For those who aren't quite ready to resort to muumuus...

When most people think of fashion for fatties, the first item of clothing that comes to mind is something like this:

Popularised by the glamorous Homer Simpson and grandmas alike, the muumuu is an article of clothing designed to hide all the bad bits of the big woman - and all the good bits. It's eye-bleedingly bright, long, and is pretty much the larger lady's way of giving up. Bring on nannadom!

Well, sorry. This girl is not ready to give up just yet.

My name is Lolly, and I am an Australian student. I'm a Size 18, and have been fat all my life. There's no getting around it. Or me. Haha. Little fat humour for you there...

But seriously. Being bigger than all the other girls since primary school was hard. I was studious, but never popular or outgoing like the thin girls in my class. It continued all through high school - I watched my weight constantly, and was disappointed with the poor results. 

Late in high school, I began to make fat jokes about my self. I think I did this because I wanted to make them before anyone else did. I even danced to Weird Al's "I'm Fat" in a fat suit at a school assembly. My brother later told me I did well, even though I'd obviously left the fat suit at home... Jerk. 

Look at that attitude!

Now, I'm nearly 21, and have finally grown comfortable with how I look. I'm no skinneh betch, but I think I'm a piece of all right. And the biggest confidence booster I have is fashion.

Wearing the right clothes changes my whole outlook. I know a day is going to be good if I'm dressed to impress. After years of overcompensating for the horrific visual that was my weight - at least, I used to think it was - I learned a thing or two about dressing for my shape, and drawing attention to my best assets. It's not just plus size girls who learn this skill. Every body shape has good and bad points, and we all need to learn how to emphasise the good!

After toying with the idea of starting a fashion blog, I'm finally going for it. I intend to review plus size fashion stores - hopefully, I'll be able to get some obscure ones, too! - showcase creative ensembles, and demonstrate how to wear one garment in lots of different ways!

I'm not as knowledgeable about the current or future trends of fashion, and I couldn't name many plus size designers, but if you're game, by all means, follow me along through the Wonderful World of Lolly, as I illuminate and excite you, amaze and amuse you, and tell you how to look like a goddess, regardless of those few extra kilos you may be toting around...

Beauty is confidence. Embrace that confidence, and the world will see you for the stunner you are.