LB: I’ve had the opportunity of actually visiting your store previously and I must say that I was excited and enthused about the whole aspect of Re/Dress NYC – it looks like a fashion playground with all the looks from different eras and all the accessories. As I walked through the store I noticed many racks that had some up to date and some past season clothes, shoes, handbags - I saw tutus on the walls and comfy cheetah sofas. So let me ask you this, what was your inspiration for starting a store like this?

DM: NYC is supposed to be the “fashion capital” of the United States and there are only a few stores like Buffalo Exchange and Beacon’s Closet that sell a mix of vintage and contemporary clothes in an environmental and budget friendly way for resale but they only go up to a size large – the only thing I could ever buy was accessories – in those stores – they didn’t carry my size. On a mission to serve the under – served I created Re/Dress NYC - where we specifically carry size large and above and in our vintage collection we start at a modern 10. In addition, we offer both buying and selling opportunities. So I’m like yeah, I know that there are tons of clothing out there how do I create a shopping experience that is going to be really exciting dynamic, affordable, and fulfill everybody’s needs. So I said let’s make the only plus size clothing store in NY and I love vintage clothing so lets go out there and find all of the best plus size vintage clothing that I can find. It is like a treasure hunt I mean I have physically traveled to hundreds of thrift stores and spent thousands of hours handpicking most of what we have in the store.

LB: I find people have an issue with wearing clothes that were already worn by somebody else, which is silly because people try on clothes in stores all the time, purchase them, AND wear them AFTER someone has already tried the article of clothing on.
DM: Yes, well chances are that people have already tried on what you are taking home. We only sell clothes that are in good condition. We are very, very meticulous with the clothes that we buy. Nevertheless, we encourage women to wash or dry clean the clothes before bringing them to be bought.

LB: I think Re/Dress is great! It’s sooo much better than shopping online – where it seems as though – that’s where all the good stuff is. How do you feel about online shopping?

DM: It has made me somewhat bored. I am sick of that type of shopping experience. It’s a different experience that plus size women are having – shopping online. When I was young there was nothing like being out shopping with my friends. My most recent work experience was working for elite.com which is an online plus size retailer and I did that for 7 years which is something that I loved and adored and it showed me that there are a lot of amazing clothing out there and it doesn’t have to be incredibly expensive. That proved itself in convenience but nothing beats shopping – like SHOPPING out – trying things on – looking in the mirror.

LB: What is your in-take on building size acceptance within today’s society – where everyone is so focused on being thin?

DM: I am a fat activist and I have my personal beliefs about size oppression and the evils of the diet industry. I’ve done a lot of personal work where I’ve been trying to build a size acceptance movement. The foundation of that is - health at every size and body acceptance - letting go of negative messages and potentially unhealthy behaviors like extreme dieting and anorexia. There is a lot of pressure in this world for people to be thin and often times it encourages unhealthy behavior. There are so many women who aren’t living their life and waiting to lose 10 pounds. I always hear - I’m going to lose 10 pounds and then do xyz .I’m interested in people living and experiencing life to their fullest potential no matter what size they are and clothing is an important part of that. We all want to feel and look good and getting dressed and having options beyond sweatpants to communicate who you are and what kind of passion you have for life is a fabulous thing. So through my fat activism I also created an event called the Fat Girl Flea Market, which is a one-day rummage sale where you can run around NY actually the tri - state area picking up clothing from peoples closets. There is always stuff in our closets that we don’t wear but you don't want to throw it out, because there's nothing wrong with it or we hold onto things because we think our size is going to change. So we pick up all these clothes, bring them all together, and do a one-day rummage sale and it’s really so much fun.

LB: When is the Fat Girl Flea Market?

DM: The last one was in April of this year and it’s not a regular thing so it’s hard to say because it’s all run by volunteers and it takes many people and a lot of hours to put it together. Now that I have the store, it's very hard for me to put that time aside to do a huge volunteer effort.

LB: Does Re/Dress NYC sponsor any events or fashion shows?

DM: We try to do events that are fashion related and that promote size acceptance. We are a part of Full Figured Fashion week and we host model searches. It’s easy because the store is large enough for events to take place here. We’ve also done book parties and we are about to start yoga classes on Saturdays in October at the store.

LB: Where do you see Re/Dress NYC being in the next 5 to 10 years?

DM: Well my dream is to open up a lot more Re/Dress’ around the country.
Ok so now since we are at the end of the interview, I have five fun questions are you ready.

DM: Yeah, (laughing) I love fun questions

LB: 1. What is a big no-no - you see women as it relates to clothing?

DM: Ooooh I love that question. I think the biggest mistake is wearing clothes that are too big. I know that some are wearing clothes that are too tight but I really hate to see plus size women look like a box because their clothes are too big.

LB: 2. If you weren’t in this business right now what would you be doing?

DM: Oh goodness, that’s a really good question. I think I would be selling sex toys because before this that is what I was doing.

LB: 3: who is your celebrity crush at this current moment?

DM: Oh my gosh, my celebrity crush is Beth Ditto from the gossip. If I knew her in person, she would be my real life crush even though she is a total celebrity.

LB: 4. Name 5 things that are in your pocketbook right now.

DM: Wallet, The Degenerates CD - band from Baltimore, a handful of dollar bills, my heart shaped necklace that that my girlfriend bought for me in province town and the big fatty mascara from Urban Decay.

LB: 5. If your life was portrayed in a movie, what would the title of the movie be?

DM: (Laughing). I think it would be called Late Bloomer!

LB: Ok so I guess we will just leave it at that. (Laughing)
www.redressnyc.com | Re/Dress NYC located 109 Boerum Place, Brooklyn, NY between Pacific and Dean.

ONE LUCKY READER CAN WIN THE VINTAGE DRESS KATHERINE ROLL WORE DURING OUR PHOTO SHOOT ! PLEASE SEND YOUR NAME, PHOTO ( optional ) CITY, STATE, SIZE AND E-MAIL ADDRESS TO This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . GOOD LUCK!