Many young girls grow up with the dream of becoming a princess.
As a plus-size Latina, I never personally identified with any of the Disney princess, but I was still obsessed with them. Flash forward to 2017, and we aren't waiting idly for Disney to give us characters that represent the full spectrum of human identity — artists draw fabulous trans Ariels and Aladdins, makeup artists and popular culture are giving badass villains their due praise, and brands like Hot Topic are making princess merch for ALL sizes.
The latter has made the biggest splash in my community of curvy style influencers. So I tried the Hot Topic for Disney collection that has everyone talking — it's "The Little Mermaid," of course.
The first Hot Topic x Little Mermaid dress I tried on made me feel like a land mermaid IRL.
Ariel At Sea dress ($43.92, Hot Topic)
I tried the 3X but wished I had sized up since the dress hugged my belly.
By the second look, I was ready to have dinner with Prince Charming.
As a little girl, I dreamed of wearing Ariel's ICONIC blue dress.
I was shocked at how similar this dress is to Ariel's. The material is as comfortable as my pajamas and the top fits great. The lower half still clung to my belly, though. I wish the designers had gone for a belle-shaped or pleated skirt on the dresses.
Ariel On Land dress ($43.92, Hot Topic)
Never in my life have I felt more like a lady than when I tried on this outfit.
I sized up to a 4X since I wanted a loose blouse effect rather than a snug cardi. The sleeves were a bit long, but the buttons closed up nicely without any gaping.
If you're looking for a subtle way to sport your Ariel obsession, this cardigan is perfect.
Mint shell cardigan ($21.96, Hot Topic)
On the other hand, there is nothing subtle about this skirt.
I tried the skirt in a 3X, which is equivalent to a size 18/20.
Part Of Your World Sublimation skirt ($18.45, Hot Topic)
This athletic set had me ready to chase Prince Charming around the beach.
Scale Girls active capris ($31.12, Hot Topic</a>); True Strength Ariel low impact sports bra ($26.32, Hot Topic)
The lack of support around my lower boobs doesn't make me confident that my girls would be supported during exercise.
But the motivational quote is a plus!
There can't be a "Little Mermaid" haul without a swimsuit look.
To make sure everything fit properly, I sized up to a 4X on the bottom but stuck to a 3X on top. Not only was this suit super cute, I could definitely see myself actually swimming in it.
Ariel swim top ($34.32 Hot Topic</a>); Ariel swim bottoms ($31.12, Hot Topic)
Finally, I am over the moon happy that this collection includes and Ursula dress.
Maybe it's because adult me identifies more with the evil witches than elementary school me does with the princesses, but this was my favorite look. The material felt slightly thicker than the other dresses; it was less like a costume.
I Am Ursula dress ($42.32, Hot Topic)
Where would you wear these "Little Mermaid" outfits?
Click over to our I Heart My Body Facebook page and tell us you answer!
