During episode 114 of the Plus Mommy Podcast, Ashley digs in deep and shares what happened on and off-screen. As well as how her life has changed since winning the show.

Ashley Nell Tipton Project Runway

Ashley’s grandmother introduced her to painting, crocheting, knitting, hand sewing, and the sewing machine at a young age. She cherished this time with her grandmother and all she was learning.

Like most kids as they grow older, their interests shift. As Ashley shares, “I lost interest for a few years until I got into high school, and I was like, I don’t see myself in magazines. I don’t see myself on TV. I think the only person that I could relate to at that time was Kelly Osbourne.”

Ashley’s frustration with the lack of clothing options intensified after getting a job at Torrid. She heard from countless plus size women who wanted access to so much more!

While still in high school, Ashley designed a clothing collection featuring a variety of sizes for one of her final exams. She was in her element!

Ashley declared that she would become the best plus size clothing designer!

After high school, she found herself in fashion school designing clothing for only straight-sized people.

It wasn’t until her senior year that she was able to talk with a professor about how plus size clothing is made.

Ashley became one of the first students at her school to create a plus size collection.

It was this collection that caused a buzz after being photographed and shared online in 2012.

“And that’s when I did Full-Figured Fashion Week, which was like the Oscars for us in the industry. It’s huge. It was like the only event once a year that plus size women could come and have the safe space to be who they are and to meet all these amazing women from all around the world.”

Related: TV And Film Stylist Turned Plus Size Fashion Blogger – Ashley Dorough

At this time, Project Runway sent Ashley an email encouraging her to audition for the show.

“I got that email to apply for Project Runway because I was referred from my college. And I was like, oh my gosh, I want to do this so bad. But something told me, I was like, Ashley, you’re not ready yet. You’re not ready. You know? If this is right for you, this moment will come back again.'”

Ashley got to work growing her business for the next few years.

Two days following her beloved grandmother’s passing, Project Runway came calling again.

With the encouragement and support from friends and family, Ashley was ready.

Yet, she was also grieving.

“All that emotion, all that sadness I mean everything about losing my grandmother, gave me the drive to get through Project Runway.”

Ashley Nell Tipton’s Project Runway Audition Tape

Listen as Ashley Nell Tipton shares her experience during season 14 of Project Runway. From behind the scenes details and what it was really like working with Tim Gunn – this episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast is a must-listen!

Today, Ashley continues to support the plus size community with her talents that have expanded to mask making. She’s about to launch a new self-love program called Love You!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 114

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Connect with Ashley Nell Tipton via her website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Be sure to explore her shop and learn more about her upcoming Love You program.

Her passion for fashion started at a very young age where she learned to sew on her grandmother’s sewing machine when she was just seven years old, and only continued to grow her talents from there. Tipton went on to attend Fashion Careers College where she got her AA in Fashion Design and Technology. Her senior collection at Fashion Careers College was highlighted in the annual Golden Hanger Fashion Awards. She’s also showed her collection at New York’s Full Figured Fashion Week in 2012.

After entering and winning Project Runway in 2015 Ashley signed a contract with clothing retail giant JC Penny to design and be the face of their “plus-size” Boutique +

She has also designed Plus Sized patterns for Simplicity and her own jewelry line for K&M Accessories. Gifted in understanding the needs of the plus-size consumer Ashley released her first line of apparel and eyewear in November of 2017 and continues to work as a design consultant for other plus size establishments.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This episode is also brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post Project Runway Winner Ashley Nell Tipton Tells Her Story appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 93

Be sure to subscribe to the show on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, or iHeart Radio. I’d be incredibly thankful if you took the time to leave a review. Follow Plus Mommy via your favorite social media outlet (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter). Thanks for being part of this community!

Ashley Dorough spent eight years working in the film and TV Costume industry. She spent most of her time styling, shopping, and dressing actors. Mostly those who live in smaller bodies. When she left the industry to start a family, she also launched House of Dorough. House of Dorough is a lifestyle blog that focuses on body acceptance and style for all. Known for her transparency and sharing real-life moments on social media.

In addition to her impeccable plus size fashion. As she continues to shed light on issues she is going through personally, she authentically connects with other women going through the same thing. Herer audience is largely made up of women who live in larger bodies searching for clothing and confidence. Ashley also speaks to women who are in recovery for eating disorders, women dealing with mental health issues, and those with or without children. 

Related: Plus Size Mom Fashion & Body Image With Maddy Guiterrez

Her influential presence and ability to reach women on a deeper level is powerful and you can tell she thrives off of community. Lastly, you can find out more about Ashley and the House of Dorough brand and see what she’s up to on Instagram here.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This episode on plus size motherhood was brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code Plus Mommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide. This guide covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post TV And Film Stylist Turned Plus Size Fashion Blogger – Ashley Dorough appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Jen Wilder’s journey to becoming a plus size fashion designer started when she got a sewing machine at the age of 14.

In the 1990s, it was nearly impossible to find plus size age-appropriate clothing unless you were in your 40’s. So Jen made her own!

As Jen shares, “Back then it wasn’t even called plus size. It was just like the unspoken area of the store.”

Jen used fashion to express herself! She bought vintage and men’s clothing items and got creative behind her sewing machine.

In 2001 Torrid launch and Jen started to see a small shift in plus size clothing options.

Related: Plus Size Fashion With Marie Denee Of The Curvy Fashionista

As technology advanced with blogs and social media, the frustrations of plus size people became amplified, and the fashion industry finally acknowledged the lack of options.

Jen has come a very long way from the 14-year-old behind her sewing machine, but her drive for self-expression through fashion is everpresent!

Today Jen has her own clothing line and is the co-owner of The Plus Bus plus size boutique in LA. She joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share her journey from making her own clothes as a teen to designing the cloud leotards for the backup dancers who performed Lizzo’s unforgettable VMA performance.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 73

Be sure to subscribe to the show on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, or iHeart Radio. I’d be incredibly thankful if you took the time to leave a review. Follow Plus Mommy via your favorite social media outlet (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter). Thanks for being part of this community!

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Connect with Jen Wilder via The Plus Bus site and on Instagram. As well as her clothing line URTUMuch and on Instagram.

“A plus size fashionista with a persistent streak” is how the LA Weekly described me. This was in the People Issue for 2018. I was chosen alongside Jeff Goldblum (!) as a person doing important work in the community.

My passion is plus size fashion and centering fat bodies in the eye of commercial beauty.  I have been designing and manufacturing in the LA area for over 15 years. I’ve designed for such brands as Bebe, BCBG, Guess, Nasty Gal, Arden B and Torrid.

I’m an innovator and a creative powerhouse with many irons in the fire.  Currently I co-own a plus size clothing boutique called The Plus Bus, I run a design and product development firm wildestwilder.com where I help indie designers produce and manufacture ethical fashion lines in Los Angeles.  April 2019 will see the release of my own line of Caftans ur2much.com, more sophomore entrance into the plus size fashion scene coming after my athletic and club line Cult of California which I launched in 2012.

I’m a woman on a mission to bring real art and advancement to the fashion scene by instilling sustainable products with purpose and preaching inclusivity in sizing, representation and accessibility.

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Leading Lady

With over 100 size combinations, signature comfort, and supportive features, Leading Lady has you covered. They also have plus size nursing bras! Go to Leadinglady.com today to find your perfect fit.

The Preschool Box

The Preschool Box is an educational subscription box designed to teach important reading and math concepts. Each month receive a box packed full of fun, ready to use educational crafts and activities that make learning exciting and engaging! Learn more at thepreschoolbox.com and use coupon code Plusmommy5 to get $5 off your first box.

The post Plus Size Fashion From The 1990s To Now With Jen Wilder appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Maddy joins the Plus Mommy Podcast for episode 53 to share her passion for plus size fashion and how access to plus size clothing impacts body image. We also talk about raising our boys to be body positive and our love for the TV show Shrill!

3 Plus Size Mom Fashion Tips

1. When wanting to step outside of your comfort zone, try on a new clothing item in your comfort zone!

As Maddy shares, if you want to try something new like shorts during warm summer months, then start by wearing shorts around your house. Once you feel confident, then venture out of the house.

2. Love every single thing you put on your body! 

If you’re like Maddy and me, then you grew up with such limited options when it came to plus size clothes. Now that we have a lot more options, we can be selective and support brands that support us! We can spend our hard-earned money on items that make us feel great about ourselves.

3. You don’t have to buy anything when trying on clothes if you’re not feeling confident.

Even if you try on 50 clothing items, if nothing sings to you then walk away. Just be sure to put everything back on the hanger first!

Related: Plus Size Fashion With Marie Denee Of The Curvy Fashionista

Get more mom fashion tips, hear two plus size moms talk about how we’re raising our sons to have positive body image, and pop culture (like the show This Is Us) during this week’s episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 53

Maddy Gutierrez is a 30 something mom living in New York. After finding her passion for clothes, she is working hard to encourage other women to live their best life and love their body as it is. You can find Maddy sharing all things motherhood, marriage, and Manhattan on her blog, maddygutierrez.com and on Instagram @maddy_gutierrez_

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Modibodi is modern, protective, leak-proof apparel, underwear and swimwear, for periods and incontinence that work! Use coupon code PlusMomLoves to get 15% off your first order (excludes packs, sales items, and gift cards).

This episode is also brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post Plus Size Mom Fashion & Body Image With Maddy Guiterrez appeared first on Plus Mommy.

From junior high until the age of 28, I lived in jeans. I admired girls in cute dresses with fun patterns but always assumed I was too fat for dresses.

Too fat for skirts.

Too fat to wear tank tops without a sweater…even on hot summer days.

Too fat for fashion.

It wasn’t until I became bride that I realized I wasn’t too fat for dresses, even a white dress!

For the past decade, I’ve filled my closet with dresses. Dresses with pockets to be specific.

As my collection of leggings (to go with my dresses) outgrew my pairs of jeans, I started following The Curvy Fashionista all over social media.

The Curvy Fashionista is a multifaceted conglomerate dedicated to celebrating plus size women with curves, confidence, style, and smarts. TCF is the fashion-forward and plus-sized focused home to everything from designer news to tomorrow’s trends.

I not only appreciate all the plus size fashion tips but deeply admire the founder of The Curvy Fashionista, Marie Denee.

Related: All Things Bigger Guy Fashion With Bruce Sturgell of Chubstr

I’m beyond honored to have Marie as my guest for the 40th episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast. Marie shares her journey to building a plus size fashion resource empire. We talk about all things plus size fashion and how accessibility to fashion impacts body image.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 40

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Visit The Curvy Fashionista’s website and then be sure to follow via Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
• Dia & Co plus size subscription box clothing sizes 1X – 5X.

I’m Marie, and I am the Editor in Chic of The Curvy Fashionista, a brand I established in 2008. I’ve been into fashion since I was a kid, and I love all things stylish and chic. My mission in this life is to encourage plus sized women to be who they are with confidence and style. I want every woman who is not the “magazine-model” size to walk with their head high and their fashion on point. I’m positive that curvy women can be fashionable and fabulous because I do it every day.

With 11 years of experience and influence in the plus sized fashion sphere, I hold dear the accomplishments I’ve made on behalf of the curvy women nation.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy. Stop Googling and start feeling empowered today!

The post Plus Size Fashion With Marie Denee Of The Curvy Fashionista appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Bruce Sturgell, the founder of Chubstr, joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to share how he’s blowing up the plus size men’s fashion industry!

There’s a preconceived notion that larger guys don’t care about fashion or what they look like. This is completely untrue!

What started as a Tumblr blog where Bruce vented about the struggles of bigger guy fashion, has now turned into a massive brand – Chubstr!

Bruce’s mission statement for Chubstr is to help men of size find, create and share their style.

For the past eight years, he has done just that! Chubstr isn’t just about providing bigger guys fashion tips and resources – it’s so much more! It’s an opportunity for those who are plus size and dress masculine to see their style reflected. This can change the way a person feels about their body, and as Bruce shares, it gives people back their dignity!          

Bruce shares that while the bigger guy fashion industry has come a long way, it’s still difficult to find plus size masculine clothing.

His advice is to remain open and be willing to try clothes from multiple brands. And more importantly, know your measurement!  There’s no universal standard for sizing. When you know your measurements, you can use the brand’s fit guides to find the right size clothes for your body.

A few of the many brands Bruce recommends are Destination XL, Bonobos, and even Walmart with their updated George label.

One of Bruce’s projects that he’s proud of is Behind The Brand. This video series takes a behind the scenes look at brands who are serving bigger guy fashion options. He helps men struggling with fashion to experience what it’s like to connect with a brand who wants to dress them. Check out this recent episode with Bonobos that’s very touching.

This interview with Bruce is not only packed with great information but also an important conversation about how access to fashion can change the way a person feels about their body. Tune in!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 33

Be sure to subscribe to the show on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, or iHeart Radio. I’d be incredibly thankful if you took the time to leave a review. Follow Plus Mommy via your favorite social media outlet (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter). Thanks for being part of this community!

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Be sure to explore the Chubstr website and share it with anyone struggling to find bigger guy fashion.
• Connect with Chubstr on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Checkout the show Behind The Brand and Chubstr’s active YouTube channel.
• Bruce’s Heavy Conversation Podcast with Jody Koenig.

Frustrated by lack of choices and representation, Bruce Sturgell created Chubstr to chronicle his awesome mens’ plus-size looks and where to find them. In doing so, he became a voice for others who were struggling to see men with bodies reflective of their own, creating a map of accessible fashion for all. Today, Chubstr highlights other stylish plus-size men and continues to shine a light on brands creating stylish, accessible clothing for bigger bodies with masculine tastes.

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Kindred Bravely

Finding the perfect nursing bra is like finding a unicorn in the wild. They have to be soft, comfortable, and easy to maneuver when you have a baby who’s ready to eat! Mamas, who are a size 2XL or smaller, I’m happy to say I’ve found your unicorn! Kindred Bravely offers a wide variety of styles perfect for pregnancy and nursing.

My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide

Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy. Stop Googling and start feeling empowered today!

The post All Things Bigger Guy Fashion With Bruce Sturgell of Chubstr appeared first on Plus Mommy.