As I sit here – in my black Michael Kors jumpsuit, I am pondering over my previous remarks and views concerning plus-size fashion acceptance, and I wonder if my original perspective is flawed. Acceptance is the action or process of being received as adequate or suitable, typically to be admitted into a group. Based on the definition of acceptance, I am inclined to say my original perspective is flawed.

I had been curious about PVI jeans for a few months. I recall hearing positive comments about the product, so I decided to check it out for myself. My initial thought about the clothing line was of disappointment. I say this because the largest available size is 18. I feel confident in saying there are women who wear sizes above 18 that are interested in purchasing jeans that compliment their bodies too. I pondered over purchasing a pair to see what the jeans have to offer, but I changed my mind. After reading the story behind the label’s creation, I realized they weren’t designed for me. This made me question my opinion regarding the quest for #plusisequal.

Is the request for equality in the fashion industry really a request for validation in disguise? Is it wrong or “selling out” to desire designers to extend their talents to the plus-size community? It’s pretty obvious some designers don’t think they should or need to provide clothing that fits me. So why should I want them to make clothes that fit me? Why should I ask them to make their bank accounts larger with my money? It’s pretty apparent that they don’t want my business – so, why should I beg them to take it?

During my research for the post “Role Models”, that was published a few weeks ago,  I came across a quote that inspired me;

…I made a conscious effort not to buy certain designers who…put only one kind of model in their shows. If designers can’t take the time to put someone who looks like me in their ads, why should I support them?” – Lana Ogilvie

Even though this quote is directed toward race acceptance, this thought process can also be directed toward the fashion industry in regards to plus-size clothing. There are several designers who provide beautiful clothing that fits me. So, I have decided to promote and patronize those designers that have me in mind as a consumer.

Prior to this epiphany, I had expressed my desire for designers to share their talents with plus-size shoppers who hadn’t been doing so. I wanted these designers to recognize our beauty as well. If my beauty is not recognized and appreciated by some – why should I let it concern me? The inability of someone seeing or appreciating my beauty doesn’t change the fact that I am beautiful. It’s much like dating. If a man cannot see my worth and treat me accordingly – why should I give him the time of day?

Before I go any further with my thoughts concerning where I should spend my dead presidents, I need to mention the initial conversation I had about the push for plus-size acceptance in the fashion industry. Like so many topics I written about for this blog, this subject derived from a conversation with one of my friends that I mention more often than not – and at the time of the discussion, we did not agree – as usual. He stated that asking for acceptance is the same as asking for validation, and plus-size shoppers should purchase clothing from the stores that provide sizes for us.

During our initial conversation, I did not agree with him. But, now I acknowledge to all who read this – I have changed my mind. I now believe asking for acceptance is equivalent to asking for validation. I agree with you A.J.M. I believe if I am asking someone to accept me I am asking them to validate me – to tell me what I say I already believe I am. If I believe something to be true, why do I need someone else to validate it?

Now let’s look at a wonderful designer who has the plus-size shopper in mind that I mentioned at the beginning of this post, Michael Kors. This clothing line offers a variety of styles that satisfy the roles that women fulfill in life.

Michael Kors is a New York City-based fashion designer who has been creating beautiful clothing for several years. During his teenage years, he began designing clothes and selling them from his parents’ basement. Now the Michael Kors line can be found at stores like; Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Lord and Taylor to name a few.

I am drawn to the modern and sophisticated styling of this clothing line. The clothes are comfortable, good looking, well designed, and reasonably priced that are suitable for work, church, formal events, and even play time – and the line has shoes and bags too!

Check out a few MK looks from B.B.’s closet:

First up we have a beautiful navy blue dress with faux wrap features and draping that I purchased from Macy’s. I’ve paired this dress with a multi-chain gold necklace from Nordstrom Rack, a pair of yellow and beige snake-skin L.A.M.B. pumps from Last Call Neiman Marcus, and my classic Gucci handbag. Can you say church clothes? I wore this MK dress to church a few weeks ago, and I received a lot of compliments. This dress is very flattering and comfortable.

Here we have the perfect outfit for that South Beach vacation with your bestie. This jumpsuit is vacation perfect because it is wrinkle-free!

I have paired this great MK black jumpsuit from www.zappos.com with a silver drape necklace from Lane Bryant, strappy wedge L.A.M.B. sandals from www.heels.com, and a patent leather clutch from www.amazon.com.

Last but not least, we have a pair of MK jeans paired with an orange and tan MK blouse from Nordstrom. I have added a pair of tan Pour La Victoire pumps and an orange suede MK purse – both from www.amazon.com.

I adore MK jeans! They are extremely comfortable, and they fit! This is a great outfit for casual Fridays at work, date night, or dinner with the girls.

I am supporting and promoting Michael Kors because he considers me when he is designing his beautiful clothes.

Thank you Mr. Kors!

Until the next time be you, and most importantly…love you

Being uniquely you is being uniquely beautiful.

B.B.