Portrait courtesy of Katie Sturino.
By Mosha Lundström Halbert
Katie Sturino has a gift for candor and igniting conversation around women’s issues that have been taboo for far too long. From body acceptance to getting real about bodily functions, she has built a community of nearly 550,000 followers on Instagram who find her honesty refreshing and relatable.
It should come as a surprise to no one that many women do not feel seen by fashion brands with limited sizing, as Sturino addresses on her popular site katiesturino.com. To wit, she developed #SuperSizeTheLook, which showcases her replicating outfits worn by everyone from Kate Middleton to Taylor Swift to show that you don’t need to be a size 2 in order to experiment with your style; and #MakeMySize, a content series encouraging brands to listen up. And listen they have: Sturino has collaborated on clothing ranges with Veronica Beard and Stitch Fix. She is also founder of Megababe, an innovative beauty brand offering non-toxic, solution-oriented products that allow people to feel confident in their own skin.
From top to bottom: Coral Chanel drawstring bag, Jennifer Behr headband, available at Veronica Beard Bal Harbour and Veronica Beard sandal.
How do you approach dressing when you are down in Miami, compared to your daily New York looks?
“For me, Miami is fun and all about color. I wear a lot of color in my regular life, but in Miami, I get to take it up a notch.”
Describe how you would spend a dream day at Bal Harbour Shops?
“I would pop into Missoni for a new kaftan (hopefully with matching turban) then loiter at the Chanel store until I settle on a new baby to bring home. I’d go over to Veronica Beard to see their local edit, then I’d head to Bianco to pick up a gelato, because that’s what you do at Bal Harbour.”
What are some pieces you think more women should embrace, regardless of size?
“Ironically, I think a kaftan is something that larger women shy away from because they feel like it’s the stereotypical shape for them, when in reality it’s just really elegant. I also think that larger women should get into smaller swimsuits. So often they’re put into a ruched diaper, but I say grab that string bikini and let’s hit the pool.”
Marie France Van Damme caftan.
What’s in your handbag at all times?
“Megababe Squeaky clean, a Lele Sadoughi mask, Henne Organics lip balm, Airpods with a Hello Kitty case and of course Megababe Thigh Rescue.”
What has been your secret to staying happy and healthy during this crazy year?
“Meditation, Obe online fitness classes and walking my dogs.”
What advice do you have for women when they look at themselves in the mirror and immediately begin judging themselves and their perceived flaws? How do we break that cycle of self-talk?
“I say tell yourself to stop it! It’s not an overnight process, but if you start to become aware of how you speak about your body, you can start to change what you say.”
Top to Bottom: Chanel barrette with metal and glass pearls, Henne Organics luxury lip balm and Bottega Veneta pouch in kiwi.
You have a great eye for accessories. What are some key pieces you have your eye on?
“I am into more-is-more with accessories. Sometimes they are the most fun part of your outfit.”
What’s your approach when it comes to dressing for our new Zoom meeting reality? Any tips or tricks?
“Headbands always add some color and polish to what very well may be an unwashed head of hair.”
What’s been the most rewarding part of growing your Megababe business?
“Getting messages from women who tell me I made their life more comfortable.”
Who is your ultimate Super Size The Look icon?
“Giovanna Engelbert is my always and forever.”
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