Confessions Of A Plus Size Fashion Blogger: It's So Hard To Be A Working Girl!

Hello curvaceous beauties! I want to talk with you guys about something that has been on my mind for a while, and it's being plus size in the work place. How do you feel about that? Has there ever been a time when you were passed up for a promotion, or passed over in an interview? I have, and my experiences are what I'm sharing today. I use to think that being qualified, and a skilled worker is was enough to gain a position (this was when I was younger), now I know the other factors that determines one's career path.

QUESTION: How hard is it to be the only plus size person in your department or company? Do you feel awkward?

  One factor that is timeless is the all important 'look' of the applicant. I know this shouldn't matter, it most of the time  it doesn't; however there are those rare times when it's more than obvious what's on someone's mind when meeting someone for the first time or when considering them to be promoted. 

My Story:

My experience with this area came in the form of a job I worked a long time ago, I worked for a company
where image was everything; due to the fact that it was a retail company where it catered to a specific type of consumer. The target consumer was a cool, thin, popular, in-crowd sort of person. How I got a position with this company was through my school who referred me, and due to their lack of people to perform a particular task I was last hope so to speak. I worked hard, stayed late, worked overnight shifts, trained team members who later joined, and even visited other locations to amp up that's stores notoriety. There were also times when the store was being visited by corporate offices and I was the only team member on deck to ensure that the layout and merchandise was up to par, that's how much I was trusted with the presentation of the store. 

Through all that I mentioned, when it came  promotion time I was passed over for a manager position; and the person that was chosen was someone I trained, that was the 'body type' the company felt good with representing them.




When it came down to it, the company felt that 'attractive people' attract 'attractive people', so to have someone
they felt didn't bring in the consumers they wanted to shop with them, I was to continue to be in the background, work in the stock room, hired help.


Honestly, the  person they chose instead was an epic IDIOT and didn't deserve the position (dumb as a box of rocks kind of stupid). To add insult to injury my manager at the time hid the promotion from me because he was afraid I would quit and they didn't want to loose me, but didn't think enough of me to promote me...HOW DOES THAT WORK? So needless to say I put in my two weeks notice. When I reported the incident to HR I was told maybe I didn't get it because I wore glasses, or my hair was in a pony tail....REALLY! Then tried to talk me out of leaving, yeah, cause after that I was really going to stay. So you can kind of see why plus size in the work place is a sore subject with me.

For awhile, I thought it was my fault. Maybe there was something I lacked that prevented me from getting the position I wanted, even after I heard what was told to me by HR (one guy in particular, not the whole dept). For a long time I struggled (work wise), I gave up on my goals and attempted to just work for the sake of working; though I wasn't happy. Me being miserable made people around me miserable too. Until one day I became so frustrated by not being where I wanted to be at that point in my life that I decided to start a blog. I did it because no other blogger was discussing the things that I could relate to. I was in a sense searching for something that I couldn't find. So, because I couldn't find it I created it in FASHION PLUS! 

QUESTION: Has anyone looked at your stomach before they've looked in your face?

That has defiantly happened to me. Every time I walk through the mall, go to a restaurant, even if I'm out and about with my husband and kids. It's almost like the size of my gut, butt, hips, and breasts define me more than my killer way of being. As long as their is a size restraint on beauty we will continue to be prejudged without the courtesy of showing who we are. Sad? Yes. Reality? Hell YES!

 THE SOLUTION:   

It's simple, FIGHT ON! who is anyone to tell you what you can and can' aspire for? Why is it because your body is not what the mainstream desires that the importance of your work is less relevant?  I feel like if you have a talent, passion, or connection to do something productive to your life; then you should do it. If your plus size, thick, overweight, or obese; if you are the best in your abilities don't sing backup, be front and center. If you want to be in the modeling industry? Let your stride, and confidence be what people judge you on; want to design? Make something that will SHOCK & AWE that has a great message. The point is be more that what they think you are, and go further that you thought you ever would.

It really doesn't matter what industry your trying to get into or what opportunities are given or not given to you; learn how to make a way from no way, don't take everything so personally, and be your own biggest supporter.

*Stay Beautiful, Positive, and Plus Size!

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The Oh, I can do that girl!: styles so close they are simililar...Wait! They are exactly the same!

Do you know her?...She knows you...Watches your every move...Until it happens...You know what I'm talking about...She'll wear exactly what you wear! Ahhhh!

Divas! Have any of you been in this awkward situation when someone close to you, or a random person you might have said; hi to, is the exact copy or you? It's strange but it does happen. We full figured women work so hard to establish our own personal styles that every now and then styles cross paths, and that leads to disaster! The worst thing any woman could imagine style wise, is that another woman is wearing the same outfit as them; and even worse IT COULD FIT BETTER! This happen when you have friends and/or associates of similar size (sometimes, not always) that try to out due the other. How can you protect yourself? First, if you have a suspicion that someone you know has a tendency to wear the same item you do, make a conscious effort to not tell them what you want to wear ahead of time; especially to an event. A Diva more inclined to morph into you will most likely try to some how out due you and try to take your individuality away. Second, try not to shop together. I know that's pushing it! Women like to shop together give and give advice or opinions on an outfit choice, but when ATTENTION is on the line best of friends can become the worst of enemies. Have you ever had a friend who told you that you look good in a outfit (I know I have) knowing that you looked a HOT MESS? Yes ladies! The picture is starting to become a little more clearer isn't it? Not everyone is guilty of a crime like this, but lets be real it has happened before and there is nothing wrong with wanting to make an effort to stop the messiness. The next thing you want to do is find something that will stick out about you, like I've said before play up your "talents" so to speak; there is nothing more sexy than a woman with confidence. When you have confidence it shows, when your conscious about things that are troubling you of course that will show as well. If you found yourself in a situation that is uncomfortable remove yourself from it or change the mood to suit your favor. You are too beautiful to ever be in the shadows, go out on a limb and step it up. Try looks that are not the "norm" for you and see how they make you feel. Divas, I don't give advice to things I don't do my self or make an effort to do. I'm just the same as you, a full figured woman trying to find and keep great personal style. By talking with you ladies I have found a comfort in the plus size community that I didn't have growing. Believe me I've made some big mistakes, but it's all a learning process; and I'm learning with you. As always stay beautiful, confident, and full figured!

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