Thizel D. Williams

The Art of Dressing “Curves” In a World of Plus Size Fashion!

Hello, Golden Divas!

“It’s not about what size you wear. It’s about how you wear your size!”

I have always been fascinated by fashion and by the beauty of women of all sizes. However, with the rise of mass media, the most admired models have remained consistently slimmer than that of the average American woman. And that my dear divas have always bothered me. Since the advent of fashion magazines, women have been comparing their bodies to those model images of thin scantily clothed women in magazines, on runways, in television commercials, and on social media feeds. This often makes the beauty and fashion industry quite cruel to our plus-size divas, when you don’t see an image of your body type.

“SO WHERE IS THE LOVE FOR OUR PLUS-SIZE DIVAS?”

The fashion industry exposure of the ideal body type (thin models) is NOT realistic in today’s world. The world has changed, and the images of beauty should change with it, the non-ideal body type should be represented in media campaigns. The exposure of average and plus-size fashion models should be rocking the latest fashion consistently with similar body types gracing the pages in magazines, as well as walking the runways, which will promote body-positivity and confidence. It will also grow awareness and advocacy within the fashion and beauty industry to design more clothing for the plus-size woman. The fashion industry is improving but there is so much work that needs to be done. 

As we know, beauty comes in all sizes, which leads me to my next guest here at Club Fifty. I have admired this diva for a few years at my church (New Faith Baptist Church International), she is a voluptuous beauty that is beautiful inside and out, and she knows how to make her clothes work for her body type. Every day is a fashion show, and the world is her runway. However, let’s be clear, the runway isn’t just about showing fashion; it’s about gaining confidence, and that’s something she exudes!

Golden Divas, I love it when I see a woman in control holding her own in the fashion world no matter her size because size does not matter. One has to have a sense of balance and taste in the fashion world to appreciate the beauty in it. The diva that I am highlighting today has a positive body image, and she brings it every time she steps out of her house. Golden divas I would like to introduce to you a woman who walks the catwalk everywhere she goes and who unapologetic stays ready in the fashion industry.

MEET THIZEL D. WILLIAMS

I am Thizel Williams. My unique name is a combination of my parent’s names. My father’s name is Thie (pronounced Thee-a), and my mother’s name was Zelma. I am a Libra woman born 46+ years ago on October 10, 1973. I am currently married, but unfortunately going through the starting phase of a divorce. I have one son who is 27 years old and finishing his last semester at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. I have been in the Insurance industry for 22 years, primarily in operations. I am currently employed by Travelers Insurance for 12+ years now, as a Senior Account Manager.

I LOVE to dance, and when there’s a new slide-out, my friends and family look to me to show them how to do it. I get that from my mother because she was the family dancer also. I love house music and I equally love stepping music, and I enjoy entertaining friends and family in my home. I cannot stress how much I LOVE spending time with my family. Some of my hobbies include coordinating weddings and parties, I have been doing this for over 20 years now. I am the owner of a small business called “Boo’s DIVA Dollies.” They are homemade glass covers. I specialize in themes. They are great for protecting drinks from bugs, drugs, and humans while drinking in style.

I am that Big Sister/ cousin/friend mentor and get called on quite a bit to encourage ladies and even a few males. I embrace that calling from God.

Golden Divas, before you read this inspiring interview listen to ‘I’m Every Woman’ by Whitney Houston. This is definitely an empowerment song about body positivity, body image, confidence, and self-love.   

IN CONVERSATION WITH THIZEL D. WILLIAMS

C50: Thizel your taste in fashion is impeccable, you dress perfect for your plus-size body type, have you ever considered being a plus-size model?

TDW: Thanks so much for that. I have actually done some “amateur” modeling.  I am currently a member of D.O.C. which stands for “Drops of Chocolate” Modeling. It’s a modeling organization and entertainment business that gears towards the plus-size woman. The President coaches aspiring models and advises them of model calls for fashion shows or small print jobs. I’ve done more fashion shows than anything, no print jobs as of yet. I have tried out for Ashley Stewarts’ “Ms. Ashley Stewart” in 2018 and 2019. One day/year, I’ll take that title.

C50: Yes, you will!  Thizel is “Body Positivity” and “Loving your Body” considered a lifestyle for you because you exude confidence, and it shows throughout your wardrobe? Also, can you tell us if you’ve ever struggled with your body image, and have you ever been body shamed?

TDW: As a child, I didn’t LOVE my body, but I accepted it if that makes sense. Mostly young boys were mean and made “fat jokes,” but my mom always made sure I didn’t subject myself to what people called me. She always said, “you don’t have to be what people call you.” She also told me to be the best “me” that I can be and don’t try to be like anyone else. Those words have carried me throughout my whole life. Because of my strong family support and my strong positive personality. I never let the name-calling get to me. I also learned in elementary school, that the way I dressed and carried myself as well as my nurturing spirit, I was mentoring individuals. I’m very conscious of how I present myself because I know people (mostly plus size women) are watching me, and I want them to have the confidence that my mother poured into me. God made us all look different for a reason; we have to just love ourselves and embrace it. Now, my thighs do love each other a little too much, and I struggle with chairs with arms, but I don’t put myself down because of the “extra” in these hips. LOL

C50: Do you believe plus size women will ever totally be integrated into mainstream fashion; especially when many influencers continue to perpetuate an impossible-to-achieve and even unhealthy ideal of female beauty?

TDW: Although plus size women are more “accepted” and recognized in this century, we will always struggle to be “considered.” Looking at my voluptuousness, one would not believe that I have a very clean bill of health. My cholesterol levels are great. I don’t have diabetes, high blood pressure, or anything of the sort. Just slight anemia. Obese, but thankfully, healthy. We will forever be stereotyped.

C50: Why is it important that women who fall in the plus-size category see more images of themselves in the mainstream media?

TDW: It’s important because so many women grow up with no one to boost their self- esteem, then they grow up with little to none. Seeing more plus size women in the mainstream media will help them have some form of confidence and know that they are not alone and that they are beautiful.

C50: Why is this so challenging for women of color to be represented in the plus-size mainstream?

TDW: We live in such a negative and racial period. Our ancestors were made to think that black isn’t beautiful, so it’s such a struggle to get the message out that Black IS Beautiful. Our ancestors struggled with survival so much that I don’t think it was a thought to make sure that little brown girls loved themselves amidst their struggles of life.

C50: Do you think the fashion industry shaded the full-figured woman of color in magazines and on the catwalk?

TDW: I believe we (full-figured and colored), women have broken many barriers and are continuing to do so. A lot of magazines have featured us more, and I believe that we will continue to be recognized. As long as there are women like me who pour into young and seasoned females, letting them know that they matter, God uniquely created them and that they are beautiful in their own right.

C50: Some stores cater to the plus-size woman, Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Neiman Marcus, Target, etc., however, is it easy to find fashionable clothes for plus size women on the racks, or do they leave much to be desired?

TDW: There are so many stores that have fashionable clothing at reasonable prices. I believe one must have a sense of fashion to shop and have patience. I am impressed at the variety of stores that have great selections for the plus-size woman. We, too, can look like a million bucks on a budget.

C50: I know that’s right! Thizel, when you look to buy fashionable clothes, do you prefer to run to your nearest mall and grab something, or the ease of shopping online with on-trend options and only online brands, or do you prefer to have your clothes tailored?

TDW: I prefer online shopping; just because there are better deals, I can search several stores right from my seat, and it’s easier to narrow down precisely what I’m looking for. I’ll occasionally browse a physical store because I do like seeing colors and fabrics up close. Depending on the occasion, I will shop at a boutique or have something made, but those times are mostly for a special occasion.

C50: Thizel, do you consider yourself a fashion influencer for the plus-size industry?

TDW: I actually do consider myself a fashion influencer. I didn’t always, but I learned that I was one in elementary school. Working downtown Chicago, I’ve had women approach me and let me know that they watch me daily and compliment me on my clothes and the way that I wear them. Those are two different things. A woman can have on a very cute outfit, but not really know how to wear it properly or actually have the body for it. I’m a firm believer that just because it looks good on the rack does not mean it’ll look good on the person. I wear clothes to flatter my body and curves while also camouflaging some “extra fluffy” areas. I’ve also been asked to assist a few people on shopping trips because they appreciate my sense of style.

C50: Do you have any specific designers that you like that have been “knocking down doors” and “blazing trails” that influenced your fashion sense and personal style?

TDW: I have no clue about designers. Because it had taken years for the plus size fashion to be considered “popping,” I just always bought clothes (or as an adolescent, had clothes bought for me), based on what fit and was reasonable. It still applies today. I buy clothes based on what’s cute, in my size, and affordable.

Bonus Question

C50: What is one of your fashion tips that is a sure win for the “thick & sexy” curvy woman?

TDW: I have a couple. Invest in shapers to smooth out the “Fupa” (middle area), and the right accessories can make that $10 dress look like it was $100. Have confidence, no matter what.

C50: This woman is after my own heart, there’s nothing like the right accessories sprucing up an outfit, and ladies like she said you definitely should invest in some great shapewear. It makes a world of difference in how your clothes will fit your body.

There you have it Golden Divas, there’s no stopping to the confidence that this diva exudes. It took a minute but I learned to pronounce her name correctly. Love you Thizel!