Today I’m celebrating the release day of The (Other) F Word edited by Angie Manfredi, a new anthology celebrating all the ways to embrace your fat, fierce, fearless self. (And head over to my Instagram today for your chance to win a copy of this book!)
I loved the essays and pieces in this book, and it reminded me of all the ways we are FABULOUS creatures, regardless of what we look like. It reminded me to embrace everything that makes me, ME. This book also seemed like a no brainer for receiving the Styled By Books treatment. Read on for my thoughts on dressing your fat, fabulous bodies as they are NOW, plus some of my favorite places to grab plus size clothes.
I took my inspiration from the colorful cover, and grabbed this cute and comfy dress from eShakti for the staple of my ensemble.
eShakti is one of my FAVORITE places to buy dresses — though they also sell tops, skirts, and more. Their clothing is available in sizes 0-36!!!! And for a small fee, you can even have the clothes customized to your exact measurements & make adjustments to things like sleeve length, neckline, skirt length, and more. Plus, their skirts and dresses all come with POCKETS. If you’re a regular reader here, you’ll probably recognize their name, and that’s because a LOT of my dresses come from eShakti. I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost ten years now, and can’t recommend them enough, for folks of any size.
Want to give them a try for yourself? Use code SARALARSON at checkout to receive 33% off AND free customization on your first order!
Since it’s getting a little chilly here in Oregon now, I threw on one of my favorite cardigans from ModCloth to keep warm and added some costume jewelry statement earrings in the same colors as the skirt of my dress. Not everything at ModCloth comes in plus sizes, and the sizing can vary depending on the maker of each item, but in general, they’re a super size-inclusive retailer, with really cute, unique options. They’re especially good for fun, statement pieces.
Where else do you buy clothes? When shopping for plus size clothes, I’ve had good luck for the most part with Torrid, especially when they release fun fandom collections for things like Harry Potter, Marvel, and Disney. (Their pants and jeans however, are just not a good fit for my body shape.) I like Old Navy and Target for affordable basics, and Land’s End is good for better quality basics like jeans, leggings, and plain tops.
I’m a firm believer in dressing the body you have NOW — even if you’re trying to lose weight (for whatever reason), your body AS IT CURRENTLY IS deserves to feel good and look good. Don’t wait until you’ve hit an arbitrary goal to allow yourself to dress nicely.
The main impetus for my Styled By Books features has always been a literary twist on the concept of Disneybounding — that is, finding every day outfits that draw influence from book covers. Anyone can do this!
But I also hope that by dressing up my fat body in beautiful clothes and hopping in front of the camera, that I’m giving other people the inspiration to love the body they’re in NOW and to not be afraid to dress it up and show it off. You don’t have to wait to be a certain size to dress in the clothes you want, to step in front of the camera, to live your life to the fullest.
It’s a message you’ll hear echoed in The (Other) F Word — and let’s be honest, it’s a message even I need to be reminded of from time to time.
If you’ve got it, FLAUNT IT, BABY. And girl, trust me.
You’ve got it!
The (Other) F Word is in stores now!
The definitive collection of art, poetry, and prose, celebrating fat acceptance
Chubby. Curvy. Fluffy. Plus-size. Thick. Fat. The time has come for fat people to tell their own stories. The (Other) F Word combines the voices of Renée Watson, Julie Murphy, Jes Baker, Samantha Irby, Bruce Sturgell, and more in a relatable and gift-worthy guide about body image and fat acceptance. This dazzling collection of art, poetry, essays, and fashion tips is meant for people of all sizes who desire to be seen and heard in a culture consumed by a narrow definition of beauty. By combining the talents of renowned fat YA and middle-grade authors, as well as fat influencers and creators, The (Other) F Word offers teen readers and activists of all ages a tool for navigating our world with confidence and courage.
Novel Novice 
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