remember when we wrote about the new hdh plus collection? well, erica got her hands on the new cole jumper for her very first outfit post, and we are both super excited. but i don’t want to do her talking for her, so here is what erica has to say about her look:

“when i first heard about the collection i was basically counting the days till i could get my hands on a piece. the plus size market is still something that is emerging and it is really exciting to see what designers are starting to offer. hackwith’s mission of creating timeless and special clothes made almost specifically for you is a rare find in a market saturated with the latest trends. when i saw the cole jumper, i knew that it was something i had to try. my sister’s jumper obsession had me intrigued. they offer such versatility and ease of wear.  i had seen a few on the market, but none that called to me or seemed like something approachable.

it was a little intimidating slipping into the jumper for the first time. my mid-section is always a place i tend to cover up with multiple layers – there was no hiding in this garment.  as the moment of truth approached, those tiny little butterflies in my tummy started flapping, the tension was building…. all for me to be over-joyed at the wearability! the fabric draped nicely. i didn’t feel the need to constantly cover my major trouble area. the belt gave me the flexibility to highlight my waist for a more feminine feel. i felt really pulled together with my hair down and a little lipstick. and once i rolled up the sleeves a little and tied up my hair, it felt like one of those great pieces i could throw on to run errands or grab lunch.

overall, i know this piece will become a wardrobe staple.  and i learned a few things along the way. one, no matter what you may think your trouble area is, it’s worth it to take a chance and try something new. if it doesn’t work, hey, at least you tried and you just might be pleasantly surprised. two, for a long time being plus-sized really held me back. i shied away from photos, and limited my time spent in a mall or looking for clothes. shrinking from style instead of embracing it. but doing something out of your norm is always good. life is short, too short for anything to hold you back from living it!”

erica is wearing:
navy cole jumper courtesy of hackwith design house
clare v. kenya bag
sandals found at marshalls

a slightly more casual version of the look. a top knot and rolled sleeves because we shot these pictures in 100 degree weather!