Some recent negative comments about a model’s size/weight prompted this week’s Friend Friday* topic. Not that we need any blog brouhaha to bring SIZE to the forefront; it is always brewing just below the surface of fashion’s often implausible ideals.
We were asked:
- Should someone’s size stop them from fashion blogging or having a voice in the community?
- In your opinion, can the terms “curvy” and “plus-sized” be used interchangeably when it comes to fashion?
- Many people make the argument that catering to plus sized women would promote being overweight as “okay.”
What do you think? Should more designers be catering to plus-size women? - Should the mainstream fashion industry be showcasing more plus-size models?
- For you personally, how do you view your size, the struggle with it through the years, your ideal size, etc.
PS: Thanks Kristin, for making me the Freshly Picked Rosebud of the week on Bon Bon Rose Girls! I am so appreciative!
*The Friend Friday project by Modly Chic is a way for bloggers to share more about themselves and create a friendly connection with other bloggers. Katy of Modly Chic sends us questions weekly, and we answer on our blogs.
{ 87 comments… read them below or add one }
Goodness!! Your dress in the post below is beyond gorgeous. You look stunning! Found you through the Bon Bon Rose rosebud guest blog, have a lovely weekend
Diana´s latest post: The Story Behind The Picture!!
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Diana, thank you and welcome! Always nice to meet another Rosebud.
Truly Empowering answers. I feel that the media should step up and like what you said not only discuss about it but take more actions. I was a chubby kid and my Mom actually put me on a diet when I was 9, it was painful to be a chubby girl, i was ostracised and even called names, thankfully when I was 12 and hormone started kicking in, I just grew taller and the weight just slowly disappeared. No one should feel this way and I strongly believe that every woman is beautiful no matter what size she is. To me what’s inside is what counts. Thank you for sharing, I hope this vlog brings more awareness not to just every woman but the media and society in general. Love, Hugs and Kisses darling, J, xoxo
jemina´s latest post: to the airport
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Hello sweetie, thank you for your heartfelt response. I am glad you felt this was an empowering vlog…it means a lot to me.
Firstly; I love your passion! You can tell that you really care about the topic, and that’s great.
A really smart, balanced vlog I think.
I am so glad you brought up the fact that we have no idea why people are the weight they are. And this is important to me personally. I’ve been ill since I was 9 and struggled with being a little on the chubby side, but was happy with my body when I was around 14-15&1/2 years old. But then around my sixteenth birthday medication made me put on weight very, very quickly. I also went to a school where anything above a UK 8 (is that a US 4?) was considered obsese. I’d kind of got away with being a 10-12 until this point in time. Well you can guess what most of my fellow students reactions were and I had sexual abuse yelled at me every time they saw me till the end of GCSEs when thank goodness the worst offenders moved somewhere else for sixth form. And I was only technically about 16lb overweight but I know I really didn’t look my best and it was such a struggle to get any of it off with my long term health conditions. Well now I’ve lost nearly a stone of that but am not in my happy place yet. Slowly and steadily I’m working at it to get back to my happy weight. I’m now 18 and at a college where there is a much more normal cross section of weights and a more healthy general feel about weight. The environment is just so much more positive and relaxing.
By the way, you look really gorgeous with a lovely figure.
Florrie x
Intrinsically Florrie´s latest post: Sparkles make the world go round
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Florrie, thank you for your revealing response. You and several others have had negative experiences with weight, and your responses validate my exasperation with the industry’s unrealistic view of weight. I’m glad to know you are feeling better about your self and are making progress…that is fantastic, and of course, I wish you well.
Thank you also for the compliment…I appreciate it!
Brava V! I couldn’t have said it any better. And the fact that a size 8 is considered plus size….I’m seriously a little sick to my stomach about that.
This is such a hot topic! One of the things that really bugs me about all of it is that “plus size” models are always singled out. What I mean is that magazines always announce that these models are “plus size.” (Just in case we didn’t notice that they were a few pounds heavier.) I mean, we generally don’t call out other models as being anorexic in fashion spreads…why should slightly larger models be announced as such?
Secondly, have you ever noticed that when “plus size” models are used, they are only shown with other plus size models. There can be a 15 page spread on fall fashion, with multiple models, but they are all of the super-thin variety. If the magazine chooses to also show larger fashions…those models have a separate section. Can’t we all just get along?
LOL! Obviously I’m a little passionate about this subject too. Have a great weekend V!
XO Piper
Piper (DailyDivaDish)´s latest post: Alfred Hitchcock’s Blondes
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Piper…you make an excellent point…why does the industry have to be so extreme? Why can’t they just mix in models who represent the range of sizes offered, at least? I agree: can’t we all just get along?
You have a great weekend too, doll!
I LOVE your vlog, I’m always looking forward to it every friday
How empowering your post is, your answers are always spot on and brutally honest and true
You are FABULOUS!!!
Wishing you a magnificent weekend
BIG HUGS LOVE and KISSES
J, xoxo
Jemina´s latest post: to the airport
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Hugs to you sugar, I appreciate you being my most reliable and consistent cheerleader, I really do!
Love your commentary! Thanks for sharing on such a sensitive important topic!
{hug}
Thee Good Girl
Johanna´s latest post: Good Girls Gone Bad
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Thank you Johanna!
@MJ_Beauty
August 13, 2010
I absolutely loved your answers and I defnitely appreciate the passion because like you said, this NEEDS to be discussed and there has to be action taken. It has taken me most of my life to be comfortable being me with all of my curves, rolls, and otherwise. And only then could I successfully get healthy and do what I need to do. And its crazy because the only time I really got absolutely frustrated is when I’m shopping because a lot of what is considered trendy and cute, isn’t made for someone like me that’s so unfair!
But thank you, thank you for your answers! They were amazing!
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
MJ…thank YOU for suggesting such a great topic! I agree that it is unfair; my mother is very petite and she experiences the same type of problem…designers stupidly assume that because she’s petite, she’s a size 4, and that is not the case. She gets so upset shopping, because nothing ever fits. She is petite and plus-sized, and I feel so bad for her every time we go shopping and I can see how difficult it is for her. She wants to look cute too…but it’s a humiliating experience for her.
Thank you for your support and for sharing your experiences as well. I appreciate it very much.
Bravo V for addressing a controversial subject with passion and enthusiasm. I feel like this subject really gets swept under the rug in the fashion community. You can only sweep things under the rug for so long until you trip over the lump in the carpet. I have worked in the fashion industry for the last 12 years and have countless stories of woman trying to fit an ideal. My first job out of school I worked at Halston and one of the fit models enjoyed calling me “pasta girl” on a daily basis. Being the green ambitious kid I was I wanted to impress my boss so I sucked it up. One day the 6ft. 105lb model barked “Oh Pasta girl”, well needless to say I had enough and asked her why she called me that. She responded, well to be that curvy and look like that you must eat pasta. Let me preface I am 5ft. tall and have a DD chest, curvy yes, fat no. She lamented that she dreamed of the day she retires so she can eat a big bowl of pasta and remembers the last date she ever ate it. I remembered thinking Wow she envies me because I allow myself to eat. This conversation did not end there; she continued to tell me that you can see food in a models stomach when they eat. Since they are so thin when the models eat the stomach becomes distended so they just don’t eat. It’s all about looking good in the clothes she said. This mentality has spread to mainstream America and it saddens me on a cellular level. Why do we not focus more on what is inside of the shell? Is the body we are given perfect for our purpose and should we collectively be more loving with ourselves? I think you have just scratched the surface and should continue this topic. Xo Mish
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
SEE!!! That’s exactly what I’m talking about. Thank you so much for sharing this, Mish. And I think you’re right: we should ALL continue this topic.
I truly appreciate the time you took to craft such a detailed and revealing response. Thank you!
@missneira
August 13, 2010
Very empowering! and I love the answers.. As for someone who is not exactly stick thin I see so many other fashion bloggers who take outfit photos and of course as a woman I go and compare myself to them. I think its a natural thing to compare, but not too healthy. I agree with you, someones size shoudl not stop them from being a blogger in the community, they should def embrace it, what makes you different from another person makes you stand out.
xoxo
Miss Neira
Miss Neira´s latest post: Fall 2010 runway shoes for less…
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Miss Neira, I think even the most flawless women still compare themselves to other women. It’s human nature. But you’re right…what makes you different, and YOU, is what makes you stand out. The sooner we accept and love ourselves, truly, the better we all are.
@leia12
August 13, 2010
Totally agree with everything you said! I don’t think you came off too strong at all, and you were absolutely right that more action needs to be taken and more people need to be aware of this. Also, the fashion industry needs to step up and take responsibility for the increase in eating disorders and unhealthy body images! Even though I *know* I’m a healthy size, I find myself looking at magazines and thinking, ‘hmm, why isn’t MY stomach that flat?’ And every time, I have to remind myself that if I want to look like that, I’ll have to think twice about everything I put in my mouth and I don’t want to be paranoid all the time about my weight. I want to enjoy myself, eat healthily but indulge sometimes as well, and *still* be happy about the way I look.
Also, I’m pretty sure I have a couple items that are US size 8, and I too think it’s preposterous that a size 8 is termed ‘plus-sized’! Excuse ME, size 8 is probably pretty average in most parts of the world!
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Leia, you make a great point that I didn’t in my video: HEALTH. Size and weight is highly individual, and the most important thing is that we find our healthy weight. So much of that is genetic, and as women, it takes a while to understand what our bodies need (or don’t) to maintain a healthy weight.
Plus, too much in either direction is unhealthy, and we ALL know that.
@tanvii
August 13, 2010
Loved your passionate vlog. Agree with all the point you have raised and made. We all have at one point or the other struggled to ‘look’ a certain size/image just because fashion as well as television and movie stars feed us that image. If they/she can then why I can’t I! … I guess we have all to be clear about being healthy and a certain size is not the same thing. Staying with a good range and looking good while feeling good is all that matters at the end of that day!
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
AMEN Tanvi! You said it right:
Staying with a good range and looking good while feeling good is all that matters at the end of that day!
@canelahada
August 13, 2010
Your clarity of mind is always spot on.
I could watch you for hours: your long, long hair comunicating as you speak; your sweet English American accent, together with your wisdom, well I am speachless.
Look forward to your next post
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Oh my, thank you Sacramento! You are so kind. I, too, am speechless in the face of such a compliment. Thank you!
Don’t apologize for being hard core, V. These questions required hard core answers.
A-Dubs´s latest post: Get us out from under- Wonder Woman!
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Thank you A-Dubs! Sometimes I have to put that out there…people often think I’m a little too emphatic in my response to things. But that’s me.
Great vlog! I couldn’t agree with you more on all these points. I design tween clothes and even we design a group for plus size. Its very important that girls at a young age not feel pressure to be rail thin. We are all different we are all human and we should embrace what we have, whether its big or skinny.
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Thank you Monique. That’s the most difficult part of all of this: the girls. There is so much emphasis placed on the way we look in American society. That’s one reason why there are so many problems. I think little girls are also being introduced to adult ideas WAY too early. It’s so hard for parents, too. As soon as you send your baby off to school, you can no longer control what they are exposed to, and it’s scary.
@BonBonRoseGirls
August 13, 2010
Brava! Maybe if enough women shout out, the industry will eventually listen! Being healthy is the most important thing. Pretty sure Gabrielle Reece is healthy and odds are she’s not a size 2. HA!
Kristin´s latest post: A Bite out of the Big Apple- New York City
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Kristin, Gabby Reece is a fabulous example…she is strong, healthy, beautiful and most definitely not a 2. Being healthy IS the most important thing.
Thanks again for the Rosebud feature! I’m so touched, I really am.
You should not apologize for your passion! These were such thoughtful and articulate responses to some really difficult questions and issues. I agreed with almost everything that you had to say! I do think that some women are naturally thin and have difficulty putting on weight, but others tend to the other end of the spectrum.
And the idea that anyone should be kept from having a voice in the style blogging community because of size is appalling to me! What makes this blogging community so important is the variety of shapes, sizes, income levels, and clothing and writing styles of its members!
La Historiadora de Moda´s latest post: Decorating My Own World Redux
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Thank you La Historiadora! And you are right: our genes do play a large part in our weight…some of us are naturally thin, others of us are not. And the thing is, we ALL know that, so why are we still hearing stupid, gross generalizations about weight (like from pompous ass Karl Lagerfeld, who used to be overweight himself)? It stuns me.
But that’s the brilliance of blogging. It is NOT exclusive. Anyone can blog. And the blogging community does have power…it’s being proven every day. We need to harness that!
@abritgreek
August 13, 2010
I am loving your passion girl, this is one hot topic and i’ve enjoyed reading what everyone has to say on their blogs. I agree with the comments made here, in magazines, there’s no need to ‘label’ if the model is plus size or not, we have eyes have we not?
I left a comment on Beautifully Invisible’s blog earlier too… i’ve been called hilarious and tear-inducing insulting names in the fashion industry and i’m a UK 10-12!!!… But that’s only made me who i am today and so much more surer of myself. I’ve seen other girls consumed by the thin phenomena at work… so sad and they can’t see it, even sadder!
Anyhow V, you look so radiant today and gorgeous! Love the skirt and the sheer top!
x.o.x.o
A Brit Greek´s latest post: The Jessicas- Relaxed Summer style
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Thank you sweetie…and thank you especially for the comment. As an industry insider, you can vouch for the horrific and unrealistic perceptions of weight being perpetuated in print, on runways, and in the office. It is nuts. Why are women doing this to each other? That’s what’s so amazing…female editors are forcing this in their magazines. They have the power to change it slowly over time.
I’m glad you never let it affect you. Good for you!
@katy_rose1
August 13, 2010
V –
First off, you look lovely in the video today. Love the whole outfit and your makeup is spectacular.
Secondly, you had me laughing out loud at times. ‘what do they expect them to wear, fig leaves?’
And last, I loved your comment at the beginning – ‘Your size does not determine your worth.’ So true. I wish more girls and women could have that mindset and that confidence in themselves and in those around them.
Katy
Katy´s latest post: Slip and a Polka Dot Skirt
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Aw, Katy, thank you! Again, you put together some compelling questions. So I’m wondering: where do we go from here? How can we take action on this?
@gritandglamour
August 13, 2010
I’m still responding everyone! I will respond to all your comments…just wanted you to know.
That was a great vlog Vahni you tackle what is real to women and I admire that.
I just started blogging again after being MIA for a while and I felt lost looking at
all the blogs of these tiny girls who are either in their teens or early twenties.
It was like magic checking in to your site because as someone who is in their
early thirties and not the pixie of my earlier youth I couldn’t figure out how to
move forward. Now I know if you love fashion and have an eye for style it
doesn’t matter how old or heavy you are. Thank you : )
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
FP, thank you for your comment. I’m glad you haven’t allowed yourself to be excluded from blogging…EVERYONE who loves fashion has the right to blog and enjoy photos, conversation, and discoveries related to the topic. I’m older than you, and to tell you the truth, I didn’t even really hit my “fashion stride” until at least 30, and I feel like it’s gotten better over the years as I’ve gotten more comfortable with myself. Sure, there are some 20-somethings with MAD style, but there are also a LOT of mature women who have an incredible eye (Carine Roitfeld is one…she just gets better, and better, I swear).
Great answers! I especially enjoyed how you said, “what are they supposed to wear – fig leaves?!” I said something similar in my answers, haha! I’m sorry, but everyone has to wear clothes. What are plus-sized women going to wear if stores don’t carry their size and if designers refuse to make fashionable styles for them? Notice I said fashionable styles – not an oversized t-shirt in kitty cat pattern. Nakedness is not an option for anybody!
You’re beautiful!
Gina
G J A
http://www.ginajosephineaggie.blogspot.com
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Gina, thank you so much for your comment and the compliment. I appreciate it! And I agree, it’s time for designers to offer the same stylish pieces for people of many sizes.
@2556 S Sierra Madre
August 13, 2010
I love it when you said your size does not determine your worth. Exactly!
P.S. I think your size looks perfect on you. Everything goes in and out where it should!
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Aw, thank you Lang! You’re so nice. I am deeply flattered.
@diyraven
August 13, 2010
I look forward to your Friday V(ahni)-logs!! Keep the passion – it’s extremely necessary because Fashion should be for EVERY woman + rightfully so. And let me say WOW – I had no clue that a size 8 was considered Plus Size??? The fashion industry has been long overdue for a serious wake-up call. They are hanging themselves on this issue by ostracizing the majority of women. It’s so strange that we come so far on certain issues (technology, medical, etc.) and so backwards on others. Hangers are for closets, NOT runways. Seriously, not all “plus-sizes” are unhealthy and since the beginning of time – the ‘curves’ have it. I’ve got ‘little curves’ myself, and honestly it’s easier for me to drop weight than gain + I don’t look at that as a good thing. I’ve been working out + trying to keep consistent to bump UP my calorie intake to gain 5-10 lbs. I just want to be healthy + that’s what fashion should focus on clothing healthy, happy women.
And the “Smile break” was too cute + funny, haha!!
Keep being you V – loving it!!
xo,
raven
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Thank you Raven, I am so grateful for your continued enthusiasm and conversation. I am so glad people appreciate my vlogs. They are pretty real…what you see is what you get!
You and many others mentioned being healthy, and I can’t believe I didn’t make more of a point of that in my video. That’s the key, in the end. The numbers vary for everyone, but the most important thing is that we fall within a healthy range, so we can enjoy our lives and feel happy.
Thanks again, sugar!
What a great topic to talk about! I cannot believe that a US Size 8 is plus-size, now that is ridiculous! This is a subject that hits home as I am a UK Size 12/14 top but a Size 18 bottom! So technically my lower half, over here, is plus-size! Many of my friends/co-workers didn’t believe me when i told them when had to start buying jeans from the plus-size section, as I am quite tall and hide the weight quite well. So i guess for people like me who may occasionally buy plus size clothing but not for everything, I don’t really consider myself as plus-size. In my opinion I think they should take away plus size sections and put all sizes together! It’s so ridiculous that they have to segregate everyone into groups like tall, petite etc. I know it’s purely to make it easier when shopping but surely it’s just making everyone who already feels self-conscious about their height/weight/size even worse? or is that just me?
Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog!
Hope you had a great day!
xoxo
Meg´s latest post: Ciao New Look!
forgot to proof-read just then and realised It didn’t make much sense near the beginning….very tired lol!
Meg´s latest post: Ciao New Look!
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Meg, no worries…you made complete sense! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree, and I don’t know why I didn’t think of it myself, but why DO we segregate clothing that way? I can see separating by height because it saves people time. But why separate by size? Why not just put all the sizes on the rack together?
V – great vlog! This was the first one I’ve watched and how you approached the topic – your honesty and forthrightness made it very comfortable to listen to. Great job. And by the way, you are beautiful. =)
Simply Luxurious´s latest post: Eat- Pray- Love
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Thank you Luxurious…I’m so glad you checked out my vlog and found it worthy of your time. That makes me so happy! And thank you for the compliment. I am so honored.
Hope you’ll watch again in the future.
V! I tired to leave a replay comment on my blog bot it was doing weird things. Anyway Thanks for the sweet compliment. And of course you can use my sketches. I wouldn’t get in trouble at all! Thanks sweets!
xo M
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Cool…thank you!
thank you
)!! that’s so kind of you!
http://www.apieceofcrapdepartment.blogspot.com
best regards from Sweden
/MALIN
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Malin, hello doll…thanks for stopping by. I’m so crazy about your photos! But then again, Paris. Need I say more?!
Hi there new Rosebud! You have a lovely blog here.
SurferWife´s latest post: Happy Hour and a Celebrity Encounter- Chuck and WWSCD winners
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Hi SurferWife! Thank you, and welcome! I’m a surferwife too. Thank God he’s not too hardcore about it. And I don’t surf either. I agree…too cold…and too deep! And all I need is to take a board in the face. Uh, no.
Hi V,
I had composed a very long comment earlier this morning but proceeded to delete it. My views are as strong as yours but slightly more controversial. I feel the first question is misleading. Whoever thought up these questions must not have surfed the blogosphere too much. There are so many different shapes and sizes of bloggers out there, posting their own style and voice about fashion. I feel we as a community already embrace the differences. It is also these voices, from all the different sized bloggers, that can possible bring about change.
This subject requires more attention then what I can write in a comment or what you can say in an 8 minute vlog. In the end, we all need to take responsibility for what is going and stop giving the fashion industry so much power over what is size appropriate. We need to stop blaming and start acting.
I’m with B. All the way (metaphorically speaking, of course).
A-Dubs´s latest post: Get us out from under- Wonder Woman!
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Beverly and A-Dubs~
I agree, this subject definitely requires more attention and action. And you are right, blogging has been incredible in terms of leveling the playing field. Ladies of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities are putting in their two cents and sharing their style, and I think it’s fantastic. But there is still a thread of exclusivity out there and bloggers don’t realize they are perpetuating this exclusivity. But that’s a can of worms I’m going to open separately, and soon. So stay tuned!
I always look forward to your friend friday Vlogs!
I loved your answers & totally agree with all of them… I had to laugh at the fig leaf comment!
I adore your outfit by the way, that skirt is stunning!!!
Gorgeous as always
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Thank you Julia…you’re such a sweetie.
Thanks also for your feedback and support. And glad you got a little chuckle out of this vlog too.
@AnikaByAnika
August 13, 2010
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamen!!! (got my hands up in the air and really feeling it at this point LOL)
You`re so cute when you get agressive! hahahhah ok, that didn`t sound right, but I absolutely enjoyed this vid, you are georgeous getting worked up or stopping for a smile! cracked me up, and also lovely to see you. been thinking of doing these vids my self, you are quite the inspiration. I fully agree with your answers, thanks for sharing! I never find time to do the friend friday, but need to find it soon
sending you big hugs! xx Anika
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Anika, darling, thank you! I hope you’ll do some vids too. Go for it!
I appreciate your thoughts and readership…big hug back atcha!
@210 S Desplaines St, #2204
August 13, 2010
the entire fashion industry ideology about size and looks is f*cked up. ranging from big fashion houses, like Karl L., making ignorant comments all the way to glossies photoshopping a model into looking like something she isn’t…it’s no surprise that EVERY female (applies to men as well) has body image issues to some degree or another. it doesn’t matter if it’s a size 20 wanting to be a size 16, or a size 4 wanting to be a 00, taller, shorter, bigger/smaller busted, what have you. i could babble on n on…
) loved the points you make and the intense emotion you feel for the topic. the smile ‘break’ preceded with a deep sigh was perfect. lol
love your verve and your passion, chica! no need to apologize for it either.
another brilliant video post, chica!
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
AMEN girlfriend! You are so right. And Karl Lagerfeld is a pompous, ignorant ass. I wrote that on someone else’s blog in response to this. He was overweight for so many years, then lost weight and now looks down his nose at everyone? And to assume people with extra weight are that way because of too many nights on the sofa with a bag of crisps is appalling. I can’t afford Chanel, and I’m not really a big fan anyway. But now, on principle, I would never support the brand. Karl Lagerfeld is an elitist and it’s comments like his that reinforce the extreme view the fashion industry has of women and their weight.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments and support, hon!
@leeoliveira82
August 13, 2010
Thanks V for yet another fab topic. I have to agree with you. I do follow all the big names in fashion and love most of them to death but a few really don’t set a great example of how young guys and girls should look. That’s why I love fashion blogs so much. I love the realness of them and for me, thats why I have such a big interest in street fashion. These are real people. I love the fact that fashion blogs represent everyone in the community and they are such an important voice for the industry to listen too. I could easily go out and find 19yr old size 2 girls to photograph in the streets but I don’t want to just show that. If so people find that a bit boring well, so be it. Its real and thats who I am. Oh, one last thing. Now, when size becomes a health issue thats a whole different kettle of fish to discuss. Have a great weekend.
LOx
Lee Oliveira´s latest post: Très Français
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Lee, I agree…that is the beauty of fashion blogging…the diversity. I’m glad you aren’t interested in only shooting “perfect” people. Style comes in so many forms. It’s good that you celebrate that on your blog.
Thanks for ringing in and for you readership. I appreciate it!
@FashionNextDoor
August 13, 2010
size 8, plus sized?? insane! Well, I won’t go on and on here, but I totally agree with you…. your answers are very similar to mine…
xoxo,
Eboni Ife’
Eboni Ife’´s latest post: Friend Friday- Does Size Matter
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
I know, right? Nuts. But let me explain what I said. I was referring to models…I should have said that. If a model’s measurements aren’t below a size 8, she’s marketed as a plus-size model. It’s totally crazy. On the racks, and 8 is not plus-sized, but that’s what’s twisted—they won’t show a size 8 model unless they’re looking for “bigger” girls. An 8 is not viewed as normal. It is viewed as big. Twisted. As I said.
Thank you for stopping by and for your comment!
@caseemarie
August 14, 2010
Truly spectacular answers, V! I appreciate your passionate approach to it more than I can say. It was so inspiring to see! The fact that a size 8 is considered plus size is extremely disturbing. It’s sad that the fashion industry doesn’t seem to care about the impact this sort of thing has on the self-esteem of women the world over – and especially all the young, influential girls who are exposed to it.
On a separate note, I just have to say that your hair is amazing! I was mesmerized by it, haha.
Casee Marie´s latest post: Friend Friday- Shapes and Sizes
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Casee, thank you my dear! You are so kind.
I’m glad my passion didn’t scare any ne off, because sometimes it does. But I think when it comes to this subject we’re ALL a little sick of the judgments, the unrealistic images and expectations, and the way it makes all of us feel.
Thank you for your thoughts!
great video! your blog is so interesting!
feel free to check out my blog
Madeline Weber´s latest post: Obsessed – the Fashionable Sweatpant
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Thank you Madeline! Welcome…glad you liked the video. Heading over to your blog now!
I am so glad to hear you talking about this topic – and I completely agree with you. I actually find it is great to find girls who are a bit curvier embracing their look and blogging and sharing what works for them.
As long as you are happy with yourself, and are healthy, then that is all that should matter. It is on the inside that counts x
http://pagesixxx.blogspot.com/
Jamie-Lee´s latest post: thirty-two
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Hi Jamie-Lee, and welcome! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. And I agree…if you love yourself, if you are happy, that’s all that really matters.
yes yes yes V!!!!
have a nice weekend!
thank you for your sweet comment! don’t hesitate to follow me on bloglovin or facebook!
xoxo from rome
K.
http://kcomekarolina.blogspot.com/
K come Karolina´s latest post: Sabaudia
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Thank you Karolina…I already follow you on Bloglovin’, and I don’t do Facebook. Or what I like to call Two-Facedbook. But thanks for the invitation.
Hey V I love watching your videos you are extremely passionate and I like that about you.
It’s true what you say, you don’t know why a person is the size they are, I am a UK 14 I have always been full figured but I know for a fact I have a healthy diet than all of my friends who are between sizes 6-10 yet they are always quick to comment on what larger girls are eating. Women need to learn not to judge each other.
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Thank you Hannah! I appreciate your compliments and support.
You are so right…women are the WORST. They are so jealous and so quick to fire off a backhanded compliment or even direct insults and judgments. If we’d all just imagine walking in someone else’s shoes, and not judge those who have more or less than us, so much of the backbiting would cease. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here.
@citizenrosebudz
August 14, 2010
V, your points are so articulate and the passion about the subject at hand is much appreciated. It is so good to see real discussion about this hot-button topic being explored. But here’s the deal: fashion is business. And there’s nothing moral about this industry’s business. When they finally realize that there’s a richly untapped market of plus stized women (hell, normally sized woman too) who are willing to spend their plus-size paychecks on fashionable goods, they won’t hesitate to cash in. Why it has taken the marketplace soooo long to realize that chubbies like fashion too is beyond me.
Bella Q´s latest post: No Better Place
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Bella, thank you for sharing your thoughts, and for your kind words. You make some excellent points!
great blog wow i love what you had to say and your dress from the last post is just stunning!!
fabolous !!
http://www.fashionprovocateur.wordpress.com
jordanaa´s latest post: Isabel Marant
@gritandglamour
August 14, 2010
Hi Jordanaa! Thank you so much! You’ve got a lovely blog yourself!
Great vlog. As you mention, no matter what a person’s size is, she should be able to buy and wear fabulous clothes. To me being healthy is more important than being a sample size. I struggled for years with being called ‘too skinny ‘ since I tend to burn off food faster than I can store it. Finally I decided that as long as I was healthy and felt good about myself I wouldn’t worry about my (lack of ) weight.
Marchmusings´s latest post: Designer in focus- Cybèle Wiren
@gritandglamour
August 15, 2010
Thank you Ms. March!
I’m glad you shared your experience, which is the opposite end of the spectrum. This speaks to the fact that our weight is partially due to genetics, partially to diet and lifestyle….yet again, what gives other the right to persecute us based on the way we look? I was also teased mercilessly as a child for a couple reasons, and I can’t imagine ever going up to another human being and picking on them. But the bullies are out there, unfortunately. All we can do is try to build a diverse community that is supportive and kind.
@profreshstyle
August 16, 2010
Vahni-
What a great topic to discuss. There are so many things that could be said about the terms “plus-size” and “curvy”-I find that I’m in the category as curvy which seems to be known as plus-size which is absolutely incorrect, considering I’m a size 8 as well. The fashion industry is completely ridiculous. I agree with you that high fashion has the need for thin women to model their clothing in order to create a certain image however, as you’ve said, it’s completely insane that women, real women, could pull off that look that’s created in ads. That is why I feel that wardrobe consultants/stylists/real women magazines are very important. My clients are in their mid-30′s to late 40′s and I deal with real women and how would I dare put a size 12, 45-year old women in Burberry Porsum’s latest ad campaigns’ looks. My god, I could really go on forever about the industry vs. real consumers.
Real women are amazing, nuff’ said.
christina of profresh style´s latest post: Feature- Work It- Bloggers
@gritandglamour
August 17, 2010
Hey Christina, thank you for sharing your thoughts. You’re right: real women ARE amazing. I just wish more designers appreciated that.
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