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Meet @fatmumslim aka Chantelle as she joins Taking shape to show us some fabulous new arrivals. Chantelle is passionate about authenticity and breaking down the barriers when it comes to diversity and inclusion in our world. We are thrilled to have Chantelle share her story and show us her favourite new season styles.
Chantelle is the face behind Fat Mum Slim. She is a mum to two gorgeous girls, and wife to her beautiful husband, Shane.
“I am a creator, a writer, a sharer, a community builder and an advocate for kindness and inclusivity. I am constantly curious, a lover of exploring, and an eater of cake, oh how I love cake.”
Through building @fatmumslim, Chantelle has grown a beautiful community of Australian women, with a collective audience of over 500,000.
“My goal with Fat Mum Slim, has always been for people to mutter that iconic line from Alice in Wonderland, “What? You too? I thought I was the only one.”
Over a decade ago Chantelle started a ‘Photo A Day’ challenge, where she encouraged people to share a photo a day, and over 30 million photos have been shared to date.
“I love to share family travel tips, create affordable recipes, and more recently I have become a host to an upcoming podcast all about inclusivity and diversity.”
Chantelle is passionate about authenticity, and storytelling, as well as creating communities for people from all corners to connect.
Fifteen years ago, I had just given birth to my daughter, and I wasn’t feeling comfortable in my body, probably more because of the strong focus in the media on celebrities’ bounce-back bodies after babies.
While I’ve lost weight, and gained it too, the biggest outcome from starting that personal blog that day was the platform it’s allowed me to create, to connect with people from all around the world. Just six months after I started writing, I got noticed by people, and I was in newspaper articles, and I was asked to be editor of some pretty big sites in Australia. That one decision completely changed my life. It’s allowed me to meet Prime Ministers, travel to all corners of the world, and not only have more visibility for curvy bodies like mine, but celebrate them, like we’ve just done with this latest Taking Shape shoot. I still have to pinch myself!
"I thought that starting a personal blog, a diary, would help keep me accountable and become an inspiration for losing weight."
So often with plus size, there’s a barrier to exploring styles because we have to rely heavily on shopping online. I think with Taking Shape stores dotted all over Australia and New Zealand, it’s a great opportunity to get in store, grab a few things and play around with what feels good.
Dresses and sneakers. I’m non-stop. One day I can be creating 7 recipes in one day, running to meetings, taking the kids to netball training or volunteering. I like to be able to get around without fuss, so dresses and sneakers work for me. On cooler days, I’ll opt for jeggings and a blouse, or a fun jumper.
Chantelle is wearing our Field Notes Collection
Cake? I do love to talk about cake.
But more seriously though, I’m a curious creature, and I could listen to people talk about any topic, I always want to grow and learn. If I’m in the hot seat though, I’m passionate about kindness, about travel, about food experiences, about plus size fashion, about advocating for inclusivity and kids with additional needs, particularly with invisible disabilities. It’s probably easier to answer what doesn’t excite me, and that’s folding laundry (snoozefest!) and putting the doona in the doona cover (don’t make me do it!).
I’m driven by comfort, I want to feel good, always. I remember the struggle back in my teens when I was trying to figure out who ! I was, and most teens express who they are with what they wear and there were no options back then, even at a size 18. I was wearing men’s jeans, and just making it work. So now I wear what feels good, both literally (soft fabrics, pieces with stretch) and then also what I love to wear, because I can, and I want to celebrate that.
I love anything with a bohemian touch, like flowy dresses with floral prints. I’m a sucker for a black floral, it’s my favourite, which is why I’m loving the current collections at Taking Shape, it’s like they created what I asked for, and I didn’t even have to ask! I also love dresses because it doesn’t take much thinking in the morning, it’s a one and done type deal. You can add boots, jackets, and jewellery, but essentially you can keep it simple, which makes getting dressed easier.
"I love dresses. They are a one and done type deal."
What are you waiting for? Seriously though, I would encourage them to head in store to try pieces on. If you like dresses, there are plenty to choose from, but I’ve recently been converted to their pants and have been eagerly adding to my collection and exploring different styles, so I would say have a play. The team helped me explore and try new things, and it’s so much fun.
"Every time I’ve gone into a Taking Shape store, I’ve felt like I’m having a fashion session with friends."
Need some help choosing your new season looks? Book a free in-store styling experience.
Every personal style can be catered for with the 'anything-goes mood of now'. It's not about what's 'out' or 'in' it's about what suits you. You can be as wild or adventurous as you like, as basic as can be or sit in the middle of both. We'll help you find the look that's just right for you.
Styling your look has never been easier, with the help of our in-store styling teams.
Relax with your own private fitting room, where you’ll have dedicated one on one service from a fashion stylist.
We can help with looks that are perfect for your body shape with styling tips, tricks and advice.
Not only will you have an amazing shopping experience, but you’ll receive a free gift just for being you!
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