Refinery29
R29’s new shopping writer shares her gemstones in plus-size style
Howdy people! I’m Chinazor, also known as Chichi, the new Associate Writer on Refinery29’s shopping team. My specialty is plus-size style (all my fat girls, get up!) – I’m passionate about fashion inclusivity or the lack of it, and helping my chunky cuties gain access to the wild world of trends that we’re so fond of are often excluded. My personal style has evolved over the years. I’ve experimented with emo girl prep, teen mag chic, wannabe hipsters, edgy college core, and so on. Now at the ripe old age of 25, I can’t really tell that I ran into a certain mood (I blame ADHD for that). What I learned is how to focus on the internet’s hidden gems that take care of big bodies. My mind is always in a million places, and so is my closet – but I have my tried and true staples in front of me. These pieces are my favorite pieces that I carried into the ground. They are the ones I reach for when my brain is all mushy and (most importantly) I feel composed. And now I’m sharing it with you, my new R29 family. Jump to these if your thinking hurts! At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of things. All of our market picks are selected and curated independently by the editorial team. When you buy something that we link to on our website, Refinery29 can earn a commission. AE Curvy Mom JeansCloset Staple: Mom Jeans I have to be honest, I didn’t think I’d wear American Eagle jeans in my prime of adulthood. Oversized Instagram got me into it, and I never looked back. Denim is especially tough for those of us with large boots and thighs. As Beyonce beautifully puts it, “If you don’t jump to put on jeans, baby, you won’t feel my pain.” I almost gave up the idea of owning a jean-cut denim with “Mom Jean” because there weren’t many plus options, but these babies changed that. They’re high-waisted and actually comfortable, and I feel like an all-American cutie. Shop American EagleAmerican Eagle Outfitters AE Stretch Curvy Mom Jean, $, available at American Eagle OutfittersEloquii Bow Back Organza BlouseCloset Staple: Statement Blouse If you’re like me then you often imagine yourself as the main character in a drama about your life. You need a stunning piece of clothing. When I put on a top with organza sleeves, I am the standout theater star I never was. I am an Aries with many fiery placements on my table. Can you tell? Elloquii is a label that does trendy styles for tall girls very well. Shop Eloquii Bow Back Organza Blouse, $, available at EloquiiAdidas Advantage Sneaker Closet Staple: Neutral Sneaker Moving to NYC has drastically influenced my fashion choices. Can’t tell you how many pairs of shoes just don’t cut it to walk the city streets all day. Whether it’s a long hike, stepping over rubber-covered sidewalks or trudging through questionable liquids, these sneakers can handle it all. The soles are made of Adidas Cloud Foam materials, which makes them particularly comfortable and supportive. They go well with EVERYTHING – jeans, skirts, dresses, leggings, as you call them. They’ve definitely got me through the last few years and while they could use a scrub-a-dub-dub, they’re still in great shape. Shop Nordstrom RackAdidas Adidas Advidas Advantage Leather Sneaker, $, available at Nordstrom RackEloquii Tie-Waist Faux Leather Wide Leg PantsCloset Staple: Wide Leg Pants As anyone with chub massage knows, the pants you wear make all the difference. Not only are these black wide leg pants chub-rub friendly, but they also go with virtually any top I own – and they can be pulled on too! They are perfect for Dim Sum in Chinatown or for spicy Rigatoni in Carbone (Pre-Covid Tings, Amirite?). I’m obsessed with these Eloquii pants right now. But since they’re almost sold out, check out this pair (also from Eloquii) which are pretty similar. Buy Eloquii Tie Waist Wide Leg Faux Leather Pants, $, available at EloquiiGlamorstar Leopard BeretCloset Staple: BeretI love hats. Unfortunately my head is too big for most of them. Step into the beret: three years ago I got a mustard yellow (the perfect color). My latest addition to the collection is the leopard-printed one I bought on Amazon for $ 14. These Frenchie hats are the perfect addition to any outfit that could use a little something extra. From Ringarde (as Pierre Cadault would say) to the eye-catcher! Shop AmazonGlamorstar Leopard Beret, $, available at AmazonRalph Lauren Striped Cotton Shirt Closet Clip: Button-Down Top You really can’t go wrong with a button-down top. You have your short or long sleeve. You can leave it open, button it up, tie it, and stow it away. I have many different ones with different patterns and prints – but if I had to pick just one for you to get it now it would be a classic long sleeve strip. My favorite way to wear it is to tie it into a crop top with high waisted pants. Shop Ralph LaurenLauren Ralph Lauren, Striped Cotton Shirt by Ralph Lauren, $, available at Ralph LaurenMadewell Greer BootieCloset Staple: Black Square Toe Ankle Boots Who doesn’t love a black boot? I always jump to these when the situation calls for something more than casual. As someone with a slightly wider foot, I found that the square toe gives me a lot more leeway. It’s definitely ideal and anything but uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the pair I own are vintage – but this pair from Nordstrom does the trick! Shop NordstromMadewell The Greer Bootie, $, available at NordstromWhat do you see? How about a little more R29 grade, right here? 17 Plus Size Lingerie Want To Indulge In 21 Plus Size Stores That Are Not Fast FashionPlus size bridesmaids need more clothing options
