The Model and Me: Bohemian Traders autumn-winter 2020

You guys! I’m coming up to 10 years this year of serving up Model and Me posts for you. Yes, I’ve been at this old blogging game since before Instagram! My Model and Me concept is one that has stood the test of time in a social media world that’s all about the quick scroll.

The reason I started these posts remains the same as why I continue to create them. Back in 2010 I was so, so tired of seeing fashion on people who did not look like me. Back then I was also seeing personal styling clients. I would point to a campaign image in a store and suggest the client try on what that model in the image was wearing. Most shook their head and said they couldn’t wear what she was wearing. They could not visualise themselves in those garments because they looked nothing like the model … like 90% of us 🤦‍♀️.

These real-women moments really did underline for me the huge disconnect between fashion designers and retailers and the people they were trying to entice to buy their garments.

This disconnect still exists but we’ve come a long, long way in 10 years. Everyday, Instagram and the #everydaystyle community I kickstarted in 2013, specifically dish out style inspiration on women of all ages, shapes and sizes. And more and more brands are on board, changing up their own marketing, showcasing designs on more than one body shape.

My passion for size diversity in fashion marketing runs deep, so deep that I’ve invested heavily in showcasing our own label’s designs on every size that we stock. 

So, as we begin another fashion season of Model and Me posts, featuring designs by fellow independent fashion labels, I’d love you to join me in supporting these retailers. And if you see a retailer in fashion land not showing their clothes on a diverse range of models, why not send them a message asking them to consider doing so in the future? Together, with small steps we can make a big difference.

… I love that I’m kicking off 2020 with a Model and Me posts from a label that I’ve supported here since it launched in 2014, Bohemian Traders.

I love the boho aesthetic and love that the label repeats so many of its popular shapes in new colours and patterns. This billow-sleeve maxi style is one that that just works for my body shape … and check out this fabulous mustard colour. 

The model

Bohemian Traders Billow Sleeve Maxi in mustard

and me

Bohemian Traders billow-sleeve maxi dress (I’m in M) | Arlington Milne bag from Add to Cart | FRANKiE4 Footwear MiM sneakers in blonde

I first fell in love with this shape in the shorter style. The bust line, billow sleeve and tiered skirt just works for my shape. I do size down at least one size because there is a lot of fabric in this style. You can adjust the tie to make it sit as tightly or loosely as you’d like. 

I love the colour of this rayon fabric – I have a thing for mustard! And I love that this has the textured pattern for added interest.

For me, a dress like this is ideal for taking you from now (when it still feels like summer) through to the cooler months when you can layer it with leggings and boots. For now, I’ll add sneakers (love my FRANKiE4 MiM in blonde for an alternative to white) for a weekend look or wedges for an “out to lunch” outfit. 

Sometimes when I’m wearing a block colour, I feel like it’s a whole lot of colour potentially wearing me. Solution? A cross-body bag like the one here – it makes an accessory statement like no other.

So, tell me, how long have you been reading Model and Me posts on Styling You? Were you around for the first one? Love a pop of mustard?

This post contains garments and product gifted to me for editorial consideration. It also contains affiliate commission links.