Big Bum Jumble

New event by friends of the Jumble

2010-10-14T14:41:00.001+01:00

Please come.

The Chubsters in association with Cheap Date magazine presents a night of girl gang mayhem!

Big Bum Jumble report in DIVA magazine

2010-09-17T13:18:00.000+01:00

There's a double-paged spread in the October 2010 issie of DIVA magazine, yippee! Here're a couple of dodgy scans.

First Jumble Offshoot

2010-09-15T16:54:00.000+01:00

Some Jumblers in Leeds are starting to organise a Jelly Belly Jumble. Just so you know.

Diana Thompson's Pictures!

2010-08-20T11:04:00.002+01:00

Here are Diana's fabulous photographs from the Big Bum Jumble. You can see more of her work at www.fashionlovesphotos.com.

Read accounts of the BBJ on PocketRocketFashion and Plus Size Beauty too!

Badges

2010-08-18T17:38:00.002+01:00

There are still a few badges left. Want one? Send your postal address to bigbumjumble@gmail.com and we'll send you one.

How was it for you?

2010-08-18T17:36:00.000+01:00

Kay Hyatt, our esteemed BBJ leader, organiser, chief and house model reflects on the day.

How did it go?

It was a great success! More than 100 people came and everyone seemed really happy with their swag on the way out. The main thing that I wanted to achieve was a feeling of bounty and choice, rather than the usual fat shopping experience of scarcity and expense. I had some feedback from one shopper who said how great it was to pick through the jumble to find things she liked rather than just to find the things that fitted.

The venue turned out to be the perfect size for the amount of stuff we had and the number of people who came. The staff were super friendly and helpful too. It was really great to have a theatre space in terms of the catwalk show, which was an absolute triumph. So great to have backstage areas for hair and makeup and also to be able to have dramatic stage lighting.

It was also great in terms of building community, I saw new friendships being forged and old ones rekindled all over the place. This aspect was really great for me too, in the time before the Jumble, not just on the day. I’m really happy to have a new gang of fabulous fatties to do stuff with in the future.

What was the atmosphere like?

It was a really amazing atmosphere. Right at the beginning, we were pretty swamped with shoppers and that slowed down later in the day but whether it was a busy or a quiet time, whenever I went round the Jumble it seemed to be full of people having a good time. I think that having so many opportunities to get a bargain kept everyone happy and the ambient stuff of the Bops fantastic deejaying (they did a five hour set, can you believe it?) and the slide show Charlotte Cooper made really turned it into something more special.

How did it compare to the Fat Girl Flea, the event that inspired you to put on the Jumble?

It was different to the Flea for me but mostly because I was working not shopping! I think the same feeling of bounty was present at both events. At the Flea, I think there was more of a sense of a pre-existing community but at the Jumble, it was like we were all new to it and to each other. I think I heard a lot more people saying ‘wow, this is an amazing idea’ at the Jumble than I did at the Fat Girl Flea because the Flea has been around for a while, but I think the Big Bum Jumble is the first ever such event in the UK.

What would you have done differently with hindsight?

I’d have had a better strategy for dealing with press and with creeps. We had a lot of last minute press attention and it was hard for me to get them to back off. I wanted press to promote the event in advance, not turn up on the day to take photos of us that they could then sell on as headless fatties. I had one creepy guy with a camera come too. He was a fat admirer and had come to the Jumble to hook up, I think. I was too nice to him and he took some liberties. I’m sorry if he took them with you.

I’d also spend less time flyering and more time on other forms of publicity. Though flyering on the day was a good use of time, in advance it didn’t add much compared to the effort and time it took.

I’d have also had a better plan for dealing with the leftover jumble. I’m still drowning under it in my house.

Finally, I wish I’d spent more time just enjoying the atmosphere and hanging out with friends. And more dancing to the Bops' music.

What were the highlights of the day for you?

The fashion show. What a sight it was. My eyes! I felt so awed by how incredible everyone looked. That John William really knows how to dress people! And at how brave all the volunteer models were, some of whom had no experience and some who only got roped in on the day. I was a bit anxious beforehand, because it came on late and I was worried about people getting fed-up waiting, but I don’t think anyone regretted the wait once it started. I loved abandoning my post at the door and running in to sit at the front and scream and whoop the whole way through. Just fantastic.

Did you find a Nudie Suit in the end?

No, still no Nudie Suit for me, but I have some nice new smart clothes for my new job, some cute new t shirts and at the last minute by find of the day, my 1992 Status Quo tour sweatshirt that fits me like a dream.

What advice do you have for other people thinking of putting on a Big Bum Jumble?

Don’t underestimate how much work it is. I started in mid-May but still felt like I needed another month to do it all right.
Don’t underestimate the effect on your real life of organising an event like this. Be kind to your loved ones.
Don’t underestimate how much work it takes to publicise an event. We did loads of stuff, only a fraction of which turned into real coverage.
Be specific about what you want help with and directly ask people to do certain jobs.
Individual pricing of stuff is a drag. If you can go for blanket pricing policies it is much easier.
Work out what to do with the leftovers in advance!

Will you do another one?

Yes, I reckon, but I think I need at least a year off.

What's next for you?

I’m still working on the Jumble for a while, tying up the many loose ends. After that, I think I’d like to start building some momentum towards the 2012 Fattylympics. I have made some connections with some paralympians who are interested in doing something whilst organising the Jumble. I’d like to do some local small scale projects that are about trying out activities. A fat swim is probably the easiest thing to organise but I’m keen on having a go at trampolining. Big Bum Bounce, anyone?

What else would you like to say?

The hugest of thank yous to everyone who came and shopped, everyone who helped in endless ways on the day and in advance, everyone who gave me their clothes. None of it could have happened without you.

How was it for you? Write to us at bigbumjumble@gmail.com and tell us about your day at the Big Bum Jumble.

Want More?

2010-08-15T13:09:00.000+01:00

If you liked the Big Bum Jumble and are interested in getting involved with more fat activist stuff then you may be interested in a two-day Fat Studies seminar that is taking place in London on 18 and 19 November 2010. The venue and details are yet to be announced, but you can find out more about the series on the ESRC-funded Fat Studies and Health At Every Size website.

Jumbling All Over the World

2010-08-15T13:02:00.000+01:00

Over the past couple of months, the Big Bum Jumble blog has been visited by thousands of people. Here's a map of the places where people have visited from around the world. There's a big concentration in Europe, and on the US coasts, but there are also a surprising number of visitors from other places too. This could easily mean that there's a hunger for events like the Big Bum Jumble all over the place.

Here's a more detailed map of the cities and places where there has been interest in the Big Bum Jumble in the UK.

We don't know if we'll do another one, we might, but there's nothing to stop you from putting on a similar event yourself. Why not go for it? We're really happy to share the skills and knowledge we've built whilst organising this event, you don't necessarily have to go it alone.

As we've organised the Jumble we've heard people say things like: "Things like that always happen in London and never near where I live." But things happen here because we've put them on ourselves. Similar bigger or smaller events could happen anywhere. Maybe you live near one of the dots on the map, if so there might be someone near you who would also like to get together to swap clothes, meet-up, or put on a bigger event. Wouldn't that be amazing?

First pics in, better ones to come

2010-08-15T12:58:00.001+01:00

I took some poor quality pictures, which seems to be a trend for me. Anyway, they give you a tiny idea of what it's like. There are no pictures here for the fashion show because I was in it. Better pics will come soon, and if you took photographs we'd love to see them. Sorry about the cheesy captions, I couldn't resist.

Arriving with bags o' Jumble


Tom finds a treat

Bill's beautiful signage

Time for a quick rummage before it all kicks off

Getting ready for a stint at the station

Two pounds please, and would you like a badge?

Loading up the Denim Bar

Nearly there

Jumble!

Jumblers doing what they do best

Ooh la la corsetry

T-shirts and denim are popular

Busy times at the check-out

The Bops keep everyone'e energy up with their righteous sounds

Just one last pick-through

All done, time to go home

Big Bum Thanks

2010-08-15T12:03:00.000+01:00

Gigantic, fat, big bum thanks go to the following people for making the Big Bum Jumble happen. We love you. If your name isn't here it is because we are fried. Please get in touch and we'll add it asap.

Max Airborne
Jackie Barnett
Stacy Bias
BigClobber.com
Ruth Bop
Tamsin Bop
Louise Carolin
Vicki Chalklin
Miranda Cheesman
Dwayne Cobham
Stephen Collins
Charlotte Cooper
Sharon Curtis
Jade Desumala
Lauren Ding
DIVA
Kelli Dunham
Kat Elvin
Elena Escalera
Fat Girl Flea
Chopin Gard
Ben Gooch
Julia De Gruchy
Beth Hardisty
Katy Hathaway
Holly Hessinger
Felicity Heyward
Pauline Hilton
Margo Howie
Stuart Howitt
Kay Hyatt
Rae Jenkin
Rebecca Kemp
Sue Kofi and Pat
Marion Labrum
Amy Lamé
Catrin Lewis
Deb Malkin and Re/Dress NYC
Jenny McLaren
Lauren Meow Strickland
Simon Murphy
London Borough of Newham
Newham Magazine
Newham Recorder
Siobhan Owen
Amanda Piasecki
The Pocket Rocket
Emma Purvis
Alison Quinn
Johanna Robinson
Bill Savage
Donna Savage
Scottee
Nicholas Smith
Sinister Mary Clarence
Liz Sterne RIP
Nicola Sterne
Stratford Circus
Simone Stumpf
Bea Sweet
Diana Thompson
Corinna Tomrley
Tom O’Tottenham
Meryl Trussler
Jamie Wildman
Ceri Wilkinson
John William
Pippa Willitts
Gary Wilson
Mike Wyeld
Stacy Wyrd Rock
And everyone who helped and encouraged!

It was beautiful

2010-08-14T19:07:00.002+01:00

Thanks everyone! More soon, but we're just too knackered now. Time for a cup of tea and a sit down.

Aaaaand here's another one

2010-08-14T09:07:00.000+01:00

Ooh look, we're in the Daily Mail too, and they didn't say anything mean about us either. They did pigeonhole us as 'Size Zero Campaigners' which is not where we're at, we think bodies of all sizes are fine and are not campaigning to have anything banned. Still, how thrilling to know that people will be reading about rad fatties over their cornflakes and toast this morning.

Check out the boxed text on this article: Mission Fatshion

Taking over the media one newspaper at a time

2010-08-13T20:36:00.002+01:00

Ooh look, we're mentioned in the Standard. It looks like it may well be busy tomorrow!

The Big Bum Jumble is Tomorrow, Please Come!

2010-08-13T11:57:00.000+01:00

It's tomorrow! Please come and help make the Jumble a success. We're dying to see you!

Here's all the practical stuff you need to know, including maps, transport and parking
Here's who gets in free
Here's a list of reasons why you should come and bear in mind that it's going to be a bit rainy tomorrow, though we'll be toasty warm and dry inside
Here's more info about pricing, and what you might expect on the day
Fancy a BBJ souvenir? You can order embroidered merch on the day

Here are some things you should bring:

Money, but if you don't have much then you don't need much because most things will be £1
Friends
Bags so that you can carry your swag home
Your sense of humour and, if you feel like it, fashion adventurousness

That's it! We're in a tizzy getting last-minute things done, but we'll see you at the grand opening tomorrow at midday. The first 100 people through the door get a free and exclusive BBJ badge, yeah!

Look What Came In: The Last Cardy

2010-08-13T11:38:00.000+01:00

It's the final Look What Came In. People can bring Jumble tomorrow, but for now all the stuff that's come in has been sorted and tried-on, and checked and prodded and poked. Big Bum Jumble HQ is packed with laundry bags of clothing that will be man-hauled to Stratford Circus tomorrow and laid out ready for you. Our job is done. It's all been done and come in.

So here's the last cardy. It's proper vintage, about a size 18-20, and would look good on anyone. Again, our house model has teamed it with y-fronts and nipples, but you might want to wear it with a tweed skirt, lederhosen, sequinned maxi-skirt, a three-foot fascinator, or anything else you damn well please.

Come and get it at the Jumble tomorrow. This cardy is waiting for you.

5 reasons why you should come to the Big Bum Jumble

2010-08-12T13:26:00.000+01:00

Like you need an excuse.

1. The clothes
If you are fat you will find clothes that will fit you and make you look fantastic, and all for cheap too. If you are fat you will know that this rarely happens, plus-sized clothes are usually overpriced and difficult to find. So many different styles and types of clothes have been donated that you are bound to find something you like. You won't have to pinch yourself, you will not be dreaming.

2. The atmosphere
We've been working hard to make the Jumble a friendly, welcoming, playful place for everyone. There will be music, refreshments, a fashion show, stalls, and countless opportunities to try things on, make friends, or drink tea. It's going to be lovely!

3. The Rad Fatties
You want to know where you can meet rad fatties in the UK? Perhaps you want to find Your People. They will be here.

4. The culture
By coming to the Big Bum Jumble, you will be supporting future projects like it. Anyone of any size can do this. The Big Bum Jumble organisers want to help create and develop non-profit communities and events that support fat pride, Health At Every Size, Fat Studies, fat activism, fatshion, and body liberation in general. We want to have fun whilst we're doing it. We think this stuff is really worthwhile and can help us all live good lives.

5. The politics
We're not interested in shoving our politics down anyone's face, you can take them or leave them and it's fine if you want to come along and buy a jumper and let that be it.

However, we also think that fashion is political; we're interested in how clothes are made and sold, who buys them, how they are bought and why, and the affiliate industries that support the fashion business. We want to see these ideas develop. Big Bum Jumble is about messing around with clothes, a pleasure that is often denied fat people, and we think that getting together and concocting a feast of second hand clothes is a way of disrupting destructive beliefs such as the idea that only some people can look great or are worthy. We want people of all sizes to feel good in their bodies, playing with clothes helps you do that, and it's easy to take a fashion risk at the Jumble because everything is so cheap. We also think that it's better for the environment to reuse and recycle things, including the stuff we wear, and that it helps us create alternatives to consumerism. So there.

Please come!

Free stuff!

2010-08-12T12:36:00.000+01:00

Remember the badges? The first 100 people to come to the Big Bum Jumble with get one for free! That is no lie! First come first served, when they're gone, they're gone.

Entry to the Big Bum Jumble costs £2 or £1 concessions. However, you can get in for nothing if:

You are under 16 years old
You bring a Jumble donation on the day of three things or more
You have already donated Jumble (your name will be on the door)
You have volunteered on the Jumble and helped us out
You really can't afford the entry fee

Embroidered Merch Available

2010-08-12T12:27:00.000+01:00

Our pals at BigClobber.com have produced Big Bum Jumble embroidered merch for your delectation.

The pique polo shirt that Big Bum house model Kay is wearing in the picture, is red, cute and costs £12. Get in touch if you would like to buy one, there are loads of colours and sizes available.

Other things can be embroidered with the girly logo, designed by Meryl Trussler, to order too, for example t-shirts, workwear, anything. Prices vary, so please drop us a line at bigbumjumble@gmail.com

By the way, you could do a lot worse than to mosey over to BigClobber.com. There's a big sales room out in the wilds of Essex, or you can buy things online.

Tee hee!

Look What Came In: The Summer of Love

2010-08-12T12:10:00.000+01:00

I think this smock-like top/dress/thing could be regarded as the sister-garment to the Far Out Top. Innit wild?! Wearing this thing makes you want to skip around the park like an extra from Hair. Check out the Age of Aquarius on Youtube for moves, you can't help but have some kind of mystic crystal revelation in so much purple paisley. It would also suit any kind of street theatre endeavour or Tai Chi scenario.

Size 26-ish, though we are thoroughly through with labels by this stage. It's yours if you can squeeze yourself into it.

Come and get it on Saturday!

Bill Savage's Jumble Facts #3

2010-08-12T12:08:00.000+01:00

In this final tidbit of Jumble History, Bill reveals the hidden facts* behind an otherwise unassuming pair of shoes.

This pair of handsome brogue style shoes have been donated to the Big Bum Jumble by an anonymous donor who has at last realised that she will probably never achieve her dream of indie-pop stardom. Bought to emulate the lead singer of a second-rate late 90s female-fronted indie band these shoes were worn to band rehearsals, gigs and festivals for many years, the subtle heel giving the owner a much needed lift to see over the shoulders of lanky fanboys. As the 90s drew to a close, stout leather footwear fell out of favour in indie circles, and the 2000s heralded the ubiquity of the Converse sneaker. Our donor couldn’t bear to part with her trusty gig-shoes though, and they lurked at the back of her wardrobe, waiting for the Britpop revival that never came. Finally, aged 36 she has made peace with her lost rock’n’roll past and has cleansed her soul and her wardrobe by donating them to us.

The shoes are a size 7 and in no way smell like Camden on a Saturday night.

*Which may need to be verified by an independent expert.

Look What Came In: PJs

2010-08-11T10:15:00.001+01:00

Phew! Not long to go now. This week has been a frenzy of Jumbling, as you can imagine, and Saturday is likely to be both fantastic and exhausting. Come Sunday we'll all be crashed out in our pyjamas. Luckily, a super-sweet pair of pyjama bottoms has come in. I'm calling them PJs but you could wear them wherever you like, though maybe not out in a snowstorm. They have a girly cat and heart design.

They are too big for our house model, but would look excellent on someone who can work a size 6XL. They're made by our esteemed friend Bertha Pearl of Size Queen Clothing and have been worn by some of the most notorious fat activists of California. If only these PJs could talk...

Come and get 'em on Saturday.

Good news

2010-08-11T10:04:00.000+01:00

We are grateful to Newham council, who have have awarded the Big Bum Jumble a small Go For It grant to cover some of the event's costs. Look! Local government supporting fat-friendly community! Amazing!

Look What Came In: Vintage Dressiness

2010-08-09T09:16:00.000+01:00

Here's more proof that, from the dawn of the atomic age until about 1995, all plus-sized clothes were made of artificial fibres. Fat women must have been a sweaty bunch. Despite the risk that it might give you a rash if you wear it on a hot day, this dress is pretty cute eh? The label says something like 16 or 18, but it looks good stretched onto a size 22. There are a few tiny holes on the seams, but they could be easily sewn up. I don't know how to describe the pattern, it's not quite flowery, not quite geometric, it sort of defies categorisation and gets quite hypnotic after you stare at it for a while.

It's also a good dress to wear if you are looking to start a fight, as our Big Bum Jumble house model Kay is showing here with her belligerent stare and assertive stance. Don't mess with anyone in this frock.

Anyway, grab it on the 14th if you can! It deserves a good home.

Look Who Went Out

2010-08-09T09:13:00.000+01:00

London Rollergirl Sinister Mary Clarence did the Big Bum Jumble proud this weekend by embarking on a heroic journey from London to Newcastle-upon-Tyne to pick up a mega-donation of clothes from an extremely lovely and big-hearted Big Bum Jumble fan. Fact fans, this is a journey of 600 miles (plus an excursion to Lincoln to do a bit of skating yes, the gal's got stamina), driven entirely in a Nissan Micra, powered by Red Bull and Capital Gold. Can we get a handclap?

Part of the Newcastle haul, socks drying on radiator not included

In return SMC asked only that she could make an appearance on the blog, though for important security reasons her true identity must remain a mystery.

So here she is, modelling treats from the Newcastle haul, channelling Stevie Nicks in sequins, tie-dye, a generous tiered peasant skirt, and suede boots, plus super-furry duffle. Pink is not SMC's typical spirit-colour, but I'm sure you agree that she works this ensemble well.

Exciting news

2010-08-06T18:42:00.000+01:00

Big Bum Jumble got a mention in The Newham Magazine - it's all high life all the time here, baybee! They used the word 'bootylicious' in the article too. Very good.

Look What Came In: Something Very Smart

2010-08-06T14:35:00.000+01:00

This is the suit for you if you have no fear of appearing dapper, urbane, suave or debonair. If you are a cad it would work for you too. It is not an appropriate outfit for mud wrestling or potholing, but it would do you very well if you had to go to a wedding where someone you love is marrying someone quite unsuitable, or a job interview where you have made many misleading claims about your skills and experience.

It's about a size 22-24-ish, and made of some linen-type thing.

Practical Stuff about the Big Bum Jumble

2010-08-06T14:22:00.000+01:00

Big Bum Jumble is being held in Circus 2 at Stratford Circus, 12-5pm, Saturday 14 August 2010.

View Larger Map

Stratford Circus is about a five minute walk from Stratford Station, less if you hurry. You can either:
a) Come out of the station, turn left up Great Eastern Road, and cross over at Theatre Square, through the big round arch opposite the Theatre Royal. Stratford Circus is to the left, behind the Picture House cinema.
b) Come out of the station, walk through the shopping centre and take the left mall when you get to the central area. Walk towards Peacocks and keep going out the other side and up the ramp. Stratford Circus is to the right, past the Theatre Royal and opposite the Picture House cinema.

Public transport
Stratford is on the Central and Jubilee lines, the Overground, and some British Rail lines into and out of Liverpool Street Station. Lots of buses stop at Stratford Station. Use the Journeyplanner to work out a route.

Parking
There are several options, all of which will cost a little money:
a) Limited parking in Crescent Road by Stratford Circus.
b) Multi-Storey carpark above Stratford Mall, take care not to get lost in the one-way system
c) Morrisons car park on The Grove
d) Chance it in the surrounding streets

Eating
Circus Eats will be open at Stratford Circus for snacks, light meals and refreshments. You can also try the Theatre Royal bar and Caribbean Scene nearby, or ask us on the day for recommendations and directions for other places in Stratford.

Access
There are dropped curbs and level surfaces from Stratford Station to Stratford Circus. The venue is also wheelchair accessible. Let us know if you need a parking reservation. The Big Bum Jumble welcomes people with learning disabilities. If you have other access needs, please get in touch (bigbumjumble@gmail.com) and we'll sort something out.

Entrance
£2, or £1 concessions. No one will be turned away for lack of money.

Kids
Get in free. Got'em? Bring'em.

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Scottee

2010-08-06T13:49:00.000+01:00

Who are you?

Scottee.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

Lesbian Clown getup, I'm a bit of a magpie, if it glimmers then I want it. The pic shows me in my fave outfit, my 'Harsh is my Homegirl' small t-shirt.

Whose style do you admire?

Dawn French circa Big Knits and 1647. I love a woman in an oversized smock.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

Put your Ebay settings to 'plus size sequin', your life will never be the same again.
If it doesn't fit, wear it.
If it's too big, wear it.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

A XXXXXL Lisa Stansfield tour t-shirt or Thunderbirds duvet cover.

What else would you like to say?

I'm so annoyed I'm away in Edinburgh for this! Your now obliged by the fatty community to run these quarterly!

Would you like to be featured in this hallowed spot? Go on, make your mother proud bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Look What Came In: A rather snazzy jerkin

2010-08-05T16:46:00.000+01:00

As noted in an early Unskinny Bop zine, the jerkin is the garment of choice for a certain strata of fat people in London. It keeps your body warm whilst allowing your arms to breathe.

This jerkin has a snazzy dogtooth design and can be worn with a shirt or without, for an extra-tough look. Accessorise with a steely glare and hang about in an alley for the full effect.

It's about a size 22/XXL and would look good on anyone, including you.

Bill Savage's Jumble Facts #2

2010-08-04T11:36:00.001+01:00

Bill has been running loose amongst the jumble donations and has unearthed some incredible fashion history* to share here for your delectation.

This fine piece of fuschia headgear was donated to the Big Bum Jumble by a retired MI5 agent. While the hat looks exactly like the kind of thing a teary-eyed mother would wear to an offspring’s wedding, it is in fact an incredibly advanced piece of spyware, and has, over the course of the last decade, averted several national security disasters. The hat’s genius lies in the netting which acts to disguise the true identity of the wearer, much like Clark Kent’s geeky specs. It also functions as a radio-wave scanner that intercepts enemy communications on almost any frequency. The elastic chin strap doubles as a garotte for use in emergencies while the head band is lead-lined to prevent penetration of x-rays. The flower decoration houses an advanced GPS system and homing device which can be activated should the wearer be stranded in hostile territory.

The hat has been fully decommissioned and would fit pretty much any sized head.

By Bill Savage

* Some of these facts might need to be corroborated.

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Diana

2010-08-04T11:24:00.001+01:00

Who are you?

I'm Diana, a 28-year old photographer from London. I'll be the person with a camera in front of my face at Big Bum Jumble. (Pssst: have a look at Diana's beautiful work on fashionlovesphotos.com)

What sort of things do you like to wear?

My style is somewhere between grungy and glam - as if someone squished Daria and Bettie together. Cute dresses, red lipstick, big boots, vintage bags. I am a sucker for cocktail, prom and sundresses, anything with floral prints and polka dots. I am also completely obsessed with make-up and accessories; giant flowers to detract from messy hair, bright perspex necklaces, retina-scorching eyeshadows. Basically if it's bright, chunky or plastic, chances are I will fall hopelessly in love with it. I've said it before but in my head, I am still essentially a 17-year old with chipped nail varnish jumping around to Hole. Especially when in a photography studio.

Whose style do you admire?

There are so many people out there who have such an incredible look. One of the advantages to living in London is that a bus journey can give you as much inspiration as a catwalk, as the people with the best style are those around you doing their own thing. Bettie Paige, Sophie Dahl, Shirley Manson and Dita are also other ladies who seem to pull it together every time. I can still remember sitting with a copy of the NME at college trying to dissect Manson's eye make-up so that I could recreate it!

Give us some fat fashion advice!

Dress for yourself and have fun with it! The biggest reason why an outfit will fail has nothing to do with the size of your bum, but whether or not you have the confidence to pull it off. Fashion is about having a giggle, and everyday should be treated like you're getting ready to walk the runway with your friends in tow. It's also so important to dress for your shape, and to not hide beneath a sheath of baggy fabric. Waist cinching belts are amazing, and if you're feeling like you need a little support, a corset and a good bra are always there to provide a little help.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

I will be the happiest girl in the world if I can come away with a few lovely dresses. Tea dresses, cocktail dresses, prom dresses, anything that I can stuff lots of petticoats underneath and twirl around in before stumbling over my boots. Cute screen-printed tees would be brilliant as well. They're always handy to wear in the studio. Anything with dinosaurs and robots. I am a bit of a geek.

What else would you like to say?

If you're shy about having your photos taken, but would love to have some done, get in touch! You don't have to be a model to have beautiful pictures. After all, you'll be wanting to show off all the bargains that you find at Big Bum Jumble!

Would you like to be featured here as a Big Bum Fashion Fan? All you have to do is drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Look What Came In: An Amazingly Gorgeous Jacket

2010-08-04T11:17:00.000+01:00

Two caveats: a) This gorgeous jacket arrived in a special consignment from Oakland, California, and thus looks a little rumpled in this picture, although a quick air will sort those out soon enough. b)The Big Bum Jumble house model may not be the target wearer of this item either, it's pretty femmey.

Now here's the juice: it's one of two similar jackets, the label says Size 28 and it would fit that size snugly. It's really high quality stuff, lovely fabric and smothered with nice detailing. This jacket would make the right person look as though they were on fire. It's totally smart and would seal any deal any day.

Who's gonna get it?

Thanks Oakland donor!

The Big Bum Jumble Countdown Begins

2010-08-04T11:00:00.000+01:00

With ten days to go, it's been a frenzy of activity over at Jumble Towers and it's going to get busier as the day approaches. To give you some idea of what's going on, here's a state of the nation talk with Big Bum chief Kay Hyatt.

How's the Jumble going?

It's going well. I feel a bit overwhelmed with all the stuff I still have to do but I also feel confident that it's all going to happen.

What's going on at the moment?

We just had the Sorting Party where people came round to my house and helped sort stuff into sizes. We also used that time to do the final pick for things for the fashion show and identified top quality items for the Special Rail. Through the collective brain power of the sorting volunteers, we came up with an exciting pricing policy: basically, almost everything is going to be £1. Can you believe it? I am really happy about that.

Yay! What things do you need help with right now?

I'm still busily collecting donations from far and wide. I have a lovely volunteer driving up to Newcastle-upon-Tyne to collect a large donation of clothes. Even though we are doing well on the donations front, I can still use more. If you can arrange a collection in your area and bring it on the day, or contact me to come and get it, that can still happen.

I still need people to be publicising the Jumble wherever they can. I have been handing out flyers in Stratford to shoppers and I'd like to do this again this weekend but I don't have time. This is because I am going to Southend to collect some secret jumble merchandise. I would love it if some people would volunteer to take my place flyering in Stratford on Saturday and Sunday this weekend, and anywhere else they cared to go.

On Saturday night I am going to flyer outside Big Girls Paradise, which is a BBW club. I'd love some company for that too.

Another job for now is that I need help drawing up an official budget for the Jumble. I have applied for a grant towards the room hire from Newham council and they might give it to me but have asked for a detailed breakdown of my costs and anticipated income. Do you have Excel spreadsheet skills? Please get in touch.

What about on the day?

I need people to help set up at 10am and take down at 5pm. I need people to work the door and look out for people trying to nick stuff. I'm also keen to have volunteer 'shopper encouragers' who can pull stuff out of the jumble and encourage others to try things on. Get in touch if you can help.

Do you need to borrow any equipment?

Yes! I could really do with a full length mirror or two. Ideally the type that can stand alone, rather than the type we'd have to prop against the wall. I'm also still trying to work out how to set up a changing area in the room so people can try stuff on. One way to do this would be with folding screens, so if you have one of those, I would be very interested. I promise to look after and return anything you lend me.

What's with the pricing?

We will have a Special Rail, with top quality and vintage things individually priced between £3-£15. There will also be a Denim Bar, where jeans will cost £4. Everything else in the whole Jumble will cost £1. This way you could get a whole new outfit for £3.

What's the fashion show going to be like?

John William from Pigeons & Peacocks is our stylist and the super-talented Bea Sweet is doing the make up. John's just getting on with it, I've seen some of the clothes he has chosen and it is going to be fantastic. John is also customising some of the clothes for the fashion show and all the outfits will be for sale on the Special Rail afterwards.

What stalls are going to be there?

So far, two people have approached me to have their own stalls at the Jumble, Jade and Rae. They will both be selling their good quality clothes at reasonable prices. It's a big room so there is room for more people to rent space if they want. Just drop me a line.

Also, Mark from bigclobber.co.uk will be there with a menswear stall and some info about his shop and online business. Mark is really great and has a real passion for meeting the clothing needs of big fat guys.

We'll also be selling badges and taking orders for other Big Bum jumble merchandise.

What sort of refreshments will be available?

I'm not selling any refreshments in the Jumble room but Stratford Circus has a lovely café called Circus Eats that will be open all day. Also, you are free to come and go from the Jumble, there are plenty of places to get food in Stratford. I recommend the Caribbean cafe in the Theatre Royal bar.

What's been the best thing so far?

I think the best thing for me has been the positive comments that I've had from people. It's great to be encouraged by you all. Also, the generosity of people who are giving the Jumble their time and their stuff is really fantastic.

What are you going to wear on the 14th?

Wait and see!

What else do you want to say?

Thanks everyone for all your help and support so far. Keep it up! Come to the Jumble and make it amazing. Love love love!

Look What Came In: Shell Toes

2010-08-03T12:27:00.000+01:00

If you know and care about trainers and have small feet, you will be excited to see this donation. Unfortunately I know nothing about trainers and have gigantic feet but will blunder on regardless in trying to talk these muthas up.

Ok, they're a size 5 Adidas Paris shoe with a fleur-de-lys design and rockin' colours. They're shell toes too, not to be confused with camel toes. They're in good nick and would look great on the end of your legs. They do not smell, which might be a disappointment to some people (remind me to tell you the story of how I once sold some smelly old trainers to a trainer fetishist on eBay).

Who will get 'em on 14 Aug? Amazingly, I still care.

Jumbotron

2010-08-03T12:17:00.000+01:00

You'll have come to know by now that a commitment to high quality photojournalism is largely absent from the Big Bum Jumble blog, and that I'm perfectly happy if I can bodge something together crappily and make a stupid story out of it.

Hence I bring you: BBJ's debut on The Stratford Circus Jumbotron.

Point one: it's not actually a Jumbotron, it's much smaller, I just like that word and want to use it as much as possible. Jumbotron, Jumbotron, Jumbotron etc.

Point two: I took the picture on my phone. Clearly my phone can't cope with taking a picture of another screen, which is why these pictures have intrusive lines over the screen. Sorry.

Point three: Everything's a bit blurry and wrong because I had to sit through the whole cycle of current announcements on the Stratford Circus not-Jumbotron, which was quite boring, and I got freaked out when the BBJ screens appeared, and fumbled with my phone, and didn't quite do any of it in time. Then I couldn't be bothered to sit through the cycle of announcements again to wait for our screens.

This has all been quite pointless, yet I remain strangely excited that the Jumble is up on the Jumbotron.

Next...watching paint dry.

Look What Came In: Big Bum Jeans

2010-08-02T15:35:00.000+01:00

Whilst few would describe the Big Bum Jumble chief and house model Kay as willowy slim, she nevertheless lacks the junk in her trunk to do these jeans justice. Never mind. They will look spectacular on someone who has the requisite chunk to fill 'em up.

They're a size 6XL, they're comfy, worn, and well-loved.

Who will walk away with these beauties on 14 August? Who? Who?

Thanks mystery donor.

The Sorting Party

2010-08-02T15:33:00.002+01:00

The Big Bum Jumble got a step nearer at the weekend with the grand sorting party. This was where some lovely Jumblers went through the donations bags and sorted them into size and type. This will make Jumbling easier for people when they come on 14 August. Items were also priced up and paraded around the garden. Yes, important work was carried out.

Look! Look! Lauren of Pocket Rocket Fashion was there too and she posted about it an' all.

We'll tell you about Jumble categories and pricing over the next few days.

We're also still looking for clothes. Here's how to donate.

Meanwhile, here're some pics from the party. Many heartfelt thanks to everyone who came and helped.

Oh dear, piles and piles of clothes

Hurrah, busy bees at work

Part of the denim pile

Bill Savage muscles in on Kay's modelling territory.
Big Bum Jumblers please note that Bill and Kay are not the same person,
even though they are both mannish, specs-wearing chubsters.
Also, neither of them should be mistaken for Ruth and Tamsin of Unskinny Bop.

Order is brought forth from chaos, and everybody retires to the garden for a cup of tea

Guerrilla Marketing: Sublime Juxtaposition

2010-08-02T15:21:00.000+01:00

I have no doubt that Cultural Studies professors of the future will write windy academic articles about the sublime juxtaposition of fat/obesity discourse represented by these two posters. Just tell them you saw it here first.

5 ways in which you can help publicise the Big Bum Jumble

2010-08-02T15:17:00.000+01:00

There are two weeks to go to the Jumble and we need your help for the final push for publicity.

Here are some of the ways in which you can help.

1. Use the flyers and posters
Download the flyer and poster and print some copies. You can do this on a printer, or you can take one copy to a photocopy place (like a newsagent, a post office, or just sneak some copies off the copier at work) and run some off there. Give flyers to people, or leave a little pile at local places, like cafés, libraries, community centres, pubs, anywhere that people leave flyers. Go to shops and any kind of place you can think of and see if the owners will let you put a poster in the window. Put posters in crazy places, be daring, take pictures and send them to us so that we can stick them on the blog. The first person to put a poster on the railings of Buckingham Palace wins a prize. That is no empty promise.

2. Use your big mouth
Tell your friends. Tell them in person over a cup of tea, call them up and tell them, send them a text about it. Go round to their house and put a note or a flyer through their door, telling them that you bet they'd really enjoy supporting the Jumble. If you have a job, tell your colleagues, even the annoying ones, they will think you are a cool person who does interesting stuff, which of course is true, and your boss will give you a pay rise, ok, maybe not, but you never know. Tell your Facebook friends too, and invite them to join the Big Bum Jumble event page. Use Twitter. Use anything!

3. Take over the media
Tell your local paper and radio station. They will be in the phone book, or you can Google them. Encourage them to have a look at the Big Bum Jumble press release. If you feel brave, present yourself as a Jumbler and invite them to run a story about why you think the Jumble is a great idea. Drop us a line if you need help with this.

4. Link link link
Link to anything you like that has been published here, or that mentions the Big Bum Jumble. Even if it says: "The Big Bum Jumble is a giant waste of time and anyone who likes it is a loser". All publicity is good publicity. You can use the share buttons at the bottom of each post, or Google 'Big Bum Jumble' and see what comes up.

5. Random stupidity
Do something really ill-advised in the name of the Big Bum Jumble. A tattoo, for example, or some kind of performance art. Try not to get arrested.

Thanks!

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Deb Malkin

2010-07-30T12:10:00.000+01:00

Who are you?

I am Deb Malkin, owner of Re/Dress NYC, a vintage and modern and resale clothing store for sizes 14 and up in Brooklyn, New York. I am also one of the founders of the Fat Girl Flea Market (Big Bum Note: this is the event that inspired the Big Bum Jumble).

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I call my style Utility-femme meets boobilicious. Which means I like clothing that's comfortable and yet form fitting, and shows off the 'girls'. Lately, I've been enjoying a bit of a femmed-up version of my 90s dyke style with my engineer boots and military jacket, but with skirts and dresses underneath instead of the old A-shirt and acid washed jeans, ew!

Whose style do you admire?

My staff, my customers, my friends, and Beth Ditto. I got inspired to wear my very first corset top at Nolose and I had a hoodie zipped so tight up you'd never know it was there. Then I saw a trio of super fat fairies with wings and wands and they were so free and comfortable with themselves that I unzipped that hoodie and never looked back.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

Stop wearing things too big. That's my biggest pet peeve. You're fat. Wearing clothing to hide your fat, isn't the same thing as an invisibility cloak. Experiment with shape, colour, style and find your fashion voice. And if need be, take things to a tailor and get them fitted to your shape, it will make you look like a person who's comfortable in their own skin, and that confidence is more flattering than anything.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

It would just be my dream to go. Then it would be my dream to get to shop at an event like this, since I'm usually working it. Since my Chubster name is Rainbow Rotten, I would be thrilled to find something glittery and rainbowy.

What else would you like to say?

I'm so excited to see more cities and countries create their own versions of the Fat Girl Flea Market. It's an incredible way to shop. It's empowering, it creates community, it's green shopping, and it's really fun. And also a ton of work. So please folks don't forget to volunteer, give Kay a helping hand, and thank you to everyone who's been working so hard. I hope to see you at the 2012 Fattylympics.

Deb! We love you! Thank you for your visionary work! xxxxxx

Would you like to be featured here as a Big Bum Jumble fan? Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Kay's Flyering Tales

2010-07-30T11:49:00.002+01:00

Kay's been out and about flyering for the Big Bum Jumble. She says: "I've been carrying around flyers and posters from the Jumble in my bag for a few weeks now. Maybe I've given one to you? I've heard a few people say that they would be too shy to give out a flyer, or worried that giving out a flyer for a fat thing to a fat person might cause some offence. I'll tell you a bit about my experience and perhaps this will embolden people to go out there and start telling strangers about the Jumble.

"I've been flyering in my local shopping streets, East Ham High Street on a Saturday, Walthamstow Market during my lunch breaks from work. My best technique involves skulking around outside Bon Marché or Evans to catch disappointed shoppers on their way out. I find saying "Can I give you a flyer for my Jumble Sale, all plus sizes!" gets people taking them happily. I've had lots of people thanking me and saying what a good idea it is. Quite a few have said that they'd had similar ideas themselves.

"The other thing is that I found out where slimming clubs met. Where better to find potential Jumblers, eh? A pub on my local high street hosts a slimming club and I went in to leave posters, which they happily accepted. The customers were interested. I said: 'You don't have to be fat to come,' and they answered, 'We're all fat here!'

"Of course, some people don't want to take a flyer but I've only had two negative experiences in all these weeks of flyering, both of which I loved. One woman said that the name Big Bum Jumble was 'not very flattering' (tee hee!) and the other was a super-cool teen girl who gave me a drop dead look. Thrills!"

You too could have adventures like these! We really need help in the final run-up to publicise the Jumble as much as we can. Simply download and print our gorgeous flyers and posters and get busy. You can also post digital versions on your blog or website, or just link to the download page. Let us know what happens.

Look What Came In: A Bit of Ooh-La-La

2010-07-30T11:23:00.000+01:00

We've got woolly, we've got hip, we've got far out, we've got girly, we've got glittery, and we've got madness, we've even got major nappage. Now we've got slinky too. Every kind of fatshion is represented at the Big Bum Jumble. Yes, that's a boast.

This slip will fit up to about a size 24-26 and also works as a skirt.

Who's gonna get it? See you on the 14th to find out.

Jade's Things

2010-07-30T11:18:00.000+01:00

Jade's going to be having a stall at the Big Bum Jumble selling pretty dresses. Although she's currently in the middle of moving house, and "mostly getting in a tizz over bubble wrap this week," she took some time to tell us what she's got.

"The dresses are mix of high street, vintage and charity shop finds. They range from sizes 12-26, but they all fit me happily and I'm a size 22, which is testament to the fact that you should never trust sizing labels (if you see something you like, try it on, make it work!). My favourite piece is the full length black satin skirt with a diamanté corsage and I've also got a really kitsch Grease jumper, baby pink with quilt and pearl appliqué, which deserves a new owner."

"All of my clothes are really precious and I would not be selling them if I could wear them myself - so I hope somebody else can give them a good home! Most of my dresses will be sold for £5 with a couple of special things at £10, but there'll be nothing more expensive than that."

Jade will also be bringing cupcakes and her boyfriend to the Jumble, hehhehe.

Would you like to have a stall at the Big Bum Jumble? Rates are very reasonable. Get in touch: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Look What Came In: The Maddest Dress

2010-07-29T10:34:00.003+01:00

It's made entirely of some terrifying artificial fibre and will still be looking as fresh as ever long after the apocalypse. This frock will even outlive the roaches and could generate enough static electricity to keep you sparking well into the night.

It is a shade of pastel mint green that only the most fashion-forward might dare to wear. It is moderately transparent. The sleeve length, the poorly conceived pleats, the modest length, and the COLLAR, all add up to make the maddest dress we have pulled out of the Jumble pile so far. The fatter among us will breathe a sigh of relief that this is amongst the smaller of our donations, maybe a size 18-20, and thus there will be no obligation to try it on.

Just looking at this dress makes you sweat, and not necessarily in a good way, yet it has an undeniable charm, and is clearly vintage, the genuine article. It bridges the gap between extreme frump and extreme hipster. No doubt it will make some Jumbler very happy.

Who will walk away with this treat on 14 August? It could be you.

Thanks mystery donor, sorry for being so rude about your cast-off.

By the way, we're still looking for more jumble. Here's how you can donate.

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Amy Lamé

2010-07-28T12:16:00.000+01:00

Who are you?

I am Amy Lamé, and a huge fan of the Big Bum Jumble gang. I'm originally from New Jersey, hence my penchant for big hair, high heels and fast cars. I've been a Londoner for nearly 18 years.

Amongst other things I co-founded and host Duckie every Saturday night at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. I also co-host the afternoon show on BBC London 94.9 alongside fellow tubbster Danny Baker. I pop up occasionally on TV and write for various newspapers, but generally I prefer to spend my time listening to The Smiths and crocheting. Oh, and drinking sherry with my girlfriend.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I'm a girly girl, so I wear mostly dresses and skirts, though if I do occasionally wear jeans on a Saturday afternoon they have to have wide turn ups.

I have an eclectic collection of clothes that cross boundaries of stage and street wear, from 18th century inspired handmade gowns, to 70s American polyester house dresses, to punky cashmere from Anna Scholz. I am most influenced by the '50s and '60s, and in the past made quite a few of my own retro style dresses - as we all know plus size vintage is rarer than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Now I have an adorable seamstress who makes lovely creations for me.

I am addicted to accessories and drive my girlfriend crazy with bracelets/earrings/hairbands/fascinators etc scattered all over our flat (but I think she secretly loves it 'cause she keeps buying me lots of gorgeous accoutrements!) I have lots of vintage specs with my own prescription put in to match different outfits. I think coordination is a much underrated style statement, and I like to think of myself as never knowingly underdressed.

Whose style do you admire?

My Nan, Ruth, has been my style inspiration since I was a teenager; I was always plundering her jewellery box and wardrobe for scarves, beads, hats, handbags... She's 92 and still the most stylish woman I know, she has an amazing collection of flat caps, fedoras and clip-on earrings.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

If you've got it, flaunt it! Stick a belt/bow/brooch on your chub rolls and claim it! Revel in your rotundity, and delight in being a chubby glamourpuss.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

All the stuff my Nan has ever sent to the charity shop before I could get to it!! Other than that, a selection of glittery heels in size 8 wide would be brilliant.

What else would you like to say?

Rock on Big Bum Jumble! And in the words of fellow fattie homosexualist Luther Vandross (RIP)...NEVER TOO MUCH!!!

PS Check out AmyLamé.com

Wanna make like Amy and be featured here as a Big Bum Fashion Fan? Yes you do! Drop us a line at bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Look What Came In: Shiny Disco Fun!

2010-07-28T12:06:00.000+01:00

Here's an example of why you should never pay too much attention to the number on the label. This amazingly shiny disco top came in and Kay was unconvinced it would fit her for a picture. Clearly it's designed to be loose and blowsy on someone smaller, but she squeezed it on with a bit of help and, amazingly, it looked great on her too!

Kay cuts quite a dash in the alley by my house, and I'm sure you'll agree that the pairing of an extremely form-fitting shiny wrapover disco top with a pair of blue y-fronts is nothing short of fashion genius. I can only hope that the Big Bum Jumble encourages more fat folks to take fashion risks such as this.

The top would probably fit anyone between sizes 16-22. Who will walk away with this magical garment on 14 August? We'll have to wait and see!

By the way, we're still looking for stock, here's how you can donate.

Jumble Treats: Mrs Spoon on Button Moon

2010-07-28T11:55:00.000+01:00

It might be that I've been staring at yesterday's far out t-shirt for too long, but today I can't rip my eyeballs away from this offering. Button Moon is a classic of freaky children's TV programming, and this is a great episode. Is this what the Big Bum Jumble is going to be like? I secretly hope so. Watch and marvel at the weirdness.

Button Moon - Mrs Spoon's Jumble Sale

Thanks for the link Simon!

Bill Savage's Jumble Facts #1

2010-07-27T11:55:00.001+01:00

We let Bill run loose amongst the jumble donations to unearth some incredible fashion history* to share here for your delectation.

#1: The Dress

If you’re lucky enough to snap up this dress at the Big Bum Jumble not only will you be the proud owner of a lovely summer frock, but you’ll be taking home a real piece of South Devon history. This dress has a provenance steeped in the glamorous worlds of provincial theatre and cutthroat retail. It originates from the legendary Rossiters department store - for over a century a leading light of Paignton’s fashion scene. However, in the recent economic down-turn Rossiters’ fortunes waned and the store was threatened with closure. In a last ditch attempt to save it, staff rallied round and wrote Gussets and Gabardine: The Rossiters Story, a musical based on life in the store’s womenswear department, complete with props and costumes sourced from the store. The dress you see here was worn by the womenswear manager Jean during a scene set in the mid-80s in which the staff are preparing for a visit from Princess Margaret. Gussets and Gabardine played for four consecutive nights at the Prince’s Theatre Torquay in 2008 before poor ticket sales forced it to close. Rossiters department store has since shut down.

Jean’s dress is a size 18. No certificate of authentication is provided.

By Bill Savage

* Which may or may not be completely fabricated, heehee.

Look What Came In: Far Out Garb!

2010-07-27T11:46:00.001+01:00

This amazing top is like a wearable acid flashback, hang on, I think I can taste the colour purple. It's swooshy, flowery, with maybe a hint of paisley, and is far out, or rather faaaarrrrrrooooouuuuttttttt!

It's approximately size 20-22, or XXL-ish. Who will get it on 14 August? Perhaps someone with a faraway look in their eyes.

We're still soliciting Jumble donations. Get in touch if you have stuff in size XL+ for us. Arranging a pick-up couldn't be easier, simply email bigbumjumble@gmail.com and we'll sort something out.

You can also bring along donations on the day.

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Kelli Dunham

2010-07-26T15:47:00.001+01:00

Who are you?
I am Kelli Dunham. I am a weird little dorky boi comic with a face that says: "Please come tell me all about yourself. Would you like my lunch?"

What sort of things do you like to wear?
I like to wear cargo shirts with non ironic tee shirts. And black jeans. I wear black jeans in the winter like it's a uniform. Which, for a queer New Yorker, it kind of is. Oh and somewhat jaunty but dishevelled ball caps, when I can find them. And a random extremely feminine accessory like a sparkly earring, just for fun.

Whose style do you admire?
Sinclair Sexsmith, aka Sugarbutch, who knows how to work both an old look and a new look with a good hairstyle to boot. And Charles Meshmore, a faggoty butch friend of mine who sometimes wears 12 different kind of plaids at once AND an ascot (British translations: plaid=tartan, ascot=cravat).

Give us some fat fashion advice!
Hmmm, I consider myself more of the recipient of fashion advice than the giver of it. But I think "buy underwear that fits. At least look at the size before you buy it" is perhaps the best fashion advice I've ever gotten. Oh that and "bras come in sizes".

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?
A pair of magic black jeans in my size that would never wear out, a flawless white oxford, oooh and cufflinks made of the Q key from an old fashioned typewriter.

What else would you like to say?
Find me online kellidunham.com or on Facebook, I promise to make you laugh, except for when I am ranting about the messed up coverage of the earthquake relief in Haiti.

Wanna be featured here as a Big Bum Fashion Fan? Get in touch: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

5 reasons why you should donate your clothes to the Big Bum Jumble

2010-07-26T15:38:00.001+01:00

We're still looking for donations for the Big Bum Jumble. We want this inaugural event to feature as much plus-sized goodness as possible, in as many sizes and styles as we can get. To do this we need your help.

Here's why you should donate your unwanted clothing in sizes XL+ to the Big Bum Jumble

1. It feels great to have a clear-out
Don't hang on to clothes that don't fit you, or which never looked good in the first place, send them to us instead! Don't torture yourself by wishing something that doesn't suit you now will look amazing on you in some mythical future. It won't. Get rid of it all instead and make space in your wardrobe for things that do fit and look hott on you.

2. You'll be taking part in a unique and historic event
As far as we know, no one else has ever embarked on an event like this on such a scale in the UK. By the simple act of donating your unwanted size XL+ clothes, you'll be helping to pave the way for more events like it in the future. Remember that the Big Bum Jumble is not-for-profit, which means that all money raised will be ploughed back into similar low-cost community events and activities.

3. No Polar Bears Will Die
The Big Bum Jumble is good news for Mother Earth. It's all about recycling, reusing, appreciating things, and preventing clothes from ending up in landfill. If you donate your stuff to the Jumble and then, by some unknown reason, find yourself in the Arctic one day surrounded by hungry Polar bears, you will have a better chance of escape once they find out that you took part in this eco-friendly event and thus helped keep the ice caps frozen. Polar bears like this sort of thing.

4. You'll be helping to promote happiness, confidence and self-esteem in people who wear size XL+
Here's the scenario: you donate some big-sized clothes, someone who wears a big size tries them on, thinks they look wonderful, buys them, loves them and always feels great whenever they wear them. You will have helped create this. Aah, warm fuzzies!

5. All big-sized clothing is welcome
We want stock for the Jumble that reflects the diversity of bigger-sized people. It doesn't matter if you're trendy or dweeby; a fella, a lady, or any points inbetween; younger, older, richer, poorer, none of this matters to us, we want your donations. It helps if you live in London but we can arrange pick-ups of large amounts of clothing from elsewhere. Neither does it matter if you're donating a few things or a truckload; stuff you've worn to death or things you've never worn; high fashion, everyday clothes, uniforms, vintage, unfashion, workwear: we want it all!

Here's how to donate

Arranging a pick-up of your stuff couldn't be easier, simply email bigbumjumble@gmail.com and we'll sort something out.

You can also bring along donations on the day.

Pass it on!

PS. Even if you've got no clothes to donate or don't wear aize XL+, you can still support the Big Bum Jumble by helping with publicity Feel free to download and print the Big Bum Jumble flyers and posters, and distribute them wherever you can. You can also tell all your Facebook friends about this fantastic event, and link to us too if you feel like it.

Look What Came In: A Saucy Sailor

2010-07-26T14:18:00.000+01:00

At last Kay gets to model something she'd wear in real life: a super-cute t-shirt with a nautical design. It's about a size XL or something like that and would look completely great on anyone who can squeeze into it.

A small warning to people who might want to buy this on 14 August – you may have to engage in hand-to-hand combat with Kay over this t-shirt, just so you know.

Meanwhile, we're still looking for donations, whether it's stuff like this languishing in the back of your wardrobe, or something different. We'll take anthing in size XL or larger, so clear out your crap and drop us a line to arrange for a pick-up.

Jumble Treats: this is what a jumble sale is like

2010-07-26T14:09:00.000+01:00

Big Bum Jumbler Simon Murphy dug up this little beauty from some dusty corner of YouTube for our jumble viewing delights. Become as one with the slightly posh video guy as he interrogates the good people of St Stephen's at their jumble sale in 1986. They're the salt of the earth!

Yes, this is what a jumble sale is like and this piece of cinema-verité comes close to what we are trying to achieve with the BBJ, only in much bigger sizes, of course, and with an E15 tang, and with more diverse people, and a better venue, and fewer grumpy people, and...er, actually it'll be quite different, heheh.

Be warned, it's eight minutes and feels much longer. Take it in small bursts, eh?

St Stephen's Jumble Sale 1986

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Stacy Bias

2010-07-22T10:44:00.000+01:00

Who are you?

I'm Stacy Bias. I started FatGirl Speaks (a mini-conference and performance) and a few other small activist events (dance party, group swim, clothing exchanges) in Portland, OR. I also run a wind-powered web hosting company (http://taproothosting.com).

What sort of things do you like to wear?

These days I'm wearing more daring clothing, which is well-outside my norm of loose-fitting and black; Vibrant dresses with plunging cleavage and very little mystery, shorter or no sleeves, showing more skin than usual. I view wardrobe as another tool of activism and occasionally try to up my game.

Whose style do you admire?

Style is so personal and so subjective - what's hot to me is someone who has found the way to being comfortable in their skin, however they decorate it. That said, I have a particular fondness for the style I call 'fuck you femme' - which is rough and tumble and glamorous all at the same time.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

- Wear it for you, not anyone else.
- Show some skin! Especially in the summer. Nothing feels better than the breeze across your bare shoulders.
- Baggy pants don't magically make you appear thin. People still know you're fat. So, don't hide yourself. Wear clothing that fits you and feels good.
- Don't be 'palatable,' be happy!

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

The mythical punk-studded belt for people above a size 20. Seriously. My kingdom for a @#($*&#@(* belt that doesn't look like it came out of a menswear catalog.

What else would you like to say?

Considering a move to the UK next year to start my undergrad/grad studies. I'm very excited to see the Jumble starting and am hoping to be involved in the creation of more body-positive events/actions/community! Do let me know if you're planning something and need help! You can reach me via my website: http://stacybias.net

PS Wanna be featured as a Big Bum Fashion Fan? Yes yes yes! We'd love to have you on the blog. Help us show the diversity of fat fashion fans by sending an email to bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Look what came in: a whole lotta girliness

2010-07-22T10:38:00.001+01:00

Can we get a handclap? Kay is boldly going into realms of girliness that she would normally avoid like crazy in order to bring you, dear Jumblers, an idea of what's on offer at the Big Bum Jumble. Go Kay!

This majorly girly top is about a size 22-24 and is as sweet as hell.

Who will snatch it up in their greedy hands on 14 August? Nobody knows!

Thanks mystery donator.

By the way: we need your clothes.

Very Important: We Need Your Clothes

2010-07-21T14:05:00.002+01:00

Dear Jumblers,

We have bags of donations for the Big Bum Jumble which include some lovely stuff and some everyday stuff, in sizes XL through to about 6XL, with most donations being somewhere in the middle. We have some accessories to delight you too.

However, we still need much more stock in order to make the Jumble a playground of plus sized wonderfulness where we can all frolic to our heart's content.

Here's where you can help:

1. Go through your wardrobe and drawers and have a good clear out. Chuck out things you don't like, things you never really liked, things you never wear (be honest!) and things that don't fit you. Let it go. Feel free!

2. Put everything in a bag. Bin bags are perfectly fine. Unless things are really filthy don't stress about laundering anything, you don't have to fold it neatly either, just get it in there.

3. Email bigbumjumble@gmail.com to arrange a pick-up or a drop-off.

4. Tell your fat friends what you've done and encourage them to do the same. (NB: this makes a great Facebook status update, just so you know, especially if you're one of those people who has approx 1,000,000 friends)

5. That's it. Easy!

These steps apply to people who wear or used to wear size XL+, including women, men, children and everybody inbetween. If you are smaller and still want to support the Jumble, consider donating your unwanted accessories.

You can also bring stuff on the day, but it's better if we can get it beforehand so that we can sort it into groups by size.

We'd love to hear from you especially if you have anything particularly unusual or noteworthy you'd like to donate, perhaps items that could be used in the fashion show, or that could be featured on this blog.

Thank you!

Love,

Kay xx

PS. If you're still not convinced, here are 5 Reasons Why You Should Donate Your Clothes to the Big Bum Jumble

Facebook Event

2010-07-21T13:41:00.000+01:00

Are you coming to the jumble? Don't forget to add yourself to the Facebook Event page.

Because the Big Bum Jumble is the first event of its kind in the UK, we have no idea how many people will actually turn up to it. Will we be sobbing and twiddling our thumbs in an empty room, or fighting back the hoards, or doing something inbetween those two extremes? We don't know.

The Facebook Event page is the closest thing we have to getting some idea of who's going to turn up on the day. So please add your name if you can, and share the event info with your pals too. Thanks!

Big Bum Jumble Facebook Event

Look what came in: cute cute cute shoes

2010-07-21T13:29:00.000+01:00

These shoes are cute cute cute and tiny tiny tiny, about a size 4 or 5. They'd look great on someone with mini-feet, though probably aren't the best footwear for a ten-mile walk (unless you're a very high femme).

Who will walk away with them on 14 August?

Thanks mystery donator!

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Bill Savage

2010-07-20T15:56:00.001+01:00

Who are you?

I am Bill Savage and I am helping Kay with the Big Bum Jumble.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I like to wear ties and sleeveless jumpers. This look works in all contexts of my life: at work, at home, going to Unskinny Bop, weddings, funerals, interviews, hott dates etc etc. Ties are a good way to add colour to boringly coloured men’s clothes - I have over 60 of them. My favourites are the vintage Marks & Spencer polyester numbers.

Whose style do you admire?

Hercule Poirot and, to a slightly lesser extent, Captain Hastings. I admire the kind of dude who wears a suit like it was a second skin. At the moment I’m kind of obsessed with Elijah Oberman, the violinist from The Shondes...it’s a tight waistcoat thing. Generally though I like people who look comfy in what they’re wearing and who have committed to a look and are going with it.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

As far as I can tell mainstream fashion advice seems to exist for the sole purpose of fetishising an unattainable gender- and heteronormative, white, middle-class, thin norm - in other words it is a pile of crap for any number of reasons.

The only advice I feel qualified to offer instead is to stop caring about what some non-specific/mythical 'other people' think and wear what the hell you like.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

A tweed or corduroy suit jacket with leather patches on the elbows that wasn’t too long or too broad across the shoulders, but that did up...I will settle for a new hoodie though!

What else would you like to say?

Can’t wait to see you all at the Big Bum Jumble!

PS Wanna be featured here? Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com and it shall be done.

Look what came in: a shirt that makes you do cheesecake poses when you're having your picture taken

2010-07-20T15:53:00.000+01:00

This shirt is not the loudest or most ostentatious garment that has been donated to the Big Bum Jumble so far. About a size 20-22, it would look on someone doing some kind of socially aspirational activity, such as shopping at the farmer's market at the weekend, or telling a bunch of friends who are of a slightly higher status than you that you've decided to jack in your job and become a novelist.

But the shirt's most amazing power, apart from the ability to pop open if you are at all hefty in the bust and belly area, is to make its wearer, no matter how masculine-identified they are, to adopt any number of cheesecake poses for the camera.

Who will walk away with this magical item on 14 August? It's exciting to think about, eh?

Thanks feminists!

2010-07-20T15:35:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Bill Savage over at The F-Word for giving us a stout out: Coming Soon: The Big Bum Jumble.

Edited to add: The post has generated an amazing and somewhat lively/vitriolic debate. Who knew that plus-size second hand clothes could provoke such a reaction? It's depressing to see the piece hijacked into going-nowhere debates about health and taxpayers. Oh well! Some people! Read, marvel, despair and join in at your leisure.

Jumble treats: true tales of the Big Bum Jumble

2010-07-20T15:30:00.000+01:00

This classic episode of children's television heaven programme Rainbow is an exact rendition of the behind-the-scenes work going on here at Big Bum Jumble HQ. Got ten minutes to spare? Watch and learn.

Rainbow - 'Jumble Sale'

Thanks to BBJ supporter Simon Murphy for digging up the clip.

Guerilla marketing: the chill cabinet

2010-07-20T15:14:00.000+01:00

Jumble madness is hitting East London and there are still weeks to go until the ribbon is cut and we all pile in to the Big Bum Jumble. Witness this example of guerrilla jumble marketing, offered by an anonymous jumbler of Bethnal Green.

We still need help getting the word out about the jumble because a) we want people to come and b) we want donations of clothing to sell. Take a leaf out of this saucy jumbler's book, download the Big Bum Jumble posters and flyers, stick 'em up all over the place, and send us pictures of your most demented publicity coups.

Exciting news flash!

2010-07-20T14:55:00.000+01:00

Amy Lamé is going to give us a mention on BBC London 94.9 at about 3.45 this afternoon. Listen out and get ready to tape it off the radio with your cassette player. If you miss it you can catch it again on the iPlayer.

Thanks Amy! We're sending you special Jumble love for your support.

PS. Are you a media maven with a soft spot for fatshion and jumble sales? Please don't be afraid to turn the dazzling light of your broadcast, online or print power in our direction. Take a look at the Big Bum Jumble Press Release if you need more information.

Look What Came In: Red, Black and Square

2010-07-19T17:45:00.000+01:00

Is it check? Is it tartan? Is it plaid? Gingham?! Only a true connoisseur of the warp and the weft would know the difference and I am not one. What I do know is that this t-shirt would look bloody fantastic on anyone who feels like squeezing into it. It's about a size XL.

Who's gonna get it on 14 August? Will there be a fight? Tears? I hope so not.

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Amanda Piasecki

2010-07-19T17:32:00.000+01:00

Who are you?

I'm Amanda Piasecki, I coined the term "Fatshionista" and I started the online community of the same name.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I like a tough, hyper-feminine look that has a sense of humor about itself at the same time. I like drawing attention to my enormously curvaceous proportions and giant ass. At my best and most resilient, I enjoy exaggerating everything about my size and rocking hot, gruesome, femme monstrosity. At my most weary and over-it, I work a surly, fat Russian Riviera look. For a long time, I attempted to dye my hair the same color red as every woman in communist Poland had, but no one made the connection except my immigrant family, and my skin looked terrible. Now it's a less belligerent Californian henna color. I am one of the least invisible people I know, even when I'm trying to be – I receive a lot of street hassle, from come-ons to fat bashing, and everything in between. I do the best with it that I can, and sometimes my outfits are a way of fighting back or making a visual inside joke with other outsiders.

My clothes come from everywhere, but mostly from eBay these days. I also shop at thrift and consignment stores, and get some of my clothes made by sellers on Etsy, like Jane BonBon and Ureshii. I'm a clothes horse, but have to limit my spending, so I try to prioritize using my wardrobe budget on used clothes, then small designers, then big sweatshop chains.

Whose style do you admire?

I'm most inspired by other fat queers who rock bold looks with limited resources. I also love old people's fashion – not simply vintage. One of my favorite fashion blogs is Advanced Style.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

I think that the best style is born from resourcefulness and aesthetic inventiveness rather than through cash outlay. While we're incredibly lucky to have an alterna-fat-girl chain store here in the US, since the rise of Torrid there's part of me that feels like we've lost something now that it's easier for young fatshionistas to assimilate into their subcultures of choice. Fatshionistas used to almost universally be masters of creativity, inventiveness, and making something out of nothing, and this is a value that I'd love to keep around as plus-sized clothing gets slightly more accessible.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

I'm psyched for lots of British fatties to have a gleeful moment of fashion abundance at the Big Bum Jumble! As far as I'm concerned, wide shoes are much easier to find and much more stylish in the UK than in the US, so I'll gladly Paypal shipping for any interesting-looking UK size 7E or wider shoes that don't find homes!

What else would you like to say?

Fashion is great and all, but making up for a fat glory deficit through cool clothes is way less important than being a radical, badass mofo.

There's more here: Rad Fatty: Amanda Piasecki

PS Wanna be featured here? The answer most surely is "Yes!" Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com and it shall be done.

Guerilla marketing: the sociologists are in the house

2010-07-16T16:27:00.001+01:00

Dr Bill Savage rose to the challenge thrown down here and has offered her own example of Big Bum Jumble guerrilla marketing – at her university's Sociology department! She tells us: "I am carrying posters with me wherever I go." You should too.

Phooey to those dullards in Cultural Studies, their part of the noticeboard looks crap!

Got pics of your genius Big Bum Jumble marketing strategies? Send 'em please.

Look What Came In: Mega Velvety Goodness

2010-07-16T15:00:00.001+01:00

There were squeals when these two pieces were unpacked and of course we had to photograph them together. If only we'd had velvet knickerbockers, gloves, socks and a hood to complete the look. So much nap in one place!

The shirt is slightly larger than the jacket, both are about a size 28-30, are cut roomily and would fit larger, I think. Dare to wear shoulder pads for the full effect.

Who will walk off with this look on 14 August? It could be you.

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Vikki C.

2010-07-16T14:37:00.000+01:00

Who are you?

I'm a queer femme scholar and performer, and also an aspiring rad fatty and burgeoning fat activist.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I find great joy in wearing everything my mother always told me 'girls like me' can't get away with. That mostly consists of bright colours, prints, and revealing/tight stuff, currently expressed in an obsession with patterned leggings and those little tshirt-dress things. I also love Vans and other footwear oft sported by 14 year old boys, it's the Peter Pan tomboy in me that refuses to grow up.

Whose style do you admire?

Standard answer I know but I do adore Beth Ditto's ability to put an extraordinary outfit together. Amy Lamé is always impeccably turned out in a way I could never even aspire to. Also there's a certain quite famous queer theorist (who I cannot name for fear of embarrassment) whose sparkly jeans, bold glitter printed t-shirts and generally awesome daily disco wear has me in complete thrall.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

There is simply no such thing as too much. No, seriously.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

I'm really hoping for some of the fabulous 50s dresses I always see other hot fat girls wearing but cannot seem to find in my size at a reasonable price. I'm also open to suggestion and intend to try on all sorts of crazy things I would normally never go for!

What else would you like to say?

Just that I am very excited about the Jumble, and I hope it sparks exchanges of ideas, actions and plans as well as clothes!

The photo of Vikki is by AbsolutQueer Photography.

PS Wanna be featured here? Of course you do! Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

In Californiay? Head along to this!

2010-07-16T14:33:00.000+01:00

Cupcakes and Muffintops
Clothing and Bake Sale

9 August 2009
Midday - 4pm
Humanist Hall, 390 27th St, midtown Oakland, CA

A size-positive, gender inclusive Fat Clothing Flea and Bake Sale where only the prices are small! Clothes sizes L and up, up, up! Butch, femme, men's, women's... and tasty treats, too! Clothes $2-$7/per item. $5 door fee (applicable toward any clothing purchase). All proceeds to benefit Big Moves Bay Area and NOLOSE.

For more information or to donate clothes contact cindy@bigmoves.org, matilda@bigmoves.org or CupcakesandMuffintops@gmail.com.

Unsold clothing will be donated to area shelters after the sale.

Thanks!

2010-07-15T11:59:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Donna Savage for donating £100 to the BBJ. X X X X X X X

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Bea Sweet

2010-07-15T11:56:00.003+01:00

Who are you?

My name is Bea Sweet and I work as a Makeup Artist in the fashion industry in London.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I like to wear all things tight and shiny, huge prints, fussy clothing, diva dresses, painful heels, oversized T-shirts, massive gold hoop earrings, headscarves and hairpieces. I like to mix high-end pieces with vintage and things from Evans.

Whose style do you admire?

I admire women like Diane Pernet and Mrs Jones, because they both have their fingers on the fashion pulse but do it their own way, retaining their femininity and class. I believe that is the key to being a woman with admirable style.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

If you see something in a plus size that you like and dither about whether or not to buy it, just buy it. Because it’s really hard to find nice signature pieces in clothing sizing to fit big girls, so when you find a good item make sure you get it and leave no space for regrets.
Don’t be afraid to wear something you wouldn’t usually wear, don’t stick to what you know, embrace leggings, wear colour, wear black, layer, accessorise, customise, surprise yourself.
Nothing is off limits to you: no item of clothing is something that "you shouldn’t wear because you are big." Don’t think you can’t wear something because you are fat, because the truth is that you can wear it and you will absolutely rock it. So do it.
Remember this quote by Aimee Mullins, "Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can have. It's much sexier than any body part." It applies to being a fat girl too, if you are confident with what you have and really own it you will be surprised with the reaction you get from other people. Nine times out of ten people will tell me how wonderful I look (and the other one isn’t even worth mentioning because I realise that what they say is a reflection of them, not me). So hold your head up and turn what has always been a negative for you into a positive.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

A vintage prom dress in a UK Size 28 with so many beads on it that I could hardly carry it.

What else would you like to say?

I am hugely excited for the Big Bum Jumble, fat girls are hot girls!

Perhaps you’d like to visit my blog, beasweet.blogspot.com, and see more of what I do, or look at my website, beasweet.com (which is unfortunately currently under re-construction but you can still bookmark it).

The photo of Bea is by Scott Nunn.

PS Wanna be featured here? Of course you do! Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Look What Came In: Accessories

2010-07-15T11:46:00.000+01:00

Kay works the E15 hipster look in these dashing accessories. See, you don't have to be fuller-figured to enjoy the BBJ, there'll be something here for everyone. (Specs model's own).

Who'll walk off with this stuff on 14 August? Only time will tell!

Big Bum Jumble badges

2010-07-15T11:41:00.002+01:00

Dr Savage donated time on her badge-making machine, and badge supplies and we all set to work. Here are the beautiful results.

Mobile Advertising Campaign!

2010-07-15T11:33:00.002+01:00

No expense has been spared on promoting the Big Bum Jumble, hee hee hee.

Kay has thrown down the gauntlet for insane Big Bum Jumble guerilla marketing via the most uncool car of all time: the Nissan Micra. Can you top that? Send in your pics and we'll publish them. No promo tactic too bizarre!

Remember: the more people who come and bring stuff, the better the pickings.

Click for flyers and posters to download and spread about.

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Kat

2010-07-14T10:33:00.000+01:00

Who are you?

My name is Kat. A fat and fabulous 28 year old Femme. I write a plus size fashion blog, Plus Size Beauty.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

I like things that break the rules of 'what a fat girl shouldn't wear'. I love horizontal stripes, body con, leopard print, bold colours, statement jewellery and anything slightly OTT and attention grabbing. I also like bright lipstick.

Whose style do you admire?

I admire anyones style as long as it's their own. I love getting inspiration from other girls I see in the street, fashion blogs, and friends. I think my biggest style crush is Beth Ditto. She has an amazing wardrobe! I love the way she doesn't conform to the usual 'fat girl' rules, I love the way she wears body con dresses and I love the way she just doesn't give a fuck about wearing any of it.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

Wear what you want, not what people tell you to, or tell you you shouldn't. Wear what you feel comfortable in and what makes you happy. I always see someones style/clothes as an extension of someones personality! Try everything on. The label can lie! If something has stretch, or an elastic waist, or simply looks big, try it on, even if it is much smaller than your regular size.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

Anything from the 80's. Something in a bold colour with HUGE dynasty shoulder pads and gold buttons. A leopard print body con dress. A vintage playsuit. A comfortable pair of heels!

What else would you like to say?

MEGA excited about the Big Bum Jumble! It combines ALL of my favourite things. Clothes for fat girls, fat girls, bargains and meeting new people. Oh, and check out my blog

PS Wanna be featured here? Of course you do! Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Look What Came In: The Top That Would Not be Found

2010-07-14T10:27:00.000+01:00

This top was donated by a certain someone who then realised that she needed to wear it to a big family gathering. Cue frantic search through many bags of donations. It was not to be found and our beloved certain someone had to go away empty handed. Sod's Law being what it is, Kay found the top the day after it was needed, and is modelling it here in typical cheeky style. Could the classic 'waistcoat with nothing underneath' look return to full vogue? I think so, especially when accessorised with such a cute tummy.

It's about a size 22-24, from Torrid, and needs a good iron. Who will walk away with it on 14 August? It could be you!

Thank you certain someone!

Exclusive! Unskinny Bop's Fatshion Top Ten

2010-07-14T10:13:00.001+01:00

C'mon everybody, it's The Bop this weekend.

Ruth and Tamsin, the people in charge of Unskinny Bop, always manage to keep everybody dancing all night. They'll be providing the music at the Big Bum Jumble too. I asked them to give us their Fatshion Top Ten and they obliged. Look 'em up, stick them on the turntable and move on down.

1. Are You Feeling Fashionable by Help She Can't Swim
2. Slip In Mules by Sugar Pie De Santo
3. Hoodie by Lady Sovereign
4. Vans by The Pack
5. Fashion Pack by Amanda Lear
6. P.V.C. by Kenickie
7. Let Me Fix My Weave by Missy Elliot
8. Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That by Dolly Parton
9. Pencil Skirt by Pulp
10. L'homme à la Moto by Edith Piaf

Tamsin says: "Sequencing could do with a bit of work! Unfortunately it's not all on Spotify or we'd have made a playlist... The Vans song is pure comedy, it got the nod over My Adidas due to the fashion preferences chez Bop rather than on musical merit."

God they're cool.

Help Needed

2010-07-12T12:56:00.000+01:00

The Big Bum Jumble has been offered an amazing donation of 13 large bags of clothes in sizes 28-32. Wow!

There's a problem. The BBJ and its organisers are in London and the clothes are in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Does anyone have any genius ideas about how to bring them down south? Is there anyone travelling between London and Newcastle between now and August 14th? Perhaps we could organise some kind of complicated road relay!

All help and ideas are welcome, get in touch: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Lauren D

2010-07-11T14:00:00.003+01:00

Who are you?

I am Lauren, I'm going to be helping at the Big Bum Jumble. I have the blog Pocket Rocket Fashion where I waffle on about plus sized fashion and am a contributor to Italian Vogue's 'Curvy' site. I also dj badly for money on occassion.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

Dresses, dresses, dresses. I just can't get enough of them! The more outlandish the better. My favourites are ones that have interesting detailing and/or kitsch prints, although I do love luxurious, Hollywood vintage style ones too. I also really like pencil skirts teamed with cardigans and dressed up with brooches or flowers.

Whose style do you admire?

I admire the style of anyone who has the confidence to wear exactly what they want and not tame their look to suit society. Obviously Beth Ditto's been a big inspiration to me and a lot of other fat girls, and continues to push the envelope. Pretty much any of the women from John Waters movies. In real life, my friends Diana Thompson, Camilla Pia, Tegan Titmuss, Christina and Charlene Millare and Carmen Luvian are huge inspirations. I'm also a fan of many fatshion bloggers, notably Val at blogtobealive.com, Sakina at saksinthecity.blogspot.com, Stephanie at leblogdebigbeauty.com and Xtina from musingsofafatshionista.com.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

Firstly: ignore every piece of style advice you've ever been told. All that 'dressing for your shape' gubbins is nonsense. Dress for yourself and ignore everyone else. Wear exactly what you want, wear what makes you feel happiest, most comfortable, and most ready to face the world. No matter what anyone says. Why please idiot strangers who may or may not approve of what you wear? I live at home and my mum tries to stop me from going out in certain outfits by reminding me of all the people who will laugh at me. But their opinion is worthless. Who cares?! Be true to yourself and you'll be so much more confident.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

A gorgeous, opulent cocktail dress that was custom made for a short fat woman with tiny boobs. Failing that, a lovely fake fur coat.

What else would you like to say?

Just that I am super excited for the Big Bum Jumble and hope it's the first of many!

PS Wanna be featured here? Yeah you do! Drop us a line: bigbumjumble@gmail.com

Look What Came In: A World of Woollyness

2010-07-11T12:55:00.000+01:00

Ok, ok, so it's the hottest day of the year and the last thing you want to think about is anything warm and woolly. But fatshion knows no season, the 'top' designers (who we really care about here at BBJ, obv) are currently showing their Winter/Spring 2011 collections, so why not do the same here. It may not seem like it now, but in January you'll be gagging for a jumper like this.

Approx size 4 or 5XL, but has some give in it and would look great on someone bigger.

Who will walk away with it on 14 August? It could be you!

Thank you mystery donator.

Big Bum Fashion Fan: Charlotte Cooper

2010-07-09T19:57:00.003+01:00

Here's a lovely interview with a Big Bum Fashion Fan, Charlotte Cooper.

Who are you?

I'm a fat activist, scholar, author, blogger, zine and film-maker, and I'm also one of the helpers at the Big Bum Jumble. I live in E15.

What sort of things do you like to wear?

It goes in phases, but currently the things I enjoy wearing most are a couple of push-up bras that make my tits look insane, almost like weaponry; a really soft leather jacket that has a sort of classic biker shape; neat little skirts and really old t-shirts that are soft and semi-transparent. I have a bit of a denim fetish too.

I've been experimenting lately with short dresses that have an empire, baby-doll or trapeze shape. I tend to go for things that are more form-fitting, so this is a departure. I like things that have plenty of colour about them.

And accessories, I have a preposterous faux bling skull necklace that I can't stop wearing, and I went to a party in my Mexican wrestling mask recently and had a ball. My girlfriend bought me these crazy high-heeled Nikes that I like to totter around in, but they kill my feet and are not exactly in keeping with the Big Bum Jumble ethos, oh well!

Whose style do you admire?

It's rare to see fat people in the public eye, so there aren't many fatshion icons that I look to for inspiration, although Mama Cass is certainly one. She wore these great short swing dresses in the 60s with really hott knee boots, such a great look.

Otherwise, punk girls and the tough girls that I see on the streets where I live have an enduring style that I love.

Give us some fat fashion advice!

Wear things that make you happy, corny but true.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?

I actually found my dream thing when I was in the US recently. My friend Amanda took us to this great thrift store called _____________ (sorry, embargoed!) and I got a calf-length vintage black and brown pleather coat, all used and worn and battered. It fits me like a glove. This description does not sell it very well, but I love it.

I'm on the lookout for a denim jacket, that classic v-shape but tailored so that it actually fits me. Also, ridiculous things that I'd never buy in a shop, but which are a lot of fun to wear, silly dressing-up things that somehow make it into real life.

Look What Came In: Ace Smiley Top

2010-07-08T16:26:00.000+01:00

Here's Kay modelling one of the top picks from the Big Bum Jumble donations pile, a super-cute XL smiley sweatshirt. No one can be glum in a top like this. Who will walk away with it on 14 August? It could be you!

Thank you mystery donator.

Flyers and Posters

2010-07-08T16:09:00.003+01:00

Look! Look! Flyers and posters for you to download, print and distribute. Send 'em to your friends, plaster them around the place, amuse us with your most audacious BBJ publicity coup.

Big Bum Jumble Flyer (.pdf 147kb)

Big Bum Jumble Poster (.pdf 168kb)

Thanks to Meryl Trussler for the grrrl design, Simon Murphy for the label design, and Charlotte Cooper and Bill Savage for ideas and technical image wrangling.

Big Bum Jumble Press Release

2010-05-28T11:18:00.001+01:00

For Immediate Release - please spread this info far and wide!

The Big Bum Jumble
Saturday 14 August 2010, 12-5pm
Stratford Circus
Theatre Square
London E15 1BX
www.stratford-circus.com

Contact:

bigbumjumble@gmail.com
www.bigbumjumble.blogspot.com

The Big Bum Jumble, where Fatshion in the UK takes an ethical turn

The Big Bum Jumble is landmark fatshion event selling low-cost second-hand and vintage clothes in sizes XL+. It will take place on 14 August 2010 in London's East End, and will comprise a traditional jumble sale, a catwalk show and other activities, as well as the chance to participate in a film of the event.

Kay Hyatt, its principle organiser, is a fat activist who often struggles to find clothes to fit. Knowing that other people were in the same position, she decided to do something about it after attending a similar event in the US. Kay explains: "I was impressed by the celebratory atmosphere, the friendliness, the sense of community and, of course, the excellent fashion. It was like jumping into a giant dressing-up box. I wanted to bring that feeling home.

Kay says: "Fashion can be creative and playful, it can help you feel really good about yourself. I think this should be available to everyone regardless of size or background." She adds: "Although The Big Bum Jumble is a sale, it's also anti-consumerist, all about reusing and recycling, and it has a DIY-culture ethic of making something out of the resources available to you."

"The situation is improving but, unless you can afford the high-end stuff, plus-sized fashion is often limited to poor quality, overpriced and ethically-dubious products sold by companies who see fat people as self-hating, desperate consumers. We deserve better."

Notes for editors
The Big Bum Jumble is a fundraiser for further fat activist community events in the UK, including the proposed 2012 Fattylympics.

Clean, plus-sized donations are welcome on the day, just bring them along. For larger amounts, please get in touch with the organisers to arrange a pick-up.

High resolution images are available for download:
Big Bum Jumble Logo (b+w) 2.9mb
Kay Hyatt (col) 21.4mb

The Big Bum Jumble has been partially funded by The Fat of The Land: A Queer Chub Harvest Festival, which took place in London on 3 October 2009. Please visit that event's blog for more information: http://queerchub.blogspot.com

Fatshionista is a term coined by American fat activist Amanda Piasecki in 2004. For more on Fatshion, see: www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2010/jan/30/fat-fashion-blogs

BBJ on The Pocket Rocket

2010-05-27T18:57:00.001+01:00

Wheee, check out Kay on The Pocket Rocket!

What on earth is a Big Bum Jumble?

2010-05-23T22:04:00.003+01:00

Here's a little interview with Kay Hyatt, who is organising the Big Bum Jumble.

Charlotte: Who are you?
Kay: My name is Kay Hyatt, I'm a fatty living and working in East London. I'm also Butch Husky from the Chubsters. I'm a fat activist and I'm a mannish lady.

What's the Big Bum Jumble?
It's a jumble sale, fashion show, party and fundraiser. It's going to take place in East London on 14 August. It's a place to buy new-to-you plus-sized clothes that fit at very low prices. 95% of the stuff on sale will be sized XL+, which means over a UK women's size 18, and men's XL. People of all sizes are welcome to come, it's being held in an accessible venue, and you can bring your kids.

Why did you decide to organise it?
I've been inspired by attending the amazing Fat Girl Flea, which I went to in New York in 2007. Since then I felt a yearning for something similar here in the UK. Because I am part of a DIY culture, I decided to organise something myself rather than be sorry that there wasn't one. I'm someone who struggles to find clothes that fit me that I want to wear and can afford, and I thought that there would probably be lots of other fat people in the same situation. Also, it's good to hang out and do stuff with other fat folks.

What was so great about The Fat Girl Flea?
The atmosphere there was just so celebratory. The sheer volume of clothes to look through was amazing. I'm used to crying over the ever-diminishing fat section at the back of the shops here, but there there was such abundance. I loved the way people encouraged each other to try things out, and I loved having people come up to me and say things like: "I just found this, it's not for me but it would look great on you." I got a great Hawaiian shirt that way. There was just a real party atmosphere around celebrating dressing up and looking good with a load of fab fatties.

Who are you hoping will come?
Well, I've been thrilled by the response so far. I hope everyone will come, really. I know it will appeal to fat people who want to shop because I'm sure that I'm not alone in finding there is a lack of good clothes in large sizes. I know that other people would like to be somewhere where there is a glut instead. Friends and supporters of all sizes who want to have a good time should come too. The venue we have got is really lovely with a great café and the fantastic Tamsin and Ruth of Unskinny Bop will be providing the music for the day. There will also be a catwalk show with models and volunteer models from amongst the shoppers walking in clothes found from the jumble. I hope to also get some passers by too, people who are just after a bargain.

What do you mean when you say that you're a fat activist?
I'm a fat activist because I reject the idea that being fat is a problem or something that any right-thinking person would want to change. The Big Bum Jumble is an activist event because it is about celebrating body diversity, changing your wardrobe to fit your body, not your body to fit your wardrobe. It's also a place where fat community can be found and hopefully a jumping-off point for more fat activist events in future. If I make any money, it's going to be used to fund future events, like the planned 2012 Fattylympics.

What's the 2012 Fattylympics?
The Fattylympics is something I'm co-organising with fat activist Charlotte Cooper in response to the London 2012 Olympics. We live very close to the Olympic Park and we want to create a response to this unstoppable force that's happening more-or-less in our own backyards. It's going to be an event promoting Health At Every Size through the medium of arsing around and playing stupid fat-friendly games in the park. It's going to be big!

What help do you need to get the BBJ going?
Right now, I'm still after donations of clothes. Especially stuff above a women's size 28 or men's XXXL. If you have a lot of stuff, I can arrange to come and get it from you within London, though if it's an amount you can carry, just bring it on the day. If you're outside London, get in touch and we can work something out.

Also, if you want to volunteer to help out on the day, I'd be grateful for that too. I have quite a few helpers lined-up but I can always use more. There'll be glamorous and non-glamorous jobs available so I'm sure I can find a role that'd suit you. Drop me a line.

What would be your dream find at the Big Bum Jumble?
I dream of having a Nudie Suit like Gram Parsons or Porter Wagoner used to wear, but I don't think even the Big Bum Jumble will be able to provide that! I'd be happy with some new trousers that fit round my fat belly and aren't too long for my short little legs.

What else would you like to say?
Come to the Jumble. It is going to be amazing. There will be new clothes, low prices, new friends, hanging out, celebratory images, music by The Bops, and a fashion show. There will also be badges of our beautiful BBJ logo designed by Simon Murphy. You'll have a chance to be in a film of the event if you want to. Good times!