Wednesday, June 15, 2011

When Pigs Fly

I am so not a maxi girl. At all. In fact, I have gone on record (okay, tumblr) saying I'd never be caught dead in one. So imagine my surprise when I saw a recent Evans photo shoot and it was a grey and black maxi dress that caught my eye! I think it had something to do with its semi-sheer fabric and lack of an empire waist. I still wasn't sure I was willing to take the plunge, but when Evans sent me a package that included the dress, I knew I had no excuse not to try it.

I think you all know by now that I'm into all things billowy and shapeless, but I swear if I hear one more person tell me that plus size girls need to show off their curves, I'm going to scream (especially when they're readers of my blog)! I know I've said it a million times, but apparently I will need to continue saying it until I'm blue in the face: I DO NOT CARE ABOUT FASHION "RULES." Yes, I'm into trends and mainstream stuff, but when it comes to "dressing for your body" or whatever, everything goes out the window. Nothing is off limits for me, whether I'm dressing myself or styling a plus size model, so please no more "but...but...but…you need a belt! You must enhance the waist!" discussions, okay? I'm fully aware I look like a fat girl in a tent, and I'm 100% content with it, thank you very much. (For the record, I'm referring to in-person convos I've had, not to you wonderful commenters!)

Okay, sorry for the rant. Clearly I have some pent-up frustration about this topic. On to the pictures!

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Dress-Evans/Sunglasses-Girl Props/Shoes-F21/Bracelets-H&M/Earrings-Fennimas
*Please note: I love this dress, but I still don't like most maxi dresses :)

For clarification purposes: Last time I wrote something similar on my blog, I got a bunch of comments from girls who said they liked fashion rules and showing off the slimmest parts of their bodies. That's great! Personal style is just that: personal. I'd be a hypocrite to tell you what's best for you; if you're into wearing A-Line dresses, go for it! If you want to wear spandex and crop tops, do it! Fashion is all about self-expression--only you can decide what you should wear. I just want to emphasize that I hope your sartorial choices aren't determined solely by your size or shape!
Posted by Gabi at 4:25 PM

87 comments:

  1. Super cute...I love anything maxi (trousers, skirts, give me everything)

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  3. That is so cute. I love it--want it! Super pretty!

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  4. I'm completely with you. I know there are lots of girls out there who look great in things with belts and that are form fitting. I don't "feel" comfortable in them, and if I don't FEEL comfortable, I won't LOOK comfortable and therefore won't LOOK good. ("Feel" is in both senses - emotionally it doesn't feel like me, and physically I either have to wear uncomfortable shapewear *gag* or spend the day feeling like I should be wearing it.)

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  5. I thought I never would either, but I have two maxi tank dresses now and I love them !!

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  6. PS OBVIOUSLY YOU ARE GORGEOUS !!

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  8. People are always opinionated! The important thing is to dress how YOU like :)

    It took me years to find what works for me and my personal style. Not every rule is meant to be followed!

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  9. I understand exactly what you mean. Why Can't I look good? just because it makes me look bigger? I have seen so many ladies rock billowy outfits and look awesome.I'm glad you posted this

    My blog http://kerianlove.blogspot.com/

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  10. Ok so you look amazing! You don't look like a fat girl in a tent, you just look like a hot girl rocking a maxi.

    Ps you're awsome.

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  11. i just bought my first maxi dress as well... an item i never thought i'd rock, but once you find something that fits your style and looks good, what's left to resist?

    that being said, i think you look uber cool in this dress... very city cool; love the chiffon-esque bottom. it's alluring and sexy, but the overall look is really aloof and a little tough. it is stunning when the wind catches it and the bottom flares out. well done, you!

    billow with the breeze, honey!

    xo bake

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  12. Love it! Thanks for sharing your perspective on the big and billowy stuff. I've just started feeling comfortable dressing with a more flowy silhouette and it's nice to see some other examples of it being done well.

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  14. I love your dress and I love your rant just as much...TELL IT GIRL!! lol I have had my eyes on a blue and red one on ASOS for some time now. Seeing you in this is making me really want to break down and buy it! LOVE IT! Kiah

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  15. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!! I've been looking for one my self just to gie maxi dresses a try and I must admit this one looks really tempting. You look BEAUTIFUL!!!

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  16. rant away! omg...i never knew so many people took issues with your look. i love LOVE shapeless pieces but i also love being half ass naked on the beach. like a honey badger, i just dont give a shit ;)

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  17. You certainly don't look like a tent, and as much as it is my style to try to show off my curves, I too own several maxi dresses even though they don't fit the "rule"...and my grandmother told me I look like I'm wearing a potato sack when I wear one! Where what makes you happy because that's what's going to look best on you anyway :)

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  18. That dress looks very flattering on you, though I think your personality in the photos really helps you carry off the look.

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  20. You're right, I could easily see xtina wearing something like this, but I think you pull it off nicely! I find that I really love *CERTAIN* maxi looks, but some are just down right hideous... but I guess that can be said for most trends, right? As for me, I feel like I get swallowed up by anything that hits me past my knees which a lot of people would disagree with, but at the end of the day you're dressing for yourself. All we can do is try to take new risks, and it if it makes you feel like a million bucks, wear it confidently... and if it doesn't, stick to what you know looks amazing and stand by your look!

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  21. I ADORE everything you wear!! And I have seen the same dress at Evans, and was really hesitant to buy it (returning anything overseas is a hassle), but no joke, I saw it on you and within 10 minutes it was purchased!!! Now I just have to wait patiently for it to arrive!

    My biggest problem, literally, are my boobs!! I can rock maxi dresses because I'm 5'9, but finding ones that arent rediculous/granny like is so hard! I'd much rather be on the beach half naked :-)

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  23. I think is really stupid to follow every fashion rule, especialy the "body type" ones. Fashion ir for fun and feel pretty, no matter your body type!!,nobody should make you feel bad about it.

    You are beautyfull and your style is fantastic!!

    Lots of love from Chile!

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  24. I totally agree with you. Wear what you want, rules are so tiring. And I must add you are wearing that maxi dress! The sheer fabric at the bottom really makes it pop. I don't really like maxi dresses either cuz I feel like I look like Im in a maternity dress. But this one looks so comfy and well...fabulous.

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  26. gorgeous!!

    http://imjustmefashionblog.blogspot.com :)

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  27. Pockets! Savior to any dress.

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  28. I would break any number of rules for that dress too. These photos look SO Cool.

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  29. the dress looks ace on you! :)

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  30. love this/love the pockets!/love you x

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  31. looks like you're a maxi girl now! =]

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  32. exactly personal style is just that,personal...people should choose and follow their own rules(not follow,whatever)..i love the billowy feel of this dress..want a close up of your earrings.they seem awesome..i so wish to become a stylist someday!but who to guide me i don't know.

    love you gabi!


    http://flysongbird.blogspot.com
    http://twitter.com/debi_songbird

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  34. Get it Miss Fabulous! Tell 'em like it is girl. I totally agree fashion is what you make it not what somebody tells you it should be. Rules are made to be broken and fashion is no exception. And that maxi is definitely winning on you.

    Smooches :*
    Nique

    http://chubbydivaonadime.blogspot.com

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  35. crop tops. shapeless. unstructured. <-- all my favorites, fashion rules to hell

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  37. personally, i do usually prefer to belt and show off my curves.
    but yknow, what? there is something SO empowering about being able to "surrender the waist" or to dress differently from what the "dress your body" rules say. sure, i know the rules, but im going to wear what i like.
    at the end of the day, i know what my body looks like, so it dont care if one particular outfit doesnt show every last curve. in fact, im counting down to 2 beach weeks where i will probaby be surrendering the waist the whole time im there -- and i am SO looking forward to it!

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  38. Oh my god Gabi this is beautiful! I love this flowing dress, definitely different from most maxi dresses. I can see why you made an exception.

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  39. I love the dress, and as someone who is young, fat and fabolous :D, love wearing everything that is maxi, and don't care about rules, and other people opinion

    :):)

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  40. I hate maxi too but love that dress. It works well with the sheer. Hate the colours though -- well they look good on you but I wouldn't wear them myself. Off to see if it comes in other colours.

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  41. Gorgeous! You look amazing. I cannot wear anything maxi (and this is a rule sort of, I suppose :) ) because I'm 5'11 and it looks awkward. But, this is a flawless look on you :)

    Also: crop tops will be a staple in my wardrobe this summer. I love em.

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  42. fat girl in a tent is my personal fave :-) When I'm Comfortable... I feel beautiful. period!

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  43. you look beautiful! forget how gorgeous the dress looks! i think you've styled everything fabulously :) i really dont think you need a belt with the dress...it already looks lovely :)
    stick to your own rules too because whatever anyone says its certainly suiting you! you have your own style and it definitely rocks!

    www.dancinginspirations.blogspot.com

    Hayley xxxx

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  44. WORD.

    Also, I'm maxi-averse as well, but I'm feeling that one. It looks great on you, too. :)

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  45. yes! I am so in agreement with you about the belt thing. I hate hate hate "accentuating" my waist with a belt, it just further squishes my love handles and is not comfortable at all :P

    You look gorgeous in that dress! Work the billowyness!

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  46. You look amazing in that dress! The wind pictures are just great! I love the dynamic billowing. Amen about the fashion "rules"! I'm so tired of hearing about them and feeling boxed into a corner of how I "should" dress.

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  47. girl preach. If I see another curvy girl rocking a short A-line dress because "it's all they can wear", I'm going to hand them the dictionary, bible, and a law book and have them point out to me where it says they HAVE to wear only this look.

    shoot. me. now.

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  48. I detest maxi dresses as well, but if I came across one like that, I'm pretty sure I'd take the plunge.

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  49. Gabbi, you look AMAZING, as always. The dress is simply stunning - and the way you've styled it looks so effortless and cool. I would not be surprised if that dress is now sold out because of you, haha! PS love your rant!

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  50. I'm with you completely. I am drawn to all things oversized and boyfriend-looking. I always feel confident and sexy in them.

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  51. I love how billowy the dress is -- you look absolutely lovely!

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  52. That dress is so dreamy! You look gorgeous!

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  53. ahh im not fond of maxi dresses either! but this one is gorgeous and looks so classic!

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  54. I'm so with you, all that 'define the waist' 'no vertical stripes' 'cover your arms' sh*t is super annoying! This looks great on you, i want one too now :D

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  55. Amazing! You honestly don't do enough outfit posts. These are pure inspiration!

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  56. love this dress just had a look on the evans site but it isnt there anymore :(

    www.launainponderland.blogspot.com

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  57. This is wonderful! I love the big, chunky accessories you paired with the flowing dress.

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  58. Is this dress not on the site anymore :( sad

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  59. This is just what I love about you and your style, that you wear all the clothes I feel I "can't" wear because I'm fat, and you wear it so god damn well that you open my mind every time. Thank you for being such an awesome inspiration! :)

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  60. YES! Thank you!! This is what I am all about at my blog too, dressing with the chutzpah to wear what we bloody well please, screw the rules. You look absolutely fab darling, I am wearing the same flowy dresses lately. Sack? Maybe, but we are fab and stunning and making the sacks work for us!!! Mwuaah and hugs from Oslo.

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  61. You look very pretty. Love your earrings and shoes. You do not look like a fat girl in a tent. I am not into Fashion rules and it took me a long time to get into a maxi dress and I am still not totally down with them.

    JTwisdom

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  62. I really like this dress, but then I'm a pretty big fan of the maxi dress. And I agree, people should wear whatever makes them feel good, ot's nice to see someone so confident in their style!

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  63. Dude, I am SOOO not a Maxi girl for the same reasons. Empire waists for me, no thanks!

    I had ordered a great one from ASOS but sent it back, ultimately because I wasn't sure I had the personality for a maxi dress. (And why spend $60 to not wear it?)

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  64. you look fabulous ! wear what you want and love it. :)
    love FASHIONPROJECT. x

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  65. i loooovvveee ur blog finally a real woman who looks like a fit and healthy person you look great!id love to invite you to visit my blog if you like it maybe we can follow each other?

    http://euqinom7.blogspot.com/

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  66. The outfit... Everything.
    The RANT... Everything and then some LOL.

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  67. Chapeau !
    Yes, Fashion is all about self-expression . . .as Art, and You're a Great Artist !
    Complimenti per il tuo Stile.
    Ciao dall'Italia
    Aurè, the Artist of Italian Curvy Lifestyle

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  69. you go girl!! you look awesome

    http://allthatsparklesisgold.blogspot.com/

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  70. ahh i feel the same way, i love fashion but the "rules" go out the window for me also!

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  71. I love the sheer and color combo! Keep doing all you do because we appreciate you and all of your deliciousness. FYI: I'm still waiting w/ baited breath for your rendition of single ladies.

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  72. I have yet to try maxi dresses myself. I've been a little hesitant as well. Maybe I'll give it a try. You look great by the way.

    http://iwannabefierce.blogspot.com/

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  73. Completely agree! Everyone should be able to wear what they want. I like showing off my curves sometimes, but I also like this "baggy-but-fashionable" trend going on. Especially after a run I like to throw on this nice loose shirt from french connection, or lounge pants. Comfy and good looking!

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  74. Very nice! I love this Maxi on you!

    Shasie
    Live Life in Style

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  75. Damnit! Just yesterday I told myself that I wasn't buying anymore clothes this spring. Thank goodness that today is the first day of summer! That naxi dress is up on Evans' page & I just bought it.

    You look amazing as always! Wear what makes you feel good!

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  76. To me fashion is whatever you make look good! I HATE most of what you see considered "fashion" for those who are in the big "fashion" industry, you know the "catwalk" sort of stuff, most of it is ugly to me. I think anyone who can put together something that looks good on them has a good fashion sense.

    I personally absolutely LOVE Maxi dresses, but I have loved them since before they were popular and before they were called "Maxi" dresses, but that's my taste and I think for the most part that style of dress looks good on me. I wore this style of dress wayyy back when I was thin, I wore it when I was pregnant and I've worn it ever since my pregnancies all those years ago that made me fat LOL. I think they're pretty, I think they cannot be beat for comfort....and my husband loves the low cut part of them and of course I have to make my husband happy ;).

    There are some things that everyone else loves that I would never dream of wearing, whether it's because I just don't like the style or because I just don't think it doesn't look good on me doesn't matter, just because everyone else wears it doesn't mean I have to and just because I don't like it doesn't mean other people shouldn't.

    I am glad you stick to your guns and tell people too bad if they don't like what you do, I mean seriously, you're not wearing pants that hang down to your knees and show your crack, you're not wearing your pyjamas out in public or stained sweat pants....you're putting together a look that you like and you look like you cared about what you looked like when you got dressed and that means a lot. The post I believe it was just before this one you were wearing a fabulous shapely bottom that showed your curves and you looked fantastic in it, I wouldn't say you don't wear anything showing off your great curves, but just because you don't wear it all the time....who cares! You look great and more importantly you feel great about how you look and that is all that matters!

    Sorry for the novel....can't seem to leave short messages today and when I saw stuff about you on Twitter I wanted to come and post my support :)

    http://accordingtojolene.blogspot.com/

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  77. I love this dress and it looks fab on you. And you don't look like a girl in a tent! Plez you are working that dress.

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  78. totally agree! I love baggy clothes! You look great, we all need to just keep breaking all the rules!

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  79. You look really very good. Love the earrings too.

    Suzi, London, UK

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  83. The evans website isnt carrying it anymore weeehhhhhhh :'(

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  84. @ Fatsforward I noticed it too! I want one soooo bad...I on the other hand LOVE LOVE LOVE maxi dresses!

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  85. This is fabulous. You look fabulous. Screw belts!

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  86. Girl you look fabulous in this dress! I hope this isn't the last one we see you in!

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