Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Apple and Pears website...

Would be cool to have images like this on the official website... maybe in the background or running along the side of the website!

http://images.photovisi.com/42e9e5b0-225f-4f82-9bc3-5863074e33a5wallpaper.jpg
Image originally sourced from: ASOS Curve

One to DEFFO include on 'Before and After'

Crystal Renn

http://skinnyvscurvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/crystal-renn-before-and-after-weight-loss.jpg

‘I don’t want young women to think being thin is the only way to be beautiful. Beauty is not a pant size. I’m known for my body and I’m proud of my (plus-size) body.’
http://skinnyvscurvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/crystal-renn-thin.jpg

Kym Kardashian..

http://skinnyvscurvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/kim-kardashian-cosmo-body-2012-1.jpg

I like the make-up and hair from this shoot aswell!!! very inspired at the moment!

More photoshoot ideas...


fun way of taking photos! 

Photoshoot styling ideas

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g290/mikisu/ursulaandress2004.jpg

I have slowlllly began thinking about hair and make-up styles for my photo-shoot and so far am thinking to go of a glamorous 60's feel, with BIG statement hair and make-up! I personally think it makes women look very savvy, sophisticated and sexy (perrrfect for my style book!)

PLUS SIZE fashion...

A longggg list of places that provide clothing for the curvaceous women...I need to research more into this!
  • La Redoute
  • ASOS Curve
  • Simply Be
  • Wallis
  • Next
  • Lana Brent
  • Alexon
  • Planet
  • Elegance
  • Evans
  • M&S PLUS
  • Curvissa
  • Simply voluptuous 
  • Wall
  • Curvety
  • Pure
  • Navabi
  • Anna Scholz
  • Marisota
  • That's my style
  • Spirito
  • Gray&Osbourne
  • Boden
  • Windsmoor
  • Chesca
  • Lauren D @ TOPSHOP

Another inspiring website to aspire to...











http://allwalks.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/what_is.jpg
"All Walks Beyond the Catwalk is an initiative founded by Caryn Franklin, Debra Bourne and 
Erin O’Connor working with influential Catwalk designers and top industry creatives to
celebrate more diversity within the fashion industry"

Monday, 30 January 2012

models mayhem...

OK so scrap that, I have found a website with a wide variety of curvy women near to Bournemouth; so will use both professional and ordinary curvy women for my photo shoot.


Messalina 
http://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/120124/04/4f1ea5da27075.jpg

Website progress...


Before seeing Jamie I wanted to get a start on my website....I have used WIX so far, just to get an idea and grip on what I am going to do for my project. I like this layout, but am not sure as to whether using Wix is the right direction for my project. 

Photo shoot themes...

as my whole project is based around curves, I need to pick themes that will compliment my gorgeous curvy models...

SO far I am thinking to have a sexxxy retro theme, as in the 50's curves were very popular and the outfits really complimented.

I am also thinking to do a girly cutsie theme, with flowing dresses and lots of laces.

Sunday, 29 January 2012

Models...

Thinking further into my choice of models, I have decided NOT to use professional models, but ordinary women so I can a mixed variety of looks and styles. Perhaps on one page showing what they would wear and on the other page, what I would dress them in. 

Ideas are milling round my head though so this isn't final or definite!

R.I.P

Isabelle Caro, Face of anorexia dies 

http://newsroom.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/01.jpg

"My anorexia causes death," she explained in an interview three years ago. "It is everything but beauty, the complete opposite. It is an unvarnished photo, without make-up. The message is clear – I have psoriasis, a pigeon chest, the body of an elderly person."

THEN and NOW

Whilst researching curvy icons, I got the idea that on my website would be a good idea to include THEN and NOW pictures of famous women and can include polls with them, to see what women think! 

Megan Fox
Then and Now...
http://skinnyvscurvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/megan-fox-weight-gain.jpg

....

Been researching more into iconic curvy women for my project.... very inspiring.

http://skinnyvscurvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/kim-kardashian-cosmo-body-2012-4.jpg

KIM KARDASHIAN

“I never aspired to be a size zero.Although one time I tried on a dress with a size-8 label when I thought I was a size 4. It turned out it was a UK size 8, so actually it was my normal size. But it made me think, ‘Why do I even care?’ I couldn’t care less if it said 14. It’s just a number. Your best measure is to look in the mirror. I always say you shouldn’t weigh yourself. I don’t even have a set of scales in my house"

Wednesday, 25 January 2012

Plus size models...

http://www.bmamodels.com/plus_size
http://www.modelsdirect.com/help-advice/model-types/plus-size-models

A few more links to look into, but are based in London so will put them on hold for now.

Simply be...



Another video to inspire me on what I want my models to look like

....



Although I am not overall keen on all of the outfits, I agree with the message being sent out!
Inspiring!

Plus size models...

For my look book, I need to begin thinking about what model agency I am going to use...

I have started looking on the internet, but with not much luck so far... Have found one link that might be useful http://www.plussizemodels.org.uk/ 
But watch this spot...

very relevant!!!

Look book.

INSTEAD of a style book, I am now loving the idea of creating a look book, which will include beautiful photgraphs of curvy women (size 12+) 

No writing, no fuss, just amazing imagery for the eye to see. 


http://blog.shopittome.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/size_issue.jpg

http://blog.shopittome.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/size_issue_comparison.jpg

The above shoots really inspire me for my look book.

website domain

In order to begin setting up my website, I had to buy the domain name, of which I have chosen to use:
www.appleandpearsfashion.com 

REVIEW....

After speaking my Anya (my tutor) we have decided that the website and style book will still be aimed at curvy women, but won't continuously go on about the fact its for curvy women, so there will be NONE of this: 
'for bingo wings wear....' OR 'for fat bums wear....'

But instead will just focus on having beautiful images of these curvy women.

Sunday, 22 January 2012

....

For this project I will be gaining more skills within the area of promotion, from using photoshop to InDesign- to organising a photo shoot and putting together a Lookbook. I am very excited to begin learning because for the past two years I have been on the design path, but I think Promotion is 100% the way forward!

Curvy style books

Now that I have began thinking about other style websites out there, I decided to look into other style books, to gather together an idea of what has already been done and what I can do to improve my book ideas.


Although the book above isn't specifically for curvy women, I like the fact that its about women all around the world, not just in one place where styles might be similar.

Style book...

Whilst thinking about what my website and designs might look like I began thinking about my style book for curvy women.


 I am very inspired by 'The little black book of style' because I like the the illustrations and the way the book is written, which has inspired me to think about creating my book, in a 'homemade' style, with hand drawn illustrations, fabric swatches and told in a story like manner. Obviously this is only initial ideas, that will need to be worked into.


Could possibly use the theme of 'homemade' on the website too, to make it more individual and personal.

Bessie Smith



Curvy inspirational woman from the 1920's

....

Christina Hendricks, will most definitely be featured on the website. Very iconic curvaceous lady to look up to

WEBSITE IDEAS....

My website will (probably) include the following:

Style advice 
Places to shop
Famous and iconic curvy women
Curvy fashion DO'S
Curvy Fashion DON'TS
shape advice
My own curvy collections
My personal opinions
Curvy news

    WOW...

    Ok there is SO many curvy style advice websites and more so blogs, so instead of posting about each one, I will keep each link at the side of my blog, so I can go on them whenever and keep updated.

    .......I really need to get my thinking cap on about how I can make my website different!

    Website design ideas...


    I am not keen on this....I think I prefer the idea of having the title and drop down menus at the top of the page rather then the middle, as I think it looks cluttered and unprofessional in the middle. 

    Website ideas continued....

    I like the idea of having swirls on the webpage as could represent the woman's natural curves... the version below is only rough however so does not show the full potential for the swirls. 



    The swirls would look more like the above....

    Website design brainstorms


    Just beginning ideas of how I might like my website to look like.... i like the idea of keeping it all in different sections to keep it neat, but I am going to keep experimenting and researching 

    Style website research....PART7

    This is more personal blog, where this curvy diva shows us what she finds stylish and personally wears.

    Style website research....PART6

    #6http://www.bodyshapefashionadvice.com/fashiontipsforgirls.php

    I realllly like this website, as is different and quirky, and the illustrations are cool. I particularly like the fact its aimed at all different body shapes!

    Style website research....PART5

    Quite a simple website, offering style advice (do's and don'ts) on certain items of clothing and advice on body shapes. Also has some brief news.

    Saturday, 21 January 2012

    Style website research....PART4

    #4http://www.biggirlsbrowse.com/blog/
    I like this website as is not just aimed at curvy women, is aimed at all women. Which obviously isn't entirely relevant to my future ideas, but will be resourceful none the less!


    The only thing I dislike about the website is some of the outfits, but is personal preference....

    Style website research....PART3

    Basically same sort of idea as the VOGUE CURVY, just VOGUE BLOG instead which covers more 'Curvy news' then offering style advice, is useful though to find out the latest curvy celeb news!

    (Image from the above website)

    Style website research....PART2

    ..... Absolutely love the layout and style of this website and has lots of useful information on it, but at the same time has a personal feel and I like how they have a website and then a style blog!
     

    Sections of the website I like:
    Daily suggestions: Offers daily style tips and advice and seasonal style advice
    Glam and curvy: Info on curvy models
    Curvy Icons: Inspiring curvy women
    Curvy News: Latest info on all things curvy

    Style website research....PART1

    to gain more understanding in style websites I have been looking at my 'competition'... in order to see what I can do to make my project different and exciting 


    The blog above is interesting and offers style advice, events, shopping, interviews and personal views. Is personal and fun to read

    Basicallly...

    My ideas so far are; to create a website and a style book for naturally curvy women..... But will research thoroughly into other websites in order to gain an understanding of what is already being done.
    http://www.newlaunches.com/entry_images/0210/25/curvy-women.jpg

    Hahaa


    This amused me and inspired me for my project!

    ....

    I have been researching into the average british woman's weight and read a really interesting article which again showed the average size and weight is rising as the years go on:


    We're all 11 stone: That's the average weight of a British woman, but as these five show it comes in many shapes
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2071870/The-average-weight-British-woman-comes-shapes.html#ixzz1uwwzDPSY


    In 1991, Miss Average weighed 10st 5lb, but today, she tips the scales at 11st.

    Size matters....

    Another interesting point which has made me more passionate about my project is that a lot of clothing says its a certain size, but actually isn't. So is deceptive and annoying for curvy women who then have to buy a size bigger in some stores and a size smaller in other shops

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2012/feb/14/highstreet-clothes-size-chart


    One woman has created an app of which you put in your measurements and it tells you your perfect size in your chosen store! This is actually ideal and such a good idea and really inspires me to push my shape advice website forward.

    Size and self esteem

    I have also found that through error in sizes it also causes knock on self esteem effects on women, which is not good. I found the below website really interesting and inspires me further for my project as I also feel self esteem issues when I can't find clothing in the right size. 


    You also have the issue of self esteem that can seriously be shattered by jumping sizes. If you think about the notion of the 'dress size' and how a lot of women let it define them.  Think about how many times you’ve heard women say “I want to get down to a… dress size”. Think about the impact the ‘size 0′ fad had on people all wanting to try and fit into that size just so they say they’re a ‘size 0′. There is also the issue of vanity sizing which doesn’t help matters. Some brands have changed their sizes to allow women to fit into smaller clothes to try and make them feel better about themselves. However, it just causes more confusion in the long run as there you end up jumping from size to as you try on different brands.
    http://www.arashmazinani.com/2011/05/03/dress-sizes-self-esteem/


    I feel no women should be made to feel inferior because shops can't get sizes right! A size should be the RIGHT size. 

    Also....

    Another reason behind my project is the fact that the UK Average size is steadily rising, so although I don't think its healthy to promote obesity I think its right to adjust our clothing and ideals to fit the size, It has changed over the decades and will continue to change, so we all need to adapt as these things change.

    In the year 2000 women's sizes increased from a 12 to a 14 in just over a decade...

    David Rowlinson, who co-ordinated the survey, said: "Modern women are taller, with bigger frames, larger hips and breasts. There's nothing wrong with being a size 14, it's just the way most women are."

    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/average-dress-size-of-women-increases-to-14-715277.html


    Reasons....

    The reason behind me continuing my Apple and Pears theme is because I feel very passionatly about the fact that curvy women aren't provided well enough for....So I thought it was high time that the gorgeous naturally curvy girls were appreciated more....


    Join the revolution! 

    APPLES&PEARS....take two!

    Entrepreneurial unit is over and I am continuing my theme of Apple and Pears into my final major project.  So thought it appropriate to start a new blog, to store all my research and interesting findings.