Fashionista on a budget - Devin Brand Ambassador
The Oxford Dictionary defines midsize as: of an average size; intermediate in size between large and small. The average size of an American woman is reported to be between a 14 and 16, yet many clothing lines continue to produce designs only available up to a size 12 (and don’t even get me started on the inconsistencies). As someone who stood 5’9” at 16 years old, I am no stranger to the lack of inclusivity in the fashion industry and options available to those of us who don’t necessarily fit into plus OR straight sizing.
Post puberty, I have always been less endowed than most on top and much wider in the hips, a true pear shape. Bubble butt, childbearing hips, thunder thighs-I've heard it all. And although I recognize now that there are many women who idolize my small waist and big curves, I can’t help but notice there is very little representation of my specific body type in our social media-obsessed world.
As a mom, my once flat tummy has become loose and stretch marked, my previously perky (albeit small) breasts have sagged, my thighs have dimpled, and my hips grown wider still. But at 31 years of age, I am more comfortable now in my flawed skin than I have ever been. When I was pregnant with my second daughter, I remember anxiously awaiting her arrival, dreaming about the very moment I could dress my disproportionate body in clothes I loved again. It was during that time, I silently observed models of all sizes, all shapes, on Instagram post photo after photo of edgy, colorful outfits that truly expressed each of their personalities instead of camouflaging and disguising ‘unflattering’ areas. They were no longer hiding in the shadows of drab black muumuus, or working to create an illusion of an ‘ideal’ shape. They were seen, they were accepted, and I was INSPIRED.
To be honest, I’ve never been the kind of girl to give a f@!k. I have, however, spent more minutes of my precious life feeling sorry for myself in poorly lit fitting rooms than I care to admit. Like many women, I compare myself to my friends, to my sister, to models in magazines, or celebrities on TV. I long for bigger boobs to balance my wide hips, I wish my mom pooch away daily, but I've reached a level of true acceptance and learned finally that all bodies are beautiful, not in spite of their flaws but BECAUSE of them. I still struggle sometimes, especially when I go shopping for something specific only to be reduced to a few stray online returns shoved in a back corner. I still wrestle with self-deprecation when I order something online in my typical size that literally won’t zip or button or even go on. I can't help but to become frustrated with the limited availability even though I am of average size by definition.
I've done my best to seek out designers that accommodate my body type and provide me with a variety of options to make me feel my best, not only on my skinny days, but every day. I patronize companies that encourage body inclusivity and positivity, and I challenge every woman I know to embrace the skin they’re in regardless of its journey. I know firsthand that summer can be a particularly difficult time for girls like me whose thighs have a closer relationship than I'd really like. The hot weather can make it difficult to hide under oversized sweaters and even my favorite leggings are pretty much out of the question. I spend most of my free time in a swimsuit near the lake or the pool, but I love creating versatile, practical looks for any occasion. I finally see each ensemble as an opportunity to express the way I feel through bold patterns, simple textures, and badass accessories instead of worrying about how my exposed imperfect skin might offend someone.
I’ve compiled a collection of a few of my favorite summer ‘fits and included links to items that are still available!
My staple summer look is a one-piece swimsuit thrown under a pair of high-rise daisy dukes. I have this swimsuit in the camo, black, and pink. I think it runs slightly large, and it offers minimal support for bigger chests. I have purchased these Wild Fable shorts from Target in both the lighter and darker wash for two years in a row. I love that the back is slightly longer than the front and they offer a true high rise. I size up, because there is little to no stretch and 100% cotton has a tendency to shrink! I live in a pair of Quay sunnies and Birkenstock Arizonas.
Get the LOOK
Pink one piece swimsuite <————- click me
Jean Shorts <—————click me
Sunglasses <—————click me
Shoes <————-Click me
Bodysuits were forever one of those things I never thought I could wear until I came across this one on Amazon! I have the long sleeve and the cami that I sometimes layer under a kimono or light weight cardigan and pair with these Torrid sky-high skinny jeans that will change your life. I have literally been stopped in the Starbucks drive thru with questions about these Gucci dupes for only $12.
I lowkey base a lot of looks off of these snakeskin booties and Charlie 1 Horse Hat-it gives me the Beth Dutton vibes that all my dreams are made of. I have splurged on this Free People 100 degree dress on more than one occasion (yes there has been red wine spills and Country Thunder mud involved so I have SEVERAL). It is cool and airy with amazing details that easily transition from day to night. I have also worn it with a lace bralette for more coverage and support.
