Fashion Rules are Made to Be Broken

“You’ll learn, as you get older, that rules are made to be broken. Be bold enough to live life on your terms, and never, ever apologize for it." ~ Mandy Hale

See that girl above? That look of happiness in her face? I never thought I'd see her again but she's back, breaking fashion rules, taking adventures and living fully, one day at a time.

This journey I have been on has taken me places that I never dreamed I would go. I have learned that my purpose is not about the number of social media followers I have or taking a pretty picture or even getting rich. To my surprise, I have become an advocate for women, especially those over the age of 40 and over a size 24. 

I didn't set out to inspire women. In all honesty, I was just trying to live and get my life back together. But by being staying true to myself and letting the world in, it happened. I'm not perfect and I still am in awe when someone sends me a message or shows up at an event and shows me so much love. However, I am so grateful because that love inspires me to continue the work I do. These women keep me going.

So when Amanda Williams, Director of Marketing at SWAK Designs, asked me to be a part of this amazing body positive campaign she wanted to do, how could I say no? 

We need to see more visibly plus bodies in the media and in campaigns. And I don't just mean those size 18s and 20s. I mean, women above a size 24 too, who are rarely shown in major campaigns or in stories that go viral. I also want to see a diverse set of women on clothing websites so I can get an idea of how that clothing will look on me and not just an hourglass or pear shaped, size 14 model.

This new SWAK Designs campaign features women ranging from sizes 2X to 5X. And it has a kick-ass fun comic theme where we are called the Curvy Guardians: Defenders of Fashion Equality. We each tackle 5 fashion rules that we break without a second thought.

I'm a rule breaker by heart. Why can't I wear prints? Why can't I wear a crop top? Why do I have to cover up? I hate when people try to police my body and tell me what to wear because of my size. 

Fashion is a way for me to express myself and give me joy. I have fun with fashion and lovingly dress my body. I feel empowered in making decisions for my body and not listening to what others are telling me what to do. Shoot, it's hard enough to just exist and take space in this world so I want to be happy in everything I do.

Fashion is a way for me to march to the beat of my own drum and be me unapologetically.

So special shoutout and thanks to SWAK Designs for including me in this campaign and always being a brand that features visibly plus models as well as models of color and customers on their website. 

The other beautiful ladies included in this campaign are plus size model Saucye West, blogger Alysse Dalessandro of Ready to Stare and two SWAK customers Amanda and Courtney. We had so much fun on set and it truly felt like a sisterhood.

We're all wearing the Classic Maxi Dress, which comes in 5 colors and is available in sizes 1X - 6X here. I'm wearing the Magenta one.

Alysse and I also got to shoot together in all our fierceness. This is what a size 2X and 4X looks like...

Above, I'm wearing the Isabella Swing Dress in a size 4X. My print is sold out but there's a red print available here that's so pretty.

Check out the entire Curvy Guardians campaign here and see me in my superheroine realness.

SWAK is also having a contest in conjunction with this campaign that I am loving! 

Enter to win either a $300, $200 or $100 SWAK Gift Card by posting a picture of yourself on Instagram, breaking a classic curvy girl fashion rule. Make sure to use the hashtag #SWAKguardian to officially enter your image into the contest. Good luck!

And please share this campaign, if you can. These are the kind of campaigns I personally think should be seen and go viral. We truly need to see more body diversity overall and that is something I feel very passionate about. 

My journey is far from over and I will continue to do my part in being a strong voice for those women who feel ignored, passed over and not marketed to. Fashion is for everyone!

*This post also contains some affiliate links and I'll earn a small commission if you shop through them.  This is one of the ways I can continue to bring you inspiring content. Thank you!