Fashion Blogger Spotlight: Karen of The Curvy Canadian

Did you meet Ashley from FabEllis last week?  Check her out for some amazing beauty, hair, and fashion coverage!!Today, I’m very excited to introduce you to Karen of The Curvy Canadian.  On her blog, Karen covers the latest in plus-size fashion news, with an emphasis on Canadian retailers.  She also offers up adorable outfit of the day posts that make me want to shop her closet, STAT!!!

She is a plus-size blogger YOU NEED TO KNOW!!

FASHION BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: Karen of The Curvy Canadian

Blog:  http://curvy-canadian.com

Height:    5’4″.  Age:  30.
Location:  Toronto

What made you want to become a fashion blogger?
It’s a bit of a funny story actually. I took a university class about online life writing, and one of our assignments was to write a blog. I didn’t even really know what a blog was at the time! There was a girl in my class writing about what life was like as a tall person. When she was talking about her assignment, I thought, “Hmmmm… I wonder what would happen if I wrote mine about being fat.” I was too afraid that it wouldn’t be a professional enough topic for my professors so I didn’t do it, though I really wanted to. I wrote “My Life as A Grad Student” (please don’t look it up – it’s awful!) instead. The assignment got submitted, the course was over, and I went back to living a normal, non-blogging life.

Fast-forward a few months, and I’m in the depths of studying for my comprehensive exams – a six-hour writing marathon designed to test your knowledge of around 80 theoretical texts. I’m super isolated, very stressed out, and looking for something to help me procrastinate. What does one do when isolated and stressed? Shop, of course! I went to the Forever 21+ website to look around and I saw Gabi Gregg’s pretty face smiling back at me. She had done a collaboration with them, and they linked to her fashion blog, which was still called Young, Fat, and Fabulous at the time. I clicked on it and totally fangirled out. Someone had been brave enough to do what I had only given passing thought to. Here she was, proudly addressing the idea that one could be fat and fashionable. At that moment, I decided someone needed to do this for Canadian readers, and my site was born.

What’s your favorite thing about being plus-size?
My favorite thing about being plus size is that it narrows down my shopping options somewhat, which is great for a shopaholic like me! I was in a Ted Baker London store about a week ago, and I thought, if I had all the shopping options that my straight size friends had, I’d be soooo broke! In all seriousness though, I really love being a part of the plus size and body positive communities. I don’t think I ever would have found so many great friends if I wasn’t plus size, so I would say that’s truly my favorite part.

What challenges do you face in being plus-size?
HATERS! But they’re gonna hate. It’s what they do! Concern trolls, body police, anti-feminists, and just generally negative nellies. But I don’t let it bother me any more. I’m doing me, and that’s all I CAN do. Real-world discrimination is a huge problem too, as most countries’ Constitutions (including Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms) don’t even have a clause to protect against size hatred. We are moving forward in the best way we know how to, and eventually I hope this won’t be something people even have to worry about any more!

The places my blog has led me have been fairly amazing as well. My fiancee and I opened up our own business, a plus size fashion boutique in Toronto, Your Big Sister’s Closet, as a result of my blog. I am so grateful for everything my blog and its readers have given me.

Who/what are your favorite designers/brands?
There are the tried and true blogger favorites of course, ASOS Curve (what would we do without you???), Forever 21+, New Look Inspire,  H&M+, City Chic… But I also love indie brands like Ashley Nell Tipton, Youtheary Khmer, and MYNT 1792. There are great online-only stores eShakti and Eloquii (though eShakti recently stopped shipping to Canada – what gives eShakti???). I absolutely adore luxury brands Melissa Masse and Carmakoma but only splash out on pieces from these lines as an extra special treat!

Describe your personal style.
I would say my usual style is ultra-femme – sophisticated, with a romantic, sometimes bohemian sort of feel. Grace Kelly is my ultimate style icon.

Any bloggers currently on your radar?

I love them all! The Curvy Fashionista is obviously always on my radar. I also love fellow Canadian blogs, Clothes and Shit and Not Afraid to Wear Heels. Forever Fabulous in Bows is a great blog that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. I’ve been following Sticky Sweet Danish since nearly the beginning (we started around the same time) and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fabulous Jessica from Too Many Sequins, who just got married!

Anything else you want The Curvy Fashionista’s readers to know?
1. Wanting to be like someone else is a waste of the person you are, and comparison is the thief of all joy. Be you and don’t worry about other people.
2. Love your body, because you only get one, and you can’t look after something you hate.
3. Despite what the mainstream media tells you, there is no right way to have a body. You are beautiful. Don’t give the time of day to any haters who tell you otherwise.

What do you think? Are you a reader of her blog? Will you check her out? Let us know below!

Also, if want to be featured or know of a blogger who should be included, please shoot us a note!