When I met Anita Bellamy at Plus London this year I was so excited to hear about the fantastic exhibition she was working on. Hearing her thoughts about the plus size community and our daily struggles really made me address some issues that I had buried in the back of my mind. I myself have suffered from a variety of confidence issues such as not wanting to be seen in certain clothes, not wanting to show my naked body to a partner without seriously dim lighting etc. and she really got me thinking. Why am I allowing other people's ideals get into my head and make me hide behind certain defence mechanisms?!Those who meet me find me to be a bubbly, outspoken and somewhat confident person but in all honesty I'm not quite as confident as I could be. I am happy to say that I have come on in leaps and bounds but I have a fair way to go. I see other plus size women showcasing their curves and wobbly bits in swim suits, daring cuts and wild prints and I wish I could push my own limits that little bit more!What all my soul searching and experimentation has led me to believe is that confidence is key, one of the things that Anita is really trying to instil in everyone; not just the plus size community. The truth is the better you feel about yourself the better you live your life! It sounds pretty simple but for some people it's a lot harder than it sounds. In truth when you start to put value into yourself you make better personal choices, carry yourself with more pride and in turn become a lot happier! There really isn't enough emphasis put on how important it is to be confident and this is why when I heard about the 'Definition Of Size Art Exhibition' I knew I had to go and see what it was all about!

 

 

When I arrived I was greeted by the smiles of many friends I have made since my entry into the plus size and blogging community. Friends I had met online and at recent events were there, and even before the exhibition had begun the atmosphere in the room was fantastic! Beautifully covered canvases were waiting to be unveiled, drinks were flowing and everyone was anxious to see what was about to happen! Even with an ankle injury Anita was up and about making sure everyone felt more than welcome and that the days' events were set to run perfectly. The itinerary for the day included a fantastic speech about the project, live music entertainment, buffet lunch, beauty treatments and a raffle containing amazing prizes! It was clear to me that a lot of time, effort and work had gone into making the day happen and I was really pleased to have been invited to come down and be a part of it all!

 

 

Anita took the stage and shared her vision for the project with us all and I have to say even before I saw the gorgeous photographs on the canvases I was very inspired and really wanted to be a part of the project. I have seen so many people crushed and hindered by their lack of confidence and it's a problem that I really think needs to be addressed especially within the plus size community! I believe that everyone has a right to look and feel beautiful no matter who they are, what their background is or the size of their waist!What was showcased to us were stunning photographs of both experienced and inexperienced models and to be honest, you wouldn't know who was used to being in front of the camera and who wasn't! Different styles of fashion and different types of women were in the pictures. What really excited me was to see that no matter what your look, size, style or ethnicity, beauty is one of the most diverse things out there! Unfortunately we only get to see one kind of beauty on a regular basis in our print magazines and television shows and I really think this kind of project will most definitely make many critics take off their blinders and see things from a new and fresh perspective!

 

 

 

After seeing such great photography we had some live music from X Factor contestants Brick City and had a fantastic time time getting henna tattoos, facials and talking all things fashion until the end of the evening. I can't wait to see what else comes from this fantastic project and i'll be sure to keep you all posted about it!

 

 

It's really great to see things moving in the right direction. Plus size fashion brands, tv shows, blogs, magazines and various projects being held in our community are slowly making it happen. Hopefully things continue on in this way because so far it feels good to be a part of the transition. 

Finally people are starting to see that we have a right to look and feel just as attractive as our smaller counter parts and I believe functions like this one can only speed up the changing process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definition of Size Art Fundraiser

 

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago an art fundraiser being organised by Plus Confidence owner, Anita Bellamy. You can read that post here. I attended it at the weekend - and wanted to let you all know what a great time I had. I didn't take many photos at the event because I figured blogs would be saturated by those! We were respectfully asked not to photograph the art, so you'll have to attend a future event if you want to see those! Me and the lady herself The exhibition was to showcase the first photos as part of Anita's Definition of Size project. She wants to make glamourous, sexy, media-savvy images available to the media - much like they are, but of ladies that are size 16 and above. When I spoke to her at the event she told that she this was just a snapshot of what she wanted to do - the lady has big visions! What I loved about the event was seeing some friendly faces and some new faces all getting on, chatting, laughing and more in this amazingly positive environment. That could be down to the free-flowing-wine that Anita arranged, but I hope it was more to do with the people that attended - and all wanted to get the same out of the event - positivity! Me and Brick City I got to see Brick City perform, chat to Anita about her project and won a dress and some jewellery in the raffle - so, you could say I had a pretty successful day! You could also have some henna art on your hands, a facial and your photo taken by professional photographers, she thought of everything! Me and some of the lovely ladies at the event This was just a very small part of her bigger vision and when I spoke to her yesterday, she seems to have lots planned for 2014, so I can't wait to see what comes of it! Did you attend? Come say hey! Debz xx Definition Of Size, Art Exhibition- Preview

Bubbling with excitement about this event....
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definition of Size Fund Raiser

 

I have recently met a beautiful and lovely woman called Anita Bellamy, we have run into each other at a few of the recent plus size events. She runs a non profit organisation call 'Plus Confidence In You'.
Anita is holding an Art fund raising event on November 30th which I'm really excited about, I haven't been to an art exhibit since Logan Hicks was exhibiting in Soho last summer.

Being a plus size girl, I am a big fan of plus size imagery and fan art, at the moment I am loving bbw art by Eduardo Santos, who some of you may know on instagram as @edull_ardo who creates beautiful art on amazingly round and curvy cartoon women.

I am so excited to be attending an event that incorporates two things that I love so much.
I have my tickets sorted and am looking forwarding to a fun evening with people who are part of the plus size community and also general lovers of art.
Anita has put in a lot of work to get this evening together and has some fantastic sponsors including Evans, Yours Clothing and Lush Cosmetics.
There will be complimentary food and wine on the night as well as entertainment.

I encourage people to come along and have a fun night out in London, I for one am really looking forward to this.

Posted by Lucia Morris at 03:04