Hey y’all I’m back from my weekend trip to ATL to attend The Curvy Fashionista Style Expo 2018. This expo with jam packed with panels, fashion shows, vendor experiences, and so much more. Here’s some of the highlights and photos from the event!
Plus Size WOC Can Cosplay Too!
Cosplay is basically dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game, especially one from the Japanese genres of manga and anime. You can also dress up and be characters that you’ve dreamed up all on your own.
With the majority of characters out their being white and straight sized the misconception that you can’t do it if you’re plus size or a women of color exists (and needs to die). Not only can we cosplay, but we can kill it in the cosplay game.
So the ladies in this panel encouraged women with their own stories, costume creation tips to go out there and be whatever creature or character they want to be. I’ve only attempted closet cosplay (cosplay using ready to wear clothes from your closet) once for Halloween. After this panel, I now feel encouraged to have more cosplay fun in the future.
Where Does Plus Size Fitness Fit In the Industry?
(left to right) Tiffany Smith, Chasi Jernigan, Chardline Chanel, Bianca Gale, and Shainna Tucker
This panel dug deep into not only the reasons fitness is important in their lives, but the backlash that comes along with incorporating it in a plus size space. These ladies are going against the grain by sharing their fitness/wellness journeys in the plus size community. While the majority of their followers are supportive of their decision to share their journeys on their predominantly plus size style related platforms, their’s backlash and loads of shade involved. From shady commentary under their content like “You look great now that you’re small!” , to people finding them living their bench pressing lives triggering. All of the ladies have handled the negativity in their social media differently, but the common thread was this. Your tribe and supporters will flock to you and that they should be your focus. So just stay on track with your journey and continue to share it.
Beyond Modeling… The Many Ways To Be Involved in the Community
Frank Grimsley, Rachel Cadie, Brianne Huntsman shared the different ways to be a part of the plus size community would that doesn’t involve modeling. Hosting events, consulting for plus size brands and content creators, creating small businesses that cater to the plus size community. They also touched on ways to grow within the community. That included coming to events just like the TCF Style Expo and making genuine connections.
Hanging with my blogger boos LaToya Wright (The Fat Girl of Fashion) and Chasi Jernigan (Sweat and Mascara)
Outside of so many panels to choose from there were loads of fun fashion shows and vendors that cater specifically to the plus size community. What I really enjoyed about this year’s expo is the common thread of daring to be off the beaten paths of what is expected from plus size content creators. Yes we all love plus size clothing and encouraging others through our talents, but we all have that extra something. Whether that something is a love for cosplaying, working out , or just helping other creators find direction there is a tribe and space for us to be celebrated.
What I Wore to The Curvy Fashionista Style Expo 2018
On Day 1 I wore a new release this yellow maxi dress from Lane Bryant (sold out see another yellow LB dress here). I love the simplicity and elegance of this dress and how beautiful the fabric moves when I walk in it. You’ll definitely be seeing it again in a future post!
On Day 2 I wore a bright orange Eloquii dress. I got loads of compliments on this look and I was even featured in a MadameNoire TCF Style Expo Recap post!
