recommended reading

Here’s a pretty fabulous post from a pretty fabulous woman who decided to stop shaving her legs, pits, and everything else. (Cheers, Ellinoora!)

This packing advice for warm weather travel is spot-on. Also consummate traveler Audi shares what she packed for her recent trip to Europe. Learn from the master, my friends.

This masterful monochrome pattern mix includes pops of yellow and red. Who could ask for anything more?

“Tell us about girls who make robots and cars and bridges. Girls who build rockets, girls who can make and build and invent — girls who have grand adventures, but who can still go dancing, and still braid their hair, and still wear pink. Tell us about you. I know you’re out there.”

Denim jacket, graphic tee, bright skirt, wedge sandals – a marvelous formula for warm-weather style.

Loved this interview with 62-year-old style icon and vintage devotee Tziporah Salmon. A true original.

Rosie shares some snippets from her body image class participants, and they are fabulous. I especially loved this one: “… no matter what the ideal standard of beauty is, it is going to be impossible for everyone to reach it and we shouldn’t try because the world would be a boring place if we all looked the same.” Check out part 2 as well.

Megan Mae rocks a pair of bold printed pants, and garners several compliments in the process.

Ash launches her Beautiful Bodies series by interviewing … herself! She describes the series as, “… a series of interviews with fashion and lifestyle bloggers on their body image, experiences with body image, and dressing for their bodies.” (I’ll be participating soon!)

My latest StarTribune article shows some fun ways to use and repurpose your jewelry.

No idea how The Body Image Project eluded me for so long, but cheers to Weesha for the reminder.

Curvy Girl Chic shares her picks for covetable wide width sandals.

Did you know that it’s almost BIKINI SEASON??!?!?@???^!!?? Caitlin has a few choice words for the mags and manufacturers who make us all feel anxious and inadequate about ourselves for the sake of swimwear.

I’ll definitely be stealing this nautical look, right down to the headscarf!

Summer is on its way, and that means challenging times for office workers. This post shares a wealth of information on professional dressing during the hot summer months.

Lest you think that all outfit bloggers nail it the first time, Lisa has collected these funny and adorable outfit outtakes from her fellow bloggers.

This star-print flared-skirt dress is killing me. WITH ITS GORGEOUSNESS.

“In an ironic twist, Hijab-wearing Muslim women are falling prey to the same thing their choice of garb ostensibly protects them from: a relentless bombar of distorted female body images.” (Cheers, Allison)

A roundup of clothing brands and resources that cater to women with large busts? Hurrah! I’d only heard of a few of these myself, and am excited to explore the rest.

Did you know that the ever-hilarious Natalie Dee recently launched a makeup and beauty product blog? Oh yeah. Brutal honesty ahoy.

“In that moment, I got it. I finally realized, felt, really got how much time I spent thinking about how great everyone else looks … My life was being wasted comparing myself to everyone I wasn’t!”

This creative gal has posted 21 ways to style a chambray shirt. So much inspiration in there. Also peek at her red jeans and green jeans projects.

What’s your biggest mirror challenge?

“Bigger breasts are by definition seen to be in need of holding up, in danger of escaping. Which has nothing to do with what is happening in reality. Some people (at all sizes) want lots of extra support, and some (like me) don’t need it and would prefer something that does a bit of holding up, but doesn’t build a restrictive military structure around your chest and also, you know, looks pretty.”

Check out this fabulous tribute to the ever-stylish and ever-lovable Angela Lansbury.

“Bordo describes the contemporary thin, toned ideal as a repudiation of a more voluptuous, feminine form. Toned women are powerful women, who suggest ‘willpower, energy, and control’ over their desires. To be jiggly or ‘wiggly,’ she says, is to be ‘unacceptable;’ such body parts are loose, lazy, and over-sexed, at least in our culture’s stereotypes about women’s bodies.”

Head over to the Strong, Sexy & Stylish blog to read an interview with one of my personal style icons, Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen.

Autumn reacts to Vogue’s recent announcement about models, weight, age, and body image saying, “To herald Vogue as a game-changing ambassador of healthy body image is to forget that fashion photography is specifically designed to elicit a response—yearning—within us, and few things in our culture inspire yearning like thinness.”

Probably my favorite read of the week: How Hillary Clinton finally got people to stop nattering on about her clothes and makeup. That woman. She gives me hope. (Via Checks and Spots)

Coming in a close second, this post on the challenges of discussing important and sensitive issues such as race, sexuality, beauty, prejudice, and gender. (Via The Beheld)

And from the Department of Random: Like many, I’ve enjoyed a little BBC Sherlock now and then. So this photo showing an epic typo of actor Benedict Cumberbatch’s name made me guffaw. That’s FRUMIOUS to you, sonny.

Also from the DoR: Last night, HM and I attended the live movie theater broadcast of a special episode of This American Life. (They’re doing encores on Tuesday!) Did anyone else go? It was absolutely magical. And I am once again reminded that a good 30% of the artists, writers, and comedians I adore were first shown to me by TAL. New favorite: Monica Bill Barnes & Company. I couldn’t find a vid of a complete piece (which makes sense), but here are excerpts.

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Before we dig into the links, I’ve got lots of big announcements!

1. If you’re in the Twin Cities area, tune in to Fox 9 news tonight at 9 p.m. to hear me interviewed about Vogue’s new “health initiative.”

2. There are still a few spots in my community ed class for next Tuesday evening! Click for more details.

3. I’m partnering with FinnStyle for a fun event! On June 5, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., swing by FinnStyle for “Pretty in Prints: Summer Marimekko Offerings.” There will be a short fashion preview at 5:15 p.m., then I’ll be on-hand for mini-consultations in case anyone wants advice on which Marimekko pieces work best! This event is free, so come on down. (I’ll post another reminder later this month.)

4. I’ll be at BlogHer in New York this August! I’m speaking on a panel about affiliate marketing on August 4, but hope to roam the conference on the other days. Hope to see some of you there!

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I fell asleep last night with this song in my head, and was reminded that it is one of the great anthems of individuality. (Also filed under “Songs that Will ALWAYS Make Me Cry.”)

Have you ever broken up with a brand of clothing? Did you change, or did the brand shift its design aesthetic? Maybe a bit of both?

This incredibly simple positive body image activity will change your life. Seriously.

Can’t say I’m wild about pastels, but seafoam and pale yellow really do make a lovely pair.

“Simply expressing disgust over what is posted online is missing the point. We should be talking about how we can create a more realistic world for young women and start asking why it is acceptable that an 42% of 1st-3rd graders think they need to lose weight.”

This idea is fascinating to me: The antidote to rampant consumerism isn’t less stuff, it’s ART. Thoughts? (Via Yum & Yuk.)

A patterned pencil skirt is such a fun way to add energy and movement to a structured outfit.

“Regardless of age, if you’re fat, Society, either openly or covertly, wants you to hate yourself thin. Except we can’t hate ourselves thin, at least not in the long term. Sometimes only thing that sticks from years of being hit in the head with the anti-fat hammer until our ears ring with self-hate is…guess what? Self hate.”

Do you have narrow heels? Here’s a great list of cute flats for women with narrow heeled feet.

Summer is on the way, people. Check out these fantastic tips for thrifting your summer wardrobe.

“Feminism is a necessary movement – a life-line even – demanding social, economic and political equality for women. I believe absolutely that achievement of full equality will empower women everywhere and that this empowerment will work towards improving female self worth. But good self esteem also comes from within – from taking good care of ourselves and making positive choices that serve our own best interests even when it is difficult to do so; and as a feminist I’m not necessarily any better at that than anyone else.”

Girl With Curves offers up a few recommendations for maxi dresses that work for curvy women.

I’m always on the lookout for bold new color combinations, and now I’m thinking I’ll have to tackle turquoise, navy, and emerald together. Gorgeous!

“The good news is that once you get to self-acceptance once, it is easier to get back there.  It’s like riding a bike.  You fall off or wobble but you can jump right back on, if you decide to, because there is muscle memory.”

Matchy-matchy: A surprisingly controversial topic. (You all know where I stand, of course.)

So excited to have discovered Frantic Dreams via Yes and Yes! Blogger Franceta is 6’5″, and may provide some inspiration to you tall readers.

Black and denim benefit from a few bold brights.

“Is it really reasonable to describe your body type in fruits and common objects? Is it really that simple? We are all so different. I’m not a fan of labels in general and labels for body shapes are no different. As soon as we start labeling ourselves, we start putting ourselves in boxes.”

Marzipan offers this important reminder: The world won’t celebrate you unless you can celebrate yourself.

I’ll admit that many of the manicure pins I see just intimidate me, but Keith Haring nails? Love.

Franca offers an interesting counterpoint to anti-Photoshop sentiment. “… They filmed the photoshoot and it was still done in a studio, with lots of complicated lighting, and her hair and makeup was being done by an army of professionals … What is more ‘fake’, an unedited but highly set up photo that 20 people have worked on producing, or a naturally lit, spontaneous photo with some spots photoshopped out?”

Just say yes to ombre polka dots.

This post serves up another good reminder that language about “real women” hurts more than it helps. (Via Yum & Yuk.)

How do you stay stylish in a conservative office environment? Alison knows.

And from the Department of Random: Otter Race!

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Gabi rocks a bikini, saying, “I truly encourage you guys to get to the beach (or a pool) this summer–don’t let body shame keep you from having a good time!”

Natasha’s green boots are making me … well, green with envy.

Just a quick reminder about when it’s OK to ask if someone is pregnant.

Allie shares her favorite tips for dressing a large bust. She also shares some product and brand recommendations!

Monochromatic looks are a great way to dress to look taller. Truth.

“I was in my early 20s when I began to embrace the title of ‘feminist.’ Initially, identifying myself with the feminist movement felt quite empowering. Then it became paralyzing. I was constantly second guessing my choices and preferences, particularly with regard to fashion. I inundated myself with questions about my clothing choices: If I choose modesty am I succumbing to the Puritanical notion that women’s bodies are somehow evil or sinful and need to be covered up? If I dress provocatively am I participating in and perpetuating my own objectification?”

If, like me, you swoon over cinched waist, flared skirt dresses, you’ll want everything in Michelle Tan’s shop. Bonus: Dresses are custom made for a perfect fit!

How gorgeous is Jentine in this mix of ladylike and badass? Love Allison’s take on the look, too.

Daphne Selfe still models at age 83. Marvelous.

Eboni has been cruising through InStyle magazine’s series on neutral know-how, and her scarlet and olive green ensemble is absolutely marvelous.

Love this nugget of wisdom from Alicia Keys on the importance of attitude to looking gorgeous.

Elissa asks: Have you ever felt thrifting shame?

Real Simple magazine explains various kinds of pleats. I can honestly say I only knew about four of these myself.

This week at The Frisky, I wrote about how tattoo parlors are surprisingly body-positive places. At least, the ones I’ve patronized always have been.

Gracey knocks it out of the park with this color blocked ensemble.

Greta Christina talks about her new(ish) relationship with makeup, saying, “… makeup makes me feel more like myself. Makeup makes me feel like someone who’s colorful. Makeup makes me feel like someone who wants to make eye contact. Makeup makes me feel like someone who’s happy to be seen. For me, makeup isn’t about covering myself up. It’s about bringing myself out.”

College Candy offers some easy, affordable ways to nail spring’s hottest trends.

And from the Department of Random: It’s possible that I’ll be dragging HM to the MN Zoo to visit the new Tamandua baby. Field trip anyone? (The video at the end is short and hilarious. I have no idea what she thinks she’s doing back there.)

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Say! If you’re a Twin Cities reader and free this Saturday evening, come join me for a meet-up with the folks behind the amazing blog, Sociological Images. We’ll be at Town Hall from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., chatting, drinking, and (hopefully) eating. I plan to be there at 6 p.m., so come on down!

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Check out this roundup of sites and shops that sell stylish clothes for curvy and plus-sized women. There were a few in there that I hadn’t heard of!

Cynthia looks sharp in a different kind of animal print.

“I am not a body issue free zone, and neither are any other of the supposedly ideally sized women that I know. In fact I have never met a woman who could stand up straight and declare, without embarrassment, that she liked her body. And I find that ineffably sad.” (Via For Those About to Shop)

Never enough polka dots. Especially in funky, retro-tinged ensembles like this one.

In a red and puffy post-brow-threading state, I ran into the gorgeous and gracious Christine at Blink earlier this week, and am now super excited to follow her new blog, Confetti in Her Hair.

I contributed a post to BlogHer’s style section on five ways to avoid the frump.

Autumn shares her thoughts on body hair, social pressures, and feminism in response to my post from earlier this week.

I love long layers of all types, but long colorful layers? My favorites.

And speaking of color, clearly Elisa Nalin belongs on my list of color heros.

“Ultimately, it is not the style rules that matter.  It’s our willingness to really project how and who we are in the world in a way that has meaning to us.”

Pashteit has a fabulous flair for retro-influenced outfits. Yes, I’m crushing on her. It’s true.

I know I’ve been flogging them a lot lately, but I’m totally addicted to the Stuff You Should Know podcasts and this one on the Zoot Suit Riots was fascinating.

Over at The Frisky I wrote a bit about my choice to be a lifelong teetotaler, and the reactions this choice sometimes provokes.

This gorgeous ensemble makes me wish I had the chutzpah to do a hat and gloves for daily wear.

More evidence illustrating that healthy lifestyle habits are more important than weight in determining overall health and premature death.

Chelsea steps outside her comfort zone to rock some colorful tights.

Sometimes the philosophy of “make it work” is incredibly counterproductive. Alison explains when you might want to just flick it in and donate instead.

Thanks to Fly, I’m now enamored of Ose, an online shop offering vintage and reconstructed vintage pieces in size 12 -22. YES!

It’s official: I want every single dress in Lilli’s closet.

A German artist turned composite images of “ideal” female facial features into these unnerving masks as a means of illustrating that artificially produced beauty isn’t always beautiful. Thoughts?

My girl Sarah interviewed me for Yes and Yes! Find out some fun and random facts about me and my fashion history.

I don’t doubt that there are some super awesome Physical Education teachers out there, but my experience in PE was pretty similar to Cynthia’s. Especially in terms of those fitness tests.

There’s still time to sign up for my community ed class, Learning to Dress Your Best!

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I was honored to be asked to contribute my story to the MTV Voices project on self-image and confidence.

White, red, and turquoise make such a marvelous, spring-y combination.

Ashley Judd writes about the media’s insatiable desire to analyze women’s bodies, saying,  I do not want to give my power, my self-esteem, or my autonomy, to any person, place, or thing outside myself.” Among other astute and important things about women, bodies, sexism, and weight. (Cheers, Linda)

Maegan is doing a series of outfits based on jeans and white tees, and this one is my absolute favorite. So far!

I can’t help it. I adore Texts from Hillary. (Sadly now closed down!)

In this amazing interview, Jenny of Fashion for Writers digs deep into her history, ambivalence about fashion blogs, and views on cultural appropriation.

“‘Don’t worry, insecure girl, there are people out there who think you’re hot’ isn’t a revolutionary perspective, and thinking it’s a necessary contribution to a thread about female objectification and body image demonstrates a lack of understanding of the subject.”

Another thought-provoking post on the male gaze and its impact is offered in this piece on street harassment.

Katie rocks her pencil skirt, and discusses why this style can work beautifully for some plus-sized women.

Autumn explores her personal relationship with being described as “exotic.” (Also see her examination of the word itself, as applied to beauty/women here.)

Looking for some styles that will visually broaden your shoulders? Here ya go!

Teal and orange are great together, even more so when a bit of cognac leather gets thrown into the mix.

“As a southern-born African-American girl who attended predominantly white boarding schools, I am well acquainted with the sexism, racism, and colorism that shape people’s attitudes toward black hair. Strangers, friends, family, and ex-loves have tried to make me feel bad about my hair throughout my life. For a long time, it worked. But then one day I decided that I was done attaching my self-esteem to what other people think I should look like.”

Rosie’s picks for songs that celebrate positive body image, empowerment, and self-esteem are absolutely dynamite.

Don’t go thinking that warm weather means you’ve got to abandon your scarves! Here are some budget-friendly picks for summer scarves.

So many issues are swirling around the “Hunger Games” movie, but this article’s viewpoint stood out to me. The FFT trend is one that infuriates me to no end, and Caroline Heldman has been speaking out against it for quite some time. (Contains swear words, NSFW)

Miss Plumcake shares her feminist eureka moment … or lack thereof.

Here’s a great example of print mixing featuring two different sizes of polka dots.

One mother decides that avoiding negative self-talk isn’t enough, and starts praising her own body aloud in front of her daughter to set a positive example.

And from the Department of Random: Natalie Dee explains how virtually all Pinterest recipes are made.

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