Not sure if you’re aware, but I am Refinery29’s newest plus-size contributor! I was recently photographed & interviewed for an article about their favorite curvy gals! You can read the original here, but I also included it below!
Tell us about your outfit! What are you wearing?
“I”m wearing an H&M floral skirt, an Old Navy leopard-print top, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, and a Patricia Field clutch.”
What’s your go-to styling trick you constantly employ?
“I am not a minimalist, and I really believe more is more. I make sure my accessories are on point, so even my most ‘basic’ outfit stands out. Also, owning a properly fitting bra is so important, and being that a lot of plus-size women are well endowed, I encourage them to go get professionally fit. The right bra will change your entire shape.”
What are your favorite online and brick-and-mortar stores to shop at? Do you have any tips for plus-size girls who want on-trend items without spending a fortune?
“Brick-and-mortar stores (plus-size specific and non) can be hit or miss. Some of my favorite wardrobe pieces have come from Lane Bryant (vegan leather leggings) & Avenue (tribal print pants), but I tend to walk out of there empty-handed more often than not. I also always seem to find something great at Old Navy (they go up to an 18 & XXL in stores).
“My absolute online favorite is ASOS. Their plus-size collection is a perfect example of how other straight-size stores can keep their same design aesthetic as they increase their size range. Plus-size women want to be able to wear the same exact things that straight-size women wear, and ASOS gets that.”
“Finding fashion-forward plus-size clothes is still a challenge, but improvements are being made. You can definitely find trendy items that won’t cost an arm and a leg, but it will be time consuming. I suggest ‘window shopping’ options online to come up with what style and trends you like before wandering through the mall. And don’t limit yourself to plus-size specific stores; plenty of straight-size clothes can fit you, too, especially if they use stretch material. Maybe that dress is more of a tunic on you, but you can make it work.”
Is there a designer (indie or otherwise!) that’s doing plus-size clothing really well right now? Any designers you want to call out that are doing a particular poor job?
“There are a lot of great indie plus-size designers that I’m a fan of. Cult of California, damn you alexis, Ashley Nell Tipton, Youtheary Khmer, and OneOne3 are some of the newest lines to cross my path, and I’m very excited to see how they grow.
“I love H&M, but I’m so disappointed in their plus-size collection. Its regular collection is filled with unique, trendy, fashion-forward items, but the plus-size collection is filled with shapeless, baggy blouses and basics. I’m thrilled it expanded into larger sizes, but I know it can do better than what’s available now.”
What’s your most worn item in your closet?
“There are so many go-to items I own… Either my olive-and-black, contrast-sleeve coat, my perfectly worn-in denim shirt from Target, my nOir Brooklyn Bridge ring, or my black suede Urban Outfitters booties.”
Any cheap scores of late?
“I bought an insane tiger shirt at Walmart for $10! Seen here on my blog.”
What’s one trend you’d never try?
“You always hear that plus-size women shouldn’t wear stripes, bright colors, white, body-con fits, etc., but I think those rules should be completely ignored. I’m going to wear whatever trends and styles I like, and wear them with confidence.”
