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

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