Plus Size Fashion: Scarlett and Jo - the photos are back

We still don't know who's won the competition, but S&J made the photographs available to all the ladies that were there on the day of the shoot. They've put the videos up too, so here I am in all my porky glory :)

And photos:

Thanks to Scarlett and Jo. I'm really pleased with my photographs. I very much want this dress (above) and I'm waiting for it to be released! Its so comfy and a great dress for work or just every day. 

Pottscrafty: Plus size fashion - The Face of Scarlett and Jo

I posted a few weeks back about my day out at the Scarlett and Jo offices, modelling with over 100 other women. Had a lovely day and met so many fantastic ladies.

Well it turns out I'm one of the 12 finalists to be the face of Scarlett and Jo (there are also 6 for petite, and 6 for tall)

There I am in the velvet frock which was so gorgeous to wear.

I don't think for a second I'll win, but its nice to be included - and stranger things have happened. Wish me luck!

Plus Size Fashion: Scarlett and Jo Photoshot and my thoughts on the general 'get them in for free' ethos

So, a little while ago, Scarlett and Jo advertised the fact that they were holding a competition to basically find a new few faces for their brand.  There has been a lot of negative chat about this from the #psbloggers on social networks, so I thought I'd give my views and a review of the day, which I must point out, for me personally, was generally a positive and fun experience.

The Press Release stated this:

"Plus-size clothing brand, Scarlett & Jo will host a world record photoshoot of over 100 plus-size women at Bankside, London Bridge on Saturday 23 April.  The brand, opened a Member’s Modelling Competition to 20,000 followers on Facebook, to find the faces of Scarlett & Jo, in association with Ms Curvaceous UK. In line with the brands ethos, to celebrate "All curvy women” all of the women will then be featured on the website, modelling the Scarlett & Jo brand. "

Essentially, this was always a PR/Marketing exercise - they get a ton of free models - 'real people' of all heights and from size 16 to 32, who would willingly travel to their offices in exchange for the experience of getting made up and shot in beautiful outfits. This was always pretty transparent - they invited everyone who entered - so whilst dressed up as a 'competition' it wasn't really. Yes they'd pick three faces at the end, but overall it was a mutual exchange of services.

As someone who has already been through this process (on a much tinier scale -they only needed three people for the Voodoo Vixen plus size launch and I was one of the three who won that competition) I kind of anticipated what would happen, and I knew what was involved.

Companies who want to save their pennies will get everything they can for as little as they can from women who are desperate to break into modelling. This has been covered already by Georgina. She sadly had a bad experience with Voodoo Vixen (VV).
I was lucky with VV. I loved my makeup. I enjoyed the shoot. I am not a model. I don't want to be a model, but I like to dabble now and again if I get the chance.
Can I just point out as well, that I'm not a 'blogger working for exposure'. I doubt many of the women there on Saturday were either. I do blog, but I'm not that interested in exposure. I did this for me, as a person.

I think I visited VV maybe four times for fittings and the shoot that I did, and I represented them twice at London Edge. It was enormous fun every time, I was paid travel and some expenses. I was fed, I was given free dresses and cardis. The aftershow parties were fantastic. I don't live that far away so it was no major hassle for me.
It was a glimpse into something else that I wouldn't want to be part of all of the time, but once in a while - yes why not. I was well aware that there were other models being paid to do what I was doing whilst I was being paid the wholesale cost of a couple of frocks, but it didn't bother me in the slightest. Its not my day job. Fashion is cutthroat and b*tchy. It just is. You are dropped like a hot potato as soon as you aren't required. I became more aware of this even in the short time I was exposed to it, but dipping your toe doesn't hurt really. Moving out of your comfort zone. Being made to feel beautiful when its entirely possibly that your entire life, you've felt that you aren't?

There's a whole lot of 'but you're worth more than some manky sarnies and a cupcake' posts out there. I'm not a fricking idiot. I don't need to be made to feel like one because I'm happy to give my time in exchange for nice photos and the chance to dress up and meet lovely new people. I know my worth and its entirely up to me how I choose to spend my time. Oh let me see:- day off in London getting made up, chatting, wearing a nice dress, lots of giggles and yes LOTs of queuing, vs taking the kids down the park again. I love my boys I do - but seriously - duh - its a no brainer. Again - I acknowledge that I live pretty close to London - it was only £17 for me to get there and takes an hour - so its not the same as flying in from Scotland for example. I might have a different view then.

Wearing the skirt I made to travel in (fabric by Cotton and Steel):

As there was a FB page set up for the ladies attending, I was able to find someone to travel down with. I didn't need a travelling companion, but I found one anyway. Holly is adorable and it was lovely to meet her. Sadly a lot of ladies dropped out before, or on the day, so what might have been five of us on the Peterorough line, was just two.

Holly and me: the Cambridgeshire contingent

When we arrived, after a slight bit of confusion at London Bridge wondering how to get to Colechurch house in spite of being given written instructions, we headed straight up to the 4th floor to register, then down to the 3rd for hair and makeup, and to join THE QUEUE. This was where we were to be camped out for the next two and a half hours. I didn't actually mind THE QUEUE. It wasn't organised well enough though, as we were all huddled up in the tiny corridor outside the lift. Someone could have moved the line in the other directions so that we were waiting in the offices instead. Claire was there just ahead of us which was nice (met Claire before at London Edge - she runs a plus size clothing shop) I also got chatting to quite a few ladies in this queue and it was great to meet them. Gifi* was present a lot of the time - chatting to ladies - he's passionate about what he does, and was also slightly irate with the queueing (only half the MUAs turned up - although since none of them were being paid, its no surprise that some of them couldn't be arsed. It did mean a huge amount of pressure on the ones that DID turn up though. And slightly slapdash makeup jobs because of the turnover they each had to achieve) I actually think that this is the area that they should have been prepared to pay for. I understand it would have been a big outlay, but they could have at least have offered a minimal fee to each MUA/HA as a token gesture. It would have made the day run a lot more smoothly had there been more than just 7 people working on over 100 women.

Claire:

I thought my makeup was ok. We'd been told to put on a base, however she covered it up with more base. I felt a bit like a clown but I know you need more on for the cameras so I went with it. She left a few blobs of mascara over my eyelids which I couldn't get off. I had to re-do my eyebrows which had been powdered over. Add more eyeliner to try to hide the blobs. I also stuck on some eyelashes, but overall I was happy. I'd had my hair done the day before so she just pinned up the front.

Hair done day before:

After being made up

The MUA team hard at work

Another statement from the press release:

"Each of these ladies will be treated as a VIP for the day at the Scarlett & Jo head office in London Bridge for make-up and styling across two outfits. Taking part in production and lifestyle shots both individually and in groups and then finally a whole group shot over at Bankside, London Bridge for a photo-call at 1pm. Scarlett & Jo are sure to be ahead of the curve, making this the largest plus size photo-shoot organised worldwide."

So I think the first line was a little bit exaggerated. I did not feel like a 'VIP', but likewise I didn't feel like cattle either. I felt that they were trying hard, but lacking in staff and unable to cope with so many women even though they know we were coming.
There was food for us - the cafe down the road had been paid to give out free food and drinks. There were nibbles and bottled water all day. Sandwiches (nice ones actually - not at all manky) at lunchtime. We also got a goody bag - we all got a pair of leggings, and some nick nacks (nail polish, bath bombs, lip balm and the like) and a voucher for 50% off the range.



After makeup on the third floor, it was back to the 4th floor for first outfits. Although the team had organised two outfits specifically for each person, it was basically chaotic. People were swapping dresses around, therefore no-one was in the correct outfits. There was no-one policing it so it was bound to happen. My first outfit was a velvet fishtail number. Nothing I'd normally wear (I'm no hourglass) but I liked the idea of being uber-glam. Holly got an amazing gold number which everyone was in awe of. Time for a quick swig of water. Rigging on (underwear). Shoes on. Up to the 5th floor for first photo. And the NEXT QUEUE. Not nearly as long. Discovered this was where the Tall ladies were hidden.

The first photo was the stills. Front. Side. Back. Bam - done. Unfortunately my face developed a twitch which occurred whenever the camera was pointed at me. Hoping that it doesn't come across as a grimace!
It was also stiflingly hot up there with the lights. I'm impressed at the photographer and the assistants who were up there the entire day. It can't have been much fun at all.

Then back downstairs to the 4th floor for the video shoot. NO QUEUE!! This was slightly scarier. We had to do a slow 360 degree turn on the spot. Sounds ridiculously easy  - no? Honestly its not, especially when you aren't used to wearing high heels. Also, like a dancer, you're supposed to look at the camera as much as possible even when turning. Hmm. How is that going to look I wonder LOL.

So with that done, sarnies in my face, and a stagger down 5 floors to the basement, and into the street. Just along from the offices is a nightclub. Couldn't tell you which one. ANOTHER QUEUE and RAIN!! Huddled up with the ladies and waited for our location shot. Met more lovely ladies. This shoot was slightly more relaxed (still hot but not in a stuffy attic so not as bad) Photographer made us feel at ease.

After this it was back upstairs for the outdoor shoot. Unfortunately it was really fricking cold and none of us were wearing coats. I was pretty glad of a velvet dress at this point. We started out at the front of the building with the photographer on a ladder, but it became pretty clear he wouldn't get us all in, so it was back down the stairs to the back so he could take his photos from the stairs. Lots of the public were of course watching at this point!

After the outdoor photos, Gifi did a draw so a few girls won their dresses, and then back inside to start the whole process again.
To the 4th floor. I didn't like my 2nd dress - or rather the dress hung next to my picture - which wasn't the one I was supposed to have anyway. On scouring for another 16 (I'm an 18-20 - but not in S&J) I found a sweet ditsy black dress, so I chose to wear this as it suits my colouring. Stuck with the black shoes, and some hideously tight nude tights I got in the bargain bucket from Tesco. Then back to the 5th floor for QUEUEING. This time it was quite a biggy - I think I was waiting up there for about an hour. Met more lovely ladies up there though. I do like a good natter. Lots of chat about curvy convention, which I've never really fancied to be honest. When I did get up for my shots, it was a quicker session, and I was twitching again LOL.

I would have bought this dress, but it hasn't been released yet and this is just a sample. Bah!

Aaaaand back downstairs for Video shot. Small QUEUE. Met MORE gorgeous ladies for a natter. I don't think I've talked to so many different people in one day since, erm, ever actually. It was quick this time. Obviously the team are getting tired and bored. No location shoot as the nightclub was only available in the morning so that's it for me! Back to the 3rd floor to change of of outfit, and - blessed relief- into my flat sensible shoes. Cupcakes and prosecco in the kitchen (not too much prosecco as I drove to the station) and then farewells. Then Holly and I headed back to Kings Cross, pretty much knackered. I did of course find the time to stop off at Wasabi and get my sushi fix. There's always time for Wasabi.

For the boys :)

Overall, I had a great day. I knew what I was in for. There was more initial queuing than I'd hoped. I did NOT mind doing this for free and I can't wait to see the shots. Everyone involved worked very hard and whilst for some it was not the experience they'd hoped for, for me it was great. The highlight was meeting all these fabulous ladies and I'm so glad I was part of it.



*Gifi Fields has come from an extensive fashion background dating back to the 1960s  designing for the likes of Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdales, Henri Bendalls, Saks, Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Au Printemps, Gallerie LaFayette and almost every mainstream European and  UK high-street retailer.  Fields was one of the original designers featured at Topshop, alongside Stirling Cooper, Jeff Banks, Quorum, French Connection and Miss Mouse. Fields was a co-founder of the British Fashion Council in 1983, and was somewhat of a legend in London’s West End Rag Trade with his notoriety still following him in some quarters. Fields has had successive nominations for British Fashion Awards in the 1990s and was known for inventing the ra-ra skirt. He now runs Scarlett & Jo in-house with his design team from his London Bridge Studios and headquarters.

Plus Sized Fashion: Scarlett and Jo at Evans and a bit of Hell Bunny. Jeans that don't fit from collectif.

Yeah. I've been buying again. first up is this Blue floral button front dress from S&J. I like a bit of S&J. Their clothes are always comfortable and well cut. I really liked the shape of this dress on the Evans website, and it was in the sale for £20. 

I didn't love it so much when I tried it on though sadly. There wasn't enough fullness in the skirt for me (actually thats fair enough, its quite a 40s style and the skirts weren't full) but I prefer more, well, swoosh. I love the yolk detail, but I just felt frumpy. So I returned it. I'm at the point where if something doesn't make me feel grand, I won't keep it.

Then there was this. The printed mesh front dress. I think that I would actually love this in another colourway. I adore fluted sleeves and I like the sweetheart detailing, but I feel this does nothing for me, and in all honestly I don't need more work wear (I wear jeans most days anyway) so I returned this to. Check me out being all strict with myself!

Don't laugh. This is what it looks like when things spectacularly don't fit. I bought these collectif Rebel Kate jeans in my normal collectif size (18) for half price. I think I probably need more like a 24. I am keeping them as a measuring gauge (because I started a Body Transformation course nearly 3 weeks ago - I won't go into that here as its not very exciting and involves the gym and an eating plan) I shall see if the gap has shortened in a few weeks time <snort>

What I did keep. I saw this Hell Bunny harriet dress being worn by someone on facebook a couple of weeks ago and she/it looked lovely. I've seen it advertised a million times and never given it a second glance as it looked pretty ordinary, but all of a sudden... I WANTED IT!

I think its the colour and the bodice fit and the swishy skirt that made it a must have for me. Only found one in the UK on the Rockamilly site, and as fate would have it, whilst I was umming and ahhing about spending the full price on a frock (I normally won't) she posted a 20% discount code. Well, okay then. It came. I loved it immediately.

Its our 11th wedding anniversay today, so I wore it for a meal out with JP on Saturday. It was a fairly bad hair day so I stuck a flower in it and off we went :)

He looks thrilled doesn't he. He hates having his photo taken!

Plus sized fashion - what I bought in the sales

Actually I have been very restrained this year. I have gotten so big as to be uncomfortable, and therefore haven't purchased that much.

I also didn't get this one in the sales but it was so cute and only £12. Hard to tell, but its a festive tunic, with skaters and suchlike. I saw it on a friend and had to have it. The problem with Tu @Sainsburys is the sizing is all over the place. The top I'm wearing today is a 14, however the one in the pic below is a 20 (I probably could have gotten away with an 18 but they didn't have any left)

Collectif penny £12

Seriously. I had to didn't I - for that price? This is an 18. I doubt I'll wear it unless I get some tummy off though, and the neckline is supposed to be crossover but I find that unbearable, so I'd wear it halter style like this.

Lindy Bop Adriei - £23.99

I really love this dress, although its currently too tight on the bust (Lindy Bop also have very random sizing and usually I'd have more issues with the waist rather than the bust as I'm an apple shape - this is an 18) I like the simplicity of this. It has lovely shaping around the bust area and very stretchy fabric. I anticipate 8 weeks of the gym will allow this to fit properly!

Scarlett and Jo Black floral dress (from Evans £22)

This is so pretty. I have to size down in S&J so this is a 16. The sweetheart neckline is a little low for my liking and I'm not that well endowed so there's no cleavage to show off.  However, I love it, I like the longer length. I kept it. 

Scarlett and Jo Black keyhole tunic (from Evans £20)

I really wasn't sure if this is meant to be a top or a dress. I'd never wear this as a dress as I cannot bear getting my legs out, but I might wear it with leggings. I ummed and ahhed about this, then decided to return it. Its nice, but not nice enough.

Scarlett and Jo Black keyhole dress (from Evans £20)

I really didn't consider keeping this. I think because I tried it on after the floral dress and it felt too short. I'm not sure why I'm not keen otherwise, as the bodice is a lovely shape. I think there's something about the colour I just don't agree with. Can't explain that...

I didn't buy these. My youngest bought them for me (ok, he asked daddy to buy them) Gold sparkly with pompoms. What more could a mother want?!!

Plus Size Fashion - Scarlett & Jo (Evans) and Peacocks (just the one)

I apologise in advance for messy bedroom shots. Some are worse than others. I am particularly proud of myself however, for finally attaching my mirror to the wall, instead of it leaning untidily against it. So I give myself top marks for that!

I took this purely because I wore it today. Its my most favourite throw-on dress, and it was £7 in the sale at Peacocks.

 Its a really really lightweight little frock with pockets (yey!). Sooo comfy. Gorgeous colour.  This is a size 18 and its just nice and roomy but not too billowy. Peacocks do some really nice pretty clothing, although I don't think the size range goes beyond a 22 (you can correct me on that - that's just what I've seen on the rails) Sometimes I have issues with waist positioning. I'm short waisted so it hangs too low, but you can't argue with their prices, especially the sale rail.

And so we move on to Scarlett and Jo. I bought five dresses to try on (I'm not keeping them all!) I bought all in a size 18 as that was their size guide suggestion for my measurements.

This was the first. Fail. It looks really cute in the pic, but it looks frumpy and rubbish on me. Its also too big in the bodice. I think someone could rock this style. Its clearly not me and I'm a bit disappointed because I thought I could pull this off. I cannot. This is a bit weighty for the summer months too as its last season, but at the moment its still chilly and it would be perfect if I didn't look like my maiden aunt.

Love this one. Its jersey, and they do jersey really well. Good quality fabric. Lovely 40's style with a gathered yolk. Comfy fit. Cute keyhole cutaway. Floaty sleeves. What more could a girl want - its textbook flattering. I love the design, but somehow the colour isn't as zippy as I'd like. Probably because of the next dress...

...I already own a dress with fans on (Blossom & Billie from Dotty P's - that's generally a nice range but again I think max size is 22) which is black and body hugging. This one is more forgiving. .Isn't it lovely? I just think this style is so classy. A very 40's bodice with high gathered yolk, and a crossover bodice with a neck tie. 

The shape doesn't suit me that well (I don't think you can tell in this pic cos I'm pushing my waist in) possibly because its a wee bit big all over and its quite saggy in the boob region - I think Scarlett and Jo are quite generous with their sizing and I probably need this in a 16. 

Love it though - can you tell by the smile?! This is my colour. I have lippy in this colour.

Bah. This one would have been a great work dress, but its just cut. too. low.

I don't have great knockers - Im' a C cup at best, and I don't have a cleavage even with serious hardware assistance - but if I did it would be too much in this dress. 

Sad because its a great streamlined shape and feels lovely, but I'd be too self conscious wearing this. 

OMG I love this design. 

Its just perfect. That 50's sweetheart neckline with the mesh insert. Again its slightly too big all over but I've pulled it in with the belt so you can't really tell. The raspberry/purply colour is gorgeous. The fabric is jersey but silky. The sleeves are billowy floaty. Its a great length for me (I'm 5ft 6 on a good day)

I have no idea when I'd wear this - I think its more of a party dress than a day dress,but the shape is divine.