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The Big Reveal

Monday 20 June 2011


My mantra for the past two years.



In June 2009 I was on holiday in Bruges. I looked like this:






In June 2011 I look like this:








Flattering lighting, airbrushing and miracle M&S bras work wonders, don't they? But self deprecation aside, I am very pleased with myself. I've lost 8 stone now (or 112lb if you prefer). A whole person!

The competition prize of a free photoshoot with For Your Eyes Only came at a perfect time really. Despite the fact that I was utterly terrified and having serious doubts about doing it, I listened to all your support and encouragement and thought that yes, I should stop being a wuss and go and celebrate my new body. You know what? I had a brilliant time! It genuinely was really good fun. Lian (my photographer, who was lovely) asked at the start if I'd be up for doing any nude photos and I was all mimblewimbley and muttered something along the lines of "I dunno. Can we see how I feel later?" Half an hour later and I was merrily prancing around the studio in just a pair of high heels.

I've never been body confident. I'm still not, but I look at these photos and I think back to that sense of exhilaration and fun I had that afternoon in the studio and I know I'm getting there. Slowly, but I'm getting there. And I'm proud of myself. Proud enough (and brave enough!) to show off the pictures anyway. There are a couple of slightly more risque ones but they remain for my eyes only. A girl has to preserve some air of mystery...


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76 comments:

  1. Lucy in the Clouds20 June 2011 at 10:40

    Woooo Alex I'm so glad you shared these!!! You look absolutely fantastic, can't believ it's the same girl. I really love that last one, you look so relaxed and happy and confident! I kinda want a nudey photoshoot now...

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  2. Penny Dreadful Vintage20 June 2011 at 10:42

    You stunner. An inspiration to us all xxx

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  3. Laura20 June 2011 at 10:42

    You're an absolute inspiration and you look gorgeous in these photos :) x

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  4. Cait20 June 2011 at 10:54

    Fantastic! You'll be so glad you have these. xx

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  5. Amy20 June 2011 at 10:59

    Wow, those photos are FABULOUS Alex, and not because of the airbrushing etc, but just because you look lovely!

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  6. Lauren20 June 2011 at 10:59

    You. Look. Frikken. AMAZING!! Well done you! I tend to be a 'lurker' on your blog and don't comment but these definitely deserve a comment, if only to say WOWZA!! You look fantastic missus! x

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  7. Kc20 June 2011 at 11:11

    Wow that's awesome!! :) good on you! You look amazing :)

    Kc

    http://a-sparkley-silver-lining.blogspot.com/

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  8. Rachel, Cold Knees20 June 2011 at 11:23

    Amazing shots! Yay you've come so far, well done you :D xx

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  9. Sarah Jane20 June 2011 at 11:28

    Wow, what a transformation. This must have done so much for your confidence, good for you!

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  10. Anonymous20 June 2011 at 11:28

    So many congrats to you - you look fabulous! What an achievement and that's some very sexy photos lady!

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  11. Perdita Tinsel20 June 2011 at 11:34

    You look super! Well done for sticking to your guns and acheiving so much!

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  12. topchelseagirl20 June 2011 at 11:47

    You should be mega proud Alex. Losing 8 stone is frickin amazing and you should be showing these photos to everyone, you look awesome girl!

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  13. Unknown20 June 2011 at 11:51

    Ah you look flippin' gorgeous! Go you!
    Stunning photos and something to feel proud of and mark your achievement.

    xx

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  14. Vix20 June 2011 at 12:02

    You look incredibly sexy and happy in your own skin. Your hard work and massive efforts are a credit to you, Alex. Well done, I'm so proud of you. xxx

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  15. Nic's Notebook20 June 2011 at 12:05

    They look so amazing! Well done you on your weight loss and having the confidence to do these pics!! Woohooo xx

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  16. Kerry Curl20 June 2011 at 12:06

    Wow, you look fabulous. What super photo's. Well done you! x

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  17. Jodie20 June 2011 at 12:11

    You look amazing! Well done for the work you have put in for the last couple of years - it has clearly paid off xx

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  18. LadyBugSays ...20 June 2011 at 12:39

    Alex you look truly stunning! You should be so proud of your hard work!!

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  19. Little Blue Mouse20 June 2011 at 12:54

    Oh my, you've come a long way in two years! You look absolutely amazing.

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  20. Maddie20 June 2011 at 13:06

    Alex, I'm so proud of you! You look absolutely AMAZING, truly stunning. You're an absolute inspiration to anyone trying to lose weight as you've done it all sensibly and without faddy diets. Those photos are really something to cherish. I'm getting all teary which is beyond ridiculous so I'm going to shut up and go away now!
    Gorgeous!

    xxx Maddie

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  21. Gem20 June 2011 at 13:24

    Wow wow wow. What a transformation. You look utterly divine and I for one am very proud of you. Even though I don't know you!!!
    Glad you enjoyed it, the photos are amazing.
    x x x

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  22. Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms20 June 2011 at 13:28

    You are a stunner, girl! Fab pics and fab you. Well done!

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  23. HazelxJoy20 June 2011 at 13:44

    You look absolutely bloody AMAZING! Well done you. Imagine looking back on these in years to come! "Grandma... is that really you?'
    xx

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  24. Nicola20 June 2011 at 14:18

    Wow! You look amaaaaaaaaazing. And really happy in the last one! (In the rest you have the moody-sultry-sexy look, though I'm sure you were smiling inside.)

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  25. Dash20 June 2011 at 14:25

    Oh Alex, you sexy thing, the photos are fabulous, it's been wonderful to see you, your blog and your confidence blossom over the months, you are truly inspirational.
    XXX

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  26. Elise20 June 2011 at 14:34

    I had no idea you lost that much weight, go you! You look fab now! :)

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  27. lizardqueen20 June 2011 at 14:52

    Woooooo gorgeous, well done, not sure I could strip off for the camera like that.

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  28. Please may I?20 June 2011 at 15:26

    Alex you look so beautiful.

    What an achievement to loose all that weight! I take my hat off to you!

    Your photos are, as we all knew the would be stunning. You are an amazing lady, not omention a sexy stunner!!!

    X x

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  29. The Girl20 June 2011 at 15:43

    Oh my goodness. Whit woo and all that jazz!!

    Looking damn hot lady. Possibly the best way ever to celebrate your new figure and celebrate all your hard work paying off.

    Amazeballs.

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  30. dannithegirl20 June 2011 at 16:15

    I so need your willpower. What an inspiration!

    xx

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  31. Anonymous20 June 2011 at 16:17

    oh. WOW. Seriously stunning. Massive well done to you, that's such a big achievement and you must be so proud. I'm so jealous of the pics, I want to go have it done!

    Sarah
    x

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  32. Swirlyarts20 June 2011 at 16:35

    Wow!! The photo's (and you) look amazing. You actually inspired me to start losing weight a few months ago and although I have fallen off the wagon since then I have so far lost a stone. 1 down about 3 to go!

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  33. Cate20 June 2011 at 16:36

    Oh.my.word.Alex.

    You look amazing!!! I have nothing more to say, your pics say it all!

    Apart from - Very well done for everything! xxxx

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  34. Pennyblossoms20 June 2011 at 16:59

    OMG! You're even smiling in the last photo! My fave one, btw.
    I think it's all been said before, but good on you and thank you for sharing.
    And in honour of this post I have put up my first ever OOTD post...complete with brick wall! Don't think I'll ever be as brave as you, but it's a start!
    Z xx

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  35. Emily Gray20 June 2011 at 17:11

    you look absolutely beautiful in those photos, and should be exceptionally proud of yourself. you are inspirational to everyone and i am amazed at your determination. you should have body confidence, and should show yourself off because you are truly amazing!

    saywhatyourheartwants.blogspot.com

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  36. Cate20 June 2011 at 17:37

    I just have to add, my boyf just saw your pic over my shoulder and said, 'she has got an amazing body!' xxx

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  37. FeeneyFooFoo20 June 2011 at 18:51

    OMG u look AMAZING!!!!!

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  38. Sophie - country girl20 June 2011 at 19:03

    Oh Alex, your photo's are fantastic! You look amazing and you are so brave to have done a naked shoot. I don't think I'd have dared. Well done for your weight loss, its seriously inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing xxx

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  39. Lucy20 June 2011 at 19:28

    Just had to stop by and say that those photos are awesome and you look absolutely fantastic. You should be mega proud of yourself!

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  40. Bex20 June 2011 at 19:29

    Such stunning pictures!
    Well done you! Something to be very proud of! xo

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  41. Kit-Cat-Kitty-Cat20 June 2011 at 19:29

    So inspiring! I'm doing weight watchers at the moment & feeling a little bit uninspired, but this has just given me a boot up the backside.
    You look amazing, fair play girl! x

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  42. Jen20 June 2011 at 19:42

    Alex. My God! You look STUNNING. The first shot is absolutely beautiful - please frame it and put it somewhere everyone can see it. Magnificent.

    Lots of people have said it already, but you are a REAL inspiration. I am in awe. x

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  43. Rachel20 June 2011 at 19:47

    Wowza you look magnificent! Well done for all your hard work x

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  44. YvonneSedition20 June 2011 at 19:51

    Scorchio! You're right to be proud of these, you look amazing.

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  45. Laura20 June 2011 at 19:52

    Jen just tweeted the link to your blog, so I can along to have a look. WOWZERS! You look sensational, you should be so proud, you've worked so hard and it's paid off. You can tell from the shots how much it meant to you :) I'm inspired and in awe, and most definitely a new follower :) xxx

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  46. Caitlin20 June 2011 at 19:56

    You look ah-mazing! I am so glad that I found your blog. Such an inspirational post. You can tell how good you felt during the photo shoot because there pictures just radiate confidence and ooze sex appeal!

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  47. Miss Magpie20 June 2011 at 21:13

    You look beautiful. x

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  48. Pixie20 June 2011 at 21:25

    Honey - you are awesome. What a huge achieve you flippin beauty.

    Well done and congrats on the fabulous looking shoot xx

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  49. heartshapedbruise.20 June 2011 at 21:36

    Oh. My. Word.

    I just don't even know what to say! You look absolutely INCREDIBLE. Like, seriously gorgeous.

    The 3rd photoshoot pic? That's gotta be my favourite - wow.

    You should have these photos up EVERYWHERE, around your house, your computer wallpaper at work etc, & be all like "hey everyone, check me out!" I would if I looked like that!

    www.heart-shaped-bruise.blogspot.com

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  50. Emma x20 June 2011 at 21:52

    I'm so glad you shared these, you look amazing Alex. Well done on being brave enough to do the shoot xx

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  51. Kezzie20 June 2011 at 22:10

    Oh my goodness, you've lost sooo much weight! You've worked really hard!
    You look amazing in these photos- and I'm so glad you enjoyed the photoshoot and are feeling confident- you should do!

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  52. Hannah20 June 2011 at 22:34

    these photos are so gorgeous and you look amazing. well done for having the confidence to do it, I don't think I ever could. This is such a great inspiration for all the people with body issues, amazing post Alex xx

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  53. K20 June 2011 at 22:36

    Those are so cool! Congratulations on coming so far!

    K xx

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  54. CC20 June 2011 at 22:46

    Wowser O_O Can you say GIRL CRUSH !!!!!

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  55. keshling21 June 2011 at 00:56

    OMG Alex....you look incredible!!! What an achievement! Fabulous girlie!!

    K xx

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  56. maggeygrace21 June 2011 at 05:01

    YOU LOOK INSANE!

    I am jealous of that bod! You look amazing in these pictures. I know it takes a while to gain confidence and get to that spot where you walk down the street and feel beautiful, but just know, weight loss or not, you are fantastic on the inside.

    Congrats!!!!!!

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  57. Arianne21 June 2011 at 10:50

    Woah. You are so brave. Go, Alex!

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  58. Rachel - Firebird21 June 2011 at 13:47

    8 stone! You amazing and beautiful thing you! Those photos are fantastic, just gorgeous (and you look like Anna Friel in the bottom one). Wow. Everyone else has said it but you really are inspirational and if you can lose eight I am sitting here wondering why I am procrastinating over trying to lose one.

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  59. Unknown21 June 2011 at 15:25

    Aw, Alex! This made me smile so much! You're gorge anyway but this just shows it all off in it's nearly naked glory. Plus, the smile on YOUR face speaks a thousand words. I am so proud of you and so impressed by your efforts. You're a complete and total inspiration. Well done. Much love x

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  60. Unknown21 June 2011 at 15:47

    ps - I love the 'eat me, eat me', 'no get lost' picture!

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  61. daisychain21 June 2011 at 18:46

    Alex, I knew you'd done amazingly...but holy shit girl! You = incredible.

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  62. Alice21 June 2011 at 20:11

    Alex I am so happy for you, this is such a wonderful achievement! The weight loss is incredible, YOU look stunning. This should really mark an important place for you and will always be something you can look back on and remember. And the courage to have the photo’s taken is also very commendable x

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  63. Jo21 June 2011 at 20:47

    You look absolutely stunning! I'm just repeating what everyone has said but you really are an inspiration. Congrats!

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  64. Young at Heart21 June 2011 at 23:44

    wow.....utterly brilliant and inspiring....you should absolutely be pleased and proud, the pictures look gorgeous!!

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  65. Unknown22 June 2011 at 02:05

    that is amazing, what an inspiration you are!

    <3 steffy
    Steffys Pros and Cons

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  66. Sangu Mandanna22 June 2011 at 17:45

    Alex you are so brave for sharing these! Admittedly you have no reason not to be because you look AMAZING and the shots are beautiful, but I don't think I'd have had the nerve! Congratulations x

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  67. WeShop22 June 2011 at 20:16

    These photos are GORGEOUS! Well done you - you did it and the results are absolutely stunning. xx

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  68. Victoria22 June 2011 at 21:47

    Oh Alex! I have so much catching up to do on your blog, but I had to start with these pictures, you look amazing and you should be so proud of yourself REALLY! I'm proud of you you little fox! xxx

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  69. J xx23 June 2011 at 13:58

    Wowzers ! Simply Stunning ! xx Go girl ! What a journey you've been on, all credit to you xx

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  70. The Curious Cat23 June 2011 at 17:54

    AMAZING! You should be so proud! And you look beautiful in those photos! I'm so glad people are celebrating this!

    Any tips for saying no to cake?! xxx

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  71. Star speckles23 June 2011 at 21:53

    swit swoo!!! well done girl, on the weight loss and the confidence to grab the opportunity

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  72. beth - levingtmai27 June 2011 at 23:15

    Wow I just stopped by on your blog and read this post... amazing! You look brilliant, radiating confidence, I don't think I could do that :o you go girl (without sounding like Gok Wan!)


    http://levingtmai.blogspot.com

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  73. Chloe28 June 2011 at 00:02

    in a non-stalker, heterosexual, supportively friendly way- you look plain damn HOT. No really, you do, super stunning, love love love the pictures and so pleased that you enjoyed it. And well done you on your being 8 stone lighter, that's a lot of pounds.

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  74. Christina @ Fashion's Most Wanted28 June 2011 at 13:30

    Dearest Alex, you're amazing! What a fabulous transformation. You look absolutely stunning and your confidence shines through. Please let me know when you're next in London. Much love to you xx

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  75. Unknown23 March 2012 at 14:22

    Great to see that you have lost great deal of weight in really some time. I am using Lipobind for quite long. Hope to loose my weight soon :)

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  76. Anonymous5 December 2012 at 15:22

    Wow you look trully Amazing!!! Good on you :-) x fiona H must stop being anonymous person and sort one of these Google accounts things!

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