About six months ago, I happened across a brilliant little blog written by a lovely lass named Natalie Mulford. Natalie is a bubbly, energetic young lady with a fabulous attitude to body image, a menagerie of gorgeous pets and a rainbow of hair colours. Her blog, XL as Life, chronicles Natalie’s daily outfits, fashion lust-haves and everyday musings. More importantly, XL as Life is dedicated to breaking stereotypes about larger women in the world of fashion. Natalie is a wonderful role model for positive self-love and body acceptance. Her style is girly and gothic all at once and she is just gorgeous inside and out. I’m now a dedicated follower of XL as Life, and I always look forward to seeing a new XL post in my blog reader.

 

 

I interviewed Natalie about her blog, body image and style. Here’s what she had to say…

 

 

1. Why did you start writing your blog?

I’ve been blogging online for over 10 years now, but mostly for myself. Mid 2009 I decided I wanted to do more with it & find my voice a little more, so I started Extra Large as Life. It was started as a way to update my family in Sydney of what was going on in my life as I had moved to Adelaide, but grew into so much more.

 

 

 

2. What is the best thing about writing your blog?

The friends that I have made! The readers! I love hearing feedback from people & the thought that my blog helps & inspire people.

 

 

 

3. How would you describe your personal style?

It’s so hard for me to describe my personal style! Being a Gemini I very much feel that I have 2 very different style profiles. One is very feminine, make up, jewellery, heels & dresses. While the other one is slightly more goth, a lot of black, studs, boots.

 

 

 

4. Who are some of your style icons?

I don’t think I have any set style icons, I do however find inspiration from celebrities. Rihanna, Chloe Sevigny, Drew Barrymore & Dita Von Teese are a few of these.

 

 

 

5. You have such a wonderful attitude towards body image. What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve the way they feel about their body or the way they look?

Thank you! It’s taken me a long time to learn to love who I am, inside & out. I think everyone is beautiful but it is often hard for people to see the good in themselves. I think surrounding yourself with positive people helps. Dressing for yourself, try not to worry about what other people think, pick things you like & feel comfortable in! Never be scared to be who YOU feel you are.

 

 

6. How do you pull yourself out of a style rut?

Usually, a new hair colour! Sounds crazy but when I get into a funk a new hair colour can just push me over the edge!

 

 

7.If you found a magic credit card that you never had to repay, what would be your first five purchases?

Jeffrey Cambell Litas! I am so in love with those shoes. A (return) plane ticket to Sydney to see my family. Air fairs & accommodation on a UK & European holiday. A cheeseburger or two!

 

 

If you haven’t already, go over to XL as Life and check out the rest of Natalie’s blog. It’s one of my favourites, and I bet you’ll love it as much as I do.