Hey curvy girls all over the world,
When it comes to print and television there are very few outlets for plus size fashion. Even on morning news channels or style channels, we only get a mini segment, which are always done by women who really know nothing about plus size fashion or fit. So, when I got wind that Hearst magazines teamed up with YouTube’s Hello Style channel to bring Marie Claire’s plus size column “Big Girl in a Skinny World” to YouTube, I was ecstatic and thought to myself, um, why hasn’t this been done before? But, I’m glad it’s being done now.
Currently, plus size fashionista’s have been getting their fashion fix through blogs and it’s about time that we are getting our very own YouTube channel. To jump start the new “Big Girl in a Skinny World” show on Hello Style’s YouTube channel, Marie Claire tapped Marcy Guevara to represent the plus size fashion community. Marcy is an internet sensation in her own right, with her popular YouTube show entitled “The Marcy Minute,” and her stint on the VH1 show “Your Cut Off.” Marie Claire saw Marcy’s bubbly, enthusiastic, and funny personality and thought she would be the right fit to host a YouTube show all about fashion for plus sized women. Marcy will be the main host of the show but will feature “Big Girl in a Skinny World” columnist /blogger Nicolette Mason to dish about current trends, designers, and answer reader mail.
I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Marcy to get the scoop on her new gig. Checkout what Marcy had to say about working with Marie Claire’s Nicolette Mason, her favorite fashion blogs to read, and her thoughts about having a good body image.
SC: Most people know you from VH1’s “You’re cut off. How did you get connected with Marie Claire and Hearst to be the host for “Big Girl in a Skinny World?”
MG: Hosting the “Big Girl in a Skinny World” show is a dream come true for me. Marie Claire found me through the buzz I was receiving on YouTube and they thought I would be a good plus size representative.
SC: Do you feel any pressure representing the plus size community?
MG: There’s pressure to create something positive. There are always going to be people who don’t like what you do and there’s going to be people who love it. It’s great that a straight sized magazine wants to embrace plus size women and fashion. I just want to reach out to as many people as possible.
People want this kind of show. To see a girl that looks like them talking about fashion. My philosophy is, we are all better together. I would love to see support. There’s always going to be criticism.
SC: What do you want plus size women to take away from the show?
MG: The plus size world is small and Marie Claire is elevating fashion. I want plus size women to take notes and figure out what works for you. My key tips would be to Wear Spanx. Wear makeup while trying clothes on. Invest time, when it comes to buying online and having to try on things at home and return. The major takeaway is to be fearless. Nicolette is fearless and has inspired me to be a little more fearless.
SC: Speaking of Nicolette. I see you will be working with her. How is it working with her and dishing about fashion?
MG: I met Nicolette in NY. She is a Beverly Hills girl with a Brooklyn heart. She has a great eye for design and she’s so sweet. She will be answering viewer mail. “Big Girl in a Skinny World” gets the most mail out of all the other Marie Claire columns. Nicolette is just a peach.
SC: Plus size blogs are booming. Do you have any personal favorites?
MG: Of course, I read yours Chic Style Edit. I’m also a big fan of Madison Plus. I love what they’re doing with their editorials. Plus Model Magazine, Maddy is such a pioneer. Fat Shopaholic, I just love how Tiffany wears what she wants and is unapologetic for it. I also love Goop, Refinery 29, and Style.com. There’s a fashion industry and it’s important for us to be part of it. We should have a column in every magazine and be taken seriously.
SC: I think plus fashion has done a complete 180. We have a number of contemporary designers and fashion forward designers making clothes that plus size women actually want to wear. What are your thoughts on that?
MG: I’ve always been a plus size girl and I remember 15 years ago having to shop for plus size clothes meant I was shopping in the same stores as my mom. So, I’m happy at how far we’ve come. Some of my favorite places to shop are Ideeli, One Stop Plus, Zappos, Donna Morgan, Rachel Pally Eshakti, ASOS Curves, and one designer that really stands out to me is Calvin Klein.
I tell women to figure out what department store has the best plus size places to shop and drive there. Macy’s is a great department store to shop at for plus sizes.
SC: Over the past year or so TV has been embracing plus size women with shows like TLC’s Big Sexy and Chelsea Settles, do you see Big Girl In A Skinny World moving from YouTube to TV?
MG: Everyone is trying to figure out the future of television. For me, our show is so high quality that it looks like its regular TV. It would be a lifestyle show if it was on regular TV, but we are happy being on YouTube.
SC: How would you describe your personal style?
MG: I wore uniforms all in school. My favorite pair of shoes was a pair of Michael Jackson sneakers with gold embellishments. So, at the time, it was all about what shoes, hair, and tights, were you going to wear. I would say my style is California chic/ beachy. I love to look fabulous and the attention of everyone in the room. I like to keep it classy. My fave items are a leather jacket from Wilson’s Leather and a pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes. I love shoes and bags. I’m currently living in a fashion wonderland because of the show. I’m also obsessed with Mod Cloth and T-Bags in LA have wonderful pieces?
SC: Have you always been comfortable in your own skin or did you have to develop a genuine embrace for your body?
MG: Weight is a personal thing. Our bodies are different. Love the skin you’re in. Get clothes that fit good and look good. Whatever your goals are, feel good where you’re at. I’ve always been ok and appreciated my body. In high school, I felt accepted and got lots of male attention. I was aware that I was the bigger friend.
I wish I could tell my high school self, Girl, love your body. Wear a halter. Who cares! Body issues can be crippling. Don’t let weight hold you back. Embrace your body for yourself. I have always been confident because my mom taught me to act like you belong. Walk in places like you own it.
I do work out and take care of my body. I’ve been a size 18 since 2006 and it has been hard work to stay the same size.
SC: I totally agree with you about exercising. Most people think that big girls don’t exercise. I personally like to lift weights and do toning exercises.
MG: Exactly, I make an effort to eat right. If I went out the night before and didn’t hold back, then the next day, I’m going to eat healthy. I understand what needs to be done to stay at my size and I work hard to be healthy. It’s a reality plus size women should keep in site. We need to be aware of our health.
SC: Last but not least, will you still be doing the Marcy Minute?
MG: Oh, definitely. I will still be updating and sharing my tips.
So, there you have it. Marcy sounds like the right choice. She understands what we as plus size women want in fashion and she is definitely going to help those who are not yet fearless become more confident. I personally hope that this show opens doors for other great plus size bloggers and plus size YouTube channels. As Marcy stated, we all have to stick together and show the fashion industry, that we belong here.
If you haven’t already, you can check out the “Big Girl in a Skinny World” YouTube channel HERE
Also, checkout Marcy’s website to keep up with this budding host. For more on the “Big Girl in a Skinny World” column with Nicolette Mason visit Marie Claire.
Talk to me and tell me what do you think this show will do for the plus size community?
Talk to me and tell me what do you think this show will do for the plus size community?
Watch the first episode below on Hello Style
So glad to hear it!!! Keep sharing and thanks for the love, Alissa!
Great interview! I love “Big Girl in a Skinny World” on YouTube & havent missed an episode since! Marcy is an excellent host & does a wonderful job. Plus her outfits are AWESOME!!! I the show will help so many women feel comfortable about their bodies and let them know its okay to express themselves through fashion. I truly believe EVERYONE has style, you just have to go and find it. This show will definately help you get on the right track!
their are quiet a few plus size girls on youtube makin videos mayb not as famous for those lookin for style inspo~~
passion jones
Curves Galore
to name a couple
the tone of this post makes it seem like this is a new idea
@ChiChi- I know there are tons of plus size girls who do video’s. By no means am I saying this is a new idea. However, for a major magazine to collaborate with Youtube and have an online show completely about plus size fashion is something that is not being done with the quality that this is doing.
I personally hope to see more plus size girls who have their youtube video’s get recognition. I know how it is to be overlooked and other people get credited for things other people have been doing.
Thanks for commenting.