Tag Archive for 'starinabra'

Lizzie Haines scoops Curvy Kate modelling prize

Published on May 12, 2011 in Cheeky fun. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .
lizzie-4

Congratulations to the lovely Lizzie Haines on winning Star in a Bra 2011. Congraulations are also in order for large cup lingerie specialist Curvy Kate for finding Lizzie – and the fabulous Georgina Horne and Emma Donaghy who make up the top trio of prize winners!

Lizzie Haines will represent curvy women
Lizzie Haines will represent curvy women

It must have been quite a jorney, how does it feel to win?

More than a little bit surreal! To be honest it took a really long time to sink in but when it did I just felt like giggling all the time! The whole journey has been emotionally overwhelming and I couldn’t be more happy to have been voted in as the winner, I am eternally grateful.

…As you’ll see from the photos on the Curvy Kate Facebook page, Lizzie grasped the opportunity with both hands ;) Georgina will know what I’m talking about!

Do you feel any different about yourself?

I actually do yes and it was almost instantaneous. I’ve spent most of my life flitting between confidence and complete paranoia! I literally feel like I started this journey by announcing the acceptance of my own body, and now, being voted first it’s like everyone who voted has done the same. I’ve stopped slouching, I walk proud and I’m 100% more confident in myself and the things that I can achieve.

Do you feel different about bras and lingerie?

Not especially but I have learnt a few new fitting tricks and that I’m actually more comfortable in a different size now. I think there is more variety available to me and I can dress to my shape and get any bra depending on my outfit.

Are you looking forward to all the prizes?

Definitely!! I actually went up a cup size last year and it costs a fortune to replace your bra collection…I’m really looking forward to being able to treat myself to some new essential pieces that will be comfortable and improve my shape. Plus I can’t wait for the spa day…I’ve never been to a spa before so that will be a very indulgent treat!!

Last but by no means least, gorgeous curvy lady Emma Donaghy came a close second, commenting:

It feels amazing to have made the top three, there were so many stunning girls I feel humbled to have been amoung them and made it this far! Absolutely over the moon

Emma Donaghy is on cloud nine
Emma Donaghy is on cloud nine on making the top three

The ever-fabulous Georgina Horne scooped a well deserved bronze in the competition, commenting:

Thank you very much, I had mixed emotions when I found out as I knew that top two got to go to the photoshoot and so I was gutted to not have made it, but also soooooo overwhelmingly happy for Lizzie as she is utterly gorgeous with a cracking body, amazing boobies and the best personality! And Emma…well, who can fault a stunner like her!!!! So a well deserved win. Plus I have had so many lovely messages from people, and women saying that seeing a girl of my size coming third was inspiring and so I am just amazed to have got so far!!! Thank you to everyone who voted and believed in me! It has been an amazing surreal journey and the outcome was a goodun!

It’s been a great competition again this year, with curvy women from all over the UK coming together and sharing there experiences – and making some good friends too. If you’re a curvy woman then take a leaf out of their book, you may also find some of the many interviews we have done withthe top 30 contestants on Bra Selector’s Star in a Bra section.

Georgina Horne
Georgina Horne (right) pictured with fellow contestants Lizzie and Sophia

Every year, the Star in a Bra competition searches the UK for a D plus, naturally curvy, real woman to become the face and body of new fuller bust brand, Curvy Kate. This year’s winner will folow in the footsteps of the gorgeous Laura Butler, Lauren Colfer and Laura-Ann Smith acting as an ambassador promoting the ‘feel good figure’ philosophy.

Vote Hayley to bring sexy back

Published on March 29, 2011 in Cheeky fun. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .
siab2011_hayley

Hayley Cambridge is a hot contender for Star in a Bra because she’s not afraid to show off her boobs. But it hasn’t always been the case – like so many girls she has had her ups and downs growing up top heavy.

Hayley Cambridge
Hayley Cambridge

Why did you enter SIAB 2011?

I entered SIAB 2011 because I wanted to represent those girls who are maybe not plus size, but who have larger chests and find it difficult being a size 10, like myself, but finding that their breasts get in the way of them finding pretty lingerie sets and clothes.

Have you found it difficult finding good bras?

I have always found it difficult buying bras because my cup size seems to change each time I get measured and I can be between sizes at times too, which makes it even more difficult. It all depends on where you shop really, but it makes sense to get measured each time to go on a bra-buying spree!

What are you favourite brands, favourite bras and why?

My favourite brands at the moment are Sexy Panties and Naughty Knickers, which I think is an American brand. I also have some ‘Gorgeous’ by debenhamsurl which are beautiful, some Victoria’s Secret and, of course, some Curvy Kate and Wonderbra bras which I adore because of the fit, patterns and style! I love plunge bras.

Why should the public vote for you?

The public should vote for me because I am a down-to-earth, curvy girl who represents all of those girls out there who have big boobs on a smaller body and who only get attention directed at their chests! I want them to know that they should not be made to feel ashamed of or embarrassed about their bodies, especially their boobs, and that they should be celebrated. I have been through the embarrassment and have decided to show off my curvy figure in this competition because I refuse to let my others bring me down, instead I have chosen to embrace my boobs and show them off. I truly believe that all curvy girls are beautiful and that is why the public should vote for me!!

Get online now and vote for Hayley at www.starinabra.com. Join us Bra Selector on Facebook to talk.

Astrid Lopez flaunts it for curvy women!

Published on March 28, 2011 in Cheeky fun. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

Saucy Spaniard Astrid is a curvy HR admin, DJ and dancer (do tell?) who is standing for better representation of larger ladies in catalogues and the media – which after all is the job of this year’s Star in a Bra 2011 winner when the hype dies down.

Astrid Lopez
Astrid Lopez

Tell me a little about yourself

1. I am a London-based Spaniard, 31, an HR admin and dressmaker (and DJ and dancer :-) ). I decided to take part to show all curvy, real women out there that if I can, they can too :-)

Have you ever had trouble buying bras?

In Spain it is nigh-impossible, even these days, *if* you manage to find a shop that will stock bras in a 32 J they’ll be extortionate. This is much better in the UK – not only are bras in my size readily available but you’re not made to feel like a freak when you go out shopping!

Are there particular brands you’ve found good for large cup bras?

Freya is my staple brand and of late I’m loving Curvy Kate’s Tease Me set. A real winner, that ;-)

Why should you win Star in a Bra 2011?

Because you don’t see women like me in fashion or lingerie catalogues and I think a departure from the bigger-chested-but-slim-waist young models would be a welcome change for many women :-)

Aren’t you in a Proud and Curvy group with Sophia and Georgina?

There’s too many people (women particularly) that hate their bodies because of the portrayal of women in media and the idea that people will judge you by the way you look, so they live in fear of not looking the right or accepted way. We are happy, confident women that don’t pay any attention to those concerns and want to make other women feel that way too. I for one feel so much the better for having met them :-)

Vote now at www.starinabra.com – supported by the online lingerie retailer with the fab-est website, Simply Yours

Vote Michelle McMahon for natural curves

Published on March 27, 2011 in Cheeky fun. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Scottish Irish beauty Michelle McMahon took part in Star in a Bra 2011 because she feels there aren’t enough outlets promoting normal, natural girls – to be sure… and much to the delight of many a man she’s decided to strip down to her unides to show you what a real curvy woman should be proud of.

Michelle McMahon
Michelle McMahon

Why did you enter Star in a Bra?

I entered as they arent many competitions that represent curvy girls. i love the fact this is promoting normal, natural girls!

How does it feel making the top 30?

Im am sooo happy to be in top 30. All the girls are so naturally beautiful looking and to be in the comp with them is amazing! i am delighted!!!

Why should our good readers vote you their curvy representative?

I should win as i would be a good representative for Curvy Kate. Im happy with my figure and never dieted and I think this promotes to young girls that we dont all need to look like supermodels!!!

Vote now at www.starinabra.com !

Vote Hannah Rowe for large cup ladies

Published on March 27, 2011 in Cheeky fun. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

Our next Star in a Bra top 30 finalist is Hannah Rowe. Hannah is a lovely, unassuming lady who is currently busy studying an University but though “what the heck – I’ll give it a go”. As with our other starlets, Hannah has had some real trouble through the years finding good bras to look after her assets and supports brands that are recognising that women come in all shapes and sizes!

Hannah Rowe
Hannah Rowe

What made you want to take part?

I took part in the competition because I thought I’d have nothing to lose – I didn’t expect to get through and it wasn’t a big deal if a few people saw some photos of me in my underwear. Now everyone’s seen them! It still makes me laugh – but it feels amazing to be one of the last 30 girls, I’m in shock!

Tell me about your bra shopping experiences

I found buying bras difficult when I was a bit younger, I really had no knowledge about how a bra should fit. I was wearing completely the wrong size, and it made me self-conscious – I always slumped and folded my arms to cover my boobs because I was embarassed. This all changed drastically when I finally had a proper fitting, and discovered Curvy Kate and other brands. I was hooked! Now I find there’s too much choice, even for my slightly unconventional bra size. (28J)

Thankfully brands like Curvy Kate are finally taking note – our search finds 35 bras and fitted swimwear for the bra size 28J, but this hasn’t always been the case.

What bras would you recommend to other slim, big boobed girls?

My favourite bra is the Alana by Bravissimo . I’m a bit biased as I was a trial-wearer for this style when they were developing it, so it almost feels like it was made for my boobs! It’s a balconette bra which gives a nice rounded uplifted shape, and it’s particularly good for people with bigger boobs (I just found out it’s one of the first bras to go up to an L cup, which is great news for the really curvy ladies out there.) Saying this, it’s not the sexiest bra in the world – I have to love my Curvy Kate Tease Me set, I was amazed to find a moulded bra which goes up to a J-cup. I really love Cleo bras too, by Panache – another brand which go from a 28-38 back, and normally a D-J cup, and they always come in really pretty colours.

Why should you win Star in a Bra 2011?

I think I should win because I’ve always been passionate about boobs. It sounds silly, but it’s true – as soon as I had my first proper bra fitting and realised I could buy underwear which looked good and made me feel confident, I made it my mission to spread the word. I then worked as a fitting Consultant for Bravissimo for 3 years before I decided to come to university, and I still haven’t got tired of the subject of bras – conversation regularly often drifts towards lingerie when I’m in the room, my friends are accustomed to it now! I’ve always wanted to prove that curves are fantastic, and it feels like this competition gives me the chance to show shapely women how to be be proud of their assets.

Thanks to Hannah for sharing her experiences, I hope they will be helpful to other slim and big boobed women with similar experiences. If you’d like to vote for Hannah then please click through to www.starinabra.com and vote for her and your two other favourites as soon as you can – it’s Sunday after all and she needs your votes!

Vote Georgina Horne for curvy revolution!

Published on March 26, 2011 in Cheeky fun. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Cuvilicious Georgina Horne has no need for push up bras, but she needs your support to win Star in a Bra 2011. Naturally curvy, she also has a fantastic bubbly personality and if she is as popular with the public as she is with the other competitors then she’s a hot favourite.

Georgina Horne
Georgina Horne

Why did you take part?

I took part because I am a bit fed up of buying bras a clothes modelled by slim women. Granted, a lot of ladies are slim with smaller boobs, and even slim with big boobs, but what about us plus sized naturally curvy women?! Where is our representation!? I want to be the representation! I am closer to the national average than a lot of models and I want to show how lingerie looks on a larger lady.

You sound pretty passionate, is it hard finding bras?

I found it difficult to fit in the stupid 38FF/40F/38F bras that *some* lingerie shops tried to put me into. Thank goodness Bravissimo realised I am a 36H/34HH-J (in Freya) and that they do sexy amazing bras! I HATE the high prices but still manage to have about 30 sets ;)

Do you any bra buying advice for other curvy women?

I Love Freya – I couldn’t live without my 36GG Decos in purple, red, nude, black, milkshake, leopard, strapless!!! Haha! I wish they did my actual size but I can get away with that size. And I love Curvy Kate, naturally – I have 6 different Tease and Thrills and my bf is in AWE haha!!!

Why should you win Star in a Bra 2011?

I should win because Curvy Kate already has models who are size 8-12 ish, I want to be the one to represent plus size large knockered sexy ladies!!!

Are you not inspired? Go to www.starinabra.com and vote now! If you’ve already voted, then you could invite friends, colleagues, family to vote by blogging, Tweeting #starinabra and Facebooking about Star in a Bra.

If you’re wondering which bras Georgina likes, then check out the Curvy Kate Tease Me bras and the ever popular Freya Deco bra.

Vote quirky Kelly for big bra modelling job

Published on March 26, 2011 in Cheeky fun. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Star in a Bra is all about supporting the positive image of real curvy women, and how great bras can support those curves. When D plus lingerie brand Curvy Kate started inviting entries this year they weren’t just looking for great models for their lingerie but an important spark – personality. You’d never believe it from her stunning photo entries but crafty Kelly has never done this before – and is actually a self confessed nerd. Read on to see ehy Kelly deserves your vote.

Tell me a little about yourself

I’m Kelly, 29 from Stoke-On-Trent. I’m very passionate about animals, and have a menagerie of pets at home! I adopted a whale and a dolphin as my new year’s resolution this year :) I’m very crafty and spend my time crocheting, making jewellery and making tiny little clothes for my dolls (yeah I have a huge collection of dolls!). I’m a geek if truth be known, and I’m into Japanese animated movies like Spirited Away. Some call me weird, but I prefer quirky!

Kelly Parks
Kelly Parks

What unleashed your inner goddess for Star in a Bra?

I entered Star In A Bra because I thought…well why not?! I’d often admired the models in the brochures of Bravissimo, Curvy Kate’s and Simply Yours websites, and I thought “They’re no smaller than me, I’d like to have a go at that!”

You’re about a 32G, do you find it hard to find good bras in your size?

In the past, the only real problem I ever had in shopping for bigger bras was finding smaller back sizes with bigger cups, so I would buy say, a 36 D and get my mum to take the band in and hitch the straps up! She’s quite handy with a sewing machine thankfully!

Are there any brands or bras that you woudl recommend to our readers?

I must admit, I don’t really have a ‘favourite’ big bra brand as such. I like Curvy Kate, La Senza (who I never really rated until the past year or so), debenhamsurl, marksurl and I must admit, although I’m not a fan, I LOVED Katie Price’s range she did for Asda a few years back.

Why we vote for you to win Star in a Bra 2011?

I’m naturally quite a nerdy introvert, believe it or not, so this is hard for me! Vote Ginger. Vote Geek. Vote Kelly Parks!

If you’ve read this and haven’t voted yet then for God’s sake get online at www.starinabra.com and vote now. If you’ve already voted then perhaps you could support Kelly on Twitter or on her Facebook group and tell all your friends and colleagues to vote.

If you’ve found it difficult finding 32G bras or even 34K bras then try searching bras by size on our super-duper bra search (don’t thank me thank the webmaster)!

Vote Eva Davies to represent real curvy women

Published on March 26, 2011 in Cheeky fun. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

This year’s Star in a Bra has once again got us all talking about how great it is to have curves and feel good about real bodies and that’s got to be a good thing. There’s curvy women of all shapes and sizes taking part and we don’t want the story of 33 year old plumber to be overlooked because she’s a great representative for big boobed women who can’t spend all day filing their nails and reading fashion magazines!

Eva Davies
Eva Davies

So Eva, what made you take the plunge and strip off for Star in a Bra?

I entered the star in a bra because I think its a great idea. I was looking for new bras at the time and I thought come on lets give it a go never dreaming id get to the last 30. It has given me a huge confidence boost.

You’re about a 34E, do you find it difficult finding good bras?

I find it difficult to get bras. I have not been fitted since I was 18 so it is still a case of trial and error as I find sizes vary between brands. I spent hours last saturday trailing the shops trying to find some new undies and came away defeated .The staff were unhelpful and i felt worse when i came out than when i went in. I hate changing rooms anyway. Most of the pretty bras are plunge bras but as a plumber I cant wear these really. The last thing you want is to unleash the girls when you bend over in front of someone ;) and working with loads of guys they can be a unneeded distraction. That’s how I found Curvy Kate because i ordered about 20 bras of various sizes and brands to get some I am happy with and the rest will be returned .

Why should you win Star in a Bra 2010?

I would love to get the chance to go to London with 9 others girls for a glam day. I would love to win as Rock chicks with tattoos still need to be loved lol xxx

There’s also a great interview with Eva on the Curvy Kate blog. What are you waiting for? Get onto www.starinabra.com now and vote for your curvy ambassador before it’s too late.

Did you know you can compare prices on Curvy Kate bras with our amazing Bra Selector search engine?

Why you should vote Lizzie Haines for Star in a Bra

Published on March 26, 2011 in Cheeky fun. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

So here we are on Saturday, just days away from selecting the top 10 finalists for Star in a Bra and as promised it’s a Star in a Bra takeover on Bra Selector. If you’d like to join the discussion then please join us on the Bra Selector Facebook page – but most importantly don’t forget to vote for your favourite contestant at www.starinabra.com.

This afternoon we’ere catching up with Lovely Lizzie Haines for a quick chinwag on why she’s taking part.

Lizzie
Lizzie

Why did you take part?

I entered the competition on the day before it closed because I’d hated so many of the photos I’d taken for it. In the end I decided to lighten up, relax a little and get on with it and I’m so glad I did. I don’t think anyone expected this of me, but then that’s just me.

How does it feel making the top 30?

I can’t tell you what being chosen for the top 30 has already done for my body confidence and I would of course love to go all the way to the top ten but am honestly pleased to have gotten something so positive out of entering.

Why should you win?

I’d like to represent the curvy girl by being honest and open about who I am and how I look. Plus it would be a whole lot of fun at the same time!!

You might also want to read Lizzie’s great Do It Momma blog for textiles and cooking tips. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite contestant NOW at www.starinabra.com.

Curvy Kate needs you to vote for real curvy girls

Published on March 23, 2011 in Cheeky fun. 1 Comment Tags: , , , .

Curvy Kate’s Star in a Bra competition is now open for the public vote, having squeezed together it’s top 30 real curvy girls from throughout the UK and Ireland from the hundreds of girls who took part by submitting their entries on Facebook.

Congratulations to the 30 gorgeous contestants who now need your votes before the 4th April to earn a place in the final 10. The girls have a common goal – changing the way curvy women and portrayed (or ignored) in fashion and the media and a tangible will to alter how women perceive themselves. On the face of it Star in a Bra is alot of fun, but for many of the contestants it’s also a step on their voyage of self-discovery – this is a long blog because I got so much great feedback but persevere and I promise you’ll enjoy it!

Lizzie Haines
Lizzie

Lizzie Haines was first to let me know what she thought of making the top 30:

“I’d like to represent the curvy girl by being honest and open about who I am and how I look. Plus it would be a whole lot of fun at the same time!”

Michelle
Michelle

Irish bombshell Michelle McMahon likes the way she is – and why wouldn’t she?
“I should win as i would be a good representative for Curvy Kate. I’m happy with my figure and never dieted and I think this promotes to young girls that we don’t all need to look like supermodels!!!”

Katie
Katie

Curvy-Katie Ottaway embraced the competition’s ideals:

“I think any competition that promotes the “natural” woman is a wonderful thing. So many women, myself included have body hang ups and confidence issues or have done in the past. I to have a competition that encourages ladies with curves to be more confident and stand up and be noticed deserves recognition. I just really wanted to be a part of that!”

Proud and Curvy trio
It’s also been a hoot for many of the girls involved. A certain threesome of curvy Facebook-bosom-buddies Sophia Jenner, Astrid Lopez and Georgina Horne had met online and found each other very supportive – such was their body confidence that they though they would spread the word to other curvy UK women by takking part in Star in a Bra together.

Sophia
Sophia

Shapely Sophia commented:

“We became friends a few weeks before the competition through a Proud and Curvy group that celebrates women of all different curvy sizes.”

Georgina
Georgina

Bubbly Georgina (aka Hornyhorne) added:

“We were all quite active on the page for a while before the final 30 were announced and I added them and we messaged and chatted and found similarities in views and shapes! I have ‘met’ more ladies since but I guess us 3 bonded initially!”

Astrid
Astrid

Saucy Spaniard Astrid explained why it’s important to share experiences:

“There’s too many people (women particularly) that hate their bodies because of the portrayal of women in media and the idea that people will judge you by the way you look, so they live in fear of not looking the right or accepted way. We are happy, confident women that don’t pay any attention to those concerns and want to make other women feel that way too. I for one feel so much the better for having met them :-) ”

Real women – real curves

Charmelle
Charmelle

For sassy Charmelle Forrester it’s also been a voyage of body-confidence discovery. She wanted to enter last year, but had a few hang-ups that made her feel insecure:

“After having a child I went up to a size 18 and have managed to lose that weight and get down to a size 10/12 which I am comfortable with and I think I look great, so to win this competition would just be the icing on the cake.Most women are not size 0 and have curvy bodies which are not perfect like myself, and I would love to inspire other women to love there curves and feel good in the skin there in.”

Eva
Eva

Don’t forget it’s all about real women, who you’d like to see modelling your new bra and representing D-plus curves. This was not lost on foxy rock chick Eva Davies – as you’ll see below Eva is wearing a plain black bra not a frilly lace bra. Why, because she’s a hard working plumber by trade (cue wolf whistles and winking):

“Most of the pretty bras are plunge bras but as a plumber I cant wear these really – the last thing you want is to unleash the girls when you bend over in front of someone ;) and working with loads of guys they can be a unneeded distraction!”

Paris
Paris

Steely Sheffield knockout Paris O’Connell commented:

“I think real women should vote for me to win Star in a Bra 2011 because I want to be the one who is able to show women everywhere that they should love their bodies no matter what shape they are.”

It’s a knockers-out!

Kelly
Kelly

Quirky Kelly on Star in a Bra:

“I entered Star In A Bra because I thought…well why not?! I’d often admired the models in the brochures of Bravissimo, Curvy Kate’s and Simply Yours websites, and I thought ‘They’re no smaller than me, I’d like to have a go at that!’”

Hayley
Hayley

Hayley “Hotstuff” Cambridge has overcome any embarrassment and embraced her curves – much to the joy of the opposite sex:

“The public should vote for me because I am a down-to-earth, curvy girl who represents all of those girls out there who have big boobs on a smaller body and who only get attention directed at their chests!”

Emily Jones
Emily

Last but (obviously) not least stunning online buddy and Star in a Bra veteran Emily Jones certainly makes an impression as a latecomer to the top 30:

“I would just say how all the girls who enter it seem really lovely on the page saying to each other how good everyone looks and cheering each other on and to keep voting!! Vote for me!”

Hot competition
Competition must be tough, not only did beautiful Liz Divall not make it through the gorgeous and Victoria Amao didn’t make it into the top 30 but she commented:

Well I wanted to enter the competition mainly because it was aiming at natural curvy women! I got turned down for modeling jobs in the past cause of my body size, which knocked down my confidence a lot at one point! So when Nadine Kennedy (top 3 StarInBra 2009) told me about the contest, i was very excited… I think all the ladies in the top 30 are gorgeous and lovely, so its hard to pick a favourite, Georgine its very popular and likeable cause of her outgoing personality, she seems very confident, with nice hourglass figure.

Vote for your top 3 now on www.starinabra.com and join us, the girls and Curvy Kate in the discussion on Twitter #starinabra and Curvy Kate’s Facebook page. Bra Selector has resigned itself to Star in a Bra takeover and we’ll be running some more fun minin interviews with our lovely new friends over the coming days leading up to the final voting day.

*Disclaimers etc… All for a good time – use the comments or contact me on Facebook for amends.