Hunter McGrady started her career as a straight-size model when she was 15 years old so she has a unique understanding of body positivity at every size. She went on to become the first plus-size model—at a size 16—to appear in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. That’s why when I got a chance to talk to McGrady about pregnancy presentation while plus-size and skincare, I also wanted to hear her opinions on the never-ending mid-size vs plus debate on TikTok. As expected, she had some thoughts.

McGrady is working with Olay on its sun-ready seasonal favorites: Olay Regenerist Whip SPF 25 and Olay Retinol24 Night Moisturizer. Since the model is pregnant, she’s sticking with just hydrating products for now and picking the retinol back up post-baby. (Talk to your doctor to find out what’s right for you.) “At the very beginning of my pregnancy, I decided to simplify my routine,” she tells STYLECASTER. “Now, it’s washing my face and using the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream.”

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Olay.

Buy: Olay Regenerist Cream $25.99

“It’s funny how your skin reacts to less, less is more in this case,” she continues. “My skin looks so good now! Anytime I add anything else and do too much, its overload. Especially with Olay, I know the products are so good and hydrating, everything you need overall in one product.” Unlike some other celebs we know, McGrady also makes sure to wear sunscreen.

Of course, I use the Olay SPF every day,” she says. “My skin has gotten really dry and sensitive during pregnancy, so I had to pivot and find my holy grail product.” Olay skincare is a family affair for her. She uses the Olay Regenerist Ultra Rich Face Moisturizer ($29.99 at Target) just like her mom and grandmother did. “I remember vividly watching them put it on,” she says.

McGrady is about to become a mother herself. And she’s taking to Instagram to share photos of herself while pregnant to shed light on the lack of plus-size pregnancy representation out there. “Being plus-size, you already have the cards stacked against you. Being plus-size and pregnant, forget about it,” she says. “When I Googled pregnancy, I’d see thin women with just a belly and no weight anywhere else. I’m a larger girl, I’m a size 20. I knew that wasn’t going to be me.”

McGrady looked to magazines, websites, even the brochures at the OB-GYN’s office and couldn’t find any pregnant plus-size women. “I went to social media and heard from women who never even took photos of themselves because they were embarrassed that there was something wrong,” she says.

Source: Instagram

Speaking of women feeling there is something wrong with them, I asked McGrady about the current discourse happening on TikTok. Many around a size 10 or 12 are calling themselves mid-size, while some size 14+ are calling the term fat-phobic. The mid-sizers are saying they don’t want to co-opt a movement. It’s a lot of time and effort to just continue to label ourselves.

“As women, we already have so much stacked against us and we often make it really hard when we do things like this,” says McGrady. “The body-positive movement was started by fat black women. We have to honor that and know that. Though of course the body-positive movement is for everyone to be at peace with their body.” McGrady also doesn’t love that we’re forcing people to feel positive about their body all the time. It’s okay to be more neutral.

“We’re putting each other in little groups and having this war, which goes against the movement as a whole,” she continues. “We can honor where it stems from first, and then have a conversation. I’ve been every size, two through 20, so I understand. But plus-size women have it harder than mid-size or thinner women. That’s based on facts, but it’s not to take away from how others feel.”

Source: Instagram

McGrady gets asked all the time if the fashion and beauty industries have changed in terms of size inclusivity. She sees some progress but feels we have a long way to go. “People still don’t hire us because of our size,” she says. “That’s why I like to work with brands like Olay that know we’re all beautiful no matter our size.”

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 11 Trailer Fashion Roundup

I’ll be the first to admit that I totally didn’t think Real Housewives of Beverly Hills would give us much being filmed during COVID. However, I’m also the first to admit when I’m wrong (please don’t fact check that with Big Blonde Husband) because this season looks ah-may-zing whether we’re talking about the drama or the fashion. And while I love the BH drama please don’t be dramatic if you don’t pass up these pieces now and they sell out before season 11 actually airs.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Kyle Richards’ Leopard Fur and Leather Jacket

Click Here to Shop her Stand Studio Cora Ocelot Jacket on Sale

Click Here for Additional Stock

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Lisa Rinna’s Bronze Sequin Tracksuit

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Crystal Kung Minkoff’s Leather Pants and Animal Print Top

Click Here to Shop her Generation Love Evangeline Blouse

Click Here to Shop her ALC Cobey Pants

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Lisa Rinna and Kyle Richards’ Polka Dot Puff Sleeve Dress

Click Here to See Their Rotate Dress

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Lisa Rinna’s Black Cozy Robe Cardigan

Click Here to Shop her Skims Boucle Robe in Many Colors

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Kyle Richards’ Black Velvet Ruffle Dress

Click Here to See her Rotate Miki Dress

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Kyle Richards’ Striped Fringe Wrap Dress

Click Here to See her The Attico Dress

Click Here to Shop her Bottega Veneta Sandals

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Erika Jayne Girardi’s Snake Robe

Click Here to Shop her Queenie Snake Print Robe

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Lisa Rinna’s Black Fringe Blazer Dress

Click Here to Shop her Black Fringe Blazer

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Lisa Rinna’s Blue Herringbone Blazer

Click Here to Shop her Rotate Blazer Dress

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Crystal Kung Minkoff’s Dragon Sweater

Click Here to See her Valentino Dragon Sweater

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Garcelle Beauvais Red Floral Applique Dress

Click Here to See her ASOS Dress

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Kyle Richards’ Tan Checked Blazer

Click Here to See Our ALC Martel Blazer

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Sutton Stracke’s Leopard Dress

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Lisa Rinna’s Black and Gold Leather Moto Jacket

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Erika Jayne Girardi’s Red Printed Bow Blouse

Click Here to Shop her Ganni Blouse on Sale

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Crystal Kung Minkoff’s Black Ruffle Mini Dress

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Erika Jayne Girardi’s Red Giraffe Print Dress

Click Here to See Her Alexander Vauthier Dress

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Lisa Rinna’s Black Leather Jumpsuit

Click Here to Shop her Norma Kamali Jumpsuit

Dorit Kemsley’s Silver Skinny Shield Sunglasses

Click Here to Shop her Balenciaga Sunglasses

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Erika Jayne Girardi’s Black Braided Headband

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Erika Jayne Girardi’s Red Beaded Leopard Blazer

Click Here to See her Beaded Tom For Blazer

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Lisa Rinna’s Black Glitter Jumpsuit

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Crystal Kung Minkoff’s Ivory Slip Dress

Click Here to Shop her Line & Dot LouLou Dress

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Garcelle Beuvais Beaded Palm Print Dress

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Erika Jayne Girardi’s Ivory and Black Leather Trim Skirt

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Kyle Richards’ Red Satin PJ’s

Click Here to See Her Christopher Kane Pajamas

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Dorit Kemsley’s Red Louis Vuitton Pajamas

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Sutton Stracke’s Oversized Bow Blouse

Blouse and Bow in Dolce + Gabanna

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Originally posted at: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 11 Trailer Fashion Roundup

Hunter McGrady started her career as a straight-size model when she was 15 years old so she has a unique understanding of body positivity at every size. She went on to become the first plus-size model—at a size 16—to appear in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. That’s why when I got a chance to talk to McGrady about pregnancy presentation while plus-size and skincare, I also wanted to hear her opinions on the never-ending mid-size vs plus debate on TikTok. As expected, she had some thoughts.

McGrady is working with Olay on its sun-ready seasonal favorites: Olay Regenerist Whip SPF 25 and Olay Retinol24 Night Moisturizer. Since the model is pregnant, she’s sticking with just hydrating products for now and picking the retinol back up post-baby. (Talk to your doctor to find out what’s right for you.) “At the very beginning of my pregnancy, I decided to simplify my routine,” she tells STYLECASTER. “Now, it’s washing my face and using the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream.”

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Olay.

Buy: Olay Regenerist Cream $25.99

“It’s funny how your skin reacts to less, less is more in this case,” she continues. “My skin looks so good now! Anytime I add anything else and do too much, its overload. Especially with Olay, I know the products are so good and hydrating, everything you need overall in one product.” Unlike some other celebs we know, McGrady also makes sure to wear sunscreen.

Of course, I use the Olay SPF every day,” she says. “My skin has gotten really dry and sensitive during pregnancy, so I had to pivot and find my holy grail product.” Olay skincare is a family affair for her. She uses the Olay Regenerist Ultra Rich Face Moisturizer ($29.99 at Target) just like her mom and grandmother did. “I remember vividly watching them put it on,” she says.

McGrady is about to become a mother herself. And she’s taking to Instagram to share photos of herself while pregnant to shed light on the lack of plus-size pregnancy representation out there. “Being plus-size, you already have the cards stacked against you. Being plus-size and pregnant, forget about it,” she says. “When I Googled pregnancy, I’d see thin women with just a belly and no weight anywhere else. I’m a larger girl, I’m a size 20. I knew that wasn’t going to be me.”

McGrady looked to magazines, websites, even the brochures at the OB-GYN’s office and couldn’t find any pregnant plus-size women. “I went to social media and heard from women who never even took photos of themselves because they were embarrassed that there was something wrong,” she says.

Source: Instagram

Speaking of women feeling there is something wrong with them, I asked McGrady about the current discourse happening on TikTok. Many around a size 10 or 12 are calling themselves mid-size, while some size 14+ are calling the term fat-phobic. The mid-sizers are saying they don’t want to co-opt a movement. It’s a lot of time and effort to just continue to label ourselves.

“As women, we already have so much stacked against us and we often make it really hard when we do things like this,” says McGrady. “The body-positive movement was started by fat black women. We have to honor that and know that. Though of course the body-positive movement is for everyone to be at peace with their body.” McGrady also doesn’t love that we’re forcing people to feel positive about their body all the time. It’s okay to be more neutral.

“We’re putting each other in little groups and having this war, which goes against the movement as a whole,” she continues. “We can honor where it stems from first, and then have a conversation. I’ve been every size, two through 20, so I understand. But plus-size women have it harder than mid-size or thinner women. That’s based on facts, but it’s not to take away from how others feel.”

Source: Instagram

McGrady gets asked all the time if the fashion and beauty industries have changed in terms of size inclusivity. She sees some progress but feels we have a long way to go. “People still don’t hire us because of our size,” she says. “That’s why I like to work with brands like Olay that know we’re all beautiful no matter our size.”

For months preceding my husband’s 70th birthday, I begged, pleaded and implored him to allow friends and family to celebrate this milestone occasion. Proposed options included:

(a) a catered dinner for family and friends;

(b) a pilgrimage to his native Atlanta, kind of a “Best of Jim Kitchens” tour;

(c) a family golf tournament at Calloway Gardens, complete with brunch and cocktail party – a suggestion from his son; or

(d) an island paradise retreat at Captiva/Sanibel for kids and grandchildren – as suggested by my son.

Bloated credit cards and family fights, however, did not sound like paradise to Jim.

“Well, what do you want?” I finally asked.

“I want to go someplace beautiful with you, some place where we’ve never been, some place where I can unplug and be wasted for five days.”

That’s when I realized how saddled this impending 70-year-old had been with too many obligations and responsibilities. Southern California beckoned as a good short-term destination site with the added bonus of legal marijuana edibles.

“That will certainly help you unplug,” I offered.

Airline Frustrations, Anyone?

Our twosome travel had become increasingly rare. Our “away time” was more often devoted to kids and grandchildren living in other cities. We savored the anticipation of our romantic getaway, just as we did in our younger years.

Which brings me to 4:00 a.m. on our departure date. Our 6:30 a.m. flight meant getting up excruciatingly early, the upside being we arrived in California at 8:30 a.m. with an entire day of 68 degree sunny weather beckoning.

Our early-to-bed strategy, however, precluded us from seeing the midnight message from Southwest Airlines advising us our flight had been cancelled. Of course, we only saw the text following our coffee injections and showers.

“Oh, my goodness,” said the insincere Customer Service lady unlucky enough to be answering calls at 4:45 in the morning. “Nope, that was the only non-stop flight today. The only other flight we can get you on leaves at 6:00 p.m. going through Kansas City and getting in to San Diego at 10 p.m. Oh, and your seat positions will be C40 and 41. But don’t you worry, your early bird fees for your previously booked flights will be refunded back to your credit card.”

Crushed, we went back to bed and pulled the covers over our heads.

Four hours of nightmare-infused sleep over, we set about contacting Hertz, the Hotel Del, and Southwest for more begging and pleading. Once again, we were reminded the only available seats were C40 and 41, assuring us we would be in middle seats by the back bathrooms.

Can Frustrations Lead to Mini-Adventures?

“That is, unless you are eligible for pre-boarding,” the lady added, seemingly as an afterthought. Ding ding ding! Pre-boarding?

“How do you do that?” I queried, picturing the line of wheelchair inhabited disabled passengers allowed early admission to the plane.

Now, really and truly, my knee hurt terribly, and my limping was for real. My knee replacement surgery actually occurred three weeks later. I decided to fudge the date a bit.

Since we had the “gift” of this found time, and I tend to be an incessant productivity-a-holic, I wanted to make arrangements for medical equipment for my post surgery stint (see, I really was injured). With efficiency in mind, we identified a medical supply business in route to the airport, where I got a cane and ordered a 3-1 commode for my post-surgery days.

As we were leaving with our breast cancer ribbon bedecked cane, I whispered, “I have a feeling Medicare just got defrauded and we did not even know what was said.” #canyousaykickback? “But they were so nice…”

Sometimes Gently Breaking the Rules Has Its Advantages

So onward we drove to the airport for our evening flight. All things considered, OIA is a great airport. Lots of restaurants and shops, any Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld paraphernalia you could ever want is awaiting you for mere hundreds of dollars.

They also have extensive parking, especially their terminal top garage, flanking terminals A & B. Barreling into and intending to go upward in the winding garage, we and others before us were stopped by a slight, neon-attired garage attendant declaring to frustrated drivers the garages were totally full, and we would have to find parking elsewhere.

One by one, the cars exited per instruction. All except one. Ours. “We were planning to valet park at the Hyatt. Can we still do that?”

“Sure no problem” he said, moving the barricade aside.

Full confession: We had no intention of valet parking for four days. We just wanted to check parking availability, and of course counted at least 10 self-parking places just on the first floor alone. Our chicanery was paying off. Do real con artists experience this kind of adrenaline rush?

Southwest was more than happy to share their inventory of wheelchairs with gimpy me, at which point we cued up in a line of 10 awaiting porters to usher us through to the gate. And we waited and waited.

“Can my husband take me?” I tentatively asked.

“Sure!” she said, happy to be relieved of one of her burdens.

Away we sailed to the security line, dragging our rolling bags along like we were pet walkers, trying to avoid careening into innocent bystanders with our girth.

“You are so slow!” I admonished my husband/driver.

“It won’t go, there is too much stuff on here (me being a big part of the stuff),” Jim said. “Oh wait, the brake is on. Now, that is better.” People took pity on us, even offering to help in lieu of being harpooned by my cane.

“Even though Southwest said there were no upgrades available, I’m going to check with the gate agent” Jim said. I hung back, piled high with backpacks, sandwiches, and luggage. Moments later, my husband appeared, disco-dancing down the corridor, waving new boarding passes.

For $50 C40 and 41 had transformed into A7 and 8. I actually had mixed feelings about aborting our pre-boarding plan, but the faking-it thing was getting old.

Managing Disappointments Is a Good Life Skill to Cultivate

My wise psychologist son talked me through my early morning fog of disappointment. “I spend a lot of my practice counseling people on managing disappointments.” That counsel stayed with me, helping us transform an inconvenience into an adventure. It was also fun to be a little bit of a rule breaker at 66 and 70. #ifnotnowwhen?

What about you? Have you had the occasion to gently break the rules? How did that make you feel? Let’s talk about it.