means you… which may sound a little creepy now I’ve written it down hahaha but he checks out photos I like on instagram to get an idea of how to take better photos for my blog (happy wife, happy life!).
Thanks Rachel 🙂 Hopefully one day they will use models slightly larger so we get a more realistic idea of what the clothing looks like.
Had a good giggle at your comment re you husband. I do love flowers! It’s either flowers or palm trees in my background, perks of living in the tropics. And lucky you having a hubby who takes photos for you 🙂 I bribe my friends with bubbly or leftover wedding flowers.
You looked fantastic – and I know what you mean about the ASOS Curve models (I’ve had them up about it on their facebook page particularly about the straight range listing the model’s size, but the plus size range never does because it’s obvious they dont ACTUALLY fit an 18/20).
I think you always look so amazing and this outfit is no exception – my husband must agree because he takes my blog photos and he often says “Let’s take photos in the garden, like that girl with the flowers” and he means you… which may sound a little creepy now I’ve written it down hahaha but he checks out photos I like on instagram to get an idea of how to take better photos for my blog (happy wife, happy life!).
Thanks Rachel 🙂 Hopefully one day they will use models slightly larger so we get a more realistic idea of what the clothing looks like.
Had a good giggle at your comment re you husband. I do love flowers! It’s either flowers or palm trees in my background, perks of living in the tropics. And lucky you having a hubby who takes photos for you 🙂 I bribe my friends with bubbly or leftover wedding flowers.
You look amazing as always!
Wowza! That dress looks SO amazing on you!
Wowza! That dress looks SO amazing on you!
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