body types

A Weekend of Slay

Posted on by thickemscloset

Heyyyyy ladies! So I know I have been ghost, but during my disappearance I have had the time an opportunity to emerge myself in self in some super dope events specifically for Plus Size women! So though this post wont be lengthy, take the time to go through some of the pics and videos and immerse yourself in all the slayage (you wont regret it)!

 

A Broken Masterpiece

By: Kenyatta Johnson

11/5/2016

Burlington, NC

Photo Credits: His Will Photography

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T.O.P. Hair and Fashion Competition

Featured: Juicy Body Goddess Models/Material Girl Hair

1st Place Competition Winners

By: Summer Lucille

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Peace.

Ife Michelle

 

 

In The Face of Adversity

Posted on by thickemscloset

Hey y’all! It is a beautiful Tuesday here in Charlotte, so what better way to enjoy the day than to indulge in this fall weather and write to you guys; today’s topic: being confident in the face of adversity….

So, this post was inspired by a few instances in my personal life as well as Lane Bryant’s newest body positive campaign…

As a plus/curvy/fat/BBW woman, there are already societal limitation placed on us: we aren’t supposed to be pretty, dress well, be able to have active talents and skills (the list goes on and on) and when we have the attributes and display them unapologetically, there is always a high level of disrespectful backlash…

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For instance, since the start of Lane Bryant’s “I’m No Angel” Body Positive Campaign, several major networks have refused to air the commercial.

For another instance, I can get sent home for wearing the same outfit as another employee at my job because my curves are considered a “distraction”.

We can go on forever about all the injustices, but the fact of the matter is they happen. The more important perspective is how do we to respond? How do you take adversity and turn it into power?

Well, for starters, it is understanding that even though the world may view you as the “underdog” you are still powerful, even if you don’t always feel it. Singer, India Arie has a quote in one of her songs that states “…I’m gonna take of all my clothes, look at myself in the mirror, we’re gonna have a conversation, we’re gonna heal the disconnection…my body is beautiful and sacred and I’m gonna celebrate it”. Power, light, is radiated from the inside out. Show naysayers that you are not limited by standards. Be vulnerable with yourself so that you can acknowledge your insecurities and then work to fall in love with you. Grow to become so comfortable with yourself, that even something as simple as the way you walk exudes nothing but confidence.

In addition, there has to be a high level of resilience. When people feel the norms they believe in are threatened, they attack. Hard and heavily. Being able to bounce back from negativity with poise and persistence, whilst keeping a high level of confidence is key. People only have as much power over you as you allow them to have. Take your power back, you are a divine woman…no mistakes here!

Lastly, it is imperitive that you support and defend those who are in the same boat as you. It can be hard feeling like you are dealing with “insecurities” alone, but knowing you have people in your corner makes finding your shine so much easier. You see someone attacking a plus women on social media, comment something supportive. Share that video of that plus women dancing or modeling. Prove that while there are always people against, that there are also so many that are for. We are a community, the voices of many will always ring louder and longer than the voice of one.

To end this post, I am going to post Lane Bryant’s newest ad, “This Body Is Made to Shine”. In this ad, key figures from the plus community respond to real posts and comments made about them. Take a moment to check it out (click the title link), I guarantee you will smile, and who knows… you might even be inspired to create your own clapback!

This Body Is Made to Shine

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Peace. Ife Michelle.

 

5 Ways to Transition Your Summer Closet for Fall!

Posted on by thickemscloset

Hey y’all! I know it’s been a minute but I had to switch gears for a minute and get the business side of Thickems Closet together (Lots of good stuff coming sooon!)! However, it is fall, my favorite season, so I put together a lookbook video of 5 (of course, dope) ways to transition your summer closet into early fall; just click the link where it says view on Flipagram below! I hope you guys enjoy!

Continue to Slay (as always),

Ife Michelle

View on Flipagram5 Ways to Transistion Your Summer Closet for Fall!

5 Dope Ways to Wear Sweaters for Fall

Posted on by thickemscloset

Hey y’all! I am writing to you guys from the coziest place on earth…. MY BED! lol. After two long ass weeks, it’s nice to be settled (even if just for a moment) and able to write to you guys. So, this post is all about my favoriteeeeee piece of fall appeal: SWEATERS!

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Though many may see sweaters as a “basic” item, if finessed properly a dope sweater can elevate your outfit/look while simultaneously keeping you warm and cozy during the change of season; so without further ado, I give you…. 5 dope ways to wear sweaters for the fall!

1. The Preppy Look

The best thing about outfitting for the fall is the ability to layer. Sweaters are a great layering piece because they can add some texture and dimension to your outfit, taking it from “Ehh” to “Damn!” The preppy look is created by taking a collard shirt and layering a sweater on top. Simple right?! Pair with some lightly distressed jeans for a casual look or a midi skirt for a more classic look.

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2. The Oversized Look

Sometimes as plus size women, we shy away from clothes that make us look bigger than we really are; however, the oversized sweater is not one of the pieces to shy away from! The oversized look is really fun, playful and carefree: perfect to show off your street style. It allows for a lot of focus on cool accessories, like statement necklaces, and always looks amazing with a nice pump!

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3. The Cut-Off Look

If sultry/flirty looks are more your thing, don’t think just because a sweater has bulk it cannot bring the funk! Cut-off sweaters have that tease effect where you show just enough to hook ’em. This look is very versatile: try a cut-off shoulder with a fitted pant and heels for those after six moves!

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4. The Cropped Look

JUst because summer is ending, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your beloved cropped tops. Cropped sweaters are a perfect replacement for your summer crop tops…maybe even better because you get to play with layering and the contrast of loose and fitted looks. Add a cropped sweater with a body con dress and booties for a girly look, high-waisted jeans and sneakers for an edgier feel or with culottes/flared skirt for a chic vintage vibe!

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5. The Sweater Dress Look

Lastly, for those of you who refuse to play it safe, the boxy cut of sweaters coupled with the cool designs and prints (or sometimes the sheer simplicity) makes sweaters great for the edgy sweater dress look! Not the typical oddly fitted sweater dress, but getting a sweater a few sizes too big and wearing it as a dress. With some knee (or thigh) high boots, you can create the perfect edgy look certain to turn heads!

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Peace. Ife Michelle.

Not So 20/20 Vision

Posted on by thickemscloset

Good morning you guys! It is 10:12 am and I am writing to you all from my porch in the midst of a pre-hurricane storm; this is my favorite weather, so I am at complete peace. With that being said, today’s topic is not one about fashion or confidence or anything that is exclusive to being a plus size woman-it is one that has come from a place of peace, reevaluation, frustration and the inevitable calm after the storm…

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for me: 4Thirty-Two went viral, we performed and slayed at Charlotte’s first plus size fashion show: Rock the Curves.  I was chosen to walk for several designers in this show in addition to being able to make some great connections with models and designers for future endeavours; however, in the midst of all of this (plus work, bills, adulting, family, etc.), I began to realize that everything I thought I had figured out in my “life plan” had began to go hazy: my 20/20 vision had been blurred. Now granted, nothing in life is definite and it is often the times that we have things planned out to a “T” that they seem to go array, but still the feelings of doubt, anxiety and fear that comes with watching your plans take continuous detours, can be suffocating.

It is in these moments I find myself growing the most. The discomfort of being trapped forces you to push your  boundaries (different parts of your life) reevaluate, and figure out the best way to move forward (increase!) For me the discomfort is my job. I like what I do, but I don’t like the environment, the hours, the pay, or working for other people. The added discomfort is having a vision of starting my own business but not being able to see it come to fruition for one reason or another. This feeling of discomfort sparked a need to push my boundaries so I could “breathe”. I reevaluated all the aspects of my life, trying to decipher the common thread and pay attention to how all my circumstances could indeed come together to help elevate me. Well, meeting the designers and models at the show (that I auditioned for at random) can serve as essential parts to the development of my business since they are the niche’ I have been trying to find. The information I learn from my job can be used to fine tune my business, working for others (especially when they are not your favorite people) is teaching me to work diligently with different kinds of people and value what they bring to the table. Combined with other life lessons learned through adulting, I have been able to take the negative and make it positive.

Whew!

Now, is it easy…. hell no. Yet, it is possible. For me, for you!

I say all this to say, even when you feel you 20/20 vision is blurred, all the pieces are already coming together. Just take a step back, connect the dots and watch how everything comes back into focus!

Peace. Ife Michelle.

P.S. Here are some photos from Charlotte’s own Rock The Curves Fashion Show!

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Fat and Fearless, Pt. 2

Posted on by thickemscloset

Heyyy y’all! Ok, this post is going to be brief but I have to share because I am on such a high…

**Backstory time**

So, you guys already know how I feel about being you, unapologetically. I live by this mantra, thus leading me to audition for a local plus-size dance group here in Charlotte called “4Thirty-Two”. This is a new company and as an artist, there is always some skepticism whenever you go out and share your art and energy with others. Prior to the audition, our fearless leader, Charity Holloway, held a plus-size community dance class that was amazing! Great turn out, well organized, choreography was fun, so I was already sold on what Charity was bringing to the “Body Positive” movement. Fast-forward a week or so and I find myself at an audition to be a part of Charlotte’s first ever Plus-Size dance company. The audition was just as great as the class and a few days later I was an official dancer for the company…

**Present Day**

On August 9, 2016, 4Thirty-Two premiers our first video “Look But Don’t Touch”. Within a day it goes viral (we became a meme and all)! Imagine the feeling that I and the other 23 amazing women in this company felt seeing what our being fearless has done. Charity brought together women who all have doubts, uncertainties, and inhibitions and together we fearlessly stood against the status quo; we, with our heads high, told the world that we loved who we were, we were not ashamed of our bodies, and we would no longer hide who we were. We were loud, we were colorful (literally), we were unapologetic!

The message here is simple.

Being fearless in the midst of doubt allows for you to be a catalyst for change. Being your own “yes” in a sea of “no” gives you the power to stand as a pillar of hope for those still trying to find their way. Because 25 woman said I will be fearless and I will do what I have been told is impossible, thousands of other woman have been drawn to the light, touched it and decided they wanted to release the light in them as well.

Check us out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wr22BGJdxo&feature=youtu.be

We are 4Thirty-Two.

Peace. Ife Michelle.

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“Fat” and Fearless

Posted on by thickemscloset

Hey y’all! Ok, so I know it has been a while since I last wrote, but life has been crazyyyy (in a good way) and I am just now getting a second to process and decompress. With that being said, I want to get a few housekeeping things out of the way:

  • I will be posting every Tuesday. Every. Single. Tuesday. That way y’all know when to look for new posts.
  • Secondly, FALL IS UPON US (my favorite season) so that means = Fall Lookbooks!
  • Lastly, my website is in the works! (excitement) Lots of lookbooks, how-to’s, features, and shops to come, so spread the word!

Whew! Ok, now that all the business is out of the way, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty, the dirty-dirty; today’s topic: “Fat” and Fearless!)

This post was inspired after I participated in my first photoshoot and videoshoot this past weekend. It was an amazing experience; however, up until the moment I saw the first print there was doubt and whatif’s. I was so afraid my pictures wouldn’t look good or my body would look terrible or I’d look sloppy dancing on camera-even though I’ve been dancing for years. I had so many fearful thoughts wracking my brain, I became anxious and debated if this was even for me. Yet, in the midst of doubts and anxiety I was fearless and completed an amazing shoot with other amazing women who felt the same, knew the importance of being “fat” and fearless, and not letting whether others would receive what we were doing stop our flow!

So what does it mean to genuinely be fearless? Often times we confuse the idea or fearlessness with being completely without fear when the reality is fear is inevitable. However, you become fearless when you understand that fear exists, yet you don’t let it stop you or become the reason why you don’t accomplish all you desire to. As plus size women, this is often the sad reality of why we don’t pursue many of the things we desire; we set limitations on what we can do, who we can date, what we can wear, how we must carry ourselves, simply because we fear the backlash of “living while fat”.

Think about it:

How many times did you think that guy/girl across the room couldn’t be looking at you?

How many times did you reach for that fitted dress and say “no maybe next time” but next time never came?

How many times did you want to cut your hair a certain way or dye it a certain color but you didn’t want to bring too much attention to yourself?

The constant internal battle of wanting to be fat and fabulous by your standards as opposed to others standards is real and until you can develop a spirit of fearlessness, your standards will always fall short.

So how do you become fearless? Well, it isn’t hard. Decide what makes you happy and DO THAT SHIT! Unapologetically! If you want lime green hair and a cheetah print fitted dress because you believe you are a fashion mogul, then do it! If you want to run errands with a crop top on your 250+lb body, do it! If you want to be a plus size stripper:

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then SERVE, the only one really stopping you is you! Be proud of all that you are. Strive to be all that you can be. Live, because tomorrow is never promised. Have fear but never let it dull your sparkle!

Be fat! Be fearless! Be fabulous!

And as always, Slay!IMG_1034

Peace. Ife Michelle.

Bringing Sexy Back

Posted on by thickemscloset

Hey all! I am writing to you from my favorite hookah bar (mid-day turn-up, lol)! Today’s post was inspired by my three-day shopping excursion to find the perfect outfit for a “black and white” party I attended this past weekend (and of course I had to slay). As I was driving all over God’s creation trying to find that “perfect’ outfit, it dawned on me that I was doing a hell of a lot of searching to make sure that I found an outfit I felt sexy in. Now, while finding that outfit that has that “wow factor” is a struggle that all women go through, as a plus size women there is a lot more pressure:

“Does it fit well?”

“Does it hide this pouch, but highlight my butt?”

“Do my boobs look good?”

“Do I look fat…”

“Is this too much for me to be wearing?”

“Am I too big for this…”

There are a million anxieties when shopping, but as plus size women it is anxiety and pressure. No one expects us to be able to be sexy, let alone dress sexy. So how do we do it? How do we as plus size woman pull of sexy with the lack of options, support, and (if procrastinate like me) time…

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WELLLLLLLLL, to start (and I will never get tired of saying this), you must find some body confidence. I know this is not easy for all of us and indeed it is a process, but once you hone in on your confidence and loving the body you have, it is easier to start the shopping process; shopping is always better when you don’t have an ass of reasons why you shouldn’t buy something. Love that body (it isn’t going anywhere)!

Secondly, have an idea of what your sexy is; everyone is different. Maybe you like the classic sexy look, maybe you are a little more edgy and like a lot of skin. For me, its something black, fitted or semi-fitted, and I love to show cleavage, legs and back (not all at once, lol).  Knowing yourself and what you like makes the process move faster because you have an idea of what you need to look for. However…  if you find something and you love it, but it’s not necessarily “you” take a risk! If you’re going be sexy, COMMIT! You never know, you might enjoy it.

Next, know your  budget! How much are you really willing to spend on this outfit? Are you going to wear it once or can you wear the piece(s) often? This will narrow down where you go to shop, minimize the time you spend on the process, and optimize the experience.

Lastly, CONFIDENCE! The clothes you wear are only part of your sexy! Your attitude, your walk, the way you hold your head high like you’re untouchable: these are the key things that take your outfit from “Oh, she looks nice.” to “Damn! She’s sexy”! Never be afraid to “pump through”!

Be you, do you, cause “damn girl, you sexy!”

Peace. Ife Michelle.

The Body Talk Pt.2

Posted on by thickemscloset

Happy Tuesday everyone! So in my last post I told you guys that I would be be posting a video about tips on dressing for your body build. Well…it’s more of a powerpoint than a video but the wait is over! Enter the closet (via the hyperlink under the image, it will come up as a download) and let’s get it!

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Thickems Curves

Peace. Ife Michelle.

P.S. : All outfit sets and more can be found on my Polyvore account: Ife Michelle. (In search bar, make sure dropbox is set to members).

The Body Talk.

Posted on by thickemscloset

So today I was pumping my way through Northlake Mall when I got the all too familiar question from a passing shopper “Girl, where do you shop?”  She continued with “I love your outfit and you are a big girl! (insert disbelief, as if I can’t be thick and dress well) You better do it!” I must say, I am still getting acclimated to my size 16 being called big, but to each his own… the bigger issue at hand was how to explain to this women that my style isn’t necessarily based on where I shop, but knowing my body and being realistic as I shop.

Now before I come off like a smartass, let me explain (Kevin Hart voice). Any clothing store that you go in is definetly going to have clothes, and with plus size apparel now being noted as such a profitable market most will carry some type of plus sized line, but it is never really extensive so it leaves you with choices EVERYBODY is going to have. Not my style. So what do you do? Simple, you get to know your body so that you can shop ANYWHERE you want… so grab your mirror and lets get comfortable!

Shape:

Contrary to the belief of many plus size lines, there is more than one kind of shape that curvaceous women have. Some of us are top heavy, some of us are hippy, have large butts, some are small everywhere but in the middle. No matter where you fit on the spectrum, you can still find clothes to flatter your build; however, you must know your body and be honest with yourself. Get intimate and embrace it! Here are a few to get you started:

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Measurements:

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS! IN CENTIMETERS AND INCHES! I cannot stress this enough! A lot of people use different size labels for the same number measurement. My 40” bust line may be an XL at Charlotte Russe but a 3XL at some online boutique. Your “size” will vary, your numbers won’t (much). The three main measurements are bust, waist and hips. So find some measuring tape and get it poppin!m

Flattery:

After you figure out your shape or what type of build you have, the next step is knowing what styles, cuts, and materials will flatter your body. A big thing to remember is just becuase you can get it on, does not mean it will look good! It’s ok to go up a size or try a different material to create the look you want. Commit to looking good not getting by! (video/lookbook of styles for various bodies in next blog post!)

Confidence:

Once you have figured out your body type and you know what looks good on you, the rest is all about your confidence! Wear that outfit and pump through like you are the baddest thing on two legs- people will always percieve you how you percieve you! When you feel confident you carry yourself differently and even that $5.99 thrift store skirt, $7 Marshells blazer, and tshirt off the sales rack in Forever 21, will get you complimets as you pump through the mall!

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Peace. Ife Michelle.