Why You Should Spend More Time Thinking About Fashion Nova Curve

[Mcnicholas Dung]

Perhaps, without noticing, you've double-tapped a Fashion Nova look during the hours you've spent mindlessly scrolling through Instagram. Take a moment to remember the last time you saw an Insta-pal (whether a celebrity or a social media influencer or a friend) pictured in absurdly high-waisted jeans with pre-made holes large enough to squeeze a cantaloupe through. Maybe they were wearing a two piece athleisure set that was so elegant it was meant to be worn for club purposes, rather than running errands.

Fashion Nova sells fast fashion at its fastest -- if you're within 40 miles of their warehouse, they'll have a Postmate deliver your online order -- and specializes in styles that would make your mother ask you if you're "sure" you'd want to go out in them. There are five brick-and mortar stores in California in addition to the online store. This brand has fascinated me for the past year, ever since I noticed its social media omnipresence. More than 5,000 Instagram influencers work with the brand. They represent every level in modern-day fame. Baddie Winkle and Danielle "Cash Me Outside” Bregoli have posted photos of themselves wearing Fashion Nova.

"A post from Kylie's page is better than any Super Bowl ad," Fashion Nova CEO Richard Saghian told me. Saghian claims that if she posts a photo of her in Fashion Nova to Instagram, as well as to Twitter and Facebook, it is an "apocalypse." He is serious about this. Fashion Nova influencers are often given free clothes. Jenner, however, is valued enough to receive a salary. Saghian refused to disclose the amount of her fee. According to him, one of her posts could generate sales of up to $50,000.

Although it's not surprising that many people will pay a lot to be Kylie Jenner, sheer metallic slip dresses don't look as fashionable as lip products. I wanted to know whether a normal citizen with a full-time job could navigate the world in Instagram clothes. What would Fashion Nova do in the world outside of Calabasas, Mexico? Would it be possible to dress like a Kardashian on a budget, while still feeling comfortable enough to leave my home?

The only way to find out was to try it for myself.

Preparation

Finding outfits that fit my measurements was the hardest part of finding outfits. Talking to Saghian, I discovered that Fashion Nova uses juniors sizes. They offer the odd numbers 1-15 as well as 1,2, and 3X options. Since elementary school, I didn't know what juniors sizing meant. This was especially true when it came time to the clothes on a model that looked like she was conceived and had been born in a trainer. To determine what size 28/29 means in Fashion Nova, I used their size chart as well as online message boards. For those wondering, it means a size 7/9. I went with 9, just to be sure.

Because I wanted to be on the safe side, I ordered a lot, and some of the clothes didn't fit or seemed to be incomplete. One pair of jeans that I ordered was too long for my upper thighs; a bodysuit wouldn't fit my back; and a sweater dress in sheer rose-gold came with no garment underneath. I was fine with tossing the dress aside, because just touching its synthetic and not-at-all-sweater-like material made me feel as though my body would turn into one giant hive. The jeans, on the other hand, could have become an integral part of my wardrobe, so that was a bummer. They fit like a glove on my sister, Fashion Nova size 1.

Day One: Casual Moment

My first look was casual, but cool. I wore a "band" tee with a fake band name, which I could not understand, and Fashion Nova's most coveted denim, the Glistening Jeans. Both the jeans as well as the tee had large holes. I get all of my packages sent to work, so I had a chance to warn a few people about the Fashion Nova journey I was embarking on; however, not even they were prepared to look me in the eye like a contributing member of society when I walked into the office the next day in a top that looked roughly like this:

The jeans were what I loved about this outfit. The fit is amazing: It could be the Lycra, or the nonconstricting-yet-very-slimming high waist, but I don't think I've ever worn more comfortable jeans. Tight in all of the right places, they hiked up my bottom, cinched my waist, and even offered a ton of mobility in terms of stretching and trying out squatting poses for the 'gram. The holes in both the top and the jeans did leave little to the imagination, though, despite the fact that I was technically almost 100 percent covered.

Although I love being noticed, the attention I received in this look nearly convinced me to abandon my Fashion Nova mission before sunset. Who knows if it was the V-neck top that was cut to my navel or the upper portion of my exposed thighs, but I had gentlemen part ways for me in the street like I was your boy Moses, offer me a seat on the train, and just full-on gawk. I also accidentally exposed my breast to my accountant. Like a proud 20-something who's got her own and will use her money as she pleases, I dropped off my taxes in this look! You can be grateful that you have never had to discuss write-offs while trying your best to get your boob in the right place inside your bra.

Insta-Influencer Vibes: 2 out of 5

Day Two: Body-con Moment

I accidentally exposed myself in Fashion Nova and I waited till the weekend to finally wear the look that I was most excited about: Kylie Jenner's dress in this Instagram photo.

It is simple, black, body-con and short. The dress is also double-lined, which made it feel and fit like something higher-quality, and which made up for the fact that I couldn't bend over or lift my arms above my head for fear of flashing yet another population of innocent bystanders. Kylie wore her dress with an oversized heel. I chose to pair my look with stockings and Fashion Nova boots because I have to live a more practical lifestyle, which includes public transit and encounters with the weather. This bitch looked terrible in the dress, and I'm not trying to be too cocky.

I fully intended to take it to the club, but the closest I could get to one was my cousin's 22nd birthday party at a bar. When I walked in, you would have thought I was North West in a corset by the bemused, intrigued reactions. I took it in stride. Before even making it to the vicinity of the bar, I was asked by multiple gentlemen if they could have the honor of buying me a drink, which is harmless, but I also noticed a trend of guys thinking it was perfectly okay to grab my waist or hip when trying to "squeeze" by me throughout the night.

The outfit proved to be both hot and comfortable, even if Fashion Nova Style its tightness and shortness forced me to make miniature and well-thought-out movements, like royalty or a doll -- basically my two favorite things. Two friends and one family member were encouraged to admit that they had secretly been eyeing Fashion Nova. One of her friends had saved looks to her phone, but she wasn't ashamed to buy Fashion Nova clothes. My example inspired her to pursue her Fashion Nova goals! And my cousin confessed to owning a Fashion Nova bomber jacket. Literally, I am changing people's lives and wardrobes.

Insta-Influencer Vibes: 4 out of 5

Day Three: Torn-Up Moment

Inspired by the weekend, I wanted to start the week on a Fashion Nova high, so I pulled the riskiest "work" look from my bag of Fashion Nova tricks. My usual outfit for work is a sweatshirt, jeans and Adidas or Chucks. It's very casual, but I love to "dress it up." This made this look, my uniform, even more exciting/terrifying. On a Monday morning, I got up and put on another (but very different) pair of ripped black jeans with this Justine top:

The look seems simple, but I assure you it is not. It took me nearly 90 seconds to get the sweatshirt on, and even with a thick tank under, it still raised some eyebrows. It looked like I'd made a pit stop in the morning to be properly mauled and beaten by a tiger. Basically, it was very uncomfortable.

I'm lucky enough to work with my sister, who spent the majority of the day shadowing me around the office, telling anyone that I tried to avoid, "She's embarrassed, she's wearing Instagram clothes." I was also asked to stand and twirl for some office-mates so they could fully take in how bizarre I looked and wonder why I choose to darken the door of work in such an ensemble.

The jeans fit very well, but the holes were manufactured in a way that left tiny, thin strings cutting into my legs and drawing blood and causing marks that I'm hoping will one day leave my body. That night, I went home alone, wishing Fashion Nova never had existed.

Insta-Influencer Vibes - 3.5 out 5

Day Four: Athleisure Movement

But I wanted to take one more look. This look, which is a classic athleisure moment if you like -- was my favorite of all the looks. After seeing this Wanderlust look