In a world where the fashion elite proclaims beauty is only for the thin and markets clothing to the 0-12 size range, the average woman is a size 14! Gabi, the creator of Young Fat & Fabulous, has become a role model to many curvier girls who want to look cute and stylish in clothes that are not frumpy. The misconception is most plus sized clothing is “tent like” and “shapeless”. Gabi has shot down those titles and has become quite the fashionista by, making her own style rules and finding clothes that fit her frame and compliment her figure.Her style ranges from urban sophisticate to playful glamour and she pairs finds from known bargain staple havens like H&M with thrift store gems. YFF is not just about clothes Gabi exudes a true confidence and has become a voice for her generation.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Why did you start your blog Young, Fat & Fabulous?
I love fashion, and growing up I noticed that magazines and blogs never catered to me. Everything out there about plus size fashion was usually targeted for women over 30. I wanted to make a blog for young, trendy fat girls. I want my outfits and articles to inspire other young women and show them that it is possible to be fat and fabulous.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What are your ultimate career goals?
I’m only 22, so I’m not entirely sure, but it would be amazing to eventually pursue fashion journalism and write for a mainstream women’s magazine. I’d also love to get more into styling and even designing. I’ve had some styling experience on photo shoots, but it would be great to make it into a full-time career.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: In a recent segment on Good Morning America you talked about your history of yo-yo dieting. You received a lot of emails proclaiming you were “promoting an unhealthy lifestyle” how do you maintain a great attitude and confidence, without letting the heat of naysayers get you down?
Sometimes it can be hard, but as cheesy as it sounds, I remind myself that even if I am inspiring one young girl out there, it’s worth it. I get some negative feedback, but I receive emails from women all over the world everyday thanking me for doing what I do, and that’s what keeps me going. I know that women of all ages are looking up to me and realizing it’s okay to love themselves even if they are not thin—if I can help promote that message, then I am happy to do so.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Are you a native New Yorker? If not why (to you) is NYC such an inspiring city to work and play?

I am not a native New Yorker at all! I am originally from Detroit, Michigan (which I love), I just moved to NYC, but I am still a midwestern girl at heart. New York is absolutely amazing–there is nothing like it. It’s the ultimate playground; nothing ever closes, everyone is beautiful and fashionable and important, it’s like one big cocktail party. The people here are so diverse, I love walking down the block and hearing 10 different languages and seeing everyone’s personal style, it’s truly inspiring. It’s really tough to find a job here, even though it’s supposed to be the city of opportunity. Everyone is hustling, it’s really competitive, and not to mention it’s super expensive.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What fashion lines are great for the plus size ladies that you love that are not frumpy but fashionable?
I really like what the overseas retailers have to offer; they seem to be more fashion forward in their designs. Evans, CarmaKoma, and Dorothy Perkins are some of my favorites.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What celebrity or non-celebrity exudes the style that makes you say wow?
Most definitely Beth Ditto. [Of the group The Gossip] She is crazy, and sometimes she wears heinous outfits, but other times, she looks absolutely superb. I love her for being herself and taking risks. That’s really what fashion should be about: expressing yourself.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Do you thing Fat Fashion Week (held recently) will ever get the recognition as its counterpart? Why or Why not?
I thought the fashion that was showcased was, for the most part, nice. It was not mind-blowing or original, though. I think that the producers and everyone involved did a great job and worked hard, but I was not impressed with the designs themselves. That is not to say they were ugly, but they in no way compared to the clothing that high fashion designers showcase at New York Fashion Week. I do think that one-day (maybe even relatively soon), high fashion will be available to plus sizes…but overall, we aren’t there yet.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: In your own words, what is your style and substance?
Style and substance is about inner beauty, knowing that you are fabulous, and exuding confidence. It’s about balancing fashion with brains, and knowing that there is more to life than looking good. It’s great to have a gorgeous new dress, but that doesn’t mean much if you don’t have a matching personality.

Photo Credit(s): Gabi personal photos from youngfatandfabulous.com.