.: Rebel in a Rue Dress - (Spring 2015 Challenge)

Spring is officially 21 days away, and I’m actually ready to burn my winter gear to a crisp. Nothing motivates me to “get up and show out” more than brisk, sunny weather and a coordinating wardrobe alike. Remember last Spring I challenged you all to step outside of the (fashion) box” and try something unfamiliar? Over the year, I witnessed a plethora of young, beautiful, yet scared and some scarred women experimenting with different trends and styles that were intimidating initially, but ended up being invigorating. Some of the ladies described the expressive experience as being “the initial step to the vast process of finding themselves”. Awesome!

For Spring 2015, I invite you to partake in an exciting, fresh challenge. You’re now accustomed to what you prefer wearing and should have a grasp on what type of apparel defines your signature style. If you and your voluptuous physique indulged in body conscious and cropped garments, you probably were shoved some imposed opinions from the notorious Peanut Gallery. “Big girls shouldn’t wear things like that”, “You should try wearing looser clothing”, “Solid colors work best for your body type” "If you wear prints, they should be small, to slim you".

The challenge for this upcoming season is to entirely rebel against the critics’ views and society’s outdated rules set up to control and confine. You’re the big girl, right? Live and flourish in your title. Everything you do, do it big. Figure out what are your personal fashion caps & no-no’s (for example, I am not a fan of shorts), and control your own self/ style. Limits are past your prime: passé. Be racy, be royal, be regal, and be rebellious … never restricted.

Rue 107 (The Home of Confidence & Curves), is here to help you take that initial step into the spotlight and become brave and rebellious within your wardrobe. Rue 107 is a design house, fully composing and manufacturing the garments of the line from start to finish. Rue-bellious Queens such as Beyonce, Serena Williams, Nicki Minaj, Amber Rose and Angela Simmons have been spotted rocking pieces from the brand, which launched four years ago. The creative spirit behind this extraordinary retailer is Marie Jean-Baptiste .Through her resplendent designs, she celebrates the rich colors and vitality of her creole heritage, and the essence of her second home, New York City (where Rue 107 is based). From statement pieces to swimsuits and bodycons, within her inventory, you’ll surely find precisely what it means to have a fearless and confident swagger about yourself. I wouldn’t say that her bold, beautiful pieces are for everyday wear, but when you’re ready to turn the party out (without dread of looking like the next girl), I’d recommend “getting into” a Rue Original ensemble. Saluting the beauty of ALL extraordinary women, Rue 107 offers sizes small though 3X.

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A Week of Rue:

OOTD #1
A Litte (Pea) Cocky with it

Rue's "Golden Peacock Dress" (also available as a crop set) is the perfect mixture of warm, earth-tone colors stirred into a large, bold, and exciting print. The piece is the perfect midi length and features unique pointed (adjustable) shoulder caps. The best part about all of the dresses/ skirts are, if you choose your correct size, the super stretchy but strong material will act as body support/ potentially replace shapewear.

I maximized my look with statement accessories and an electric pop of mint that's not actually in the dress, but who said it had to be?! (Handmade Multi Chain Belt sent from Ready to Stare)

OOTD # 2

I am the Spotlight

Big girls have been know to stray away from BRIGHT colors. They cause too much attention, black is more fitting for us, blah, blah. blah. Get into Rue 107's Le-Anna Ruched Midi Skirt & the reversible Dominique crop top this Spring! What I love about each piece is that the top can be manipulated several ways (tie strings in a bow, tuck them, reverse v-cut to back) and the skirt's ruched asset + length makes it super flattering to the plus figure It is offered in three colors and is PERFECT for a colorblock! Give them life on a plate. Sunny side up.

OOTD # 3
Out with the Old, in with the Nuetral

The Danielle Striped Cutout Dress from Rue 107 is the perfect mixture of classic and swank. The peek-a-boo stomach opening at the front gives off a crop top illusion, without the exposed back. I'd recommend this dress for the woman wanting to try crop tops but is afraid of a back roll slipping out (you're fully covered from the rear). The quarter sleeves, dark color combo, and moderate length give off a classic vibe while the midriff vent, bodycon silhouette, and chunky stripes make it trendy. I chose to create a look for the modest Queen, hoping to step outside of society's dungeon this spring. I wore all wooden and nuetral accessories with an alike navy/ off white printed handbag. Simple. Easy.

OOTD # 4
Swag My Prints Out

Concluding this post, my final Rue 107 look is showcasing the Pin-Up Inspired crop set. This brazenly printed duo is a fun piece to wear various ways! Wear them together and let the angled cap sleeves and midi skirt easily flourish. Swap the shoe for a taupe or even leopard pump. Pair the top with some black high-waist jeans and pointed flats/ sneakers for a laid back look; match the skirt with a button-down blouse or peplum top to for a more classic look. Go all out and mix prints adding a contrasting boldly striped garment with either piece. I noticed that the options were endless.