Big Bum Fashion Fan: Scottee

Who are you?

Scottee.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

Lesbian Clown getup, I'm a bit of a magpie, if it glimmers then I want it. The pic shows me in my fave outfit, my 'Harsh is my Homegirl' small t-shirt.

Whose style do you admire?

Dawn French circa Big Knits and 1647. I love a woman in an oversized smock.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

• Put your Ebay settings to 'plus size sequin', your life will never be the same again.
• If it doesn't fit, wear it.
• If it's too big, wear it.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

A XXXXXL Lisa Stansfield tour t-shirt or Thunderbirds duvet cover.

What else would you like to say?

I'm so annoyed I'm away in Edinburgh for this! Your now obliged by the fatty community to run these quarterly!

Would you like to be featured in this hallowed spot? Go on, make your mother proud bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Diana

Who are you?

I'm Diana, a 28-year old photographer from London. I'll be the person with a camera in front of my face at Big Bum Jumble. (Pssst: have a look at Diana's beautiful work on fashionlovesphotos.com)

What sort of things do you like to wear?

My style is somewhere between grungy and glam - as if someone squished Daria and Bettie together. Cute dresses, red lipstick, big boots, vintage bags. I am a sucker for cocktail, prom and sundresses, anything with floral prints and polka dots. I am also completely obsessed with make-up and accessories; giant flowers to detract from messy hair, bright perspex necklaces, retina-scorching eyeshadows. Basically if it's bright, chunky or plastic, chances are I will fall hopelessly in love with it. I've said it before but in my head, I am still essentially a 17-year old with chipped nail varnish jumping around to Hole. Especially when in a photography studio.

Whose style do you admire?

There are so many people out there who have such an incredible look. One of the advantages to living in London is that a bus journey can give you as much inspiration as a catwalk, as the people with the best style are those around you doing their own thing. Bettie Paige, Sophie Dahl, Shirley Manson and Dita are also other ladies who seem to pull it together every time. I can still remember sitting with a copy of the NME at college trying to dissect Manson's eye make-up so that I could recreate it!

Give us some fat fashion advice!

Dress for yourself and have fun with it! The biggest reason why an outfit will fail has nothing to do with the size of your bum, but whether or not you have the confidence to pull it off. Fashion is about having a giggle, and everyday should be treated like you're getting ready to walk the runway with your friends in tow. It's also so important to dress for your shape, and to not hide beneath a sheath of baggy fabric. Waist cinching belts are amazing, and if you're feeling like you need a little support, a corset and a good bra are always there to provide a little help.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

I will be the happiest girl in the world if I can come away with a few lovely dresses. Tea dresses, cocktail dresses, prom dresses, anything that I can stuff lots of petticoats underneath and twirl around in before stumbling over my boots. Cute screen-printed tees would be brilliant as well. They're always handy to wear in the studio. Anything with dinosaurs and robots. I am a bit of a geek.

What else would you like to say?

If you're shy about having your photos taken, but would love to have some done, get in touch! You don't have to be a model to have beautiful pictures. After all, you'll be wanting to show off all the bargains that you find at Big Bum Jumble!

Would you like to be featured here as a Big Bum Fashion Fan? All you have to do is drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Deb Malkin

Who are you?

I am Deb Malkin, owner of Re/Dress NYC, a vintage and modern and resale clothing store for sizes 14 and up in Brooklyn, New York. I am also one of the founders of the Fat Girl Flea Market (Big Bum Note: this is the event that inspired the Big Bum Jumble).

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I call my style Utility-femme meets boobilicious. Which means I like clothing that's comfortable and yet form fitting, and shows off the 'girls'. Lately, I've been enjoying a bit of a femmed-up version of my 90s dyke style with my engineer boots and military jacket, but with skirts and dresses underneath instead of the old A-shirt and acid washed jeans, ew!

Whose style do you admire?

My staff, my customers, my friends, and Beth Ditto. I got inspired to wear my very first corset top at Nolose and I had a hoodie zipped so tight up you'd never know it was there. Then I saw a trio of super fat fairies with wings and wands and they were so free and comfortable with themselves that I unzipped that hoodie and never looked back.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

Stop wearing things too big. That's my biggest pet peeve. You're fat. Wearing clothing to hide your fat, isn't the same thing as an invisibility cloak. Experiment with shape, colour, style and find your fashion voice. And if need be, take things to a tailor and get them fitted to your shape, it will make you look like a person who's comfortable in their own skin, and that confidence is more flattering than anything.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

It would just be my dream to go. Then it would be my dream to get to shop at an event like this, since I'm usually working it. Since my Chubster name is Rainbow Rotten, I would be thrilled to find something glittery and rainbowy.

What else would you like to say?

I'm so excited to see more cities and countries create their own versions of the Fat Girl Flea Market. It's an incredible way to shop. It's empowering, it creates community, it's green shopping, and it's really fun. And also a ton of work. So please folks don't forget to volunteer, give Kay a helping hand, and thank you to everyone who's been working so hard. I hope to see you at the 2012 Fattylympics.

Deb! We love you! Thank you for your visionary work! xxxxxx

Would you like to be featured here as a Big Bum Jumble fan? Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Amy Lamé

Who are you?

I am Amy Lamé, and a huge fan of the Big Bum Jumble gang. I'm originally from New Jersey, hence my penchant for big hair, high heels and fast cars. I've been a Londoner for nearly 18 years.

Amongst other things I co-founded and host Duckie every Saturday night at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. I also co-host the afternoon show on BBC London 94.9 alongside fellow tubbster Danny Baker. I pop up occasionally on TV and write for various newspapers, but generally I prefer to spend my time listening to The Smiths and crocheting. Oh, and drinking sherry with my girlfriend.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I'm a girly girl, so I wear mostly dresses and skirts, though if I do occasionally wear jeans on a Saturday afternoon they have to have wide turn ups.

I have an eclectic collection of clothes that cross boundaries of stage and street wear, from 18th century inspired handmade gowns, to 70s American polyester house dresses, to punky cashmere from Anna Scholz. I am most influenced by the '50s and '60s, and in the past made quite a few of my own retro style dresses - as we all know plus size vintage is rarer than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Now I have an adorable seamstress who makes lovely creations for me.

I am addicted to accessories and drive my girlfriend crazy with bracelets/earrings/hairbands/fascinators etc scattered all over our flat (but I think she secretly loves it 'cause she keeps buying me lots of gorgeous accoutrements!) I have lots of vintage specs with my own prescription put in to match different outfits. I think coordination is a much underrated style statement, and I like to think of myself as never knowingly underdressed.

Whose style do you admire?

My Nan, Ruth, has been my style inspiration since I was a teenager; I was always plundering her jewellery box and wardrobe for scarves, beads, hats, handbags... She's 92 and still the most stylish woman I know, she has an amazing collection of flat caps, fedoras and clip-on earrings.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

If you've got it, flaunt it! Stick a belt/bow/brooch on your chub rolls and claim it! Revel in your rotundity, and delight in being a chubby glamourpuss.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

All the stuff my Nan has ever sent to the charity shop before I could get to it!! Other than that, a selection of glittery heels in size 8 wide would be brilliant.

What else would you like to say?

Rock on Big Bum Jumble! And in the words of fellow fattie homosexualist Luther Vandross (RIP)...NEVER TOO MUCH!!!

PS Check out AmyLamé.com

Wanna make like Amy and be featured here as a Big Bum Fashion Fan? Yes you do! Drop us a line at bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Kelli Dunham

Who are you?
I am Kelli Dunham. I am a weird little dorky boi comic with a face that says: "Please come tell me all about yourself. Would you like my lunch?"

What sort of things do you like to wear?
I like to wear cargo shirts with non ironic tee shirts. And black jeans. I wear black jeans in the winter like it's a uniform. Which, for a queer New Yorker, it kind of is. Oh and somewhat jaunty but dishevelled ball caps, when I can find them. And a random extremely feminine accessory like a sparkly earring, just for fun.

Whose style do you admire?
Sinclair Sexsmith, aka Sugarbutch, who knows how to work both an old look and a new look with a good hairstyle to boot. And Charles Meshmore, a faggoty butch friend of mine who sometimes wears 12 different kind of plaids at once AND an ascot (British translations: plaid=tartan, ascot=cravat).

Give us some fat fashion advice!
Hmmm, I consider myself more of the recipient of fashion advice than the giver of it. But I think "buy underwear that fits. At least look at the size before you buy it" is perhaps the best fashion advice I've ever gotten. Oh that and "bras come in sizes".

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?
A pair of magic black jeans in my size that would never wear out, a flawless white oxford, oooh and cufflinks made of the Q key from an old fashioned typewriter.

What else would you like to say?
Find me online kellidunham.com or on Facebook, I promise to make you laugh, except for when I am ranting about the messed up coverage of the earthquake relief in Haiti.

Wanna be featured here as a Big Bum Fashion Fan? Get in touch: bigbumjumble@gmail.com 

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Stacy Bias

Who are you?

I'm Stacy Bias. I started FatGirl Speaks (a mini-conference and performance) and a few other small activist events (dance party, group swim, clothing exchanges) in Portland, OR. I also run a wind-powered web hosting company (http://taproothosting.com).

What sort of things do you like to wear?

These days I'm wearing more daring clothing, which is well-outside my norm of loose-fitting and black; Vibrant dresses with plunging cleavage and very little mystery, shorter or no sleeves, showing more skin than usual. I view wardrobe as another tool of activism and occasionally try to up my game.

Whose style do you admire?

Style is so personal and so subjective - what's hot to me is someone who has found the way to being comfortable in their skin, however they decorate it. That said, I have a particular fondness for the style I call 'fuck you femme' - which is rough and tumble and glamorous all at the same time.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

- Wear it for you, not anyone else.
- Show some skin! Especially in the summer. Nothing feels better than the breeze across your bare shoulders.
- Baggy pants don't magically make you appear thin. People still know you're fat. So, don't hide yourself. Wear clothing that fits you and feels good.
- Don't be 'palatable,' be happy!

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

The mythical punk-studded belt for people above a size 20. Seriously. My kingdom for a @#($*&#@(* belt that doesn't look like it came out of a menswear catalog.

What else would you like to say?

Considering a move to the UK next year to start my undergrad/grad studies. I'm very excited to see the Jumble starting and am hoping to be involved in the creation of more body-positive events/actions/community! Do let me know if you're planning something and need help! You can reach me via my website: http://stacybias.net

PS Wanna be featured as a Big Bum Fashion Fan? Yes yes yes! We'd love to have you on the blog. Help us show the diversity of fat fashion fans by sending an email to bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Bill Savage

Who are you?

I am Bill Savage and I am helping Kay with the Big Bum Jumble.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I like to wear ties and sleeveless jumpers. This look works in all contexts of my life: at work, at home, going to Unskinny Bop, weddings, funerals, interviews, hott dates etc etc. Ties are a good way to add colour to boringly coloured men’s clothes - I have over 60 of them. My favourites are the vintage Marks & Spencer polyester numbers.

Whose style do you admire?

Hercule Poirot and, to a slightly lesser extent, Captain Hastings. I admire the kind of dude who wears a suit like it was a second skin. At the moment I’m kind of obsessed with Elijah Oberman, the violinist from The Shondes...it’s a tight waistcoat thing. Generally though I like people who look comfy in what they’re wearing and who have committed to a look and are going with it.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

As far as I can tell mainstream fashion advice seems to exist for the sole purpose of fetishising an unattainable gender- and heteronormative, white, middle-class, thin norm - in other words it is a pile of crap for any number of reasons.

The only advice I feel qualified to offer instead is to stop caring about what some non-specific/mythical 'other people' think and wear what the hell you like.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

A tweed or corduroy suit jacket with leather patches on the elbows that wasn’t too long or too broad across the shoulders, but that did up...I will settle for a new hoodie though!

What else would you like to say?

Can’t wait to see you all at the Big Bum Jumble!

PS Wanna be featured here? Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com and it shall be done.

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Amanda Piasecki

Who are you?

I'm Amanda Piasecki, I coined the term "Fatshionista" and I started the online community of the same name.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I like a tough, hyper-feminine look that has a sense of humor about itself at the same time. I like drawing attention to my enormously curvaceous proportions and giant ass. At my best and most resilient, I enjoy exaggerating everything about my size and rocking hot, gruesome, femme monstrosity. At my most weary and over-it, I work a surly, fat Russian Riviera look. For a long time, I attempted to dye my hair the same color red as every woman in communist Poland had, but no one made the connection except my immigrant family, and my skin looked terrible. Now it's a less belligerent Californian henna color. I am one of the least invisible people I know, even when I'm trying to be – I receive a lot of street hassle, from come-ons to fat bashing, and everything in between. I do the best with it that I can, and sometimes my outfits are a way of fighting back or making a visual inside joke with other outsiders.

My clothes come from everywhere, but mostly from eBay these days. I also shop at thrift and consignment stores, and get some of my clothes made by sellers on Etsy, like Jane BonBon and Ureshii. I'm a clothes horse, but have to limit my spending, so I try to prioritize using my wardrobe budget on used clothes, then small designers, then big sweatshop chains.

Whose style do you admire?

I'm most inspired by other fat queers who rock bold looks with limited resources. I also love old people's fashion – not simply vintage. One of my favorite fashion blogs is Advanced Style.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

I think that the best style is born from resourcefulness and aesthetic inventiveness rather than through cash outlay. While we're incredibly lucky to have an alterna-fat-girl chain store here in the US, since the rise of Torrid there's part of me that feels like we've lost something now that it's easier for young fatshionistas to assimilate into their subcultures of choice. Fatshionistas used to almost universally be masters of creativity, inventiveness, and making something out of nothing, and this is a value that I'd love to keep around as plus-sized clothing gets slightly more accessible.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

I'm psyched for lots of British fatties to have a gleeful moment of fashion abundance at the Big Bum Jumble! As far as I'm concerned, wide shoes are much easier to find and much more stylish in the UK than in the US, so I'll gladly Paypal shipping for any interesting-looking UK size 7E or wider shoes that don't find homes!

What else would you like to say?

Fashion is great and all, but making up for a fat glory deficit through cool clothes is way less important than being a radical, badass mofo.

There's more here: Rad Fatty: Amanda Piasecki

PS Wanna be featured here? The answer most surely is "Yes!" Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com and it shall be done.

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Vikki C.

Who are you?

I'm a queer femme scholar and performer, and also an aspiring rad fatty and burgeoning fat activist.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I find great joy in wearing everything my mother always told me 'girls like me' can't get away with. That mostly consists of bright colours, prints, and revealing/tight stuff, currently expressed in an obsession with patterned leggings and those little tshirt-dress things. I also love Vans and other footwear oft sported by 14 year old boys, it's the Peter Pan tomboy in me that refuses to grow up.

Whose style do you admire?

Standard answer I know but I do adore Beth Ditto's ability to put an extraordinary outfit together. Amy Lamé is always impeccably turned out in a way I could never even aspire to. Also there's a certain quite famous queer theorist (who I cannot name for fear of embarrassment) whose sparkly jeans, bold glitter printed t-shirts and generally awesome daily disco wear has me in complete thrall.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

There is simply no such thing as too much. No, seriously.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

I'm really hoping for some of the fabulous 50s dresses I always see other hot fat girls wearing but cannot seem to find in my size at a reasonable price. I'm also open to suggestion and intend to try on all sorts of crazy things I would normally never go for!

What else would you like to say?

Just that I am very excited about the Jumble, and I hope it sparks exchanges of ideas, actions and plans as well as clothes!

The photo of Vikki is by AbsolutQueer Photography.

PS Wanna be featured here? Of course you do! Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Bea Sweet

Who are you?

My name is Bea Sweet and I work as a Makeup Artist in the fashion industry in London.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I like to wear all things tight and shiny, huge prints, fussy clothing, diva dresses, painful heels, oversized T-shirts, massive gold hoop earrings, headscarves and hairpieces. I like to mix high-end pieces with vintage and things from Evans.

Whose style do you admire?

I admire women like Diane Pernet and Mrs Jones, because they both have their fingers on the fashion pulse but do it their own way, retaining their femininity and class. I believe that is the key to being a woman with admirable style.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

• If you see something in a plus size that you like and dither about whether or not to buy it, just buy it. Because it’s really hard to find nice signature pieces in clothing sizing to fit big girls, so when you find a good item make sure you get it and leave no space for regrets.
• Don’t be afraid to wear something you wouldn’t usually wear, don’t stick to what you know, embrace leggings, wear colour, wear black, layer, accessorise, customise, surprise yourself.
• Nothing is off limits to you: no item of clothing is something that "you shouldn’t wear because you are big." Don’t think you can’t wear something because you are fat, because the truth is that you can wear it and you will absolutely rock it. So do it.
• Remember this quote by Aimee Mullins, "Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can have. It's much sexier than any body part." It applies to being a fat girl too, if you are confident with what you have and really own it you will be surprised with the reaction you get from other people. Nine times out of ten people will tell me how wonderful I look (and the other one isn’t even worth mentioning because I realise that what they say is a reflection of them, not me). So hold your head up and turn what has always been a negative for you into a positive.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

A vintage prom dress in a UK Size 28 with so many beads on it that I could hardly carry it.

What else would you like to say?

I am hugely excited for the Big Bum Jumble, fat girls are hot girls!

Perhaps you’d like to visit my blog, beasweet.blogspot.com, and see more of what I do, or look at my website, beasweet.com (which is unfortunately currently under re-construction but you can still bookmark it).

The photo of Bea is by Scott Nunn.

PS Wanna be featured here? Of course you do! Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Kat

Who are you?

My name is Kat. A fat and fabulous 28 year old Femme. I write a plus size fashion blog, Plus Size Beauty.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I like things that break the rules of 'what a fat girl shouldn't wear'. I love horizontal stripes, body con, leopard print, bold colours, statement jewellery and anything slightly OTT and attention grabbing. I also like bright lipstick.

Whose style do you admire?

I admire anyones style as long as it's their own. I love getting inspiration from other girls I see in the street, fashion blogs, and friends. I think my biggest style crush is Beth Ditto. She has an amazing wardrobe! I love the way she doesn't conform to the usual 'fat girl' rules, I love the way she wears body con dresses and I love the way she just doesn't give a fuck about wearing any of it.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

Wear what you want, not what people tell you to, or tell you you shouldn't. Wear what you feel comfortable in and what makes you happy. I always see someones style/clothes as an extension of someones personality! Try everything on. The label can lie! If something has stretch, or an elastic waist, or simply looks big, try it on, even if it is much smaller than your regular size.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

Anything from the 80's. Something in a bold colour with HUGE dynasty shoulder pads and gold buttons. A leopard print body con dress. A vintage playsuit. A comfortable pair of heels!

What else would you like to say?

MEGA excited about the Big Bum Jumble! It combines ALL of my favourite things. Clothes for fat girls, fat girls, bargains and meeting new people. Oh, and check out my blog

PS Wanna be featured here? Of course you do! Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Lauren D

Who are you?

I am Lauren, I'm going to be helping at the Big Bum Jumble. I have the blog Pocket Rocket Fashion where I waffle on about plus sized fashion and am a contributor to Italian Vogue's 'Curvy' site. I also dj badly for money on occassion.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

Dresses, dresses, dresses. I just can't get enough of them! The more outlandish the better. My favourites are ones that have interesting detailing and/or kitsch prints, although I do love luxurious, Hollywood vintage style ones too. I also really like pencil skirts teamed with cardigans and dressed up with brooches or flowers.

Whose style do you admire?

I admire the style of anyone who has the confidence to wear exactly what they want and not tame their look to suit society. Obviously Beth Ditto's been a big inspiration to me and a lot of other fat girls, and continues to push the envelope. Pretty much any of the women from John Waters movies. In real life, my friends Diana Thompson, Camilla Pia, Tegan Titmuss, Christina and Charlene Millare and Carmen Luvian are huge inspirations. I'm also a fan of many fatshion bloggers, notably Val at blogtobealive.com, Sakina at saksinthecity.blogspot.com, Stephanie at leblogdebigbeauty.com and Xtina from musingsofafatshionista.com.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

Firstly: ignore every piece of style advice you've ever been told. All that 'dressing for your shape' gubbins is nonsense. Dress for yourself and ignore everyone else. Wear exactly what you want, wear what makes you feel happiest, most comfortable, and most ready to face the world. No matter what anyone says. Why please idiot strangers who may or may not approve of what you wear? I live at home and my mum tries to stop me from going out in certain outfits by reminding me of all the people who will laugh at me. But their opinion is worthless. Who cares?! Be true to yourself and you'll be so much more confident.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

A gorgeous, opulent cocktail dress that was custom made for a short fat woman with tiny boobs. Failing that, a lovely fake fur coat.

What else would you like to say?

Just that I am super excited for the Big Bum Jumble and hope it's the first of many!

PS Wanna be featured here? Yeah you do! Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Charlotte Cooper

Here's a lovely interview with a Big Bum Fashion Fan, Charlotte Cooper.

Who are you?

I'm a fat activist, scholar, author, blogger, zine and film-maker, and I'm also one of the helpers at the Big Bum Jumble. I live in E15.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

It goes in phases, but currently the things I enjoy wearing most are a couple of push-up bras that make my tits look insane, almost like weaponry; a really soft leather jacket that has a sort of classic biker shape; neat little skirts and really old t-shirts that are soft and semi-transparent. I have a bit of a denim fetish too.

I've been experimenting lately with short dresses that have an empire, baby-doll or trapeze shape. I tend to go for things that are more form-fitting, so this is a departure. I like things that have plenty of colour about them.

And accessories, I have a preposterous faux bling skull necklace that I can't stop wearing, and I went to a party in my Mexican wrestling mask recently and had a ball. My girlfriend bought me these crazy high-heeled Nikes that I like to totter around in, but they kill my feet and are not exactly in keeping with the Big Bum Jumble ethos, oh well!

Whose style do you admire?

It's rare to see fat people in the public eye, so there aren't many fatshion icons that I look to for inspiration, although Mama Cass is certainly one. She wore these great short swing dresses in the 60s with really hott knee boots, such a great look.

Otherwise, punk girls and the tough girls that I see on the streets where I live have an enduring style that I love.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

Wear things that make you happy, corny but true.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

I actually found my dream thing when I was in the US recently. My friend Amanda took us to this great thrift store called _____________ (sorry, embargoed!) and I got a calf-length vintage black and brown pleather coat, all used and worn and battered. It fits me like a glove. This description does not sell it very well, but I love it.

I'm on the lookout for a denim jacket, that classic v-shape but tailored so that it actually fits me. Also, ridiculous things that I'd never buy in a shop, but which are a lot of fun to wear, silly dressing-up things that somehow make it into real life.