To some, style is trivial, but for this particular Erzulliesta, it was the tool that helped her solidify her identity, find the strength within and the confidence to go out there and live. Meet Erzulliesta Nikki, a 25 year old, business telephone banker and know how style has changed her life and made her fall even more in love with it.
#1 We follow you in your feed and absolutely love the way you fierce up your curves. Can you tell us more about your style?
I think I am more of a chameleon and can pretty much do different looks depending on how I feel that day. My range would be something from sweet and girly to something tough and edgy.
I would usually wear something that helps me encourage myself about how I look - a great pair of 6-inch platform booties to help me stand tall with confidence to fight such a gloomy feeling. When I feel inspired, I usually do my fashion experiments.
#2 So how did you arrive at this particular style?
Before, my style can be described as “SAFE”. I just stayed in nude shades safe cuts and tailored pieces. My current style came about through experimenting! I know I make it sound like rocket science, but Fashion is a lot complicated than what other people think. It needs to be thought of a lot (color combination, pattern matching, layering and accessorizing). Through time, I think my style changed a lot. I now go for fun and flowy pieces. These pieces make me feel confident and approachable.
#3 Speaking of flowy pieces, the first Erzullie item that you bought was just like that right?
Yes. The floral top they had. It is the very first item that caught my attention first of all its pattern is very nice and the straps that it had made it unique to a normal top. It is also one of my favorite items. I usually wear it with a pair of lace shorts and nude heels or a pair of nice jeans. The item is very versatile.
#4 How did you find out about Erzullie?
Back in 2013, I discovered Erzullie when I was shopping in a bazaar in Rockwell Powerplant. What made me go to that specific booth is that they specialized in plus size fashion which is rare to find especially here in the Philippines. I always found it hard to find outfits that fit my size since I'm top heavy almost all sized in the stores I go to in the mall don’t carry it.
#5 How did this “discovery” led you to being a fierce plus size woman? Any life lesson that you can dispense to other Erzulliestas?
I know I'm just at the beginning of my journey. I'm still in the process of my metamorphosis and changes are still on-going. At the moment I'm still trying to find out a lot of things about myself and hoping to find MORE happiness to come in my life.
Fashion helped me a lot by making me confident regarding how I look. Believe it or not, before fashion was incorporated with my life, I was very insecure and I lacked confidence because a lot of people think I was someone who is wasting away. I'm glad that fashion helped me go through that rough patch in my life, and helped me stand on my own two feet with pride and confidence.
If there is any advice that I can dispense to a fellow Erzulliesta based on my journey, it would be to never be discouraged no matter what size you have. You just have to make sure that you learn to love yourself and just have fun, work whatever outfit choices you think match your personality.
Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com
