30 Day Style Challenge, Day 4: A Case of the Fridays 091214 – My #FASHIONTRUTH

I only have one favorite Friday pick, but it’s totally worth having the spotlight. Recently, ModCloth announced their #FASHIONTRUTH campaign where they pledged offer clothes in a full range of sizes and use models that are representative of their customers, presented in a realistic way. To see co-founder Susan Koger speak about their commitment, view the video here. Since the campaign was announced, many bloggers have contributed their own #FASHIONTRUTH. Here’s mine:

I remember shopping at Lane Bryant for the first time in seventh grade. My mom bought me a brightly striped ribbed t-shirt and matching purple knee-length shorts. I had been “fat” since age 8, and I knew I was because many of the other kids told me. From that time until the time I found that LB outfit, I didn’t have so much as a pair of jeans resembling anything my friends wore. When I wore my new get-up to school, one of the other kids, a guy, in fact, commented, “You’re wearing Union Bay.” Most of the kids in my class wore Union Bay. I told him I wasn’t, but he didn’t believe me. I felt like I somehow accomplished a small victory.

Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not preaching conformity, but for the first time I felt like I had the option to conform. We all should have the choice to conform or to stand out as we please. Look at me in this post; I’m a grown woman wearing a dinosaur dress. Nuff said. I spent most of my teen years shopping almost exclusively at Lane Bryant (and sometimes Avenue and Ashley Stewart). I was finding great basics and stylish clothes like I never had before; however, the drawback was with such a limited amount of plus size retailers, there was no variety. Basically, if LB didn’t have what I wanted one season, it was safe to say no one else did either. Things have definitely gotten much better.

I know I look like the farthest thing from a punk, but a while back I read the book Our Band Could Be Your Life profiling the punk and alternative rock scene of the ’80s. The title of the book quotes Mike Watt of the Minutemen. The statement signifies a DIY work ethic that the band brought to their music. Now, I can’t say that I’m totally DIY save for crafting a few accessories here and there, and I obviously didn’t sew the clothes on my back or cobble my shoes. The punk scene arose because many young people felt underrepresented; and it was revolutionary because a person could learn three chords on a guitar, gather a few friends, and start a band. Fashion bloggers have their own three C’s: cameras, clothes, and computers. If you’re sick of seeing clothes on models that don’t even look like themselves in real life or hearing fashion commentary from those who chastise people resembling you, take those three things and represent yourself. I guarantee you’ll find like-minded real people from all walks of life.

That’s my #FASHIONTRUTH. What’s yours?

Dress: ModCloth (No longer available)/ Belt: Lane Bryant / Shoes: Zappos / Necklace and Earring Set: Delia’s