Happy Thursday evening everyone, how has your week been? Are you ready for the weekend? It’s been another fun filled week for me, tax season always proves to provide some interesting challenges. But 20 years in I think it is the excitement that keeps me coming back for more lol. But this girl is definitely ready for the weekend. I am also super excited to be co-hosting and walking in the Avenue fashion show this weekend.
But before that I have a new blog post for you as part of my 30 Days of Dresses series featuring a new brand – Tamara Malas. Tamara launched her brand this past fall and we got to see our first sneak peek of her inaugural collection – Feelings Feelings at the Curvy Con. The buzz around her booth during Curvy Con was filled with so much energy and excitement. Finally someone launched a collection that was unique, fashion forward and unapologetic. And Tamara herself is visibly plus size.
Unfortunately I was so busy during the event that I didn’t get a chance to sit down with Tamara and chat and I regretted it when I got home. So I was thrilled when she reached out to me to see if I would be interested in trying some of her pieces. Of course that was an absolute yes on my part!
Here is a little summary about the brand:
“Tamara Malas provides quality designs that will last for years. Forget everything you’ve settled for in the past. We center our collections on true inspiration, imbuing every design with a distinct personality. Irreverent, witty, and fashion-forward, every collection will offer unique statement separates that go way beyond basic (like, way, way beyond).
With our experience working with plus size bodies (including my own), you can feel confident knowing that the fit will be designed with your shape and size in mind. Isn’t it about time your clothes have the personality to match yours? “
I want to be clear with all of you that this is not a fast fashion brand. Tamara uses high quality fabrics like nylon, neoprene, knit llama, wool, cotton jersey, anti-pill viscose and spandex. Her pieces are built to last and are full of thoughtful design elements where it is clear she knows how to design for a plus size body. The size range also goes up to a 32 which is a win for us extended size gals. So having said that, keep in mind that the price point is reflective of all of the above. Too many times I think as plus size women we discount ourselves and don’t feel we are worthy of buying high quality designer options, but we are so worthy and it is about damn time!
I was lucky enough to choose which look I wanted to try and it was a tough choice but I was definitely drawn to this blue and black one. The pieces are unique and something I wouldn’t necessarily choose for myself so I saw it as an opportunity to step outsize of my comfort zone. She also uses models in a variety of sizes so I could easily tell what the pieces would look like on me – you know that gets an enthusiastic two thumbs up from me!
This coat is honestly like a piece of art. The ingenuity and thoughtfulness of the design is like nothing I have seen. It is such a practical piece because there are so many different ways to wear it. It’s also perfect for different seasons which increases its appeal.
It is made up of two pieces – the long neoprene zippered sleeveless vest/coat and the jacket that is a combination of nylon and sweater sleeves. So it can be worn together or separately. Based on the size chart I requested a size 30/32 so when a size 26/28 came in the mail I have to say I was a little nervous if it would fit. But I was so glad they sent me the smaller size because their sizing is very generous. The 26/28 fits me perfectly. I love the zipper details and the fact that they used zippers that are built to last, there is nothing flimsy about them.
I decided to show you two styling options with this piece, the full coat and then using the neoprene piece as a vest. You could also just wear the jacket part with this outfit for a more casual vibe. I love that I could wear this as a coat to the office and then take off the sleeves and still wear the vest for a sleek and polished look.
So of course this post is supposed to be about dresses so let’s talk about this super cute and soft t-shirt dress. This dress is beyond comfortable! It’s almost like wearing nothing and I love it’s boxy over sized look. Now I will admit that this print is a little out there for me but I have grown to love it. I like a piece that will spark some conversation. It also comes in a soft oatmeal colour with a fun confetti like pattern on it if you wanted something more neutral. I am wearing the size 30/32 but I would definitely get a 26/28 in the future.
I chose to wear the dress with leggings because the length is a little short for my personal preference but you could easily wear tights or fishnets or go with a bare leg in the warmer months. These leggings are also by Tamara and they are amazing! When I first took them out of the package I noticed something right away – when you opened them up the part from the crotch to the waistband actually expanded out, like you could see that it was designed to accommodate your butt and hips! So often I pull leggings out of a package and I am like why are they straight, my body isn’t. And I mean stretch only takes you so far. Needless to say putting these ones on was a dream, there was no sagging in the crotch area and they are so generous, I got the size 30/32 but I definitely need to size down. I love the saying on these because it is fun and unique but I do hope that Tamara makes them in basic black and perhaps some other basic colours. Since these are an investment in quality and a wardrobe staple, I would like to wear them with whatever I want.
The more and more I looked at the coat was when I realized that I could turn the neoprene part into a killer dress and create a totally unique look. It has a great fitted shape so all I did was add this statement belt, some heels and a fun bag and voila I had a perfect cocktail look. And if you wanted to be a little more sassy you could partially unzip the size zippers to show some more leg. It would also look really cute with a sheer blouse underneath.
After this it is official – I am absolutely in love with Tamara Malas and I can’t wait to see her next collection. Thank you for allowing me to share your brilliance with my blogger family, its so exciting to see a talented designer like yourself emerge in the plus size arena. So everyone, tell me which piece is your favourite and why?
Special thanks to Rebecca of Rebecca Northcott Photography for capturing these images.
Coat by TAMARA MALAS | Dress by TAMARA MALAS | Leggings by TAMARA MALAS | Belt by ELOQUII | White Shoes by WOMAN WITHIN | Blue Shoes by WOMAN WITHIN (alternative here) | Black & White Bag by KATE SPADE (alternative here) | Round bag by JUST FAB (alternative here) | Black & White Earrings by ALDO |
