I have many subscriptions to fashion magazines of course, but one of my favorites is Marie Claire. Not only because fashion director Nina Garcia is a judge on my favorite show “Project Runway” but also because it presents fashion as an adventure for every reader. They are also the first fashion magazine I can recollect to have a monthly column specifically for the plus-size fashion maven called “Big girl in a skinny world” by writer Ashley Falcon. Each month she offers her perspective on accessing fashion at any size. That just seems so realistic to me. Feeling good about what you wear is certainly not just the realm of the super skinny!
Enter Lydia Hamilton-Monnie, owner and operator of Boutique Larrieux (bu-teek la-ru), 717 North Milwaukee Street, a new store whose tagline is “Where exclusive fashion becomes inclusive.” Carrying sizes 12-24 she aims to help those who fashion has seemingly forgotten. The following is a Q&A I had with her to help understand the needs of the larger, fashion-forward woman.
B: Are bigger gals neglected by the fashion industry? 
LHM: The state of plus-size fashion has definitely improved over the last decade. But barriers like contemporary designers assuming A) Their clothing designs can’t translate into plus, B) Plus-size women don’t want contemporary fashion, or C) They’ve tried plus but couldn’t find the buyers, are still in evidence.
B: Why do you think many larger women just give up on style?
LHM: Ouch! I know it’s the truth, but it’s hard to acknowledge sometimes. Sixty-one percent of women in America are a size 14 or higher, yet straight-size stores outnumber plus-size stores consistently. Any plus-
size woman will tell you that means going to store after store, shopping online, even shopping internationally. All of these barriers lead to fewer options for the plus-size woman; it’s a disruptive trickle-down effect to the consumer. So many larger women allow the size zero media to dictate to them what is and is not acceptable. Why not add some variety to the mix? A great exercise I recommend to break out of your style rut is to go shopping with a friend whose style is different than your own and will encourage you to try new things. Sometimes we all need a little push.
B: What are your top tips for dressing the larger figure?
LHM:
1. Bigger clothes do not make you look smaller; they in fact make you look bigger! Go for a tailored look. Clothes that are closest to your own curves make anyone, straight size or plus size, look better.
2. Don’t be turned off by sizes on the label, focus on the fashion. I know many women are strongly swayed by what size a tag says. But rather than size, look at the way it fits, and you will be pleasantly surprised.
3. Know this, hangers and mannequins do clothes ZERO justice! On more than one occasion I have seen something on the hanger and thought “hmmm, not me” or “this looks hideous,” but remember the human form does wonders for garments.
4. The worst thing a plus-size shopper can do is condition herself to think that something won’t work for her and permanently rule it out forever. Always try something new on first before turning it down.
5. Trends are great, but don’t let them dictate your entire wardrobe. There is nothing more fashionable than a person who feels great about what they have on and couldn’t care less about what anyone else thinks.
6. No one will care about your arms unless you draw attention to them. For the first two thirds of my life, it was my mission to find garments to cover my arms. But eventually I just decided to put all my complexes aside and just be happy with who I am. Plus, I’m no longer missing out on all the cute sleeveless or one-shouldered styles out there!
B: What are the plus-size must haves?
LHM: Every woman should own a short blazer, one that hits you just below the waist. Of course the little black dress is always right. Go for
a nice wrap dress to show off your waist. Invest in a good pair of high quality denim jeans. When you find the pair that is perfect, buy two because when you realize you need another pair, you may not be able to find them.
After experiencing years of frustration as a size 22/24 shopper, Hamilton-Monnie opened her boutique to encourage the underserved and underestimated plus population to be themselves. “Embrace who you are right now, where you are right now. Don’t subject yourself to the “when” syndrome. When I have somewhere to go, when I lose more weight … the when’s can go on and on. Celebrate you now, not when!” I couldn’t have said it better myself. For more information go to www.boutiquelarrieux.com.
