10 Questions With: Glittery Unicorn @ABearNamedTroy

Scrolling through Instagram can be an endless haze of white decor, latte foam art, pink sunsets, avocado toast and "walking into the weekend like..." posts. Until you get to one of Troy Solomon 's posts, that is.  Color.  Sparkle. Crazy patterns.  It's cool and refreshing like your first taste of ice cream (by the way have you tried these? If you haven't you're not living.) on a hot day.

Troy is eclectic, gender-bending, vibrant, and positive and he uses his platform to promote acceptance, body-positivity - and caftans.  I sat down with him to answer my 10 Questions:

What is your favorite part of being big and/or tall?

Well aside from being able to see over most people at a crowded concert, I don’t really love or hate being big and tall. I love myself, but that's not really contingent upon my body type. I’m happy with the body I have now, but if it were to change next year I’d be happy with whatever it wants to be then!

What is the hardest part of being big and/or tall?

The hardest part of being big and tall is finding cute, trendy, and fashionable clothes! But it’s also kind of fun because not having easy access to cute clothes forces me to get creative and “make it work."

If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Short shorts, a mesh t-shirt, and an oversized denim jacket. But ask me again in a month, I’m sure it’ll be different. 

What is one fashion item every person should own?

I feel like EVERYONE should own sunglasses. Literally they complete ANY look and they’re so good for your eyes (as long as they’re polarized).

What are your go-to stores or sites for clothes?

I mainly shop on ASOS.com and RiverIsland.com. It’s pretty tough finding cute clothes in my size in stores, but once and a while Target, Forever21, and Old Navy come through with a cute moment. 

What do you wish retailers would do differently?

I mean, isn’t it obvious? EXTEND YOUR SIZES! If not all the way up to the higher end of the size chart, at LEAST high enough to match the national average! Also, don’t be afraid to make bold and trendy clothes for bigger men - we wanna look stylish too and if you don’t believe me ask my followers. 

What does being “body positive” mean to you?

It means loving myself unconditionally. It means not valuing or devaluing myself based off a number on a scale or hair on my head or dark circles under my eyes and so on. Being body positive is a choice and it's one that every single person has the power to make for themselves and those around them. 

What is your biggest style regret?

I don’t regret it because it was a big moment of self expression for me at a time when I was very afraid to express myself, but I used to do the whole two t-shirts and a tie look. 

Who are your style icons?

David Bowie and Rihanna.

Who do you nominate to answer these questions next?

I nominate Gregory Littley @littleylittley <3

Check out Troy's site and give him a follow on Instagram if you don't already!