Did you know that the average size of women in the United States is between 16 and 18? According to a study published in 2016 in the International Journal of Fashion Design, the number shifted from the data that once stated the average was size 12 about ten years ago. Not that we need data to prove anything because our bodies are the proof, it is nice to know that having curves is normal. Social media and society will have you thinking that you need a flat stomach and fat ass to be beautiful. Now more than ever, I am personally loving the body I have and that means loving my size 12. Ironically, the more I love and give thanks to my body, the more she expresses gratitude in exchange. And that shows up in my everyday life because I feel freer and more comfortable in the skin I'm in.
When it comes to shopping for pieces to compliment my curves, it can be frustrating. You know what has been my go-to since COVID changed all of our lives? Matching sets. They have a way of transforming to fit the mood and the vibe. Their comfort alone got me through the last year and a half. Even when I couldn't find a "f" to give, wearing them made me seem like I put in some effort. Without further ado, say hello to some matching sets that are guaranteed to change the game for curvy cuties!
The Elevated Set
Photography by Curated by Charlie
If you haven't ordered a matching set from Amazon in the last year, I admire your willpower. As for me and my house, I am obsessed; especially with this particular set. It's the versatility for me. I have worn this duo in so many ways. From wearing it to the gym to ATVing in the rainforest to strutting into my favorite members only club, I have maximized the ways in which this comfy set can be worn. Take this look for example. I decided to pair it with my IVY PARK cropped blazer for prime elevation. This is your cue to do the same with your favorite set because she can be worn places other than your Target runs.
The Essential Set for "Outside"
Photography by Curated by Charlie
This is the newest addition to my arsenal and it is now a staple. The color and design are to die for and don't get me started on the material. The material is comparable to a cloud which creates ultimate comfort. One of my favorite Black-female designers, Crystal Lee created the Essential Set for Outside for the people. This set is not only stylish but it's also unisex. It brings a whole new meaning to wearing your partner's clothes because now you can do it fashionably. On this day, I opted for classic Air Force 1s and bamboo earrings to really tap into my roots. You could also style this up with some strappy heels for happy hour with the gang. Lucky for us, this getup comes in an array of colors to brighten up your wardrobe.
The Snatched Set
"Fashion focused, figure-flattering premium sports-luxe activewear for both performance and lifestyle," is the motto for my new favorite brand, STAX. In the brand story, they go on to say, "Prioritising high quality whilst demonstrating luxury at affordable prices, STAX. blends a perfect mix of both fitness and fashion, dressing every person at every size, STAX. believes inclusivity should be a general standard." And I can attest that these words are true. The way the BB tights and crop top flatter my curvy figure is nothing short of perfection. Celebrities like Lizzo and Jennifer Lopez are huge fans of the brand as it proves to be the "little black dress of activewear."
The DIY Set
Photography by Curated by Charlie
Sometimes you gotta mix it up and create your own set. That's exactly what I did with these two standalone pieces from good ol' Walmart. One thing about Black women, we are gonna create things off the dome. I was doing some random shopping at Walmart and something drew me to these neon-striped leggings. Then, it was almost as if an ultralight beam illuminated this sports bra. And just like that, I created my own set. Neon will always be a part of my wardrobe no matter the season. It was a no-brainer for me to couple my DIY set with equally bold-colored sneakers.
The Chill Set
Photography by Curated by Charlie
I recently found Ruby Ribbon and instantly wondered where they had been my whole life. Since its inception, Ruby Ribbon has dedicated its movement to empower all women. Every time I slip on these leggings and demiette I feel just that: empowered. I had no idea what a demiette was until I was introduced to Ruby Ribbon. Recently, the social commerce-driven women's intimates, shapewear, and athleisure company announced: "They have been issued their first patent for their top-selling Sport Demiette™."
Lead designer, Cami Raymond, created the demiette constructed with molded cups in the bust and a supportive sling aka she changed the game. The support is real without the discomfort of a wire. Whether you're rocking this to yoga or a hike, you'll be both fly and cozy.
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image courtesy of Joce Blake
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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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Feature image by Leon Bennett/WireImage
