Debenhams Southend Charity Event

Yesterday the Curvy Kate team and this year’s Top 3 Star in a Bra girls took a road trip down to the Essex coast to show some support at an in-store event called Beauty Hall Charity Gala. The event was put on by the beauty department at Debenhams Southend and the aim was to raise as much money as possible for Marie Curie Cancer Care. An amazing and inspiring charity that has helped so many.

It was delightful to see so many people come out to the event and dig deep into their pockets to sponsor the charity. In true Curvy Kate style, we had our top 3 girls stripped down to their smalls to parade around the store for the fashion show. Lotte, Georgie and Chantelle all looked amazing in their lingerie, encouraging many women to get correctly bra-fitted there and then!

As well as the fashion show and bra fittings, there were beauty makeovers, the DJ was spinnin’ some great tunes and we even got a singing treat from The Voice’s Leanne Jarvis!

Curvy Kate donated lingerie to be part of the raffle  prizes and I must say there were several great prizes which included Afternoon Tea for 4 at a luxury hotel, stunning pieces of jewellery, decorative cakes and much more. Talking of cake, there was a lot of that there too at the event. There was no holding back for the Curvy Cake…I mean Kate team.

To donate to Marie Curie click here.

After 11 weeks of an intense curve battle between some of the nation’s most gorgeous, confident and charismatic girls, we finally have our winner! With over 700 Curvy Kate hopefuls being whittled down to just 1, it’s no surprise to say that this year’s competition has been one of the toughest yet.

Welcome our Star in a Bra 2013 – LOTTE WILLIAMS!

I had a lovely chat with Lotte to hear her thoughts about becoming a ‘Curvy Kate’…

Take us back to that moment when you found out you had won Star in a Bra 2013. What was your first reaction and how did you cope with such overwhelming news?

I was sat in Oxford Circus on my own waiting for my housemates to meet me, as I really didn’t want to be on my own when I found out. Typically, their bus was stuck in traffic and at 2 minutes to 1 I lost my internet signal and Facebook refused to refresh. I ran to the nearest place with Wi-Fi but then of course the link decided to stop working; I honestly thought I was going to have a panic attack! My housemate managed to get through and rang me to tell but I couldn’t believe and had to wait to see it with my own eyes. Eventually, there it was in black and white! People were giving me such strange looks as I spent the next hour making and receiving calls, one minute crying the next shaking with excitement!

How did your friends and family take the great news that you had been crowned curve queen?

Everybody has been so incredibly supportive, which has been one of the most overwhelming parts of the whole experience. My phone crashed because it couldn’t handle all the phone calls and texts! I want to say a huge thank you to all of you for voting, as I wouldn’t be here without you.

How was your first official photo shoot as a Curvy Kate model? Was it how you expected it to be?

It was what I expected and so much better. The whole team were so lovely and made me feel so comfortable and at home, I really didn’t want it to end. What is not to love about getting your hair and make-up done to perfection and parading around in amazing lingerie all day! It was such a liberating experience and I can’t wait to do it all over again.

We can’t wait to see you in the Spring/Summer 2014 brochure! What are you most looking forward to in the next 12 months and as Star in a Bra 2013?

Everything, I’m ready to make the most of everything that gets thrown my way. I really can’t wait to see the photos from my first ever shoot; they are something that I will treasure forever.

What piece of advice would you give to other girls who would like to enter Star in a Bra in the future?

Just do it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It has been the most liberating and rewarding experience of my life and I would encourage anyone to put on your favourite set and get your best friend round to take some drop dead gorgeous snaps of you in all your glory.

Congratulations again Lotte!

 
Somehow we’ve reached our final interview with our top ten. Not only that, but there’s just one day left to vote…where did the time go?! It feels like only yesterday we were starting the competition and already it’s almost over! Well, let’s not drag our heels, it’s onto the tenth interview, with Sonya Kainth.
Hey Sonya, you know what to do – tell our readers all about you!

Hey! I’m Sonya, I’m 23 and I work in Sales! I am originally from a sunny little seaside town called Brighton and i now live in south London! I am about as much of a natural curvy girl as you might ever find! I have always been bigger than the average bear and a few years ago decided to do something about it. I joined Weight Watchers and it quite frankly changed my life. 3.5 stone later and I am ready to celebrate how far I have come and enjoy my natural hourglass shape! (Hoorah that High waisted items are back in fashion!).

I’m with you on that one, how did we cope without high waisted clothing?! So you were another finalist who got refitted at the photo shoot, what size were you wearing, and what size did you end up going home with?!

I thought I was a size 34F and after cominga long to the shoot found out I was a 30G! Having once been measured at a 40FF this still seems totally bizarre to me, but I love my shape in the right bra size!

Wow, that’s a huge difference between all those bra sizes! At least you’re now in the right bra size. Were you a Curvy Kate customer before the competition?

No I wasn’t – although I definitely will be in future!

That’s what we like to hear! So since the photoshoot, have you got any favourite Curvy Kate sets?

My favorite set is Entice in Ivory! My boobs are much more suited to balcony bras and this set is so pretty. I have always been more of a pretty underwear girl rather than a sexy underwear girl!

I LOVE that bra – I have it in the black but after seeing it on you I think I’m going to have to invest in the ivory one! S0 how did you feel getting through to the top thirty, and then to the top ten?

Complete shock – I never expected to get picked initially and now to think that I might win is completely crazy to me! I am incredibly grateful to all the support that my friends and family have shown me so far! This more than anything else that I have achieved since my weight loss has really shown me how far I have managed to come and it feels incredible.

Good for you Sonya, your weight loss story really is amazing! How have your loved ones reacted to the good news?

Genuinely really pleased for me! My boyfriend couldn’t be happier for me! I think it was a bit strange for my Dad, but he seems to have come around now.

Ah yes, not the first Dad to be a bit apprehensive about seeing their daughter in Star In A Bra! But they always seem to come around in the end. How did you feel both before and after the photo shoot?

Before I was a bit nervous but then as soon as I got there I realised how much fun it was going to be and really quickly got into it. Afterwards to be honest I felt a sense of complete disappointment that tomorrow I wouldn’t have been modelling!

Oh no, that’s so sad! Well if you win then you won’t be disappointed with the lack of modelling! So what are the best and worst parts about the photoshoot?

Best parts were hair and make up and of course those really fun girly shoots that we all got to do together!! Worst was the interview: I completely forgot about it and then all of a sudden realised what I had to do!

I have to admit I didn’t envy you all doing the video interviews, that’s for sure. So what are the pros and cons of having a figure like yours?

Pro’s are that whatever size I am I have been lucky enough to be an hourglass – iI am always in proportion which is great in terms of buying outfits etc. Cons are that for such a big chunk of my life I have wasted time thinking I need to be a certain way and now I realise I don’t, I literally feel as if I have wasted my life worrying about being a size, I actually now realise I have no interest in being! So not exactly a con I guess. I don’t think there are any!

It’s great that you’re so happy with your figure now. How does it feel knowing you may well be representing all those Curvy Kate customers?

Bloody great! Finally it’s good bye size zero and hello Curvy ladies! In a world of airbrushed mags and size zero models splattered across our media – it is high time we gave confidence back to the normal women who deserve to be recognised as beautiful!

Do you have any advice for someone thinking of entering next year?

Be confident!!! Curvy Kate really is all about your smile! So get it out and smile for the camera!! Let them know how gorgeous you are. If you believe it – everyone else will see it!

And for you what would be the best part about winning?

Probably the utter amazement that I would feel that so many people voted for me to win! At times I still see the bigger me in the mirror, this has changed that and made me realise that this is who I am now and I should be proud. to have my friends and family be proud of me really would mean the world! And of course getting my hair and make up done again….!

It would be good having professional hair and make up done more than once, I’m very jealous at the shoots and always look so scruffy! What do you think makes a Curvy Kate girl?

Smile. A big cheesy, REAL smile.

And just one last question, it’s the one everyone hates me for! Why do you think people should vote for you to win this years competition?

Because I have that smile!

Good luck Sonya!

Remember, you have until the 30th of April to cast your vote, so don’t leave it too late! Every vote counts towards crowning our winner of Star In A Bra UK 2013.

To vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

And that’s it! That’s all the interviews with our beautiful top ten, all that’s left is for you to cast your vote. What are you waiting for?!

This is the penultimate interview of this years competition…I can’t quite believe it! I COULD slow the posts down to make them last, but that’s no fun. So, onto our second to last interview with the top ten, this time with Rachel Nicoletti.

Hey Rachel! You know the drill, tell us all about you.

Hi, my name is Rachel, I’m 19 years old, currently studying and working part time. I am studying for a degree in English Literature and Language with The Open University and working as a supervisor in a clothing store. I absolutely love my job, dressing different women has made me appreciate the diversity of body shapes and how correct lingerie can completely transform an outfit. Having studied various styles of dance throughout my childhood and teenage years, I have always been aware of my body image. Being on stage and wearing figure hugging costumes has helped build my confidence in myself and my body. I love the simple things in life, family, friends, laughter and of course gorgeous lingerie. It’s the one thing that I unashamedly splash out on because I know how much better a properly fitted, matching set of lingerie can make you feel in your clothes.

I’m with you on that one. So you had quite the fitting at the shoot..!

I was refitted at the photo shoot, and thank God I was! I originally thought I was a 34FF, which was completely off the mark. After being fitted correctly I found out that I am actually a 30GG! I was shocked as I never thought that my bras were the wrong size before, but after putting on a correctly fitting bra, it was just so obvious. I can see why so many women are wearing the wrong bra size, it is so easily done until you see and feel the difference of a perfectly fitting bra! Thank you Curvy Kate for correcting me. And I wear a size 10/12 underwear.

That’s quite a size difference! Were you a Curvy Kate customer before the competition?

Yes, I had bought from Curvy Kate before this competition. It was partly the reason I entered Star in a Bra, as Curvy Kate lingerie is just the perfect mix of femininity and practicality which you don’t often find in larger cup sizes.

It’s true, it’s so hard to find pretty lingerie over a certain cup size! Do you have any Curvy Kate favourites?

I love all the Curvy Kate lingerie as it is all so different! But I would have to say my favourite set is the Smoothie, as it is such a great everyday bra, made that bit more glamorous with the subtle patterning. For the photo shoot I wore the Portia in Seafoam/Pink and the Princess in Orchid/Purple, I really loved both of these sets as the colours are absolutely gorgeous and not necessarily something I would ordinarily pick for myself. I tend to go for more simple bras, but after wearing the Portia and Princess at the photo shoot I am definitely a convert to all bras sheer and detailed!

Sheer is the way forward! I do love the Smoothie though, can’t wait to finally try it. So how did you feel when you found out you’d made it to the top thirty, and then through to the top ten?

 I was ecstatic, both getting into the Top 30 and then the Top 10 was completely unexpected! I entered on a whim not thinking anything would come of it, I only told one of my cousins, who is more like a sister to me, that I had entered assuming that there would be no need for me to tell anyone else. I feel so lucky that I have gotten this far! After telling other family members, friends and work colleagues about the Star in a Bra competition, it confirmed that there really is no other competition like this around! The fact it champions body confidence and allows women to see lingerie on an array of different figures is incredible!

That’s so lovely to hear. How have your loved ones been? Hopefully nice and supportive!

 I am so lucky that all of my family, friends and work colleagues have been nothing but supportive throughout this competition. A few were initially quite shocked, as it was completely out of character for me to enter a competition like this, but once I had explained the reasons for me entering they were all completely on board with the competition and the body confidence message it sends out. They all have their fingers crossed for me and are doing everything they can to drum up votes. I have had no negative remarks and everyone is just so proud that I am able to champion having a curvy body and make others feel confident, in the process of standing up for something that I truly believe in.

It is a really positive experience, it’s great that everyone sees it like that too. What are the pros and cons of having a figure like yours?

The main pro is having so much beautiful lingerie to choose from! Even if the choice of clothing can leave little to be desired. The cons are that the majority of high street shops really don’t cater for bigger busted or hourglass figures. As much as everyone talks about an hourglass figure being desirable, the truth is finding clothes on the high street is a real mission in itself. I think mainly, it comes with different fashions, and it’s in fashion to have a more boyish figure at the moment. But who knows when that could change! Saying that, we are lucky that there are so many online retailers that have amazing clothes specifically for us bigger busted ladies. It’s just knowing the right places to look.

And how did you feel both before and after the shoot?

Before the photo shoot it all still seemed very surreal, because the competition is so fast pace, I don’t think it had fully sunk in. But on the day of the photo shoot I was really quite nervous, having never done anything like this before, and being the last girl on the final day of the photo shoot, I was worried I wouldn’t be comfortable enough in front of the camera, for both the photo shoot and the video. But that was completely overridden by excitement! I couldn’t wait to meet all the other girls and the gorgeous Curvy Kate team. Everyone was so welcoming that all my nerves soon disappeared and I felt completely at ease, like I had known all the other girls and Curvy Kate team for years. Afterwards, I felt a real sense of achievement. I had just had a photo shoot in my underwear, and genuinely felt amazing about my body, flaws and all. I thought, this time last year I would never have had the confidence to do anything like that! Let alone feel so happy and comfortable with my body.

I don’t know how you all do it – I’d be so so nervous. What were the best and worst parts of the day? Hopefully nothing too bad!

The whole day in itself was incredible, meeting all the genius Curvy Kate team, the other gorgeous Star in a Bra girls and Body Gossips Natasha. It was amazing to hear everyone’s stories and have a good chat with everyone about what matters most, body confidence and accepting yourself for who you are, not who you are not! The worst part of the day was finishing up with the group shots and saying good bye to everyone once it was all over. The day really did fly by, it seemed to be over so quickly. But you know what they say, time flies when you’re having fun, and we were all certainly doing that!

I know what you mean – there’s such a build up and then all of a sudden it’s over, I go home so sad! Why did you decide to enter the competition this year?

I entered simply to show that the idea of ‘perfection’ is completely overrated, we all need our so-called ’imperfections’ to make us human. Happiness in the way we look shouldn’t be specific to the girls society or the media perceive as ‘perfect’, it should be universal, for everyone. We all deserve to love the way we look! I think a main factor in unhappiness with body image is the unrealistic and completely unattainable images we see in the media. Which is why I love Curvy Kate and the Star in a Bra competition so much, we are able to show that there isn’t such a thing as a perfect body, but a perfect mind set in which we can view our ‘flaws’ and love them too!

Good for you Rachel. So what would be the best part about winning? You CAN say the lingerie…

For me, the best part about winning Curvy Kate’s Star in a Bra 2013 would be having the chance to show that body confidence isn’t only achieved once you are the same body measurements as your favourite film star. As long as you are healthy and happy with your body, that really is all that matters. No one should feel as though they need to look a certain way to feel beautiful and confident, we are all beautiful in our own right. I think that Curvy Kate shows that more than any other brand I know! Everyone can look and feel amazing in lingerie, no matter what size, shape or height. It’s all about showing off yourself for who you are and what you believe is beautiful, not what others perception of beauty is!

And what do you think makes a Curvy Kate girl?

I think a Curvy Kate girl is a smart, confident and generous girl who loves to smile and really mean it. And by confidence, I don’t mean being the loudest, or the bubbliest. I mean being confident in yourself for who you are, not who you think you should be. Having confidence enough to simply be yourself. A Curvy Kate girl celebrates her curves, her individuality and her choices in life to fulfil everything she desires.

Confidence is key, it makes all the difference. Everyone should feel happy and confident in their own skin. Do you have any advice for anyone considering entering next year?

 I would say, if you have even the slightest urge to enter, just go for it! It’s such an incredible experience which is only going to be a positive experience for anyone entering. Getting into the Top 30 and then the Top 10 has been a bonus, as just entering gave me a confidence boost in myself and my body. It can be so easy to get caught up in the media’s representation of beauty, but this competition brings together like-minded curvy ladies who want to buck the trend and represent todays healthy, curvy women.

And what about potentially representing Curvy Kate customers, and “normal” women, how does that feel?

I don’t think there is such a thing as a ‘normal’ woman, or a ‘normal’ body. Everyone is unique, and that is what we should celebrate! The only thing that I believe should be ‘normal’ is being confident, happy and healthy. I would feel so honoured to be able to represent that and show women of all ages that no matter what others think, your own acceptance is worth so much more.

Just one last question! Why do you think people should vote for you to win?

I honestly don’t think I deserve to win any more than the other girls as everyone is so inspirational in their own right. But I believe that I entered this competition for all the right reasons, to show everyone has the right to confidence. The only kind of model I aspire to be is a role model, and I would love to represent Curvy Kate and us ‘normal’, fabulous ladies. I think it’s an amazing opportunity to showcase what we should be seeing in the media, acceptance and happiness for who we are.
Good luck Rachel!
Remember, you have until the 30th of April to cast your vote, so don’t leave it too late! Every vote counts towards crowning our winner of Star In A Bra UK 2013.

To vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Next up we hear from Sonya Kainth.

We’re onto the last half of our top ten interviews now…time flies when you’re having fun! Our next interview is with Georgie Hughes.

Hi Georgie! You know what to do now…tell our readers all about you!

My name is Georgie Olivia Spencer-Hughes (GOSH to some), I’m 25 and I’m a cat-aholic. My love for cats is greater than my love for hummus. And I do love hummus. Feline obsession aside, I live at home in a village in Oxfordshire with my family. I moved back from where I was living with my best friend in Swansea  last year to be back with my family. Last April mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and the past year has been a flurry of hospital visits and heart break. She’s recently been given the “WE GOT IT” by the hospital and things are starting to get better. As well as everything that goes along with the horrid disease, unfortunately our waistlines have suffered too. What ever mum fancied to eat we ate too and in the past year I have put on 18lbs, taking me from a slim size 10 to a curvaceous 14. Rendering old bras and clothing obsolete. Luckily with the support from family, friends and my amazing boyfriend I am still proud of my body and what its been through!

In my spare time I ride up at a local yard, and teach children to ride at the weekends. Riding is an absolute passion of mine and I feel most at ease on horseback, and I’m a true country girl at heart. As I’ve said before I enjoy making things, even if my boyfriend does say I’m turning into an old lady with all the knitting I do!

My dream for the future (aside representing Curvy Kate) is to own my own vintage tea shop and vintage clothing store, sounds tacky but working in pretty dresses, pinnys and making cakes all day sounds like sheer perfection to me!

I have an addition to dresses, I’m all over that dream! So, you got refitted at the shoot, what sizes do you wear when it comes to lingerie…

Well, before the shoot I’ve been measured multiple times as a 34E and I own a super size 14 bottom!!! But at the shoot I was told that they could tell I wasn’t a 34 from the pictures I’d submitted, and that had brought me a 32FF! Which fitted perfectly!! I was amazed and I didn’t think my back was that small!

People are always so surprised of their back sizes. Were you a Curvy Kate customer before the photo shoot?

Unfortunately I wasn’t a Curvy Kate customer before the competition, my local department store doesn’t stock Curvy Kate underwear so had never had the chance to even try them on! But I would fully and completely recommend them to anyone would listen (and have been ever since learning about the brand!).

That’s what we like to hear! Now that you’re a new convert, do you have any favourite Curvy Kate sets?

My favourite set from the shoot was the Smoothie in Raspberry, it fitted like a dream and was super comfortable! It’s replaced my other bras as top dog in my underwear drawer. I’ve recently ordered the Tease Me in Purple, one of the other gorgeous girls was wearing it at the shoot and I fell in love with it then!

I’m JUST about to try the Smoothie for the first time, and I can’t wait! So how did you feel when you found out you’d made it through to the top thirty AND the top ten?

When I found out I was into the top 30 I was at home and getting ready to snuggle into bed! I spent the next half an hour jumping on the sofa and putting it all over Facebook!

I found out I was through to the final 10 when I was cashing up at work and my phone started beeping, my friends told me about it before it was officially announced to me!! And I have to admit I cried! I’m a bit of a girl like that!

As long as they’re happy tears! How have your loved ones reacted?

My loved ones have been amazing with everything. I have the full backing of my friends, family and my wonderful boyfriend! Everyone at work have been voting like mad and sending the link the all their friends an family. Everyone has been so supportive and caring through out the whole thing, this has really made me realise how special everyone is!

Bless. So how did you feel before and after the photoshoot?

The night before the shoot I was sick with nerves. I stayed at a friend’s house in London so I didn’t have far to travel! There was absolutely no need to be nervous. As soon as I got there the whole team were welcoming and lovely, and made me feel so at ease. The day itself was amazing, but went by far too quickly! None of us wanted to go home, or put our clothes back on!

I know, you feel so weird putting clothes back on, it doesn’t feel natural! So you have a crazy hourglass figure, what are the pros and cons of a figure like that?

I adore my figure. I feel I was blessed with a classic hourglass female body and embrace it! Vintage designers such as Vivien of Holloway, clothing from Collectif and Dolly Dagger all cater to the classic pin Up shape, of which category I seem to fall into!! Boobs, bums and a tiny waist is what I’m all about! Unfortunately because of that I don’t fit into many items we sell at work, shirts and skinny jeans are not my friends!

I don’t even remember the last time I wore a pair of jeans, I hate them! For you, what would be the best part about winning?

The best part of winning the competition would be the recognition that you don’t have to be would the media classes as “perfect” to be considered beautiful. Many have been petitioning for your that the everyday woman should be comfortable in her own skin, not who they feel they should be. This is a subject I am passionate about. Over the years I have ranged between an 8-18 and can honestly say I’m the most comfortable and happiest I’ve ever been, just the way my body wants to be!

That’s so great to hear. Do you have any advice for anyone entering next year?

My advice for anyone entering next year is to go for it! I never thought I’d even get through to the final 30. The photos I took were on my phone, at a friends house, before we went out for dinner. I used my favourite and most flattering underwear/bikini and picked the room with the best lighting. Highlight your best features and don’t try to hide yourself. They want to see every dip and crease, because it’s you (and If you get through its going to be on display anyway).

Very good advice! What do you think makes a Curvy Kate girl?

I feel I’m a perfect curvy Kate because I am a outgoing, confident and most importantly curvy!! The underwear fits me perfectly, and would uphold the opportunity to represent the company! Curvy Kate and all companies affiliated with the brand are all about representing different body types to the public and showing that their brand is for everyone, not just for who deem themselves to ‘fit the perfect body’ box. The fabulous work done by the company, with the road shows and everything else they do highlight that brains are as beautiful as the body, and its not about how you look, its how you feel. And I feel fabulous and want to make others believe themselves to.

Just one last question Georgie, the horrible one, sorry! Why do you think people should vote for you to win?

To represent Curvy Kate would be the most fabulous opportunity. As I said in my interview on the shoot day, I go in and out but its all me and I’m glad I’ve found a company that believes in the beauty of women, and will do everything I can to promote their ethos, and their incredible underwear of course! Just to make it to the final 10 in a competition like this has been a dream come true, and if I was on the other side I would be finding it so difficult to just choose 1 girl to get through! The past month of voting has had its ups and down, as well as massive support and backing from friends and strangers alike, there has been negativity and backlash from some less understanding individuals. Mainly from people not looking seeing the whole picture and asking why a “fat” girl should be a model. Well I believe this CURVACOUS girl should model because I feel fabulous, I’m willing to stand up and shout “YOU’RE AMAZING” to anyone who will listen, and lets be honest…Who WOULDN’T’ want an opportunity like this! A job for a year, free underwear, a chance to feature in one of Britain’s most popular magazine and to represent a fantastic company at a major lingerie show! This is the most amazing opportunity I could ever think of and I don’t want this to end, not just yet. I’m ready for this.

Good luck Georgie!
Remember, you have until the 30th of April to cast your vote, so don’t leave it too late! Every vote counts towards crowning our winner of Star In A Bra UK 2013.

To vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Next up we hear from Rachel Nicoletti.

Only three interviews left after this one, how did that happen?! Let’s keep going though, this time we hear from Lotte Williams.

Hey Lotte…let’s start this the way we always do, with you telling our readers all about you.

Hi ladies and gents, Lotte here! I’m an Essex girl currently enjoying life as a 22 year old in the big city. Of course like all of us students I spend most of my time slaving away at assignments (ahem) but when I find the time, I love making the most of London life, drinking cocktails, eating out with my Dad and drinking a few more cocktails… When I’m not in London I love going back to my home town Colchester to visit my gorgeous Mum and my fat cat Louis and of course all the lovely ladies selling undies in Boutique 65.
What size do you wear it comes to lingerie? I’m sure you didn’t need refitting if you had Boutique 65 on your side!
I was confident in my bra size because of working in a lingerie boutique, where we take wearing the right size bra very seriously! So at the shoot, my size was checked over and everything was a perfect fit. I am 30G depending on the bra as sometimes I fit a 32 FF. As for my bottom half, I tend to go for a size bigger to avoid any lumps and bumps so I’d say a 12 or medium.

I size up too! Nothing more uncomfortable than underwear giving you a squeeze. Were you a Curvy Kate customer before the competition?

Both my Mum and I were Curvy Kate fans before the competition and working in a lingerie boutique means I am lucky enough to be able to see the new Curvy Kate styles as they come on to the shop floor; the only downside is the HUGE effect its has on my pay packet!

Tell me about it – I spend more money on lingerie than anything else, not good! Do you have any Curvy Kate favourites?

Before the shoot I would have to say the Lottie in Raspberry as the print is so pretty and after all it has my name on it! At the shoot I fell in love with the Princess in lilac, its the perfect pastel colour to get you in the mood for Spring/Summer.

I imagine sharing a name helps too! So how did you feel when you found out you’d made it through to the top thirty, and then the top ten?

I was in the car with my Mum, Nan and Brother when I found out about the Top 30 and I screamed the roof off! I dont think my brother was too pleased that we then spent the whole journey home talking about it and looking at all the photos of me in my underwear! So you can imagine my reaction when I found out I made it to the top 10, I was shaking with excitement for hours and I definitely couldn’t eat dinner that night. It is such an amazing feeling knowing that the public were involved in getting me this far, I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted for me.

Bless! I bet he’s avoiding your pictures like the plague, just voting with his eyes shut! So how have your other loved ones reacted to the news?

My Mum was over the moon when she found out and has been so incredibly supportive throughout the whole journey. Being a gorgeous curvy woman herself, she completely understands why I wanted to be a part of this competition; I would never have entered if it wasn’t for her. I actually didn’t tell my Dad that I had entered as I was worried about what he might say, being his little girl and all, but once I made it to the top 30 I decided it was time! Apart from everything that I expected him to say, he is incredibly proud of me and the fact that I am standing up for a message which I feel so passionate about. And then there is my gorgeous boyfriend Will, who has been amazing from the word go and is more than happy now that he can see me in my undies online 24/7! Last but most definitely not least, all my friends and family have been incredible, it means so much to me knowing that they’re behind me all the way, thank you.

Sounds like you’ve got a lot of lovely people supporting you. So how did you feel both before and after the photoshoot?

The excitement really kicked in a couple of days before the shoot and the nerves only really started while I was having my hair and make up done. The scariest part for me was the interview but after that was done I had so much fun in front of the camera and on set with all the other girls and the Curvy Kate team, everyone was so lovely and the atmosphere was so relaxing. It was such a liberating experience and I really didn’t want it to end, it gave me a little taste of what to expect if I were to win and has just made me even more determined.

You’ve got the photo shoot bug! What were the best and worst parts of the day? Hopefully nothing too horrible…

I got my hair and make up done to perfection, paraded around in pretty lingerie and a big white fluffy dressing gown all day, ate platefuls of party food AND got to meet some amazing people so I honestly couldn’t chose the best part! I wouldn’t call it was the worst part of the day but the hardest part for me was definitely the interview, although I know it’s a great opportunity to get my message across, I don’t think anybody likes the sound of their own voice!

I really didn’t envy you all doing the video interviews, I’d hate it! Why did you decide to enter the competition this year?
As soon as I found Curvy Kate, it was love at first sight. Not long after, I came across SIAB and promised myself that I would enter the following year, which is why I’m here now. One year later, I’ve had a lot of growing up to do and as a result I’m more comfortable in my own skin than ever before. As all of my friends know, I love posing for a photo and have always been intrigued by the idea of modelling so for me SIAB seemed like the perfect opportunity to be able to experience all the best parts of the modelling industry, including the chance to speak up and have a voice but without all of the pressure to look a certain way; which is exactly how it should be. It has given me the chance to show the world how confident and happy I have become in my own skin, wobbly bits and all, in the hope that I can inspire all you lovely ladies out there to feel the same.

We’re bet you’re glad you entered now. What are the pros and cons of having a figure like yours?

Before lingerie brands like Curvy Kate appeared, I really struggled from a young age to find pretty, delicate bras, most of them for my size were ‘over the shoulder boulder holders’ (as me and my Mum like to call them) and nobody feels sexy or confident wearing something like that. It still gets annoying when my friends are able to buy such pretty sets for as little as ten pound! The best thing about having a figure like mine is that I’m not always concerned with trying to look slimmer (which works nicely with my chocolate addiction), I know my body and am more than comfortable with the fact that I’m never going to be a size 6! Just as long as I look and feel healthy, I’m happy.

Healthy and happy, that’s exactly it. It doesn’t matter what size or shape you are, as long as you’re those two things. Have you got any advice for anyone considering entering next year?

Please please do it, you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain! The idea of posting photos in your undies for the world to see is rather daunting but once they’re out there it is the most liberating feeling and you will never look back.

So what would be the best thing about winning the competition?

Obviously the contract, the beautiful lingerie and the opportunity to be in Cosmopolitan magazine are all amazing parts of the prize and I would be lying if I said otherwise but for me it really is about so much more than that. During the first week of the competition, I received a message from a girl who said I had inspired her to enter in the US this year and that she would be supporting me all the way. It was the most amazing feeling to know that just by sending in a couple of photos of myself in my undies I was able to encourage someone else to do the same, so I can’t imagine how it must feel to be the face, body and voice of such an inspirational brand. Just the thought of even one woman out there seeing my photo on a Curvy Kate catalogue and putting down the diet book because I inspired her to stay true to who she is, makes me realise how much I want to be that person.

That’s really great to hear. What do you think makes a Curvy Kate girl?

In my eyes a Curvy Kate girl is confident but modest with a strong mind, a loving nature and a healthy figure.

And how do you feel about potentially representing all the Curvy Kate customers?
I love the idea of being able to stand up and represent ‘normal’ women by being the face and body of such an amazing brand. I want to help inspire women of all ages to be confident in the skin they’re in and to change the way body image is represented in the media. Why should we listen to someone, somewhere telling us what is and isn’t perfect? We need to revolutionise the way the world sees ‘the perfect woman’ and I think Curvy Kate is the brand that will help us get there.
Just one last question Lotte – the horrible one! Why do you think you should win?

I have loved every second of taking part in Star In A Bra and had actually forgotten until now that this is unfortunately still a competition. All the ladies that I met at the shoot were so friendly, there was no nastiness or competitiveness which makes it a lot harder to answer this one! I would fully embrace the opportunity to be involved in an experience where I have the ability to make women and girls just like me feel as amazing as I do right now. Young girls need to grow up flicking through the pages of magazines and seeing women of all different shapes and sizes so that they continue to grow being happy, healthy and confident in their own skin. It is so clear that society’s perception of ‘how women should look’ needs to change and I truly believe I have the passion and determination to be the one who stands up and makes a difference.

Good luck Lotte!

Remember, you have until the 30th of April to cast your vote, so don’t leave it too late! Every vote counts towards crowning our winner of Star In A Bra UK 2013.

To vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Next up we hear from Georgie Hughes.

We’re getting closer and closer to finishing our interviews with the top ten – I don’t want it to be over! But without further ado, let’s get onto our next one, this time with Grace Pybus.

Hey Grace! You know what to do…tell our readers all about you!

Hello I am Grace Pybus a 21 year old Photography for Fashion and Advertising student in my third and final year of University in South Wales! As a person I am rather down to earth, honest, genuine and I would say I am non intentionally funny (this can be a good and bad thing!).  In terms of personality I really live on the edge, I love to travel and try out crazy things; I have bungee jumped, swam with sharks, paraglided and sky dived! I have a wonderful family that support me in all my adventures that I am extremely close with.

I don’t really go to the gym or anything but I love to get my heart racing trying new and extraordinary things. Being a photography student I am continuously behind a camera shooting fashion and documentary images, this has enabled me to work with some amazing people and get to go to some beautiful places!

Overall I am the kind of girl that you would get on with, I have many gorgeous  friends that I love hanging out with and of course, go shopping with!

You’re making us feel very lazy! So I know you got fitted at the photoshoot…what size were you wearing before? And what size are you now after your little transformation?!

So originally before the shoot I was told I was a 34E, but after the Curvy Kate girls fitted me I was actually a 34FF! This was crazy news to me as I had always thought I was a DD or an E! Clearly not! My undies size was a 16. I guess each underwear brand is different! Prior to the shoot I got myself fitted by a lovely Lingerie store in Cardiff called Leia, the wonderful store manager named Kathryn fitted me, she was the first to insight me that my boobs were actually bigger than expected! Ladies get fitted, it’s the best!

We do love giving people new bra sizes, and it’s the perfect excuse to buy lots of new lingerie! Do you have a favourite Curvy Kate set?

Hands down my favourite set was the Lottie Raspberry set, the material and fine detail was so beautiful, the colours were popping! I ended up actually ordering my self a set; I fell in love with it! At the shoot I wore two different sets, one was The Romance Charcoal/Seafoam set, and this was underwear I smouldered in (pulls fierce face).  The second but main set I wore was Portia Seafoam/pink set, this was more playful, bubbly and really soft on the skin, the colours harmonised with my pale skin, I felt like a princess! Both gorgeous sets!

Some good choices, I’d be hard pushed to choose one favourite too. Were you a Curvy Kate customer before the competition?

I have one Curvy Kate set from two seasons ago; because it’s so beautifully tailored I tend to wear it to special events such as my University May Ball and weddings! I’m afraid of damaging it, does that sound silly!?

 Not at all! Although I can assure you they’re built to last. So how did you feel about reaching both the top thirty AND the top ten?

To find out I was in the top 30 was insane! It felt like finally my body had been accepted by the public, as well as seeing my photo up on that screen I saw 29 other gorgeous bodies up on that screen! I guess from then on I was happy regardless if I made it through or not, it was such a nice situation to be in, knowing that me and the other girls were rocking are underwear look for basically the whole world to see! When I found out I was in the top ten I was overwhelmed, my best friend called me and told me and I was in serious disbelief, it just showed me how many beautiful people in my life voted for me, to know that either the public or a group of judges I had never met voted me in was just something else! Of course being in the competition attracted selected criticism but if anything it made me feel stronger, it made me want to roam the country in my pants and tell ladies that it is okay to wobble, eat donuts, cakes and biscuits and have big boobies!

 You’ve made me hungry! How have your loved ones reacted to the news?

It really was a funny situation! My mum was like “That’s co cool, YOU GO GIRL!” My sister was really stoked for me. The men in my family however slightly different! My Dad initially was like “Put some clothes on, you’ll catch a cold… Your not getting naked are you like page three are you?” which to me was funny, its his way of coping with his daughter modelling essentially Lingerie, he makes jokes to lighten the situation, I know either way he’s proud and still loves me! But the best was my brother Luke by far! He wanted to promote it and support me, but I quote “If I send it to my friends it will be like me saying.. Hey hers of a picture of my little sister in her pants.. Vote Grace Pybus” of course his friends sent him a lot of banter about it but he remained with the “VOTE GRACE PYBUS” mind set! Love them all!

 I think it’s natural for people to be a little skeptical when you’re on the internet in your pants BUT it’s all for a good cause, and at least they’ve come around. How did you feel before and after the shoot?

The day before the shoot I was really nervous, not for the actual shoot but the interview! I am a hideous public speaker and I though “oh gosh I’m going to ruin this speech!” I was psyching myself up for it! I was excited about the shoot, however the one thing that really worried me was that if my breasts were a different size to what they were (which happened anyway!)

After the shoot it felt like such an anti climax, I remember thinking “right that’s it now, it’s in the publics hands!” it really made me sad because I met some amazing people, Alice, Annabel Lottie and Dominique, they are all incredible women! As well as the top ten girls I met the Curvy Kate/blogger /body gossip/hair/makeup/cosmopolitan team who all individually were wonderful! So it made me sad to think that if I didn’t win id never get the opportunity to work with them again

I’m always so sad when the shoots are over, and I don’t even get to model! So what were the best and worst parts about the day?

Best part meeting all the wonderful amazing inspiration people, getting the opportunity to embrace and celebrate my body!

Worst part – hands down, saying goodbye!

That IS the worst part! What are the pros and cons of having a figure like yours?

Cons of having my figure, is that some high street retailers don’t cater for fuller figures, which makes it difficult to go shopping at times! (Serious problem!) Also any form of exercise become increasingly difficult with large breasts! You need to find something that will maintain them while you work up a sweat! Pros are that I am tall, curvy and look great in a lot of things, having a little weight to me is beneficial too, it means I can remain curvy and Marilyn Monroe shape, who doesn’t want to be like her! I’m blessed with larger boobs and a larger bum, which means my body, looks balanced and curvy! Also I stay warmer in the winter!

That’s a VERY good reason to eat more, I hate being cold! So, what would be the best part about winning? You CAN say the free lingerie…

The best part of winning would be able to say that I have met and worked with some incredible people. I was given a chance to represent, shine, and fight all the stereotypes and social stigma surrounding people with fuller figures. As well as this I would be able to channel a message to all women of all sizes and shapes that it is okay to be the woman you want to be. If you’re skinny, fine, curvy, fine, larger, fine! We shouldn’t be meeting the requirements of what you see on the catwalks as these are not realistic representations of young girls and women in today’s society, I would love the opportunity to embody all of this whilst going hand in hand with Curvy Kate and body gossip to portray the simple message that you can be who you want and not feel out of place, we are beautiful and I want the world to know!

 And how do you feel about potentially representing so many women out there?

To be able to represent Curvy Kate and normal women would be incredible. To be able to be associated with such a beautiful and ingenious brand would just be life changing! Normal women need to be represented equally and honestly, if I could show everyone that being normal is okay then that would just be the best! To be able to be linked with this company would be wonderful, as a brand they stand for everything I believe in and I became a part of this it would make my life! I felt hat I would be able to be a voice for a high percentage of the nation! A body is a canvas, its’s inside, the content of someone that matters the most, if you’re beautiful inside then your beautiful outside too. Curvy Kate makes me feel beautiful inside and out, I want the world to feel this.

 Everyone should feel that way. What do you think makes a Curvy Kate girl? 

Fun, happiness, laughter, fabulousness and intelligence.

And how about any words of wisdom from people who might be thinking about entering next year?

Just be honest and true to who you are. Forget about what people may say, do this for you and other beautiful girls!

 Good advice. Just one last question! Why do you think people should vote for you? That is a very mean question…

I think I should win because I have been on an incredible journey and to win and represent Curvy Kate would be a big juicy cherry on the top of a beautiful cake! I have met some incredible women and I don’t feel prepared to let this opportunity go! Curvy Kate represents everything I stand for, morally and ethically, there underwear is so aesthetically beautiful and gorgeous if I was able to model such beautiful lingerie it would be a pleasure.  I would love to win to show everyone that has ever doubted their figure that you (each and everyone of you) that regardless of your body shape and size you are beautiful, and that there are companies such as Curvy Kate that are here to embrace every inch of your gorgeousness!

Good luck Grace!

Remember, you have until the 30th of April to cast your vote, so don’t leave it too late! Every vote counts towards crowning our winner of Star In A Bra UK 2013.

To vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Next up we hear from Lotte Williams.

We’re quickly getting to the half way point with our interviews, can you believe it?! Next up we hear from Chantelle Crabb.

Good morning Chantelle! You know what to do…

I’m  afraid to say that I wasn’t, I’d always thought the bras were really pretty but I’m guilty of being one of those girls who finds a bra that fits well and looks OK under all clothes and then just wears it to death. I think its about time I chucked out my old, tatty, “safe” black bra and shook up my underwear wardrobe with some gorgeous new underwear! So in future (now I know my size) I will definitely be investing in more Curvy Kate bras because they’re so comfortable and I love everything their company stands for so buying into it shows my support.

Well at least we’ve converted you! Have you got any favourites?

My favourite Curvy Kate set is….Well I have two favourites, I know I’m greedy! I love the Tease Me in purple and ivory which is one of the sets I wore on the shoot, it’s so comfortable and give my puppies just the right amount of lift! And my second is the Gia bra in Seafoam – it’s such a beautiful colour that compliments any skin tone and the cups are so soft its like you’re not wearing a bra! Perfect!

Two of my favourites! How did you feel when you’d got through to the top thirty and then to the top ten?

I was so surprised! I entered just because I had a spare afternoon and thought i’d spend it taking photos of myself in my underwear! I never thought id get into the top 30, it was such a shock but made me feel amazing, I felt so proud and exhilarated  I couldn’t stop shaking or smiling! It was amazing to get into the top 30 but after checking out the competition and I saw that all the girls were totally gorgeous and I realised that the competition was really on! I started my campaign for votes as soon as possible but because you never know where you stand in the running I was certain I wouldn’t get through. I didn’t even find out via the email, I was trying to keep myself busy all day to stop myself refreshing the Facebook page ever 5 seconds and received a text from my friend Ellie saying “Oh my god you’re in the top 10!!!!!!”, I just screamed at the top of my voice “MMMUUUUUUMMMM I’m in the top 10!!!” It was such an amazing feeling, it boosted my confidence ten-fold and meant I was one step closer to working for a company that has such an important message that I believe in 100%.

So we take it your loved ones have reacted well!

Oh well my Dad did the typical “it’s not anything sleazy is it? You’re all covered up?” but once I showed him the Curvy Kate website he was sold and now he’s really proud and won’t stop telling everyone that I’m in the final 10! Everyone else has been really supportive right from the beginning, my boyfriend is travelling at the moment and is in New Zealand so hasn’t seen much of the competition but when I told him I was thinking of entering he told me to go for it, he adores my curves and my boobs and I think he loves the idea of me showing off! With being the only Northern girl in the competition I think all my family and friends and people in the local area are rooting for me even more.

I think when people realise what the competition is like, they see that it’s just really positive. How did you feel before and after the photoshoot?

Before the shoot I was really really excited but really nervous as well. I had never done anything like it and didn’t really know what to expect but the day itself turned out to be one of the best days of my life, it was a real experience. It was so great to get to know the other girls (they’re all so lovely, I hate being in “competition” with them) and the Curvy Kate team are amazing. The whole day just felt like I was hanging out with my friends (except we all looked like movie stars and were only wearing underwear!). After the shoot all I kept thinking was that I wanted to do it all over again, I felt incredible and had so much fun, I would feel really blessed if I were to win because I really would get to do it all over again!

I love the photoshoots, and it’s great to hear you all agree. What were the best and worst parts of the day? 

The best part was definitely the way I was made to feel. I felt welcomed and comfortable and excited and most of all I felt proud of who I was and how I looked. The hair and make-up team did an amazing job and made me feel a million dollars and then when I was in front of the camera I wasn’t shy or scared I was happy to have my curves out. Seeing the other girls and how they are all different but all curvy and proud of their figures made me proud of mine. The worst part  of the day was going home! The atmosphere with the other girls and the team was so wonderful, there was no bitchiness or any competitiveness it was just great fun. I kept thinking; “I wish this wasn’t a competition and that we could all win and do shoots like that everyday!”

If that’s the worst part, then I can live with that! What are the pros and cons of having a figure like yours?

I love my figure but I think in the society we live in and what is portrayed as “the perfect body” in the media, its hard to love your body all the time. I still have blips when I wish I had less cellulite and occasionally I even wish I had smaller boobs so I could wear pretty little tops with spaghetti straps but the majority of the time I do love my body. The best thing about having a figure like mine is that I feel like a real woman. I feel attractive because I have big boobs, a waist and hips, everything a woman should have!

And why did you decide to enter Star In A Bra this year?

I entered for two reasons really:

1) I love my boobs! They’re my favourite asset and I want an excuse to show them off! Ever since I got fitted properly I feel like a different person, my clothes fit better, I don’t get back ache and a well fitted bra makes my boobs something to be proud of!

2) I believe in everything that Curvy Kate stands for, they are such an amazing brand. They embrace “real” women and make them realise their own beauty by making them feel amazing from the inside and on the out. I want to show others that simply changing your underwear can change your attitude and modelling for a company that stands by exactly that;  well it would have been silly not to enter!

Good for you Chantelle! What would be the best part about winning? You CAN say the free lingerie! 

I can’t lie, the free underwear would be amazing! No really I think the best thing would be getting to feel the same way I did on the first shoot every time I worked with them. To feel empowered and beautiful and overall accepted by not only the amazing team at Curvy Kate but also the general public would be truly incredible.

Have you got any words of advice for people considering entering?

Yes! DO IT!!! Even if you’re scared or haven’t quite got to a point where you are totally in love with your body yet I promise you that this competition will make you change your mind. Even if you don’t get into the top 30 having the courage to strip off and take those pictures is a step in the right direction and a confidence boost in itself. All you have to think is that there is no such thing as perfect, imperfections make us who we are and we should all embrace those and be proud of the things that make us different.

Hear hear! What do you think makes a Curvy Kate girl?

I  have read this quote a few time since entering the competition but I completely stand by it; “Curvy is a shape not a size”. I think we need to scrap this idea that to be “curvy” you have to be overweight or classed as “plus-size” which seems to have a very negative stigma attached. I believe that as long as she is curvy (and that can be a size 8 to a size 34 for all I care) and she is confident and loves who she is then she can be a Curvy Kate girl. Is about embracing our differences and saying “You know what? You’re all amazing!!” To be a Curvy Kate girl you have to except that.

I couldn’t agree more. How do you feel about representing Curvy Kate customers?

It feels amazing! Its about bloody time we stop representing the whole population with just size zero models. I have nothing against slimmer people and accept every body shape but at the end of the day the population isn’t just one size, we are all different. Why can’t we celebrate that by showing a range of models of different sizes and shapes and be proud of our differences? It seems crazy to me that we live in a society where equality is so important however people aren’t equally represented on the catwalks and in magazine just a very small percentage are.

Just one last question – the horrible one, please don’t hate me for it! Why do you think people should vote for you to win?

Ooohh that’s a toughie! Really being put on the spot now! I actually don’t think there is anything that makes me more deserving of the Curvy Kate crown than any of the other girls. They’re all gorgeous, all different and are all amazing representatives of being a “Curvy Kate Girl”. All I know is that I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of this whole campaign and to win would just be the icing on the cake. If I don’t win I’ll still be incredibly happy because I got to take part and it means that one of the other amazing girls is helping to change the mindset of millions by being a gorgeous curvy girl in the media.

Good luck Chantelle!

Remember, you have until the 30th of April to cast your vote, so don’t leave it too late! Every vote counts towards crowning our winner of Star In A Bra UK 2013.

To vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Next up we hear from Dominique Wells.

Remember, you have until the 30th of April to cast your vote, so don’t leave it too late! Every vote counts towards crowning our winner of Star In A Bra UK 2013.

To vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Next up we hear from Grace Pybus.

Two down, eight to go! And we’re onto our next interview, this time with Annabel Challenger.

Hi Annabel! Let’s start with you telling our readers all about you again.

My name is Annabel, I’m 23 and I live in the beautiful county of Gloucestershire. I would describe myself as a happy and friendly person who is very down to earth, I strive to live life to the full and try my best in everything I do. When I’m not working as a Property Sales Consultant I love spending time with my wonderful family, friends and my boyfriend Tom. To my close friends I have always been know as ‘the one with the big boobs’ and over the years the nickname of ‘Annabella Boobington’ has stuck!

I enjoy maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle by attending ‘legs, bums and tums’ and spinning classes at my local gym a few times a week. However, I have a very sweet tooth and often indulge myself with ‘naughty but nice’ treats, I’ve a HUGE weakness for anything chocolate flavoured – chocolate cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate milkshakes – yum yum! I enjoy traveling and experiencing new cultures, I have been very lucky to have traveled to some wonderful countries making new friends along the way. Whilst on holiday you will usually find me in the ocean either scuba diving, swimming or attempting to windsurf. I love all aspects of life from dinning out with friends, lazy Sundays watching movies to dog walks in the forest. I have a huge soft spot for animals and I adore all of my pets, I have a Yorkshire Terrier called Sassy, a Pomeranian named Boo and a Chihuahua called ToTo, I also have a beautiful Bengal named Tink.

After following the competition for the past few years I have always regretted not entering myself, so to be in this years Top 30 has already been an amazing experience and a huge confidence boost! I really enjoyed taking my photos and submitting my application – I will definitely be encouraging all of my curvy friends to do the same next year!

We’re bet you’re glad you entered now! What size do you wear when it comes to lingerie? You were fitted at the shoot and ended up with quite a different size if I remember correctly..!

After the Curvy Kate shoot I am now proud to annouce that I am a 32J, not a 34GG. I wear a size 12/14 brief.

That’s quite a difference! How do you feel about your new size?

Before the shoot I thought I was a 34GG but after being properly fitted by Curvy Kate I am actually a 32J…and what a difference it made! Wearing a 32J felt a lot different to the size I had been wearing and I could really tell that I have been lacking in support.I have had so many problems with buying a correctly fitting bra in the past as different brands vary and I always have a bra fitting when purchasing a new set. I was slightly surpised with my new size but I’m very happy that I can now wear a bra the right way with the right size.

Were you a Curvy Kate customer before the competition?

I most definitely was! I have been wearing Cury Kate for about two years now and I wear it most days. It is definitely one of the best lingerie brands for larger breats that offers support and comfort and makes you feel feminine and sexy. I adore Curvy Kate!

That’s what we like to hear! Do you have a favourite Curvy Kate set?

At the Curvy Kate photo shoot I wore Princess Orchid Purple and Tease Me Purple which were both stunning and very comforatble. My favourite set for general use would be the Smoothie as it’s supportive, seam free and comes in nude and black which are great for everyday. I’m really not sure that I can pick one favoutie Curvy Kate set as all the sets are so pretty!

I know, I feel a little mean making you choose – I certainly couldn’t! So how did you feel getting through both stages of the competition?

When I found out that I had been selected by the judging panel to be in the Top 30 I was ecstatic and so excited! I was at work when I found out I was in the Top 10 and I actually screamed out loud with excitement at my desk (oops!). It was a HUGE confidence boost to know that the public looked at my photos and voted for me! It has been an absolutely amazing experience and I am very grateful to everyone that voted for me.

I bet that confused your colleagues! And how have your loved ones been?

My family and friends have all been very supportive and they are all proud of me that I have got this far! Everyone has really helped me by spreading the word about the competition and helping me get votes. My curvilcious figure and large breasts are courtesy of my beautiful mum, she completely understands me as she knows what it is like to be a ‘real women’. She was almost as excited as i was when I told her I had been selected for the Top 30 and Top 10!

I love how supportive everyone’s Mums have been, it’s brilliant. How did you feel before and after the shoot?

I left my house at 6am to be at the Top 10 shoot in London for 11am, those 5 hours were full of a variety of emotions! I was nervous, excited and my stomach was full of butterflies. Then all the way home I had a HUGE smile on my face and my confidence had tripled!

You must have been exhausted! What were the best and worst (apart from the early start!) parts of the day?

The best part of the day was the whole day! I had an amazing day and I wish I could do it all over again. It was lovely to meet the Curvy Kate team and their lovely helpers! I LOVE being pampered so to have my hair and makeup done professionally was a dream. It was great to meet some of the other girls and to hear about their lives, their stories and their reasons for entering the competition. Overall it was a fun filled day, we ate cakes and wore party hats and at the end of the day I was sad that I had to take off my beautiful Curvy Kate set and put my clothes on.

It goes so quickly, I’m always so sad to go home at the end of it! So what are the pros and cons of having a body like yours?

I am 110% proud of being a real women and having curves in the right places! I have eventually learnt to love my body and as long as I’m fit and healthy I wouldn’t change it!

The only con of having a shape like mine is the problem of buying clothes and lingerie that fit me correctly. I have shed many tears when trying on new clothes to find that they don’t fit around my breast area. When I was in my teens I couldn’t wear the same clothes as my friends and I have often let people down because I haven’t felt comfortable to go out in any of my clothes. I have never been able to walk down the high street and relate to the size 0 models I see. I think the fashion industry is slowly changing and will hopefully soon accommodate for real women.

So what would be the best part about winning?

The best part of winning Star in a Bra would be to know that ladies across the world have voted for me after looking at my photos and being able to relate to my curvy body shape.

I would also love to win to be able to have another photo shoot and potentially see my photos in the Curvy Kate catalogue and I would be over the moon to receive a years supply of Curvy Kate lingerie!

That’s really nice to hear. How do you feel about potentially representing so many women?

It would be an absolute honor to represent Curvy Kate and the averaged sized women. Winning Curvy Kate would give me the opportunity to be part of something I am so passionate about.

Do you have any advice for anyone seeing you and thinking of entering next year?

DEFINITELY DO IT! The confidence boost starts as soon as you take the photos and submit them online. It has been a great experience and I would encourage anyone, shape or size to enter in the future. I would definitely enter again.

Good advice! What do you think makes a Curvy Kate girl?

A Curvy Kate girl should be passionate and understand what the brand represents. They should be confident and comfortable in their own bodies and shouldn’t be afraid to flaunt their womanly curves. They should beautiful inside and out and be inspiration to other women.

Just one last question – the nasty one! Why do you think people should vote for you to win this years competition?

Because I fell I can help spread the word on how wonderful Curvy Kate is and be an excellent ambassador. I would absolutely LOVE to become the face of Curvy Kate and I would give it my all 100% of the time!

Good luck Annabel!

Remember, you have until the 30th of April to cast your vote, so don’t leave it too late! Every vote counts towards crowning our winner of Star In A Bra UK 2013.

To vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Next up we hear from Chantelle Crabb.

Shall we get on with another interview? With nine more interviews, we don’t want you waiting around! Our second interview comes from Alice Jackson.

Hey Alice! So, you know the drill by now, tell us all about you.

I’m a positive 26-year-old gal who adores glitter! I was born and raised in the lovely county of Norfolk. A middle child between two brothers I grew up loving the countryside, smiling and constantly chatting. After a degree in Retail at Bournemouth University I left to explore the world with my best friend. My passion for new cultures, warm climates and adventure took me to Cambodia through to Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia….the list goes on. Travelling the world was incredible and I love to explore new countries. On a tight budget ourselves, we discovered that many people in the world are content with a fraction of what we in the West think of as necessities. I’m part of the London Surf Club visiting surf breaks around the UK. I feel so alive when I’m on my board gazing out to sea waiting for a set to roll in.

I’ve been working as a footwear researcher for the past 15 months in London. It’s a wonderful job with lots of creativity, fantastic people and passion. I’m someone who believes in taking life as it comes and giving your very best to everything you do. I love nothing better than being with my awesome friends either dancing the night away or having a Sunday roast in the local pub.

To vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Next up we hear from Annabel Challenger.

Can you believe our beautiful top ten have already had their photoshoot? And don’t they look stunning? It’s going to be hard casting just one vote, that’s for sure.

To help you make your decision, we sat down and had a good old chinwag with each of the top ten, and first up, we hear from Abbi Tew!

Hey Abbi! Fancy telling our readers all about you (again)?!

Hi, I’m Abbi! I’m 27, and was born and raised in lovely Cheltenham. I now live and work in London and I’m loving it. I’m a psychology graduate and I work as an admissions officer for professional health courses at a university. I’m a very curious person; I like to try new things and explore new places. Music is a big part of my life and I adore singing. I like being with others and spend as much time with friends and family as possible. I also like to stay healthy; I love to run, and cook – although I don’t always have time!

A big part of my job is using thorough selection and assessment techniques to make sure that the right applicants are the ones offered places on our courses, and who will become the healthcare professionals of the future for the NHS. I really enjoy my job; being part of an important cause to meet society’s demands for quality healthcare while making individuals’ dreams come true and giving them the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

Enabling people to make the most of opportunities, and their skills and best attributes is something that is very important to me. This is why I really identify with Curvy Kate as a brand, and what it stands for. Curvy Kate understands that girls with bigger boobs and bums want to make the most of these assets! As a smaller lady, somewhat vertically challenged(!) and with curves, I have often struggled to find affordable underwear that fit and make me look and feel good. Many brands have only offered larger bra sizes in rather bland designs that aren’t flattering. Curvy Kate understands that curvy girls want to feel good in pretty, sexy underwear – just because a girl’s got a bit more to support doesn’t mean that the support has to be boring and unattractive!

And what size do you normally wear when it comes to lingerie?

Until the Star in a Bra competition, I was wearing a 30F, but at a pre-photoshoot fitting I found out a 28FF was a much better size for me! For knickers I wear a size 12.

We do love a good fitting! Although you weren’t too far off luckily. Do you have a favourite Curvy Kate set? What about now that you’ve modelled some?!

Prior to the photoshoot I was admiring the Tease Me purple and the raspberry Lottie, so I was delighted to model them at the photoshoot. I love the Lottie especially – it’s so pretty, and so comfortable I forget I’m wearing it!

Good choices – I’m such a sucker for a floral print and that purple colour is to die for. Were you a Curvy Kate fan before the competition?

I thought Curvy Kate was a really exciting brand, championing confidence and body love no matter what shape and loved the way the models are all real women. I only had one set prior to the shoot – I adore Curvy Kate’s designs but unfortunately there aren’t many stockists near me.

Tell me about it, I rely on internet shopping for my Curvy Kate fix! Hopefully they’ll continue to take over the world and I’ll see them on my little old high street soon! So we know you got refitted for the shoot, where did you go?

At the shoot the lovely team confirmed my most recent fitting of 28FF. I usually go to Bravissimo in Covent Garden – it’s really convenient for work and the team there are fab – they really know what they’re doing. They don’t use tape measures, but you always get a great fit.

The change in size highlighted for me how important it is to get fitted regularly, and I implore all women to do so – our bodies change over time. So many women are walking around in the wrong size bra, and not getting the support they need.

So, how did you feel getting through to the top 30, and then to the top 10?

Amazing! Getting into the Top 30 was a real surprise – I entered the competition for a bit of fun, on a whim, and because I really love what the brand stands for; I didn’t really expect to get anywhere. Being chosen among 30 other gorgeous curvy lovelies was a real confidence boost. Then making it to the Top 10 has been so exciting! I was over the moon to find out I would be part of the photoshoot, and had a real chance of winning and being an ambassador for Curvy Kate.

Bet you’re glad you entered now! How did your loved ones react to the news?

I had only told one person I entered the competition before the Top 30 – my housemate Maria – she was brilliant and even helped me pick out which pictures to send for my entry.

Most of my friends and family have been really supportive; even those that weren’t originally have become more so once I’ve explained what the competition is all about; championing real women, and inspiring them to love and make the most of their curves.

My mum has been particularly awesome – she’s my biggest fan and has become my Campaign director by default! She’s been getting all her girlfriends to vote.
It’s been great bumping into old friends who say “fair play to you!” and tell me they’ve voted too.

Your Mum sounds amazing! I think when people realise what the competition is all about any negativity seems to go away. How did you feel both before and after the photoshoot? I’d be so nervous!

I was both nervous and very excited beforehand. It’s certainly not something a girl does every day. Everyone was so great though; there was nothing to be nervous about – once we got started with the shoot, everyone was oozing confidence.

Afterwards, I was so sad it was over – the day went so quickly. Sonya, Georgie and I went for a drink in a bid to prolong the day a bit more.

I love that everyone goes away from the shoot feeling like they’ve made friends. What were the best and worst parts of the day? Hopefully nothing too horrible!

It’s a cliché, but I don’t think there was a worst part; apart from the day ending! And it’s too difficult to pick the best part. The whole day was so much fun and a really unique experience. The people made the day though, hearing about everyone’s experiences and just having fun – it was great to spend time with the Curvy Kate team, the other finalists, Tash from Body Gossip and Fletch and Tracey the hair and makeup team and Alsion the photographer.

The whole team are just amazing, it wouldn’t be the same without them! So what are the pros and cons of having a figure like yours? I’m sure plenty of Curvy Kate fans can relate to you.

The pro is that it’s mine and it’s unique, just like everyone else’s.  I’m just me, natural me, and I’m happy being that way!

The only cons are finding clothes– I’ve got curves, and I’m petite. It can be challenging to find things on the high street that fit well and are flattering – but great underwear is always a good start!

Us short girls have got to stick together! For you, what would be the best part about winning?

It’d be awesome. Obviously the prize is fantastic; gorgeous underwear and an opportunity to model it. Being able to represent the normal girl is the big thing for me though, particularly as someone who is not only curvy but also small, and so the antithesis of the tall, waif-like models we are so used to seeing. It would also be such an achievement on a personal level. Like many young women, I had weight and food issues through my teenage years and was constantly fighting my body’s natural shape. I’ve grown to love and accept my body now though and winning would be like an affirmation of that.

Good for you Abbi. So how do you feel about already representing the Curvy Kate customer?

Amazing! This might actually be the best part about winning; the sense of achievement of being a real, normal woman representing an underwear brand in a world where the majority of brands use models with unachievable body shapes and airbrushing. I’d be so proud to be part of a campaign championing natural girls with curves and encouraging young women to accept themselves, be confident and make the most of the boobs and bums they’ve been blessed with.

And what about those inspired to enter next year? Have you got any words of wisdom?

Yes – Do it! With regard to the photos – find somewhere you can relax, and feel confident, and if you are going to get someone else to take the photos, make it someone you can be totally comfortable with! If you’re on your own, make use of the timer facility on your camera, and any stands/tripods you can find.  Don’t worry too much about the picture quality and the lighting. Wear undies that make you feel fab, maybe some killer heels, and just be you! Take lots of pictures and then you can pick the best 5 with a trusted friend.

Taking those photos may be the scariest part! What do you think makes a Curvy Kate girl?

A Curvy Kate girl is someone who wants to be the best they can be, and make the most of what they have. Someone with curves, confidence and a sense of humour. Someone natural who has grown to love herself and the body she’s been blessed with, and wants to look great in gorgeous underwear that really fits.

A Curvy Kate girl is someone like me.

Just one last question, the nasty one – try not to hate me too much! Why do you think people should vote for you to win this years competition?

I would be a brilliant ambassador for Curvy Kate, encouraging all women to celebrate their curves in gorgeous underwear. I’d also encourage women to make sure they are wearing the right bra, so that they are giving their boobs the best support.

I am a Curvy Kate girl. I am what this competition is all about: Real, normal, natural women with curves. Plus, I think I look pretty good in Curvy Kate lingerie.

Good luck Abbi! 

Remember, you have until the 30th of April to cast your vote, so don’t leave it too late! Every vote counts towards crowning our winner of Star In A Bra UK 2013.

Next up we hear from Alice Jackson.

With just one last interview after this one, and the public vote closing tomorrow, we can’t help but wonder how we managed to get so many interviews up on the blog in such a short space of time! And with the deadline looming, we best get on with out last interviews…

Our penultimate interview is with Simonne Ireland.

Hi Simonne! Why don’t you tell our readers all about you?

I am a 23 year old Assistant Finance manager from Bromley. I started off my working career as a Beautician which I did for 4 years – I loved helping to make women feel wonderful about themselves and also enjoyed testing out all the gorgeous, fruity products. I even ran my own hair and beauty business which was hard work but taught me a lot of lessons. One day on a complete whim I decided to pack up and move abroad; I went to the canary islands and helped to open a new bar on the beach. I absolutely loved the experience I had there, it was amazing relaxing with a good book in the sun all day and partying whilst working (of course) with all the holiday makers at night. I met so many different people there some to which are still good friends today. I gained great confidence there and had grown up a lot by the time I returned. When I did return I decided on a career change which landed me on the path I am on now, I have gained a great insight into the inside of the business I work in now and hope to one day run my own business.

There’s nothing I love more then socialising with my gorgeous boyfriend and my best friends, whether it be shopping till we drop, attempting to roller skate, travelling the word, braving a bungee jump or dancing the night away in sky scraper heels I’ve done it all! I’m quite an adventurous and creative person and live life by the motto “I will always try it once”.

Wow, it sounds like you’ve had quite the life already! Why did you decide to enter Star In A Bra?

I come from a Caribbean background hence the curves and have always been proud of my shape however I have not always had the confidence to show it off. I came across the Curvy Kate website when trying to add to my underwear collection and fell in love straight away. It is so nice to be able to relate to the women in the pictures and have a more realistic view of what the underwear will actually look like on a more curvaceous body. I then noticed the competition and thought why not? I used to do a bit of modelling here and there when I was younger and really enjoyed it, I thought it was a fun way to gain confidence and also meet new people. I have experienced being in front of the camera before but not for a good few years, and never in underwear so this will be a first for me which I’m definitely up for giving a go.

Good for you Simonne! Just one last question – why do you think people should vote for you?

Well this is the hard one…I would like people to vote for me as a feel girls not just my size but also my height are not always given a chance to experience things like this, Only being 5′ 2, most modelling agencies/competition’s wont even give us a look in because we don’t meet the set criteria which I feel is very unfair. This would also boost my confidence loads, I have to admit that when I first saw the photos live for everyone to see I was a bit apprehensive as you could see my little lumps and bumps but after seeing all the other girls lovely pics and after receiving such positive feedback I’m am so happy to have come through this far and would love to go along to the photo shoot and strut my stuff in front of the camera. I would be very grateful for the opportunity and smile all the way so please vote for me.

Good luck Simonne!

To cast your vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Come back to hear from our final interview!

We’re onto our final three interviews with our gorgeous top 30 - the end is in sight! Then you can finally make a decision on who to vote for – it’s going to be tough!

Our fourth interview of the day is with Charlotte Fox.

Good Afternoon Charlotte! Why don’t you tell our readers all about you?

I am a confident, fun and flirty girl who loves partying, dancing, zumba, travelling, horror movies, shopping and all things pink. I am a strong individual and always fight for what I believe in. I studied Occupational Psychology at Manchester University and am extremely interested in all things psychological. My best achievement was going travelling solo around the world. It was an amazing experience and a life time achievement, all though scary at times (I broke my foot along the way!). My favourite activities were skydiving in New Zealand and swimming in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. I love shopping and one of my favourite buys is underwear sets.

You’re a braver girl than I am, your travelling sounds amazing! Why did you decide to enter Star In A Bra this year?

My mum had seen the competition in a magazine and told me to give it a go. She is always saying I have a nice curvy body and should show it off more. I love being curvy and wearing underwear that highlights this makes me feel confident.

Your Mum is the best! Just one last question Charlotte, and I’m afraid it’s the one everyone hates me for, sorry! Why do you think people should vote for you?

If you look back to what previous role models (i.e. Marilyn Monroe) looked liked and stood for, it has always been the curvy and vivacious figure. It is only in recent times that the media and designers have tried to advertise the very thin, tom boyish figure. However, some of the celebrities most pictured and rated most attractive by males all seem to represent a curvier figure. I wanted to enter the competition to campaign for the “come back” of curvy figured women and think that these women can feel and be the sexiest.

Good luck Charlotte!

To cast your vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Come back to hear from our final two contestants!

After this interview we have just three left with our beautiful top 30…where has the time gone?! I don’t want it to be over – the blog won’t be the same1

Hi Rhiannon! Why don’t you start by telling our readers all about you?

Hello! My name is Rhiannon. I am 22 and am a London girl through and through. I am a Receptionist and am very lucky to work with the loveliest people! I feel like a bit of a mother hen to them all but love looking after everyone! Previously I was a fitting consultant for Bravissimo for four years which probably explains my slight lingerie addiction! I discovered Curvy Kate when I was working as a consultant and have been following their new styles ever since purchasing my first princess bra!

A good choice – one of my favourite Curvy Kate bras! Why did you decide to enter Star In A Bra this year?

I had seen the competition advertised for a few years but had braces and also an under bite and always felt really self conscious. I was very aware of my smile; I felt that it stopped me from being myself and held me back from doing a lot of what I wanted to do. Last year I had an operation to correct my jaw, my braces came off and now I can’t stop smiling! It has made me feel more comfortable with in myself and now I am happy to take any opportunity that is thrown my way, the world is my oyster as they say! When Star In A Bra appeared on my news feed I thought I’d try my luck as I am a curvaceous lady and love what Curvy Kate represents as a company. I am very grateful to have made it in to the final 30.

We’re so glad to hear you felt happy enough with yourself to enter the competition. Just one last question Rhiannon! Why do you think people should vote for you to be in the final ten?

We are lucky as a generation that we have so many options for people who are so many different sizes. We do no longer have to settle for what we can get, we can buy things that fit to us instead of us having to fit to it. We have been lucky to have been shown to dress for our body type (thank you Gok!) and fortunately fashion has given us another try at the 1950’s which was the decade home to the shapeliest of women! The media are at last helping to promote a healthy body image and they are publicising all kinds of things which depict that different shapes are natural, normal and beautiful.
Our only downfall is that only 1 in 5 of women are sure that they are wearing the correct bra size! A wise woman I worked with at Bravissimo told us that” our undergarments are our foundation and without foundation how would you expect to build a house?”
For all ladies no matter what size we are, we need to be comfortable and feel sexy in our lingerie so we can feel confident daily. I am passionate about creating awareness so we can look great and feel great in the right size so we can definitely appreciate our best and squidgiest attributes!

Good luck Rhiannon!

To cast your vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Come back to hear from our last three contestants!

A quick stop to scoff some more Easter eggs and we’re onto our second interview of the day! With just a few more interviews to go we’re sure you’ll be ready to finally cast those three votes…it’s going to be a tough choice!

Our second interview of the day is with Trudie Campbell.

Good morning Trudie! How about you start by telling our readers all about you?

I am 23 year old pharmacy third year student, I am an aspiring model and as I have learned to accept my curves I’m hoping the industry will – I was never very confident both about my looks and body and it’s very recently that I have started really appreciating and accepting what I am. I now realise that my flaws make me who I am and nobody is perfect. I am a people’s person and especially like empowering young women like myself. I love watching people do things they are passionate about or talk about things they are passionate about.

Good for you Trudie. Hopefully Star In A Bra will help you on your way to becoming a model. So why did you decide to enter the competition this year?

My friend told me about the competition last year but I thought they would probably not pick me not even for top 30 but this year I gathered my courage and realised that I am not just doing this for me. I therefore entered to represent myself and other young women like myself; I have always been curvy and out there in the world being curvy has its challenges, therefore this would be a challenge to myself and I will work on my self esteem as a curvy girl and embrace my curves. I believe now that curvy is very sexy. I have also realised that the lack of faith is what makes people afraid of meeting a challenge and I have learned to believe in myself.

Just one last question Trudie – the one everyone hates me for I’m afraid! Why do you think people should vote for you to be in the top ten?

If I am top 10 I will not just represent myself but my fellow women. I am determined to be successful in whatever situation I find myself and being top 10 will not be the stop for me, I will strive and do the best I can to leave my mark and let the world know that curvy is sexy. I stay true to myself and what I am,I will therefore push myself to be aware of that and be original.

Good luck Trudie!

To cast your vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Next up we hear from Rhiannon Whitby!

I hope everyone has had a lovely Easter weekend, we’re just about getting over all the mini eggs but substituting them with hot cross buns…well, got to work on our curves! We’re coming round to our last six interviews with our gorgeous top 30, can you believe it? Let’s get on with them before the public vote closes (this Wednesday!).

Our first interview of the day is with Angela Smith.

Good morning Angela! Why don’t you start by telling our readers all about you?

Hi, I am a 24 (soon to be 25) year old women who is passionate about life. I have an amazingly supportive family and friends, who I would like to say a massive thank you to, as I wouldn’t be where I am today without them and I believe in loving who you are and never giving up on what you believe! Being fit and healthy is something that I strive for, but I take it day by day. I absolutely love travelling and going on holidays to various destinations around the world; I like seeing how other cultures live and seeing how confident people are in themselves around the world! Here are a few random things about me. I also love cats, I have two gorgeous cats called Bonnie and Blue who are very cute and who love to play fetch! I really enjoy a good film, one of my favourites has to be She’s out of my league. And I adore food, Italian rules! Yum!

I wish my cats could play fetch – they can just about be bothered to get out of bed and go outside most days! Why did you decide to enter Star In A Bra this year? 

I wanted to enter this fantastic competition firstly because of the brilliant principles on which the company is built – the company’s ethos is about empowering curvy, big boobed ladies and is the reason why the company has grown so popular! I feel passionate about endorsing this message about positive body images to everyone including young people. Some may put pressure on themselves to look like celebrities and models who generally do not reflect ‘real’ ‘curvy’ ‘natural’ women! Everyone is  unique and it’s important to be yourself and to feel comfortable in yourself and that’s why I wanted to become a part of Star In A Bra. I want to celebrate this and to be proud of being me! I want my little sister to know she is fantastic just the way she is and that she doesn’t have to change herself for anyone!

Good for you Angela! Just one last question – the one everyone hates me for! Why do you think people should vote for you?

I think that people should vote for me because I want to show everyone that I am who I am! Yes I may not be a size zero, yes I may have stretch marks and cellulite but I love who I am! Everyone has the same ‘issues’ as me, although maybe not both – I’m only human! So if you have scars, cellulite or stretch marks (or not) then vote for me!

Good luck Angela!

To cast your vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Next up we hear from Trudie Campbell!

We’ve reached the half way point of our interviews for today, and with so few left we’re a little sad to see that the blog won’t be busy all day every day. Still, our lovely top 30 interviews will be here for you to go over, and with voting finishing on the 3rd of April, you’ve still got time to make your mind up. But don’t leave it too late – those votes won’t last forever!

Our fourth interview of the day is with Sara Rehman.

Good afternoon Sarah! Why don’t you tell our readers all about you?

I am 25 and have lived in Bristol all my life, I absolutely love my job working as a National events manager for one of the most popular skincare brands! As my job may imply I am a very confident person, not afraid to be stood in front of a large crowd and thoroughly enjoy entertaining people! my friends would describe me as a crazy lady full of life and silly jokes! Years ago I used to do modelling but I found the industry was rather picky on size!

That sounds like a really interesting job, I’m such a skin care junkie! Why did you decide to enter Star In A Bra this year?

I’ve been feeling quite sorry for myself as I have massive wide size 9 feet (nicknamed “the slabs”) so I haven’t beenn in a normal shoe shop since I was 12! Kurt Geiger who?! And now suddenly this year my boobs have ballooned from a DD to an F and I have discovered that getting a bra in a normal shop is a challenge! To the extent that I was in M&S a few weeks ago, searching frantically for any bra that would fit…I even sent my boyfriend up the aisles on the look out, so funny to see him shout “BABE, THERES NO Fs HERE”! I decided to try online, stumbled across the competition and though “yeahhh why not?! I’ve got boobs,booty and confidence – let’s get involved!”

Good for you Sara! And your boyfriend sounds like an absolute trooper! Just one last question – the nasty one! Why do you think people should vote for you? 

Whoever votes for me will be voting because I’m real (J.Lo song in there somewhere!) – I am natural and have actual curves! I know what it feels like to be the girl that feels like they should be a size 8 to look good; I used to feel like that but now I have learnt that curves are HOT and I would love the chance to represent all those ladies out there.

Good luck Sara

To cast your vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Come back tomorrow for more interviews!

It’s our third interview of the day, and we don’t want to tell you how many Mini Eggs we’ve eaten…oops! We’re speeding through our final ten interviews though, and that means we need some extra energy. That’s our excuse and we’re sticking with it!

Our next interview is with Dominique Wells.

Hi Dominique! How about you start by telling our readers all about you?

My name is Dominique, I’m 24 years old and wear a 36FF.

I soon noticed whilst growing up that my body had developed more quickly than the other girls in my class and I was always naturally bigger. Although being curvy was a bit of an issue for me, I always loved to dance and I didn’t let it get in the way of this. I’m now a dance instructor and teach Zumba and Chasamba fitness classes… and I love every second of it!

When I’m not dancing I like to be creative in other ways and usually have my glue gun close at hand! I’m an animal lover and vegetarian, and I like to spend time in the countryside.

I enjoy Saturday night cocktails with friends, lazy Sundays with my family and have a weakness for killer heels!

You’re going to have to teach us some moves, I’ve not heard of Chasamba! Why did you decide to enter Star In A Bra?

I entered because I think this competition is great! I’m a true feminist, and as if isn’t bad enough that we struggle with equality against men, we then go and tear each other apart on the way we look, what we wear and how we do our hair!

I heard about Star in a Bra last year and I knew I had to enter straight away. I made it through to the Top 30 in 2012 and it felt amazing to be part of such an inspiring competition. This year I’m hoping to go further, not just for myself but so that other women can be inspired too.

We should be celebrating all women. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and we should acknowledge our differences and appreciate them.

Wise words Dominique! Just one last question, the horrible one! Why do you think people should vote for you to be in the top ten?

I would love to see a size 16 lingerie model representing real women and I think people should vote for me if they feel the same way. The word ‘curvy’ used to be used to describe a woman’s healthy, attractive figure. I want this to be true today, instead of the negative connotations that so often surround women with curves. I believe all women should be standing proud; not hiding away like so many of us do and I would be honoured to represent the Curvy Kate brand and what it stands for.

Good luck Dominique!

To cast your vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Next up we hear from Sara Rehman!

Another hour, another interview…the Curvy Kate blog is still crazy busy with all these interviews with our gorgeous top 30, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Would you?!

Our second interview of the day is with Georgie Hughes.

Morning Georgie! So why don’t you tell our readers all about you?

Hi there! My name is Georgie, I’m 25 and come from a village in North Oxfordshire. I studied in Somerset through the University of Plymouth doing a Media Make-up degree, but I’m currently working as a Visual Merchandiser for New Look. I moved back home to live with my parents and brothers last year, for many reason, but mainly because I’m too much of a home bod at heart! My dad owns his own air conditioning company and my mum is a carer to my grandparents.

When not sorting through rack of clothing at work I love being outside. Don’t get me wrong my idea of true perfection is snuggling on the sofa in my onesie watching some trashy television program , but nothing beats putting your wellies on and getting covered in mud! At weekends I help out at a local riding stables and love every minute of being on the farm. Especially the part when I get to go have a coffee and a cake!

To expand on everything that is part of me would take time and multiple pages of writing, so I shall just condense it all down and list them instead! I love shopping, knitting, cooking lasagne, making things with my glue guns, Irregular Choice, Viviene of Holloway, burlesque, Rocky Horror Picture Show, glitter, coffee, coffee, coffee, visiting castles, visiting Zoo’s, Nandos, jodhpurs, patchwork quilts, hoarding and Disney films. I love everything Pin-up, burlesque and vintage, and my every expanding shoe collection is getting out of control! I have to admit, I also have 2 others loves…Doctor Who and The Muppets. To work on Doctor Who or to meet Miss Piggy are right up there in life time ambitions! My Tardis collection is slowly pushing the reading material off of the book shelf.

So basically I’m just a pink haired, dress wearing, Muppet mad girl in a pair of wellies. Normal right?!

Sounds normal to us! Why did you decide to enter Star In A Bra?

I was a little skeptical at first. I didn’t feel I met the criteria. I read more into what Curvy Kate was about and realised they are EXACTLY for girls like myself. I used to have a love/hate relationship with my body shape when I was younger. I simply was not the same as my friends. I’ve had hips and a large bust since I was 13, and fitting into ‘trendy’ clothing could be a bit of a mission. Since learning about how to dress myself and to be who I want to be, I’ve learnt to love the 32/28/40 body that I’ve been blessed with .

Do I have lumps and bumps?! YES! Do they really bother me?! NO! I’ve learnt to love my body in all its natural glory, and hoped by entered I could show other women that they are all gorgeous too, just the way they are.

I also entered because the underwear is GORGEOUS!! It’s so disheartening in this day and age that large busted ladies have to spend a fortune on ‘boulder holders’ that look, and make you feel, as sexy as a turnip. A lot of bra lines that do go above a D+, are then a little more structurally supportive and lacking in any padding and sass, and being a 34E I then have to put up a bulkier and see through version of the pretty C cup. I’m not 90, I’m not an old lady. Why should the girls have to be dressed as if they are. I’m young, they are still perky, so why shouldn’t I show them off in things that are pretty. And Curvy Kate is just the lingerie brand to help me!

I entered for myself, as a body confidence boost. I’ve entered for my mother, who is quite possible the most beautiful woman in the world, and for all the girls out there who truly cannot see just how perfect they all are. No matter what size they are.

Good for you Georgie! Just one last question – the nasty one! Why do you think people should vote for you?

The company is called Curvy Kate, and you could not find a more curvy model. The other girls are all fabulous, and it’s going to be a tough competition, if I was on the voting end I would find it difficult. For myself though, the competition is showing that 15 year old girl she is not ‘fat’ (a word which should be banned) and that you don’t have to be size ‘skinny’ to be a model, or for people to find you attractive.

You should vote for me because I feel I would make a remarkable body confidence ambassador, whether standing in a shopping centre being a living model in my underwear or telling a group of women that their bottoms are amazing, but could be even more amazing in a pair of Curvy Kate pretties.

I’m ready and eager for any challenge and ask you to help me get there. Do it for the girls with bumps that perhaps shouldn’t be there, do it for all those girls who need perhaps a small reminder its ok to have that slice of cake every now and again, and most of all do it for those who don’t feel brave enough and perhaps need someone else to stand up for them.

Good luck Georgie!

To cast your vote, head on over to the Curvy Kate Facebook page.

Next up we hear from Dominique Wells!