Plus London 3 - Day 2 - Community Day Thoughts

Hello everyone!

So now that I have posted tons of exciting photos, I wanted to talk about the 2nd day of Plus London 3.  Sunday was Community Day and in my opinion it was the day that we needed most and lot of people lost sight of this.

Community Day started with a panel discussion on confidence and sexuality with 3 speakers, Dr Charlotte Cooper, Dr Caroline Walters and Gina Warren.  I don't talk a lot about these things on here but my background and degree is actually in Gender and Women's studies, and this discussion was so interesting and good to hear.  I know there was a very mixed reaction to this part of the event, with a lot of people not showing up for a number of reasons. I don't blame anyone for not coming and I certainly am not looking any explanations, I'm only writing this because I want to share an experience with you.
When I went to university sometime ago, I had no idea what I wanted to study, but was dead set on getting a degree in something. During my first year, I made friends from all different walks of life, and by chance, several of them volunteered at our local campus Women's Center. I jumped on board straight away and began to volunteer. The Women's Center offered free childcare, community meals, classes on any number of subjects and skills, as well as a safe space for women and men to come, read and meet others. It was here that I had my first real taste of what it felt like to be part of a community that cares, goes above and beyond for others and looks to making the world a better place. It was then that I decided to study Gender and Women's Studies and see how we function through gender in society.

Although over the years since I left university, I have had that feeling again here and there, I felt it come back to me on Community Day at PL3. Here we were, all sitting in a room, not afraid to discuss our bodies, sexuality and to give and take skills and experiences from each other. This community is what it's really all about.

I really feel that for plus size women, bloggers or not, we need to find comfort and confidence in ourselves as women before we go looking for big companies to offer it to us. I think it's easy for everyone to get caught up in the fashion and frills and the promise of some kind of fame or recognition but at the end of the day, no matter how amazing you feel in one outfit, it's about feeling good with or without the outfit and this is something that clothing companies can't teach or give us.
Whenever I think that I have lost sight of this, I remind myself that clothing is the icing on the cake that is my body. It enhances the already beautiful.

Sunday was about getting together, talking and sharing our experiences and of course having a great time.
I'm excited that we are changing fashion and pushing companies to make room for our bodies but let's not forget about the human connection and being part of something bigger.
It was so lovely to meet so many of you on both days and I look forward to seeing all again soon! Get in touch with me whenever - I would love to hear from you!

Coming Up (in true blogger fashion) - What I wore to PL3 Community day!

XXToodalooKatie

Plus London 3 - Day 1

Hello everyone!

I'm so excited to be writing this post at last, as I have been looking forward to Plus London 3 for ages. 

For those of you who don't know, Plus London is a 2 day community event held in London centered around being plus size, fashion brands and fat experiences.

This year was an absolute blast and I can't say enough great  things about the organisers, Claire, Lauren, Michelle and Isha (click on their names to see their blogs!).

When we arrived the place was already buzzing with activity, guests speaking with brands, lots of fantastic jewelry on display and a great atmosphere.

Brand Talks, makeovers (gorgeous Katrin - all the way from Germany!) and Red Bows Boutique!

The first day was spent meeting other bloggers, readers and there were representatives there from several shops and brands including Simply Be, Curvy Kate, Curvissa, and Black Heart Creatives.

In the afternoon, we enjoyed talks from Black Heart Creatives and Twisted Siren, about owning a small business and the joys and hardships. I really loved this talk as jewelry making has always been a hobby and sometimes job for me and it's nice to see it making someone successful.

I also had a bra fitting from Curvy Kate and tried on the new Daily Boost bra which I think will be my next bra! 

Near the end of the day, we had a performance by The Diablo Daniels who was great - that girl can rhyme!

For me, it felt like the first time in a long time that I had reconnected with old friends, having been away from London for the past year. The people that inspire me, and make me laugh are back in my life and I am so grateful for that. 

I have to also mention, that the lovely Katrin from the German blog reisende Rundengen came to stay with me so we could go to Plus London 3 together. It was so fun to have her here and wish she could stay forever!

Lastly, I want to send a big thank you out to Bethany from Arched Eyebrow for Djing for us on Saturday night for dance party. I think it's a real shame that a lot of people said they would come, booked tickets and then didn't turn up, but regardless those of us who danced had a great time. 

Stay Tuned for another post of Day 2, my outfits, and a few of my little thoughts on how the plus size blogosphere has changed and is evolving.

XX ToodalooKatie

I'm back!

For the record, my hair is no longer red :)

Hey lovelies!

So after a pretty stressful almost 2 months, I have officially moved back to London, North London, to be exact, have started a new job back in the office world and just generally feel like a new person.

I can't describe the rut I was feeling stuck in over the past year but it's been a bumpy ride and I'm starting to feel like me again - I think it might be the good vibes from the city.

I am so excited for all the big things coming up, like Street Style Plus on October 26th followed by Plus London on November 2nd and 3rd! On the blog, you will be seeing lots of new things, including reviews off my newclothes, purchased very recently whilst my mum was visiting :) and a few other beauty bits and to top it all off, I have a new tattoo booked in November so there's that too.

As always, you can get in touch with questions, requests and anything else!

Thanks for all your support and love! Stay Tuned!

XX ToodalooKatie

Plus London 2 - It's Official!

 Red Coat - Next (last season, Tights-M&S, Boots-Evans (last season), Bag - Kath Kidston (kids collection)

Hey  Girlies!

I think my desire to blog is slowly coming back as I am starting to live what feels like a normal life in London! How exciting! As many of you know, Plus London, which happened last year in London, was an event for fashion bloggers of every size to come together, shop,  and meet all their readers, and it was a great success! It was so nice to meet everyone, and I can hardly believe it's been almost a year since it happened. (If you missed it or just want to reminisce click here) The good news is that it's all happening again this year! You can find all the details as they come up on the facebook event here!

I will be there along with a fantastic group of other bloggers and readers alike! I can't wait to see you all again and hopefully meet some new faces!!!

XO CurvyKatie