STYLE ICON: HILDA THE PLUS SIZE PIN-UP

Plus Size Style Icon is a fashion series inspired by kick-ass women we love in pop culture. They may or may not be plus size themselves but GUESS WHAT? You can wear their look no matter your size because plus women deserve to rock whatever goddamn style they want. So rock it. ROCK IT HARD. If you missed the other Plus-Size Icon Posts... fix that! They include: Ms. Frizzle, Peggy Carter, Miss Fisher (my favorite), Beth Ditto, Felicity Smoak (the Internet's favorite), and Eloise.

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Allow me to introduce you to one of the sexiest women to never exist: Hilda the original plus-size pin-up. The following is an obsessive exploration of her pretend life and wardrobe... and it may be a liiiiiiittle over the top. Not that its a bad thing, but you've been properly warned.

Hilda was visual magic created by Duane Byers in 1957 for a Bigalow & Brown calendar and she challenged the conventional pin-up for more than 20 years. I distinctly remember coming across her years ago and instantly knowing that if she was a real person... we would have been best friends. 

Not only was she gorgeous, but she was also a stylin' maven with fashion sense to spare. I've spent an unhealthy amount of time researching plus clothing options for us so that we can channel her all summer long! I must say- it was nearly impossible to find similar outfits that were both available, adorable, and appropriately sized. I cursed the clothing industry for hours, but after finishing I felt quite pleased with myself. So- be babely now, and thank me later. All image links run clockwise; enjoy the experience. Three cheers for being undeniably fat and sexy!

"Off to the races" straw hat//vintage inspired one piece//coral straw hat//red gingham two piece//red and white polka dot bikini

Yellow bandeau bikini// high waisted yellow polka dot bikini ///custom size yellow halter suit

Blue gingham bow///Gingham two-piece suit

Marabou slippers//baby doll slip//full vintage lace slip//kickass fix-it manual from 1951

Pale blue parasol//just use a sharpie!//...or iron on appliques//white underwire bikini//white retro two piece suit

Daisy chain headband//oil painting kit//nudity is optional, but highly recommended 

Denim shorts//bright blue polka dot bikini//rope belt//teal bikini top//tied blue polka dot halter top 

I took the liberty of selecting a few extra accessories that I have a feeling Hilda would have loved. I used to own a petal cap like the one below... and I now regret not joining a fatty synchronized swim team like this one to properly show it off!

Blue lace bandeau two piece//latex petal swim cap//floral chiffon scarf//killer sunglasses//vintage leather pumps//the most cheerful swim cap in existence

Vintage chiffon hair scarves are a summer must (if you're into that kind of thing) and you can watch a great tutorial video here if you have questions.

And lastly, lets just take a moment to admire this painting of beautiful Hilda who fell asleep while reading a poetry book and eating crackers in bed. No shame here; just the sweetest smile as she dreams about her next picnic adventure.

I just love her. 

Tell me: who is your favorite pin-up? And who would you style your wardrobe after?