JLo and Sir Mixalot couldn’t have come around at a better time. If you grew up in the 90s, you know that the struggle was real. Pale faces and straight edges ran the show.
{Enter Ms. Lopez…}
Fast forward to the current day era of Lena Dunham’s and Kim Kardashian’s who continue to push the boundaries of what constitutes beauty. Today, girls with curves can rejoice in battles fought by our predecesors. The struggle, however, continues to be real. It’s not enough to have a couple curves; the momentum towards that dramatic hourglass shape is frantic. Without pointing any fingers, I will say that the #ThePowerofK has reconstructed former concepts of the female form, and I’m not entirely opposed. But, while I think there is strength in debunking old ideals, I’ll forever come from a camp more inclined to hide vs show off an inflated behind. You see, back before big booties were all the rage, I was in middle school wrapping a flannel around my waist for function not fashion. I’ve come a long way in this struggle (show it or hide it), so today’s article is about embracing your curves – for better or for worse. High five girl power – 2016 is the year of us! (Propaganda brought to you by my 90’s Spice Girls phase).
Waist trainers and plastic surgery aside, I searched high and low for current day looks that compliment every curve devoid of making you feel like a fish out of water. So, whether you’re flat or phat, (shout out to Kimora Lee Simons, girl, where you at?) I’m giving you my cheat sheet to classy curves that don’t require implants – those just look so uncomfortable!
This dress is a god sent! The variation in prints hides the red zones and compliments the right ones. I found this baby at TJ Maxx for under $30. It’s made of that scuba-like material that I swear God invented for curvy girls (or girls with dimples – if you catch my drift). Those boots are from my new obsession, Styles For Less. Bought them for just $34.99. They hit my legs at the perfect spot, hiding my not so skinny ankles and cutting right before the calves.
Here is some print-spiration.
I think these skirts are the definition of ‘From Day to Night’…
The search for the right height bootie is ongoing.
Whether you’ve got chicken legs or chubby ones, we share the same struggle. I’ve narrowed down a few favorites under $100.
I LOVE PRINTS! Clearly.
I may have a problem. In fact, sometimes when I’m getting dressed, I get mad at myself for not having enough solids. Note to self: buy more solids. I found this skirt at Forever21 about a year ago for just $19.99. The top was a recent find at F21 and it was the same price! You simply can’t beat that. While I love these lace up tops on other girls, I have yet to wear one out in public myself. The issue lies in the simple fact that dressing like a tart in your 30s is a totally different story than when we did it in our 20s. I use the term tart endearingly (from one tart to another – wink). My friend/fashion muse and I talk about this all the time.
As a girl in your 20s, you’re invited, encouraged, in fact, to dress saucy. Show off them curves, girl! However, when you enter your 30s, there are few new things to consider. For starters, a gal in her 30s is more likely to be married, a mother, or no longer starving herself… there are countless things that change when you exit your 20s. Did you catch that shade?
This topic deserves it’s own article – putting that on the to-do list! For now, I’m embracing my curves (the back and the front) and throwing out my old mindset – if only for one night. Now, if I could just erase the memory of my 20s self prancing around the club with my bra on full display…Eh. This lace up deserves the right to invoke some spirits, or skeletons more like.
