The Eclectic Kurves blog:: Sierra Holmes in the Momlight
Eclectic Kurves Sierra Holmes Momlight - theCityMoms
You could say local blogger Sierra Holmes is carrying on a fashion legacy, following in the footsteps of her equally stylish grandmother, who was named one of Indy’s top 10 most fashionable women in the 50’s. Today, Sierra is all over the Indy fashion scene rocking a brightly colored outfit, a signature red lip, and her ubiquitous aura of joyous confidence. But mostly she’s helping women celebrate their bodies of all shapes and sizes.
Sierra launched her blog, Eclectic Kurves, in 2016 after her husband encouraged her to find a hobby.
She combined her life-long love of fashion and writing the perfect place for her to express her unique style and, just maybe, help people. Her musings quickly turned from a hobby to a secondary career, and for good reason, she’s sharing an inspirational truth many women are aching to hear. Sierra didn’t initially see herself in fashion, in fact she went to college prepared to study law, but soon changed her mind. “Along the way, I realized that even if you’re right, if you’re morally right, you don’t always win.” She adjusted course and pursued a major in writing and English, but jokes about all the Legally Blonde fashion moments she could have had as a lawyer. After graduation, Sierra faced a difficult job search and found herself in fashion retail, eventually working her way up the ladder to managerial positions. “I really loved customer service and interacting with people and I had a passion for fashion. It was a great fit,” she explained. “I got to help women feel good about themselves every day.”
It’s no surprise she carried this mentality to the creation of Eclectic Kurves.
Eclectic Kurves Sierra Holmes Momlight - theCityMoms
Eclectic Kurves Sierra Holmes Momlight - theCityMoms
“The whole purpose is to help people feel comfortable in their own skin, for me to feel like I’m making a difference in someone’s life,” she explained. “What I am saying is resonating with people, as women, as moms, as plus-size women.” The name Eclectic Kurves came from Sierra’s own personality. She not only has an eclectic fashion sense, but also eclectic interests. Her blog follows her many varied adventures like wrangling her two cute kids, taking an aerial yoga class, celebrating herself with a boudoir photo shoot, or exploring popular Indy-area hot spots. And, if you’ve followed Sierra, you know she celebrates her curves. She is a champion of body positivity and seeing the beauty in the shape of all women.
As a plus-size blogger, she has faced her challenges finding fashion partnerships and facing criticism.
“I have always had a curvy body and had to step outside the box and find things I like. If you don’t know how to style and if you don’t feel comfortable going out there it is tough to shop. It is very different to be a size 24 to walk into a store and shop. We have to be more creative and there needs to be more of a knowledge base to know where to go.” Despite those challenges, she has taken a positive approach to her writing. “It’s not me to complain,” she explained. “Even if an experience with a store isn’t great, I believe no press is better than bad press. I want to take my energy and focus on people who actually care about my body.” What she has done is help women connect with local shops and boutiques which are able to offer items for women in a size 2 and a size 22. She’s even worked with local store owners in helping them add plus-size options to their inventory to better support their clientele.
LAST MONTH WE TURNED THE MOMLIGHTon Julie Heath of Speak Easy. And with good reason...
These days you’ll find Sierra busily balancing her blog (and all associated social media) with her career in Human Resources, and spending time with her husband and two children.
As an on-the-go mom, Sierra relies on functional pieces that can transition from day to night easily. “I firmly feel that just because I am a mom, it doesn’t mean I have to only be in really casual clothes,” she said. “I don’t have to forget that I love fashion and style.” She is also quick to encourage you to buy that special “showstopper piece,” explaining that she doesn’t wait for a special occasion, but finds a way to make the occasion special. “A date night with your husband is the perfect time for that, even if it’s just the two of you at home! We all deserve to take time to shine.”
What really comes through in her online interactions, is Sierra’s deep love for her readers.
She is as invested in their lives as they are in hers. It’s clear she is motivated by hearing from those women who feel inspired by her as she continues to champion the body positive movement. She stressed the importance of investing in yourself, just for you- not someone else. “We get so wrapped up in what society says we should look like or should wear. Be your own best friend first, and wear what makes you feel good,” she advised. Even Sierra experiences days when she isn’t feeling the self-love and uses affirmations to realign her positive outlook. Sierra is continually developing Eclectic Kurves, looking for more ways to support and inspire her readers. If it continues to grow, she said she may eventually blog full time, but for now she busy connecting with her followers and is developing a podcast which will debut in early 2020. “It resonates with people that there is someone there who is standing in her truth and loving herself,” she said, and it is that truth that brings her smiling face into our feed every day. MORE DETAILS: Keep up with Sierra at her blog www.eclectickurves.com on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube {her channel just launched!}. If you want to shop at some of Sierra’s favorite Indy spots she recommends Endeavor Boutique, The Girls in Grey, and Shop Gina Celeste. Special thanks to the photographers of Sierra's signature images pictured in this post: Abigail K Photography, Songbird and Sons Photography and the Moments Between Us Photography.
