So, take it or leave it!
I watched a documentary today on the creation of the bikini. It was marvelous. During WWII, the US rationed off a lot of supplies and one of the items they decided to ration was the cloth on bathing suits. So what did that mean? You guessed it. They ordered bathing suits to eliminate 10% of its fabric. That meant a mere 4-5 inches right underneath the bust, and right above the belly button. Though it raised tons and tons and tons of controversy throughout the world, the bikini found its way to every girl’s closet in the next ten years.
The whole idea behind the bikini (after its original idea for its birth) was the freedom of the woman’s body. It was the idea that women could not wear a bra but then put on a bikini and say to the world, “Hello! This is my body and I just don’t care what you think! I’m wearing a bikini to celebrate my body!”
Though this idea is completely skewed today-bikinis now more of an epidemic of skinny girl-itis and the constant worry that your legs are too fat and your stomach isn’t flat enough and your arms are too flabby- it is still a powerful tool that women use to have a sort of mysterious power that ONLY women can obtain.
After this wonderful documentary, I watched a fashion show with an up and coming designer who was trying to get her clothes to sell at a Neimann Marcus store and the host of the show (who was helping her out) told her to cut a dress out for a size 8 model to show that she’s creating pieces for the everyday woman. Now, I understand that the average woman is probably the size 8, if not between 6-12. Kudos to all of you beautiful women. But I was just blown away that when the model (size 8 ) walked into the room, the designer (who was a woman) looked at her and was absolutely devastated. She asked, “WHY IS THERE A PLUS SIZED MODEL HERE?!” I’m sorry, but when did a size 8 become the new size 12 or 14 or even 16? I was thoroughly upset, as you can see.
This made me snap out of my wallowing state towards my own body as of late. It’s really hard to lose weight while at school and work because I feel like I never had time to prepare food for the next day, so I eat whatever comes my way. And yes, I’m jumping back on a healthier balanced diet on Monday with my mom, along with continually hitting the gym, but I really have to just love my body now. To love my body now means that I want the best for it which will help me continue to fill it with great food and to exercise it. And so what that I’m a plus size? So many of us are and with the right style and knowledge about what looks great with your body type, anyone can look amazing! I probably always will be a “plus size” according to America’s standards, but I’m also 6′ tall and am big boned. And I think for the first time in my life, I’m totally ok to be of model-esque structure. I just want to lose a few pounds and find a place that makes fabulous clothes for tall women!
Anyway, I’m tired of myself being ashamed of the clothing size I am. I’m a 16. I am plus sized. And I am proud of the woman I am. I carry myself well because I make it my business to know how to dress my pear shaped, hour glass, whatever you want to call it, body.
And who knows, maybe this summer I’ll be busting out my very own body-lovin’ bikini!
Well said.
Bravo,bravo,bravo… my dear that is an amazing blog. I’m so thankful for this encouragement I too am a plus size woman and have been since I was 13 yes that’s right 13 yrs. old. Today I’m 43 and struggle with my weight. Although it’s been a struggle I’ve come to a place where I’m beginning to feel comfortable with who I am and the size that I have been for the last 25 yrs. So I too might just celebrate this summer with showing off my body in a bikini ( I’m kidding) but I am working on eating right and exercising for my own pleasures not for anyone else. I can honestly say that I’m loving myself more today than I did yesterday!!
I love this! <3 We'll celebrate together!!!