Cutting Shapes Club: Kind of magic

There is a little bit of magic in every piece of clothing that I wear. I have chosen things that make me feel great. Clothes that I feel comfortable in. Outfits that express not just my personal style but also my mood. It hasn’t always been this way though – for a long time I wore the things that fit my body and my budget. Sound familiar? I know it’s something that I talk about with almost every fat person when we’re chatting about plus size fashion and our style.

Over the years my style has changed, I’ve experimented a lot. I’ve worn things that broke so-called rules (not necessarily because I loved the clothes, more because I hate being told how I should or should not adorn my body). I have dressed myself in things I feel confident and powerful in. I’ve tried on many style identities, and I’ve discarded the ones that “just aren’t me”.

Through doing that, through experimenting, I’ve found my style. I know what I like, what makes me feel good, where the magic lies. And that’s what I want from every single piece of clothing I put on my body – I want to feel good in it. I want everything to have that magic. Whether it’s an outfit I am wearing for an important meeting, or a dress I’ve put on for a date with my partner. Snuggly clothes for curling up on the couch with a book or activewear for going to the gym for a sweaty workout sesh. An ensemble I’ve put together for brunch with my friends or something casual and comfy for exploring with my family. Heck, even my pyjamas and my underwear!

Now that I know what my style is, and what I like, I’m trying to only get things that fit with that. Otherwise I’m just not going to wear them, and that’s a waste (both for the planet and my wallet). I’m taking time to think about my style and consider new additions carefully.

This dress is designed by my amazing friend Kobi with her new label Cutting Shapes Club (which you will have heard me talking about on Facebook when they launched). It’s inspired by and in collaboration with my fabulous witchy pal Margot Meanie, whose style I have loved for a long time. Basically just a giant friend-fest all up in this outfit! Let’s talk about the dress though, because oh my gosh I have some feelings about it.

The fabric is printed with a custom design by Kit Scribbles, who is wicked cool artist that draws the raddest pictures of fat babes (you can find them on Instagram here). As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted it, because this print is just so me. The fabric itself is a heavier weight cotton with a little bit of spandex so it has some stretch. It’s the ideal length for me and I love the style (the classic fit and flare is something I have a lot of), plus it has pockets. I’ll be honest, the arms are quite fitted on me and I prefer either a longer or a shorter sleeve, capped sleeves have never been my jam. But I’m willing to overlook that, because everything else is just what I want in a dress and I can always wear a biker jacket over the top.

A note for all of you slow fashion lovers – this was designed and graded in Melbourne, Australia, and ethically manufactured in India using sustainable cotton. It’s so great to see more designers paying attention to these kinds of things, and is definitely a consideration for me as a shopper.

Is your closet filled with clothes that hold magic for you? I hope so. If not, this transseasonal time of year is a great chance to sort through your wardrobe! I will be doing this (again) now that I’ve written this post, as it’s reminded me that I have a few things that I just don’t wear.

Meagan wears:
The Li’l Miss Meanie Dress by Cutting Shapes Club (4, gifted)
Lida Seamless Plus Size Leggings from The Tight Spot (3/4)
Limited Edition Lecester Boots from Number One Shoes (US6 M)
ASOS DESIGN Wide Brim Pork Pie Hat from ASOS (L)