Talking Chic“Size 12 is the New Two”
So like it was just yesterday, I remember when my older sister finally dragged my then 22-year-old body to the gym, smack in the middle of my Sunday morning hangover (hint, hint). Fortunately, I joined the gym my first day there. After witnessing a horrific side profile of what looked to be me while trying to jog on the treadmill – yikes! There was no turning back. However, forget about my poor choices in the past. It is common knowledge that if the fashion world and social standards were more lenient toward women with shape and a naturally fuller figure, I would feel a little more at peace. And, like millions of other women, I wouldn’t have those pesky voices in the back of my mind yelling at me. “Don’t give in to that ham croissant at the donut shop fatty!” or “C’mon, just a few more pounds to go. Then you’ll have something to show off to your friends for once!” and the worst one yet, “Just smoke for about a month longer and you will totally look skinnier.” As I listen to those voices, half feeling like crap and half trying to rationalize my inner turmoil, I can’t help but think of the couture models of Fashion Week. Although most of their waist sizes look almost equivalent to the size of just one of my thighs and their shoulder bones ridiculously identical to those of hungry, third-world children, the clothes truly look gorgeous . But hearing that a model actually died from anorexia – the Brazilian beauty who weighed about 88 pounds and worked in the industry mainly to support her family – hit home. After many shows at L.A. Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, I’ve sat outside and model-watched. The skinny jean, the cigarette in one hand and cell phone in the other…deep down, I sometimes would wish I had the same consistent control in maintaining protruding hip bones (sans smoking to do so). But when it comes down to it, I would rather not look like a starving boy. We live in the richest country in the world, and I’m so overpretending that food is my enemy. Yes, I have not yet reached my ideal weight, but you won’t see me crying over it anymore. In fact, I have a wonderful brownie and hot chocolate waiting for me when I’m finished writing this column. In my early 20s, I went from loving the gym and enjoying a sweat to obsessively counting calories and spending more time inside a room full of workout machines than spending time talking to my father. Now happily at 26, I have found my balance. After getting health tips off MSN, studying my vegetarian mother’s eating habits, substituting a Corona with a vodka and soda water, and joining an intense cycling course for the best workout ever, I have realized that to actually sculpt my body into a fit and more proportioned shape means leading a healthy lifestyle and wearing clothes that fit me now . This doesn’t mean buying clothes in hopes that one day I can squeeze into a size two. Guess what? I don’t want to be a size two. Just as I enjoy my flat stomach and strong calves, I am learning to enjoy my curves as well. Despite recent discussion or controversy about how tiny models are becoming, the truth does remain: fashion looks best when it complements one’s shape . And you know what? If that means purchasing bigger sizes to get the flowing, luscious look you’ve always aspired to, then guess what, ladies. Leave your ego at the door and think health over ridiculous standards. Like seriously, that could save your life. Written by Elana Pruitt Visit the “Talking Chic” website at www.talkingchic.com. |
