Darling Nicky, Colourful and Caribbean

Occupation: Entertainment writer/reporter
Stats: Age 34, Size 10-12

Her style: I am practical with my style and cut, and experimental with colour. You will not see me attempt a bare midriff (I am a mother of two) or super short shorts. I like flattering dresses in either bold solid colours with a little bit of jewellery or a colourful pattern with minimal jewellery.

Inspired by: Halle Berry. I really admire her great awareness of what looks best on her. She knows the fashion formula. Another inspiration would be Beyoncé. She’s very curvy, as am I. She knows her body and takes risks with colour.

Her body image obstacles: I grew up in an all white neighborhood, where my beauty was not appreciated by most. I have this painful memory of being in Grade 6 and having the cutest and most popular boy in the entire school tease me because my thighs were comparably thicker than all my white friends.

On confidence: My confidence to pull off my looks is about being myself. I wear my inner attitude on the outside. So if you know me, I believe it is very transparent that my wardrobe and my personality are in direct correlation.

On changes in the fashion industry: We have seen a huge shift in North America regarding whom we identify as fashion icons. Kim Kardashian: curvy. Scarlett Johansson: curvy too. Mary J. Blige: yep, curvy. And Queen Latifah: very curvy. They’re all now influencing the beauty and fashion industries, which bodes well for the majority of us.

Shopping tips: When you find something that flatters your body shape, buy more than one! Get it in a base colour, and get it in a bold one. You can double your wardrobe, with half the headache.

Secret style weapon: I rock with a flower in my hair everywhere I go! I am highly inspired by my Caribbean background, and island girls tend to embrace a bold colour palette.

Loves fashion because: It is a declaration of who I am and what I am feeling. When I wear spring colours or floral prints, it’s because I feel fresh and energetic. When I wear denim with studded shirts and belts, I’m probably feeling a little edgy. When I like what I am wearing, I’m ready for whatever the day has to offer.

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