Blogger Feature

Meet Alissa Wilson of Stylish Curves!

• Website: stylishcurves.com
• Facebook: Stylish Curves
• Instagram: @stylishcurves
• Twitter: @stylishcurves
• YouTube: Stylish Curves

Congratulations on all your success as a Plus Size Blogger. What was your motivation for starting your blog? Was it as a result of your personal experiences, if so, would you mind sharing a bit about that?

Thank you. I started my blog back in 2009. People would always stop me on the street and ask where I got something from or comment on how nice I looked. I wanted to provide a place for plus size women to come and get shopping and style advice. At that time, most bloggers were only doing personal style but my site focused on shopping and style. I felt it was important to be a voice for plus size women in the fashion industry.

For our readers who don’t know – what does your blog typically cover (specific style, features, beauty, etc.) and how did you decide on this for your blog?

I had a background in retail so I shared my retail knowledge with plus size women. Showing them where to shop for plus size clothes, how to find the right fits and cuts. It was also important for me to share plus size celebrity style as well. I noticed when I read other magazines or sites they offered all those things and I wanted to do the same for plus size women. Stylish Curves also does designer reviews and we feature bloggers for their style.

For our readers who struggle with being comfortable in their own skin and wearing what they want, what are some practical things you would recommend they do to help them get to the level of confidence you have?

The number one thing I recommend is to dress for the body they have now. Focus on fit and only wear things that they’re truly comfortable in. People look at the word flattering in a negative way but wearing clothes that flatter your body can be a real self-esteem booster. I also would say invest in quality clothing, use a tailor, play up the body parts they love the most. This is how I built my confidence.

How do you think blogging has changed the plus size fashion world and the body positive community?

Why is it so important? I think people don’t give bloggers the credit they are due. We have done more for plus size fashion than we are credited for. Before bloggers, you never saw the amount of plus size women or models being bold and confident. Back in the day, you couldn’t find plus size crop tops or plus size bikini’s. Today you can. I think bloggers have helped to influence designers and the media. We are the driving force behind the body positive community.

What does life look like for you outside your blog (day job, hobbies, family life, etc)

Two years ago I became a full-time blogger/entrepreneur.

In the beginning, I worked full-time at a hedge fund and blogged on the side. However, my blog was consuming so much of my time due to its success, that I decided to make it my full-time job. I am also a mom of an 8-year-old boy who definitely keeps me busy. In addition, I have a jewelry website called SC Fashion Jewelry which also keeps me busy.

Who are some of your style icons?

I don’t really have style icons but I have iconic movies whose style influences my personal style. I loved Sharon Stone’s wardrobe in Casino, Renee Russo’s style in the Thomas Crown Affair, and Diana Ross’s style in Mahogany. They were all so classy, chic, and glamorous. That actually sums up my personal style.

What is your favourite look you’ve rocked on your blog so far?

My favorite look I rocked on my blog so far was a black front split pencil skirt and a cape white blouse. It was so chic yet simple and statement-making simultaneously.

What can readers expect next for you – do you have anything exciting you would like to share with us? I have a lot of things in the works. I will be doing a podcast soon and I will be relaunching my web series, “Refine My Style” where we give readers makeovers.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice as a little girl, what would you tell her? When I was younger I was so insecure. I was never sure of myself. So, I would tell my younger self to stop self-doubting and believe in yourself. You can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do. You’re smart and ambitious. Never give up on your dreams.

Bloggers nowadays carry significant buying power for brands and some are seen as just as influential as models, if not more influential. There have been a lot of questions and comments in the industry about models being bloggers and bloggers being models – how do you think one helps the other if it does?

Personally, I don’t see the big deal. Bloggers who become models were more than likely aspiring models before they became bloggers and blogging has become a way for them to fulfill their dreams. I think its smart for bloggers and models to do both. I think they both help each other because they are reaching girls and women all over. For so long we only saw one type of model and now consumers are relating better to women that look like them and brands are finally realizing that. If a blogger wants to become a model or vice versa they should definitely do it. No one should ever limit themselves or be put in a box. Live your dreams.

Do you have a message you want to leave with our readers?

Every day you wake up you should work towards your dreams and goals. Tomorrow is not promised, live for today.