Bay Area

Fit, Fabric & Designers

May 21, 2012

Last week, I got an email from a reader asking me a question (fashion/clothing wise). I figured it would be better to share my answer/opinion on here for everyone instead of just replying to the email. She asked as follows:

“I am now trying to learn more about fabrics because I have found that the weight of fabric is very important for curvy girls, and I am also trying to become more aware of plus-size designers. A few months ago, I stumbled upon a pair of dark-wash DKNY jeans which look fabulous on me, and I am already starting to mourn their passing because I can’t find a second pair. If you have insight into these topics—fabrics and designers—I would love to hear your thoughts.

Lulu, the Miniature Golden Retriever (Joke-she’s a cavalier), wants some attention.


To me the most important thing when choosing clothing is the fit and the fabric. There are so many people I see on the streets that are wearing clothing a couple of sizes too small and in fabric that shows every nook and cranny.  When finding clothes for yourself, the number one thing to do is be honest with yourself about what size you wear!

It is amazing how much better you look when something isn’t giving you a muffin top or makes you look like your circulation is being cut off. Nobody knows what size you’re wearing when you are walking down the street. Who cares?!

My thoughts on fabric are this: SUPPORT. You want to wear a clothing item that will hold you in. On pants especially this is important–they need to be made of a fabric that smooths you out and have a waist that goes up high enough to hold you in. Low-rise are not a good fit on most bodies (plus size or not).

If you are wearing something slinky and hugging your body–get the right kinds of undergarments or don’t wear it! Spanx (or the cheaper version at Target: Assets) are wonderful! I have only worn the tights or nylons, but they are the support you need for certain clothing items. Everyone should own a pair!

Designer wise–I appreciate designs from designers, but I am not stuck on wearing them myself. It is more important, when clothing myself, to find the right fit, look, and price. Don’t get me wrong–I love me some Marc Jacobs! When I fit in something of his and it is on sale enough, I definitely go crazy–but it’s not the most important thing.

Like I mentioned before, it’s all about the fit and fabric. This is not always synonymous with something being designer. There are plenty of “designer” clothing out there that are pieces of shit. You can, also,  find some great quality designer products–you just have to know how it differs from the cheaper stuff. Ask yourself–is it just the name or is this actually a great product? For example, people go nuts for the brown LV Louis Vuitton bags, but they aren’t even leather! They are some kind of treated CANVAS! In this case, you are paying for the name not necessarily the quality.

In conclusion: it’s all about looking good. If you like it and it looks good–wear it! It’s about what makes YOU happy. (BUT, I don’t think a muffin top  makes anyone happy–so remember fit and fabric!)

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I wanna hear from YOU!

Do you have a question about plus size fashion (or anything for that matter) that you would like me to post my opinion on or talk about in a blog entry? I’d love to hear from you guys out there! Please send me an email: laurel [at] thecurvyelle.com

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I’m wearing…
Bouclé Jacket: The Curvy Elle Shop (BUY NOW!)

V-Neck T-Shirt: Old Navy
Jeggings: Lane Bryant

Shoes: Chelsea Crew

Hand Bag: The Curvy Elle Shop (BUY NOW!)

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Thank you to my mom for the pictures and my dad for the backyard and my puppies for just being their wonderful curious selves.

Dreams

May 15, 2012

When this picture (as well as the pictures from my previous photo shoots) were taken, I was home for two weeks for sad circumstances. My grandfather was in hospice and passed away. Even though those two weeks were a very sad time, I was so happy that I was able to be with my grandfather at the end of his life and be there to support my family. 

I tell you about this, not to cause sadness, but to think of the joy of life. Being home motivated me to begin a dream that I had been dreaming about for a long time.I had a vision of being a plus size vintage buyer and having a blog to support it.

I am not that old, but I am also not that young. I have lived in the real world and it can be tough when you’re a curvy girl. When I was in high school I was very shy and had a hard time not being a teeny tiny girl. I look back and think about what I missed because I let that hold me back in some respects.

I have learned from my trials and errors in life and try to be me. If  I want to wear something, I find a way to wear it. If I want to do something, I find a way to do it. The way it ends up working out isn’t always direct and the most straightforward, but I always do it my way. I want to share my life and fashion experiences with other girls out there who can learn from what I have and will go through.

I love that I am following my dreams in my career path, but I am always striving for more. I don’t think I could ever settle down when it comes to my hopes and dreams. I think it makes for a more interesting life if you always want to try something new.

Dreams are always good to have. Dreams are what give meaning to life. They are what cause great joy. If you don’t have something to dream about, what do you have left in life? Maybe you’ll still be living, but it will be just that. I hope I will still be dreaming until my dying day.

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