Hi! I am Mandy Fierens, the girl behind The Curvy Blogger.
Short ‘n’ sweet: I recently graduated from college with a degree in Marketing and minor in Photography. I have two supportive parents and a brilliant little sister. Pittsburgh, PA is the place I call home. Some may say I’m a bit eccentric, but I’m really just a free spirit who loves having fun. I am a bit of a potty mouth, so I apologize in advance about that. Currently, I work as a ModStylist at ModCloth.com. I’ve been with the company for 2 1/2 years, and held various positions. Last, but not least, I think of my followers as my friends. :)
Long and detailed: Growing up, I was really insecure about my body. At 5’11” with a curvy build that I dressed in bright, bold attire, I stuck out like a sore thumb in high school! But, as self-conscious as I was about my body, I was also very interested in fashion. It’s been a constant muse to me, and it’s what helped me get through the tough times.
College was rough for me too, since school was never something I was very interested in. I was just going through the motions. Everyone always told me that the fashion industry was an unrealistic goal, and it would be “too hard for [me] to get a job”, and “it isn’t practical”. Eventually, I believed them, and decided to pursue a Marketing major, and minor in Photography — that minor was what kept me going! It was my creative outlet with all of my business classes. Now I do not go anywhere without a camera of some sort. :)
Then, I met a boy who turned my life upside down. His name is Kevin Holesh, and he’s one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever met. Kevin is a web designer, writer, entrepreneur, and all-around amazing boyfriend. Ever since we began dating, he’s encouraged me to follow my dreams. For so long, I’d believed that I had to go to school for something I didn’t really care about, graduate and get a boring corporate job, and bullshit my way through life. But, Kevin told me that I didn’t have to live like that, and I could choose what I truly wanted to do with my life. I’d given up on that possibility, but he reignited my passion!
For the first time ever, I felt beautiful, empowered, and fearless. It was because of him and my best friend, Krystle, that I began modeling. However, living in Pittsburgh, PA, the modeling gigs are few and far between. I thought I’d have to move to really make modeling work, but I was pursuing a degree, and I wasn’t ballsy enough to drop out. However, I was modeling a lot for Photography students from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, so I thought it’d be cool to share some of those images with the world of Tumblr, and my blog just evolved from there!
Today, my blog is a place of positivity and love. I enjoy sharing outfit photos, but I really want to inspire girls from all over the world to feel comfortable in their own skin, and to look good doing it. We only get one body, so let’s make the most of it and treat it right. :)
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FAQ’s
When did you start your blog?
My blog started June 3rd, 2009! This picture was my first post ever! Crazy right? I look mad.
How tall are you??
5’11 (without the heels) ;)
What size do you wear?
I am in between a 12/14/16 depending on the brand. My measurements are 36B-32-47 (but change every once in a while).
What is your day job?
I work at ModCloth.com! Currently I work as a ModStylist! You can read more about that here.
How did you start Modeling?
Long story! Good thing I already wrote it out! Read all about it here.
Where do you shop?
I shop all over! However, the majority of my closet is ModCloth, and thrift store finds.
What camera do you use?
I use a Nikon D7000 (my baby), however somedays one of the other girls I work with brings their camera! I also have a plethora of lenses, but I typically use a 50mm f/1.8. :) I am a huge photo nerd.
What does c/o mean?
That means I have been given a product from a company to put into an outfit or review! :)
