A few months ago, I picked up a couple of books on sale at A’Beautiful Soul. Did you know they sold books? Yep, along with their awesome selection of Plus Size and Mid Sized fashion, they have a few lifestyle books to inspire their customers. Seriously, go check them out… everything from home decor, to body positivity, to the Enneagram is included!
The book I was most excited to read from my haul was, The Art of Dressing Curves. Essentially, this is a go-to style guide for Plus Sized women, written by celebrity stylist, Susan Moses. She has dressed many curvy women for the Red Carpet and knows how to make women feel beautiful. Included inside are gorgeous style inspiration photos, handy sizing charts, lists of closet essentials, and empowering quotes by Plus Size celebrities.
Though the book is a quick and easy read, it is designed more as a reference manual. It’s something you’ll want to keep on your bookshelf and go back to again and again. The size charts and retail references at the end alone are a fantastic resource for future shopping trips.
For me, the most helpful chapters in the book were the ones on shapewear and on selecting the correct silhouette for your body’s individual shape. Obviously, bodies are not one size fits all. Moses goes in depth on the topic, describing each body shape, and listing the top wardrobe essentials that should be in that woman’s closet. She also has a comprehensive list of the foundational garments every shape needs to perfectly sculpt their curves.
Moses includes chapters on swimwear, evening wear, bras, and jeans. She debunks fashion myths about what Plus Size bodies “should” and “should not” wear. Also, she lists go-to designers, retailers, and essential pieces for every woman’s sense of style.
This really is a fantastic source for building your wardrobe, especially for women who want to look their best, but don’t really know where to start. I highly recommend adding it to your library.
(The book is no longer available at A’Beautiful Soul, but can be found on Amazon or in your local bookstore.)
Forty Fat and Fabulous 