QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

Original post by shamma

Jan 21, 2003 10:32 AM

The book Watermelon, has struck a nerve with me, and I wanted to hear what you ladies thoughts were on this topic of self image and the way America has, for women in particular jumping through hoops to fit in to a certain mold.

I know as an AA woman in our culture being more curvy is how most of us tend to look, and we tend to be happy with our selves, and our men always say they tend to want a woman with a little meat on her bones. I cannot ever remember a time I ever felt the need to be waif thin. I was the opposite as a matter of fact, asking for more hips and butt. At the weight I am now, I am very happy and I am not looking to gain or lose. Even tho' by American standards I am overweight. I am very comfortable with how I look and how I feel.

Hit the enter button too quickly

dgtlsunshine Posted: Jan 21, 2003 12:29 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

I guess I am lucky with banana republic because their pants fit me very well. The GAP though they make me feel like I am obese when I go in there and I will say that affects my self image sometimes.

Though I agree with the poster that said a loving husband helps a lot. He would just die if I lost my butt one day.

NovemberSue Posted: Jan 21, 2003 12:29 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

Even if I buy pants that fit,a couple of washes and they are highwaters.

NIHA Posted: Jan 21, 2003 12:30 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

I always have a problem with pants that are too darn LONG!! I have to spend more $$ to get them altered

dgtlsunshine Posted: Jan 21, 2003 12:31 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

Yes you have to be careful with that as well. Yesterday I took my wet jeans out the dryer and hubby was asking me why? I said if I let them dry all the way in the dryer they will never fit again.

dgtlsunshine Posted: Jan 21, 2003 12:32 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

Nina though I love Banana Republic pants and I am about 5'9'. I am always amazed at how long they are. I never have to get tall in that store.

jenny11.9 Posted: Jan 21, 2003 12:33 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

here is my synopsis. I am 5'2' and weigh 110 - but I struggle to stay there. When you are short, there's just not as much room to stretch the extra pounds out in!

My problem still remains that I can't buy clothes that look nice. It's almost impossible. And I am not being over-critical. It's that everywhere I go, I am either a 2 or a freaking 8! What is the DEAL. I don't mind what the number says but it's very irritating to have like an hour to shop, and you end up with 4 different sizes that you have to go through. It bothers me because I know it's all a ploy by the designers.

Also, I am a little sick of this marketing towards looking like a 14 year old. I am 31 - a grown woman. So if I am short w. small boobies I have to wear low slung jeans and belly baring sweaters because I 'look' young because of my size?!?!? My other option is like old-lady petites clothing. You tall girls always look so mature!!!

shamma Posted: Jan 21, 2003 12:40 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

I feel your pain, its either you are so covered up you look crazy or you are 1/2 naked you look like a tramp....who ever gets what these designers are thinking. Then Jlo with her new line, says she is making clothes for the everyday woman, I guess I am not a everyday woman, b/c nothing she design I would buy.

alina Posted: Jan 21, 2003 12:42 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

Jenny11.9, does ann taylor petites or gap not fit you? Just thought to suggest in case you haven't tried.

dgtlsunshine Posted: Jan 21, 2003 12:43 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

Shamma you know JLo is my girl but that line of hers..... I can not support her on that one. Her clothes look cheap and very trashy.

ILT1221 Posted: Jan 21, 2003 12:45 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

Shamma

You met me and I have struggled with insecurity regarding my self-image my whole life. Last year I was diagnosed with a severe upper respiratory infection that put me on steroids for 3 months. I gained 15 pounds. I grew so depressed that I gained even more weight. Now I am a whole 20 pounds more than when my husband met me. He loves me regardless but I would like to lose more weight. I'm trying to be happy with who I am. After all he loves me its all that matters. Your attitude is where I strive to be in the very near future.

shamma Posted: Jan 21, 2003 12:45 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

Neva, I was in Century21 the other day and the the blouses look like tworn rags I need a head shaking similie. Who could ever wear that? which everyday woman anyway???

jenny11.9 Posted: Jan 21, 2003 12:46 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

it's like - ya know what J. Lo - there is NOTHING EVERYDAY ABOUT YOU. If you wanted to be 'everyday' you shouldn't have gotten yourself famous. I mean - get off my lame-ass bandwagon! I am going around just being anonymous and plain and I have to have people like HER trying to be a part of that TOO - pick a side J. Lo! In or Out. You can't be both and I would never buy your clothes because I'm betting the ranch that your 'every day' doesn't look much like mine! Last time I checked I couldn't wear glitter studded jumpsuits with the zipper halfway down my chest to my freaking job.

Wow - you touched a nerve Shamma!

shamma Posted: Jan 21, 2003 01:10 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

Jenny, get angry much you are entitled and I know what you mean tho Those rags should not be called clothes.

natasha Posted: Jan 21, 2003 01:16 PM

Re: QOTD 1/21/2003 SELF IMAGE AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

When I heard about the J Lo line I was excited. I was think finally someone will design clothes for women with curves. I have yet to find any of clothes that I would buy. My days for tenny bopper clothes are long gone. I want sexy, but mature and elegant clothes.