Past Real Women Events

Casey Donovan - Big, Beautiful & Sexy Concert - Melbourne 22nd January, 2012

In a jam packed room of at least 250 people, sweating and sweltering in the 35 degree heat with a little air conditioner struggling to keep us cool, Casey Donovan took to the stage and immediately I had goosebumps on my arms. This woman is a powerhouse.

Rewind a few years, I’d seen Casey Donovan, I’d watched her journey on Australian Idol, I’d watched her ebb and flow in the media, her highs and lows, and at all times I’d admired that she was always “real”. I’ve ALWAYS felt she was genuine and real, even when perhaps she (as a much younger woman) didn’t know who she was or what she wanted, I watched from afar and admired her courage and strength – and of course, her honesty. Something I pride myself on too. A few years ago I had the opportunity to meet with Casey’s manager and talk about doing something with Casey at some point to promote positive body image and positive role models. A few months ago, Jason approached me and asked to assist in spreading the word about Casey visiting us here in Melbourne (Something I’d nagged about on many occasion!). FINALLY she was coming to Melbourne.

The Win a Double Pass to see and meet & greet Casey generated a huge response. But there could only be two lucky winners, and they were the gorgeous Kathrine Bennett and Jeana Newton.

Jeana, Janine, Casey & Kathrine - Big, Beautiful & Sexy Concert, Bennetts Lane, Melbourne

Bennetts Lane in Melbourne is an intimate venue, we arrived early to meet with Casey. Casey was down to earth, warm & friendly. We had a lot of fun getting happy snaps with her and having an opportunity to chat. THANK YOU Casey.

We really enjoyed the support act but the anticipation was building for Casey. FINALLY in the sweltering heat of the intimate venue Casey hit the stage – and how!

A mass of gorgeous hair, curves and energy appeared – and Casey had arrived. I had goosebumps from start to finish. Casey you are amazing. I love how you structured your set by illustrating your life’s journey to date with music – it was enthralling.

The audience was right there with you every step of the way. From Aretha Franklin to Mama Cass to your own work and everything in between, your music was second to none.

Your heartfelt message on body image at the end of the set was just gold.

Casey Donovan, you are a role model for women of today. You do what you do best without apology, loving yourself, living your dream and just being YOU – you ebb and flow in life like the rest of us, and if you stay true to you, it can only be all good.

Thanks for a great night - You go girl!

Size 16+ Exclusive Clothing Market - 16th October 2011

Review by the lovely Rosemary, Rosemary's Notebook:

Further to my earlier email, I attended - well actually shared a stall, at a Size 16 plus Market yesterday, held at the Seaford Life Saving Club Rooms by Janine Mison of Real Women Australia Pty Ltd.

The weather which started out with grey skies took a bad turn into lashing rain and then hail but that certainly didn't dampen the spirits of the ladies who had taken up stalls to display their garments and accessories. The temperatures were low, but the attitude of everyone who attended was high.

This was an occasion where literally thousands of garments (many of them new with their original swing tags) were presented in the always hard to find range of size 16 plus. Many garments were in the higher range from 24 through to 30, and buyers took advantage of the many specials.

Most of the garments were priced within the $5, $10, $20 range, with some spectacular garments a little higher in price. There was even an exquisite Deb frock on sale.

Casual garments, dress-up outfits, leather coats, beautiful lingerie, shoes, boots, handbags, hats and costume jewellery were all featured.

It is hoped that this will become regular event, held around Melbourne in different areas, especially during the warmer months. I would recommend that when you see one of these special days advertised, that you take the opportunity of adding to your wardrobe for a very reasonable cost, and to have a great time choosing special garments. You'll meet some fantastic women as well.

Even consider booking a stall yourself to sell some of your pre-loved clothing - and to make room for more purchases! Who needs an excuse to buy something beautiful? Rosemary x

Outlet Clearance Tour - 3rd September, 2011

Hi Janine,

Thank you for yesterday, great day with you, and the group of ladies. Enjoyed the day, seeing lots of new clothes, listening to style ideas & recieving an honest/open suggestions on what to wear (& not to wear). The tour was a fantastic idea, i will definately go on another.

Even thou it was a small group i found that u spent time with each of us, boosted our confidence, made us step outside our comfort-zone & try on beautiful clothes. I'm heading back to get my Bennet Boots.

Thank u to the girls, u are amazing & looked great in ur new outfits, Mackenzie u looked amazing in your new dresses/outfits, Michele - ur boots!!! i already know u wore them today-i hope u felt as good as i know they looked on u & Hilary, have a safe trip home to NZ.

Janine, THANK YOU! I know i could say it a million times, and to all you girls that missed out on this tour - Start saving because u wont want to miss the next one & get the great bargains!

Rebecca McDonald (via facebook).

Shape Your Life Workshop - 23rd July, 2011

Moniek, Janine & Michella - Presenters at Shape Your Life Workshop

It was an eery, overcast Saturday afternoon in chilly Melbourne, but suddenly the sun peeked out from behind the clouds - and the room was full of motivation and inspiration. It was my pleasure to present a workshop designed to get you moving. I shared my personal story on my journey and added value by jumping in on topics and sharing tips & hints. Michella the gorgeous size 16 personal trainer who runs Shape Your Life was fantastic and discussed simple ways we could work with nutrition to ensure a healthy approach to fuel our bodies. Michella's content could have taken up a whole year! but unfortunately we had to cut it short to fit into our schedule. Michella has contacted each guest independantly with more support and information. We just LOVE that Michella "gets it" as she has a realistic, healthy body and is truly in a position to encourage us to move and lead healthy lifestyles. Our special guest was the gorgeous Moniek Fisher who flew down especially from her hometown Brisbane. Moniek shared with us her inspirational story and journey of creating a positive and healthy lifestyle for herself, and her story was recently featured on Channel 9's BIG: Extreme Makeover (you can find her story here). Moniek spoke so passionately about her journey and we were so thrilled to have her a part of our workshop. We love that Moniek's goal has always been realistic and achievable, and she is learning to be comfortable and at ease in her new size 18-20 body. Congratualtions Moniek and thank you for being here with us. We received fantastic feedback (a testimonial below), and plan to host another workshop in the near future.

Hey there Janine,

Just a quick note to thank you and Michella for organising a great thought provoking get together on Saturday - glad it wasn't a boot camp lol.

I feel that Moniek's story was amazing and captivating, I hope Moniek goes on to do more speaking as she is engaging and has an amazing story.

thanks again,

Michele :)

Girl's Night In - Spring/Summer Showcase 2010/11 - Vic - October 2010

This year's Girl's Night In was a resounding success. The evening of catwalk, glamour, give-aways and styling sessions was sold out two weeks in advance! Real Women Australia this year joined forces with four local retailers and one online retailer from Sydney to showcase EVERYTHING you need to make the MOST of who you are TODAY!

Seven gorgeous Curvy Revolution models sized 16-24 sashayed down the catwalk showcasing everything from lingerie, daywear, resort wear and maternity wear to special occasion/evening. Guests arrived to canapes and sparkling wine/OJ and were seated by 7pm for the show to start.

I'm passionate about raising funds and awareness for women's cancer since surviving my own battle with cervical cancer 10 years ago. This passion coupled with the philosophy of Real Women Australia to promote positive body image and a healthy lifestyle started off the show with a rundown on how important regular pap smears and breast checks are for all women. Then it was on to an overview of Real Women Australia and our services and a styling session with Curvy Revolution models Libby & Marita outlining a simple way to overcome the anxiety of the upcoming festive season with a simple way to make the most of any body shape - a corset!

Curvy Revolution Models Marita (L) and Libby (Middle) with Janine (R) show off corsets teemed with white shirts and black pants/skirts for a great simple way to create a special occasion outfit with shape.

The catwalk kicked off with the essentials, underwear and lingerie from Lisa's Lacies (Sizes 16-36). The correct foundations are essential to any outfit, regardless of your size. The Curvy Revolution models sashayed down the catwalk to the tune of "Gonna be a good night" by The Black Eyed Peas - a fantastic beginning...

L-R Shasta, Libby, Joanne

The tune changed to "Fashion" by David Bowie and the models flowed out in stylish, contemporary, 100% Natural and eco-friendly bamboo everyday wear from Zeve (Sizes 12-30).

L-R Claire, Shasta & Marita

Madonna's "Vogue" introduced the next showcase of fabulous Resort/Everyday Wear (Sizes 16-36) including overseas & Australian Labels and a touch of Spring Racing Carnival Fashion as well!

L-R Devon, Libby, Joanne & Shasta

During each section of our showcase, our Curvy Revolution model Kate who is 7 months pregnant and absolutely glowing showcased a range of Australian made maternity wear from online retailer Plus Maternity (Sizes 18-20). Kate tells me that her baby kicked throughout the whole show - my guess is it was the fantastic music and all the sashaying and glowing "mum" was doing.

Kate - Maternity

Then it was time to end with a bang to the tune of Destiny's Child's "Bootyliscious" the catwalk pumped with gorgeous eveningwear and special occasion gowns from Big In Black (Sizes 16-34+) - absolutely stunning.

L-R Claire, Joanne, Libby & Marita

The response from the crowd was overwhelming at the end of the catwalk - a HUGE round of applause for the gorgeous Curvy Revolution models and the retailers who showcased their fabulous curvy fashions. The feedback was unanimous - realistic & identifiable representation of plus-size fashion on REAL figures is a HIT!!!

Over the course of the evening, we had 6 door prizes to give away, a $50 gift voucher for each store was drawn and presented to the lucky winners as well as our major door prize of a wonderful winery tour for two people, including transport & lunch donated by Grape Day Out!

To add value to the fundraising part of our evening, we had prizes donated from Style Avenue in Beaconsfield - a voucher valued at $65, a fantastic mineral make-up kit valued at $240 from Erth Minerals and a gorgeous garment from Harlow Moon Fashion - all these prizes were raffled and we raised an amazing $137 extra for the Girl's Night In Cancer Appeal. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

Harvest Powell was our catwalk manager for the event - her skill, talent, sense of humour and gorgeousness were invaluable and the catwalk reflected her fantastic management - THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! We couldn't have done it without you!

A huge THANK YOU!!! to Julie St Clair and her team at Style & Grace - Julie is a sensational make-up artist and Real Women Australia's preferred supplier when it comes to hair & make-up. Julie and her team did an amazing job making up our Curvy Revolution models and myself to look "natural, realistic & identifiable" for this special event.

I'd also like to thank Evangeline & Lisa, our two Real Women Ambassadors for the evening. Both ladies donated their time to the cause and were simply SENSATIONAL ambassadors! Thanks ladies for adding value to our team.

Thank you also to my brother Geoff at Pony Music for donating his time and equipment to this event with lighting and sound!

And last but not least, to Zoe Simpson, our student photographer who donated her time to photograph the evening!

Plans are already in place for a larger venue with expo space for next years Girl's Night In, I hope you can join us....

Love your shape!

Janine x

Winners Tour 2009

Our Lucky Winners

Karen Frye, Frankston Vic
Kylie Mann, Mont Albert North, Vic
Sheila Rice, Point Cook, Vic
Monica Riordan, St Kilda, Vic
Rosie Sallemi-Pinazo, Thomastown, Vic
Becky Holbrook, Daylesford, Vic

CONGRATULATIONS to our 6 lucky winners who joined me on our Real Women Winners Tour on Thursday 27th August, 2009! We had a SENSATIONAL and INSPIRATIONAL day.

We departed in style, popping the cork to our bottle of celebratory champagne before we’d even left the carpark! Our 300C Chrysler Stretch Limousine was divine… it was smooth sailing all the way to our first stop but that’s where the ride ended. Unfortunately whilst we were all shopping in a sensational lingerie store exclusively for plus-size women, and snapping up some bargains, our chauffeur was trying to rectify an unexpected problem. Our limousine wasn’t going any further, we transferred to a yellow maxi-cab and I have to congratulate all the ladies for their sensational attitude to this unexpected form of transport! Whilst hanging on, and trying to ignore the glaring yellow colour of our chariot, we all had a fantastic time getting to know each other, sharing stories of our lives and the challenges we have being Real Women. We had five shopping stops during our tour, all five stores offering sensational garments specifically for Real Women. We were warmly welcomed at each stop, and there were some inspirational moments experienced.

Of special note was Monica, who had spent some time looking around one store, admiring this and that, and even trying on a couple of beautiful evening dresses. She decided that they were just not right. A particular dress caught my eye and I suggested it to Monica, and insisted that she had plenty of time to try it on before we departed for our next destination. There was a moment of resistance, and then she agreed. As Monica stepped out of the changeroom, she had her head down admiring the beautiful fabric and beading of the dress.. it was a stunning dress… she raised her head and caught a glimpse of herself in the long length mirror – “oh my god, ooooh my god, oh my god, that’s ME!” she said slowly and incredulously…. It was a moment of truth, a moment of change, a moment of stepping through the stigma and Making the Most of who she is TODAY! That was just one moment during a 7 ½ day tour, I would need pages to relay more to you but my point is, this is exactly what Real Women is all about and it was inspirational and encouraging to be there to experience that moment.

We had a delicious yum cha banquet for lunch at the Oriental Tea House in the new al fresco area at Chadstone. Lunch was a great opportunity to indulge in some delicious food, swap stories, relax and prepare ourselves for the next stores on the itinerary. Over lunch we were treated to a mini-tarot reading by Rosie, one of our winners who has her own business Party Princess Pampering Events. Rosie was spot on with her readings and it added to the great atmosphere of the day. Thanks Rosie! Then it was off to our bright yellow chariot again...

On we went to our next 3 stops, some fabulous stores in the inner city suburbs of Melbourne, more fantastic purchases to be had. Finally at our last stop we had a chance to indulge in some coffee and gorgeous chocolate treats whilst browsing the racks and listening to one of the designers explain her label and philosophy. We reluctantly returned to our drop off point, where all the winners were given a fantastic gift bag full of special offers, VIP cards, chocolate and a frame to commemorate their commitment to making the most of who they are TODAY!

Thanks to Blush Photography, all 6 winners were gifted a FREE 3 hour make-over session complete with a FREE photograph to seal their newfound confidence.

A fabulous, inspiring day was had by all. Thank you to all the winners and also to all the stores who participated in making this day so special.

Love your shape!

Janine x

Thank you to all the Real Women who came along on the 26th October, 2009 to support our Real Women "Girls Night In" Event to raise funds for the Cancer Council of Australia.

The evening was a huge success with a group of dynamic Real Women, the atmosphere of The Oriental Teahouse, delicious yum cha and divine tea served in little teapots! Conversation and laughter were the highlight of the evening with alot of fun being had by all.

A big thank you to all the ladies who attended and donated garments - and a special mention to Kati Llorente owner of My Secret at 226 Glenferrie Road, Malvern for her very generous donation of a silk jacket with a retail value of $220 to be auctioned and Ally from online store www.harlowmoonfashion.com.au who donated a garment valued at $35!

Also thank you to those ladies who couldn't attend on the night but who organised pick up of thier garments for donation - thank you and much appreciated!

Real Women promotes positive body image and health in all women. To this end, we make an ongoing committment to donate 15% of funds raised in online EBay auctions of plus-size women's clothing to the cause.

All garments donated for the Girls Night In are currently being auctioned online and 100% profit together with the proceeds raised on the actual evening, will be donated - the total amount raised will be announced shortly.

For all donations to this cause, please contact us to arrange. Note: All garments must be in good/excellent condition either new or used.