Those of you who know me — or who have spent time reading this blog — know my fascination with all things princess-like. I know, I know.
Disney princesses have historically been bad role models, but they're improving! And besides, I think my love for all things regal stems from a desire to be pampered more than anything else (What can I say? I love a good cuddle and someone to bake cupcakes for me). Back when the Christmas market was in town, I gifted myself an
Avigail Adams tiara that was so woodland fairy I honestly
couldn't resist. And in the couple of weeks since, I've been waiting for the perfect dress to pair it with. Low and behold:
The Jane Dress by Rum + Coke.
Everything about this is luxurious. The emerald velvet. The high-slits at either side. The sophisticated neck. For my January "
Yes, Plus Size Women Can Wear..." column at
Bustle, I knew I wanted to focus on slits and cut-outs — and the inspiration for that decision was definitely this dress.
Sometimes I want to feel pretty. Sometimes I want to feel casual. Sometimes I want to feel slouchy. At other times, I want to feel sexy. I feel like we often limit ourselves to one fashion sentiment — maybe because the world tells us we can only be
one thing. But this dress kind of makes me feel
everything. And that's a rare gem in this crazy world.
The natural decision for who to shoot me in this was obviously going to point me in the direction of
Rachel Crittenden— my dear friend and a truly amazing photographer and writer whom I lucky to work with almost every day. She understands my not-so-subconscious desire to want to feel like/be a queen. And she captures that desire through her art. We shot in upstate New York at all these old estates and mansions, and it couldn't have been a better day. Mostly because she's also a princess.
There's a lot of crap that permeates the Internet — and
society — revolving around all the things plus-size women can't wear. And though I haven't seen thigh-slits and cut-outs on those lists, I'm sure they're there somewhere. Because we're not
supposed to show so much skin. But, alas. I am nothing if not a chunky lady rule breaker.
Get the Look:
And because T. Swift soundtracked this entire day:
