My Two Cents: Real Fashion Inclusivity?

Well the inevitable has happened –body positivity has gone mainstream. Untouched and unedited ads have garnered so much media attention to the point a straight size brand has “resorted” to featuring plus models in their marketing campaigns to profit of this trend even though these same models don’t fit in the very clothes the brand sells in stores. This particular ad campaign received some backlash on social media, with many people demanding the retailer introduce size inclusive collections that reflect what they currently marketing and of course bringing up the debate as to whether or not plus should be dropped all together as creates unnecessary division. Modcloth immediately comes to mind as a brand that pushed for this as they announced back in 2015 that they would be dropping the “plus size” category on their site. It was a decision that received massive praise across the internet for it implied the idea of shopping by style instead of size. I’ll admit that at first I was ecstatic to hear about this change because I thought this size inclusive shopping experience meant more pieces being available in plus sizes. Sadly that was not the case as there are many pieces up on the site that are only available up to a size 12 if you are lucky. In order to ensure that you are shopping pieces available in plus sizes, you have to refine your search by size which is basically manually re-creating the plus size page they once had.  Now I have to give them credit, they conducted an independent survey on their customers to find out more about their needs and wants in terms of fashion. HOWEVER, the very idea that simply dropping the category is being size inclusive is very misguided.

Which leads me to the what initiated this blog post. Lovesick.

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Oh Lovesick…size UP not down. SMH

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Confessions of a Recovering Wallflower

Let me take this time to confess something: ever since I was a pre-teen I have suffered with severe social anxiety. I have been known to have a panic attack at just the mere thought of doing any kind of activity in front of a crowd, like public speaking. I have gotten ill. I have even literally run away. I would blush severely and break out into sweat whenever I raised my hand in class or  even when speaking to someone outside of my immediate circle of friends and family.

Growing up I constantly received so many negative comments about my weight, hair and overall appearance that I became more than content at being behind the scenes because that is where  I was told I belonged.  I developed a warped understanding of  beauty and self-worth to the point that I told myself  that only those that were conventionally beautiful were meant to be photographed. I wasn’t, so I didn’t need to be. 20161229_151024-2So how does a person like this become a fashion blogger? With much difficulty and purpose-fueled drive. For example, whenever I go out for blog shoots I am very self aware of what I am doing mostly because half the time there are people around. I get self conscious as to what these passersby may be thinking especially when there have been times that they have stopped to watch. I’ve only managed to follow through because my blog photographers are so enthusiastic about the entire process and my body positive mission that it becomes so easy to forget about the curious looks from those around.

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Black Friday 2016 Wishlist

One welcome part of the holiday season truly are the sales. From scoring items from last season at a steal to stocking up looks for upcoming office parties and family gatherings,  this truly is the time of year for those of us on a tight budget. So whether you’re looking to add to your closet or even find some nice presents for your BFF,  I figured it would be great to share some of the many Black Friday sales you should really look out for this weekend. In this list I’m also sharing some of my current favorites that I think are worth your consideration as you shop.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which help me earn a small commission when you buy an item, which in turn helps me continue to bring new posts.  Thank you for supporting the blog!

Society Plus – 40%  Off Everything

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Autumn Blush

This time of year the color palate tends to be browns, burgundy, forest greens and harvest oranges; the last thing expected are pastels like blush pink.  Yet these kinds of colors do help the season’s fashion be a bit more interesting when styled right. This dress is one that I found in the clearance section at Torrid last month for only $13. I remembered eyeing this dress for the longest time and had thought about how I would wear if I ever bought it so this was a pleasant surprise for this fall. With the quarter-length sleeves and the inner lining,  this outfit works well for fall and by simply swapping my boots for flats or sandals, it can also be worn for spring. I paired  the dress with my double buckle belt, which turned out to be the best idea as the addition of the brown really is what makes this look “fall-ready to me.” I also added my heeled two-tone boots from Avenue to keep me warm during these low temp fall evenings.

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Q&A with Body Positive, Comic Book Convertible Dress Designer, Danielle Ward of Little Petal

New York Comic Con 2014. I was determined to be one of the first people to get this limited edition Sailor Moon t-shirt that had been announced by Viz Media on Twitter a few days before. During my more than two hour wait in line for the con to officially open,  I decided to put on some lip stick and I was approached by this beautiful young woman who asked to use my compact to touch up her make up. We talked about make up, the con and of course her cosplay. She was wearing this interesting dress which she changed three times while we were on line.  Later that same day as I walked the show-floor I bumped into this young woman again at a booth covered with pictures of women in dresses like the one she was wearing and she introduced me to the designer, Danielle Ward. Owner of Little Petal, she designs and creates custom convertible dresses that are comfy and sophisticated.  These dresses are unique recreations of characters from comics, manga, anime, film and even video games.  As someone who, at the time, hadn’t cosplayed but wanted to, I was stunned by the concept. One dress, multiple styles. I put down my deposit immediately. Danielle is so amazingly creative and talented that I just had to find out more about her.

Check out my talk with Danielle below!

Disclaimer: Responses have been edited for clarity and length.

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Leanna (Little Petal’s Webmaster) and Danielle at Megacon.

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