I’m a ‘mature’ large-sized model, and in conversation with my agent at Ford Models in New York, I found out that I’m the only one in North America.

Let me repeat: I’m the only one. 
And I’m not getting booked.

I’m good with not getting booked because another model fits the casting brief better, but I’m the only one. So, if there were a casting brief, I would be the only one to choose from. Ipso facto, there is no casting brief for a mature, large-sized model.

Why?

We may have an old-woman-at-the-top problem here — specifically, the women in charge of the fashion business. 

Big, voluptuous young bodies are great, but I have the sneaking suspicion that big, voluptuous old bodies are seen as having been Let go.  Unappealing.  Maybe even a little shameful. 

Being old and large-size, it seems, is bumping up against those unwell stereotypes we were raised with, the unconscious, ingrained, generational, and tired, anorexic aesthetics of heroin chic. 

I believe that we (old women) are so deeply ingrained with these stereotypes that we can’t see ourselves with the same grace and empathy that we see others. Instead, we lament our aging bodies and lost youth — and my cohort is actually in charge of the fashion world.

The fashion industry has the power to show our daughters and granddaughters that authentic grace and beauty can exist for aging women.

We have the same moral obligation to demonstrate that being beautiful while being old comes in as many shapes and sizes, ethnicities, and quirks as it does while being young. 

I think it’s time for the old women at the top to wake up, show some empathy — to themselves first — and then fight for some grace for the rest of us by wielding their power for cultural good.  Write the casting brief. Start with New York Fashion Week. 

For our culture to be well, we need to see an authentic range of role models of aging. 

Article by Alicia Johnson, is a a model/global brand marketer/author, who has a book coming soon, titled Buried Treasure: A Field Guide to the Life-Changing Magic of Revealing Yourself.

This article, Opinion: We May Have An Old Woman Problem Here first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Guest Blogger.

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Not only did this interview trigger my childhood traumas related to being a curvy girl who matured into a plus size woman, but it also triggered how sometimes I’ve allowed society to sculpt my reality for me instead of sculpting it myself. All of it hit me like a mountain of bricks, and quite frankly, I needed to experience it. 

As a stylish, plus size woman in her mid-30s, I didn’t really consider the realities of women who dare to age and how they are represented in today’s media, society, and fashion industry. By the time I reached my 20s, I had already accepted my full-figured body, learned how to style it, and been confident in who I was.

While interviewing Linda Peavy, not only did I get a reality check, I got inspired: inspired to grow older, inspired to be daring, inspired to love myself, and most importantly, inspired to not give a damn about what anyone thinks of me or my body – besides me! 

Even though “The Cultured Curves Guide to Style for Mature Curvy Women” is an incredible read and guide for mature women who are currently plus size, newly plus size, or having trouble making a connection with themselves through personal growth and style development, the real message of the book is: Linda Peavy wants more for women who society purposely likes to leave out. 

“The Cultured Curves Guide to Style for Mature Curvy Women”: a reminder that aging shouldn’t be a social death sentence

Linda Peavy sits looking lovely as ever with style, grace, and poise donning a red silk blouse, blue eyeshadow, and red lipstick – pure elegance personified. 

Like a star-struck fan walking Hollywood Boulevard, I was smitten by her persona, eagerly ready to interview her to learn more about her book, brand, and next move for the new year.

More than three years in the making, “The Cultured Curves Guide to Style for Mature Curvy Women” author Linda Peavy bridges the gap between the ever-growing plus size community and the need for appropriate styling (and apparel) for women over 40 who still want to remain sophisticated, sexy, and adventurous. 

At the age of 60, Peavy realized that she didn’t have an outlet for self-expression, self-love, and style, so she decided to create one! 

In “The Cultured Curves Guide to Style for Mature Curvy Women,” Peavy painted a picture that I could understand about what it’s like to not only age in a youth-obsessed society but also be curvy and not always be able to find adequate apparel. 

Peavy doesn’t want anyone, especially mature women, to ever feel less than sophisticated, sexy, and stylish, saying, “People believe that once you hit 50 your life is over and that you need to be sitting somewhere in a corner, and that’s not true. That’s what the book is all about! We as mature women, we want to be sexy, right?! We have a life! We still want to be able to go out, dress well, and feel good!” 

Being plus size since the second grade, Peavy had the privilege of an upbringing that embraced her size and allowed her to thrive as herself: fabulous and amazing. No matter what the outside world ever projected onto her, Peavy decided that she was going to be her best and look her best no matter what. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Linda Peavy (@culturedcurves1)

I couldn’t help but admire her confidence, beauty, sex appeal, and such strength and ambition. I found myself thinking of my childhood, teenage years, and early adulthood. In those pivotal years, being larger than a size small was considered a fault, even for someone under the age of 21. 

As these memories came flooding back, I found myself thinking about all of the traumas, triumphs, and turmoils that I’ve experienced as a plus size woman, who happened to be confident, in a world that wanted me to hate myself.

Linda Peavy’s inspiration for The Cultured Curves Guide

Peavy wanted to create a comprehensive guide that outlined fashion brands, cosmetic brands, independent fashion designers, body type styling, positive affirmations,  confessions, and tips and tricks on how women over 50 could look their best without compromising their individuality, personality, and comfort levels. When asked why, her answer was this: 

“When I reached my early fifties, I realized many women didn’t have the self-esteem that I did, and they really had issues with their body images. I made the decision then to create a resource where I would be able to allow women to feel good about themselves. I was 56 when I created Cultured Curves! I wanted to teach women how to look their best, which in turn propelled me into creating the blog that later turned into the book.”

Peavy hopes that her book will be one of many dedicated to being a voice for those who feel like their voices aren’t loud enough.

“I think it’s the level of education that is needed to teach designers that at the end of the day, the fashion industry [is just like] any other capitalistic industry. It’s all about profit and loss. Mature women have a much higher [amount of] disposable income than their younger counterparts. Designers need to know that they’re leaving money on the table by excluding us. Not to mention, the average American woman is a size 16; the average woman is considered plus size, and yet is excluded from the representation of fashion and style. Lastly, it’s all about mindset and who looks good in what. Oftentimes, it boils down to discrimination and these designers not believing that a plus size or curvy woman will look good in their designs. We know that that isn’t true.” 

Linda Peavy

You can get the book, “The Cultured Curves Guide to Style for Mature Curvy Women” at Amazon.com!

As the interview continued, it was clear that Peavy is serious about creating a loving and stylish environment for women 50 and above to become the women they want to be one page at a time. With a book like Linda Peavy’s on the market, it’s evident that this movement won’t be just a one-time occasion, as Peavy expressed interest in creating events and retreats for mature, curvy women. 

Thank you Linda Peavy for all that you have done and all that you will continue to do! 

This article, Linda Peavy’s “The Cultured Curves Guide to Style for Mature Curvy Women” is an ode to aging, style, and plus size women first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by dnicole.

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But if you are a plus size shopper 40+ and over, you’ve brought in an additional shopping dilemma. With the strides that plus size designers and retailers over the years, it can still be a struggle to find trendy, age-appropriate plus size fashion.

We have been seeing some great plus size fashion trends already for the upcoming spring season, which I’m sure we are all pretty excited about! Looking forward to getting those lighter, brighter fabrics out of the closet and out in the sunshine!

If you want to be on-trend but aren’t into the more revealing or super youthful cuts and prints, you don’t have to feel left out of the trends! You have to know where to look! There is nothing wrong with a cute cropped sweater, but you may not want every sweater in your spring wardrobe to be cropped or off the shoulder.

Of course, we want to reiterate that fashion rules were meant to be broken, so if you love something, please don’t feel like your age or your body is holding you back! Wear what makes you feel like *you*! But, if you are actively looking to shop somewhere with a more mature audience in mind… we want to help you look and feel your best!

Because you deserve it!

There is definitely a way to take today’s trends and style them for any age.

 While many plus size retailers and online boutiques tend to target a demographic under 30, we wanna shout out these retailers bringing the fashion and trends for all ages.

5 places to shop plus size fashion for 40+

Photo Credit: 11 Honoré

11 Honorè

Whether you're shopping for comfortable casual weekend essentials, fun and feminine wedding guest dress, or a sleek and sophisticated formal gown for a big event, 11 Honoré has exclusive plus size items, including elegant basics, tailored separates, workwear essentials, and flowy feminine dresses.

Shop Now

Photo Credit: Macys.com

Macy's

This oldie but goodie is a great place to shop for all your plus size fashion needs and attire if you seek designer fashions at a fairly affordable price point. Their plus size line includes items from popular designers such as Seven7, DKNY, and Calvin Klein.

Shop Now

Photo Credit: Loft.com

LOFT

Loft is a classic staple that has been around for a while, and recently (2018) started offering plus sizes. Now you can shop plus up to a size 26! Shop this line if you love classic, everyday attire! Great for staple pieces.

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Photo Credit: Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher

Shop this plus size retailer for timeless comfortable clothing with great silhouettes in high-quality fabrics.

Shop Now

Photo Credit: ASOS

ASOS 

For that chic editorial look, turn to Asos! They have everything from casual fashion to formal wear. If you are searching for a fierce date night outfit that will turn heads, Asos is likely to have what you're looking for!

Shop Now

What do you think about these options?

Do you have a favorite store that you shop at for your over 40 plus size fashions?  Share it with us in the comments.

This article, 5 FoolProof Places to Shop On Trend Plus Size Fashion for 40+ first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Mayra Mejia.

Never miss the latest in plus size fashion news, trends, and conversations! Sign up for Curvy Fashionista Newsletter!

I have been seeing some great plus size fashions for this spring season, and I’m excited to start pushing those sundresses to the back of the closet and making way for kimono wraps and chunky knit sweaters.

Some of my favorite trendy stores have a selection of clothing that reveal a little more skin than I want to show.  Nothing wrong with a cute cropped sweater, but you may not want every sweater in your spring wardrobe to be cropped or off the shoulder.

I want to look trendy and rock the latest fashions, but at the same time, I want to keep it “age appropriate for me”  Sure at 45, I could wear the same outfit as a 25 year old, but some of the items that we may have worn without question at age 25, may not necessarily fit my lifestyle once I’m over 40.  

There is definitely a way to take today’s trends and style them for any age.  While many plus size retailers and online boutiques target a demographic for women under 30, I have put together my top 5 places to shop for plus size Fall fashion for women over 40.

5 places to shop for plus size fashion for women 40+

1. City Chic

   

   City Chic will outfit you with everything from work wear to after five dinner parties.  From sleek leathers to distressed denims, City Chic offers a wide range of items to spruce up your everyday wardrobe.  They also have a sophisticated lingerie line for those “special”, special occasions.

   You can shop them up through a size 24 at CityChicOnline.com

2. Macy’s

   This oldie but goodie is a great place to shop for your all your plus size fashion needs and attire if you are seeking designer fashions. Their plus size line includes items from popular designers such as Seven7, DKNY, and Calvin Klein.

   You can shop them up through sizes 4X at Macys.com

3. LOFT

   

   I don’t know anyone who wasn’t excited when Loft announced their new plus size line.  Loft is a classic staple that has been around for a while, but up until recently, their greatness stopped at size 18.  The new plus size line offers the same classic everyday attire that you are used to from Loft. While the plus selection originally launched exclusively online, it is now also available in select stores.
   You can shop them online up through sizes 26 at Loft.com

4. Asos

   

   For that chic editorial look, turn to Asos.  They have everything from casual fashion to formal wear.  If you are searching for a fierce girls night out outfit that will turn heads, look to Asos first.

   You can shop them up through sizes 26 at ASOS.com

5. Eloquii

   

   This retailer definitely understand how to effortlessly combine classy, trendy and chic with plus size.  From their Premier workwear line to their stunning outerwear, Eloquii has changed the game when it comes to plus size fashion.  They have styles ranging from classic to unique, and I love that you won’t see their fashions on every other plus size website that you click on.  They also offer a great selection of wide width shoes.
   You can shop this retailer up through a size 28 at Eloquii.com

What do you think about these options? There are more than a few additional places to shop, but these were my top five go tos…

Do you have a favorite store that you shop at for your over 40 plus size fashions?  Share it with us in the comments.

This article, 5 Places to Shop for Plus Size Fashion for Women 40+ first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Kimberly Michelle.

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To celebrate 10 years and to keep us on our toes, FFFWeek added Silver Fox Runway Models. You know, women of age, style, and grace who could show the children how to own the runway and your age! These models took the stage to show that fashion is for all ages and sexy is timeless. And they did just that!

Silver Foxes Steal The Runway At FFFWeek

Serving styles by Catherine’s, Curves with Purpose, Dorcas Collection, Obioma Fashion, Tru Diva Designs, Mishi and Robert E. Knight, these foxy ladies didn’t miss a beat! As they sashayed down the runway, you could see the excitement in the crowd.

Y’all. These women and their looks were everything!!!

When the model call hit, we knew we were in for a great time and amazing looks! How can you not get excited about watching glamorous, sophisticated, sexy ladies over 40+ working one of the hottest runways of the year, amiright???

The excitement of the night was in simply watching beautiful women step out of their box and reclaim their time right there on stage.

Modeling the looks of some of the top designers in the plus size industry, these ladies took the stage by storm. The following brands were represented in the fashion show…

The FFFWeek Silver Fox Designers: 

Catherine’s, the quintessential leaders in fashions extended sizes
Curves with Purpose, the sophisticated e-commerce brand that utilizes digital measurement tools within their designs
Dorcas Collection, headed by a mother of 3 who decided to take back her sexy and create a collection that represented elegance and sex appeal
Obioma Fashion helped to usher in a little cultural mix for our silver foxes to rock beautiful African prints
Robert E. Knight bringing his love of asymmetry, color and print

These brands really brough beauty to the runway and the Silver Foxes of Full Figured Fashion Week strutted their stuff with the best of them.

To learn more about the epic week of fashion, visit FFFWeek.com! 

FFFWeek was indeed full of endless fun and fashion.

Special shout out to Kirk of the XLTribe for the photos!

But tell us–did you enjoy the addition of these timeless beauties to FFFWeek?

Check out our additional coverage from the 2018 FFFWeek here: Curves at Sea Recap, Masquerade Ball Recap, our Fave Looks from FFFWeek, and the Bae Walks Recap!

This article, Here’s What Happens When the Silver Foxes Rip the Runway at FFFWeek first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Team TCF.

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Meet Marcy of Fearlessly Just Me!!

Blog:  www.FearlesslyJustMe.net
Age:  Mid-40s
Height:  5’7″
Location:  New York, NY

How long have you been blogging?  Overall since 2000, but my current blog has been up since 2009.

What or who inspired you to become a fashion blogger? What led you to it?
Fashion has been a huge part of my self-love journey so that progression led me to talk more to fashion and what I was wearing. Now I have evolved into a blogger that not only talks about what I love to wear but educating my readers on fit and accessibility to those women over a size 22. Trying new styles and opening my mind to wearing things outside of my comfort zone has strengthened my confidence and self-love where I feel free when I wear something I love. Blogging is a way for me to share that with others, hoping to inspire them to do the same.

Do you blog full-time, for fun, as a hobby? Share your evolution!
I currently blog on my personal blog part-time because I am a freelancer with various gigs going on at the same time. I’m the Blog Editor for PLUS Model Magazine and write for various websites as well as work for Gwynnie Bee as a First Fit Model and Reviewer. I also do consulting and create content for various businesses. Blogging is fun but this is my career that I take very seriously as I am inspiring my readers to live their best lives.

What is your favorite asset? Your legs, arms, waist? How do you play that up?
Definitely my waist. I love to wear styles that cinch in my waist and show it off. I have become obsessed with belts lately. I also love wearing fit and flare dresses and peplum tops. Next up are corsets, which are making a comeback.

What are the challenges, if any, you face regarding being plus size?
As a size 26/28, my struggle is very different than my smaller plus sisters. Once you pass a size 24, it’s tough to even shop in plus size stores as many brands stop at a size 24. Add to that how inconsistent sizing is across the board and I’m sure you can imagine how challenging it is for me to express myself via fashion. The companies who do offer my size sometimes offer matronly styles and that is so not me.

Many straight size stores offer up to a size 16 and 18 (Gap goes up to a 20) so the smaller plus girls can shop in those stores too! I don’t have that luxury. I want to dress like my size-18 sisters and my size-12 sisters. Fashion should be accessible to all. It’s as if the plus size fashion industry is telling me I am not worthy of fashion because I am above a size 24. And it makes me wonder where I fit in within the plus size fashion industry, especially since I am also plus size. Am I not good enough? I shouldn’t have to lose weight to be able to dress fly. I should be able to dress how I want right now.

What’s your favorite thing about being plus size?
My curves! My booty, my wide hips, my bust, my jiggle, my fluffiness. My youngest niece Angel always tells me I am fluffy and she loves to hug me and cuddle. I love how I fill out a pair of jeans or how I look in a body con dress. It’s an empowering feeling to love all of you, embrace your large body and be confident. I feel so powerful.

What’s your favorite thing about being a blogger?
I love being able to speak my truth and have my voice heard through my blog. It’s been an amazing journey connecting with women who get the struggle and are inspired by my words and story. I also admit I am a huge fashion geek and being a blogger has offered me opportunities to do things and be at places that I never dreamed I could be. I’ve gotten the chance to meet some of my favorite designers in person and have been able to see fashion being created firsthand. I have been incredibly blessed in the last 8 years I have been a fashion lifestyle blogger.

Who/what are your favorite designers/brands?
I absolutely love City Chic, Universal Standard, Courtney Noelle, Rachel Roy, Melissa Masse, Jill Alexander Designs, Cherry Velvet and Retrolicious. City Chic and Rachel Roy only go up to a size 24 and 3X but I can fit into those sizes on a few pieces. Same with Melissa Masse and Jill Alexander. I also shop at Lane Bryant for their designer collabs and wide width shoes as well as Catherine’s for their Right Fit jeans, which are amazing. I have been obsessed with this new boutique that just opened up in Brooklyn called plus BKLYN that offers up to a size 6X. It’s great to be able to shop in a boutique that carries my size and is so body positive.

Describe your personal style.
I always say my style is Audrey Hepburn meets 80’s hip hop meets sparkle. I grew up in the 80’s and was very into streetwear like ripped jeans, Adidas and hoodies but always added a feminine twist to it in the form of retro details or something Audrey-like, such as a string of pearls or a french twist in my hair. I love color, prints, sequin, metallics, denim, leather, lace, bomber jackets, retro sneakers and hoop earrings. I’m obsessed with graphic tees and little details in clothing that stand out. I want to show the world that style has no size or age. Wear what you love and it shows.

Which bloggers inspire you? Plus or straight size! Any bloggers currently on your radar?
Lyn Slater of Accidental Icon (@iconaccidental)
Sheena of I Am She Global (@iamsheglobal)
Mo Handahu of Lion Hunter (@misslionhunter)
Meshel of The Muffin Queen’s Closet (@the_muffin_queens_closet)
Thamarr of Musings of a Curvy Lady (@musingsofacurvylady)
Dan of The Big Sartorialist (@thebigsartorialist)
Bianca of Bianca from Brooklyn (@biancafrombrooklyn)
Veronica of Vero I Am (@veroiam_)
Elaine of Square Pearls (@squarepearls)
Syed of The Prep Guy (@theprepguy)
Jorgie of Curves and Eyeliner (@curvesandeyeliner)
Liz of With Wonder and Whimsy (@withwonderandwhimsy)
Gaelle of GaellePrudencio.com (@gaelleprudencio)

What do you think about where plus size fashion is today versus a few years back?
It has evolved leaps and bounds. I grew up during a time where you had two fashion choices: either dress like my grandma or shop the men’s dept. I chose the latter. We only had Lane Bryant back then and it was for the older customer. Avenue didn’t emerge until the late 80’s and their styles were very matronly in the beginning, but I was able to get jeans, tees, underwear and bras from them so it was an improvement.

Back then, I was a size 14/16 teen and the struggle was real! I used to steal my dad’s jeans, take a razor blade to them to distress them and also would take men’s tees, cut the necks off and shorten the sleeves. I also owned a Bedazzler, which to this day, I still think is the best invention ever made for us non-sewing fashionistas. So when I hear a millennial complain about the lack of plus size fashion, I have to laugh at them and shake my head. We still have a ways to go but it has come a long way. They have no idea.

What do you think or hear from readers, is one of the biggest myths about plus size fashion?
That we all want to wear baggy clothes and cover up our bodies. Sometimes I see the detail placements on some styles and have to scratch my head. I don’t want a big bow over my belly area for coverage and I certainly don’t want to wear a shapeless baggy style to cover my curves. Many of us love color and prints and we love how our clothing fits us. I know I’m not trying to cover up.

Are you working on anything or have anything to share? Anything else you want The Curvy Fashionista’s readers to know?
I’m going to be blogging more about traveling as I have traveled the world at a size 26/28, most of the time by myself and will continue to travel even more in 2018 (First stop: Australia!). I also will be hosting a breakout session in October at the DREAM BIG CurvyGirl Rooftop Fashion & Beauty Conference  in Chicago, talking to how to build confidence in your life at any size and age. I plan to take my workshop on the road in 2018, to various cities across the US. I have some other exciting things planned for the end of 2017 into 2018 that I can’t share yet but will soon!

Lastly, what does Curvy.Confident.Chic mean to you?
It means loving all of you, knowing your beauty and worth, and reveling in that. There’s only one you in the world and that’s an amazing thing. We are all worthy of fashion, style and loving ourselves as we are. It means walking with our heads up high, feeling empowered by the jiggle of our hips, the sway of our arms and looking at our reflection in a passing window and saying to ourselves, damn, I look good!

Check out Marcy’s blog at www.FearesslyJustMe.net!!!

Do you dig her style? Which look is your fave? Let’s talk about it below!!

Want to be featured? 

Make sure you fill out your deets here,
so that we can feature you!

Looking for more plus size blogger style inspiration?

Make sure you check out all of the other plus size blogger spotlights!

This article, Fashion Blogger Spotlight: Marcy of Fearlessly Just Me first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Cassandra.

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The question of being plus size, as it inevitably comes up, often turns to what’s appropriate.  As I’ve reached my thirties, the conversation is heard more frequently – only this time age is also a factor.  In this case, there’s a battle to dress my body and age appropriately.

But what does that mean?

I talked with a few of my friends – all with a love of plus size fashion and the women who wear it.  When I asked them about the idea of age appropriate dressing, everyone was quick to chime in with positive ideas and trends.  That’s a great thing – it means we’re all passionate about it!  Here are a few of the quotes I captured:

“I think it’s a matter of dressing your authentic self.” ~ @filthycharm

“Everything can be done in good taste.” ~ @thebashionista

“You have to be aware of your body and what’s flattering.” @roddklever

Authentic, nothing is out of reach and flattering are the goals no matter what. Being age appropriate isn’t about being “appropriate.”  Let’s be real, that can mean different things for different people.  It can also mean something different, lending to the setting and the event.  It can have a host of other implications: what I may wear at a size 18 may be different than someone who is a size 14 or a size 22.

I believe what’s appropriate is what makes you feel beautiful, confident and more powerful.  Most times, that means caring for ourselves in all aspects – physically, mentally and how we choose to adorn our bodies in addition to creating the outward appearance the world sees.  Feeling beautiful is the end result of many things – not just clothing.  The key – confidence.

Why is any of this important?  Because everyone will have an opinion of what you should or shouldn’t wear.  It’s better when you yourself can find the confidence and the strength to make those decisions for yourself while reminding yourself there will be critics, naysayers and those who are general haters.  But the most important person to please is you.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found there are definite challenges to confidence, creating my version of sexy and wearing something reflective of my style.  Many plus size bloggers are under 35 and it’s left me thinking many times – can I rock that? How?

I’m here to tell you, I believe you can make just about any trend work for you at any age.  Whether it’s a color, a fabric, an overall look.  The main goal is confidence.  Are you questioning how you look?

Are you tugging at it in the dressing room (or at home if you ordered online)? Then something needs to be fixed or something else needs to be chosen. 

Confidence is always the beginning element.  Being confident with what you’re wearing, how you look in it and for me these days, comfortable, is one of the keys to being beautiful.

Here are a few of the S/S trends for 2012 featured in today’s post

• Chambray and Denim
• Stripes
• Peekaboo midriffs

Our first board features chambray.  This season there are shirts, shoes, dresses, skirts, slacks.  I currently have an amazing dress I bought – last year and can’t wait to wear it! Pairing the fabric with nude shoes and gold accessories gives it a beautiful vintage feel.

Our second board features stripes and the peekaboo midriff – let me say, plus women, we can wear so many variations of stripes and patterns! Never be afraid to try something a little different.  Shorter versus longer, a loose fit or bodycon.  I focused on the bodycon style – there’s no reason to be afraid of form-fitting items. Pair them down or up!  The peekaboo midriff can still be worn – it’s about how we’ve paired it that matters.

I encourage you this season to do something out of the norm and buy yourself something different. If you’re not sure – ask someone.  Head to the boutiques.  Make a day of it for yourself.  Try new items on.  Ask questions.  Ask for suggestions.  This year, we’re going to break new ground, be beautiful and be confident.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on plus size fashion as it relates to being age appropriate.  What are your thoughts on the fashion boards? Do you have any surefire rules for dressing in your thirties? Does it matter what you wear if you’re over 35? Can we really pull anything off?

For questions or comments, please reach me on twitter @fromraewithlove.

This article, Guest Insights: Confidence while Plus Size and 35 Plus first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Team TCF.

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My relationship to age has always been a graceful and playful one. I mean, if you ask my mother, she will tell you she is 21 without blinking. This woman is FULL OF LIFE and will always be the center of the party or rather THE PARTY. My nanna never looked at age as a hindrance to personal style. Dressing like a lady was more important to her, especially as a deacon’s wife and an evangelist.

However, to answer your questions, I have had a few guest posts about age, especially from my blogging sis, Kristen from Fashion.Style.Beauty who is on the better side of 40, working it! BUT, imagine my surprise when I saw Navabi’s latest mini mag, as they took on age, personal style, and the plus size woman. I mean they talk the trends and how to rock it. They feature women whose style is not bound by their age. Interview Andy Cohen of Advanced Style (a must read for all of you!).

So I am here to share with you a few of the features from Navabi and to invite you to take a full read!

Navabi Magazine: Fashion and Age Issue

I feature Navabi quite often on the blog, because I really like the site, the array of brands, and the attention to detail! Plus the fact that they deliver hard to find and shop plus size brands to the US? YES.

You can Shop Navabi Here. While you are online, tweet Navabi, like them on Facbeook, and share what your favorites are!

What did you think? Did this help answer any questions or concerns?

This article, Navabi takes on Age and Style with its Age and Style Mini Mag first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Marie Denee.

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Hello Marie,

I just started following your blog and I saw you on Ricki Lake. I absolutely love your fashion sense and body acceptance philosophy. Plus you are gorgeous!. In your video you indicated that you might welcome topic suggestions. As a plus size fashionista with the closets to prove it and who is approaching fifty, I would love to hear your thoughts on age appropriate dressing. (Think MORE Magazine for plus size women). I have been to a few fff events and visited several blogs while the women behind the scene may be in the fabulous fifty crowd, the events, models and even the fashions, in my mind, focus on the 20’s-30’s age group.

I was looking at your blog and I was looking for professional clothing for lawyers or executives in very conservative professional settings and really did not see anything. (Think Marina Rinaldi at Jones of New York price point) Any suggestions?

Also I love you hair and if you don’t mind me asking is it a wig. If so I wear locs but I am bored and I to want to switch to wigs and I am really looking to duplicate your hair. While your blog focuses on fashion, I don’t know how you feel about talking about wigs which I think of as a fashion accessory. Thank you for your consideration.

Lorraine S.

First of all Lorraine, thank you so much for finding me! I truly appreciate you for follow! Now your email touched on a few things, that I want to address to help you out here!

I have touched on this and you can check out the professional wear posts I wrote here:

• Plus Size Wear to Work Tips
• Plus Size Office Essentials
• Gotta Have It: Igigi Alegra Jacket and Candace Skirt
• Gotta Have It: Monroe Suit by Igigi
• A Tailored Approach to Fashion- Dea London

You mentioned Jones of NY and I was curious if you checked out their plus sizes? Have you looked at Talbots, Eloquii, Nordstrom, and Saks? For suiting and more professional options, that is a great start. Especially for the professional looks. I would also check the outlets to score Marina Rinaldi and others designers at the deal of a lifetime. Nordstrom Rack, the Outlet malls, or even shopping the department stores NOW, during clearance season will give you a great price without sacrificing quality. (Dress to the left, you can get here.)

Some tips to find great steals and deals:

• Subscribe to your favorite store’s email lists
• Department stores associates, especially the ones who work on commission, keep clientele books. Ask to be added and to be notified of the sales! This way you have the inside loop!
• In addition to the outlets, online sample sale sites like Ideeli, Beyond the Rack, and others offer plus size finds without breaking the bank!
• Thrift in great neighborhoods! You’d be surprised what you’ll find!

When it comes dressing for your “Age” its moreso how you style it, not the mindset that, only XX age can wear this. I think this also falls into the mindset of “Oh, I am a plus size woman and can only wear X.” I’d be interested to know what your perception of what a woman on the better side of 50 looks or to you, is supposed to look like. My mother has never been inhibited by age, and maybe this is where my thoughts stem from, but I really think there is a mindset!

I know that as we get older, there may be more modesty, but that does not mean a compromise in style. You can still wear bold hues, sharp tailoring, and playful textures and prints. While the models for these sites and campaigns may look ageless, you can still find items where you can have a little fun.

Please take a look at the guest post from Kristin from my fabulous over 40 fashion blogger girlfriend, Fashion Style Beauty: Plus Size, Over 40 and Personal Style; Tips and Real Talk.

You can get this Tweed and Leather Jacket here.

As far as my hair? Ohhhh, I alternate between wigs, weaves, and au natural. It just depends on my mood and where I am at in my life. Currently, I am in a weave, and do not mind you asking! I have actually shared why I had to rock a protective style, so I do not mind at all! I will keep this in mid for future posts! I got you!

I hope that I have started to answer some of your questions here!

WHAT DO YOU THINK? If you are reading and have two cents to ADD, please help your fellow Curvy Fashionista and leave a comment! Sharing is caring!

This article, Style Q&A: Stylishly 50, Plus Size, and What to Wear to Work first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Marie Denee.

Never miss the latest in plus size fashion news, trends, and conversations! Sign up for Curvy Fashionista Newsletter!

Shopping is my favorite indoor sport (well, one of them anyway, the one that doesn’t require me to do mess up my hair), so when Marie Denee asked me to give some of my favorite tips on shopping for your age, I was delighted to be asked. At 41, I know a thing or two about how to build a wardrobe for curves as well as who and where to cheat when it comes to slipping a trend or two in there.

See, here’s the thing about dressing your age and staying on trend: you know there’s a way to do it, but once you’ve seen it done wrong it strikes fear in your heart. We’ve all been there when it comes to look like we know what’s happening without “trying too hard.”

Gals, the assumption of age is that by a certain point in life, you know what looks good on your body and you develop a certain style. As you age, the world assumes that you know what you’re doing, which means pieces that are SUPER trendy make you look like you’re still experimenting, or that you somehow don’t know that you should be old enough to know better.

I don’t love the phrase “dressing your age,” because it makes it sound like you have go boring and old. What I think works better is “dressing your best,” which is a wardrobe of brilliant, sexy and well-made items, with a nod to the trends now and then that says, “Oh, I SEE YOU, trend. I acknowledge what’s on point. Let me show you how I ROCK THIS. BAM!” and then you leave them wanting more. See how that works?

This article, Guest Post: Plus Size, Over 40, and Personal Style- Tips and Real Talk first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Team TCF.

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