When Erin volunteered for Makeover Story I got super excited! Erin just finished her first year as a Kindergarten teacher. Her new career keeps her super busy and active and she's rennovating her first home in her spare time. With such a full life, Erin wanted a new look that was fresh and fun. Here's her before look...
When I asked Erin what kind of makeover she was envisioning she told me that she was having a difficult time finding plus sized dresses that were both comfortable and flattering. Many of the options she found made her look and feel older than she is. Because she wasn't loving the dress selection she was finding, she stayed in a comfort zone of mostly jeans and t-shirts.
One of the goals Erin made before we started selecting clothing was to find dresses that she could wear to teach Kindergarten in and also wear out on a date. Instead of styling in 100% vintage, we teamed up with Ruche for this makeover story. They have an amazing Curvy Plus section on their site. Erin chose two dresses she loved and we styled two looks from head to toe. Here are the results...
Erin's first look is comfy and perfect for many occasions. This black stretch dress is so pretty on her. She can wear it to church or on a night out with her girlfriends. She can also wear it to school to teach in! We kept the styling simple with a mod purse and black and gold accessories.
For Erin's hair we pinned up two maiden braids. (tutorial here + an easy version here) Erin said she would definitely wear this hairstyle again. We love braids because they are effortless and feminine. They are easy too! You can roll out of bed and pull together this hairstyle in a matter of minutes!
Erin's second outfit is playful and sweet. She says she would wear this outfit anywhere. Erin chose a pretty floral dress and we styled her look with a light pink scarf, sandals and glossy lips. This look is more feminine, but not too fussy. Through out the process Erin felt more and more encouraged that creating effortless looks with dresses and a few accessories was not only possible, but fun!
After the makeover + photo shoot Erin and I sat down to chat and she told me that she couldn't wait to shop for more dresses... I'd say the story was a success!
This is Volume 7 of our series, Makeover Story. To see the rest visit our Fashion Gallery.
She's so pretty and beautiful! Also, Ruche has a plus sized section? I know where I'm spending my next paycheck!
caitylenox.blogspot.com
Posted by: Caity | June 28, 2012 at 10:01 PM
She is so beautiful, and you can tell it is an inside and out beauty! I bet her students adore her! That first dress is simply amazing and classic. Great makeover!
xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Laura Whitman | June 28, 2012 at 10:09 PM
That second dress is especially gorgeous!
Posted by: Sylvia | June 28, 2012 at 10:10 PM
i could live life w/ only dresses <3
Posted by: jeanyous | June 28, 2012 at 10:11 PM
Congrats Erin on the new look AND on finishing your first year of teaching!
I haven't seen this Makeover feature before, and have just looked through your past makeovers. love them all!
Posted by: Sarah | June 28, 2012 at 10:28 PM
Erin- you are SO beautiful!!! Good for you finding such cute outfits that bring out the best in you=).
Posted by: Sonia | June 28, 2012 at 10:37 PM
the second look is killer. the pug is adorable. oh my, i loved this post.
i want a makeover.
i wonder what suggestions you'd have for me?
Posted by: Mindy Harris | June 28, 2012 at 10:38 PM
beautiful transformation! love it!
Posted by: angie mcroberts // BEARSHAPED | June 28, 2012 at 10:46 PM
from the 'before' picture to the two looks you gave her, It's so lovely to see you guys make someone smile :)
Posted by: Ankita | June 28, 2012 at 10:58 PM
The second look is my favorite! She looks super gorgeous in both, and those outfits are so versatile! Excellent make-over story!
Posted by: Amy | June 28, 2012 at 11:08 PM
LOVE when cute stores have plus size sections. I just picked out a cute shirt from Ruche's curvy section!
Erin looks incredible. She is one gorgeous lady who looks even better in these pretty dresses. I'm a kindy teacher too, so I know how easy it is to go to those jeans + tees.
I really appreciated this plus size styling article. It can be so hard to find cute plus size clothes.
Posted by: Nikki | June 28, 2012 at 11:09 PM
Woah, looks so great! Those dresses look amazing on her.
xO, vicky
http://www.somehowlovely.com
Posted by: Vicky | June 28, 2012 at 11:18 PM
She looks fabulous! Great makeover!
Posted by: Stephanie | June 28, 2012 at 11:25 PM
She looks amazing! That dress compliments her in every way.
-RivaFlowzDOTcom
Posted by: RivaFlowz | June 28, 2012 at 11:32 PM
Wow! She looks amazing in maiden braids! You did a good job bringing out her beautiful features.
Posted by: S. | June 28, 2012 at 11:40 PM
I love your make-over features! She looks so gorgeous in both these outfits.
Catherine Denton
Posted by: Catherine Denton | June 28, 2012 at 11:41 PM
Oh both dresses are so nice and giving her different styles, of which fit her so well. The hair makeover brightens her face too. Good job!
httP://fabnfun.com
Posted by: Msanhle | June 28, 2012 at 11:48 PM
Such a great makeover! She looks SO pretty...I especially love the first dress! <3
Posted by: Carrie Rosalind | June 29, 2012 at 12:39 AM
Ah wow, she looks gorgeous! I love the second dress :)
Posted by: Ellie | June 29, 2012 at 12:39 AM
Please tell Erin that she looks GORGEOUS!! I love those dresses and her hair! As a curvy girl, thus post makes me super happy and encouraged to find outfits like these!
Brooke
Posted by: Brooke | June 29, 2012 at 12:40 AM