Archive for the ‘Star in a Bra’ Category

So, we now have our gorgeous, final 30 curvy girls for this year’s Star in a Bra.

Now, it’s down to the public to decide which of these 30 girls should go through to the final 10 and be part of a glamorous makeover and photoshoot at a top London studio. After which, the voting will begin again to find this year’s Star in a Bra!

If you’re one of the final 30 girls, you need to start thinking about how you’re going to promote yourself during this round of voting. Lots of the girls have already started getting their friends to visit the Curvy Kate Facebook page to vote, helping them get one step closer to grabbing the Star in a Bra crown.

However, if you really, really want to start racking up the votes, you might need to go a little further than that. We would suggest setting up a Facebook fan page of your own, using the photos you provided in your Star in a Bra application, and inviting all your friends to read about why you entered the competition, and why you would like to win. Don’t forget to point them to the Facebook page where they can vote!

You should also think about making use of Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, Vine and numerous other websites and apps to let the world know.

However, remember to try not to spam or pester people – as they’ll soon get a bit fed up of seeing you in your underwear and might not vote for you!

Above all, don’t just assume that the votes will come in – people need to know that you’re in the competition and you need to spread the word if you want to make it through!

Lauren Colfer (2009 Winner) says …

Tell all of your friends… then maybe they will tell all of their friends! Mine were so helpful in campaigning for votes for me!
Remind people to vote.. but don’t pester! People tend to ignore things that pop up several times a day – make your “reminders” limited but powerful!

Alice Rayman (2012 Top 10 finalist) says …

Firstly enjoy, appreciate and compliment each other (all our bodies are different but still beautiful in their ways!), pose like you’ve never posed before, don’t be scared if you find your suddenly self-conscious – it’s natural but everyone’s in the same boat so bring the confidence and show the world your fabulousness!! And last but not least be proud of what you’ve got and love every second of prancing about in your smalls!!

Good luck to all 30 girls and commiserations to the hundreds of hopefuls who entered but didn’t make it as one of the finalists. Star in a Bra is an annual search, so you can apply again next year!

For the past four weeks, we’ve been scouring the UK for the next face and body of Curvy Kate! With over 700 curvy hopefuls entering this year’s Star in a Bra search, it’s needless to say the curve competition has been fierce!

Star in a Bra calls on all curvier women, regardless of size, height, age or colour! It’s amazing to see this represented by the wonderful women who entered the competition this year. Curvy Kate believe that curvy isn’t a size, it’s a shape and we’re trying to show diversity by loving and celebrating all curves!

Having said that, here are the names of our gorgeous top 30 girls…

Top 30 favourites

To vote for your favourite top 3, click here! Every vote counts so please choose wisely! These girls need your support! You can also visit our Facebook page to be redirected to the voting app.

The top 10 girls will be revealed on 4^th April and the winner will be announced on 2^nd May! Eeek! Excited!!!

Congratulations…

We’d like to say a MASSIVE congratulations to all the lovely ladies who entered this year, the judging panel had a difficult time trying to shortlist to just 30 girls. It’s not an easy task, to strip down to just your smalls and pose in front of a camera so well done! I hope it has boosted your body confidence and you’ve enjoyed being a part of Star in a Bra 2013!

Thank you once again to everyone who entered and a big hug to everyone who has spread the word about Star in a Bra 2013!

Need a little more inspiration to enter Star in a Bra? Check out what Lauren Colfer had to say about her experience of being crowned Star in a Bra 2009!

Why did you enter Star in a Bra?

I followed the competition the year before I entered and I remember my dad not being keen on the idea of me doing it, so I was put off. The following year, I saw the competition being advertised again and I knew I definitely wanted to give it a go; so I rebelled, applied and it worked!!

How confident were you about your look/curves before the competition?

Honestly, before the competition, I always wished to be slimmer than what I was but I’ve always felt blessed in the chest department.  The first few months of doing shoots and shows with Curvy Kate still felt quite alien and I admit that sometimes I felt a bit awkward at first. However it wasn’t long until I realised that I didn’t need to constantly feel like I had to improve myself; my self-confidence since winning SIAB in 2009 has come in leaps and bounds.  A few years before, I used to wear braces and got into a bad habit of always smiling with my mouth closed, which never looks like a genuine smile.  Curvy Kate is all about the big cheesy grin, so with a little encouragement and a LOT of laughs and jokes, I got my toothy grin back!

How did you feel after your win?

I was over the moon! After weeks (perhaps a couple of months!) of spamming my friends on Facebook to vote, and some of them spamming their own friends to vote, it all paid off.  I really thought it could have been any of the girls that were in the Top 10.  I did my first proper collection shoot the very next day so there wasn’t much time to calm down from the hype and get cracking with getting a real taste of modelling.

How do you feel now?

Still loving it! I have got to do so many things, travel to so many places since winning and I’m still working with Curvy Kate now so the fun hasn’t stopped yet. Whenever the annual competitions begin again, I love to follow its progress.

Has it changed you at all? If so how?

I think if it has changed anything, it has made me more confident in myself.

Has it changed how you view your body – if so how?

Definitely, before Star in a Bra, I always wanted to be unrealistically slimmer than what I was. A few months after winning the competition, I actually had a bit of an obsession with losing weight and started eating smaller meals, replacing some meals with protein shakes and going to the gym at least 5 times a week. I lost a lot of weight but didn’t really realise how much until my second Curvy Kate brochure shoot which was in the December.  When it became apparent I could not even fill the cup of a 32F – my then size – I realised just how much I had lost and how obsessive I had been.  Looking back at the pictures from that shoot, I see now that I looked unhealthy and underweight. I missed my curves and knew that without them, I wouldn’t be able to be a representative for Curvy Kate and what it stands for. 3 years on, I appreciate my curves even more and accept and embrace them as a part of being the woman I am supposed to be.

Which is your favourite part of your body – why?

Cliché as it may be, definitely my boobs!

Has this changed from before and after the competition?

No, this has always been the same.  I have worn a light sports bra to bed every night since I was about 15, as I have found that with a lack of support at night I get a sore chest in the morning. I’m pretty sure that this has kept them perky too!

Have you ever found your body/look hard to deal
with?

Going through puberty was strange, like most people I suppose. I always had the lovely “puppy fat” through my childhood so there’s always a tiny part of me that remembers being a little chubby.  When I did “fill out” I remember having these awful pinky purple stretch marks all over my chest where I had developed quite quickly.  When you’re a self-conscious teenage girl, the last thing you want is weird boobs!

Have you ever been criticised or bullied for how you look?

Thankfully, no. It’s one thing to feel unsure about yourself, it’s another thing to have other people criticise you.

What’s the best thing about being a curvy model?

I could list things all day!  I always look forward to the next shoot, getting glammed up and posing for photos is amazing.  I’ve been lucky enough to travel abroad with Curvy Kate several times, including a shoot in Ibiza and tradeshows in New York, Vegas and Paris! Free underwear from time to time is always a good thing too! The best thing though: being a part of the Curvy Kate family and getting to know the people who do all the hard work in the background of the amazing brochures and product.

What is the best thing anyone has said to you about modelling?

People saying that you have inspired them to enter the competition or even just made them feel better about their own bodies, is a great feeling.

Are you glad you entered?

It’s probably the best thing I ever did!

Would you like to model full time?

In an ideal world, yes. I did try it out about a year ago, flitting between my casual job as a swimming instructor and any work that would come up either through Curvy Kate or agencies.  It was an amazing year of travelling and meeting new people, but reaching an age where I needed to start thinking about moving out and becoming more independent, I knew I could not earn what I needed to achieve that goal as I was not getting modelling work consistently enough.  I now work as an Office Manager for an investments brokerage and my commitment to my job means modelling has taken a backseat. The good thing is, with enough notice in advance I can still take on some work and there is always the weekend!

Do you love your full time job?

I do, it’s nice to have something secure and a guaranteed income every month. I miss the freedom of being able to drop everything and jaunt off somewhere to do something glamorous but I still feel I have the best of both worlds as there are still opportunities for modelling work out there.

Is it nice having this on the side to do?

I am so glad I can continue to model on the side, it’s totally different from my every-day 9-to-5 so it feels less like work and more like a hobby.  I also continue to teach swimming on Saturday mornings at my local leisure centre as I knew I would miss working with the kids and maintaining my teaching experiences. Variety is the spice of life!

What a beauty! Since entering the Star in a Bra competition, Lauren hasn’t looked back! As she mentioned, she has travelled with Curvy Kate for photoshoots and tradeshows, her curves have been truly celebrated in our brochures and even on the sites of many of our retailers! And if that’s not enough….how about a year’s supply of gorgeous Curvy Kate lingerie?!

If it sounds ooo so tempting and you would like to also enjoy all the wonderful perks of being a “Curvy Kate”, then you can enter Star in a Bra here – bit.ly/SIAB13

With only 3 days left, you need to hurry to get your 5 photos in, so that’s 2 headshots and 3 full length shots of you in lingerie or swimwear! Get those curves camera ready!! *Snap…snap…snap*

Hi lovely readers!

I hope you’re still getting those curvy snapshots in for Star in a Bra 2013! We’ve had an amazing response so far, we’re absolutely loving the curves! Keep them coming!! #WeNeedYourCurves (#Excited!)

Amidst all the fun and the thrills of the Star in a Bra 2013 launch, I found a lil’ time to catch up with our 2008 Star in a Bra finalist – Laura Butler! Fantastic for all you aspiring Curvy Kate models!

Here’s how our chat went…

Why did you enter Star in a Bra?

I opened an email and saw the competition posted back in 2008 and I knew straight away that I had to enter.  I had always, and still do, love the Wonderbra ‘Hello Boys’ advert with Eva Herzigova and dreamed of doing exactly what she was doing and I thought that this was my opportunity to do so, so I went for it.  I acted on instinct which is me all over and it served me well.

How confident were you about your look/curves before the competition?

I have always appeared to be confident person.  I danced from the age of 3 and when you are on stage confidence is a must so you learn to hide nerves well.  I think for most of my life I faked confidence by being loud and out there and one day it turned to real confidence.  I am not sure when the transition was but I am glad that it happened!

How did you feel after your win?
I never actually won.  I came third! I was in the first ever ‘Star in a Bra’ competition and it was on a much smaller scale back then.  I was in a clothes shop when I got the phone call from Hannah Houston, Curvy Kate’s Marketing Manager , telling me that I had come 3^rd and I was over the moon.  First, second or third I was just glad that I got to take part in a photo shoot for a magazine – to say I was excited is an understatement.  It was so surreal and my family and friends were so proud.  I didn’t think I would make it that far in all honesty so the fact people had voted was amazing but I just knew that this was the start of something fun!

How do you feel now?

Years later I feel like I have gained a lot of friends.  Curvy Kate is like a family and when you come in as a model you get treated as part of that family.  It is still a relative small company for its age and as I have been with them from the beginning I feel like a protective big sister!  I work with them as I believe in their ethos so I am proud to be a part of that.

Has it changed you at all? If so how?

Working for Curvy Kate has definitely changed me.  It has developed my skill set as I can now bra fit (which generally drives my friends and family crazy)! It has developed my confidence further, my people skills from working at trade shows, improved my body awareness from being on photo shoots and improved leadership skills as I help to train stores on Curvy Kate fitting and bra fitting.  Personally, it has given me life experience and enriched my life.  Not many people can say they have fulfilled a life dream and I have.

Has it changed how you view your body – if so how?

Becoming a lingerie model has definitely changed how I view my body.  I am now perfectly happy with the way I look and no longer strive to change who I naturally am with dieting etc.  Some people are big, some are small and some are in-between.  I am that in-between person – not skinny yet not what people would call big.  I have come to realise that ‘perfection’ doesn’t exist as beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  When you realise that you become content and that is what I am.  It has taken years of reading people’s views of me to realise that – some people love the way you look and some people hate the way you look and that is just not me – it would be the same for everyone.  The world would be boring if we all looked the same!

Which is your favourite part of your body – why?

I love my smile and teeth.  People have different ideas on what perfection is but I think my teeth and smile are just that for me.  It is a nightmare on photo shoots when they are ‘non-smiley’ though as I struggle with a ‘sexy’ look! Ha.  I was just born to smile and I think it is when I look my best and happiest.

Has this changed from before and after the competition?

I hated my teeth when I was younger so I think this has developed since the competition!

Have you ever found your body/look hard to deal with?

Yes.  I was flat chested up until I left senior school and then developed.  I found it hard to deal with the change so quickly and still struggle to dress them.  The only good thing is that I have the correct fitting lingerie…. That is half the battle!

Have you ever been criticised or bullied for how you look?

Never.  But I think I have always seemed too confident and bullies generally bully those who are ‘weak’.  I would never have given anyone a chance to bully me about my looks.  I am far too outspoken!

Has this changed over the years?

No.  I am who I am.  I have just got more confident as I have got older.  Plus I don’t think words would bother me either.  As I said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

What’s the best thing about being a curvy model?

The photo-shoots, the laughs and giggles with the girls and ultimately the lingerie!  It is so gorgeous and I get to see it before the public!

What is the best thing anyone has said to you about modelling?

That I helped them to overcome their body issues and gave them confidence!

Are you glad you entered?

110% yes.  It is one of the best things I have ever done!

Would you like to model full time?

I don’t think I would.  I work for Curvy Kate as I believe in their products, brand and ethos but if I worked full time I wouldn’t be able to just work for companies that I liked.  I therefore love the fact I can be fussy!

Do you love your full time job?

I adore it… if I didn’t, I wouldn’t do it.

Is it nice having this on the side to do?

Of course.  I like variety and it enriches my life.  I wouldn’t be the same person without it and if I didn’t have it in my life I would feel lost.

It was so good catching up with Laura and getting her opinion and experience knowledge on Star in a Bra! I hope reading this has motivated you to flaunt those curves and it has also encouraged you to continue to love yourself in the skin you’re in! As Laura mentioned above, beauty is in the eye of the beholder – I couldn’t agree with her more!

If you didn’t catch our lovely Laura in the national and local papers, a couple weeks back, below are a few of the papers she appeared in! Go Miss Butler!!…..

From Top left to right: Daily Express, Daily Mirror, Daily Star, Birmingham Mail and Metro

Celebrate those curves today by entering our Star in a Bra model search! Enter here!

Eeek! Just a few more days to go before Star in a Bra 2013 opens! Who’s excited?!

Well if you’re thinking of entering the competition this year, I’ve got some first-hand knowledge from one of our top 10 finalists of 2012. I caught up with the beautiful Alice Rayman, here’s what she had to say…

1) What made you enter Star in a Bra 2012?
I started wearing Curvy Kate back in 2011, used to read all about SIAB (Star in a Bra) and all my friends and family kept pushing me to enter but I didn’t feel confident enough so kept putting it off! I kept tabs on Curvy Kate’s Facebook page and was constantly in awe of all the gorgeous, curvy ladies who were posting photos of themselves in their smalls and I just thought one day while I was sat there, ”sod it! I can do this too!” I didn’t expect anything to come of it!

2) What was your best moment in the competition?
There were so many!! But probably fave moment was getting into the Top 10, doing the photo shoot and having such a laugh with the girls!!

3) Were there any cons to you entering the competition?
Can’t think of any cons, just pros! Free underwear and gifts!!.. But seriously, my body confidence has soared and I now view my ‘lumps and bumps’ completely differently. I feel so happy in myself! And I’ve been lucky enough to keep in contact with everyone at Curvy Kate and I still do the odd job for the brand, recently modelling in their first ever bloggers event alongside Sophie, Charlotte and Lizzie! Being a K cup has its perks!!

4) What advice would you give to the girls entering this year?
Don’t have any doubts and go for it!! Have fun taking the photos too – my sister helped me do mine and we had such a laugh! Every woman deserves to feel confident and sexy and posting photos of yourself in your underwear honestly gives you the biggest boost!!

5) Since SIAB, what have you been up to? We hear you’ve managed to snap up an impressive role in Calendar Girls, which is amazing I must say!  How did Star in a Bra help grow your body confidence?
As I said, I’ve been very lucky since SIAB as I still do the odd bits and bobs for Curvy Kate and the team are so lovely to me, such a friendly and warm atmosphere –  they all love my boobies! At the moment I’m playing Cora in an amateur production of Calendar Girls in Kingston! And yes, that does mean I get COMPLETELY starkers on stage in front of a load of strangers. But I honestly believe that if I hadn’t done SIAB I wouldn’t have had the guts to audition.  SIAB gave me body confidence, and taught me to love my K cups and figure. Just because I’m bigger busted, doesn’t mean I can’t look and feel sexy in lingerie. I can’t believe that 2 years ago I was considering a reduction – I wouldn’t dream of losing these babies now!

The Star in a Bra 2013 competition is open for entries from 14^th February 2013. To keep updated you can like the Curvy Kate Facebook page, follow us on Twitter or check out www.starinabra.com for more information.

(You can also check out what Alice thinks of Curvy Kate’s new Portia Seafoam bra as she video blogs about it here!)

Star in a Bra winner 2009 – Lauren Colfer

Are you thinking of submitting to the Star in a Bra 2013 competition?

We certainly hope so! Even if it’s just to boost your own self-confidence and body image, you should give it a go. Since the competition started four years ago, we’ve had thousands of girls – of all ages, shapes and sizes – apply for the competition, and we’ve loved every last one of them.

This year, it’ll be no different – in fact, we’re expecting it to be bigger and better than ever before.

The first thing you should think about when applying is that you’ll probably be nervous, and who wouldn’t be? You’re going to have to strip down to your underwear and take photos to post on Facebook for the Star in a Bra judges to rate. It’s a daunting prospect, but, at the end of the whole process, there’s some amazing prizes in store for the winner – not least of which is a years’ modelling contract with Curvy Kate.

As in years gone by, we’re very keen to promote the idea of the competition being for all women in the D+ cup size category, to emphasise the importance of positive body image and help popularise curvy, natural women as the face and look of Curvy Kate.

Before you do submit, take a look at the photos on this blog entry – starting with Lauren Colfer, who won the competition in 2009 at the top of the page. Look at her pose, the set she’s wearing, the good lighting and the lovely smile on her face – it’s no wonder she captured the judges hearts and made it to the final 30, then the final 10 – and then won the public vote.

All of the girls who have applied to Star in a Bra have taken their photos in fairly ordinary settings – with no professional photography skills, tips or tricks involved – often at home in their own bedrooms using a fairly basic digital camera or mobile phone. The best applicants always wear one of their favourite underwear sets and look happy and natural. In some cases, the girls just snap some pics of themselves reflected in their bedroom mirror.

The secret to catching the judges’ attention is to present an eye-catching image to the public even before you’ve attended one of our photography makeover sessions.

So, with this in mind, we want to give any prospective Star in a Bra entrants some tips on what sort of images to upload to the competition when it opens on 14 February 2013.

Star in a Bra 2009 runner-up Laura Butler

- Firstly, we’re not really looking for professional model shots that you’ve had taken as part of a previous photo shoot or for your model portfolio. Professional model shots don’t give the correct impression we’re looking for – we want you to look as natural as possible, and as happy and as confident as you should feel in your underwear. However, if you have some professional shots, it won’t do any harm to submit one or two of them.

- Take at least five good photos of yourself, which should include at least two head shots and three full-length body shots.

- We want to see photos of you in your favourite underwear set – which can be a bra set, a basque, corset/bra combination, bikini or swimming costume. However, we would prefer lingerie sets, as it will give us an idea of how lingerie looks on you.

- Try not to send us photos of you wearing the same underwear set in every photo. Vary it a little, so that we can get a good impression of how you look in different types of lingerie and different bra styles. (Of course, it might help if you’re wearing a Curvy Kate set, as it’s the type of lingerie you’ll be wearing if you win the competition! However, it’s not a pre-requisite that you wear any Curky Kate underwear).

- don’t include other people in the photos, as it’ll only confuse us as to who the competition entrant is.

- good, natural lighting helps bring out the best in a photograph, while artifical lighting (such as ordinary domestic room lights) can cause strange glows. If you can, use a room to take your photos that has good lighting.

- choose a neutral-coloured background, such as a plain, light-coloured wall – as it’ll help bring you out in the photo as the subject.

- please don’t enhance your photographs using image editing software such as Photoshop. Everyone has lumps, bumps and wrinkles – we want to see your natural look!

- we’re not particularly bothered about the quality of your photos, but it helps if they’re not grainy or small. Most mobile phones are fitted with good cameras these days, and if you have a good digital camera, that helps too. Many digital cameras have lots of settings that help you take better photos – try them out.

- try to look happy in your photos as it gives a good feeling that you’re enjoying yourself. The sultry look can often be appealing, but try not to make all of your photos look too mean and moody.

- it’s not particularly important to affect model-style poses, but if you mimic some of the poses our Curvy Kate models use in their professional photos, it would give us an idea of how you might look if you won the competition and became one of our models.

- remember the basic rules of Star in a Bra: you must be a D cup or bigger, you must not have received any enhancements to your bust, and you must be aged 18 or over.

- above all, have fun when you’re taking your photos! Many of the girls have told us how they involved their partner when taking their photos – either as photographer, or to help them choose which ones to submit.

- if you’ve submitted before – submit again!

- if you’re still lacking in confidence, get your friends to submit to the competition along with you – then you won’t feel like you’re on your own!

If you want some additional tips on taking your photos, read Cheryl Warner’s post from 17 February 2012 on how to apply for the competition.

Don’t forget to read the competition rules, terms and conditions before you submit – and good luck to everyone!

Last night we dolled ourselves up, got our glad rags on, and headed out to the second UK Lingerie Awards Ceremony, hosted by lingerie trade magazine Lingerie Insight.

Last year we were lucky enough to win the Full Bust Brand of the Year, and the award has had pride of place in the office for a whole year, although it has been looking a little lonely so we were keen to win it a friend. We were nominated for four awards, including Lingerie Brand of the Year, The UK’s Favourite Lingerie Brand of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year and Full Bust Brand of the Year.

Our little golden friend is lonely no more as we won him not one but two new metallic companions!

With no less than four award nominations to keep us on our toes, I think it’s safe to say we were just a touch nervous/excited when making our way in past the paps and into the marvellous location of One Mayfair.

After an incredible slap-up three-course meal, we were presented with the ‘Full Bust Brand of the Year’ accolade for the second year running, and the highly-coveted ‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’ for Star in a Bra.

The party continued well into the night, as we rubbed shoulders with celebs and big industry names.

Following on from the swanky awards do, we made our way to the fabulous Whisky Mist club in Mayfair. The drinks were flowing and the whole team were throwing lots of shapes on the dancefloor.

We were so thrilled with the two awards we went home with, and would like to thank all of the judges for both nominating us and handing us the gong!

The event was a victory, not only for Curvy Kate and Lingerie Insight, but for the British lingerie industry as a whole. Finally the efforts of the lingerie industry can be quite literally applauded and recognised with a shiny gold statue. Or two in our case

Congrats to all the other finalists and winners, three cheers for the British lingerie industry!

We’ve enjoyed getting to know each of the candidates and waited ever-so-patiently in the wings to hear who you’ve picked as your winner of Star in a Bra Australia 2012.

Star in a Bra has now gone global, and we’ve so excited to have completed our set of gorgeous girls for 2012!

And the winner is… Cassie Hayes!

Back in her top five interview, she told us: ‘I want to be a positive role model to other women and show people that you can be confident, healthy and happy no matter your size, height, weight and so on! All women deserve to feel beautiful.’

‘I think I should win because I would represent what it is to be a Curvy Kate girl- confident, happy and curvy!! I am a real woman with imperfections and flaws like anyone else, I have bad days but mostly I remember to just smile!!  I don’t need Photoshop or airbrushing to make me someone I am not. I appreciate natural women the most so with me, what you see is what you get!’

Well Cassie, we’re happy to say that, girlfriend, you’ve done it! Congrats!

We’ll see you in London in November…

It’s the last interview for this Star in a Bra comp (boo hoo!) but thankfully we’ve gotten to know some gorgeous curvy ladies a little bit better in the process.

There’s not too much longer to wait before we have our winner, so without further ado, let’s catch up with stunning Carley Austin.

Hi Carley – can we just say how amazingly patriotic you look in the cherry Gia? You look gorge! Even though we found out the basics from your top twenty interview, we’d like to know more! Please could you tell us a little more about you?

Hi everyone! I’m Carley and i am 18 years old, from Sydney. I am currently a high school student completing year 12 (only 4 more weeks until Graduation, yay!) My favourite hobbies are singing, dancing, playing guitar and going to the beach. I have a passion for music, and I have been in a four part vocal girl group called ‘Victoria Avenue’ for over 4 years. We have recorded with professionals performed in front of celebrities! I am hoping to attend university next year to start a degree in media. My ambition in life is to have a successful career in doing what i love which is to be a part of either the media or entertainment industry.

What sizes do you usually wear when it comes to lingerie? Were you refitted at the shoot?

Until the Curvy Kate competition, i thought i was around a 10F. I was completely wrong! The lovely ladies at the shoot then fitted me for an 8GG! it felt a lot more comfortable- What a difference!

Why did you decide to enter?

I thought i should give it a shot as i saw it was a fantastic opportunity and it would be a lot of fun! And boy was i right! I also wanted to send a message out to all the curvy ladies out there to present that you should be proud of your curves and you shouldn’t hide them!

How does it feel to be in the top ten? How have your loved ones reacted?

I was so surprised! I couldn’t believe that i had been chosen out of the hundreds of woman in Australia who had entered! It was extremely exciting. My family were excited for me too and they have been supporting me all the way! Especially my mum, she is very proud of me!

How did you feel before and after the shoot?

I was very nervous before the shoot! Especially because i was the first girl to arrive! However when I got there, all of the ladies and the photographers were so lovely and they looked after me, so i was fine. I was still nervous as they were doing my makeup; trying to think of how i am going to model, what poses i should do when i have never done it before! However when i began the shoot i felt a lot more comfortable, they guided me through it and it was so much fun!

What were the best and worst parts of the shoot?

The best part was meeting everyone. All of us girls got along really well and it was nice to chat to everyone! The worst part could only be the fact that it was FREEZING while doing the shoot, the fan which was used to add movement to our hair made us shiver!!

Do you struggle to find clothing and lingerie to fit your curves?

I do find it a struggle, especially for simple things… Woman’s essentials like contoured bras, strapless bras and bikinis. It is really hard to find a good fit which will support you and feel comfortable at the same time. Also, it is very hard to find pretty lingerie for bigger busts as they are usually all plain colours. Curvy Kate offers these to woman which is another reason why i would be honoured to represent this fantastic brand!

Do you have any favourite Curvy Kate sets?

I am in love with the Curvy Kate Entice Set! It’s hot!

What do you think defines a Curvy Kate girl?

A fun, confident and outgoing girl with a positive attitude who is proud to show off their curves!

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

I strongly advise to just go for it! You never know what may happen. I didn’t think of getting into the top 20, let alone the top 5 when i first entered, but i did! And it has been the most amazing experience! Make sure you let all of your family and friends know so the will support you along the way. Do not hesitate to enter, if you are proud of your curves, go for it !!

What would be the best part of winning?

I think the best part of winning would be travelling to London for the photo shoots! It would be such an adventure and a wonderful experience!!

Why do you think you should win?

If I was chosen to be a representative for Curvy Kate, i would aim to set a good example and inspire other woman to help them realise that having your own, unique curves, are lucky assets to have!

To vote for your WINNER, head on over to the Curvy Kate Australia Facebook page and click the ‘Vote Now’ tab.

The sun is shining and we’re being treated to our number one favourite thing – chatting with gorgeous curvy ladies! We feel like we know some of them so much better already, but we still have two stunners to hear from, so don’t cast your votes just yet!

Next in line to tell her story is the fabulous Cassie Hayes.

Hi Cassie, so delighted to have you back again for the next part of the competition. The end is in sight, and it could be any of these girls! We’ve heard some gossip from your top twenty interview, but for those who want to hear a little more, why don’t you tell us a little more about yourself?

My friends call me Cass, I am 21 years old and currently in my third year of an arts/law degree at the University of Tasmania. I have an older brother and sister and I moved away from Launceston, my hometown, to Hobart 2 years ago to study and currently live with a couple of friends from high school. We have far too much fun together and enjoy cooking and going out partying! My parents, extended family and many friends still live in Launceston so I try and get back and visit them as much as I can. I love sport; swimming, rowing, dancing and I play in a social basketball team with some lovely ladies. In my spare time I love to listen to music and read, have a glass of wine, anything relaxing really! I am a massive outdoors person, love bushwalking and getting out into nature. I am a huge fan of summer and hot weather and love to travel and adventure-I’m always keen to try new things! Recently, I travelled to Indonesia for a language course and it is the best place I have travelled so far. The laidback lifestyle, hot weather, friendly people and awesome food makes the whole place magical. It would be a dream for me to one day live in Indonesia, by the beach and continue to learn the language. I work at a pharmacy part time with some amazing people  and I have a huge passion for health and wellbeing. My friends would describe me as outgoing, friendly and bubbly!

What sizes do you usually wear when it comes to lingerie? Were you refitted at the shoot?

I am a size 12 generally, and a size 12DD in bras. In some of the Curvy Kate styles I was refitted into a 12E but mostly, a 12DD fits perfectly.

Why did you decide to enter?

I decided to enter as I have always had body image issues and was inspired when a friend of mine, Bec, entered last year. I thought she looked gorgeous so I thought I would give it a shot too!! And here I am!  Mostly, I want to be a positive role model to other women and show people that you can be confident, healthy and happy no matter your size, height, weight and so on! All women deserve to feel beautiful.

If that’s not an amazing reason to get involved with Star in a Bra, we don’t know what is! Good for you. How does it feel to be in the top five? How have your loved ones reacted?

It’s amazing! I never thought I would make it to the top 5 with so many other gorgeous contenders. When I found out, I had to check again and it wasn’t until I started getting texts and phone calls to congratulate me that it really sunk in! It was an amazing feeling and a huge confidence boost! I was unsure of the reaction I would get but my family and friends have been very supportive of me and I am thankful for that. Even strangers have come up to chat about the competition and are all very interested and positive about it which is great!

How did you feel before and after the shoot?

I was extremely nervous on the flight up to Queensland to take part in the shoot. I hadn’t managed much sleep the night before due to excitement and nerves! Once I got there though I felt so at ease with everyone, everyone was so kind and ready to help. The photographer Andrew was fantastic and made me feel very comfortable. By the end of the shoot we were all prancing around in our underwear. I felt a million dollars on the flight home and even had a nice steward on the plane come and give me a gift- it was all very flattering!!

What were the best and worst parts of the shoot?

The whole shoot was awesome! I especially loved having my hair and makeup done professionally! I found the posing difficult to grasp initially but everyone was so helpful and I quickly got into the swing of it all. I loved meeting the other girls and watching them get their photos done as well. They all looked super beautiful and I felt so proud to be a part of it.

Do you struggle to find clothing and lingerie to fit your curves?

I used to absolutely hate bra shopping- my Mum can vouch for that! It is so difficult to find nice lingerie to fit my bra size but Curvy Kate fits me like a glove. Clothing wise, it is difficult to find flattering clothes sometimes. I mostly have the issue with trousers, always too big around the waist but don’t fit my legs and tops fitting around my breasts.

We’re so happy to hear we’ve laid to rest your bra shopping issues! Do you have any favourite Curvy Kate sets?

My favourite set is actually the one I wore for the suit and it is called ‘Elegance’ but I also love the ‘Tempt me’ and ‘Tease me’ sets! Mostly I just love anything feminine and sexy so it’s not hard to find something nice in the Curvy Kate range.

What do you think defines a Curvy Kate girl?

Being a Curvy Kate girl is being happy with yourself and accepting who you are! It is all about being confident and letting that shine through any insecurities- we all have them!  After all ‘‘a smile is a girl’s best curve’’!!

We couldn’t agree with you more. Hold your head high and you’ll hold yourself better, your personality will shine through and you’ll make a lasting impression for all the right reasons. Do you have any advice for people thinking of entering next year?

Do it!!! I honestly would never have imagined I could go this far and have such an amazing experience! It is a great competition, with a great message to send and I strongly encourage any women thinking of entering to grab a girlfriend, a glass of wine, take some cheeky shots and enter!!

What would be the best part of winning?

Winning this competition would be a huge achievement for me and I would be so proud to support such an amazing brand! I know my family and friends would be super proud of how far I have come and would love to see me win as well.

Oops, it’s time for that all important final question… Why do you think you should win?

This is always a difficult question because the other girls are all so lovely and would represent the brand perfectly! I think I should win because I would represent what it is to be a Curvy Kate girl- confident, happy and curvy!! I am a real woman with imperfections and flaws like anyone else, I have bad days but mostly I remember to just smile!!  I don’t need photo shop or airbrush to make myself someone I am not. I appreciate natural women the most so with me, you really do get what you see!

To vote for your WINNER, head on over to the Curvy Kate Australia Facebook page and click the ‘Vote Now’ tab.

I think that’s just about time for a cup of tea! Ahh.

What a pair of stunning role models we’ve heard from so far. The next gal is not different, let’s hear from the delicious Sophie Shaw.

So great to see you back again, Sophie! we learnt a lot about you in your last interview, but for those of you who haven’t seen it yet or for those who want to know even more, could you let us know a little about you?

Hello I’m Sophie Shaw, a 21 year old university student from Melbourne. I’ve been lucky enough to grow up in a very tight knit family with Mum & Dad, and my three beautiful older sisters (5 women – poor dad!), where we’ve lived in Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmania and Perth at all different stages of my life. I’m a very family-orientated person, my sisters are three of my best friends and my little 2-year-old nephew Benny is the absolute love of my life.

I’m a very independent, driven young woman – one who is very determined to be successful in either television or radio once I graduate. At the same time, I like to consider myself a very positive and lively person who can have a laugh…especially at myself On the weekend you’ll either find me at the footy (AFL), or out with my girlfriends having a dance and a wine (or 5!)

My whole life I have been extremely active with sports and still to this day I am a very competitive netballer – which explains my athletic body type. I can honestly say I don’t think I could play netball the way I do without the shape and build I’ve been given. The positives to big boobs & bum! 

We have to say we’re rather envious of your enviably flat tum and toned pins! What sizes do you usually wear when it comes to lingerie? Were you refitted at the shoot?

Growing up, I thought the day would never come when my boobs stopped growing haha! I reached a 10G and have been wearing that for the past two years. I also wear a 12 down the bottom.

Why did you decide to enter Star in a Bra?

As a big Curvy Kate fan and follower of the Star in a Bra competitions overseas for the past few years, I often wondered when I would gain enough confidence to enter myself. I came very close last year but I let my fear get the better of me. Then after seeing all the beautiful courageous girls that entered in 2011, and then to see Julia and that beautiful smile of hers showcasing this wonderful brand, I was gutted that I had not had a go. I really had a feeling of “I can do that” that made me regret my decision immensely!

2012 also started as a terrible year for me. In February I was sent for scans on a little lump I had found in my left breast that was believed to be just a cyst, and therefore scans were purely precautionary. The lump did in fact end up being a cyst, but it was the tumor at the very back of my breast that was found during this scan that caused a severe headache. As a 21 year old girl I was contemplating life with breast cancer, something I never thought would happen to me. Luckily a biopsy showed the tumor to be benign breast lesion, but it still didn’t make the experience any easier. I had surgery to remove the mass and am now left with a scar. Although I should be grateful that all I ended up with was a scar, it is still something that I look at everyday that reminds me what could have been, and I guess it now gives me the cliche outlook on life to live it while you can as you never know what is around the corner.

So this time around I wasn’t going to let anything stop me! I didn’t want to have that same feeling of regret again – so I bit the bullet and went ahead with it.

I basically just want to help drive and promote this amazing message that Curvy Kate and Star in a Bra provides to women around the world. I really have learnt to love my body – flaws and all – and really embrace what I’ve been given. And I really want to inspire ladies around the world to do the same. I want more girls to feel it’s ok to say, “yes, I feel good and I look great!”

I don’t think anyone in this day and age should be made to feel like they are not good enough and there most certainly shouldn’t be one image that people believe you need to look like. Every girl wants to be ‘thin’ and ‘perfect’, and society makes you feel you should be. But what this world needs to realise like Curvy Kate has is that ‘thin’ is not perfect – there is NO body type that is perfect. Every woman young and old, short tall lean or voluptuous should know that they are individually beautiful in their own way, and I really want to join Curvy Kate in helping women around the world feel like this.

And also – if a brand like Curvy Kate is preventing girls crying their eyes out in change rooms across the country like I did for many years ’cause they are unable to be fitted in a bra that suits them – then I’m on board!

We can’t argue with that! How does it feel to be in the top five? How have your loved ones reacted?

By simply entering myself in the competition I received such a confidence boost and I was really proud of myself for being courageous enough to even put myself forward…then I made the top 5! I really didn’t think I’d get this far, and when I was contacted to tell me I was lucky enough to be a top 5 I just couldn’t wait to let the whole family know. There was definitely a rather large group message sent out that morning I think!

Honestly, I’m so touched that I was voted to be a top 5 contender. It really made me feel like I was able to relate with women around Australia and just to be part of such an inspiring competition with such fantastic people … well it’s just motivated me to do even better!

My family have been absolutely fantastic. They have always supported and loved me for my curvaceous figure, and supported me when I would have a meltdown because I could never find a bra to suit a young big busted girl. Glad those days are long gone!

I initially thought my Dad would find the whole thing a little …uncomfortable perhaps… yet he has been my number 1 supporter getting around me on twitter and telling everyone to vote for me – he is just really proud I’m making a stand for us curvy girls

It’s so good to hear you’ve got your family and friends behind you. How did you feel before and after the shoot?

If you ask my parents they will tell you that growing up as a little girl I always loved being in front of a camera and now at 21 nothing has really changed haha!

No in all seriousness I had very mixed emotions leading up to the shoot. One side of me was jumping out of my skin ’cause I was so excited to get up there, but of corse I had the nerves that came along with not really knowing what to expect. The idea of having your photo taken in your underwear would scare anyone I would think! Yet, once I got to Brisbane and met the other four incredible girls – along with the whole crew for the day – I instantly settled in and was raring to go. The other girls kept laughing because I was so impatient to get out on set that I couldn’t sit still ! It was just a really enjoyable day that none of us wanted to end. We were able to meet, talk and relax as the day progressed and to do it with such a genuinely lovely group of ladies made it that much better.

What were the best and worst parts of the shoot?

Am I allowed to say there wasn’t any bad parts? If I had to choose one, it would be that I was too excited the night before that I hardly slept and ended up shooting all day on 3 1/2 hours sleep. Silly Sophie.

The best part of the day..narrowing it down to one will be impossible so I’ll name off a few.

As I mentioned, meeting and spending the day with Cassie, Mindy, Cherine and Carley was so much fun. We all got along so well, and they were so supportive of me it really made the experience one I’ll never forget. I always love getting my hair and makeup done so I also enjoyed feeling like a superstar being dolled up and pampered all day by the team. Standing there with the fan blowing in my face and camera flashes going off everywhere … it was an experience that I soaked up while I could it was so much fun. What I really really really enjoyed about the day was being able to sit down with 2011s winner Julia who was so encouraging and motivating. She really listened to me, gave me some fantastic advice that I could take in, and she is just such a beautiful girl inside and out it’s no wonder she was able to win last year.

Do you struggle to find clothing and lingerie to fit your curves?

Up until I came across Curvy Kate, I hated bra shopping with an absolute passion. I’d avoid it at all costs because 99.9% of the time it ended in failure and tears. Now that problem is a thing of the past …yay!

Clothes wise I still struggle due to my defined hour-glass figure that I have. Although I’m a size 10/12 up top and bottom, I can get away with wearing a size 6 around my waist. This is why I’m more often than not wearing tight, figure hugging clothes. I find it more flattering on my body type to emphasise my curves rather than try and hide them with baggy, floaty clothes that only make me look bigger and that I certainly don’t feel confident in.

If we had a figure like yours we’d certainly show it off as well! Do you have any favourite Curvy Kate sets?

Without a doubt the Entice set from the Showgirl range hence why I was ecstatic when I arrived to the shoot to find that I got to wear it! As it’s shaped and slightly padded, it provides me with such an uplift that is normally so hard for such large breasts. But it’s able to make me feel young and sexy which is exactly what you want at 21!

I’m also in love with the Emily nude set for your perfect everyday lingerie.

What do you think defines a Curvy Kate girl?

A Curvy Kate girl has the confidence to tell the world she is beautiful, and the ability to influence and inspire other women around the world to do the same.

That’s such a lovely way of putting it. Do you have any advice for people thinking of entering next year?

DO IT! Please don’t have any hesitation in entering. Of corse it’s daunting but it is SO worth it! When I first found out I made top twenty, I had girls contact me to congratulate me on having the courage to do such a thing … some of these girls I hadn’t spoken to in years! It was such a confidence booster than almost immediately any sense of doubt and embarrassment was erased.

On that note, I was recently out on a Saturday night having drinks with some girls when a lady – who later told me she was 29 – approached me and said “You’re Sophie from Star in a Bra aren’t you?” This beautiful lady then sat down and talked to me for five minutes telling me how much I inspired her, and her exact words were “You’ve made me say ‘I can do it’ too.” It was honestly one of the most beautiful and touching conversations that I’ve ever had with someone as she sat there and talked about how she admired me and my body, and how she was definitely entering in the 2013 competition. I was on cloud 9. It was just so lovely to hear a stranger tell me that I had made a positive impact on her life. And that’s exactly why you should enter in 2013 – to make people feel like that too.

What would be the best part of winning?

I’d love to win to become a team member of CK and an ambassador for the message it provides. I want to join Julia, Sophie, Krista and all others on the CK crew in being a voice that promotes this positive body image message across the world. I want to be able to see myself advertising CK lingerie, and be proud of myself and the courage I displayed to get here.

Last but not least, it’s the tricky question that no one likes to be asked – why do you think you should win?

Everyone always leaves the tough question till last don’t they!

I’ve spoken previously about my dedication and drive to be successful in everything that I do and this another one of those things. I’ve always been very strong in my values and fighting for what I believe in, and Curvy Kate’s positive message is no different. I really feel like I have a grasp on what Curvy Kate is all about and I think not only do I have boobs, bum, hips and everything else to make me physically a ‘Curvy Kate’, I believe I have the attitude and personality to go with it. I’m never going to conform to standard ideals of what a woman should be and Curvy Kate will provide me with the opportunity to represent all of that ladies out there who refuse to settle for that either. My big personality and even bigger smile will be a great Star In A Bra 2012 !

In saying that, I’d love any of the other girls to win. Each is so individually beautiful, but with the one thing in common I would be happy to see anyone crowned. Wishing you all the very best of luck. Now lets get voting people!

To vote for your WINNER, head on over to the Curvy Kate Australia Facebook page and click the ‘Vote Now’ tab.

We’re just dying to hear more from our next curvy compadre, so let’s not spare another moment and catch up with the gorgeous Cherine Exadactylos!

Hello Cherine, nice to hear from you again! You’re through to the next stage in the competition, so why don’t you tell our readers a little more about you?

Well as you may or may not know my name is Cherine I’m 21 years old, I hope to graduate my course and become a youth psychologist. I have a slight (or extreme) obsession with leopard print. I love being around my family and friends I believe they are the most important thing to me in the world. I also love to belly dance and am currently attempting to make my own belly dancing bra and belt set cause there isn’t much that caters for the curvy girl there either!

Hello, my name’s Cheryl and I have an addition to leopard print. Let’s enrol on a 12 step program together? What sizes do you usually wear when it comes to lingerie? Were you refitted at the shoot?

Before entering Star in a bra I wore a 10G, I then got fitted before the competition and before the shoot and I’m an 8GG/H. I can’t explain just how much better it feels to wear a bra that actually fits and have straps that stay on my shoulders or a band that stays where its supposed to and doesn’t ride up. And of course how important it is.

I think it’s so easy to forget how vital it is for fuller-busted gals to be in the right size. It’s only when you are put in the right size that you realise just how wrong you had it before! Why did you decide to enter?

I am a firm believer in doing things if you have the opportunity to, and after just missing out on entering the competition last year I decided I would go for it this year! I also entered because I would love to be able to show other curvy girls like myself out there that if I can be confident with my curves they can too!

Also I was younger I had always wanted to be a model, but after hitting puberty and developing my curves I thought it wasn’t a possibility considering most models I had seen were gorgeous and skinny, so when I saw the Star in a Bra competition I thought why not? What’s there to lose?!

How does it feel to be in the top five? How have your loved ones reacted?

Amazing! I honestly never thought I would make it this far! But it’s so exciting and it’s great to able to have and share this experience. My family and friends have been very supportive through the whole experience and have backed me up 100%, it’s been a really nice to have such a big support group, I’m so happy to have made it this far.

Aww good for you. All of your girls throughly deserve to be where you are and you’re all amazing candidates to be our next Aussie bra star. We don’t envy the fans who have to pick just one of you! How did you feel before and after the shoot?

Excited! So very excited. I don’t think I had ever been so awake and energetic as I was in the very early hours of the morning I flew up to sunny Brisbane for the shoot. Before the shoot I was a little nervous but once you’re up there in front of the camera you relax and have fun. The crew on the day and everybody there were so helpful, especially considering that none of us have had any real modeling experience. They were awesome! After the shoot I was still buzzing from being there and meeting the other 4 girls, I didn’t really want to leave.

What were the best and worst parts of the shoot?

Oh do I have to choose just one?! The whole day was the best! Meeting the girls, the Curvy Kate ladies, the bubbly teams from Take 5 and Channel 9, our very own winner from last year Julia McLean, having your hair and makeup professionally done! What’s not to love? If I had to choose a worst part in the shoot, I’d say leaving!

Do you struggle to find clothing and lingerie to fit your curves?

Yes! I really do, and it is so frustrating at times. It’s hard when you walk into a shop and see a gorgeous dress on a mannequin and you grab it to try it on yourself and it looks horrible! Most of the time I find dresses can be too tight up top but fit perfectly down the bottom, or the fit nicely up top and are way too loose on the bottom. It is really hard to find something that flatters a curvy body. It’d be much easier if clothing stores realized this, also I find that it’s unrealistic to have a mannequin in the window that is quite literally straight up and down as appose to a mannequin that would represent the everyday Australian woman.

I can’t tell you how many times we’re had one of those devastating changing room moments when you just have to walk away from something you love because it just doesn’t fit. At least we can have gorgeous lingerie that fits perfectly! Do you have any favorite Curvy Kate sets?

Ummm can I say the whole Showgirl range?! Haha I think they’re absolutely gorgeous! But if I had to pick I’d say the Entice and of course Wild (its the leopard obsession) oh! And Portia…I have a couple favorites.

What do you think defines a Curvy Kate girl?

I believe a Curvy Kate girl can be anybody! Of course you’d have to be between a D and a K cup to wear their gorgeous lingerie, but just like beauty, there is no set definition.

Amen to that! Do you have any advice for people thinking of entering next year?

Yes. DO IT! It will be one of the best experiences of your life. It may be a bit daunting at first to work up the courage to strip down to your bra and knickers and take a couple photos but I promise it’s not that bad!

What would be the best part of winning?

Honestly, the opportunity to show other busty and curvy ladies like myself that there is absolutely nothing wrong with having healthy curvalicious bodies and that girls like us can make it and do anything we set our minds to! Girls with curves can be models too!

They can indeed, and they can look amazing in the process! Why do you think you should win?

This is always the hardest question! I believe I represent the regular curvy girl, I know what it’s like to walk into a shop and see a gorgeous dress or top and try it on only to have it not fit in the right places, or the shop assistant who insists I’m a size smaller than the one I have picked up on to try it on and be busting out at the top. I understand how irritating it is to go to major bra shops and only have the ‘granny’ sets in our size. I would love to win so I can show and tell everybody out there that curves are beautiful and you should be proud of what you have! People pay for busts like ours and we’re lucky enough to be blessed with them! I know I know easy for me to say right? Coming from the girl who stripped off and made top 5 in a modeling competition, but I promise you, I haven’t always been this confident and comfortable with my body, and granted there’s still parts I’m not happy with but I don’t care anymore, and you can be just the same! I’d love the chance to just show other ladies out there that they can do it too.

To vote for your WINNER, head on over to the Curvy Kate Australia Facebook page and click the ‘Vote Now’ tab.

It’s the post you’ve all been waiting for! That’s right guys and gals, it’s Star in a Bra Australia voting time, and this time it’s to pick the winner! The girl who will be flown to London and feature alongside our gorgeous Sophie Morgan and Krista Cousins in our Autumn/Winter 2013 catalogue and all marketing material for the season.

Since we’ve only got a few days left to go, we’ll be posting all the interviews today, just so you’ve got enough time to read them all and make your decision!

So who’s up first, you ask? It’s the one and only Mindy Reading.

Hi Mindy, and welcome back to your second batch of blog interviews! Congratulations on making it to this stage – your professional shoot pictures look incredible! We know a little about you from last time, but can you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Mindy, I am currently in my second year of studying Nursing at the University of Canberra and I work in child care. I am the youngest out of 5 and I’m an Aunty to 14 nieces and nephews. when I finish my Bachelor of Nursing I hope to travel overseas and put my skills to work with people who desperately need it. I’m a pretty easy going girl who enjoys family events, hanging out with friends, random road trips and singing like no one is listening.

You sound like our kind of girl! What sizes do you usually wear when it comes to lingerie? Were you refitted at the shoot?

At the moment I’ve been wearing a 12F-FF bra and about a 14-16 bottom, of course this would depend on what brand or style. I was refitted at the shoot and it turns out I’m wearing the wrong size bra, I am now a 10G. This doesn’t mean I’m a size 10 all over, I still wear size 12-14 tops.

You’re certainly not the first to leave the shoot in a new size! Why did you decide to enter?

I guess in a way I wanted to see how far I’d get. I always have my friends and family complimenting me on my shape and encouraging me to try new things. I lost a lot of weight recently (30Kgs) and I wanted to enter last year but my self esteem was incredibly low that I did not think I could handle the rejection of not getting in. This year I was in a totally different mind set, I’d talked to a few family members and friends and decided that I would enter and if I didn’t make it, Id just try again next year. I guess I entered to prove to myself that I could do it and look where this small step has gotten me.

Congratulations on your ne found confidence! We’re so pleased to have you get this far, you should be so proud of yourself. How does it feel to be in the top five? How have your loved ones reacted?

It feels like a bit of a dream I guess, I had hoped to get in and making it to Top 20 was great and then being told I’d made the Top 5 was like someone telling me I’d just won the lottery. I couldn’t stop smiling the whole day, someone could have slapped me in the face and I probably would have kissed them!

There were a few mixed reactions within my family, I had spoken to a few family members about entering and some advised me not to and others thought it was a great idea. When I found out I was in the Top 20 I was so excited and then I remembered that i=I would now have to tell those few family members that told me not to enter, that I had entered and gotten through to the Top 20. Over all I think everyone was really supportive, I mean without the support of my friends and family I would never have made it to the Top 5.

How did you feel before and after the shoot?

On the plane I was as cool as a cucumber, although I was extremely excited on the inside. On the car ride over to the studio with two of the other contestants, who are absolutely gorgeous, was when the nerves started to build. I just did a lot of slow deep breathing. When we arrived at the studio we hadn’t been there long and my mother called me to ask how the flight was, it was at this point where I was so nervous that I had that hard ball in the throat feeling you get when you are forcing yourself not to cry. Once I’d settled down and was fitted into my lingerie the nerves just kind of stopped. During the shoot I had so much fun, the photographers and Curvy Kate team were so kind and supportive, it really made the whole experience so much fun. When I went home I was just in the best mood ever,  I met some awesome people on the plane and told them all about Curvy Kate and what they stand for, it was like I was already an ambassador for Curvy Kate.

What were the best and worst parts of the shoot?

This is a hard one as the entire day was just great! I think the worst part was not being able to spend more time the the other contestants, we all just got along so well. My most favourite part of the day, besides the photo shoot, was getting my hair and make up done. I’m much more girly than I used to be but I still don’t spend a lot of time doing my hair and make up, so having it done by some absolutely amazing ladies made me feel like a million bucks! Having it done just gave me a extreme confidence boost.

Do you struggle to find clothing and lingerie to fit your curves?

The simple answer is YES! I can walk through the shopping centre all day and only come away with one or two things or nothing, I find I have to search to find something that flatters my curves at a decent price. I have ALWAYS love the 1950s/pin up style and have recently just started wearing that style more often and every time I wear my dresses I get compliments. I think finding a style that suits you can be hard but once you’ve found it, wear it, even if its just to the shops.

We’re quite the fan of the pin up style, too! You really can’t go wrong with it when you have a curvy figure. Do you have any favourite Curvy Kate sets?

I really like all of the Curvy Kate collection and I do find it hard to say i have a favourite but I really do like the Showgirl range.

What do you think defines ‘a Curvy Kate girl’?

I know there was a lot of talk that the girls who made the Top 20 and even the Top 5 were not ‘curvy’ enough for some people. I had spoken to some of the Top 5 contestants about how they felt and we all said pretty much the same thing. Curvy Kate is about celebrating what you have, everyone has a different opinion about what ‘curvy’ is and some people show it differently. We all have different styles that we like so no one is ever going to agree. I think defines a Curvy Kate girl is embracing your body and showing that every woman can be an incredible role model to the younger generation who are being pressured by the media and the people around them to look and dress a certain way. I believe promoting a healthy body image is what Curvy Kate is all about and you can do that at a size 8 or a size 14 like me.

Well, that gets a big thumbs up from us! Curvy isn’t a body size, it’s a body shape. Do you have any advice for people thinking of entering next year?

Don’t just think about entering, DO IT! what do you have to lose? have some girl friends over, make a night out of it. Have FUN! if you don’t get through, try again. Don’t get upset and make comments about the other girls because if you made it and they were making those comments you wouldn’t feel so great. Its all about having fun, strike a funny pose, let loose! in the end you have nothing to lose.

What would be the best part of winning?

Showing girls out there that you can do anything and that if you don’t try you’ll never achieve it. I almost didn’t enter and if i knew that I’d get this far and I hadn’t entered I would be kicking myself right now. But i think the best part would be proving to myself, most of all, that I can do it.

Finally, why do you think you should win?

Here’s that dreadful question again! I think any of the Top 5 girls deserve to win, id be lying if I didn’t say I’d love to win. Being in this competition and meeting the other girls, including last years winner Julia, has been such a rewarding experience. What Curvy Kate stands for is what every girls needs to hear. I want to be able to share with Australia what Curvy Kate has done for me and maybe help the next Top 5 like Julia helped all of us girls.

To vote for your WINNER, head on over to the Curvy Kate Australia Facebook page and click the ‘Vote Now’ tab.

If you haven’t already, perhaps it’s time you popped over to our Curvy Kate Australia Facebook page and check out our five Aussie Star in a Bra hotties!

Since you always seem to love seeing what goes on behind the camera, we thought we’d treat you to some exclusive pics of Team CK, hair and makeup, photography and of course the girls in action.

Before they each took centre stage, the girls were pampered and preened; their hair was curled, straightened, teased and twisted – the girls were made to look their best and feel catalogue ready – and it certainly shows on their faces! There’s nothing like a pair of gorgeous lingerie, a bit of special treatment and a flashing camera.

Congrats to all the girls – Curvy Kate’s Australian team reported that you were all like pros posing for the camera and flaunting those curves.

Don’t forget to head on over to the Curvy Kate Australia Facebook page and vote for the girl you think deserves to WIN Star in a Bra Australia 2012! We’re certainly glad that decision time is over for us as the girls all look incredible.

Watch this space for exclusive interviews with all of our fabulous top five, just in case you need a little extra help picking your favourite.

Last week first ever US Star in a Bra winner Krista Cousins embarked on her first ever trade show: Curve NY. We caught up with Krista to hear about her first ever job as Curvy Kate ambassador, and how she’s faring as America’s Bra Star!

Hi Krista, we heard you stole the show at Curve NY! How has your Star in a Bra journey fared so far?

It’s been great! Very exciting but still a bit unreal that sometimes I wonder if the excitement will ever wear off (I hope not!?) It’s been less than two months since I’ve won so really I’m eager to see what’s to come…

What’s the best thing about being a Bra Star?

The best thing is that my body type is appreciated and not ridiculed as in some other modeling. Also it’s so cool to really represent and stand for something, I’m sort of a symbol in that way and it makes me feel proud. Also everyone at Curvy Kate is superbly nice sometimes I wonder if they are robots with personalities programmed to “nice”!

How did it feel when you saw yourself in your Star in a Bra pics online and/or the catalogue?

I was so nervous and swore up and down that the pictures didn’t look like me at all! However I finally “opened my eyes” so to speak and it was so cool especially when I saw myself in a huge (maybe 10ft?) banner.

How was your first trade show? Can you tell us a bit about it?

It was exhausting and fun! The trade show was a lingerie and swimwear expo where companies showcase their goods to buyers to carry them in their stores (so hopefully more Curvy Kate in stores all over the USA!). It was no contest in that our booth was best looking and I’m definitely not just saying that. Imagine walking into an expo and seeing a booth covered in pink and purple ribbons, colorful flowers, pretty glass beads, it would definitely catch your eye. My role, of course, was the model! In order to give the best representation possible of the lingerie and swimwear, the client gets to look through the brochures, touch samples and also I would come out and model each item in the catalogue with each page turn. It was very fun but obviously not easy at first being in heels and constantly changing (I embarrassingly came out with my underwear insides out 3 times) but I really got the hang of it and everyone even the clients were laid back and nice to talk to.

Would you say that a correct fitting bra has affected you?

Definitely! Since it hasnt been too long since I won and I’ve been busy, I have been wearing bras that aren’t the right fit but when I was wearing the Curvy Kate sets I felt much better and it reminded me of how good it feels to wear the proper fit, even your posture is better!

How does it feel to be a role model for curvy girls in your country and worldwide?

Awesome! A woman in Australia contacted me through my blog asking for advice on taking her pictures to get noticed by the judges and I stressed the importance of being yourself and not trying to look super sexy or something like that but rather tap into her true self and she made it to the top 20! I’m so proud of her. Anyway, it makes me feel great because I want more girls to be ok with being themselves, it devastates me to hear them tear themselves apart: personalities, bodies and all. I want them to stop blaming themselves for who they are but instead become confident in blaming the media and clothing manufacturers for not celebrating their normal, natural and healthy bodies.

Are you looking forward to your next Curvy Kate shoot?

A thousand times YES! I’ve never been to Europe and London is such an intriguing city. I might try to stay a little extra to explore. I’m super nervous to model along side Sophie, Laura and Lauren etc. as they are so stunning!

Which are your favourite sets from the upcoming Autumn/Winter 2012 collection?

Obviously Entice, I’ve said it so many times but I really love it! I also am excited about Smoothie coming out as its a great everyday bra and works so well with everything you own but still isn’t boring. Ive also got my eyes on Gia in red and blush, still suitable for every day but very pretty and different.

Can you tell us three random facts about you?

1. I’m a huge nerd! I love video games, cartoons, the internet, school, comics etc
2. I love to dress in costume and never buy costumes but rather make my own for most halloweens, it’s my specialty.
3. When I was a kid I would only eat cereal with warm milk.

What message would you give girls who wanted to apply next year?

As cliche as it sounds- be yourself! Being a Curvy Kate girl is about sticking to your guns, smiles all around and accepting who you are. Be confident in your beauty and ignore anyone who tells you otherwise. Just look at yourself and who you want to be and the judges and the public will see that too! Even if you don’t make it, you’ve proven to yourself what you can do and your opportunity will never be over as long as you keep believing in your beautiful self!

We couldn’t agree more, Krista! We can’t wait to see you in London.

FINALLY we have our latest finalists from our Star in a Bra Australia contest, and we’re so excited to be one step closer to our curvy model line up for our Autumn/Winter 2012 catalogue!

Our stunning finalists are all worthy Curvy Kates, and as usual we’re so glad that the final decision isn’t in our hands! As always, it’s up to you, the public, to pick who you think should be crowned Australia’s next ‘curve queen’.

Who’s your favourite? Voting opens again on the 5th September.

Read the top 5 girls’ interviews here:

Cassie Hayes

Cherine Exadactylos

Mindy Reading

Sophie Shaw

Carley Austin

We’ll have longer, more intimate interviews with the semi finalists on the blog soon so watch this space!

Congratulations to our top 5 and to all of our Star in a Bra Australia entrants this year, what a good looking bunch of girls Australia has to offer!

It’s well and truly time for a huge mug of tea, and Racheal’s talk of a patisserie has got us craving something sweet and delicious!It’s the final interview of the morning, and we still can’t make our minds up on our favourite three girls. Thankfully, it’s not up to us who makes the top five – that’s your job! Have you voted yet?

Let’s hear about the stunning Jehsika Peacock.

Good morning, Jehsika! Could you tell us a bit more about you?

I am quirky and artistic, I love a challenge and am definitely a people person! My confidence oozes when I am striving to complete anything Ive started or any challenge I’m given!
Things that pass through my mind on a regular basis are such things as fashion, travelling, networking, gorgeous lingerie, health and wellbeing and my nursing studies of course!

You sound like a girl after my own heart! Why did you enter the competition?

I entered the competition because I grew up as ‘that girl.’ The one that was always bigger, bustier and curvier than the rest of the girls in school. Admittedly it was difficult until I found who I was as a person and became loud and proud about my body. I wanted to enter to get notice, help and support women with beautiful bodies and lead them in the way of how to flaunt it in the best range of lingerie. We have all experienced feeling out of place but Im here to prove to everyone busty is better and bigger is beautiful!

Sorry – it’s time for the question that every girl hates: why do you think people should vote for you?

If anyone out there has personnally experienced that unsure, nervous or insecure feeling about themselves or know someone who has, which Im positive we all do! Then I’m the lay to vote for! I want to prove to my town, Australia and the world how regular ladies can feel sexy and like a super star by following my lead and  getting out there.

Curvy Kate has provideme with the opportunity to represent all those ladies and I would like to grasp this opportunity with everything I have. I am extremely passionate about happy, healthy and curvy bodies and feel that everyone needs to have the confidence to feel this way.

We are all women with gorgeous curves that need to be showcased!

Do you think Jehsika deserves your vote? You have three votes to use, and to cast your vote visit the Star In A Bra website or go to application on the Curvy Kate Australia Facebook page.

Next up we’ll hear from Jehsika Peacock.

The sun is shining (for now) and we’re beaming over these gorgeous interviews. What beautiful ladies Australia’s Star in a Bra has unearthed! Can we have them all, please?

Next interview of the day is Racheal Koschenow.

Hiya Rach, please could you tell us a bit more about you?

I come from a well known state QLD, and a little town called Ipswich. I took on 3 years doing an apprenticeship and now I am finally a qualified chef, and a good one at that. I’m the oldest of three girls in my family, I come from a very unique background being Egyptian. I have lived in 3 different states moving around since I was a baby, its been a journey but an enjoyable one. My goal in life is to open up my own little patisserie cafe and hopefully move up in the world i want.

A chef? Chefs are our favourite people in the World! You’ll have to let us know when your cafe is open and we can pop by for a chocolate eclair! So, why did you enter the competition?

It interested me as soon as I seen the article, knowing not only skinny girls can do all this modelling and what not, but us plus size bigger busted girls. So i just thought i’d give it a go

Why do you think people should vote for you?

In all honest truth, i think if we have the balls to strut our stuff being plus size anyone deserves to win.

But in saying that people should vote for me because i deserve a chance.

Do you think Rachael deserves your vote? You have three votes to use, and to cast your vote visit the Star In A Bra website or go to application on the Curvy Kate Australia Facebook page.

Next up we’ll hear from Jehsika Peacock.

Tomorrow will be a sad day when we’ll have no gorgeous interviews to wake up to, but an exciting day as it’s the last day to cast your votes for your top three girls from our Aussie Star in a Bra top 20!

Next up today is stunning Stevie-lee Sutherland.

Good morning from London! Could you tell us a bit more about you?

My name is Stevie-lee and I am a 21 year old country girl from Tamworth ( Country Music Capital ).
I come from a diverse cultural background, one grandfather is Welsh, the other is Aboriginal, one grandmother is Maori, the other is Australian and I am proud to be each of those. I am a shoe-obsessed, crazy cat lady, shopping fanatic and have a love for photography and being photographed. I am also a very family-orientated person and I would not be here today without the support of my wonderful parents and younger brother.

I was diagnosed with neurocardiogenic syncope when I was 16, in simpler terms meaning i lost consciousness frequently. I then had to have someone with me 24/7 so my father became my carer and my mother had to get a second job to cover the medical expenses. My final school years were hard, I missed so much that I fell behind in everything and had to drop classes. I could no longer play sport, learn to drive and socialise with my friends. I lost everything i took for granted and as i slowly started to lose my naturally tan complexion and put on weight, I no longer wanted anything to do with anyone, did not want anyone to see me looking so horrible.

My Mother was always so comforting and supportive and helped me love my new look. I learnt to love my curves, my wobbly bits, my junk in the trunk Last year I had my loop monitor removed from my chest ( similar to a heart monitor, monitored the electricity of my heart ) which left a scar above my left breast. Not the slightest bit was i ashamed of the mark, i flaunted it, anyone who was disgusted in it was not worth my time. It was a constant reminder of my struggle and progress and not long after i stopped taking medication and visiting my doctors and with a positive attitude and outlook on life I am now, only one year later, almost perfectly healthy and happy.

I have started learning to drive again, go for walks of an afternoon and am looking forward to enrolling in University at the end of the year, hopefully one day will have a degree in Special Education, a dream I have always had. My life has just begun and I am going to cherish each and every day.

Wow that’s such an inspirational story! Good for you! Why did you enter the competition?

I entered the competition for the experience, the journey and the opportunites. I am now confident and proud of my body thanks to this competition.  My grandmother showed me the competition last year and told me to try out, at that stage I wasn’t proud of my body, this year i couldnt love it any more! I love Take 5 and as soon as i read that this competition had begun I HAD to enter. I HAD to show every woman that no matter what life has thrown at you, we are ALL beautiful and should be comfortable in our own skin, and should flaunt our curves and set a better example for our younger generations.

Finally, it’s the question that everyone cringes over… Why do you think people should vote for you?

People should vote for me because I love my curves and I love that Curvy Kate celebrates the curvy woman. It would be the opportunity of a lifetime to represent a wonderful brand and be the ambassador for curvy women in Australia.

Do you think Stevie-lee deserves your vote? You have three votes to use, and to cast your vote visit the Star In A Bra website or go to application on the Curvy Kate Australia Facebook page.

Next up this morning we’ll hear from Racheal Koschenow.

It’s the final day of interviews, and the penultimate day to get your votes in! That’s right, you only have until Thursday 9th August to pick your favourite finalist and vote. So if you have your favourite three girls chosen, send them a vote today! If you need a little more help, check out our interviews to get to know the girls a little better before you decide.

First up today is the gorgeous Carley Austin.

Good morning, Carley! Why don’t you tell our readers a bit more about you?

Hey Guys! I’m Carley and I am 18 years old, from Sydney! I am currently a high school student completing year 12 (only 6 more weeks until Graduation, yay!)

My favourite hobbies are singing, dancing, playing guitar and going to the beach!

I have a passion for music, and I have been in a four part vocal girl group called ‘Victoria Avenue’ for over 4 years. We have recorded with professionals and even performed in front of celebrities! I am hoping to attend university next year to start a degree in media. My ambition in life is to have a successful career in doing what I love which is to be a part of either the media or entertainment industry.

It’s always nice to see an ambitious woman with big dreams and the determination to see them through! Why did you enter the competition?

As a teenager I have always been a lot taller and curvier than my friends and I used to get embarrassed- having double D’s in year 8 was not fun. Over the last couple of years, with the help of my friends and family I have developed my self confidence to a level that I am now proud of the body I live in. I realised that I should be happy and proud to have curves and by entering this competition, I want to show women that you should be comfortable in the body God has given you. You don’t need to have a figure like a Victoria’s Secret model to be ‘beautiful’ or ‘sexy’. Seeing the woman in last year’s ‘Star in a Bra’ competition truly inspired me and made me realise this.

Our Julia is quite the inspiration! Maybe you could join her as the next Aussie bra star? Why do you think people should vote for you?

I think people should vote for me because I am dedicated and energetic!

If I had the chance to represent ‘Curvy Kate’ as a model, I would hope to set a good example and inspire other woman to help them realise that having your own, unique curves, are lucky assets to have! Flaunt it girls!

It would be an absolute honour to represent such a wonderful brand!

Do you think Carley deserves your vote? You have three votes to use, and to cast your vote visit the Star In A Bra website or go to application on the Curvy Kate Australia Facebook page.

Next up this morning we’ll hear from Stevie-lee Sutherland.