I need to put myself on a summer reading list. I used to despise summer reading when it was mandatory in school. But now? I see it as a way to come back to myself. I’m constantly learning who I am and why I move the way I do — and reading has become one of the most beautiful mirrors for that.
The book I’ve been taking my sweet time with is How to Build a Fashion Icon by Law Roach. I’ve reread chapters more than once because whew. I originally spotted it while on a solo date and wanted to grab it for myself, but it back on the shelf. Luckily, my good good girlfriend Dani surprised me with it for my birthday.
It took me two months to actually crack it open (I was finishing another book at the time), but now that I’m on the final chapter, I feel ready to really sit with it and answer the questions it poses.
I already see myself as a fashion icon. Not just because I say so (although let’s be real — that is what matters. You’ve got to believe it to see it, and see it to achieve it… or however that inspirational poster with the polar bear said it).
I placed myself in the fashion industry the day I launched SOACG.
I’ve learned a lot — and I’m still learning. People know who I am… but not enough.
My name will be in lights. No one’s going to stop me.
You’ll see, I will go farrrrrrr. Jonice Moooooody, Jonice Moooooody!
(IYKYK 😌)
Anyway, what I’m trying to say is: I really do believe my purpose is in fashion.
The lane may switch from time to time, but I know where my heart lives. So if I know who I am — and I know what I’m here to do — why wouldn’t I absorb every bit of wisdom that helps me grow?
Especially with the rebrand happening behind the scenes (more on that later 👀).
“Before you start thinking of any of the clothes that you think will make you a fashion icon, it’s important to understand that the clothing is just a form of communication.”
That line from Law Roach lives rent-free in my head. Ever since I was a stylist at Fashion to Figure, I knew and felt that. There was a quote on all the mirrors at FTF that stuck with me:
“You should never ask women to conform their figures to fashion, but rather bring fashion to the figure.”
I didn’t know it back when I was a third grader dreaming of being a fashion designer, but it made itself known as I got older.
In 2020, while working at a small boutique, I watched plus-size women try to squeeze into clothes that were cute but clearly not made for them — and it made my skin crawl. They just wanted to let the world know they looked good. But no amount of tummy control or waist trainers should be the cost of that.
That lit a fire in me to start the boutique. I knew that if I could provide clothes that made plus-size women feel good while looking good, my job would be complete.
Now, five years later, I feel the need to tap back into that mission — to bring fashion to the figure. Because what’s being offered by some vendors right now? It’s not enough. From mismatched prints to overwhelming designs, I refuse to force my SOACG Baes to accept the bare minimum.
I don’t want you to feel like you’re buying something just because it’s available and in your size.
I want you to feel like you’re stepping into your main character moment — the kind of moment you never forget, the kind you want to wear again and again. The kind where it truly speaks for you without miscommunication.
You shouldn’t have to settle in life. And when it comes to SOACG, I won’t let you.
In the book, Law talks about reviewing the archives. So I asked myself: what are some of my favorite looks? What stories live behind them?
When it comes to SOACG, my all-time favorite will always be Eden.
That dress sold out the quickest, and whenever I wear her, I feel like the baddest, best-dressed person in any room. It’s the way she holds my chest and shows it off. The way she moves — like I’m floating. The print was bright, bold, and not your average floral. She makes me feel feminine and unforgettable.
To this day, if I’m not having a great one, I throw her on because she reminds me that I’m that girl.
Outside of SOACG, my favorite piece is Izzy by Hanifa.
I own a few Hanifa pieces, but Izzy? She does it for me like Eden does. She’s short, fully knit, with the cutest ruffles at the bottom — I truly feel like a flower in bloom. I’ve worn her to concerts, night out (the country), birthday dinners — all the things.
Lately, I’ve been getting in the habit of not waiting for a special occasion to wear the things I love. These two dresses have been those pieces for me and I want more pieces like that in my wardrobe. I recently went shopping and spotted a dress I fell in love with the minute I walked in. Clearly you see a pattern here, right? lol I shopped the clearance rack, but before checking out, I went back and got her. And instead of letting her sit in my closet, I’m wearing her soon. I already know she’s going to make me feel like Eden and Izzy do.
So, what’s that one piece or outfit that you can’t get enough of?
Find it — then build around that silhouette, that color, that feeling. It’ll change your whole perspective on what to shop for next.
Next up, I’m going deeper into the book and into what else it takes to become a fashion icon.
See you in the next one.
Xoxo, Jonice 💋
Styles of a Curvy Girl 