PROJECT REAL: Chandler

Meet Chandler.

Chandler likes to bring her inner quirkiness out through her fun style. Her outfit here gives off a vintage summer vibe, which I’m totally into. She uses these vintage silhouettes to her advantage: “I’m really short (5′ even)…I’m also curvier. I tend to wear high waisted shorts or pants to compliment my waist and elongate my legs.” (Short girl tip: nude heels also elongate the legs.)

In addition to Chandler’s adorable freckles, she loves to listen to others’ points of view and helping through tough situations. I can certainly vouch for her on this–she’s listened to me endlessly this past summer.

Chandler’s style icon/role model? Kacey Musgraves. “She encourages people to be themselves–whomever that might be!” Chandler loves not only Musgraves’ style but the message she sends through her music as well.

One thing I really love about Chandler is her honesty. There’s something to be said for a woman who isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and for others, and I know I that I can always count on Chandler to be real and upfront with me from the start. All too often it is thought that a woman’s place is to be the agreeable, silent, and helpless. This is just not the case, and Chandler is a prime example of that.

So to all the short, curvy girls out there: you have the opportunity to harness an incredible power. Don’t let people look down on you. Speak your mind, be heard, and embrace all the wonderful things that come with shortness.

“Life comes in sizes, shapes, weights, colours and heights, but it all comes back to you. You can only make the best out of it when you are proud of who you are.” ~Unknown

Way to harness your girl power, Chan. And thanks for helping make this a reality! You’re a dream to work with.

Thanks for reading installment two of Project Real! Stay tuned for more Real Girls, coming soon.

Photography: Ruel and Erin Oquindo

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Much love,

Erin