A Hot Combo – Rebecca Northcott Photography, SexyPlus Clothing and Fifth Avenue Collection by Karen

As a little girl I dreamed of feeling beautiful.  We aren’t born with negative opinions, those are usually learned by the experiences we face in life and feeling beautiful and special was not one of the feelings that I experienced as I started school and faced the opinions of those who thought I was not beautiful because I was ‘chubby’ or the ‘fat girl’.  I carried this for so long into my life and truth be told there are some days that are still tough and I’m hard on myself as I look in the mirror.  Last night I was out with a friend and I realized that I still have a ways to go in my journey to really accepting where I’m at now – all of me.  But, it’s been a long journey to be where I’m at and I can finally say that I’m proud and I’m excited to continue on the journey to being fully confident in who I am. 

You’d think that winning a title like Miss Plus Canada – Miss anything really, you’d wake up the next day and everything would be resolved when it comes to your appearance, but that’s not the case.  It helps for sure, but the state of your heart is the biggest effect on your mindset.  Beauty and confidence really comes from the inside out.

Now, let’s talk about a day not too long ago that really had an impact on me.  It really was a hot combo of 3 powerful forces – Rebecca Northcott Photography, SexyPlus Clothing and Fifth Avenue Collection by Karen (to see how you can get in touch when these ladies, check out all their links at the bottom of this blog)

The day that I spent with Rebecca Northcott in my first official photoshoot with her was a day that I could say I could see my beauty and it was a big day for reflection.  Rebecca took the time to listen to what I was looking to accomplish for the shoot.  These photos would be used for my comp cards and portfolio.  I was so nervous but she immediately settled my nerves.  The entire time she was so positive with me and she kept saying, I want to capture the beauty I see in you.  It was actually quite emotional.  Modeling and photo shoots are actually a lot more work than I expected too.  I’m very expressive with my face and hands (I am part Italian after all) but it doesn’t always come across the way I want it to on film.  Rebecca was very gracious to make sure I had good facial expressions, my body was positioned well and that my hair was in the right place. 

I met Rebecca earlier this year at the 1 year anniversary at Your Big Sisters Closet where we were part of an art installation of learning to accept our bodies.  There was something about Rebecca that stood out.  She was beautiful and hilarious but she had this beautiful spirit about her.  Over the last several months we’ve developed a friendship and I’m so proud to call her friend.  She is very talented and I was so excited when she agreed to be my official photographer for the pageant.  Everyone loved her picture so much.  My hope for her is to see her succeed at everything she puts her hand to and that she sees how talented and beautiful she is – that’s been her wish for me so it’s a pretty neat dynamic.

Not only did I feel beautiful during this shoot – I felt hot and sexy!  And that’s something I have not felt in a really long time.  I have been told I wasn’t sexy and that I shouldn’t try and feel sexy.  Growing up it was always so hard to find good clothes that flattered my figure.  Not only do I have lots of curves, but I’m what some call a giant for a woman.  It’s been a struggle all my life to find clothes that fit well, made me feel confident and sexy and not boxy.  I always resorted to black – my staple was always black pants with a black shirt.   But, the first time I went into SexyPlus clothing (located at 5100 Maingate Drive in Mississauga) it awoke a side of me that was foreign.  I went looking for a dress for a wedding and I found beautiful dresses that fit – I actually had multiple ones I could try on and fit – it was amazing!  And, to top it off, they weren’t all black.

When I went to go choose some outfits for my shoot I felt so amazing!  There was so much to choose from and having honest feedback while trying them on was so neat.  Not only was it honest about what each item looked like, Stefanie and her staff at SexyPlus encourage you to not focus on the negative things you see when you look in the mirror but to focus on your beauty because of who you are.  I so appreciate that aspect of the whole experience.  

And the final part of this combo that just polished it all off was the bling from Karen with Fifth Avenue.  Take a look at all the pieces in my photos – they are all Fifth Avenue and they are all stunning.  Be sure to check out my last blog on how amazing this blessing is in my life!

Let’s take a look at what I chose for the shoot

Outfit number 1 was this Peplum shirt – I was always told I couldn’t wear these kinds of shirts because it didn’t flatter me but man I put this on and just loved the way it made me feel!