SNOW WHAT
LARGE ASSETS, BIGGER PROFITS
Although the experience was exciting for Emme, she was not immune to prejudice: a famous photographer referred to her as a “fatty” during a photo shoot. After feeling second best compared to her thinner model counterparts, Emme went on to host TV shows, write books and helm a sportswear line through QVC. She recently teamed up with alma matter, Syracuse University, to launch “Fashion Without Limits,” a program that encourages fashion design students to create clothes for plus-size women.
“It’s the beginning of changing the face of fashion so that all new designers that graduate will have their hands on size 2, 4 and 6 forms as well as 16, 18 and 20 [dress] forms so that they are comfortable with seeing beautiful apparel and fashion on all women,” Emme said. “It has to start with the designer.”
OFF DUTY DAYS
Being “Natalie in the City” every day is hard work. Although I would like to think that I dress like a fashion blogger every day, I usually look like what my friends would refer to as “Natalie in the Gym.” It’s true, it’s true—most mornings I feel like throwing on some oversized clothes and rushing to work or class—It’s easy. While I’m sure not every fashionista would admit to it, every single one of them has their lazy days, and that is for sure.
I found this button-up plaid shirt at a thrift store here in Chicago. While the men’s shirt doesn’t do much for my hips and curvy body, it is one of my favorite go-to pieces in my closet. I love the bright colors and the way it fits. Even though I would never call it one of my most stylish items of clothing, I would still consider it to be one of the coolest.
So here is to the lazy days.
— P.S. there is nothing wrong with them
ANKLE BOOTS WITH PLUS SIZE LEGGINGS
Click here to shop for ankle boots
FEELING 22 HAS NOTHING ON TURNING 23
December 3. I don’t often look forward to this day as the only 24 hours of the year that can be solely about me. I look at today as a time to reflect back on this year, all the accomplishments I have made and the lessons that were learned. On this day every year I look into the past and I always find myself saying, “I would have never thought…”
Being 22 was the time of my life. I have been living in Chicago for a little over a year now, which has probably been the biggest blessing. This year I was able to speak on important issues that I am passionate about—whether it was through my college newspaper, my blog, or through Q&As with various publications—I wore a bikini on National TV, I traveled to places I have never seen before, and most importantly I made some of the greatest friends I have ever had. My blog will turn two in March, and I cannot be more proud of how much it has changed and become such an amazing part of my life.
As I turn 23, life seems to speed up making weeks feel like mere days. I graduate in May and there are so many possibilities to consider. These next seven months will be some of the most exciting and challenging times of my life, and I promise to share every detail!
I just wanted to give thanks to my readers for encouraging me to keep up with my blog. I love each and every single one of you. Also, thank you to my friends and family for being a huge contribution to every year!
XO
AWAY
USA TODAY Q&A: BODY POSITIVITY
I was recently interviewed for a Q&A piece for USA Today College. Check out the full article here: “Plus-size student fashionista embraces, promotes Fat Acceptance Movement“
CHICAGO FASHION WEEK
It’s not Paris or New York, but it is Chicago and this is just where I want to be. Chicago Fashion Week breezed through the city and I got to catch the last wind of it at College Fashion Week hosted by HerCampus.com.
I’m not the biggest fan of crop tops, but I thought I would wear this one with a high waisted skirt. I love the sheer stripes on the top and the length of the sleeves. My skirt was an unexpected find. Usually circle skirts like this one don’t flatter a curvy figure, but the length and cut of the skirt did my curves some justice. If you love this outfit as much as I do, you can shop the look below!
THIS ONE TIME I WORE A BIKINI ON TV…
Most people would love to be on TV, maybe a few less once you told them they have to wear heels, walk and not trip, and maybe even fewer after you told them they would also be wearing a bikini.
You see, one day I was in a meeting at work when I randomly checked my email. I must have read one message, in particular, at least three times after jumping out of my seat screaming. In August, a senior producer for the Steve Harvey Show asked me to model in a fashion segment on the show. The only catch was that I would be modeling a two-piece bikini. Although I am a size 14 and don’t look like Kate Upton, I didn’t hesitate for a second before agreeing to it. This was everything my America’s Next Top Model-watching 12-year-old self had ever wanted. For the segment I was modeling on, Steve Harvey was interviewing Jenny Trout, a blogger and author who is infamously known for her “I Wore a Bikini and Nothing Happened” post published on the Huffington Post. He wanted to surprise Jenny by gathering 15 confident, plus-size women and dressing them in swimsuits to honor Jenny’s brave endeavors.
Fast forward to September 3: I’m standing behind a curtain on a stage that will soon rise, revealing my five-foot curvy body in a plus-size bikini to Steve Harvey and a live studio audience on national TV. I didn’t do it alone, though—15 other plus-size women stood by my side, our bodies displaying the unconventional side of beauty. We all held hands, and as the curtain rose, we struck a pose and then walked out on stage to an audience that would not stop clapping or cheering. Yep, that’s me in the pink checkered bikini in the middle! I spent 10 hours with these other women between hair, makeup, and rehearsals, and if that day taught me anything, it was that confidence was key. It doesn’t matter what shape or size you are. You can lead however you want as long as you’re happy and confident.
“You all are so fine,” Steve Harvey shouted as we walked onto the stage. Despite the societal beauty ideals that consumed me, at that second, I realized that I never thought I wasn’t fine, and that is how every woman should feel.
Why would I wear a bikini on national TV?
Like most young girls paging through the latest fashion magazines, I longed to be one of the models who graced the cover of the fashion bibles and the advertisements inside. However, the only model-like quality I possessed was being fierce with my eyes, which has benefited me more at the club than anywhere else—thanks, Tyra. As I grew up and got into my body, I realized I would never be in the magazines or on America’s Next Top Model for two reasons. One: I’m five feet tall. Two: These hips don’t lie, and neither do these thighs. My body was far from the model ideal and what I saw in the magazines. I could not yet comprehend that the women in those magazines were airbrushed, photoshopped, and did not represent the average woman at all. However, that never tainted my resilient attitude and spirit. Against all odds, no matter what the fashion industry or retail stores told me about my curvaceous figure with their impractically sized clothing, I embraced every fashion trend and strutted wherever I went. Women of all ages can suffer from having negative self-esteem, which can be directly related to the unrealistic beauty standards of today’s society. Somehow, I was fortunate to never let these standards affect my confidence despite how much I looked up to the models. However, I realize it is not easy for anyone to ignore the pressures to be idealistically beautiful and thin.