Okay team, this week we’re moving away from the world of child feeding for a hot minute and diving into the world of body confidence and style. And before you start rolling your eyes at the impending “love yourself” mantra, don’t worry, that’s not where we’re heading. This week, I’m joined by Abby Russell, a curve model, fashion content creator and personal stylist who’s MO is to inspire her followers to live authentically, celebrating who they are through personal style. We dive into some of the challenges of figuring out your style after having a baby or becoming a parent. In this episode, we touch on things like;
- The sneaky and not so sneaky ways that diet culture can show up in so-called fashion rules
- Where to begin when you’re thinking about putting your wardrobe together post-partum
- How Abby approaches defining your own personal style and how to fun and get playful with it
- Answering some listener questions on things like bras for big boobs, when to get rid of clothes that no longer fit, the stress of shopping as a plus-size person in a straight-size world and weirdly aggressive reviewers on vinted
I really hope you take something great from this episode, and with Abby’s contagious energy I’m sure you all will!
Show Notes:
- Follow Laura on Instagram | Twitter
- Follow Abby on Instagram
- Follow Don’t Salt My Game on Instagram
- Laura’s Website
- Sign up for the Let’s Talk About Snacks, Baby Workshop
- Book in for a complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call with Laura
- Check out this article by Kelsey Miller
- Buy an Intuitive Eating friendly guide to managing different health concerns
- Sign up for a Learn with LCIE Course
- Buy a copy of Just Eat It | How to Just Eat It
- Edited by Joeli Kelly
Transcript:
Abby Russell
There comes a lot of, kind of this guilt, of like maybe shopping fast fashion still, but I think you’ve got to, you can only do what you can do. So it’s like don’t get down on yourself about having to shop fast fashion if you need to. That’s totally fine, and it’s there to be shopped.
Laura Thomas
Hey, team, welcome back to Don’t Salt My Game where we’re having conversations with game changers who are flipping diet culture on its head. I’m Laura Thomas. I’m a Registered nutritionist who specialises in intuitive eating and anti-diet nutrition. And I’m the author of Just Eat It and How to Just Eat It. Today we’re talking to Abby Russell, from Curvy Living. She’s a curve model, and a fashion stylist, and just a very good egg. We are going to talk to her all about some of the challenges of figuring out your style after having a baby or becoming a parent. So we’re going to talk about that in just a second, but first, I wanted to tell you a bit more about my upcoming workshop: Let’s talk about snacks baby.
When I asked on my Instagram Stories, which workshop I should run next, it was pretty clearly weighted towards snacks. People seem to have a lot of feelings about snacks. So we’re going to unpack that a bit. In this workshop, we’re going to cover how to set boundaries around snacks, how to deal with constant requests for snacks, and why it’s not always about the food. We’ll talk about what if they only want to eat snacks, and the thing that plagues me most as a parent, what the hell to actually give them for a snack. We’ll talk about why rice cakes are not a snack, and how to deal with restrictive school snack policies. And lastly, we’ll think a bit about your relationship with snacks as a parent, because like I said, people have feelings and it should go without saying as well that I’m going to be looking at all of this through an anti diet body affirming and intuitive eating lens. The workshop will be on Thursday, the 28th of July at seven o’clock. It will be around 90 minutes. So we should have plenty of time at the end to answer your questions about snacking and how snacks fit in with other aspects of feeding kids. Everything will be on Zoom and you’ll be able to watch the recording back for a week afterwards too. If you’re in another timezone or you can’t watch it live for whatever reason, it costs 15 pounds. And if that doesn’t feel accessible to you right now then please just email hello@laurathomasphd.co.uk and we’ll hook you up with a comp spot on the webinar. No questions asked. And as with the raising intuitive eaters webinar, I’d say this is best suited to parents of kids who are 12 and under. So again, if you’d like to sign up for that, the link is in the show notes for this episode.
All right, like I said, today we are talking to Abby Russell. Abby is a curve model, fashion content creator and personal stylist. Her MO is to help women feel more confident in their body as it is today and to inspire her followers to live authentically celebrating who they are through personal style. In this episode, we go in lots of different directions. We talk a little bit about the sneaky and the not so sneaky ways that diet culture shows up in so called fashion rules. We talk about where to begin when you’re thinking about putting your wardrobe together postpartum. We think about that like immediate postpartum period, and then a little bit down the line. And Abby talks us through how she approaches defining your personal style and she basically tells me I need to lighten up and be more playful because at the end of the day, it’s only clothes. We also answer some of the questions that you have sent in about bras, about big boobs about when to get rid of your clothes that no longer fit the stress of shopping as a plus sized person in a straight size world. And we talk about the weirdly aggressive reviews on Vinted, like why are they like that? I found Abby’s energy and her confidence so contagious and it reminded me that I need to get a proper bra fitting and it also inspired me to be more playful and creative with my clothes when ever i can summon up the energy to go shopping. I really hope you got something out of this episode and as always, let me know your thoughts over on @laurathomasnutrition or @dontsaltmygame. Alright team here’s Abby.
Laura Thomas
All right, Abby, we start every episode with a quick fire round. So I’m going to ask you a question and I want to know the first thing that comes to mind. Are you ready?
Abby Russell
I’m ready.
Laura Thomas
All right, let’s do this. What subject did you like best in school?
Abby Russell
Oh, music.
Laura Thomas
Most refreshing beverage, very apt for today. We are currently in the middle of the heatwave.
Abby Russell
I just love an ice cold elderflower cordial at the moment. That’s always my go to.
Laura Thomas
Tacos or pizza.
Abby Russell
Oooh, Probably at the moment tacos.
Laura Thomas
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Abby Russell
I think I’m good right here in London, because I’ve just moved here. And I’ve kind of always wanted to move here. So yeah.
Laura Thomas
So you have landed, you’re here.
Abby Russell
Yeah.
Laura Thomas
Do you have a hidden talent?
Abby Russell
A hidden talent, god, I don’t think so. It used to be that I can maybe do like I could do the splits. But like coming out of drama school, but I’ve not been stretching as much so I can’t even say I can do that anymore.
Laura Thomas
I feel like there’s probably something if you thought about it hard enough.
Abby Russell
Well, I guess like I did, I could play the ukulele. Again, could, not practice in a while.
Laura Thomas
I’m counting that, that sounds good. Splits and ukulele, done. Favourite flavour of cake.
Abby Russell
Oh, I mean, a cake that really stuck in my head is the really big cake you can buy from Costco. And it’s like chocolate and like vanilla icing or something. But that is like just my favourite cake of all time.
Laura Thomas
For a second I thought you said Costa and I was like, What is she talking about?
Abby Russell
Costco.
Laura Thomas
Ah, okay. Everyone is going to have to bear with us as we melt through this episode. Okay, and last one favourite kitchen utensil?
Abby Russell
Probably my, I always use my little rubber spatula thing to cook.
Laura Thomas
So spatula is a popular answer. I’m also, I can see in the background that you have a bright pink Smeg toaster. That’s pretty fucking cool
Abby Russell
Yeah, my theme for the kitchen is orange and pink so,
Laura Thomas
It’s working. I love it. And it’s so, it’s so you. Like I don’t think I could come up with a kitchen that’s you, like pink and orange. I love it. All right, Abby, can you tell us a little bit about who you are and the work that you do and what you do?
Abby Russell
Yeah, sure. So I am a curve model and a fashion content creator and newly a personal stylist. So with my modelling, I started that kind of leaving drama school. So I actually trained in musical theater. And then I just ended up trying it out. I wasn’t really feeling it. And so put some more effort into my modelling. And I just was finding more success and growth with that and it just felt very right that I was doing that. So just went with that really and then that’s when I started my Instagram, that started getting a bit bigger and then you know, able to get collabs with brands on there, which really helped and yeah, and then right before the pandemic, right before lockdown one I did a course for personal styling in February and then we went into lockdown in March so it kind of halted.
Laura Thomas
Yeah, you didn’t really get to like put your skills into practice straightaway. And you do, like you’re on telly a little bit as well.
Abby Russell
Yeah, so you’ll see me regularly on Lorraine. on ITV.
Laura Thomas
That’s so cool. Also, I feel like she, maybe you can’t talk about this. I can edit this out if you’re not, but I feel like she’s got a lot of diety stuff going on.
Abby Russell
Yeah, so it’s interesting the kind of language that is on all the TV shows, Lorraine, This Morning, all those kinds of it’s at the fashion thing. There’s always those kind of little Oh, and well and this is good for like hiding your tummy. This is good for hiding your arms if you’re self conscious about that. And I’m just there like *quiet laughter*. But yeah, that’s still something that needs to be changed in that world.
Laura Thomas
Yeah, that’s like very, like that was one of the questions that I wanted to ask you about. I hadn’t really thought about it in the context of TV, it just popped into my mind. I’m pretty certain that Lorraine was doing like Weight Watchers at some point, and she was like, I don’t know why I clicked on her. Sorry if you’re like mates with her and I’m, like, slagging off your mate here, because we all, it’s understandable. You know, she’s someone who has a profile and is on TV and like there’s a lot obviously going to be a lot of pressure there. But yeah, I’m almost certain she was doing like some collabs with Weight Watchers or something.
Abby Russell
Yeah, I think she was, yeah.
Laura Thomas
But yeah, so talk to us about your experiences and I guess some of the things you’ve seen and heard in the fashion industry, that is really just coded anti fatness?
Abby Russell
Yeah, sure. So, I feel like I’ve been quite lucky because I’ve gone into and I’ve gone into modelling as a curve model, and kind of in that plus size space, I feel like I’ve been quite lucky with who I’ve worked with so far that I’ve generally had all good experiences, but also, I’m very aware of my own privilege that I’m very much on the small side of plus size, you know, I’m a 16-18. So I’m still very much very aware that I’m very much like, an acceptable curvy body, you know, and I heard you know, a lot of stories from some of my, like, fellow peers, who are in bigger bodies who haven’t had such good experiences. Just certain things of like, specially like turning up to shoots and the stylists literally hadn’t selected things in their size. Like they might be like 20-22. And like, there wasn’t even anything there to fit them. And I’m like, Hello, stylist that’s your job, dress the model, and doesn’t even have clothes to fit them, which is mad. You know, I’ve heard some stories about some photographers making plus models feel a bit uncomfortable just about being bigger. But yeah, kind of personally, I feel like I’ve been pretty lucky myself. But yeah, in terms of kind of that anti fat side of things. Being in that smaller, like small fat category on that small end of plus size it’s interesting how people my size tend to be actually picked a lot more for things. When it’s a really, I’d love to see more size 22-24 modelling for these plus size brands, and like plus size categories within you know, brands, because it’s like that’s their customers and like, you know, I know someone who’s a size 14, who is modelling the curve section for a brand. And she’s a size 14, I worked with a plus sized brand a lot before COVID. And we always had good group of influencers. And we’d always be really honest to the PR girls and everything and like you need a bit more representation, you are a plus size brand. And what would always just get back is it’s like, it’s the people at the top and it’s going to be these like fat phobic dudes who are like on the board. Do you know what I mean?
Laura Thomas
I think what you’re speaking to, is this idea that also Well, I suppose it’s the sort of co-option of body positivity is whereby, you know, it’s it’s more acceptable to be plus size, but only up to a point and it’s it’s also kind of become like a marketing ploy or a marketing gimmick as well that that a lot of companies use to seem woke to seem like they actually care about people, but we know that actually what they care about.
Abby Russell
A big brand, Victoria’s Secret. They’ve just I don’t know if you saw it, but they just came out because obviously, not long ago, it all came out about the guy being really transphobic, fat phobic. And then obviously, there’s been a recent change, and they were like, oh, no, no, no, no, Victoria’s Secrets for everybody. And they like have this little trailer or advert. But everyone’s like, Nah, you’re too late, and the advert’s not even inclusive enough. And also like Victoria’s Secret, and it was always sort of very sexy. And like, you know, like the catwalk shows the wings. And then they’ve done this advert with like a few curvier girls in it again, acceptable curvy. And it’s all very like beige, and you know, just in a plain studio. So it’s almost like, you can’t even give us people in bigger bodies. Like we want to be sexy, we want to walk down a catwalk with like angel wings on. Do you know what I mean? They don’t even do that.
Laura Thomas
Just as you were saying that I just, you just had like, in my imagination wings coming up behind your head. And they were sensational. I’m here for, like I as you were speaking I could see it. But I hear what you’re saying that. And it kind of speaks to some of the questions that we’ll get to later on, which is this idea that you know, as your body changes, and I’m kind of thinking about this from lots of different lenses as well, like, whether that means that your body is getting older, or you’re getting fatter, or your body has just, you become a parent, which is what we’re speaking a lot about here on this podcast. There’s a sort of like, invisibility associated with it and the you know, the more or the further towards those things that you become slash the further away from the you know, quote unquote ideal you become You know, you have to start adopting the beige colours, the blacks, the, you know, the neutrals, you can’t like sort of be embellished and have wings and, you know, literal and metaphorical sense of that. Yeah, I wonder if you could kind of like speak to that a little bit more that sort of, you know, that fat bodies.. the, let me try and reframe that question. I’ve kind of lost my train of thought here. What was I thinking?
Abby Russell
So being in the bigger body, and not being not being? Not feeling like that kind of sense of becoming invisible? And like having to not be exciting, I guess?
Laura Thomas
Yeah, I think that there’s the sort of it kind of becomes this, like, self fulfilling prophecy, almost, I think in that, like, you know, the further away from the quote, unquote, ideal we are, the more that we are, you know, even in that example, that you were giving a Victoria’s Secret, they’re sort of almost like cosigning that, okay, you can be here, but like, you have to tone it down. What do you have to say to that, because I feel like, you know, you that is very antithetical to your own brand?
Abby Russell
I think the thing is, if you are in that stage of your life, especially like changing, if you’ve already changed in size, and you are increasing in size, and once you hit that kind of size, 18 Plus, things really do change. And if you are feeling like crap like that, then like, you know what, it’s okay. Because it’s crap like, the shopping is so much harder, you can’t go shopping, even size 16 up, you cannot go shopping to a shopping centre in person, and know that you’re gonna get a full selection of what’s available. You just can’t like it’s ridiculous. But what with the growth of obviously, like online shopping, it has opened up a lot for plus size women for shopping. And obviously, more and more brands are adding curved ranges to their brand, which is great. And I’m seeing it slightly get better, because obviously, at the beginning curve ranges were like the worst like, like, tents and like, really like butterfly prints and floral and just like really naff stuff. So there’s definitely I mean, I still see that. But there’s definitely a shift happening slightly. Like we’re still pushing, pushing that we’re getting slightly more tender things, but still at like a higher price. Because I mean, I’m thinking of like the Karen Millen plus size, that’s very, that’s quite a bit more fashion forward and cool. But again, that’s like a slightly higher price point. Also, Instagram has been really amazing for me to follow people who are in all different sizes, sizes, and bigger bodies who have real personality in their style. And I think that’s what Instagrams really awesome for is being able to follow these people and get inspiration from them. So like, there’s so many plus size women who literally are so colourful, and you know, it’s pieces from here, there and everywhere, and like they’ll make their own things. And I think that’s really awesome to tap into those spaces online to get a bit more good vibes and inspiration for that.
Laura Thomas
Yeah, you’re reminding me of the book by Bethany Rutter called Plus where she just collects a whole bunch of images of plus size women who are just absolutely killing it in. Yeah, just like brightly coloured really fashion forward. Just really cool people. And I think, yeah, that’s kind of what you’re speaking to, right is that there’s so many, like, it’s kind of, they are and they aren’t visible at the same time. But there is more visibility.
Abby Russell
Yes, definitely. Yeah. And then it’s like a journey in yourself as well, I guess, like from being in a bigger body, that’s, you know, it’s harder to shop. You can see that companies don’t like include you in the advertising and things like that. So it’s like a weird thing of like, Oh, you do feel kind of like, shut behind the door sort of thing. Just kind of realising, you know, understanding diet culture and fat phobia. And actually why these companies are like that, and knowing that it’s bullshit. And then like..
Laura Thomas
Abby you can fully swear on this podcast
Abby Russell And understanding that you know, that’s that world and that’s problems but you know, you are you in your body, which is amazing and unique. So it’s like you just do what you need to do to feel good in yourself.
Laura Thomas
Yeah, I hear what you’re saying. it’s really hard, you know, I still fit into straight size clothes, but even as my body has changed especially since having a baby there is something that feels so demoralising. shopping online, seeing, you know, stick stick thin people not that there’s anything wrong with being thin, that’s their, Well, that may or may not be their body type. We’re not sure what’s going on there. But you know that what the company is putting forward. And, you know, there’s just that despair of like, that’s like, how is that going to look on my body? I have no sense of how this is actually going to look on my body because, like, again, especially since having a baby, your body changes in ways that you just don’t really expect and things don’t go back to where they were before. And there’s more of you. It’s in a different place than it was before, your shape has changed. And yeah, so I’ve found at least my experience has been that shopping has just been such a Yeah, completely demoralising experience. So like, that was kind of one of the questions I got from a listener was how can you shop when many shops no longer carry inclusive sizing in store? And then she’s kind of put as a snarky comment, go online, eyeroll. Because that’s the advice that you’re given as much as you know, and it’s true, as you said that they’re like, online shopping has opened up this huge variety of new clothing, which is amazing. But when it still doesn’t feel accessible.
Abby Russell
Yeah, totally. And it’s also that you have to obviously pay for delivery. So it’s like, we have this extra cost.
Laura Thomas
Yeah. And also like, as a parent, you don’t have time to shop. You don’t have time to do things on like, when there’s like a child screaming at you or needing your attention or, like there are all these other kind of like confounding variables as well. So like, yeah, sorry, I feel like I’m being such a bummer here.
Abby Russell
We got to talk about it.
Laura Thomas
So yeah, what, how do you like, how do you circumnavigate that?
Abby Russell
Yeah, well, I mean, basically, I want to just plug a bit of my business here.
Laura Thomas
Look, that’s why you’re here.
Abby Russell
You know, I’ve noticed that that is such a huge problem, like being able to go and shop and there not being sizes and stores that, like I said, I had a client who was a size 16 I had some online things to try. And I was like, Okay, let’s go to Westfield, in my head like, 16 that’ll be fine. Was it? No, like, Absolutely not, as far as I’ve seen, so yeah, I’ve created this kind of in person shopping day, for women who, for all sizes, but you know, especially thinking of plus size women who can’t have an in person shopping de like I said, you can’t you can’t go and try on things in stores and be like, Oh, no, no, thank you. Like you have to do the whole process of ordering online delivery fee gets delivered and then doesn’t fit, you have to return it. Like it’s such an extra thing in your life. So yeah, so I’ve created an in person shopping day, where you can be any size plus size, you turn up to this like lounge that I rented out, and I’ll do all the online shopping and have it all there for you to like try on. So that’s what I’m offering in my personal styling biz.
Laura Thomas
And I like so, okay, let’s just say put it out there. It’s not going to be accessible or affordable for everyone. But that aside, I have it on very good authority, that this is a most excellent service. And that you just take all the legwork out of, like the ordering, the selecting the. that sort of mental arithmetic of like, Fuck, what, what is an outfit? Like? What goes with what and what’s going to kind of work for my shape and when I say work for my shape, I don’t mean like, conceal your shape and hide it away, but like, what’s going to, you know, practically work for you and what’s actually going to fit and feel comfortable. And I think I just wished that there was more of this kind of service available. I remember a friend of mine went to go see a personal stylist, not long after having her baby and you know trying to figure this out and also you know, overall it was fine. She found that there was still this like it was the whole experience was tainted by the stylists actually being fat phobic towards themselves. Yeah, and like making comments about like, their chins and their you know, their stomach and things like that. And that just was really so off putting so for my friends so, like really love that you are creating a safe space for people to explore this. But then, okay, so let’s say, which I think is going to be a few, quite a few listeners and myself included, like, what if we can’t come to you, Abby? Yeah, let’s just take the average person who’s just had a baby, there’s a tonne of pressure and expectation on them to snap back and lose weight or to love their bodies and be in awe of this like miracle that they’ve just gone through. And it feels like it’s just so much more complicated than that. Because, there’s a lot going on at that time, you know, you might be grieving a traumatic birth, or stay in hospital or feeding challenges. You’re healing physically and emotionally. And you’re figuring out this whole new human. And I think the hardest bit is that there’s also huge shift in your identity. And there’s so little time and space to figure that out to figure out who you are as a parent. And then, of course, the physical changes to our body. Like I said before, things just do not go back in the same place that they were in before. And our shape changes massively. And I think all of this makes it so hard to figure out who you are, and what are the clothes that you want to wear to kind of represent who you are, and to kind of express who you are to the world. So I suppose what my question is, is how, how can we begin to kind of like, tease out the threads of, of what our personal style is, when we’ve got this massive head fuck going on.
Abby Russell
Yeah, I mean, first of all, I shouldn’t say like, I’m, I’m not a mom. But I can only empathise because, like, it is a roller coaster for you guys. Like, wow. Yeah. So to me, I think during that time, my head goes to like, you need to be comfortable. Like, we don’t want to be dipping into bodycon dresses and wearing heels. So it’s like, right, so we’re going to take you down a more comfort route. So to me that is like having clothes like, actually fit nicely. Like waistbands that actually sit nicely on the tummy that aren’t, you know, making you feel uncomfortable that you can spend the day in very comfortably. And also, I’m really big on breathable fabrics right now. Obviously, in the heat, but I feel like that’s so important as well. So just like cotton and linen, I really found when I was going on a couple of holidays recently, and like a lot of my things were cotton, and they just helped so much with like, comfort levels. And I guess it’s, I mean, not that you have a lot of time during this, like first period of motherhood. But it’s like, if you can, like just take a bit of time to almost reconnect with yourself, but I get that you’re like, you feel like a completely different person, though.
Laura Thomas
Yeah, it’s such a tough one. Because I don’t want to play into this narrative that you lose yourself in motherhood, because that’s like, I think that’s really problematic. But I’m trying to hold space for the fact that you, you know, especially if you’re becoming a parent for the very first time, that that is a huge shift in your identity. And so maybe we can, like, come back to that in just a second. Because what you’re talking about just now I think is like this immediate postpartum period, and I wanted to offer maybe one or two things that I found helpful in case it’s useful for other people. Something I did that actually worked out pretty well is when I knew that I wanted to try and get pregnant I bought clothes that I knew were going to be kind of looser fitting anyway. So like I don’t know if this meets your criteria for breathable fabric or not, but like a jersey cotton dress that was kind of squishy at the bottom, but in a fun print and then you know, like an oversized Jersey jumper kind of dress thing. And you know, yeah, just things that I knew that would kind of work with my changing body that would likely still work afterwards as well. That slightly backfired in the I bought a bunch of work clothes for that purpose. And then I was like, oh shit, I’m not so yeah, and they also didn’t work for breastfeeding. So that was my bad but so like those things notwithstanding that was kind of that was a decent plan. The other thing that I think hopefully goes without saying but just in case it doesn’t it’s like there’s absolutely no shame and continuing to wear your maternity clothes postpartum for as long as you need to now I get that they’re not like necessarily the coolest or like they might not make you feel the most put together necessarily but I think you know for at home, or just you know, like under you I wore my maternity leggings for a long time. Yeah. You know, even just under a baggy t-shirt or, or whatever it was. So yeah, there’s no shame in that. Oh and other You say like stretchy bras, like, non underwired? Yeah, yeah. Like bralettes even, you know, for like, when you’re not going out of the house, like, an essential and massive, massive pants, like the ones that come up past your belly button, kind of. But um, so yeah, the second the second sort of part of that was, where do you begin, like, past the immediate postpartum haze, fuzziness when your body has started to like, heal and settle down. And maybe you have a little bit more headspace to start thinking about, like putting your style together? What are some of the things that you’re that you would encourage people to think about? Because, maybe I’m just projecting here because like, I have a lot of commitment phobia when it comes to buying clothes. And like, what does this say about me? Who does this say about who I am as a person in the world like, and as I feel like you have a really strong like, this is what I like, this is what I’m about when it comes to your clothes. Like, how can people go about figuring that out?
Abby Russell
Well, for a starting place would be, especially after giving birth, and that and your body changing, go for a bra fitting, because very likely that your boobs are not the same size. Because having the right, correct fitting bra makes such a difference under clothes, like you know, your tops are going to hang a lot nicer during the dresses or sit a lot nicer. So yeah, that’s always my go to there. And I’m quite like, I’m a fuller bust girl. So I’m like, I’m like a 32 J / JJ. So I’ve got a lot of knowledge around the far end fuller bust side of things, which is a whole other conversation.
Laura Thomas
And also the like, for anyone who’s nursing trying to match that up with like, nursing, like nursing bras, you’re a whole other mindfuck when you’ve got like big boobs, and you’ve got and you’re trying to find a nursing bra that doesn’t like cut into you. Or like, yeah, or there seem to be like, not padded, but like very thick fabric. So then it’s just like not I don’t know.
Abby Russell
Yeah, if you’re I mean fuller bust, but I think they start from like even D but Bravissimo is my go to, and they have free fittings that you can go to get done and the staff are just like really nice. And I feel like it’s, They’re all about confidence boosting in there. So it’s really a nice place to go because you know, I don’t, you always hear kind of like m&s is best place, but m&s actually only stocks up to a H cup. So if I went in there they’d incorrectly size me so they could fit a bra on me, even though I’m like, but because they don’t stop J/JJ. So that’s why if you are more on the far end cup size Bravissimo is your place to go. So yeah, so that would be my first step. So it’s kind of like getting those foundations right that you’re wearing. Then it’s like thinking about, like, you’re like thinking about your lifestyle, your day to day, when you’re thinking about adding into kind of a new wardrobe. Like I’m saying, is comfort a really high priority for you?
Laura Thomas
Yes. The answer is yes. You said heels earlier, my body like shuddered.
Abby Russell
Yeah. I feel like especially after the whole COVID situation us being indoors. I feel like comfort is, we’re really staying there.
Laura Thomas
Yeah, yeah, I heard someone, I heard someone on the podcast, I forget their name, but like someone the other. I was listening to a podcast the other day. And they described it as comfort core.
Abby Russell
And then it’s, it’s just kind of, I sometimes ask my clients like, is there a certain kind of celebrity or like public figure that you’re like, Oh, I really like her vibe. And it’s just like, maybe starting to be more aware of like, when you’re on Instagram, if you still read magazines, whatever, like picking up even like coloured patterns. I don’t know, like, you know, you might be looking at wallpaper and you’re like, oh my god, I really like this print. I don’t know, like, so to me, it’s like, whatever you’re drawn to. And it’s like, I don’t know, like what you vibe with. I always like, kind of go with that. Because it’s how you dress. It’s what I see it as like, you know, it’s what you like. So there’s, it’s not about rules of oh, this is how I need to dress. It’s like, what do you like, what do you vibe with? You know? So it’s a lot more like up in the air, about trying to find someone’s vibe.
Laura Thomas
And so then how do you recommend they, like what’s the step from there? Once you’ve kind of like, figured out what that vibe is? How do you go about then sort of recreating that in a way where you don’t just feel like ripping off someone else’s style like, where it’s still authentic to you?
Abby Russell
I think I mean, again, that’s why I love following certain accounts on Instagram and stuff because you can get, you know, people generally share like, where they get things and whatnot and have to like style, this shirt, five different ways kind of thing. And then it is just kind of like having a play about maybe not just like, you don’t need to be so serious about it.
Laura Thomas
I’m definitely overthinking this, aren’t I?
Abby Russell
Because to me, it’s like whenever I’m trying, if I buy something, I’ll have a colour or play around. So I’ll do some different belts. I’ve tried different shoes. And it’s like, oh, there’s this. Just like have a little try-on and play about that’s what I call it. It’s like play about with it. Because it’s like, play. It’s like a form of like, creativity, isn’t it?
Laura Thomas
I mean, yeah, now you’re like putting it that way. I totally see that. And I think that is such a helpful way to reframe it is just thinking about being playful and having fun with it. Because, yeah, like, It’s not that serious. But it’s like, I know, it’s just clothes.
Abby Russell
I know, you can still get in your head. Because it’s like, you know, you wear clothes every day. And if you’re feeling shit about yourself and what you’re wearing, then I totally get how it can feel so serious. But I think just like shifting that mindset a bit and going like I’ll have a play about with it. And with my clients, I’ll always have a couple of like wildcard options that will take and I’m like, right, this is a bit of a wild card, but I just thought we’ll just try it on. Because it’s like just try it on, if it doesn’t work doesn’t work, and it’s fine. And it’s done. We don’t need to be like, it doesn’t need to ruin our day.
Laura Thomas
I think that’s like, that’s such a helpful thing to think about is just like maybe trying something that you wouldn’t ordinarily like something that’s outside of your comfort zone. And I was just reflecting a little bit about okay, why am I so why am I taking this so seriously, like, why does that feel like that to me? I think it’s because it can be high stakes. And I think I’m saying this with like, a tonne of privilege, but like, spending money on clothes, and like, that’s not an unlimited resource. And also, again, you know, as a parent, you have, you know, you have other humans that you’re needing to consider now, like, you know, I think I’ve talked about this on the podcast, like, when I was like, I don’t know, maybe like 17 to 24 or something like I almost exclusively wore pink right? And that was fun. And that was cute when I was that age. But like, you know, now I’m a parent, my clothes have to be a bit more practical, they have to be boob accessible, like I, they, I can’t, like just wear white clothes, because they will get wrecked like, and so when I’m when I’m thinking about what I’m going to wear it, like I have more considerations. And I also have to think about, like, if I’m spending money on this, that is money that can’t go towards like clothes for my kid or, like, you know, whatever other household things that we need. So there’s just like, you know, it’s, I can’t just be as frivolous with clothes as it was maybe that’s maybe that’s it? Maybe I should take this to therapy? I don’t know.
Abby Russell
But yeah, because it’s also like, that thing of if it sometimes it does take you to like bite the bullet to, to, if you can, obviously spend a bit more time/money on yourself just just for this period, because like, you know, you need to be a happy mum to be a good mom for your family. Do you know what I mean?
Laura Thomas
Yeah, no, there’s definitely something about that, that,
Abby Russell
It’s almost like the guilt, isn’t it?
Laura Thomas
Yeah, it’s guilt. Maybe not guilt. But yeah, just that, again, this is my experience, but I can’t just like, go, you know, drop 200 quid on dress or something. You know, that’s just not I just can’t do that anymore. And so, or even like, not even not even, like, you know, just a dress from h&m, I have to think, Okay, do I really need this? Like, is this gonna, you know, work, you know, there’s just more considerations, but I think I’m kind of like beating a dead horse here.
Abby Russell
I think a lot of people are actually thinking that way, because a lot of people are trying to be more sustainable.
Laura Thomas
And also just like, Do you know how much our energy bills are going to be this year? Do I know how much we’re gonna be spending on food? So like, I’m just, I think conscious of, of how like, yeah, tight is for everyone. And just, again, not trying to be a bummer, but like holding in mind that, again, I’m speaking for myself here, but, you know, I’ve got a lot of clothes in my wardrobe that I know don’t fit, and I’m going to clear them out. I just haven’t had the time. But like the prospect of having to completely rebuy a new wardrobe effectively, which is what I’m looking at doing, it’s a daunting prospect and I have to think carefully about it.
Abby Russell
Yeah, definitely. And yeah, I mean, that’s, I mean, I feel like everyone’s going to be, you know, thinking along those lines. And it’s totally fair, if you’re saying that you’re looking at dresses, you know on H&M, or in a High Street store, I think it is good to think of like, right, does this work for me? Like, am I gonna get cost, what’s my cost per wear? And I think like, like I said, it’s a lot more sustainable way of shopping, not not doing the whole fast fashion thing anymore. And yeah,, that’s why I do like to buy the kind of more breathable fabrics and whatnot, because they just tend to last longer. Yeah, once you know, once, you know, a certain style, and you’re like, well, actually, I could take this, I can actually wear this in winter, as well, because I can layer like a roll neck and with boots. So it’s like you can make things like, wear it in both seasons and whatnot.
Laura Thomas
So I guess what, what you’re, you’re saying just to like, go back to that is you’re kind of thinking a little bit about what you need from your wardrobe in terms of practicalities, comfort, that kind of thing. And then looking for inspiration, looking for people that you find are really, kind of cool. And kind of yeah, like to use your words like vibe with you.
Abby Russell
I always say to either start like a Pinterest board, or you can do boards on Instagram. Now when you save things, so then when you if you have a board of like just things that you’ve saved, they like on it that like that, then when you go to look at it, you might get an overall vibe of like, well, actually, I’m saving a lot of this colour, I’m saving a lot of like these kind of prints, and then you can that can be a guide for you to for what to search for online.
Laura Thomas
That’s a good idea. So just like yeah, kind of saving or pinning a bunch of things. And then almost like zooming out and seeing okay, what is the trend here? What do I like, rather than maybe like trying to replicate a very specific outfit?
Abby Russell
Yes, yeah. Yeah. Because I know if I’m like going and wanting an outfit, and I’m like, Oh, I really want to wear pink or something like that. I literally just put pink in the search thing, in like ASOS. Like I’ll start I always start with ASOS. And I’ll just put pink in the search. And like so I’ll get heaps of stuff, but I quite like that and I just get a full range of what’s available.
Laura Thomas
Oh, see, this is why you make a good stylist is because you’re good at sifting through all of that. Whereas I go on a shop like that. And I got major anxiety. I’m like, holy shit. There’s so many things here. How am I? Like, my baby’s gonna wake up in 30 minutes? How am I gonna like look through all of this?
Abby Russell
I know because I’ve always found shopping like really quite easy. And like, especially online, like, I don’t get overwhelmed or anything by it. But then it was one of my best friends. She’s like, I can’t go on and I just can’t. And I was like, Oh,
Laura Thomas
I used to be able to like spend all weekend shopping. But I don’t know what it is like yeah, things change. Okay, so anyway tell us you were, what you were talking about was like, go figuring out like that print or that colour. And then just putting that in as a search term on like a clothes site.
Abby Russell
On any of the clothes websites wherever or even just like into Google as well. Yeah.
Laura Thomas
And then I think kind of the main thing that I was taking away from that is like, being playful with it being a bit creative. Not being too serious.
Abby Russell
Yes. Definitely. Yeah. Yeah.
Laura Thomas
So I got quite a few questions in on Instagram. And I thought we could do these as kind of like, almost rapid fire in the last like five or 10 minutes here. Just to kind of yeah, get your instinctive answer to them. Okay. Are you ready?
Abby Russell
Ready
Laura Thomas
So the first is, how do you approach it when you want to be okay with a body area, for example, your belly, but you’re not there yet. As in I don’t want to hide it. It’s my belly. But is it okay to buy stuff that doesn’t emphasise it or that? Is that just compounding the bullshit?
Abby Russell
Yeah, so yeah, I totally, totally get this. I’ve had this with a client recently, actually. I got her tried on a jumpsuit. And just, you know, it kind of probably put a bit of emphasis on her tummy area, but more than she ever had because you normally wear dresses, but just because it was the trousers and I could see that when she put it on. It was like, oh, and then she was like, No, I actually like it. And then, um, you know, she messaged me and she went out the jumpsuit and that was compliments. And it’s like, sometimes it is getting out of that comfort zone, wearing you know, an outfit that might be revealing certain part of you that has insecurities, and kind of when you’re out there wearing it realising like, oh, okay, I’m good.
Laura Thomas
Yeah, I think almost what you’re speaking to you is that like, you know, that sense of if, if I feel comfortable in it, then that’s gonna kind of like go across and how I’m carrying myself and how I’m kind of. Yeah, moving through. So yeah, like if you, if it feels kind of, if you like it and you feel good in it, then that’s all that matters.
Abby Russell
Yeah. But also like, just to that listeners question. I think the fact that you’re even understanding, like, the mentality behind it is really cool. Because you know, some so many people just want to hide Hide, hide the fact that you’re challenging. That is a great first, you’re in the right direction.
Laura Thomas
Yeah, it’s reminding me of this. I’ll link to this in the show notes. A long time ago, Kelsey Miller had a column for refinery 29. And she wrote a piece about the VBL, the visible belly line line. Yeah. And basically, she just like, bought a bunch of clothes that showed off her belly. She wasn’t particularly confident about that. But she put them on, and she did like a photoshoot as part of the anti diet project. And yeah, she loved it. And so anyway, I’ll link to it in the shownotes because it’s a really cool piece. Okay, so this, this kind of links into their piece about invisibility that kind of touched on earlier. But this person says, Since becoming plus size, I’ve noticed people don’t compliment my appearance or outfits. I often find myself annoyed that skinny people get a lot of praise for cute outfits. And then a thin person in the same outfit is totally not acknowledged. How does Abby handle this totally unfair, imbalanced dynamic between straight size fashion and plus size fashion?
Abby Russell
Yeah, yeah. I mean, I actually can relate to this. Because I’ve noticed, for me personally, when I was at drama school, I dropped quite a lot of weight, just because we were just so active in like dancing so much, I just naturally dropped a bit of weight. And I was probably like, my smallest thing and that I got the most compliments about my body and my shape, like during that time, and then since I graduated, I’ve just gradually gained weight to where I am now. And I’ve noticed that during that week, and like, especially becoming like a 16, sometimes 18. I don’t get any compliments about, my body and how I look. And I felt that was like interested in that. I’ve personally experienced that, you know, because that then actually affected how I dressed because I remember at drama school, because I was in that smaller body, I was getting attention. I was getting compliments on being my size. I would dress to like, show off more. So I wear tighter things and I wore heels all the time. And I remember it was like quite a few years after graduating, I had a bit of a lightbulb moment where I was like, hold on, what am I doing? Like I need to dress for me not for getting compliments. So yeah, so I get that. But it’s very, there’s, there’s like a running joke, I think it comes from like Pinterest where it’s like you’ve got like the very thin girls wearing like, kind of like random outfits. But it’s like if a thin girl wears it, it’s fashion. But like if a plus size girl wore that it like seems horrendous. So it’s like, are you fashionable? Or are you just thin was like the meme for it? Which is problematic in itself as well.
Laura Thomas
All right. I think we’ve kind of touched on a part of this question. But I think that this is a really important one. How to redefine postpartum style on a budget. I need clothes, but I’m on statutory maternity pay. So just for reference, that’s only like 600 pounds a month. And then that’s like, including, you know, that’s everything right. So yeah, I think it’s really difficult to have any conversations about clothes, because of, you know, the, like the bigger conversation around sustainability and fast fashion. And at the same time we’re living in, you know, I was gonna say a cost of living crisis. It’s not a cost of living crisis. It is a failure of our government crisis. Yes. But anyway, that notwithstanding, everyone is like, everyone is feeling the pinch at the moment, but then with the added layer of being on a really strict budget, how do you navigate that?
Abby Russell
Yeah, I mean, it’s tough, I think. I think high street stores can offer a lot though, and I think it’s not to be shunned. And I think there comes a lot of this guilt of maybe shopping, fast fashion still. But I think you’ve got to, you can only do what you can do. So it’s like, don’t get down on yourself about having to shop fast fashion if you need to, that’s totally fine. And it’s there to be shopped. And especially, like, it’s been a big conversation with like, plus sized people. They’re like, Don’t make us feel bad about not being able to shop sustainable because hell, like majority of sustainable brands don’t even sell plus sizes. So
Laura Thomas
I think that’s it, I think, I think, you know, there’s, there’s so much onus on the individual to like, it’s a personal responsibility that we’re not holding brands, we’re not holding, like, you know, capitalism to account here, when it’s, yeah, it’s a it’s a systemic problem rather than an individual problem. So, yeah, like, you know, given what I was saying before, like, about, you know, what, especially when you’re a parent, and you have to make a smaller amount of money go a longer way when you’re on statutory maternity pay, or, or really any kind of benefit, right. So yeah, that’s really tough. And like you said, like, you can’t, you have to do what you got to do.
Abby Russell
Yeah, you got to do what you go to do. And it’s like, you’re gonna have a lot of things going on in your life? If so, if you can’t shop sustainably for this period of time in your life, then like, that’s okay.
Laura Thomas
Okay, when do you call it and ditch old clothes that you’re probably never going to fit into?
Abby Russell
Yeah. So basically, if you’ve got clothes hanging in your wardrobe that you know don’t fit you, but you’re keeping it there. What are you telling yourself? It’s like, you open your wardrobe, and likely it’ll catch your eye. And you know, that’s like two sizes too small for you. Why are you hanging on to it, because that’s just sending yourself the message that there might be a possibility, chance that I get that small again, just going to keep it there. And that just kind of keeps you in that whole mindset of like, weight loss and like, I’m going to try and get my body back to what it was.
Laura Thomas
Yeah, your body doesn’t go anywhere.
Abby Russell
No, yeah, it is. Yeah. So it’s just like doing nothing for your sanity, mental health, or your confidence. So it’s just got to be a point where it’s charity shop or sell. It’s great if you can sell because then you can get their money.
Laura Thomas
Can we? Can we talk about this for a second? Okay. I don’t know if this is just me. I need to clear up my wardrobe. It’s like on the To Do lists, taking some time off in August, and it’s one of the like, jobs that I need to do. I’m going to put it on Vinted but I’m also terrified of Vinted because I sold a lot of Avery’s old clothes on there. And the people on there are vicious with their commenting like somebody left me a bad review because the the like pants that they bought like that were like Avery’s old pants didn’t look good on their kid. So that’s my fault. What the fuck? They are like hungry wolves on there. They are coming for you.
Abby Russell
Yeah, I have seen some screenshots of some very mad messages.
Laura Thomas
Okay, so it’s like a thing, right?
Abby Russell
It’s a thing. It’s a thing. Yes.
Laura Thomas
I’m like, afraid to sell any more clothes on Vinted. Because of these comments. Honestly, I have not. I think one positive, no one’s gonna buy anything from me, remember the days when an Uber driver wouldn’t pick you up? Yeah. Okay.
Abby Russell
Yeah, I think when putting things on, because I always use Depop. But I know that Vinted seems to have like, gone above Depop.
Laura Thomas
Has it? Maybe I should try there for my clothes.
Abby Russell
Yeah. But I think that I mean, the best thing to do on those kinds of sites is put as much information as possible. Like, be very obvious about like, all the details. So you don’t get like mad messages, but you go in to it expecting weird people to maybe message you.
Laura Thomas
Yeah, it’s like, yeah, I think that’s I think that’s good advice is putting as much like detail as possible. But I think yeah, I think you know, what people have, like, clients of mine that I’ve worked with, who are kind of at this stage where they they need to kind of do a wardrobe clear is, is yeah, that process of of like, taking pictures of your clothes, writing a description, taking it to the post office like or wherever because it could be like with Vinted, there’s like 20 different options. Like it’s a lot. So
Abby Russell
Yeah, I mean, yeah, that’s why I’m more likely to just get a bag, charity they go, charity shop drop off,
Laura Thomas
But then like you say, if you can sell your clothes then yeah, then it gets a little bit of money towards paying for a new wardrobe.
Abby Russell
So yeah, exactly. Yeah, yeah. So you got Yeah, it’s like, if you’re selling that you have to like to prioritise it right away if I have time to do this bit now.
Laura Thomas
And this is like the point in time where I like resent men. Because they’re not worrying about any of this shit. Right? They’re just not just because, yeah,
Abby Russell
Yeah, I can’t imagine like going through that postpartum time, because I bet it’s just all very intense. Just like all the feelings and thoughts about everything. But also, just to add on kind of having a clear out, always helpful if you can have someone that is like a good person who’s not going to be triggering, or whatever, that’s with you to do it. It’s just so helpful. Because it’s like, because I’ll even go to a client’s house and help. I’m like, alright, let’s start here. Let’s go through everything to do there. It’s done. Am I doing that to myself, with my wardrobe? No. It’s like, I always feel like I need someone there with me.
Laura Thomas
Yeah. Honestly, Abby, like my new MO in life is to save up enough money to hire you to help me do all this stuff. Because it just sounds like, it’s so much more pleasant.
Abby Russell
And that’s the thing it’s Yeah, I think, yeah, we build up these things. And it’s just like, Ah, god, but then when you do have someone there and it’s again, don’t be so serious. Here we go. Let’s do it.
Laura Thomas
Okay, last last question that a crowd source is bra style for, Okay, it’s, two different people were asking about bras. So I just thought this was a funny comment – bra style for saggy boobs, that’s all. And then bra recs, please breastfed for three years, cannot stand underwire now. You’ve mentioned bravissimo.
Abby Russell
Yeah, so you’re gonna get a lot of, so they sell a lot of different brands there. So I’ve also, like I’ve modelled quite a lot for Curvy Kate. That’s actually how I got my start modelling with them. They’ve actually just come out with a really awesome bralette. It’s like a really nice, like, orangey yellow tone.
Laura Thomas
Okay, I’ve seen this. And this was some, this was someone that I was going to recommend following. It’s one woman called Chloe, who’s fuller bust inspo. She started following me the other day, I think after you shared something and I was looking through her account, and I think she was modelling this. And I think she’s double. J.
Abby Russell
Yeah. I’ve followed her for a while now. Because it’s like, right, we’re similar size. So I know that, like, our recommendation is totally fit me. So yeah, so check her out fuller bust inspo.
Laura Thomas
And yes, she’s model she’s, she’s done, like a real or something of that bralette that you were talking about. really comfy, but also supportive. Yeah, really important. And I couldn’t tell, but it looks like you might be able to whip the boob out if you need to, to.
Abby Russell
It has like a plunge style. Yeah, definitely. Yeah, that’s yeah, so she’s a really good person to follow. And I mean, there’s actually once you get into that kind of community online for like, lingerie for a fuller bust, you’ll actually find there’s quite a few girls on Instagram that just do reviews, try ons, you know, to to help us out and what’s what’s going to work.
Laura Thomas
I think that’s like, the point that I was picking up on there is like finding maybe a couple of people who are a similar size to you so that you kind of get a sense of like, what works for their shape and for their body. I think a trap that I see a lot of folks fall into so this is kind of like a separate but maybe adjoining conversation but when I start working with a new client, I always get them to do like a social media purge. Yeah, and start following more like, you know, anti diet accounts and you know, stuff that they’re just generally interested in outside of diet culture, and you know, getting rid of all the diety fitness people. Yeah, but something that I’ve noticed that parents in particular hold on to are like a lot of mum influencers, who, you know, they’re like, Oh, well, I’m following them for like, you know, recommendations about what to do with the kids or about like, baby stuff, but those people still are projecting an idealised image. And it might not necessarily be about fashion or, you know, food or anything like that necessarily. They still have those kind of dietary undertones, they may still, you know, fit into the thin ideal and, you know, lots of other ideals. So that’s just something that I think that I kind of get my clients to think a little bit is kind of who are you following in that sort of mum influencer space?
Abby Russell
Yeah. Because it’s, I mean, obviously, so easy to compare on social media. And I think once you get really honest with yourself is like when this person’s posts come up when I see it. What am I feeling? Like, am I feeling this weird, like comparison thing, then it’s like, it’s got to go then. And then that’s what I love about a lot of the fashion girls that I follow on Instagram, like, I genuinely, when I see their stuff, I’m like, Wow, that’s great. And, you know, it’s like, it’s awesome. And you know, that’s what you want.
Laura Thomas
Yeah, you absolutely do. Yeah, you’re, you’re really right. So those were all the questions that Well, I think there was some other ones, but I haven’t written them down. So we’re gonna say that was all the questions I had. But I’m wondering if there was anything else that you wanted to add around, just trying to like, figure out your style and your identity through, like your clothes, and I guess, accessories more generally. You know, in this new phase of life
Abby Russell
I mean, to me, because it’s always about my own personality, who I am. And then that just, I just express that through kind of, like what I wear, and that’s why it’s like, I’ll always have quite a big wardrobe. But it’s because I’m very, like, it depends what mood I’m in. And like all that, I’m very dependent on mood and what I’m doing for like what I’m wearing, whereas like a lot of other people. They like to be a bit more like, I’ve got this capsule wardrobe and I’m good. Just like, you know, they’re not as, because we’re all gonna think differently. Our brains all function differently. So for me, it’s so much creativity, mood driven. Like how am I feeling? Like it’s very, like intuitive? Almost. Yeah.
Laura Thomas
Oh, my God. Intuitive dressing. I can see it now. You write the book.
Abby Russell
So yeah, so I’m very much about that. So I guess, I mean, it kind of, again, like, like, kind of, you know, finding body confidence is like actually taking a step back and like connecting with yourself, like, by your personality. And like, what does my personality look like, almost.
Laura Thomas
This is like a big existential question, Abby. But I am so happy for you that you have figured it out. I’m still working on it. But I love what you say especially around this piece around being playful not being too serious. And just kind of like yeah, letting your mood dictate how you want to, you know, if you want to be like bring bright bold colours are like a funky pattern and or, yeah, if actually, you know, just want to wrap yourself in a big cosy cardigan today.
Abby Russell
And it’s really, and then also a big part is dressing yourself outside of diet culture. So it’s saying the big middle finger fu to the rules of like, well, this is my body shape. And this is how I should dress and it’s like, no, just dress how you want to dress. I think that’s what when I did my styling course they were still kind of teaching like hourglass apple pear shape. And like these styles work best with these shapes. And I was just like, sat there. Like, I don’t want to take us into what I do. Because it’s just, to me, it’s just not about that because it’s yeah, if you want to wear something that technically makes you look bigger, but you but you absolutely love it. You love the style of it. You feel really great in it. Well, that’s all that matters. So what if it makes you look bigger, but you still feel great in it. So like, that’s it.
Laura Thomas
Okay, Abby. At the end of every episode, my guests and I share something that they’ve been really into lately. So it can be a book, podcast, it can be a snack, it can be literally anything. Do you have something picked out for us?
Abby Russell
Yeah, so I have two things.
Laura Thomas
That’s fine, because I don’t have anything so you can do mine.
Abby Russell
For snack, I’m obsessed with you know, Kinder. It’s called cards. It’s like a newer one that’s been and it’s called Cards and it’s like a thing of cards almost. But it’s like wafer, okay, either side with like their chocolate mix in the middle. And I like the texture because I love like a crunch. So, I’m obsessed. Kinder Cards
Laura Thomas
You know what it’s like, This is so weird, but it’s like reminding me of those like, you know, those like fake cigarette pack? Like in hindsight I’m like, why did they sell those to kids? But it’s like that kind of concept almost. But like, yeah, but like cards.
Abby Russell
Oh my god, just the texture.
Laura Thomas
Really?
Abby Russell
Such a fan of it
Laura Thomas
I’m gonna like, this may be controversial, but I really hate wafers.
Abby Russell
Oh, okay, so maybe not for you, then.
Laura Thomas
Maybe not. I’m glad that you enjoy them. Yeah. Chocolate cards.
Abby Russell
And also, podcast wise. I mean, for me, it’s so funny. Like, all my podcasts are very like, comedians, humour. I don’t have any serious podcast because I feel like I use podcasts as like a outlet. So one that I really love. And I actually, I watch a lot of them on YouTube, because a lot of them film them and stuff.
Laura Thomas
Oh my god, you’re that person that watches podcasts on YouTube. People keep telling me like put your podcasts on YouTube. And I was like, Nah, come on. Now who wants that? It’s you
Abby Russell
I think because I live on my own now. And like when I’m cooking, I’ll just have my phone with YouTube on. So it’s like, playing and I’m watching but I’m cooking and watching
Laura Thomas
But I also listen to podcasts if I’m cooking, but I just like put my headphones in.
Abby Russell
Yeah, but I just sometimes like to see the people. So,
Laura Thomas
Okay, now maybe you’re making me think that I need to start recording.
Abby Russell
The podcast that I’m really loving is called Hey, babe.
Laura Thomas
Hey, babe.
Abby Russell
And it’s two comedians in New York. And it’s just so funny.
Laura Thomas
Who are the comedians?
Abby Russell
It’s Sal Vulcano, who’s in a show called Impractical Jokers in America. That’s really big, but it’s not big here. And then the other guy, Chris Distefano is just a comedian. So yeah,
Laura Thomas
Okay, I’m gonna check it out. Yeah, because I was like,
Abby Russell
It’s like silly, fun. They tell like really hilarious stories of like, stuff they’ve done in their life and stuff. It’s just funny.
Laura Thomas
That’s sort of like it’s reminding me of, I was like, going through my head of the podcasts that I’m listening to at the moment as like, oh, literally just like listen to the daily to get my news. But I was listening. I remember a podcast episode that my friend made me listen to. And it’s so it’s Off Menu with
Abby Russell
Love Off Menu.
Laura Thomas
Okay, so I’ve only listened to one episode.
Abby Russell
Okay, I’m an OG
Laura Thomas
Are you? Okay. So I’ve specifically only listened to the Munya Chawawa episode. Fucking hell? What is that episode? It’s all over the place. It’s so hilarious. But it’s like, is this for real? I’m not sure how much of this is true, how much of it is just like a fever dream?
Abby Russell
Yeah, no, it’s so good. I’ve yeah, I’ve listend from the start because I’m a huge fan of James Acaster. So whatever he does, I will watch and listen. And so yeah, I’ve listened to that from the start, another great one. But also, because they’re talking about food so much there is obviously some guests who bring in that diet sprinkle. So listen, be aware of that.
Laura Thomas
So be on guard with that, as with most things in the world. But yeah no that episode in particular, I don’t think has any diet culture stuff in it.
Abby Russell
Definitely most don’t but obviously it’s like, there’s always just kind of comments like, you know, about things being good and bad. And I just roll my eyes.
Laura Thomas
This was so fun. I feel like it was just like a chit chat. As opposed to like, actually, like, real work as it were. But before you go, can you let everybody know where they can find you and how they can work with you?
Abby Russell
Yes, so my Instagram is @curvyliving. So if you follow me on there, I’ll be updating everything on that because my website is still being done. So it’s not up yet. But yeah, I’ll just be putting everything on my Instagram when it started. It’s I’m hopefully gonna get everything done by the end of the month. website will be up and I can officially launch this styling the, what packages I’m going to be offering and whatnot, which I’m so excited about because I’ve been talking about it since bloody before lockdown.
Laura Thomas
You’re going to do it. You’re so close and I know you are already doing work these days and, like I said, I have it on like good authority that you’re excellent. And, you know, just like you can feel like the enthusiasm and the excitement and just the joy you have around clothes and around styling, it is palpable. And yeah, it’s, I can imagine like, going for a session with you would just be like a lot of fun rather than it being this like stressful shopping trip.
Abby Russell
Yeah, definitely. Yeah. And I’m definitely excited to be a stylist in this, be in like anti diet culture, anti fat phobic, because I feel like there’s not many out there.
Laura Thomas
I don’t think there’s like any at all. And yeah, I think it’s really rare. And I think it’s a really much needed service. I’m hoping that other people, like you will inspire other people to sort it out as well. All right. Thank you so much for being on it was so much fun to talk to you.
Abby Russell
Thanks.
Laura Thomas
All right, team. That’s this week’s show. If you’d like to learn more about today’s guest, then check out the show notes in your podcast player, or head to laurathomasphd.co.uk for more details or the full transcript from today’s episode. Big thanks to Joeli Kelly for editorial and transcription support. And if you need to get in touch with me then you can email hello@laurathomasphd.co.uk or find me on Instagram @laurathomasnutrition. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, then you can help the show reach more people by subscribing on your podcast player and sharing it with a friend. Alright team. I will catch you next Friday with a brand new episode. See you there.
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