Photo by Tom Nardini.

Calling a woman who is a size 10 “plus sized” tells me that there is something wrong with our society. Not only with sizing in clothing, but in our attitude about body types and the very concept of fashion. Is there a different fashion world that exists if you are over some specified magic size number? Something like a parallel universe? It seems like it, after all these years of people griping about the shockingly thin models on the runways, the twig look is finally coming to an end, or at least the skinnies are sharing the catwalks in recent shows around the world. There are tides of change afoot no matter what shoe size. (LOL!)

Witness the high fashion designers and magazines that are doing editorials celebrating the fuller figure; such as Vogue Italia’s June 2011 issue, And V magazine’s plus-take from last year. I know that two or more editorial spreads do not constitute a revolution, but it does bode well for dispelling the idea that fashion is only the realm of the rich and thin. I called up my pal Lydia Hamilton-Monnie owner of Boutique Larrieux that caters to women whose clothing tags read in double digits. I asked her to do a guerrilla type fashion shoot with my friend Tom Nardini, photographer extraordinaire, and I to prove that style and fashion have little if anything to do with more than, “does it fit and does it flatter.” I wanted to document the beauty of a woman without thinking about her sizes. The following is a Q&A I did with Lydia that caused me to realize that fashion is fashion, period.

What are some of the hot summer trends in your store right now?

Right now we have some fabulous maxi dresses in a variety of styles: bold graphic prints, soft floral and neutral tones. These looks are great to pair with some strappy sandals for a dressed up look or flip-flops for a more casual number.

What advice do you have for showing a little more skin in the summer months, but still doing it classy?

Don’t be afraid to show a little leg! Hemlines always go up during the warm weather months. I actually bought my first pair of shorts in ages. Denim knee length cut offs, and I love them. I wear them with slouchy tees. I also picked up a great 3/4 length sleeve shirt dress that stops just above the knee, paired it with a belt to emphasize my waist and also wore some 5-inch platform peep toe wedges. They made my legs look super long!

Does white really make you look larger, or is this just some wives’ tale? If someone does want to wear white, how should they go about it?

I think that is totally a wives tale! White, like black, is a neutral, which means you can pair absolutely any color under the sun with it. I would never go with head-to-toe white when there are such a wide variety of color options you can pair with it. Have fun; mix in a bright color, a jewel tone, or even a punchy print!

What trends should the larger gal avoid in the summer at all costs?

I’m definitely pro-fa(t)shion, meaning I don’t think plus size women are prohibited from any fashion style. What I think that all women should avoid, regardless of size, is wearing clothing that makes them feel uncomfortable. Every trend isn’t for every person. When you feel uncomfortable, it definitely is apparent.

What are your top 5 summer clothing items for the double-digit gal?

1. Cropped pants, great option if you don’t want to commit on shorts.
2. Sheath dresses; love how these show off the curvy girls shape.
3. Rompers/jumpsuits, pair with a belt to break up the color block.
4. Maxi dresses, easy one-piece garment to throw on and go!
5. Tailored tees, these can be great novelty pieces, have fun with a print and go for bold colors.

What are your top 3 summer accessories?

1. A fun pair of flats, they can really polish a look nicely. 
2. Summer scarves are a light breezy way to add visual interest.
3. Great hair!  I personally see hair as an accessory, and I change it constantly. Don’t want to commit on color? Try a clip in extension in a bright shade!

Check out all these wonderful photos from our shoot late on a Friday afternoon outside of Boutique Larrieux on Milwaukee Street. Re-think your perceptions of fashion and you’ll see that the last thing anyone should be thinking about is the label inside the garments on our model Rachel.

All photos by Tom Nardini.

Hairstyling and makeup by Bjorn.

For more fashion fun: gallery night style, check out this out.