When I was younger, there weren’t many stylish clothing choices for plus size women much less for women who wore extended sizes. If there had been, perhaps I wouldn’t have hidden behind oversized dresses and tops. Then again, I might have still hidden since that was more about my lack of self love and esteem than fashion.

That’s why when Ashley Nell Tipton, winner of Project Runway’s Season 14, announced her collaboration with JC Penney during TheCURVYCon, I was excited. Not only would the clothes be gorgeous (like her previous designs) and affordable but sizes would go up to 5X (32 – 34). Usually department store plus sizes go up to 26 at most.

Yesterday the collection was launched with 3 fashion shows at Greeley Square, in front of JC Penney’s flagship Manhattan store. I attended the show at 5:30pm as did fashion blogger Jessica Torres as well as Jaye (Style Over Size) and Sandra (La Pecosa Preciosa) whose outfits were from the collection. (I had ordered the moto jacket and a couple of tops, like this one, but they didn’t arrive in time… ah well.)

 

Before the show started I had the pleasure of meeting and conversing with Ashley’s parents, Steven and Maricela. They were so proud they were practically floating.

Then Ashley came out to introduce the collection “for that plus-size woman who… wants to be fabulous every day.” And fabulous it was. Bloggers and models… like Tess Holliday, Liz Black, Sabrina Severance, Alex LaRosa, CeCe Olisa, Jes Baker, Margie Plus and Christina Mendez… strutted down the runway and I fell in love with all the outfits… from bomber jackets with sequined sleeves to pleated and pencil skirts to crop tops and graphic t-ahirts to colorful active wear. I can’t wait to wear the pieces I purchased and see what designs Ashley has in store for the future.