Scrolling through your Insta feed can be really inspiring (I’m SOO going to make Rainbow Bagels! UGH! Totally buying pieces that work the Boyfriend jeans. I WILL MAKE MY CAT WEAR GLASSES!)…but Instagram can also be intimidating, inducing FOMO and insecurity. I don’t know about you, but when I’m inhaling spaghetti and I see #saladporn, my spaghetti starts to taste a little less delicious (only a little though, obviously), and sometimes seeing thigh gap after thigh gap drains my self-confidence. That’s why I’m putting together a list of some diverse models’ and fashion bloggers’ accounts that you can follow. I’m not saying a salad should never grace your screen or that you should block all Victoria’s Secret Angels. I’m just saying that when you diversify your feed, you’ll remind yourself that beauty, good eats, and good living can be accomplished in more than one way.
So with ALL of that being said, here are 10 Instagram handles you totally want to hit the “Follow” button for.
1. Ragini Nag Rao @kittehinfurs
Ragini is a plus-size fashion blogger, who particularly likes wearing vintage pieces. She has a blog called “A Curious Fancy,” and lives by the motto that you shouldn’t have to dress for your size, you should dress for yourself – wear what makes you happy! :)
2. Jillian Mercado @jilly_peppa
Jillian is a model who has had muscular dystrophy since she was a child. She’s now in a wheelchair, but that hasn’t impeded the growth of her career. This year, she’s been a model for merchandise for Beyonce’s Formation tour. #slay
3. Nadia Aboulhosn @nadiaaboulhosn
Nadia is an epic fashion designer – Boohoo, Lord & Taylor, Addition Elle – so yeah, she knows fashion. She’s also received some major shout outs (think Oprah) for her promotion of female entrepreneurship.
4. Erika Linder @richiephoenix
Swedish model Erika got some major press because she decided to be a male model. The photo below? Both Erika. Erika is phenomenal if you’re interested in gender politics because she’s not afraid to talk about how she’s too long felt trapped by the binary of male or female, and she effortlessly shows how she can be comfortable in her own skin whether she’s in a pin-up clothing or looking the tough guy.
5. Yours Truly @mariesouthardospina
A freelance journalist, Marie calls herself a “fat acceptance writer.” She’s written for Bustle, Buzzfeed, Refinery29, etc., and as a fiery Colombian-American, she says you’ll always find her looks and words full of cream cheese and passion.
6. Nicole Warne @garypeppergirl
Nicole is an all-around fashionista – model, designer, entrepreneur, social media guru – earning her spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List Asia with her brand Gary Pepper. Major bonus: if you like traveling, her recent photos from Greece are TO DIE FOR.
7. Chantelle Brown-Young @winnieharlow
Chantelle got her start on America’s Next Top Model and stood out for her skin condition, vitiligo, but more so for her perseverance to model anyway. She’s done a TED talk and has spoken for the Dove Self-Esteem Project.
8. Ashley Graham @theashleygraham
Ashley Graham is a downright sexy plus-size model who absolutely kills it in swimsuit editions. Her Instagram is sassy and body positive, and if you love her vibe, you can also check out a TED talk she’s done.
9. Lea T. @leatassova
Lea T. is a transgender model. She’s the face of the hair product line Redken, and she was the first openly transgender person to participate in the Olympics – she led the Brazilian team into the stadium on a bike for this past summer’s Rio Olympics.
10. Margot Meanie @margotmeanie
Margot is a plus-size blogger that I just can’t get enough of because I. Love. Her. Hair. She’s perfect if you’re looking for edgier fashion inspo and she celebrates Caturday – aka Saturdays with awesome cat-inspired fashion and giveaways.
Happy ‘gramming!
Photo Credits: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10