Fashion & Flat Whites: Karen Catete
Karen looking fabulous in this outfit that she styled with mostly thrifted pieces!
How has your style defined you?
My style has defined me as a free spirit. I wear what I want and I don't care if it is not "age appropriate.' If it make me smile or feel beautiful, that is what matters.
Who would you say your style icon is?
I have many style icons, including Sophia Loren, Janice Joplin, and the Pin-up girls from the 40's.
How long have you been interested in fashion, and what inspired your interest?
I’ve been interested in fashion ever since I was a young child. We were poor when I was growing up in California, despite my father working 2 jobs. I remember my parents shopping in the Thrift stores in the 60's, so I would have probably been 8 or 9. But the formal gowns for the Prom or Formal events were where I would go. I was always in awe at how beautiful those dresses were, and dreamed of the day when I could own one.
“I used to always look at fashion on Pinterest for inspiration and try to match it for my self. But now I turn to Mys Tyler for my inspiration.”
Can you tell us about your journey to body confidence?
I don't really know that I have body confidence. I still want to hide my arms and stomach. I pick clothes that are more designed to help disguise these areas. I admire those ladies who are confident in showing their tummies. I have fluctuated in weight and sizes, from size 26/28 to size 14, and now size 18. My weight has been a struggle for me all my adult life, but this has not stopped me from wearing bright and colorful clothing. I am just more careful about the cut of the clothing.
What's your profession, and how does what you wear impact your professional life?
I am a nurse for 40 years. I have worked in many areas. I worked in geriatric, I worked as wound care nurse for 12 years, I even worked in a Maximum Security Prison for a short period. I was a Nursing Director in an Assisted living Facility. I then received my Administrators License and was the Executive Director of an Assisted Living Facility. As the Director, I dressed in Business attire. I loved this because I could pick that fashion I loved. Before this, my nursing required me to wear a uniform.
How did you find out about Mys Tyler?
I discovered Mys Tyler on Facebook. I loved the concept. I have always wished the fashion industry would have models of all sizes, and that they would design cute fashion for sizes over US10.
How has using Mys Tyler impacted you?
Honestly it has taken the place of Pinterest. I used to always look at fashion on Pinterest for inspiration and try to match it for my self. But now I turn to Mys Tyler for my inspiration.
Have you enjoyed being a Contributor of Mys Tyler inspiring women?
Yes being a Contributor came into my life in the right season.
Loving this look! Karen styled a button-down dress as a duster with denim and a black cami underneath. So fun!
What's one fashion hack you love?
I love an A-line dress and a head scarf!
What’s the perfect formula for a feel-good outfit?
It would be something Boho, or Bright colors, or a flowy dress.
What do you hope the future of fashion will look like?
I hope the future of fashion is real women, real sizes, and no age limit.
Peace, love, and flower crowns!
Karen is one of Mys Tyler’s Contributors, inspiring women across the world with her free-spirit style. You can follow Karen on Mys Tyler to be inspired below!
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