Top Tips for the Curvy Fashionista this Season.

This Autumn/Winter season is jam-packed with possibilities for us Curvy girls and Plus-Size style savvy. The high street has caught on to the fact that the average size in the U.K has historically NOT been represented and has bought its Curve ranges to the forefront. No longer are bigger beauties maligned by swathes of disgusting fabrics and unflattering cuts. We can now dress exactly how we want, or even, exactly like everyone else. Fashion companies are no longer making interesting and fashionable clothes for the smaller sizes only, we can be included now too!

This weekend I had an absolute blast at the Curve Fashion Festival in Liverpool. Being surrounded by so many mainstream stores who now stock clothes for the larger contingency of the U.K (which statistically is actually more people than it isn’t.) made me and a whole host of other women very happy. The ranges from the likes of BOOHOO, VERY, MATALAN, SIMPLY BE, PRETTY LITTLE THING, YOURS  and RIVER ISLAND were impressive and exactly what we have been crying out for. There were also a myriad of smaller and less well-known,  Plus-size fashion brands, which had some simply divine collections and stand- out pieces which will make any Curvy woman look utterly draw-dropping and on-point fashion wise.

So, with that in mind, I have compiled my ‘top tips’ for any curvy, fashion-forward individual this Winter.

 

Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits have always had a special place in my wardrobe. They are at once playful and stylish. This A/W season sees the jumpsuit jazzed up to the max with multi-coloured examples and jumpsuits adorned with glittery lines. Jump suits are also mega comfortable except when us ladies need the toilet and have to strip to our underwear! Then the struggle is real!

LOVEDROBE SILVER WRAP JUMPSUIT £22.40 (BLACK FRIDAY SALE) SIZES 16-22

This jumpsuit is so on point for the Winter season. Its spangly top half is everything you need to feel festive whilst its simple trousers mean it is not too over the top. Could be worn with heels for a night out but equally with some shiny flats for a more toned down look. Who can resist this gem of a jump suit at such a price!

LOVEDROBE LACE TRIM JUMPSUIT £21.00 (BLACK FRIDAY SALE) SIZES 18-28

Also from Lovedrobe and not ticking just one of my must have boxes but two (lace), we have this gorgeous and feminine lace detailed example.  It is such an elegant and flattering design. Its faux wrap over tailoring is great for accentuating those killer curves.  This would look stunning with a sequinned jacket and heels.

 

 The Wrap Dress

 

LOVE4ALL £29.99 (BFS) SIZES 16-32

Now this dress is a real elegant show stopper. The colour is so lush, vibrant and screams Christmas! The wrap design is so comfortable and makes your curves the envy of all those who come into contact with you! It also has three quarter length sleeves which are a particular weakness of mine as I like to cover my arms, also brilliant for keeping warm in the colder months. I would love to dress this down with a fur body gilet and flat pumps or thigh boots.

 

Glitter

 

Glitter has jumped straight out of festival season and into the Winter Wonderland! It is now Tres Chic to wear as much glitter as you like! I love to wear  glitter on my eyelids that coordinates with the colour of my outfit. You can also make a big entrance with glitter in certain areas of your face. Down the side of your face, from the top of your eye to your cheek, looks pretty rocking!

I had the pleasure of being ‘glittered up’ by Emily Charlotte at The Curve Fashion Festival. She runs a company called Reflections which produce the most amazing glitter products and all at a great price. To top it all off her glitters are completely cruelty free.

 

Sequins and Sparkles

 

BOOHOO SILVER SEQUIN DRESS £35 SIZES 6-24

Even though my face doesn’t show it…I absolutely ADORED this sparkling, silver sequin extravaganza from boohoo. It was actually really comfortable and not at all scratchy like some sequinned dresses can tend to be. It also was quite light, so will be easy to dance in at those Christmas parties!

Their range was filled to the brim with sequins, glitter and fur trims. You will feel like Hollywood royalty when wearing any of their dresses. I guarantee it. This silver dress also comes in a slinky black. It is now only £35.00 in the sale at present,  so get buying ladies as I am sure this will go fast! This comes in sizes 6-24.

 

SEQUIN WRAP SPLIT FRONT MIDI DRESS £21 (BLACK FRIDAY SALE) SIZES 16-22

Just admire this  bombshell above! How gorgeous does she look? This is my fellow Curve model and friend Kaisa, who always looks unstoppable in anything she wears but particularly in this dress from BOOHOO.

The all over sequinned look is bang on trend this Winter and will blow your blues concerning the cold weather to the North Pole! Who could resist being joyful when they are this sparkly!

 

PAPAYA CURVE AT MATALAN LUREX GLITTER DRESS £20 SIZES 18-28

I came home from the Curve Fashion Festival with a spring in my Plus-size step and also this beautiful dress. It feels like liquid gold on your skin and glitters like it too. I felt like an absolute Queen in this and you can too for the unbelievable price of just £20! That really is a price to be shouting about. Well done Matalan!

 

 

Velvet

SIMPLY BE, JOANNA HOPE VELVET DRESS (BERRY) £49 SIZES 10-32

The incredibly statuesque Kaisa models the Joanna Hope Cross Front Velvet dress in Berry. You can achieve this look for a steal, as this dress is currently on sale at Simply Be for £49! Velvet is one of my all time favorite materials to wear, it makes me feel like I am channeling Marilyn Monroe! Add some extra sass, like Kaisa has done and compliment your look with  some lavish metallic heels,  statement jewelry and a figure hugging belt.

 

Lace

LOVE4AALL £32.99 (BLACK FRIDAY SALE) SIZES 14-24

RED LACE DRESS £29.99 (BLACK FRIDAY SALE) LIMITED SIZES LEFT

It seems that lace being on the runways has emerged again, not that it ever left my wardrobe! Here are some sensual examples from Love4All. The black number is elegant and classic with its 60’s style tailoring. You really wouldn’t need much else other than this dress to turn heads.

The red example is just darling. I especially love the neckline. It almost invites a little nibble of your neck under that mistletoe!

 

 

Fur

LOVEDROBE BLACK FAUX FUR CHEVRON JUMPER £31.50 (BLACK FRIDAY SALE) SIZES 16-26

Fur is always suitable for the colder months and now we can all feel morally safe as there is so much faux fur available to us. This cute jumper from Lovedrobe will keep you nice and toasty whilst slaying it fashion wise.

 

 

Animal Print

LOVEDROBE KOKO BLUE LEOPARD PRINT SHIRT £20.30 SIZES 16-26

Animal print never seems to go out of fashion and why would it when it looks this good!? This shirt has the cutest bow wrap detailing that will chinch in that waist and flaunt your curves. I absolutely love, love, love this!

https://www.topsycurvy.co.uk/

TOPSY CURVY LEOPARD PRINT SKIRT £8.00 SIZES 16-26

Oh hello neon and animal print! I have been waiting for you! This skirt is what every vixen needs in their wardrobe. This skirt skims your booty like butter off a hot knife. and the colours go so well with a whole myriad of different palettes. Either with flats or some sexy boots this skirt is THE perfect addition to your Autum/Winter wardrobe. A MUST have!!

 

Whatever you Plus-sized ladies wear this Winter I am sure you will look fabulous but I do hope this article has given you some ideas and inspiration on ways to make your Festive wardrobe that extra bit decorative.

Happy Shopping!

 

https://www.boohoo.com/womens/plus-size-curve-clothing

https://www.lovedrobe.co.uk/

https://www.simplybe.co.uk/

https://www.reflectionbyec.com

https://love4all.co.uk/

https://www.topsycurvy.co.uk/

 

 

(All prices were accurate at time of writing.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A New Direction…

My blog up until now has been filled with posts about weight loss, negative past experiences as a result of being over weight and writing clouded by the mind-frame that we MUST be slim to be happy, accepted and successful. it has taken me32 years,  2 failed and potentially life threatening gastric bands and falling in love with myself to be o.k with my body the way it is.

It hasn’t been an easy journey and many of you can relate to what I write about. Sometimes I feel like I am feeding the negativity and discrimination by being so focused on body positivity or lack of BUT it is necessary for us to fight to bring such subjects into the forefront, to promote ourselves and our journey. If we are Plus-size, if we are LGBT, if we have a skin condition or a disability, if we in anyway feel marginalised, our voices maybe need to shout the loudest for a while until we feel equal, included and accepted.

My most recent blogs therefore are less concerned with my negative experiences from the past but more with the empowerment of underrepresented people, for those of us that feel swallowed up in a society that only promotes and includes a certain media ideal. I welcome any constructive criticism, dialogue or debate as I feel this promotes community and therefore a greater sense of inclusion. Please feel free to add me on Instagram, join my group on Facebook or comment on the blogs published here.

Sending peace and love to my fellow Warriors, activists and promoters of equality and inclusion and for those people who are maybe not clued up on the possibility of an equal world…take a read and join the party!

Love

Plus-size Vintage Madame

x x

 

#Curves don’t mean can’t!!

I have been thinking a lot lately about what exactly changed about my life when I lost a huge amount of weight? What did I do differently? It is definitely true that I found it easier to walk, to dance, to make love but looking back I never let my weight or what I looked like stop me from doing any of these things. People that know me would say that even at my biggest I am the first one on the dance floor, the first in the sea, the first ready to make myself look like a fool and eager to try new things.

I consider it very important, after all my weight loss and gain experiences that we do not shy away from doing things or experiences just because we look a certain way. Do not deprive yourself of swimming in that lake or trekking that mountain or running that marathon.  Yes it may take you a little longer than others and if you’re bigger, like me you will probably sweat more than all of those gym bunnies but don’t let that put you off! Sweat and sweat proudly!

It is not just something that concerns weight (however this is where  most of my experiences lie)  People May hinder themselves from doing things for a multitude of reasons that must be ignored. For example like me you may have a skin condition that stops you from wearing certain clothes. Screw em. Wear them.  Do you have a scar that you always keep covered up for fear of everyone’s scorns and stares.?…be proud of your body, every part of it! Show your scars to the world, you never know who you may inspire.

You may not want to try tap dancing classes or persue that Interest you have in hairdressing because you are an alpha male…again, screw em.  You should join that choir if you can’t really sing, or that paint class when you’re rubbish at drawing a straight line even! Go on that trampoline if you are bigger than everyone else, show em how it’s done! Don’t ever let anyone tell you, you can’t do something or enjoy an experience simply for being who you are.

#curvesdontmeancant

(please use this hashtag if you do something you never thought you would!)

Retro Up Your Home on a Budget!

Now, most of you can empathise with this situation I am sure… You want a lovely home, you want to decorate it and add little flourishes here and there BUT you have little or no money. Well here are some tips to add a sprinkle of Retro sparkle to your home without breaking the bank!

One

Cheap/Free wall hanging.

Now this idea really does brighten up a room and can add accent colours if you are trying to create a certain colour scheme. I have been attempting to have a green and yellow living room.

One of my favourite hacks on a budget is to visit certain DIY stores, the big chain ones that sell lots of wallpaper. Have a look and see if they let you take samples. (If there are rolls of wallpaper without plastic wrappings then you are permitted to take samples, obviously don’t just open a roll and have away with a bit!)

There are some gorgeous vintage inspired wallpapers out there at the moment. If you have more money and time you can of course select real Vintage wallpaper from various shops, markets and the internet. I however love a bargain!

Take some samples from as many shops as you dare! It’s a little naughty but not against the law so don’t worry!

Once you have your  selection of wallpaper you need to find a suitable frame. I found a gorgeous green and gold one from my local Charity shop for £1.50!

You can simply put your wallpaper in the frame on its own, this looks splendid when placed on a blank wall with other frames filled with different bits of wallpaper. The frames look ever so cute if they are varying shapes and sizes.

I want to use my wallpaper this time though to surround a Retro print that I also found at a charity shop. You could even print off something from the internet to save on money or place a family photo in the middle.

I think it looks so adorable and really sets off the colours of the items surrounding it.

In total this cost me 3 quid but I am sure it could be achieved on next to nothing!

Now remember the wallpaper that you have used as the backing to your picture as you may want to use it throughout your home again, if like me, you are going for a colour scheme .

Attach Wallpaper to worn-out drawers.

This tip is sooooo easy but I find it really makes a difference to an old, worn-out or boring piece of furniture.

When I was little my Mother spent hours painting sun and moon stencils onto a little drawer cabinet for me. As an adult and after it being lugged from one property to another, I felt it was in need of a bit of sparkle.

I simply chose to use the same wallpaper as in the backing for my picture and applied it to the top/lid of the drawers.

Place the drawers on top of your wallpaper, then using a pencil draw the outline of the draws onto the paper so you know how much to cut. You want to try and be as accurate as possible so the paper fits nicely. I have to admit I am a Slapdash Sally so I quite often rush this part!

I then tend to use Decopatch glue to stick it on because it’s really easy to use and if you ever want to change the wallpaper you can get it off again easily!

Using a small paintbrush cover the top with Decopatch glue. Then affix the wallpaper onto the top. Once it is aligned properly, give it a coat with the glue on top to secure it.

There you have it! A quick, easy and cheap way to jazz up some drawers.

A quick and easy Vintage inspired hairdo!

Hello darlings,

As you may know I have been into the Vintage/pinup look for a good while now but I have always struggled with the hair side of it. I spent a long time with a sharp 20s bob and a block fringe that I straightened every day and whilst it was a cool look it was very prescriptive.

Now my hair is much longer and I don’t want to straighten it because it has been falling out a lot! So, I’ve discovered a really cool, quick and easy way to style your hair so that it really compliments that Pinup look!

First of all you section your hair into three. You want the middle section to create a nice big quiff and the two sides ones to have the right amount of hair to get around rollers.

I tend to clip my hair in the middle and then start with the left hand side. Brush the piece of hair up and out at a 45 degree angle. Roll in one of the hair rollers and gently roll down towards your head, making sure the hair is as neat, today and smooth as possible.

When the roller has reached your head, secure it with a few hair grips or Bobby pins. I tend to use one either end of the roll. Attach the roller securely to your head.

Repeat this on the right hand side of the head.

Next take the middle section, pull it back and then make sure it is smoothed out with a soft brush. Some people at this point back comb the underneath of this section of hair to add more volume. I simply twist the hair somewhere near the middle of the strand and then push it forward, affix with some hair grips. This creates a lovely shaped quiff. The bigger the better I say!

Then fix any fly away strands of hair down with some hairspray. I tend to use Silverkin Maximum hold but any brand will do the job.

Now here’s the part where you can get creative and add colour and texture to your hairdo. You use a headscarf. This can be a specially made headscarf, a turban or my personal favourite, a scarf or neckerchief.

I chose one today that compliments my dress. It is a really simple way to coordinate or add a pop of colour to an otherwise plain outfit.

I hold each end of the scarf and put the middle of the scarf at the nape of my neck. Then wrap it around my head as many times as needed depending on the length of the scarf. I tend to create a bow at the top of my head as I think it looks cute and authentic.

I then pull the scarf up and over so it covers the rollers and hides any messy bits. I find that with the rollers in place it creates friction to the scarf which makes the whole look much more secure.

If you wanted to you could place flowers or butterflies in suitable places to create that vintage like charm but if you’re in a rush, the scarf alone looks simply darling!

You should place the scarf behind the quiff so that you can see it poking out of the front. I find this frames the face perfectly.

I do hope this information has been helpful and makes the morning routine easier and faster. I find this hairdo takes around 5 minutes to achieve so it really is perfect for gals on the go!

Happy creating my darlings!

Burlesque and the art of trying to tone a big, beautiful booty!

Hello lovely Guys and Dolls! Hope you are all feeling the arrival of Summer and have pulled out your Vintage hot weather wardrobe!?
Last night I had the absolute pleasure in participating in my first Burlesque exercise class and I must say, what a revelation it was!
Firstly the setting for this foray into the world of burlesque was seemingly appropriate. An amazing building named Victoria Hall, built in 1886 for the sole purpose of holding dances. It is absolutely resplendent in its vintage charm of sprung wooden floors, gilded walls, a gorgeous stage and simply amazing high ceilings. I felt, even before beginning the actual class, that I was in for a real treat and I wasn’t wrong.

Secondly, the Burlesque instructor was simply darling. A gorgeous woman named Lindsey Pollard who instructed us with such grace, poise and of course that little sprinkle of sexy sassiness that Burlesque needs! Lindsey was very welcoming and made me feel at ease. Being plus size, I have at times, felt a tad self-conscious about sweating and panting in a room full of toned ladies! However, I didn’t feel like this in the company of the other eight or so women (and my delicious friend Sarah) who were also present. They were lovely, down to earth ladies who were humorous and didn’t take themselves too seriously. I felt like I could shake my booty in front of them and not feel like a ridiculous elephant in gym gear! The routines were relatively hard, both in terms of the choreography but also the cardio/workout aspect. I definitely felt out of breath and challenged but also invigorated and capable of not looking too much of a tit!

What I found most enticing about the class was the fact that it didn’t feel like a chore as some (o.k, o.k most) exercise does to me.
It was immensely fun, funny and definitely made me use muscles I haven’t used in a long tim, if ever! in fact as I write this, my legs are still throbbing. A nice reminder of a job well done. The routines were fast paced and varied, using different props, such as hats, fans and the Burlesque staple, the feather boa.

My favourite routine and aslo the one I found most difficult was a routine using a chair. Dance moves were introduced, whereby you had to drape yourself seductively (or at least try to) over the chair and use it as a support during high kicks and shimmies. I felt akin to Caberet’s Sally Bowles during her introductory routine ‘Mein Herr.’ Well that’s who I was channelling anyway!

In addition I vastly enjoyed a routine which was choreagraphed to the Burlesque show-stopper ‘Hey Big Spender.’ I became fully immersed in attempting to roll my pelvis in such a manner that seemed, in some way attractive, whilst keeping in time with the music!
I think that is the crux of why, this class for me was such a success. It doesn’t actually feel like exercise, it feels like a bunch of good time gals, in a beautiful room, not caring about how they look to others but finding their inner, sexy Burlesque performer. I found mine and will certainly be attending next week.

Ways to show yourself kindness.

What is showing yourself kindness and why is it important?

In this day in age, in a world that is ridiculously fast paced it is so very vital to take a little bit of time just for ourselves. This is something I like to call ‘showing yourself kindness.’

It may sound a tad silly, as you might already consider that you are kind to yourself but how many of us can truly say, that at least once a day, we do something completely for oursleves? We may think that we are having “me time” when we have our nose stuck in our phone or on the internet but actually the truth is that we are most likely still interacting with other people or on some kind of social media platform.

What I mean by the term ‘showing yourself kindness’ is an act completely and wholly based on ourselves, a moment where we are completely in tune with just who we are, in that particular moment. This act will be something that gives us pleasure and makes us feel better about ourselves. It could be something utterly inconsequential such as painting our nails or drawing a picture. It could even be just sat for 5 minutes with our eyes closed, thinking about the day and relaxing. I feel that something as small as this act of self-love can boost how we feel and create a more positive outlook on life.

For people who suffer with mental health issues such as depression or bi-polar, the little acts of ‘showing yourself kindness’ can be as simple as just brushing our teeth in the evening or taking a relaxing bath. I have often found that in my times of mental struggle that these things go out of the window. We must make sure that we feel worthy enough to take some time out of our day and look after ourselves and not feel guilty!

Now these small acts of kindness don’t just make ourselves feel better. The knock on effect is beneficial to others too. Think about when you are excruciately tired and have had a really tough day at work. Your mind feels full with all the days catastrophes and you just don’t have any energy left. We have all been there right? It is at these times that we tend to snap at the people closest to us or not take our friends up on their offers of company or a night out. If we take a little time each day for ourselves and admit that sometimes this is an actual necesscity, not a luxury, the outcome will benefit not just us but those around us. Allowing self-empathy and understanding our need for inner peace has a follow on effect on those around us. Knowing ourselves facilitates a greater sense of how others may need help or understanding. If we learn how to truly understand ourselves, we can in turn , have a greater capacity for understanding others.

My top tips for ‘showing yourself kindness.’

1.) Sometimes an expensive body cream makes a real difference! I know it might sound ridiculous but picking out a luxurious body cream or moisturiser and then spending a small amount of time putting it on my body, rubbing it in and actually paying attention to myself, makes me feel really rejuvenated. Try it!

This is my current favourite body lotion by Champneys. It’s even named ‘a well earned treat!

2.) Take yourself out for lunch. Grab a novel, a magazine or a colouring book and take yourself out for lunch. The key here is you MUST be alone. This is your time to relax, to think, to be free with yourself and your own thoughts. You can order what you want and eat as slowly or as quickly as you like. I especially love to people watch whilst doing this act of self kindness!

3.) Write down your thoughts. It is so cathartic to get things out and down on paper or computer! These scribbles can be just for you, they don’t actually even have to make any sense. It is just the act of releasing them from your brain that is liberating and if you don’t fancy writing, try a dictaphone or the voice recorder on your phone.

4.) Meditate. I know for some they have an aversion to meditation, simply because it may conjure up thoughts of happy clappy hippies, chanting and bending themselves up like pretzels however the reality of meditation is that actually it can just be a small amount of time where you just try to be one with yourself and not be concerned with the outside world and all the complications, anxiety and negatives that come with it. Meditation allows us to let go of all the things we worry about and just be. I am a recent convert to meditating and even 5 minutes a day I find makes a huge difference to my mood. I am more calm, less stressed and am sleeping better. You can find lots of APPS you can download that have guided meditations and lovely relaxing music or you can find plenty on YouTube. Don’t be scared to try. What have you got to lose?

5.) Make a list. Now this idea has a particular place in my heart because in my family the majority of us are big list makers! I find that writing down the things I would like to achieve in the day means that I am making sure I am looking after myself. Now I don’t mean make a shopping list, I mean a list of things that are going to make you happy. Perhaps you want to start tap dancing or decide on your next holiday destination. It has to be things that are going to make you happier!

This isn’t of course an exhaustive or prescriptive list but they are some of the tiny things that I find truly help me to find peace and also allow me to have the mental space to consider others. Hopefully trying even one of these will help you too! Feel free to share your own ideas and techniques on this subject in the comment section below. Together we can create a more peaceful, happy and fulfilled life, not just for ourselves but ultimately those we interact with.

Modelling Firm Scams!

As you may have read in my latest blog, I am attempting to try my hand at becoming a Curve Model. So far my experience has been pretty awful. Good job I’m thick skinned!

I applied to a few modelling agencies online, if I’m honest, without much thought. I tend to live my life in a ‘fly by the seat of my pants’ type of way, if I think about something too much, I won’t do it. So I uploaded my measurements and some photos and excitedly waited for a reply.

The reply came in the form of a telephone call from a Modelling Platform named Studio Works. The Lady on the phone claimed to be ‘Head of Talent’. She informed me that she had received my application and that the photos I had provided had been sent off to potential casting agents who had ‘green lit’ my look. This meant that they would have used me in their advert.

The Lady from Studio Works (who was named Jess) told me that my look was perfect for Mature Modelling, a term which, being young at heart, and having just turned 30, felt a tad odd! She claimed that they wanted to book me in for a photo shoot in Oxford street and that I would be able to keep all photos taken…..here comes the catch…..I only had to pay £150 deposit for the time slot of the photo shoot.

Luckily I felt maybe things were too good to be true, so I said I would call her back, having discussed things with my partner.

My partner,having arrived home from work, was greeted at the door by a terribly excitable me, who had visions of my name in lights and my picture on a Time Square billboard! (ok I exaggerate but I kinda hoped of getting a few modelling jobs.) I explained to him my phone conversation with Jess at Studio Works and having discussed it, he rang Jess back to talk further.

The first thing my partner felt having talked to Jess was ‘bull shit!’ Not that he has no faith in my beauty but he has a job in sales so he knows a sales pitch when he hears one. He also had a look online at the company reviews, which were all negative. He questioned Jess over this and she said that they had a positive testimonial video on YouTube…hardly difficult to create that yourself? He then asked her for the head office number, to which she replied that she didn’t know it?? Where was she calling from then??? Lastly he asked her to send him a company profile and some testimonials, to which she agreed, but we never heard from her again!

I had a lucky escape, I was extremely close to handing over some of my hard earned dosh and if I had then attended a fancy photo shoot and they had asked for more, foolishly I probably would have handed over more money. As it is my money is safe, but this isn’t the case for thousands of wannabe models who are lured in by promises of work and the fact they will make their money back in weeks.

What I find the most disturbing is the children who are tricked. There are reports of 15 year olds actually attending photo shoots with their parents, who pay up to 6 grand, because they are promised modelling work, only to find out they have been scammed. That 15 year old’s confidence would be shattered for a life time, I just felt a little taken in and sheepish.

I guess we just all want to feel beautiful and having someone tell us we are and that various clothing and beauty companies will think so too, is a huge ego boost and music to one’s ear. Sadly It’s lip service just to get into our pockets.

So remember, the main rules of modelling is that no reputable company will ever ask you for money up front, or money for photos. If they are really interested in you, they will invest in you. Good luck to all the aspiring models out there. Stay safe and money savvy.