Tailored Work and Cocktail-wear for the Real Woman – My Experience with Ava James NYC

This post was sponsored by Ava James NYC. The opinions are my own.

To my women with curves (AKA average-sized women!): tell me I’m not alone in this struggle. Whether for the office or a nice event (a benefit dinner, wedding, what have you), I personally love looks that are pulled together. This means high quality fabrics, tailored cuts, and of course, chic and fashionable styles. The struggle I have found is finding many options that fit a curvier frame. As much as I hate to admit it, several of my favorite brands style-wise don’t go beyond a size 12 (crazy, since the average American woman is a size 14!). Options for nicer clothes in bigger sizes are just limited, or over-compensate with bagginess and boxiness. This very real struggle is why I was so excited to partner with brand new clothing brand Ava James NYC.

Ava James NYC, whose website just launched, was founded to solve this struggle for women like me. Modern women, lady bosses, busy moms, who want to look sharp and not be restricted by choices due to our size. Women who like to invest in quality pieces for their wardrobe and trust that they will not only fit well and look good, but last. Women who don’t want to cover and hide our curvy, real bodies, but instead wear pieces that hug the curves just right… showing just the right amount of skin to still look and feel classy.

With clothes exclusively for sizes 12 – 18, Ava James NYC is filling a shockingly big gap for women. Made in Manhattan, their inaugural line is sophisticated and well-made. This is not fast-fashion, but classically and meticulously made garments. They have so many lovely pieces that I would wear with pleasure to business meetings or events that it was hard for me to decide what to try for myself (seriously, check their website – their pieces are stunning!).

At the co-founder’s recommendation based on my style, I tried the classic New York dress in Iron Gray and White. Trendy drapiness in soft but sleek colors make this dress stand out in all the right ways. It has sufficient coverage to not be inappropriate, while also showing enough skin so that I feel like the stylish, young woman that I strive to present. This quality piece is lined but includes slits for comfort and movement (hello, dancing!). The ruching and wrap-details are uber flattering – seriously, no Spanx needed! 

Some of the other Ava James NYC pieces that I also think are stunning (and am thrilled are available in real women’s sizes) are the Berlin dress (the back on this one, tho!) and the Chicago dress (the wide V-neckline is so chic).

Whether you’re looking for some new key pieces in your work wardrobe, a dress for fall weddings or winter gala events, or a chic outfit for a holiday party, I recommend you check out Ava James NYC. Give them a follow on social media too so you can stay up to date with new collection launches! You can find @avajamesnyc on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.