Katie MacKay had a huge 2009; from starting a tiny little blog with her boyfriend to international press, she has been praised for her style and individuality. I was so glad that such a ray of sunshine in the fashion blogging world agreed to a chat with me about the Body Image Campaign!
Image from What Katie Wore
What has What Katie Wore taught you about body confidence?
I guess that because it all started with a guy, and a year-long love letter, that I have found that what I wear has made others happy and has inspired them to dress for themselves. I know that I have my good days and bad days, and my reeeeaaaalllly rough days but I don’t care: others comments have given me the confidence to keep going for the whole year
What do you love about yourself?
I like my ankles as they’re tiny so I can wear all types of shoes and they look pretty. But my favourite thing about my body is my skin, I know its pale and in places it’s almost see-through but at 27 I’m finally fine with that - it’s no longer as spotty as it was either! I don’t feel that I have to be more tanned, though there was a time when I would have loved to have been. I can embrace what I have been given.
So, what do you not like very much?
I don’t like my thighs, but y’know it’s not the end of the world! I can cover them up and know what make them look and feel better or worse. I’ve found through this how to dress for my shape and even if you don’t love your shape, you can create a perfect silhouette without dieting. Me and Joe both love food so we eat out or cook a lot, but I would rather exercise-lightly (of course) than crash diet and not eat at all.
Why do you think What Katie Wore has inspired so many people?
To be honest I never thought I would inspire anyone - not in my wildest dreams! I never expected to appear in magazines or to have been so lucky to get recognised for what I have done. I just think it’s because I know I’m not perfect, but I’m happy as experimenting gives me a sense of enjoyment and I think others have felt that they can dress how they feel too.
What makes you feel confident about your body?
I don’t think my figure makes me feel confidence about my appearance, that’s all down to the way I dress. It allows me to express myself and others seem to like it, so that gives me confidence.
What is your reaction when readers confide in you that they hate their bodies or that they get criticised for the way they dress?
I’ve found that it’s usually younger people that have this problem and the last thing I would want is for anyone to be bullied for expressing themselves. But I always advise them that you can’t please everyone and in years to come you will realise that the was the people that you made happy that mattered and the naivety of others wasn’t worth your time
Can I just say that it is a fantastic thing that you are all doing, as high streets are starting to show more real sized models nowadays. And in a time when the appeal of magazines is decreasing, bloggers have greater opportunities to provide inspiration to others and I love that!
Katie has previously done interviews with myself and Amy.
