The Midi Skirt

A midi skirt is a nice compromise between mini and maxi.  It is a really easy piece that can be dressed up or down and should definitely have a place in your wardrobe. This jewel tone skirt is a great statement piece because it pops with color and texture.  I chose the blouse and cardigan to simply accent the skirt.

My wonderful stylist friend Rodney saw this photo and remarked how important belt placement is.  It is much too often that I see girls of all shapes and sizes commit the fashion crime of wearing a large belt right under their bust line.  Ladies, move that belt to your waist (note: where your belly button is).  I can't tell you how unflattering and cheap it looks when you have a thick patent leather belt right under the bust.  For a more slimming effect, trade in those thick belts for thin ones.

The midi can also help you achieve a retro Mad-Men-esque look depending on how you style it.  If you're shorter, aim for the length to hit you below the knee.  If you're taller, aim for mid-calf.  You should wear the skirt, it shouldn't be wearing you.

-Coco Curvy

-Cardigan: Vintage Missoni 
-Blouse: American Apparel
-Skirt: American Apparel
-Belt: American Apparel
-Sunglasses: Anthropologie
-Ring: Yves Saint Laurent
-Bag: Mulberry
-Shoes: Gucci

The Night Time Maxi

The maxi dress has made an undeniable comeback this year.  While the lengthened hemline is refreshing, there are many mistakes to avoid with the maxi-dress.  Avoid choosing a dress that overwhelms you and gives you no shape.  Everyone has a waist, lets see yours!  In addition, Hippy-chic is cool...  looking homeless in an over-sized monstrosity is not.  If you are looking to achieve the hippy-chic aesthetic use accessories to polish your over all look.  Avoiding a tiered skirt can help lengthen your bottom half.

'

I choose a translucent maxi because you can do a lot with it and it easily transforms from day to night.  This one from American Apparel comes in a variety of colors.

-Black maxi dress, American Apparel
-Jacket, Topshop
-Bag, vintage Ferragamo
-Platform boots, Yves Saint Laurent
-Hat, flea market in Amsterdam

Hello

Fashion has always been an incredible source of empowerment and expression for me, especially because I struggle with my weight and shape.  Every time I meet a girl who shares my insecurities and is dressed terribly it breaks my heart because most of the time, the external appearance is a reflection of the internal state of mind.  I want women to be empowered though fashion and style and I would like to challenge the idea that fashion is inaccesible to curvy girls because it's not!  This blog is about dressing for your body type and interpreting hard-to-wear trends for your shape.

I have worked in the fashion industry for five years and I have yet to see designers catering to any aesthetic that isn't defined by being thin.  Beauty has no limitations, so embrace your curves!

-Coco Curvy