Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 10:32pm

As of many other girls/ladies vanity is part of me… I lurve to look gd, i lurve to be in the limelight and i lurve to shine.. But there was no opportunity for me simply because i was plus size….

Not until Big and Beautiful (BAB) opens the door for me….I was selected to be on of their many girls to walk the runway (think project runway) for the 1st Ever Plus Size Runway Show in Singapore name ” Grand Et Beau”. From there friends were made, bonds were created what more can i say… Never in my entire life have i imagined to walk the runway and i mean it NEVER…..

And it doesnt stop there, i thought that was the last of my limelight days but never did i think that Miss Erica owner of BAB to called me to be involved in the Miss Amazing Singapore 2010 the first ever Plus Size Pageant (think Miss universe) to ever be held in Singapore… Damn!!! It was seriously a dream come true for me to be part of the team though i hesitated in the first place… Imagine for 25 over years ive been telling my mum ” Mother, if i send my application do u think they will pick me not?” Whenever i see the advertisement for MISS SINGAPORE UNIVERSE audition….And now i can tell the whole world irregardless of winning ” Hey i was in a pageant before you know bla bla bla”

Without Miss Erica from BAB i never ever imagine in my whole entire life to be part of all the Fashion Shows, Pageant and Photoshoots….

Oh and thats not all…. Being the owner of a blogshop BIG and BEAUTIFUL a boutique shall i say which caters for plus size ladies she definitely knows her customers very well… She knows what does n doesnt suits her customers… If she thinks u cant fit into the clothes or it doesnt looks nice on you she will not be a hypocrite to say ” Ooohhh that looks nice on you…” to just close a sale instead she will tell you that it doesnt look good on you and advice you on what is good on you… She knows her customer preferences for me example she knows that im into maxi dress and more into colours and that explains her new summer collection which i simply adores….If i have the money i will definitely buy 1 of each colour hahahahaha…..

At times u cannot help to hate BAB because they bring too much good stuffs that makes u part with the money but without BAB i do not know how i can survive….

BIG AND BEAUTIFUL is not only a plus size blog shop but its also a window which creates opportunities for all the BIG CURVY and BEAUTIFUL LADIES out there!!!

Friday, May 14, 2010

I got to know about B.A.B through some google researches, and happened to came across a B.A.B makeover session last year. I had always wanted to have a makeover kind of portfolio taken for myself, to help boost my self confidence. I was a girl with very low self-esteem. To a point where I do not find a need to take any effort to doll myself up, or to treat myself to pretty clothes. Also, being a plus-size, shopping for pretty clothes of my size is quite like a mission to me, not forgetting about it’s sky high prices if they’re available. Shopping with my petite little sister doesnt help much as we’re both wearing very different sizes of clothes.

A photo of how I dressed myself up before.

A few days before my photoshoot, I shared with Erica, Founder of B.A.B, about my low self-esteem, and how not confident I was of myself. I then went ahead for the makeover photoshoot organized by B.A.B. During my photoshoot, I was quite shy and I have absolutely no confidence in my poses, my body and myself. It was only when Erica helped to direct and guide me through the poses and smiles when I feel more comfortable. She has taught me not to be bothered about how other people are going to think about me and such, as long as we are happy and confident with ourself. She has also taught me how to be comfortable in my own skin, and with my own body.

A selected picture of my Mini Makeover Photoshoot published in Chic Magazine.

Anyway, right after the photoshoot, I realized that B.A.B has many pretty plus sized apparels at affordable prices. Thus, I could not help thinking why shouldnt’ I treat myself to pretty clothings like these. After a couple of moments, a workshop was held to teach us how to wear a bra in a proper manner, and also the choosing of the correct bra sizes. I have learnt quite a lot from this workshop.

After attending the makeover photoshoot and workshop, I decided to be part of B.A.B mailing list where I will be updated on the latest updates on apparels or even events. One day, I saw the B.A.B updates on a upcoming Fashion Show and I was really excited, but at the same time I didnt have the confident that I have what it takes. Despite the low confidence in myself, my family and friends urged me to participate in the B.A.B Fashion show, so I decided to give it a try, and submitted my application.

I am honoured to be selected out of the 50 over plus-sized girls, to be one of the B.A.B Fashion Show Runway Model. I was both excited and over the moon. There were 3 rehearsals in all before the Big Day, and I missed my first rehearsal due to being infected with H1N1 virus and was hospitalized at that time. Missing my first rehearsal made me even more nervous of my performance.

When the big day has finally arrived, I was extremely nervous, as I have no experience in walking the runway, let alone wearing a 2 piece infront of so many people. Trying to keep my mind from running wild and mad from the loud booming music, I tried to stay composed and go ahead, whilst remembering what I have learnt from B.A.B. The poses, the smiles, the confidence in my eyes… etc. And, there I go, strutting down the runway, with the confidence that I have never displayed, showing people how comfortable I am in my skin and how confident I am with my body. With many people cheering and clapping down there, it is a feeling that is indescribable yet unforgettable. It was really a priceless experience for me.

After the Fashion Show, many people told us how well we’ve done. And it really makes me feel so good and confident about myself. Now, I am so into getting myself all dolled up, with eyeliner, lipstick and a little cherry blush cheeks, not forgetting all my pretty dresses and clothings from B.A.B. Many of my family, relatives and friends has noticed the change in me. The change of being bothered to make myself a more confident person that is comfortable in my own skin.

I owe this whole experience to Erica and B.A.B for giving me the opportunity to help me nurture my confidence. If not for her help, guidiance and encouragement, I would still be dressing up with my shabby oversized tshirts with bermudas.

Now, I am a contestant in the Miss/Ms Amazing Plus Size Beauty Pageant. I decided to participate in this contest, not hoping that I could win but just to experience this, as this is kind of a once in a life time experience for me.

To: All Plus Size Ladies out there,
It is those imperfections in you that made you so perfect of you are now. It is not what others think or feel about you that matters the most, but what you think and feel about yourself that really matters the most. LOVE YOURSELF.

Once again, I would like to thank Erica, B.A.B, my friends, loved ones and you plus-sized babes for your unconditional love and support that has helped me become who I am today, A Confident Plus Size Prettygirl

A picture taken recently.

Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 1:33pm

As far as I can remember, I had to scarify good taste for comfort.

At most shops,my size starts when ‘their’ size stops. And the good one usually would cost me a bomb. Baggy T-shirt is a norm, paired with jeans. So was ill fitting blouses and skirts. And the colors range from black to black..I avoided prints or colors, simply because I cant find one that flatter my shape. And so, I end up tailor made my wardrobe, and that simply means a wait of 2-3 weeks. Even my lingerie is reduced to cotton grandmother panties up to my belly button. I never buy anything online, because the last time I did that I can not change the size when the item stuck on my butt..hahahahaha

I stumble into BAB when i browse for new patterns that I probably can tailor. At first I was so attracted to their corset range. Hubby was drooling over the colors and design. We keep coming back to the page, looking at the lingerers, well at least at his part. While I ventures to their other items. So after much debating with him, whom cant get his eyes off the corsets, i drop an email asking for sizes. BAB Girl replied within few days with so much good news. Not just they have my size, she even invite us to Admiralty to try it on.

Needless to say my first buy was a corset,plus a thong and a good sexy bare-back t-shirt. Wore the t-shirt to our 10th year anniversary dinner. While the corset, he cant take his hands off it.hahahaha..

That was the beginning of my love-hate relationship with BAB.Love everything,hate that I cant get all at once. The first time I wore colors to work, instead of my jean-t shirt staple, my boss think I lose weight.

Today, I have better fittings t-shirts and skirts. Even added some dresses and a maxi to my collections. I know I’ll keep coming back for more. BAB Girls are honest with their opinion. If it doesn’t look good on you, they will say it wont. . It feel more like having a friend shopping with you at all times. I enjoy the new experience tremendously.

Hubby love the lingerie segments. This time around, I don’t mind him buying, because I don’t have to squeeze my butt or thighs to make it fit. He love me in anything cute,girlish and lace. Help reignite the bedroom’s activities, he says. Today, I own a cute Lace Boylegs with Back Ribbon,without the ribbon being lost in my butt.That is already progress..hahahaha

Most People say, its not the clothes that make you. Its you that make the clothes work. For me, it works both way. If you wore good clothes, u feel confident and in turn u can make the clothes work.When my wardrobe grew, so is my self-esteem. People around me starts to notice. From lingerie, to clothes, shoes and now make-up. And to think it started with,first and foremost, a simple good fitting clothes.

Thank you BAB. I am a more confident person now(though I am not going to do anything drastic just as yet).I have good fitting clothes that flutter and enhance my body shape. I have colors. And a very grateful hubby..hahahahaha

Yet another hectic week but this definitely had been an emotional week…

1. SAD – I just finished watching "UGLY BETTY" Season 4 last episode and was googling for Season 5 when I realised ABC decided to cut the show! THUNDER!!! So sad…boohoo… Loved that show then anyway…
2. HAPPY – But luckily "DROP DEAD DIVA" is here! The show’s really great! It explores the life of a skinny women whose soul is returned to the body of a plus size women. The script is so well written and every episode, I just see myself nodding with it.
3. EXCITED – The pageant are having their mall publicities! We be out in the public and I will be hosting most of the events! No matter how many times I may be standing on stage, I will still always be excited. That’s me! And the girls, wow, only another month to the grand finals. I am sure I will be seeing some of you there!
4. SUPER EXCITED – After 6 months, we have our fashion show video ready! Am literally smiling in my sleep just knowing that the video is ready! Nicely put togther by Jinyan, a petite little girl. Got to say a big thank you to Alvin Soe and team for the effort! Super nice!!! The memories were so overwhelming! Plus just about a week ago, we got featured in cnngo.com. So tell me, super excited anot?
5. OVERWHELMED - Together with the fashion show video, came along the special interview that Alvin did for B.A.B. The journey that B.A.B. had walked with you girls, making a profound difference and hearing it from the girls themselves, is just overwhelming. Like what happened during the interview, I was so moved that I cried once again. But those were of happy tears. Thanks, girls for believing in us and making it all happen.

With so much going on, I probably need some time to manage all the feelings. Hahaha. Well, definitely more to look forward to in the coming quarter with Celebrating Curves main events – photoshoot and music video on the way very soon…

» click here to view VIDEOS
» click here to CNNGO.COM ARTICLE

However, I have always longed to learn dance proper, back all the way when I was 6 years old. My mum had brought me to the ballet class and there I was happy to be enrolling into a ballet class. All I can remember now was when the teacher said: “Sorry, your daughter is too tall and fat for the class.” So, there goes the end of my professional ballerina career! Hahaha But I never gave up! I learnt ballroom, I learnt Hip Hop…and here I am finally, at my 1st Belly Dance and Salsa class, the ones that I organized somemore! It sure was fun!

Definitely different when you have a class of girls from the same community and doing the hips thrusting, stomach crunching together…I got to explore and dared to go further with my moves, no room for self-consciousness at all! We danced, we laughed, we perspired, we moved! Salsa was tricky, basic steps look simple, but there’s always the left and right coordination. Belly dance is definitely hard work but oh, so sensual! My boyfriend loved the moves…so far! Hahaha.

So, if you girls are still interested in the classes, we are having our 2nd class this weekend. You can just come by with the registration fees and join the class! You can click here for more details on the classes.

We have been up to our neck with planning and organizing. Just received a sms from our favourite local young budding scriptwriter, composer and songwriter, Alvin Soe. He said that the lyrics for “Celebrating Curves” B.A.B. Music Video is ready!!! Exciting isn’t it? Well, we are!!!

I had been away for 1 week. Spent 5D4N in Manila and then 3D2N in Kuala Lumpur. Customised some really comfortable long and short dresses with solid bright colours at Manila and cheered on XiaoFung, a plus size 20 year old girl from Sabah at Malaysia’s National Jackie Cheung and Sammi Cheng Singing Competition 2010. She gets into the national top 5. Notice that she is wearing a pink chiffon dress that was sold in Sep 2009. Hehe.

Cheering on for her just goes to prove that talents knows no boundary. Are you all set to make a difference? Is there something that you been wanting to do but think that because you are plus size and you had let it go or stored it away in the back of your mind? Time to revive that!

Yet another milestone for B.A.B. You will soon realise that our logo will have Singapore added to it because…we are having B.A.B. Malaysia! Yeah! By June/July, we should have B.A.B. Malaysia (online and homeshop) up and running as well. The homeshop will be based in Metropolitan Square (a condominium in Petaling Jaya). This is definitely a milestone for us. Not only plus size girls in Singapore will get the BIGnBEAUTIFUL experience, plus size girls in Malaysia will get to experience that too! Indonesia soon?

Look out for our next eNewsletter where we will feature B.A.B. Girl of the Month! For now, we are busy with preparations for the Mini Makeover that is happening in 06 June and the other rest of the "Celebrating Curves" events that are happening next week!

We will be travelling the whole of next week so home-shop will be losed. But we will be back with more great stuff! In the meantime, we will be updating to a newer version of the website which should be done by August!

I have received unhappy complaints from BAB Facebook fans about them being added as friends by many other blogshops. Please note that you should ONLY add anyone to ur profile only if you know them personally and do not mass add from BAB Facebook page.

• BAB Facebook fans are acquired through BAB own marketing efforts – I have spent time, effort and money through many advertising or marketing channels.
• Most fans have added BAB as their friend or a fan on BAB Facebook page on their own accord – this is the end result of proper advertising/marketing.
• Most BAB Facebook page fans are already BAB member.

Please do have some social networking/business ethics and have the consumer/business owner in mind. Thanks.

Below is an article on social networking etiquette that you may like to read through. Be it you are a business owner or just simply a social network user.

Excerpt extracted from techipedia.com

The Ultimate Social Media Etiquette Handbook
by Tamar Weinberg on December 10, 2008

Facebook

• Adding users as friends without proper introductions. If you’re looking to make friends, tell people who you are. Don’t assume they know you — especially if they, well, don’t.
• Abuse application invites and consistently invite friends to participate in vampire games. Many call this spam.
• Abusing group invites. If your friends are interested, they’ll likely join without your “encouragement.” And if they don’t accept, don’t send the group request more than once by asking them to join via email, wall post, or Facebook message.
• Turning your Facebook profile photo into a pitch so that you can gather leads through your Facebook connections. Thanks, but no thanks. Facebook is about real friendships and not about business — at least not to me.
• Using a fake name as your Facebook name. I can’t tell you how many people have added me and their last name is “Com” or “Seo.”? I’m not adding you unless you can be honest about who you are. Once upon a time, Facebook deleted all of the accounts that portrayed people as business entities or things. I wish Facebook would employ the same tactics yet again, because I’m not adding a fake identity as a friend.
• Publicizing a private conversation on a wall post. In case it isn’t obvious, Facebook wall posts are completely public to all your friends (unless you tweak your privacy settings). Private matters should be handled privately: via email or even in Facebook private messages.
• Tagging individuals in unflattering pictures that may end up costing your friends their jobs. Avoid the unnecessary commentary also, especially on your childhood pictures that portray your tagged friends as chubby and not so popular. Further, if your friends request to be untagged, don’t make a stink of it…..

» click here to read the full article

We are going to have a few events/activities coming up at Cheng San CC. So in the meantime, you may like to be a fan of Cheng San CC with me at their Facebook page

Upcoming B.A.B. Events/Activities @ Cheng San CC

JAN – MAR 2010
click on the individual event/activity for more details
29 – 31 Jan, Fri – Sat: CNY Carnival + Flea Market
05 – 07 Feb, Fri – Sat: CNY Carnival + Flea Market
13 Mar, Sat: “How To Run An Effective Blogshop” Workshop

MAR – JUN 2010
Lots of activities like BELLY DANCING, baking, makeup workshops…so stay tuned!

Plus, we may be running a small B.A.B. cafe there soon! so keep our fingers crossed!

Coming up next…stay tuned!

• Inaugural Chalet BBQ and “Miss Sporty BAB” @ Wild Wild Wet this weekend!
• CNY Clothes Preorder
• Fashion Show Exclusive Before and After Photos