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ashley nell tipton

Beauty, Fashion, Makeup

Jessica Milagros Adds Her Stylish Touch to JCPenney’s New Swim Line

Photo: Courtesy of JCPenney.

When it comes to shopping for swimwear, most plus-size fashionistas have to look online to search for a style we’d like. Then we have to wait for it to arrive in order to try it on. And if it doesn’t fit, it can take weeks to exchange it for a better fit. But JCPenney is eliminating that back and forth by introducing Boutique+’s first swimwear collection online and in store! It was a standout moment for Jessica Milagros, the first plus-size Latina model to land a national campaign with JCPenney (and for Ashley Nell Tipton’s debut collection, no less) and the designer of the collection, who was excited about the chance for shoppers to get that instant gratification.

“We have a good number of brands coming out with [plus-size lines] but everything is online,” Milagros told me in the midst of the brand’s pool party celebrating the launch of the line at the Parker Hotel Thursday night where guests splashed in the indoor pool in select styles from the collection. “This is the launch of their very first swim collection that they’re available in store. And that’s a big thing because not every plus-size body is the same! We might be the same 18, size 20, but I carry it differently than other people. “

Photo: Courtesy of JCPenney.

That’s what Milagros kept in mind as she crafted the over 20-piece collection with a range of mix and match pieces for whatever style suits the shoppers’ aesthetic, bringing a balance of sexy and conservative. The results include trendy tankinis, chic one-pieces, and bold bikinis in vibrant prints and even a few pieces of what Milagros called “little black swim” — with even more fresh styles hitting stores next month!

“Not every woman has the same type of style when it comes to swim,” she explained.  “I feel like I wanted the collection to kind of come to the middle of what was lacking, so it’s not a super cohesive collection — it’s very spread out to cater to every different type of woman.” 

Aside from the fashion-forward look of these pieces, the model made it a priority to make every strap adjustable, every swim bottom came up high enough to cinch in waists, and every inch of power mesh used was strong enough to support without ripping or snagging. By working closely with the design team, Milagros ensured that no matter their body type, shoppers could find a silhouette that flatters their figure and make them comfortable and confident.

I know that when a swimsuit fits well, they feel amazing and confident in themselves because it fits and not because of their size or anything. They just feel like they’re supported and ready to conquer!” Milagros said, who noted that owning your differences is what makes you special and that every body deserves to show off their style.

And the pieces are not solely meant to be worn poolside or at the beach. Milagros encouraged the plus-size set to incorporate the splashy pieces into their wardrobes, suggesting they rock their swimsuit with a button-down shirt and jeans an as easy everyday ensemble. “It’s all about accessorizing your swim with a sarong, a cute coverup, hats, jewelry  — the bigger the earring, the better,” she explained. “Accessorize it with a good shoe! I think that swim can be so fun, and a lot of people don’t understand that they can make it an outfit.”

Photo: Courtesy of JCPenney.

Another amazing accessory for your swimwear, according to the mega model: highlighter. Milagros loves Fenty‘s and Becca‘s brand of shimmer and says that there’s nothing quite like the glow of a good bronzing oil to make every inch of skin you decide to show look incredible. “I like to highlight all over the body,” she said. “Highlight, to me, is meant for all over the body: on your legs, your arms.”

But no matter how your style your swim, Milagros ensures there will be much more to work with as the line moves forward. Though she admits she’s a bit indecisive on the direction, she hopes to incorporate strappier pieces as well as monokinis that create the look of a bold bikini in a rainbow of hues and prints. But one thing at the top of her agenda is more sporty swimwear, pointing out a black and white crop top bikini featuring small cutouts in the top that’s expected to part of the April arrivals as an example. “Something that keeps the girls in check, something that plus-size women can wear and play volleyball, you can go out and wear it while running on the beach,”  she explained. “We are active in our swimwear too just like any other girl.”

The Boutique+ Swim collection is available right now in store and online at JCPenney with more styles hitting shelves in April!

Fashion

JCPenney Pumps Up Its Plus-Size Section with Project Runway’s Ashley Nell Tipton

ashley-nell-tipton-jcpenney

Courtesy of JCPenney via USA Today

Full-figured fashionistas rejoiced when Ashley Nell Tipton won season 14 of Project Runway. Fans couldn’t get enough of her pretty pastel palette and sheer styles that showed how plus-size fashion has evolved in recent years. And to celebrate her big win, Tipton will ensure everyone can look as cute and colorful as she does with a new collaboration with JCPenney.

The lavender-locked designer will debut her line as the first brand ambassador of JCPenney’s new Boutique+, a new line specifically for plus-size, which will bow in May. Sizes will range between 0x-4x in 500 stores nationwide while sizes up to 5x will be offered online with prices set between $12.99-$60. According to USA Today, this is just the start for the retailer, as it will also create a shop within the shop to feature more brands in addition to Tipton’s this fall.

While trendy statement pieces and fresh hues are important for any line, the fit became the top priority for Tipton, even when playing with shapes you don’t usually spot in the plus-size section. “A lot of my inspiration is what straight size women wear — why is there a disconnect from what they wear and what we can wear?” she told the publication. “I don’t want them to be invisible anymore; I want to show personality.”

And after spotting some of the preview snaps on USA Today, I honestly can’t wait! Tipton’s cool Cali aesthetic and eye for color will guarantee each piece will become a seasonal staple for everyone—including this chic tee, moto vest, and pleated skirt combo that I need ASAP—regardless of size.

Head over to USA Today to check to get up close and personal with some of the looks that will hit shelves in May.