I was thrilled when Sports Illustrated released their 2011 swimsuit issue this week and even happier that Brooklyn Decker, one of my favorite models (ever!) was in this year’s issue (she was last year’s cover girl, but it seems SI is switching out some of their regular models lately so I was hoping she would still be in it). Speaking of which, where the heck is Marissa Miller? She’s not doing Victoria’s Secret or SI anymore?
Here’s a few of my favorite Brooklyn shots (all images are from si.com)
Now, the real reason I wanted to post about the SI issue is because of a debate that went on today on a message board about the SI models and their bodies.
I always loved SI’s approach of selecting their models, because, from my perspective, they have more achievable and athletic bodies than runway and high fashion models. What I should clarify here, is that I mean their bodies are relate-able/achievable/realistic for me. I’m tall, I have a long torso, I have wider hips, I work out regularly. For me, these model’s bodies are a representation of what I feel I could accomplish with a lot of hard work and healthy eating.
It seems my comment sparked a little bit of debate, especially when I said I liked how curvy the models were—particularly Brooklyn Decker, Esti Ginzburg and Jessica Gomes.
Here’s the thing. It’s all semantics—everyone has a different way of assigning meaning to a word. For some, curvy means thin girls with boobs and hips, for others it means a plus-sized woman and for others, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez would fit their definition of “curvy.”
The point is, because we have different definitions of the word, people can have strong feelings when the word is used in a way they can’t relate to. For example, I always considered myself curvy because I tend to carry my weight in my lower body. Some people would think I’m crazy to define myself as curvy, but that’s how I feel about my body. I think a lot of the SI models have gorgeous curves. Yes, they are all thin—but they have larger breasts and thighs and stomachs that aren’t ripped with visible 6 packs (or so bony that they look emaciated.) Is that everyone’s definition of curvy? No. But it’s part of mine—I believe that everyone from some of the SI models to Beyonce to Jennifer Lopez to Kim Kardashian to Crystal Renn are all curvy.
There isn’t just one definition to me. “Curvy” encompasses too many body types to make one body the definition of the very word.
I have always loved Bar Refaeli and also think she had a gorgeous, curvaceous body. Some women would look at her and feel differently and that’s okay. Remember, it’s all about the meaning you assign to the word.
The debate also spun off into another topic—how women talk about their own bodies. I had someone contact me on my formspring page telling me that it offends her when I say that I am insecure about the size of my hips, because she is larger than me. You can read my response here.
I was taken aback by the comment because ALL women have body insecurities. As women, we need to support each other through those insecurities and not deny ourselves the right to express them. Whether a woman is a size two or 22, she has the right to feel insecure about any part of her body. It would be unnatural NOT to have any insecurities. My major insecurity is my hips. I don’t hate my body or my hips, but I do wish they were a bit smaller. It’s just a little insecurity that doesn’t affect my day to day life.
What’s your take on the word curvy? What do you think about women expressing their body insecurities? When someone who is thinner or in better shape then you tells you about one of their insecurities, does it make you feel worse about yourself, or does it motivate you to work hard to reach your goals? I’m obviously in the latter category. When I see someone who I feel has a body that I would desire for myself, and it’s someone who has similar proportions to me, I like to use that as inspiration to motivate me to keep working hard at the gym.
Please share your thoughts with me below! I love reading your comments and appreciate everyone who takes the time to participate 🙂
xoxo,
Veronika.
Love your healthy take on things, especially supporting other women no matter if they're "curvy" or otherwise.
Another thing to remember, even if you have a super healthy perspective on models for motivation, is that they're photoshopped! Photoshop, photoshop, photoshop. I promise no one has that shape of thighs, hips, stomach etc PLUS clear skin and everything else that's going on just naturally. Not to say those women aren't beautiful, it's just not possible to be perfect!
Eliz—I think the fact that they are photoshopped is actually more comforting than anything because while you can be motivated by what you see, you simultaneously are aware that the models are not without cellulite and stretch marks, just like the rest of us 🙂
It's all in the eye of the beholder, but I agree with with the three SI models you picked out. I'd give my left pinky to look like any of the three of them. I would rather see bodies like Eva Mendes or Fergie in magazines than a rail-thin, unhappy looking model.
I for one, am very insecure about my image. I have an 18 month old and still have some 18 month old baby weight to lose as well. I'll be the first to admit that I am jealous of those that can wear pre-baby clothes two or three months postpardem. I've got some that still don't fit 18 months later. I'm not a fan of instore shopping as I feel like I am judged for shopping at certain stores because of my size (14). However, I try to project a positive image when I'm out and about.
MrsEggs- I know a lot of women struggle with their new bodies after giving birth, just remember the amazing miracle you created was all worth it 🙂
I don't think anyone would judge you for shopping for clothes that fit your body. I think the stores are just happy to have paying customers who like their clothes.
I don't think 90% of women are back to normal clothes 2-3 months after giving birth, so don't be too hard on yourself. Thanks for your comment 🙂
i agree with you that every woman should have the right to comfortably express their insecurities–whatever they may be. everyone has different body types and so it's ridiculous to have to hold back your own feelings because someone might be offended; inevitably, someone always gets offended.
as far as the word curvy goes, to me it means a woman who has large breasts and hips/butt and a thick waist. as a mexican woman i think my definition will be a little different than other women of other cultures…and that's ok.
great post
norma
norma-inthisworld.blogspot.com
Norma—you're so right, someone's cultural background plays a major role in how they perceive their own bodies and other bodies 🙂 thanks for contributing!
Personally when I describe someone as 'curvy', they are carrying a little extra weight, but it's beautiful. I also think it's a positive way to describe a woman's body, EVEN IF she's a little overweight. Curvy is a great thing to be.
Agreed, the models you mentioned have boobs and thighs and it is refreshing to see (versus Kate Moss-waif-like models) as it can be attainable for some.
I think we all have insecurities, and you're right V, it WOULDN't be natural to have none. When someone smaller than me expresses their insecurities, it makes me realize we (as women) all feel the same at one time or another. It doesn't matter what size you are, there is ALWAYS going to be SOMETHING that bothers you. It's part of being a woman 🙂
A.Co @ A.Co est. 1984
I can relate to you being inspired by the SI and Victoria's Secret models. I've always felt like seeing them was more of a motivation thing for me as opposed to making me feel bad about myself. Thats just my personal experience.
And oh my goodness, Brooklyn looks really gorgeous in those pictures. Her make up is pretty flawless also.
@A.co— such a great point—sometimes, expressing our insecurities really does make us realize that we all have them, no matter how we look.
@laura—i agree-she's stunning! she was so natural in the movie and still just absolutely gorgeous!
When I say curvy I mean EXACTLY what you said…it ranges. Brooklyn Decker? She is CURVY. She has full breasts and hips. She's THIN, sure, but curvy. By no means RAIL thin.On the other hand, as you said, Kim K., J. Lo, Jennifer Hudson, etc. are ALSO curvy. That's how I define "curvy" 🙂
@jenny—there are just so many examples of a curvy woman that I think it's a really positive thing to see just how many variations of curvy there are 🙂
Kim K, J. Lo, Beyonce–are all curvy in my book. I read that someone somewhere once described Giselle as curvy. LOL, not in my book. I actually do think Bar Rafaeli is pretty dang curvy for a model, she has extra meat on her bones compared to the other girls for sure. It is possible to be thin, thick, short, or tall and still be curvy. I think curvy for me is more of an hourglass shape in general.
And that last bikini BD is wearing is amazing, I hope you have luck finding it!
When I think of curvy, I also think of women like Eva Mendes or J Lo. I think curvy is so beautiful! I don't understand why some women try so hard to look anything but womanly – almost like they want to go back to how they were as children sans hips, thighs, and breasts. I personally see myself as curvy, because I have a larger lower half. I used to hate it because finding jeans and skirts to fit my tiny waist and my larger bottom was so hard! It still is, but I've accepted the fact that this is my body and I actually love my curves now. I hope we can all learn to embrace them!
Your response on formspring was totally on point! I agreed with everything you said and think it was a great well thought out and well stated response.
I also have the same definition as you on the word "curvy." To me, having curves mean you go in and out in the right places. Some people specifically reserve that word for bigger women and call a woman who's built very rectangularly but on the bigger side as "curvy." There are bigger women who definitely have beautiful curves but there are women who are bigger but not curvy (in my definition of the word).. just like there are slimmer women with curves aka boobs and hips, and then there are slimmer women without those. It's a matter of bone structure and having fat in the right places that some people are blessed with in my opinion. I don't think it should be a word that's offensive or reserved for a specific weight group.
My take on the word curvy is…I LIKE IT!!!!! What I like even more is when a woman has confidence behind her body type. It is so important as women to "Rock your Body" no matter your type, but be proud of who you are!!! When their is someone in better shape than me I use this to motivate me toward my goals! Eat less and move more so I can obtain my goals. Nothing says sexy like a confident woman!
I saw Just Go With It this weekend too, and I loved it! Brooklyn Decker is seriously gorgeous and a pretty good actress. I have to agree with you and say she's "curvy" and looks more normal than most models.
My comment is more about that gorgeous coral bikini!!! I've been looking everywhere for it too and it's sold out!! I think I've discovered it's the Mikoh Sebastian Coral top. I'm not sure about the bottoms. It was on sale at revolve clothing for $54 but it's completely sold out there too!! Super bummed!
I'd say that I agree on your views of the word "curvy." I personally am not big busted, but I do carry more weight and width in my hips. I love looking at SI and seeing girls like Brooklyn Decker. The girl has some hips. She also has a very athletic body, which I feel that I also have. I've never been as thin as a rail, and it's nice to see models out there who aren't either.
I guess I can see how people are "offended" by your (which is mine as well) definition of curvy. A few years ago, when my size 00 friend complained about being fat, it really irritated me. I thought…"You're a 00, I'm a size 6. I guess you think I'm a cow." I was shocked to hear her say later that she wished she could have my body…um what?! However, now I understand that all women have insecurities. 00s to size 22s…we all have things we don't like, and instead of judging each other on those things, we should support and love each other through those feelings.
Great post, girl. I always love reading things like this! I am so glad that I found your blog.
x
Hi Veronika,
Great post! To me curvy refers to shape, not size. The shape is an hourglass-large chest, smaller waist, and wider hips. This shape can translate into any size, whether you are a size 0 or 20!
-Holly
I'm in the category where I do not think these girls are curvy. In my opinion, they are thin but with implants.
To me, curvy is Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, etc.
I agree with your comment to the poster on your formspring page and with your definition of curvy. I was a size 2 (curvy with insecurities) when I got pregnant, my son is now 10 months old and I am a size 6. You better believe that I have insecurities about my body now. I am eating well and working out but I still have quite a way to go before I feel great about my body again. My sister-in-law and mother-in-law are bigger than I am, they are built completely different than I am and carry their weight in different places. My MIL gets super offended when I make any comment about my body and it makes me feel like my feelings don't matter. My SIL gets it, she helps me feel better about the body I have and we both help each other with our insecurities.
Curvy means CURVES. Not a fence post! People are too sensitive. All shapes and sizes can be beautiful 🙂 I have a butt and athletic thighs and it makes me feel better to see some girls with some "curves". Gosh!
Thanks for the conversation starter, V. Always love your posts.
As you say – a lot of it is semantics – in my personal definition, I would say JLO is curvy, but I find the VS models are too thin to call curvy (again – this is just my opinion).
Even the 90s supermodels – who had healthier body types (except for the heroin chic movement) – I wouldn't define them as curvy.
I find magazines inspirational – I use the images to inspire me to workout etc…maybe the reason you and I feel this way is that these results are attainable for us with a little hard work (I've always been slim and have a small frame).
I will say though – the current models in a lot of ads are TOO skinny…I was looking through my People stylewatch, and some of the clothing ads – the models looked seriously skeletal and sickly – I wouldn't want to look like that even if I could – yuck!
I do think that there is so much photoshopping – and although the models are skinnier – they are airbrushing out the "bad" side effects – like bones sticking out (they did this for Audrina Partridge recently)…so what is presented in a magazine now is NEVER achievable by ANYBODY…(i.e. either your bones would stick out, or you wouldn't be skinny enough)
Interesting post!
I'd say curvy to me means Beyonce or America Ferrara (I think that's her name) I don't know if I'd say Brooklyn as curvy, mainly because I associate curvy with a huge butt & hips. But she isn't very thin, which I like! I think what gets me the most when others express insecurities is that if a friend is skinnier than me is complaining about how fat she is. It makes me feel worse about myself, because if she thinks she's fat then I must be fat too! Or maybe she is fishing for compliments lol
I agree. I believe that they are curvy too. I'm a tiny girl, size 0 and I have insecurities about how little I am.
Everyone is different, and we all have insecurities.
My hubs and I saw that movie this weekend and also LOVED it, totally a fun movie!
Although my take on curvy is different than yours I don't see it as a negative word at all!
My younger (25 y/o) sister is very thin with "curves" in all the right places, she has insecurities about her body and I understand, although I have a totally different body. She works in a high traffic public place and you wouldn't believe the comments she gets, people will flat out tell her she needs to eat, that girl eats WAY more than myself and even TRIES to gain weight and just can't. Why can't we as women just support one another!
On the SI issue, it's not even their flat stomachs that I envy, it's the PERFECT skin from head to toe, I don't know any woman IRL who has that smooth of skin everywhere on their body! I'd take perfect skin over anything else!
I agree with you on this. I also think and love the curvy models SI and VS choose for their catalogs/mags. I don't think you have to be super thick to be considered curvy. I am curvy which is funny because when I was younger I was much more of a stick. My definition of curvy is an hourglass figure. I don't care if someone has more meat on them than others its all the same to me.
Hey Veronika!
I've asked you some questions on here before (I use either my first or middle name when writing them, so I'm not sure which I used when writing to you before.) regarding fashion advice due to my "different" body type due to severe scoliosis/uneven hips/shoulders. You get so many comments, I don't know if you remember that, but this post REALLY stood out to me.
I am a petite woman- slim frame, 5'2", and I flip flop between a size 00-2,4,6,and sometimes an 7/8 in juniors, due to my health issues. My torso is sort of twisted,I have uneven shoulder height, my hips are uneven, and then add in the issue of varying weight- I have a lot of self confidence issues. I always have. It's just part of having the body that I have.
A lot of women have given me attitude about being insecure because they just see me as being a size 2, slim, ect. They don't know what I've been through, and how much my body has endured in my short life. It has been a constant battle. I recently had a complete spinal reconstruction which has straightened out my torso and shoulders considerably (people who didn't know me before the surgery probably wouldn't think there was any difference at all), but my hips are still uneven. One side goes in, the other out. There is no way to fix that. Being a size 2 does not automatically make me ok with that.
Should I be unable to feel insecure because I can wear a size 2? That is ridiculous. Everyone has insecurities and things that they work on to make themselves feel better. I completely agree with you, and it makes me very sad to see people get to "up in arms" over another woman express insecurities. I think the way you worded this post is perfect, and I felt very compelled to write to you about it.
I have scars all over my back and knees because of life saving surgies that I am self concious about. To those nasty women who think anyone who is "smaller than them", am I not allowed to be self concious about this because I am petite? Thats ridiculous. I know this isn't about scars/skin issues specifically, but you know what I mean.
I'll be honest, I think you are adorable, and have a great body! But that by no means makes it ok for me or anyone else to get upset that you have insecurities just like me/anyone else.
I don't know if I'm making sense! Haha 🙂 I just think that it is so crappy the way that women treat other women. We are all entitled to our feelings and insecurities, and should not have to constantly defend that, especially to eachother. Lets build eachother up instead of tearing eachother down.
That is the great thing about the internet and blogging community- we are all allowed to share our thoughts and feelings- unfortunately this includes the women that attack you. It does make me feel sorry for them though, because they are obviously unhappy with their own lives, so they try to blame & bring others down for their own insecurities.
I'm totally with you on this. "Curvy" means different things to different people. I also agree that I think it can have more than one meaning. The same thing with terms like "realistic" and "attainable." It all depends on your situation how you are going to define those words.
We're all made differently. That's just the way it is. And most women have some sort of insecurity about their body no matter what size they are. I don't think it's reasonable for anyone to criticize you or anyone else for sharing an insecurity about their own body.
Awesome post girl! And I totally agree with you about your formspring…you can't judge your body an worth based off of others. I think you have an awesome body, this doesn't mean that I suddenly hate mine now because yours is better. There will always be someone prettier, curvier, fitter, thinner, etc out there than me and I'm totally okay with it. I'm happy with myself and that's all that matters to me.
You definitely put it into better words than I did lol. And I love Jessica Gome!
People need to calm down! Like you said, everyone has a different take on it!! And that is OK. Everyone is different and that's the beauty of it- if we were all the same how would we be special? How would we ever stand out? How would people find specific qualities in each of us that they love? If we were all the same it wouldn't be possible. I find it inspiring to look at these women, it makes me say "gosh I want a stomach like hers, I'll have to work at it!" we are all insecure about something on our bodies!! And after all, it is YOUR blog, you can say what you want and if someone doesn't like it then don't read it!! I love your blog, keep posting what you want!!!!
Xoxo, Eliza in salt lake city Utah
And here in lies the problem with women (and why I keep only a few close girlfriends). We're constantly comparing ourselves to one another, scrutinizing ourselves and others. We're twice as hard on ourselves as we are on other women. It's not a productive emotion and until women realize that, well, you have all of this stuff that's been going on on your blog.
I am insecure about myself too, everyone woman is and if they say they're not they're probably lying, but we should do our best to improve ourselves and be our healthiest, best selves. As a woman, I feel like you can't achieve your healthiest best self until you stop verbally making women feel bad about themselves to make yourself feel better. And no, I am not there yet either!!
I feel like you have always promoted that in your blog Veronika. You and I are built totally different, but I am not going to sit here and bash you for being the way you are, or vice versa. It's just not productive. I focus on how I am built and what's right for me. It's empowering. I read and love your blog so keep up the good work lady!
I, for one, do get a little upset when I see girls that are insecure yet so much skinnier than me. But then I remember – I used to be so thin about a year ago but I STILL hated my body and constantly felt insecure. I don't think I've ever met anybody who is 100% happy with the way they look. I have immense body issues that I'm trying to work on, but looking at myself in the mirror sometimes just gets me so down on myself. I'm by no means fat, but I still have issues. I think it's safe to say that every woman has something they'd like to change, even the freaking VS Supermodels. Sorry, V, this has kind of turned into a mini self-rant on my part! Anyway, I don't think you should feel bad that you have body issues. Everyone is different. You were just stating an opinion, which is what blogging is all about. Don't let it get to you.
But just an fyi, if it makes you feel the least bit better, I would totally kill for a bod like yours. Keep on truckin, darling!
x
@aimee—thanks for your comment. I think we all struggle and we just need to support each other. I wouldn't say I have body issues because I admit that my body isn't something I struggle with on a daily basis, but I do have insecurities which get to me from time to time.
I'm glad you shared your story in your comment, thanks again.
One way to overcome insecurities is to make a concerted effort to feel grateful for what you have been blessed with or have achieved in life, whether that is your body, your financial success, or your relationships. If you feel grateful for what you were born with or what you have achieved in life, your insecurities will weigh less heavily on your mind. Studies have shown the positive effects of being grateful rather than dwelling on perceived negative aspects of your body or your life. A nice article on gratitude from the Wall Street Journal: https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704243904575630541486290052.html
While it is unacceptable for people who are envious of your shape to lash out at you, I hope you can at least think of things from their perspective. For example, if you had an unemployed friend who was having a hard time finding work, it might be insensitive to complain to her about how your boss is making your life miserable. Maybe your job isn’t ideal, but it’s far better to be in a less-than-ideal job than to have no job at all.
With respect to body types, there are certain standards for beauty in the world, whether we deny that they exist or not. The current ideal is to be tall and thin, with meat in all the right places (boobs/butt). You are blessed to fit into this standard, and like you said, with effort you could achieve a body similar to the SI models. For others who aren’t blessed with your body type, and yet live in a world with the same beauty standards, I’m sure you are able to understand that it can be depressing at times for the great majority of women who could never meet that standard, no matter how hard they work out and eat right, or even how much surgery they spent money on.
That is not to say that women who don’t fit into the magazine ideal aren’t beautiful – there is a broad beauty spectrum in “real life” outside of magazines and Hollywood. There just happens to be a small subset of women in this world who are tall and thin with curves in all the right places who we can all admit we admire and are envious of at times. As someone who is closer to that ideal than most women, it could be considered insensitive of you to complain about your “problem” areas that other women would consider themselves lucky to have.
No one is questioning your right to have insecurities and to discuss them with friends or the blogosphere. I know I am guilty of complaining about or dwelling on aspects of my life, that upon further reflection wouldn’t be considered problems at all by most of the world and might even provoke envy. What people who are lashing out are probably trying to convey is that complaining about an aspect of your body that wouldn’t be considered unattractive by anyone’s standards shows a lack of perspective. Simply keeping that in mind, thinking of others first, and spending less time focused on your “problem” areas will do a lot towards making you feel better about those areas and reduce the time you spend worrying about them.
@anon— what a beautiful and well thought-out response.
I enjoyed reading your comment and agree with all of it. Our looks make up only a small part of who we are and our other accomplishments are what should bring us true fulfillment.
I do want to touch on one thing—and that is, that I don't use hate language when I talk about my own body. I don't ever say "i'm fat" "my hips are massive" I hate my body" etc. I think there is a profound difference in body-hate talk and simply commenting on the proportions of your figure. I do think I have wider hips compared to the rest of my body, but I've never used hate language to describe my body—that's what's dangerous and that's what could be seen as offensive.
I think it's important to also touch on what you said about beauty ideals. I think you're right—tall, thin, still rules. But, I also think ideals are shifting a bit. Not enough to make an impact on the entire fashion and beauty industry at large, but it's a start. I think the fact that there has been a shift in magazines featuring models on their covers to our modern-day covers which for the most part feature celebrities has brought us to a moe positive place. Now, don't get me wrong, most celebrities are gorgeous and have amazing bodies—but they are not all the tall, super thin ideal. They have very unique faces and body shapes, heighs and sizes are so much more of a range than the typical 5'10 model.
I think we've come a long way and still have a very, very long way to go.
thanks again, your comment was very much an important part of this discussion.
I guess you're right, the connotation of the word is different for everyone. I am a size 8/10, Latina, and definitely curvy. Big boobs (albeit they are implants, lol!), smaller waist, and bigger hips/butt. For me, I would never, ever consider any of the SI models to be curvy. I mean, to me, they are tall and thin, as are you. You look terrific, don't get me wrong! I just wouldn't classify you as curvy in any conceivable sense of the word, you know? And to hear you say you are just seems… wrong… to me. I’ll be honest, I rolled my eyes when you said that. I don’t even know why I feel that way and I can’t believe I’m admitting it. I feel bad saying it. I just feel compelled to admit my honest feelings on this matter, to give you another point of view.
I mean, the SI models (and you) look GORGEOUS and work hard to look that way! When you said you think it's realistic for you, you are right. You have that body type. But truthfully, most women in this world do not. The average woman is not a a 5'9 glamazon with big boobs and a waist like you have, you know? So I think that's what's getting people riled up here. It seems (to me) that your breezy statement that these women have realistic figures is a bit jarring– because that's really not the case for MOST women out there. It just happens to be the case for you. It came across (again, to me) as a little shortsighted to make that comment in such an offhanded way that’s dismissive to the fact that that’s really NOT the case for most people. So that’s what’s frustrating. I mean, I will never be that thin either, no matter what I do simply because of my bone structure. But I'm truly happy to look the way I do, and I’m confident, so who cares who's curvy, who's not, you know? Great debate! I really hope you weren't offended, I was just trying to shed some light on why people might have been reacting negatively to your comments.
erika–thanks for your comment 🙂 can i clarify one thing? I've stated, from the start that i feel the bodies are realistic for me…I never meant my comment to mean that their bodies should be realistic for every woman. I think everyone needs workout motivation and for me, it's these ladies because it's realistic for me…and I think that's a lot healthier than choosing body role models that set unrealistic expectations for yourself.
Having said that—I do see your point—that women can sometimes view a comment in a different light and react to it and that's okay. I never meant for my statement about the bodies being realistic to come off as breezy—I know it's not realistic for everyone, but for me, these ladies are motivating. For someone trying to lose weight, Jennifer Hudson might be the best role model (heck, I love her body too!), it all depends on what works for each individual.
No, I know you said they were realistic for you. I get that, and I do appreciate the disclaimer. I mean, to be honest, like I said, I don't even know why I felt such a strong reaction! I'm a longtime follower of your blog, and I know that you would never intentionally say something to offend people. The way we feel about our bodies is a touchy subject, but I do respect your opinions and more importantly, I respect the fact that you are entitled to them 🙂 Your blog often provokes debates that make me think about things like body image and self esteem and I appreciate that. It's good to see things from all sides!
@erika—thanks again for your comment 🙂 I feel really fortunate to have a blog that generates such great discussions from so many women.
I think it's great when we all have differing reactions to what we read about body image and other self-esteem related topics.
What I think your comment made me realize about myself, is that I see myself very differently than others do, and I'm not sure that's a good thing. I sometimes wish I could see my body how others see it. I think of myself as having a fairly positive body image, but when I get comments like "you're so skinny" "you're a rail" I feel very uncomfortable because I don't feel that way about myself. I think I'm going to start to try and be more grateful (like the article a previous commenter posted)because when you really think about it—just having a body that can move and be healthy is such a blessing in itself. Thanks again for joining the discussion 🙂
I find that if someone is INSECURE they're going to take offense, regardless of intention.
I can understand what you're talking about re:curvy women. I consider myself curvy because I've got thighs, and boobs, but some would also not consider me curvy because I am not a size 12. I don't think this is something you can objectively look at. It is all in the eye of the beholder.
Also, Opinions are to be had, and you have your own. Sheesh. Some people!
Honestly, I wish people would just embrace all body types. God gave us all many body types. I happen to be a stick, with no hips, size 0-2, and honestly, I can't help it!!!! I am a mom of a 2 year old as well.
I consider "curvy" to mean boobs and hips. I guess that means I'm NOT curvy, with no hips and 34B breasts. And I totally understand expressing your insecurities! I wish I looked like Kim Kardashian but I just can't. By all means, it's your blog – express away.
Everyone's going to have their own opinions on curvy, and that is fine. But there's one thing that needs to be said here. Every one of those pictures of her are retouched and airbrushed. I don't look to print/media to compare myself to. I think we all are fooled by those photos. Yes, the models in SI or VS are not rail thin, but they're still a bit unrealistic in those photos. I embrace my size 4-6 curves, thick thighs, and J-Lo booty. I will say though, heck yes, those are great inspirational pictures to look at while trying to shape up.
Wow- the long Anon comment was really well written and I think everything they said is great!
On the curvy or not vote I'm gonna go with the group that thinks JLo, Kim K. etc are curvy- Brookylyn, Bar etc- to me they are still tall and slender. I think sometimes the PC way of putting it is VS/SI model body type vs (sickily looking)cliche runway model body type. But to each her own on how to use the word. I guess I can see why someone was offended by you using curvy to describe the SI models and yourself, IMO I don't think most people use curvy that way- at least not me and the people I talk with or the things I read.
Didn't get a chance to read all the comments, but I definitely relate to you Veronika. You and I have very like body types-except I am 5'8 not 5'10. I have had such negative reactions from people (including college roommates who who said many nasty things behind my back) when I say I want to lose 5lbs or tone up etc. I guess there is a double standard when you are considered "thin." I feel like you are not allowed to have body insecurities etc. I know I am not fat at a size 4, but I am going on vacation in a few weeks and I do want to lose 3 lbs that I put on during the winter (I know there will be eye rolling at this), but just because you are thinner does not mean you can't have body goals as well. Afterall, as long as we all feel good about ourselves why does everyone care?! It has always been a sore subject to me as well. I feel like I am never allowed to make a comment about my body if there is someone who is even a tad larger than me in a room. Women are funny creatures, men would never analyze stuff this much!
@anon-thanks for your comment. I kind of feel the same way in that anytime I talk about my body, there is bound to be someone who isn't happy with what I say.
@christina—you're right, I think the word "curvy" has a different meaning depending on the people who surround you as well—if you and your friends agree on a definition of the word, then that's what you perceive it to be 🙂