Sunday, June 13, 2010

A Size Negative.

I'm perplexed.

First of all, there is now a "Plus Size" model who wears a size 4.  FOUR.  4.  You know, that crazy unattainable number that post-pubescent women over 5'7 will only ever see under extreme conditions.  Since 5th grade (when I was 5'4 and 110) I have worn a size 4 once.  Last summer.  For about a two week window after killing myself to fit into a tight LBD for a banquet.  Pretty sure at 5'8 and not 110, I have vanity sizing to thank for that.

*Facepalm*

Size 4 is NOT 'plus'.  On any planet.

Furthermore, most models you see with jutting hip bones in those fashion rags are 14, 15.  And have yet to hit that hormonal thing that gives us ladies our curves.  So the average American woman is told to idealize her figure to that of an adolescent?  Because self-worth is found in the tag on our jeans?  IDFTS.  Stop the bus.  I'll be a size 00 about half-past never.

I have a problem with that.

So if a 4 is too fat, and a 12 not fat enough to plus-size model... where are the body image role models for the everyday gal?

Where are our models?  Where is the modeling agency and the fashion magazine and the clothing designer willing to accept that women are women and not teenage boys and give us clothes cut to fit curvaceous hips, a soft (but not fat) stomach, where are button-down shirts that don't gap over the boobs?  Do you know how annoying it is to have to leave the first 2-3 undone, requiring you wear a tank top underneath?  Why is it so hard to find clothes that don't look awkward because they were designed for ruler body-types?


<---Meet Crystal Renn.  'Plus size' model.  I think she's gorgeous.



















<---Compared to how Ralph Lauren thinks you should look.  Most will remember the photoshopped ads they published last year.













We as the majority of consumers have the right to stand up against this stupid double-zero-standard.  We buy the damn clothes.  Our waists will never be as wide as our wrists.  Fashion industry, you've lost your damn minds.  Furthermore, look at the effect it has on today's teens.  What in the world will our daughters and granddaughters be told is beautiful if we don't swing the tide?  Body dysmorphia is on the rise.  The time to reclaim beautiful is now.

I refuse to starve myself for trends.



Check out how beauty standards have changed... (from natural, classic, and beautiful... to sickly)


Eventually Women Will Just Disappear:











/end rant.