I’m really happy today to introduce you to a new contributer to Big Girls Browse, Hollie-Anne. She’ll be helping me ensure that this site continues to cater to women of all shapes and sizes. As a size 22 fit model, she has a direct line to all the dirty the secrets behind the scenes when it comes to high street fashion, and hopefully she’ll be sharing a few secrets with us! Keep reading for a little intro from the new girl…

Why does writing an introduction post feel a little like writing an online dating profile?

Hollie, 21, seeks perfect tea dress for spring fling. Must be no smaller than a size 20 and have own zip. Hmm, near enough!

I’m really excited to be writing for Big Girls Browse, not least because I’ve found it a wonderful source of inspiration myself. Within the next few months (if Gemma keeps me that long!) you’ll get to follow me on my journey as a plus-size model and see the industry bumps and all.

Having been spotted on the street, I never thought for once that ginger, curvy and pouty was what the fashion industry wanted but I’ve been proved wrong. I’m now working with one of the biggest UK High Street stores as their regular size 22 fittings model and it’s wonderful – surreal, but wonderful.

When I’m not modelling, I’m studying fashion at university and working in the world of PR so, as Gemma states, I’m a big girl in an industry filled with a different idea of body image. It’s challenging to say the least.

When it comes to fashion, I tend to shop at New Look’s Inspire range (for lack of anywhere else, sadly). When I’m feeling flash, I’ll indulge in a major ASOS Curve splurge but I’m really struggling to find anywhere else that accomodates my need for trend-led clothing at student friendly prices, so I’m to suggestions from you eagle-eyed shoppers!

My style is very simple – classic pieces offset by statement accessories. My grape coloured Mulberry Alexa goes everywhere with me and I’m partial to a bright lippy and a beehive in my hair. I’m certainly one for dresses, too – maxi, mid-length, bum skimming… so long as I’ve got a my faux fur coat to chuck over or my beloved boyfriend blazer.

I’ve never really worn trousers for at least ten years as much as I’d like to. Apart from jeans and a pair of classic black bootleg pants, I have nothing. Feel free to tell me you’re perfect trouser style -
I’m quite open to the idea of printed styles, as scary as that sounds!

So, here we go, the end of my first piece, and hopefully the start of many. Here’s to a new adventure, eh?