Sydney's Closet kicked off 2016 with a photo shoot in Southampton, New York featuring model Melinda Parrish. We had a quick chat with her, to see what it's really like to be a working plus size model. Learn more about Melinda's off-duty style and favorites here!   Background Information Hometown: Washington, DC Agency: TRUE Model Management Shoot Date: February 6, 2016 Shoot Location: Southampton, New York   1. How did you get started as a plus size model? I started in my teens and got away from it in order to pursue my education. After college and a few years in the consulting world, one of my clients scouted me and pulled me back into the modeling world. This has been my full-time focus ever since!   2. If you could spend an hour with any Celebrity, who would it be and why? Tina Fey. I love her whit and her intellect, and how she uses humor to raise uncomfortable topics like feminist issues. I also love that she works in all aspects of her field--acting, writing, producing, directing. She's a true master of her craft!   3. What's the one favorite item in your closet that you could never be persuaded to give away? Why? I have a great, fuchsia mohair coat that I picked up at a consignment store to wear to a high school dance. I still have it -- and have even worn it for one of my test shoots -- because it has this really timeless, eclectic quality so it's never out of style.   My Mom also helped me pick it out, so it has that sentimental value! I throw it over a cocktail dress, or even a pair of jeans that I want to dress up.     4. Finish this statement: I never leave the house without (give 3 things)... Lip gloss, iPhone, and a traveling cup of coffee!   5. What is your go-to comfort food? Cheese! I could eat it with just about anything.   6. Finish this sentence: If I could live anywhere, home would be... I would love to live somewhere like Hawaii or Tahiti where there is lots of natural beauty and marine life! Anyplace that I could wake up, jump on a paddle board with my dog and go have an adventure :-)       7. Finish this statement: When I want to stop traffic I wear... Something with sleeves and more of a showcase around the neckline. I love showing off my curves, but I also believe that to do so in a tasteful way it's good to have balance. So if I'm wearing a low neckline, I balance it with a longer hem and sleeves. If I'm going super short, I make sure the neckline is modest and the fit is a little more blousy. This also draws the eye to the area of focus you're trying to create!   8. What do you wear when you dress to impress? Black, fitted, and short enough to show some leg! 9.Tell us about the Charity of your choice. Why did you choose this organization? I work closely with a charity called United Village Transformation. I really like their approach because they are committed to establishing sustainable models for bringing things like formal education, improved agricultural methods, and medical care (among other things) to the developing regions of the world. Many of their services benefit women and children most directly.   10. What fashion trends are you obsessing over right now? Fringe is so great when executed well--just a touch of fringe in the handbag is my favorite. You just don't want to overdo on fringe! I also love that crisp, white shirts are back for SS16. White oxfords are so classic and I also love how designers have reimagined that in more flowy, interesting silhouettes. White shirts are great to offset statement pieces like pops of this season's orangey-red, or blown-out plaid prints, which are also big right now!   Want to know more? Find Melinda on social media: Facebook: @MelParrishPlus Twitter: @mel_parrish Instagram: @melparrishplus