What is the opposite of gate keeping? Welcome to “Processing Pay,” where we ask stylish, often cool people who have tried it all about their favorite fashion and beauty purchases.
For Samyra Miller, representing plus size fashion was not an option but a necessity. After all, he was already shopping in the women’s section before he even reached middle age. “There was no way that I would have come to the third grade looking like I was going to work in the front office instead of learning to write in the alphabet,” he told Ujo Shop. From that moment on, her goal of fighting for big bodies in the fashion world was clear.
The Los Angeles-based content creator and Harvard grad has since built a following by calling out brands for their limited scope. He’ll go into big stores like Forever 21, Old Navy, Nike, Urban Outfitters, Hollister and H&M to see what, if anything, they offer in plus sizes (which he describes as 1X-4X+, not XL-3XL+). Miller’s goal is to highlight how brands are using engaging messaging, but can ignore plus-size consumers when crafting their assortment. “If you’re going to say you’re making clothes for everybody, this body should be able to go up to that store and find something to wear,” she said.
Image: Gilbert Flores/Billboard via Getty Images
Today, that advocacy work is even more important, as the industry faces a significant backlash driven by political savings, increased use of GLP-1 and unhealthy self-promotion tactics (ie, looksmaxxing). Over the past few years, plus size representation on fashion month runways has declined, with the fall 2026 season reaching a new low of 0.3%. Retailers are also scaling back their plus size programs commercially, with some making plus sizes online only, while others are cutting plus sizes entirely.
Whenever times try to silence you, that’s when you have to speak up,” Miller emphasized. “I want to make it clear that our bodies are not habits. We are real people who deserve the same consideration you give others.”
Ahead, the influencer shares one product she feels does plus sizes right and wishes they did better, as well as her travel needs, go-to scents and more.
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What’s your favorite high-end beauty item right now?
TheraBody Hot and Cold Depuffing Wand. Listen, the ice cube will melt, but not that. I can throw that in my bag and take it with me. Also, I don’t know if you have tried the T3 Singlepass straightener. It’s very good. It has specific settings for cropped hair and straight hair. It’s just really nice, and my hair is set, not fried.
What’s your favorite drugstore beauty item right now?
I hike a lot out here and my feet get a little crusty, so I’ve been loving the Aquaphor Repairing Foot mask. I don’t know who got up there, but my feet will be so soft.
What fashion or beauty item do you refuse to go without?
My bonnet. Right now, mine is from Kitsch. I love their pink cherry bonnet. It’s very good. And it also binds so it doesn’t slip.
What’s your favorite beauty foundation that you’ve bought multiples of?
Glossier You Perfume. Let me tell you, I bought that all the way back. I bought it by spray. They have a strong one too. I really like that perfume. I know sometimes there is a perfume that people just like to wear because they like it or they wear it because they are the most recommended. This is my favorite and highly recommended, so it works.
Image: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for ONE/SIZE Full Beat
What device are you looking at?
I’m just getting into my watch bag, so this is a big question, but Cartier watches look pretty cool. However, I don’t need it. That’s a big wish list item. A small accessory I have my eye on is my class ring. I’m going back to Harvard this summer for my fifth anniversary, so my best resource now is getting my Harvard ring.
Are there any other luxury fashion items that you are lusting after right now?
There is this type called Alpine [Butterfly] Swimming. They make sizes from small to 6X. They have the best swimwear. I love that it’s plus size. I plan on getting more of those swimsuits and cover-ups, and they’re all made to order.
What wardrobe staple do you love so much that you bought multiples?
I have a lot of random plant tops in my closet. I have some from all over, like Old Navy, or I’ll squeeze in the ones from H&M.
Image: Rob Kim/Getty Images for the Mentally Healthy Project
What brand or company do you think does plus sizes well?
Right now, what I really like is seeing the intent that JCPenney is showing with their plus size offerings, and they’re working with Ashley Graham and putting plus sizes and curves forward and really choosing to celebrate them loud and proud.
I also got to model in the collection. That meant a lot because JCPenney and I would go tit for tat. So it was very encouraging and very thoughtful for them to sit down and say, ‘Hey, we want to do better. This is what we do. We would love to have you be a part of this.’
What brand would you like to see expand to plus sizes, or bring back their combined sizes when they’re done?
Old Navy! Note that, Old Navy didn’t even remove the plus sizes, but they eliminated them from the store. They really found me in terms of physical fitness [initiatives]. I thought you were saying that everyone deserves to see their size and in store? I think it’s gone. They are very close though. Because the thing is, they have a huge range of sizes. They have all styles in all sizes. They are about to arrive. It’s very similar to Princess Tiana. Like I’m sick of you almost being there. I need us to get there.
Image: Presley Ann/Getty Images for TikTok
What was the last product an influencer or celebrity influenced you to buy?
On set for the JCPenney shoot, Emma Arletta and I were on set and she showed up in this really cute halter, capri jumpsuit. I said, ‘Emma, where did that come from?’ He said, AFRM. I actually went on that website the second we had a break, I ordered it shipped the next day I got back to LA so that when I got to LA, it was the first thing I put on when I got off the plane.
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