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Tracy Ross and others say they flaunt their fabulous selves thanks partly to Daria-Yvonne Graham.
“She gives women of size courage to try and do new things,” Ross said recently in a flowery purple maxi dress.
Ross and Graham went to the University of Dayton together and now both work at the institution.
Graham, UD’s associate director of multicultural affairs, wasn’t always a follower of the mantra of self-expression that she now promotes.
The preacher’s daughter wore a lot of sweats and headbands in her younger days. Church was no exception.
An “old fashion crush” in her mid-20s helped Graham, 39, find her fashion focus.
“The emotion compelled me to think about how I looked and what I was putting forward,” the Jefferson Twp. raised, Trotwood resident said.
Graham started investing in her appearance. Along the way, she caught the fashion bug.
Graham now sees the difference between church wear, school wear, work wear, club wear and what one wears around the house.
Graham blogs at about shoes, accessories, clothes, makeup and sales at melange4d.blogspot.com and is always looking for ideas.
Her jewelry line is also called Melange 4D.
Her recent loss of 60 pounds has meant a need for shopping trips.
She said the availability of plus-size fashion has gotten better.
Along with established stores like Lane Bryant and Catherine’s, there are newer trendy stores like Torrid.
Still many stores are missing the boat, putting plus-size departments near maternity clothes, on second floors or other not easily found places, she said.
The plus-size market remains undervalued and should be appreciated, she said.
“More women tend to come in that size 10 to 20 than do below 10,” she said, noting that larger women want to look good, too.
Fashion Q & A with Daria-Yvonne Graham
Q: What is your favorite online merchant?
A: I do a lot of shopping at One Stop Plus, particularly because the site sells several different plus size labels.
Q: What is your favorite fashion trend?
A: I remember when I first saw maxi dresses in Target. There was a very small selection of dresses. I remember telling my best friend to give it a year and they would be all over the place. That was a few years ago. I’m glad it’s a style that has had some longevity.
Q: What fashion trend do you hate most?
A: Fanny packs/ belt packs/ buffalo pouches/ hip sacks/ waist bags. By any name, they are just not a good look.
Q: What is your favorite footwear line?
A: As a woman who at last count had over 100 pairs of shoes, any line is my favorite.
Q: What is your favorite local shopping destination?
A: I like to walk entire shopping areas. Many people like to get in and out of stores. Not me. When I go to the mall I’m giddy if I get to start at one end of the mall and work my way to the other end. I am currently a Charming Charlie fanatic so I spend a lot of time at The Greene.
Q: What is your favorite out of town shopping destination?
A: Before having a family (when time was a little more flexible) my sister and I would ride to Cincinnati just to shop. I know there are additional fashionable destinations, but those were special times so Cincinnati will always be a special place for me.
Q: What is your favorite fashion decade?
A: I love the cut and styles of the ’60s. I recently saw a suit ad and the woman in the ad had on a pair of black leather gloves with a dress suit. The whole look was very ’60s to me and made me a little excited.
Q: What is your best find?
A: My current favorite find is a white leather bomber jacket I found on sale this summer in Michigan for $19. I can’t wait to wear it this fall. My closet is full of favorite finds because I love to have stories with my clothes.
Q: What is your best tip to closet organization?
A: By type, length and color for clothes and shoes. First by type (pants, skirts, dresses, shirts, etc.) then length (skirts: pencil, calf, maxi) then color.
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