Tanesha Awasthi shows off sophistication in spades at her blog, Girl with Curves. From billowy fabrics to ladylike silhouettes and feminine looks in denim, she showcases an impeccable eye for polished style that has won her blog numerous awards, and gotten her recognized both in the US and across the globe. You can even snag a piece of her keen sensibility for yourself by shopping her clothing line, Girl With Curves Collection. In this COCOBlogger of the Month interview, Tanesha shares the three items that should be in every woman’s closet, what trends she is most looking forward to for spring and what’s in her Ultimate Beauty Arsenal.
Tanesha, please tell us who you are and a bit about what you do.
I'm Tanesha Awasthi, founding editor at GirlWithCurves.com, an online destination for curvy fashion, beauty and lifestyle inspiration.
What inspired you to start your blog, Girl With Curves?
In Feb of 2011, I got a promotion at work and while I had a thriving career in the tech industry, it wasn't my passion. My dream was always to be a stylist or fashion designer, but I never pursued it. My husband saw how unfulfilled I was in my career and he suggested I start a blog. At the time I had no idea what a style blog was!
What is the most rewarding aspect of blogging? What keeps you inspired to continue creating content and posting?
For me, the most rewarding part of what I do is helping women. Knowing I'm helping someone feel comfortable and confident their own skin is what keeps me going.
Your blog has received tons of fashion press, from Refinery 29 to ELLE Spain, and has won awards like Best Curvy Blog and favorite Bay Area Fashion Blogger. What has been your proudest blogging moment to date?
Winning awards is amazing because most of them have been won through receiving votes from the general public, so it means a lot knowing people appreciate what I do! It's nice to be professionally recognized for hard work and dedication, especially for something a lot of people still don't understand, if consider a job!
What is the biggest misconception about curvy fashion, and how do you combat it?
I think the biggest misconception is that the word 'curvy' automatically means plus size. While the word is becoming synonymous and often associated with the words 'plus size,' I personally use 'curvy’ in terms of shape, because I don't fit into one size category. I wear a straight size on top--typically on the higher end of straight sizes, and a plus size on bottom, on the lower end of plus. No matter what size I am or how much I weigh, my shape doesn't change, and I identify with being a girl with curves.
What three items should be in every woman’s closet and why?
A blazer instantly polishes your look when you throw it over everything from jeans, to a dress, a skirt and even Bermuda shorts.
Classic pointy toe pumps in a nude tone not only elevate a look much more than an open toe ever will; they elongate the frame and are ultra flattering. Timeless essentials are key to polish and sophistication, which is always on trend.
A black skinny belt is a wardrobe staple every woman should own. It works over pencil skirts, fit and flare dresses, and even blazers. It's an instant update without breaking the bank or being overly trendy.
If you had one hour to shop a store and pick out an outfit from head to toe, where would you shop and why?
Asos! Not only do they cater to a full range of sizes, from petite, to tall, straight and plus, they have options that range in style, from casual to professional, prom and formal. And their selection of shoes is on trend and reasonably priced, just like their clothing.
Let's talk beauty. Which hair and makeup trends are you most looking forward to for spring?
I'm a natural hair girl, so I always rock my curls, but this year I think I'm growing to let my curls grow long and try not to cut off so much!
As for makeup, I love a bold lip year round, but this summer I'm excited to try coral and orange lip colors, I think there's something fresh and modern about orange.
What 3 items are in your Ultimate Beauty Arsenal--those Holy Grail products you just can't live without?
See more of Tanesha’s polished style at GirlWithCurves.com, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Tanesha, please tell us who you are and a bit about what you do.
I'm Tanesha Awasthi, founding editor at GirlWithCurves.com, an online destination for curvy fashion, beauty and lifestyle inspiration.
What inspired you to start your blog, Girl With Curves?
In Feb of 2011, I got a promotion at work and while I had a thriving career in the tech industry, it wasn't my passion. My dream was always to be a stylist or fashion designer, but I never pursued it. My husband saw how unfulfilled I was in my career and he suggested I start a blog. At the time I had no idea what a style blog was!
What is the most rewarding aspect of blogging? What keeps you inspired to continue creating content and posting?
For me, the most rewarding part of what I do is helping women. Knowing I'm helping someone feel comfortable and confident their own skin is what keeps me going.
Your blog has received tons of fashion press, from Refinery 29 to ELLE Spain, and has won awards like Best Curvy Blog and favorite Bay Area Fashion Blogger. What has been your proudest blogging moment to date?
Winning awards is amazing because most of them have been won through receiving votes from the general public, so it means a lot knowing people appreciate what I do! It's nice to be professionally recognized for hard work and dedication, especially for something a lot of people still don't understand, if consider a job!
What is the biggest misconception about curvy fashion, and how do you combat it?
I think the biggest misconception is that the word 'curvy' automatically means plus size. While the word is becoming synonymous and often associated with the words 'plus size,' I personally use 'curvy’ in terms of shape, because I don't fit into one size category. I wear a straight size on top--typically on the higher end of straight sizes, and a plus size on bottom, on the lower end of plus. No matter what size I am or how much I weigh, my shape doesn't change, and I identify with being a girl with curves.
What three items should be in every woman’s closet and why?
A blazer instantly polishes your look when you throw it over everything from jeans, to a dress, a skirt and even Bermuda shorts.
Classic pointy toe pumps in a nude tone not only elevate a look much more than an open toe ever will; they elongate the frame and are ultra flattering. Timeless essentials are key to polish and sophistication, which is always on trend.
A black skinny belt is a wardrobe staple every woman should own. It works over pencil skirts, fit and flare dresses, and even blazers. It's an instant update without breaking the bank or being overly trendy.
If you had one hour to shop a store and pick out an outfit from head to toe, where would you shop and why?
Asos! Not only do they cater to a full range of sizes, from petite, to tall, straight and plus, they have options that range in style, from casual to professional, prom and formal. And their selection of shoes is on trend and reasonably priced, just like their clothing.
Let's talk beauty. Which hair and makeup trends are you most looking forward to for spring?
I'm a natural hair girl, so I always rock my curls, but this year I think I'm growing to let my curls grow long and try not to cut off so much!
As for makeup, I love a bold lip year round, but this summer I'm excited to try coral and orange lip colors, I think there's something fresh and modern about orange.
What 3 items are in your Ultimate Beauty Arsenal--those Holy Grail products you just can't live without?
L’Oréal Intense Repair Mask (which I use as a conditioner) does amazing things for my naturally dry curls!- Kerastose moisture and shine treatments (which I can only get in the salon) are essential to the health of my hair.
- Kerastase Nutri Thermique Intense Moisturizing Shampoo & Masque are my all time fave hair products.
See more of Tanesha’s polished style at GirlWithCurves.com, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.