Spreading the love: Rikke of Sticky Sweet Danish

10 Jan
Hi Sweethearts!

Last summer I started my Spreading the love-series where I feature lovely bloggers of all sizes. I started this series as a response to some of the drama going on in the blogosphere about what women are real and not. It was important to me to actively do something, to be clear on where I stand in my life, on and off line. I welcome all people in my life and in my blog. All I ask that we be respectful of each other.


I am a self worth activist, supportive of everyones right to define their own worth and use what ever labels on them selves they choose, be that fat, curvy or straight sized, homosexual, heterosexual or transgendered. It is not the label I am interested in, it is the person. I have chosen to ask everyone I feature the same questions, regardless of their amount of followers and size, something that has caused some controversy, but that is ok. I welcome dialouge, that is what expands our horizons, love and understanding of each other. To read my manifesto on self worth and more about the Spreading the love go to these pages: “Who gets to label my self worth? I do!” and “Spreading the love.”

I have had the pleasure of featuring so many wonderful bloggeristas in this series, and I thank you all for taking part in making a postitive stand with me. To enjoy all the features go to the Spreading the love-page.

Today it is my pleasure to spread the love for the wonderful Rikke of Sticky Sweet Danish.
Be sure to surf on over and get to know this stylish Dane!

Could you share with us your thoughs on fashion vs fatshion?
I don’t think that there should be a distinction between the two, to me fashion is universal. I understand why plus-sized women like to be in a category of their own though, because we have been surpressed for so long. Then again, fatshion can also be understood as kind of a negative label, if used by non plus-sized people. I’d rather be a fashionable girl, than “just” a fatshionable, if that meant that I only had great style for a fat girl. In the end, it’s really all about a common love for clothes, shoes, bling and beauty though. And I think all women should unite in the quest to expand our wardrobes. LOL.

What is your philosophy with regard to fashion?
To me, fashion is all about dressing your body in a flattering and personal way. No matter what size you are, you figure out what you like, feel comfortable in and what YOU think suits your body. No one should label you or tell you what to wear, what you CAN wear and why. “Don’t be a slave to fashion, make fashion work for you!”

I would love for you to share three of your fave looks.
My favourite looks are some of my most recent looks. After blogging for about 6 months and now working with women’s wear, I really feel like I’m finding my own style. Which is quite diverse, I still love to experiment.

1st look: Tights and tunic.
I love tunics/long shirts paired with tights. I’ve really started to appreciate my long and “slim” legs. I’ve been complimented on them a lot recently, which has given me back my confidence to show them off some more. Once again, it’s a very comfortable outfit to wear, something I always look for. The blueish tights and the pattern of the tunic are also a very strong trend this season, which just makes it that much more perfect. And my headband with the oversized bow is a longtime favourite.

2nd look: Rock chick.
I only just bought the cardigan and tee, but it was love at first sight. I instantly saw myself in it, paired with a mini skirt, wedges and red lips. It’s an easy and comfortable outfit, with quite a bit of playfulness and humor to it. And I love old school Guns’n'Roses! This definitely defines who I am.

3rd look: Casual cool jeggings.
Do I really have to tell you how much I looove jeggings? Being apple-shaped, I have a hard time finding real jeans that fit right, so I own a lot of jeggings. These are still kind of new and have a twist to them, because of the slightly worn look. The blue cardigan adds colour and the sequin beret once again shows off my playful side. And guess what? It’s super comfy!

How has blogging impacted your life?
Blogging means a great deal to me. This is how I came across other incredibly beautiful and stylish plus-sized and non plus-sized women all over the World. Following them and seeing how they put together outfits inspires me so much. My followers and visitors and their sweet and encouraging comments make me want to challenge myself even more. As said, I feel like I’m really finding a style of my own and also, I’m learning to appreciate, accept and love myself and my body. I still wish I’d do more posts, but I often forget to take pictures of my outfits and I’m busy with so many other things. But when I post, it comes from the heart. I’m still new to the scene and I’m still growing as a blogger, but I’ll definitely keep it up!

Do you have a message for all the fashionloving ladies out there, whatever their size?
I sure do! Life is too short to hate or put yourself down, ladies. Accept yourself, see the beauty in all of our differences, find that something that makes you special and stand out – embrace the wonderful woman that YOU are. We are all unique and we’re all worthy of loving ourselves. So put on your favourite outfit, your glossiest lipstick, your brightest smile and go out and conquer the World!
xxx Anika

Spreading the love: Natasha of The Chic Curve

7 Jan
Hi Sweethearts!


Last summer I started my Spreading the love-series where I feature lovely bloggers of all sizes. I started this series as a response to some of the drama going on in the blogosphere about what women are real and not. It was important to me to actively do something, to be clear on where I stand in my life, on and off line. I welcome all people in my life and in my blog. All I ask that we be respectful of each other.

I am a self worth activist, supportive of everyones right to define their own worth and use what ever labels on them selves they choose, be that fat, curvy or straight sized, homosexual, heterosexual or transgendered. It is not the label I am interested in, it is the person. I have chosen to ask everyone I feature the same questions, something that has caused some controversy, but that is ok. I welcome dialouge, that is what expands our horizons, love and understanding of each other. To read my manifesto on self worth and more about the Spreading the love go to these pages: “Who gets to label my self worth? I do!” and “Spreading the love.”

I have had the pleasure of featuring so many wonderful bloggeristas in this series, and I thank you all for taking part in making a postitive stand with me. To enjoy all the features go to the Spreading the love-page.

Now, onto the business of spreading the love for the beautiful and talented Natasha of The Chic Curve! Natasha started blogging recently, so be sure to show her some love!

Could you share with us your thoughts on fashion vs fatshion?

I think that fashion is for everyBODY and I firmly stand by the fact that everyBODY can look amazing and have their own unique style. The funny thing is, no matter what your body looks like, we all have our insecurities and issues, whether you are a size 0 or size 24. But it doesn’t matter…fashion is about identity, about confidence and about wearable art. It isn’t about your size (even though the media tries to make it). EveryBODY has the right to be a fashionista!
What is your philosophy with regard to fashion?

I’m very picky. I know what I like and what I don’t like…and I’m not afraid to say it. I have friends who ask me to write blog posts on certain things…but if I don’t think a certain trend is something I like…I won’t write about it. Fashion is different for everyone, the most important thing is to have a unique & consistent point of view.

I would love for you to share three of your fave looks.

My favorite looks? Oh gosh. How do you pick?! Well I like simplistic chic (solid colors, tailored cuts, simple make-up and hair, very put together), bohemian chic (bold prints, flowly and looser fits, big bold jewerly) and sparkling glam (sequins, metallics, rhinestones, bling-bling).

How does blogging impact your life?

I have received an overwhelming positive response to The Chic Curve and it is inspiring. It is amazing to know that there are so many others out there who are interested in fashion for everyBODY and don’t just want to know what top fashion mags have to way. I value my readers & blogging community so much & appreciate every view, comment and email I get.

Do you have a message for all the fashionloving ladies out there, whatever their size?
Be confident in your style. Don’t let the clothes wear you…wear them! And to all the haters…all of those people who want to bring down your confidence and beauty…never let them affect you. Like my mother used to say, if you let people’s opinions affect the way you think about yourself, you are giving them power over you. EveryBODY is beautiful!
 
 
 
xxx Anika

The joy of paying it forward / Doing hallelujah

6 Jan
Hi Sweethearts!
Would you like me to make you an original By Anika?

I would love to show my love for you in this way, so when I read about Carlas paying it forward-challenge I jumped on it. It is like my mum says,  “we shouldn`t just say halleluja!, we should DO hallelujah!”

Here is how it works:
“Pay it forward 2011…. I promise to make something handmade for the first five people who comment.

They must in turn post this and make something for the first five who comment on their status.
The rules are it has to be handmade by you, and they must receive it before 2011 ends.”

If you’d like to take part,be one of the first five to comment and please leave your email address so I can contact you directly. Also, be sure to repost this to your own blog if you do comment in order to keep the love going forward! I do feel that it would be lovely to sew something for more than five of you, so when I have completed the first five I might try to include the next five of you lovelies. (Ok, it is five mins after I posted this and I don`t have the heart to only do something for five of you if more of you would like to take part, so I am including ten. I do have twelve months to complete the challenge ;D ).

This business of making something for our readers might seem daunting, but this isn`t so much about what we make for each other, but about the spirit of generousity. I can`t promise you dresses, but I can promise that I will make what you get with each of you in mind and with loving hands. Haaaallelujah! <3 <3 <3

This is another of the dresses I reworked last weekend, I love tribal print, so when I found this top on H&M I knew it would be perfect for my coat-turned-dress. Rust and petrolium are a lovely mix, no?
The bolero I cut from an H&M-dress. The feathers are from Indiska, the earrings a gift. Watch, Ice. Leopard booties, Nilson. Ring, H&M. The bracelet is some fabric from a dress. Funny face thanks to failed attempt at whisteling lol.

This whole business of paying it forward is such a beautiful and moving thing to me. Isn`t that what we do every time we extend kindness and interest and support for others, out of the goodness of our hearts? It is a lovely thing, and if you look around you will see it everywere, in the small and the big moments of life.

 Tell me, how do you pay it forward in your own lives?


xxx Anika
Lovlies paying it forward:
6. Christina of Randomness, a la mode
7. Meg of http://www.on-a-hunt.blogspot.com/
8. Katrin of http://reizende-rundungen.blogspot.com/
9. Sarah of Return to Sender
10. Lindsey of http://lindseysoup.blogspot.com/

If you would like to pay it forward go to these lovely ladies and sign up, or start your own chain of love :)

Striking a pose for my not so secret Santa

5 Jan
 Hi Sweethearts!

Did you know that Santa is a georgous bloggerista living in Dubai? The fab Val of http://www.blogtobealive.com/ created the Secret Santa-happening, where bloggers sent gifts to each other, like secret friends. Lovely!
LuAnne of http://www.weeshasworld.com/  was my not so secret Santa this year, (we agreed to be each others Santa on facebook, that is modern christmas for you lol), so I want to thank her so much for her sweet sweet gift that I received all the way from the other side of the earth! 

As I was opening the package I was imagining Lu wrapping it, I was so exited to open it and also hoping very much that she would like what I crafted for her. LuAnne was one of the first curvy bloggers that I found when I started blogging nearly a year ago, and she blew me away with her beautiful looks, fierce outfits and strong positive outlook. She still blows me away.

Anyways, inside the package I found such a lovely jewlery box with jewlery in it, including the pretty purple neckless I put on the day I wore this outfit. Thank you so much LuAnne!

As I was having my pics taken many of my neighbours walked by, leaving me one very flushed and silly-feeling blogger. As public as this forum is, having my pic taken with an audience still is the challenge, posting it is fine, because I trust you all, my lovely readers. Today, you will therefore get to see me with my chin doubled with laughter. Enjoy!

The outfit:
I sewed this dress last weekend, the bottom and waistband both come from scarves. I gave the ruffled vest (H&M) some more definition by adding a little belt. The feathers in my hair are H&M, as is the ring and nailpolish ( a lovely Chanel-knock off lol). Shoes, Nilson. Watch, ICE. Purple bracelet, Noa Noa.

Thank you all so much for your love! You have all become a big part of my life, and when
I count my blessings, I count all of you.
<3

xxx Anika 

Purple delights / Redefining my own beauty

2 Jan
Hi Sweethearts!
I want to wish you all, each and every one, a very happy new year!
May this be the year you go for your dreams and make even more of every moment. 

As you know, my friends, I have worked long and hard to be my own best friend, to love and respect my self, not only support and encourage others, but my self as well. This process has been very much reflected in my fashion choices and in my confidence to throw caution and rules of dressing to the wind, leaving me with bonkers designs and wild combos, loving every one of my outfits and every moment in them.

One of the areas I haven`t dare to touch is my hair. I grew up receiving lots of compliments for my hair. Some of them were genuinely nice ones, others were harder to accept, like the times I was told that
Well, at least you have good hair, or a handsome face, or good personality” (all true, I now know HAHA) but, they left me with the impression that faced with a fat girl like me, it was a relief for the other person to console us both that I may be fat, but at least I had beautiful locks. What ever the intention of the compliments, for most of my life I was so low on self worth that I deduced that the only thing about me that was worthy and lovely was my hair. The first time I dyed my hair and it came out all black I had an anxeity attack. I knew then that I still had some work to do on redefining my self worth and idea about my own beauty.

A few days ago when I was trimming my split ends with a pair of kitchen scissors (very bad of me I know LOL) I got to thinking about this, and as I started cutting my hair I realized that it was only hair and that I would still be me, I would still be ok if I cut it, nevermind that I am fat, nevermind that it might not come out ok, nevermind all that. So I set off chopping, my self worth intact, simply playing around with my look.

It might seem like a small thing, but for me it was a massive event. I am free of yet another preconceived notion about my self. Now I can look forward to my hair growing back and to enjoying my locks even more.

Can you relate lovlies? 
I sewed a couple of dresses yesterday, this is one of them. How is this for loud?! It feels delightful on :D
I found the material in my mothers basement, and mixed it today with my fave leopard dress from H&M. The lovely earrings were a gift from a much loved friend. Shoes, Nilson. Ring and clips, H&M. Watch, Nilson.
Love, Anika

Winter roses / Kindness is always fashionable

26 Dec

 

  
Hi Sweethearts!
It may be freezing outside, but I still want to enjoy my summer-dresses :)
Today I went for a rosy-leopard mix.
I haven`t been feeling very comfortable about my body lately,
but wanting to be kind to my self I refuse to hide my self,
I think roses and loud patterns accessorized with kind thoughts is better lol.
Speaking of kindness,
I want to give a warm and heartfelt thank you to my blogger friend
She is the most amazing person and blogger,
if you don`t know her blog already, surf over and be ready to have your
bloggerista-existence rocked with her must-reads.
She is wise, generous, so blogger-savvy and so supportive.
I was deeply honored to find that she mentioned me in two of her posts recently,
listing me as a blogger who is owning what is original about me and my blog,
and as one of the most kind bloggers of 2010.
I was so moved I cried happy tears.
I want all of you, my lovely readers, to know that your kindness moves me so,
every day.
I love you and am here for you,
my sweethearts.
<3


The outfit:
Dress, my design
(I made it from a skirt I found in my mums basement, the waistband I made from shoelaces and studs from a neckless)
Cardigan, H&M (I cut it into shape, it was too long for my curvy frame)
Earrings, christmas gift from Alex
Sequined bracelet, my design
Feather, hairband, H&M

Love, Anika

White christmas / sending you all love

25 Dec
Hi Sweethearts!
I want to wish you a peaceful and joyful christmas.
I am thinking of all of you, where ever you are, and sending you lots of love
<3
Christmas at ours is all about staying in the moment,
keeping it simple, enjoying each other
and sharing the love.
Growing up with divorced parents I always had to
celebrate christmas twice, and was always missing one parent on christmas eve.
This year I have taken a time out, celebrating it at home with my husbond,
and seing my family at christmas parties.
It feels good to take control over this aspect of my life as well,
and I am grateful that my parents are loving and understanding about it.
I am happy to say that I am actually enjoying christmas this year,
it is stress free, honest, and white.
We like to keep our christmas decorations simple too,
letting the tree take center stage, and simply
lighting candles and enjoying our white tulips.

Tell me, how are you celebrating christmas this year?

Love, Anika
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