Figure it out: Stephanie Bird of Cape Girardeau designs stylish clothing for full-figured women

Stephanie Bird knows the frustration of shopping for plus-size clothing in a fashion world that caters to women of smaller sizes.

Born and raised in Cape Girardeau, she spends a lot of time shopping in St. Louis or Memphis, where she finds more options in her size. But, she says, "I shouldn't have to drive two hours to find something to wear to an event."

In the spring, the 24-year-old launched Stephanie Michelle Boutique, an online store for full-figured women, including items she designed herself.

"I've had the ideas for a few years, but I'm just now getting into designing them," says Bird, a 24-year-old graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, where she studied public relations and fashion merchandising. "In my senior year, I dreamed of opening a store someday. Little did I know it would happen in two years."

Bird sells clothing at stephaniemichelle.bigcartel.com and via word-of-mouth. While she focuses on plus-size styles, which she feels are underrepresented in the fashion world, she does make custom pieces in any size.

Local fashion designer Stephanie Bird poses for photos in downtown Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon)

She designs everything from skirts and tops to dresses and jumpsuits, and describes her style as "trendy chic."

Stephanie Bird designs and sells clothes in her online store, Stephanie Michelle Boutique. (Laura Simon)

"Clothes should be versatile, and also very trendy," she says. "I know trends can come back around, but I want to stick with what's coming up."

Bird says her love of fashion stemmed from her love of makeup. Her aunt sold Mary Kay, and when she died, Bird took over selling for her. When she began working at Sephora inside JCPenney, her interest in makeup grew even more.

"I was really, really into makeup, and my passion grew and my artistry jumped to another level," she says. "I was interested in the beauty world, and beauty and fashion go hand in hand."

Bird completed an internship with Sheila McKinley of Ladyb New York, a luxury women's golf wear line, where she learned about fashion design, manufacturing and business. She also spent time working as a department supervisor at JCPenney, where she gained further experience in sales and merchandising.

Local fashion designer Stephanie Bird poses for photos in downtown Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon)

"I'm still learning a lot," she says. "It's been a lot of trial and error, research and reaching out to business owners."

Bird says she gains ideas and inspiration from magazines, runway shows and fashion week events.

"I take little pieces from different designers and tweak it to make whatever inspires me," she says. "I enjoy designing for the plus-size woman -- what makes her feel comfortable, what makes her go."

Right now, Bird is designing new pieces for her "Fall Reveal" fashion show on Sept. 26 at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. Planning for the event has involved drawing sketches, shopping for fabric and working with her seamstress, and even hosting her first-ever model call.

"It's very trendy, cute and casual," Bird says of the new line. "There will be some dressy pieces, and lots of colors, patterns and movement."

Bird is working with downtown merchants to have "pop-up shops" where women can see her designs in person and try them on for size.

"Nobody focuses on or caters to full-figured women," she says. "I want to be relevant to women in this area. It's an open market."

Bird continues to work full time at Sephora and as a freelance makeup artist.

"I'm a night owl, so when I get off work at 9 p.m., I'll work until 3 a.m. on personal stuff," she says. "It's not easy, but I'm going to work on all of it until my dreams come true."

Stephanie's advice for full-figured fashionistas

Local fashion designer Stephanie Bird poses for photos in downtown Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon)

1. Start with a good bra and shapewear to lay the foundation for the rest of your outfit.

2. Look beyond blacks, browns and grays, and embrace exciting colors and styles. "Colors are your friends. And shapes -- learn your body, what works for it and what doesn't," Bird says.

3. Be patient. A size that fits in one store may not fit in another, even if the tags say they're the same size. You might have to go up a size from store to another -- don't let it get you down. "It's all trial and error," Bird says. "Some things will fit and some will not. I try not to get my hopes up all the time."

4. Don't limit yourself -- full-figured women can shop anywhere, as long as they have patience to find what works, Bird says. And don't forget about accessories -- they will always fit! Bird's favorite stores are Lane Bryant, Cato, Ross, New York and Company and Torrid. Charlotte Russe and Rue 21 have recently launched plus sizes, though they are only online right now, she notes.

5. Dresses are great. "I love dresses. You can dress them up or dress them down," Bird says.

6. Only buy what's comfortable and makes you feel good. "Learn what makes you comfortable, because you're going to be spending money on it," Bird says. "Learn you and your body. And if you still don't know, call me!"