Body Image and "curves officially in fashion"

Weight and size have come up a few times in the last few days and I feel it's something that should at least deserve a mention here on my blog. I will start out by saying that I really don't think I have weight issues: I'm not trying to be super thin, I don't want a size 28 waist, I don't look at a picture of a model and dream about how wonderful my life would be if only I was thinner. Granted, there are things I feel I could change about myself-- but I generally only think that in a concrit sort of way. My weight and size is only really brought up in the most practical ways as in sizing and pattern: do I cut out a size 12 pattern piece or a size 14? And even those sizes are up for debate!

Reading articles about Plus Size fashion shows really throws me for a loop, though. I honestly have so many thoughts on this issue, I wouldn't even know where to begin! One of my friends recently forwarded me this article about a fashion show dedicated to women over the standard model size. To be honest, even though I am most certainly not a size 0 (or 2!)-- I'm kind of offended by the entire thing. And not even in a PC sort of way. I just think that sort of show is really unnecessary. Heck, even calling it "Plus Sized Weekend" is ridiculous to me. Are we trying to incorporate these women into the fold? Or are we trying to further differentiate them from other models? To me, it honestly stems from a pervasive Millennial culture of everyone-needs-a-trophy.

There really is no need for a separate show. I just think the two types of shows should be combined.

Taking my fashion education (if there's such a thing) into consideration, I think a lot of the "problem" with bone-thin models is the culture of design. It's easier to design for skeletons. Literally. People not privy to the background of fashion design take it personally ("idolizing the thin", etc.) But look at it this way: the fashion figure is 9-10 heads tall. Designers want models to be as close to those proportions as possible. Anything that deviates from that figure is more than just "off". It throws the design off. I don't think it's necessarily an attack on the fat. It's just everyone's jelly rolls are different and designers want to show a standard design.

I'm most certainly sure there is a designer or two who hate the fatty-chans. Magazines, yes. They can "idolize the thin" but that affects my life very little. My world involves looking at pre-measured pieces and making them to fit my body by manipulating the shapes. I don't think clothes judge people... or the shapes or the numbers. If I'm making a garment from the ground up, I can make it do what I want it to do.

The next issue to address would be vanity sizing. And well, that's just unhelpful all around...

A Little Lipstick Never Hurt Anybody

So soon for a rant post? Not even!

While browsing the beautiful interwebs, I've come to a conclusion about the majority of vintage sewing pattern posts I've seen: I'm vastly disappointed in people not living some of those outfits up!

Now, I will attest that when it comes to taking pictures in a semi-completed toile, there's no need for fancy and flare to take a picture that merely shows that "hey- the pattern is boxy and needs taking in here-and-here.". But when the outfit is done? Take it up a notch! Wear that vintage dress like it's intended!

Maybe it's just my feelings about dressing up and being womanly in that way... maybe Dita has just rubbed off on me. Who knows. BUT:

(originally from an ad about deodorant!)

OK, I know it's politically incorrect, but I will admit that's how I (generally) feel about these sorts of things. Now, I'm aware that some people don't have the time, money, patience, or all of the aforementioned abilities to make that vintage dress POP. But if you're taking the time to recreate such an amazing garment, you have to put in the effort for you to look amazing in it, too!

This is something that is brought up constantly in the lolita circles: if you're going to own a 400$ dress, you have better do more than just wash your hair and put on some lipgloss to make that dress shine. The dress isn't what makes you a lolita- it's everything that goes along with it.

Now, I was debating using some poor unfortunate woman or girl's photo to illustrate my point... but that's not really what this rant is about. I'm not trying to attack anybody- I'm trying to stress the point that you should always try and look your best if you are putting yourself out there to shine!

Take this Vintage Vogue pattern, V8686:

It's a VERY classic style and the illustration is absolutely gorgeous. But if left in the hands of someone who may not want to style themselves properly to fit it? It could be disastrous! I'm not against "wearing your own thing, your own way"- but it could have so much potential!

A great fascinator hat- pearl necklace- t-strap shoes- full hair and makeup- little gloves and some bright red lipstick? Sounds fabulous! Heck, even the model in the Vogue Patterns site looks quite nice! (I probably would not have picked that brown/green color, but hey!) 

In the mean time, though, I'm sure I will have to continue to appreciate some seamstresses' amazing stitch work--- but try and block out their lack of attempt at making the outfit work as a cohesive style piece. Honorable mention to Sew Weekly, though. Most of those ladies really take these pieces and run! (I particularly always love Mena's and Loran's amazing frocks!)