Tips for plus modeling when you're not industry standard

Sorry this took so long I know I promised this post a while ago. Anyway here goes.

First off I'm assuming you all know what the term industry standard means. If you don't know the industry requirements for plus models read my previous post "All you need to know about plus modeling"

But what if you don't the industry requirements? Say you're 5'7' or you have a tattoo or two, is it absolutely certain you will not get modeling work? The answer is no. While chances are slim to none that you'll get signed by an agency you can still get work and make some extra cash.

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying you'd never get signed it's just not likely and it depends on your own unique scenario. I could probably get picked up by an agency if I lost a few dress sizes. At 5'8' (which is short in plus modeling standards) it would be hard for me to be singed seeing as I'm a size 18. My chances would be much greater if I were a size 12 or 14.


So let's get started.

First make yourself a modeling profile to get yourself out there. There are sites like OMP (one model place) and Model Mayhem where you can make a free profile and don't need professional pictures. They also allow you to network with photographers, wardrobe stylists, make up artists and other models. I've made quite a few contacts through Model Mayhem and they also have a casting section where you can search castings by country, state and city.

Go to all your favorite plus clothing websites and see if they have info on how to submit to model for them. Torrid has online submission information right on their site so does Fashion overdose.com and most clothing websites don't have a specific height requirement and if they do it's usually not as strict as most agencies.

Ditch the diva attitude. I can't tell you how many aspiring plus models I've seen act a fool and accuse people of being haters when they were just offering advice. Often times the person offering the advices is someone who is in the business or at least knows a bit about it and now will never work with said diva model 'cause of her bad attitude. Wannabe plus models are a dime a dozen and the plus modeling community is small. Very small you never know who you could have just told off. Probably someone who could have helped you further your career.

Go to any and every model search or casting call you can. Many plus magazines such as Skorch, Plus Model magazine and Venus diva are always looking for new faces and often hold model searches. As well as clothing designers and clothing websites.

Don't get discouraged if you don't get chosen for a model search or casting. You're not going to get every job you go for just move on to the next.

Stay realistic. If you're looking for fame and fortune plus modeling is probably not the thing for you. Most plus models even agency ones still have to work a day job. Just realize you won't be able to retire off of plus modeling and in the beginning you'll probably end up spending more than you make.

Plus modeling is not for everyone but it is super fun and awesome to know that you can show people you can be beautiful at any size.

Carmakoma.com

I just found out about www.Carmakoma.com today and boy let me tell you! Now this is how plus fashion should be done here in the US. Carmakoma is a plus size line designed by two Danish clothing designers Angelica Weiss and Heidie Lykke.

Carmakoma offers some extremely chic fashionable pieces that U.S. lines seem to lack.

Just take a look at this black strapless number. So cute, the perfect thing for night out dancing. This dress is on sale right now for $34.62 which is a steal (the original price was $115.19)



Here's another hot dress on sale as well for $34.62 (was $115.19) This dress is so versatile I could pair it with some leggings and heels or some knee high boots.



Next is a very pretty purple wrap dress. This one is a little bit more at $95.96 but it's still reasonable. This would look great with some gold or silver strappy heels and chandelier earrings.



Last but definitely not least is Carmakoma's hallo jacket. I ablsolutely love this piece in fact it's my favorite from the entire site. I've been looking for a new plus size jacket lately and have only found boring grandmaish styles. This jacket is a wonderful edgy breath of fresh air and at $172.88 there's no reason any plus size fashionista should exclude this from her wardrobe.



I hope you all enjoyed this post and encourage you to go check out www.carmakoma.com right now. We need more designers who understand plus size women love chic edgy fashion too!

Plus size fashion is boring

I blog about plus size fashion a lot and lately I've been really bored with everything that's out there. I don't know about you but I want clothes to inspire me. I want something new and exciting. Is there anyone out there doing this for plus size fashion?

Ok now I'm going to make you all work a bit. I want you to tell me your favorite plus designers and give me examples of what your fashion type is whether it be plus or not. And how about some designs you wish they made in plus sizes.

Now is your time to tell me what you want let's get it out there.

Ok now I'm excited let's get started!

Figuresque.com

Hey all I was fumbling through the pages of the Skorch magazine mini mag (well virtually anyway) and found an ad for Figuresque.com

I'd never heard of their site and being the plus size fashionista I am, I decided to take a look. They carry sizes from 1X to 6X which I think is great since so many "plus size" clothing sites don't carry sizes that large.


Then I notice they don't have models modeling the clothes and the lingerie photos are stock photos with straight size models. Now if any of you follow me on twitter you know I can't stand when clothing sites don't have models in the clothes and or have straight sized (not plus size) models when they exclusively sell plus clothes. It usually bothers me to the point where I can't even continue browsing the site much less buy anything but this time it was a little different.

They have a decent selection of cute tops in 1x to 3x and the prices are pretty nice. I must say I was disappointed in the 4x to 6x top selection as well as the dress and skirt selection. Not much too see there.

Over all I'd say this is a site I would shop at and return to. The prices are right with cute, trendy and feminine pieces. They don't have everything you need for your wardrobe but what site does? They definitely do have some very cute items that will pull your wardrobe together nicely.
So go check 'em out www.figuresque.com is Ariluv approved!

P.S. If anyone reading this is associated with Figuresque.com please try and get some plus models on the site. If you need help with this I'll be glad to lend a hand :)

I was actually able to get passed the no plus models thing because I notice they have some pretty cute tops and shrugs including this one.



The $24.95 price tag made it even more appealing I mean c'mon people we are in a recession. This shrug is the perfect thing to pair with a cute dress or dress up a tank and jeans. Definitely not as boring as most shrugs I've seen or even own.

I also loved this ruffle black shrug. I have the perfect strapless olive green dress to go with it. Also $24.95



I know the plus clothing market is over saturated with kimono tops but I would actually wear this one. So pretty and it's only $25.95



Last item is this black lace top. This piece is so feminine and pretty I just had to feature it and the best part it's got the right price $25.95