Plus Size Men’s Blogger, Chops Runs The City In Style.
Chops
Photo credit: @chopsinthecity/Instagram
Chops is promoting body positivity and showing plus size men that they can also be stylish no matter their size.
As soon as you get to his Instagram (@chopsinthecity) you are captivated by Chops’ charming smile, bright photos and of course his personal style. From collaborations with brands like BadRhino, a menswear brand specializing in big and tall men’s clothing. To features on TikTok with Marcus Milione, founder of the Jewelry brand Minted New York; who recently featured Chops, to provide tips on outfit principles for the larger guy. It’s exciting to see Chops run the city in style but also become an authentic resource for the big and tall man. Thus, Shapely is excited to feature Chops as our Fatshionable style icon this month. In this interview, learn everything from what inspires his style and how he is giving back — the Chops way.
What inspires your style?
I’m known for doing outfit challenges where I’ll put together a look inspired by an album for instance, Patrick Star or Kanye West’s album are sources of inspiration. Nevertheless, many people may not know this but I have a BFA in New Media & Design. I often utilize my design skills and use that as inspiration when I’m getting dressed or go shopping. To me, picking an outfit is similar to creating a logo. When creating a logo and branding for a business, you have to choose which colors will represent the business and you have to keep in mind the feeling that those colors may communicate to potential customers. I use this same principle for my own style. For instance, I may have a rust colored flannel that I want to wear. Most people may pair that with black or dark denim and call it a day. On the other hand, I may say “Hey, dark brown is in the same monochromatic color palette as rust so maybe I can do some nice brown slacks. Also, I know that teal is similar to a color on rust’s complementary color palette so maybe I can do a teal fisherman beanie or some teal Chuck Taylor Converse. To avoid over doing it, I may add this element in moderation for a nice pop.” These are the considerations I make when getting dressed. I always want to spice things up in order to push my style and self-expression.
This month Shapely is focused on giving back. In what ways do you give back?
This may sound weird to some but creating my own content is how I give back. I know it may seem as if I just like getting dressed and taking pictures but it’s so much more to it. Over the years, I’ve been 350, 370, and even 403 pounds. I’ve also been in some pretty dark places where I felt trapped in a body in which I couldn’t fully express myself. Before entering my style journey, I got sucked in a hole of just wearing Dickies Pocket Tees and Dickies 874 Work Pants because I felt like those were my only options.
On the other hand, if anyone spoke to me long enough they would notice that I have a big personality. Thus, not being able to dress like my personality really messed with me mentally on top of everything else I was dealing with. In short, I know that there’s people who follow me or who are reading this now that feel how I once felt. I post my outfits and I tag these brands to let people know that there are options. You can get dressed up, get fly and feel great about yourself. Up until last year, I’ve always wanted a pair of pants that weren’t black, blue, grey or some variation of grey. One day, a friend of mine told me about a brand called Big Bud Press and it literally changed my life. I was able to get a pair of green pants that fit my size 54 waist perfectly — I literally was so happy! Overall, my goal is to pay this good feeling forward.
What can people learn from plus size bloggers, like yourself?
Again, I really hope that people learn that there are options. To me, fashion is important because it makes you feel good and when I feel good, I’m a much better person overall. Fashion is definitely a form of self-expression and as a very expressive person, I need to be able to express myself. I hope plus size men and women learn that your size does not have to hold you back from expressing yourself through your style. As a plus size model, I educate my audience on where to find stylish clothes, how they look on a bigger body and I try to promote experimentation. A lot of people are stuck in the neutral color wardrobe box. Nothing wrong with that but there are so many more options when you just step out of your comfort zone and my goal is to encourage more of that!
“I hope plus size men and women learn that your size does not have to hold you back from expressing yourself through your style.”
Give us three principles that you live by that have added to your success?
Here are three quotes that I’ve studied and have been telling myself to get me through the toughest times:
“Get out of your own way.” It’s a very simple statement but I genuinely feel like the only thing that hold us back 75% of the times is ourselves. If we can get out of our own way, that already eliminates more than half your chances of succeeding.
“When you start improving yourself and reaching new levels, you’re going to lose some people and that’s okay.” On the surface, it may sound harsh and a little sad but it’s the truth. I’ve had so many friends betray me or switch up. I learned that people come in your lives for particular reasons and when it’s their time to go, it’s their time to go. Learn from the situation and use it on your next journey.
“Don’t argue with the universe.” Everything happens for a reason. Listen to your intuition and your gut. Pay attention and read all the signs. When the universe is pushing you one way, stop fighting it and trying to see what’s around the other corner. The universe is trying to protect and guide you. However, if you put up enough fight, the universe will let you go around that other corner and let you fully experience what it was trying to protect you from. In short, don’t argue with the universe.
To learn more about Chop feel free to follow him on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
If you would like to be featured as a Fatshionable style icon, please email Shapely at info@shapelyevents.com.
