Introducing Tabitha, a stylish science teacher from Southampton who has recently joined the #RotatingRevolution. Tabitha was diagnosed with a brain and spinal cord condition in 2019, however this has not stopped her from creating fun and colourful content from her rotated wardrobe. If you're looking for floral prints and matching sets, you've come to the right place! We spoke to Tabitha about her By Rotation journey and what she loves about being a lender.
Tell us a little bit about yourself...
I'm Tabitha, 35 from Southampton. I have been a science teacher for the past 12 years but have been in and out of work since being diagnosed with a brain and spinal cord condition in 2019. My diagnosis resulted in seven brain surgeries and I am now registered disabled. I have been posting outfit pictures on the internet for over 10 years, before Instagram even existed, to share my experiences of plus size fashion. Most recently I found the rental community that allows me to access the designer end of plus size fashion, and it has changed my shopping habits dramatically, for the better.
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I'm a mum to two; Jack (7) and Norah (4), who take up a lot of my time. My husband and I, Dan, see parenting as a team sport and I am very lucky to have such a kind and supportive partner. We are always looking for things to do in our local area with the kids. Our favorite family place in the World is Southsea in Portsmouth, it has it all; the beach, fish & chips, arcades, fairground rides, ice cream, lots of green space, breweries, history, a skate park, antiquity shops and a great community. Me and my husband love music and comedy too and we have seen some great acts in Southsea. This year we are going to Victorious festival on southsea common and every year we go to their VW festival with the children to lust over vintage campervans and beetles.
How did you come across By Rotation?
I have been a fan girl of Abisola Omole for sometime and when I saw By Rotation had a pop up in Marylebone at Christmas, I took the opportunity to go try on her wardrobe. I had so much fun and by chance got to meet Eshita the same day. She was so helpful and we got chatting about plus size availability on the app and that is when she gave me the best piece of advice; plus size will only become more available if we all contribute, it starts with you. That is literally how my rental journey began.
If you could describe your style in 3 words...
Plus Positive, Out Out and Medium-Rare (not over cooked or under done).
What's your all time favourite brands?
Reformation, Wray NYC, Mara Hoffman and Boheme Goods. I don't think sustainable designer plus fashion was even on my radar until I found Boheme Goods on Instagram in late 2019. A Canadian based slow fashion house, they are size inclusive and are ethical dressmakers that use only natural fabrics. They offer both 'buy now' and 'made to order' garments to reduce waste, and any leftover stock at the end of each season is donated to local Domestic Violence Shelters. Their effortless style and silhouettes are designed for ALL bodies. I had never come across anything like this before. I have collected quite the sample of Boheme Goods timeless pieces, each garment has come with the name of the dressmaker and even on occasion was custom fitted just for me. The founder Sarah Shabacon and her team are so welcoming and friendly, demonstrated with the support they have shown me when renting some of their pieces on By Rotation.
What's your favourite thing about lending on the app?
What I like most about By Rotation is the user experience, because you can seamlessly go from browsing rentals, making Pinterest like collections using the 'saved' tool and connecting with like minded people, who of course have excellent fashion taste. I have already connected with over a dozen other 'ByRotators' from all over the UK, sharing ideas, taking inspiration and cheerleading each other. One of the first things I did on the app was seek out other plus size renters, and I messaged them all, and made some really cool online friendships. One of those fantastic women is Yetunde (@yetudada), who let me rent her Charlotte Stone mismatched mules that she wasn't already renting just so I could try them on for size.
Top 3 accounts to follow on By Rotation?
@yetudada, @lucy_earnshaw, @jbirdfallon, @thecatscurves, @bbelenvv and @theellennoreen. You can find out a bit about each of them and their rental collections on my Instagram page @felinemyrentals. There are pieces from each of them that I am lusting after, but Yetunde’s wardrobe is so fun and colourful, I’m currently admiring hers the most.
What has been your favourite rental so far?
My mum and I celebrated some milestones birthdays this year, 35 and 60. So we treated ourselves to a dinner at The Ivy Winchester and a rental each. This has been my favorite rental so far because we got to enjoy it together. I rented the classic Reformation Nikita dress from Abi Omole and my mum a leopard and feather Kitri number.
What are you lusting after on the app right now?
I want a slice of the Bridgerton inspired style so I've been lusting over Selkie dresses and over-sized headbands.
Click here to follow Tabitha's amazing wardrobe!
