recommended reading

Quick note: Amazon has my book on sale for $13.06 right now! Kindle copies still a mere $7.99.

* * * * *

This post provides a great reminder that everyone – yes, everyone – can wear shorts. Also see some great fit tips at the end! (A few of my shorts posts here and here.)

On a related note, I may have found my personal perfect summer shorts. Whew.

This is a tough read, but incredibly moving: A daughter’s letter to her mum about the hereditary nature of body hatred. (Cheers, Catherine.)

A neon background makes this bold floral even more vibrant.

What do you wish you could be doing every day or fairly regularly for your self-care?

“Because I’m female, because I’m black and because I live in the part of the world that I do, having healthy hair-esteem is a challenge … I was in my twenties, before I saw ad for hair products that included a woman of colour shaking her glorious mane with slow-motion vigour. And even then, her hair was as straight and silken as her Caucasian compatriots.”

Related: Finding Black Feminism: A Revelation of Black Hair.

The Militant Baker is gonna make the world more body positive if it keels her. Next stop: The Body Love Conference.

All four of these outfits play with volume and proportion in unique and eye-catching ways.

Flight attendants on Air Canada Rouge flights will soon be wearing custom Fluevogs. Lucky ducks.

Patricia rounds up advice and input from 13 plus-sized style bloggers about how they prioritize when creating their outfits.

“Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter are flooded with thigh gaps, which are basically pictures of thin legs from the front or back with space in between them … Millions are following this trend online and resorting to unhealthy extremes to get a gap of their own – a trendy status symbol of beauty.”

How glorious is this arty mix of cobalt, turquoise, black, and white?

Not sure I’ve ever seen a pair of sandals quite like these.

And under the heading of “can’t pick the boobs you want to wear any particular day,” Brittany Minder was turned away from her prom because of cleavage. Which, due to her figure, she absolutely cannot help. (Via The Beheld)

In honor of her new book The Hundred Dresses, Erin is posting a dress she has made every day for 100 days. Zounds.

If you’re looking for some updo inspiration, Hair Romance is doing 30 buns in 30 days. Who knew there were so many variations!

And because everyone seems to be doing a number-based project this week: If you’re a minimalist at heart, you might enjoy Pink Sole’s remix project showcasing 20 basic pieces in 20 different outfits.

Remember: If you fear wearing huge swaths of neon, neon in prints and neon accessories are great ways to dabble.

Imogen outlines the styles of cardigans that work best for various figure types AND shares hints on how to style and wear them.

Love how this bold printed dress and long vest interact.

Camilla Olson, a former microbiologist, launched her fashion design career in 2010 at the age of 57 after completing her MFA in fashion and textile from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. And my goodness, she makes gorgeous printed textiles. (Via One Woman’s Style.)

Ochre eyelet trousers? Yes, please.

Oh, all right, you can buy me these houndstooth and floral print Mary Janes.

“One issue we take for granted is that the images on the left are what ‘fashion’ looks like and ought to look like. That they are culturally recognizable as fashion sketches speaks to the ways in which hyper-thin feminine bodies are institutionalized at a fundamental level in the fashion industry today.”

Print mixing feels less daunting when you insert a few solids. Try a printed scarf and printed shoes with solids in between.

The Closet Feminist gives her take on the much talked-about Met exhibit titled Punk: From Chaos to Couture.

Zainab posits that the hateful comments she gets from white guys about wearing her hijab stem from the fact that her dressing choices interrupt the male gaze.

Neon, pink, and leopard print. A trio that makes my heart go pitter-pat.

Here’s what happens when you put clothes on ancient sculptures.

Petal by Petal took my post on what closet orphans can teach us seriously. Check out her post examining her own closet orphans and analyzing each one!

Who says you can’t wear burgundy in summer?

Responding to a recent controversy in academia over an evolutionary psychologist’s remarks that “obese PhD candidates” shouldn’t even bother because they clearly don’t have the willpower to make it through doctoral programs successfully, Collin says, “Try to be a little more conscious of the ways that our assumptions about the world, whether it’s dress codes or the way we arrange our spaces, subtly reinforce the fat-shaming that Miller was engaging in explicitly.” (Cheers, Nebraskim.)

At what point do traditionally “girly” items become problematic for professional and office wear?

And from the Department of Random: Monique Pool lives with 200 rescued sloths. Please don’t send this article to Kristen Bell. (Via Skepchick)

Additionally: Pie chart showing when we feel old.

{ 3 comments }

I met blogger and filmmaker Elizabeth Giorgi this week, and we had a fabulous time talking loudly and gesticulating at each other. She’s smart as hell and a total kindred spirit. Please take a moment to watch her short film, Tidal Wave Girls, which traces the trajectory of feminism. And pass it along if you’re so inclined.

Tidal Wave Girls from Elizabeth Giorgi on Vimeo.

“Bodies of Water: Honoring Our Jewish Bodies,” a new workshop at the Conservative Adas Israel Congregation in Washington uses the mikveh – a somewhat controversial practice – as a tool to help girls and young women develop a positive and healthy body image. (Thanks, T.)

Allison’s flirty bustier and flowy skirt make her look right at home on the beach.

Shall we play Plus Size Clothing Bingo? (Via The Beheld)

“Wonder Woman comes from the land of Amazons! A matriarchy! And she is not threatened nor inherently paranoid of other women, which is still common with a lot of female characters in pop culture today. She is interested in justice, reformation, empathy, compassion. What a compelling character!”

AND! I can hardly explain how much I enjoyed this history of Wonder Woman and plea for a movie featuring the character. “An action packed, empowering film with a multi-racial and multi-ethnic cast of women represented as intelligent, physically powerful, resourceful, capable, strong, independent, complicated, vulnerable, flawed, compassionate and beautiful.” I would probably go see that movie every day it was in the theaters.

What a fabulous way to style a graphic tee with interesting and varied touches.

Anyone planning to pick up Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns when it comes out next week? I had no idea a sequel was in the works.

Ashley interviewed young women at her college and asked them “When you hear the word ‘feminism,’ what do you think of?” Also see her notes about how many people drew a complete blank.

Allie offers some practical tips for dressing a top-heavy figure.

“Some researchers have found that fat talk is so embedded among women that it often reflects not how the speaker actually feels about her body but how she is expected to feel about it.”

The romance between ballet and fashion continues as Azzedine Alaia and Riccardo Tisci make their costuming contributions.

Tweaking your style can feel challenging, but evolving it? Despite seeming like a daunting task, there are many reasons why evolving your style can be beneficial and constructive.

This just might be the perfect leather moto.

These silky, high-waisted pants look comfy AND chic. Double bonus.

Peter examines how dressing choices may reflect attitudes about community and respect for others saying, “It does seem unfortunate that many people no longer know how to identify good fit, or quality construction or fabric. We’ve lost a great deal of this kind of cultural knowledge — the stuff we took for granted a few generations ago (and which was often taught in school). It’s not coming back.”

Heather Hazzan describes her journey from being a miserable “straight sized” model to being a happy, body-loving “plus sized” model. (Thanks, Jenny!)

Love the layered proportions created by this blazer, tunic, and skinnies.

I’ve got a trip coming up in a few months that will involve shopping, but in a city I know nothing about. Pretty excited to hear about ShopTrotter, which allows you to plot a shopping route based on an online map. The site includes 80 cities worldwide – my own isn’t currently on that list, but my destination is! – and although it isn’t 100% comprehensive, it looks like a great place to start.

One dress, 29 looks. Amazing!

If you’re a New Yorker and you’re plus-sized, definitely check out Big Fat Flea which is coming up on June 9!

Sandal season is upon us. Here are some simple tips for avoiding blisters. And treating them if they beat you to the punch. (Via The Beheld)

Ashe looks smashing in a simple halterneck dress and classic sunnies.

Got a Feline Friday double shot for ya over on Facebook.

This post explains how to find a peplum top that will work with your proportions and figure. So helpful! (Via YLF)

The ever-wise Winona shares six bikini body truths to keep in mind this summer. Yes to all.

“We know, as girls, that we’re supposed to care about how we look, since everyone is always talking about how girls and women look as though it’s a really big deal. And we know, simultaneously, that it would be best if we could look as though we don’t care very much how we look, but also look as pretty as possible, at every given moment. Women are celebrated for being beautiful, and celebrated even more for being beautiful when they aren’t even trying.”

{ 4 comments }

Chambray and lace make a dynamite combination.

“Some of the most confident, self-assured ladies I’ve ever had the pleasure of encountering are lectured about self-esteem and self-acceptance instead of having their thoughts acknowledged when they speak of anti-fat bias. How incredibly condescending it is to insist that someone is talking about personal sadness when they are describing the reality of their lived experiences.”

Spashionista is a total knockout in her polka dot wrap dress.

Since my skin is ridiculously sensitive, I was fascinated to read these tips for the care and feeding of sensitive skin. Do they ring true to you?

I just love the sleek lines in this black and white outfit with orange and blue accents.

In case you were wondering, fitting the female form has always been complicated. (Via Final Fashion.)

Bow-toe pumps and a circle skirt. Swooning.

K.Line’s Ask the Bra Fitter feature is in full swing! Check posts one and two for some fascinating discourse.

Mandi rocks a head scarf … and a silicone teething necklace.

“Broadcasters behave as though the viewing public have to be protected from the sight of an older woman and that’s just rude. There is nothing wrong with being an older woman. We’ve got to fight back against this sense that older women are less valuable, whereas men accumulate wisdom authority and experience as they age,” said Harriet Harman, who is clearly fabulous.

Cheryl rounded up her favorite style bloggers with natural hair. And my reading list grew …

Actress Lucy Liu explains why she’s never been cast as the lead in a romantic comedy. Apparently she’s both “too Asian” and “too American.” Makes sense, Hollywood.

This printed midi skirt is gorgeous worn with yellow.

This interview with fearless 40+ style blogger Mel was conducted by fearless 17-year-old style blogger Roz. You’ll love them both.

“In today’s culture women’s voices, our personhood, our potential and accomplishments are minimized by weight bias. This weight bias is perpetuated by the media. The media’s obsession with celebrity weights and personal appearance sends a message to all women. Your body is an object, meant to be admired within a narrow standard of beauty, and it you don’t fit the mold, than expect criticism.”

Patti is doing all white before Memorial Day. Rules Schmules.

This post analyzes what is great and groundbreaking about “The Mindy Project” alongside what is disappointing. Anyone else watching? (It’s on my “to watch soon” list.)

Yellow and green are so vibrant and spring-y when worn together.

“Most times I’ve read or heard the words ‘lipstick feminist,’ derision has been the intent. Sometimes it’s feminists explaining why the concept is bollocks; sometimes it’s from people using it to dismiss feminism wholesale. In other words, it’s a word we use to describe other people, not ourselves.”

The Militant Baker created a fantastic roundup of summer shopping resources for fat chicks by polling some of her favorite stylish bloggers!

Zarna’s blue maxi dress is elegant and dramatic.

Here’s where my size, my health, and your business intersect.

And from the Department of Random: Here is the wedding photo Husband Mike choose to keep on his desk for the past 11 years. Brace yourselves. It’s scary.

{ 7 comments }

Happy early Mother’s Day to all you lovely moms! Including mine, who I will be missing this Sunday but seeing soon …

* * * * *

“Fashion has been as ‘crucial to the emergence of the modern human as music and dance, art and humor, and language,’ says evolutionary psychologist Geoffrey Miller, an associate professor of psychology at the University of New Mexico. ‘It’s a legitimate part of human nature.’” (Cheers, Nan!)

Feeling the Morning Wardrobe Panic? Here are four more starting points for outfit creation.

Style icon Janelle Monáe does it again with a fantastic new song and unspeakably stylish video. Keep your eyes peeled for a cameo from Erykah Badu. Insightful commentary here, too.

AbbeyPost is a website where plus-sized women can shop, sell their clothes, and connect with other style-minded women. Anyone tried it? Lots of fun and trendy pieces on sale right now, so definitely worth a peek.

Here’s a fabulous quote about style from the 19th century. Seems pretty darned relevant today, too.

I’ve written about Mode-sty before, but gave the site another shout-out in this week’s Star Tribune. AND the site is currently in pop-up mode if you’re interested in perusing!

Love the look of orange stripes offset by a mint green clutch.

The hard truth: Just because you like it doesn’t make it feminist. I love that the author points out that she likes plenty of things that aren’t feminist herself.

Lisa dissects her recent experiences with catcalls that referenced her age.

Holy cats, I’m completely in love with everything in the Tweak store. Especially this glorious necklace.

The Reluctant Femme puts herself out there as a conscientious objector in the “weight wars,” and offers some tough love for women of all sizes and shapes about smack-talking and judgment.

This monochrome maxi is marvelous. As is this surprisingly on-trend high-slit vintage maxi.

With the approach of Mother’s Day, Darlene wonders how “matronly” became such a dirty word.

Body Image(s) is a truly moving series of photographs of women celebrating their unadorned bodies. From the site: “… we all find ourselves in the same boat of self doubt no matter our size, shape, or shade. This leaves us with a choice. Will we listen to others and their “opinion” of our worth? Or will we decide our own definition of beautiful and know that it means each and every single one of us? I, personally, will choose the latter.” (Not safe for work, contains nudity.)

Here’s a woman who has an incredible wardrobe comprised entirely of white clothing. Whoa.

Marissa Webb left her position as Head of Womenswear and Apparel Design at J.Crew to launch her own eponymous line. The new pieces are considerably edgier, but still have some prep to them.

I’ll always be a sucker for a watercolor print. Gorgeous.

I wrote a post for the ARC’s Value Village blog about why I find working as a guest stylist for their personal shopper program to be so rewarding. (Book your FREE appointment with one of the VV stylists here.)

What a darling, nautical-tinged ensemble for a weekend hike!

Photographer Haley Morris-Cafiero’s latest project is a series of photographs of people reacting to her for daring to be a fat woman. In public. (Cheers, Q.)

Although I’ve never had anything quite this alarming happen, I’ve had people manhandle me and touch my tattoos without asking. I know many pregnant women out there are all too aware of the uninvited belly-touch. Boundaries, people.

This list of 10 things you probably didn’t know about lipstick is such fun, and includes some great photos.

Obviously, I’ll be watching Wonder Women: The Untold Story of American Superheroines. (See the hour-long documentary here.) Related: This recap of a recent panel discussion of the film.

Nadia makes this tie-dye peplum dress look unspeakably gorgeous. Oh wait, maybe it’s just that Nadia is unspeakably gorgeous to begin with …

Abercrombie & Fitch would like you to know that if you’re not skinny enough to fit their clothes, you’re not cool. So THAT’S appalling.

Tina Fey shares the most important rule of beauty.

A “cure” for gray hair? Do we really need that? (Via The Beheld)

Allie gets a lot more detailed than I do in her suggestions for what to pack for a comfortable flight. Love her tips!

Remember: Positive body image is about progress, not perfection.

Love this monochrome turquoise outfit, complete with vintage blazer.

If you find the concept of daily affirmations to be cheesy and saccharine – which is really quite understandable – please take a peek at this moving post. I was cynical of them, too, once.

It’s Feline Friday over on Facebook!

And from the Department of Random: HM brought home a bag of Cuties a few weeks ago, and I’ve been eating about 97 of them each day ever since. So I’ve been thinking about this Eddie Izzard bit constantly. They really are a piece of piss to peel. I know I’ve posted it before, but it’s so fantastic I don’t even care. (P.S. If you type Eddie Izzard into the YouTube search bar, it autofills “I fancy you.” That pretty much made my week.) Swears in the video – fair warning.

{ 12 comments }

Just a quick reminder to local readers that my book is available at I Like You in Minneapolis, Common Good Books in St. Paul, and now Subtext in St. Paul! And all the Subtext copies are signed! Non-locals, you can nab your copies here.

And in the Shameless Promotion of Someone Other Than Myself department, I strongly advise you to purchase and read my friend Sean Condon’s new book, Splitsville. And then read all of his other books. Because he is brilliant and funny and insightful and talented and did I mention funny?

* * * * *

“I think one of the best things art modeling has given me is a complete and objective understanding of what my body looks like. I know exactly what my figure looks like from all angles. It helped break down some misconceptions I had about my body and start to appreciate my body for what it is.”

I adore a mix of reds and pinks. Especially when it’s not Valentine’s Day.

WORN Fashion Journal has made its Laundry Quandry cheat sheet into a magnet! That will stick to your washing machine!

Here are 10 comfortable wedge sandals for summer. Plus a poem about wedges. Bonus.

What ARE neutrals?

“I feel that learning how bra sizing actually works means separating your breasts from all of the messages and labels so commonly associated with various cup sizes. It means realising that your bra size isn’t constant, that these labels are arbitrary, and that your size doesn’t define you. When you understand bra fitting, you start to deconstruct the size-shaming and slut-shaming associations, and you realise that your breast size has nothing to do with who you actually are. And personally, I can’t see how that doesn’t relate to feminism.”

Additionally, K.Line is opening an “ask the bra fitter” feature! Hit her up with your questions!

Aaaaand because it appears to be Bra Week, here’s a thoughtful and heartfelt call for a braless revolution. (I’ve got a related post brewing myself.)

A peplum top and skinny white jeans make for a wonderfully on-trend outfit.

It’s mighty dense, but this post on the alphabetization of female bodies in Korean advertising is a fascinating read.

Nadine shares her thoughts on the recent revelation that Jessica Alba wore a corset for several months to get back her pre-pregnancy figure.

Shame is often used to convince women that their bodies are wrong and need fixing, especially by the cosmetics and diet industries. This post explores how shame influences body image, and encourages readers to reconsider reactions to shaming messages.

And on the flip side, it seems like some companies are attempting to manipulate our positive feelings about our bodies, and use them to sell us their stuff.

This asymmetric cashmere coat is a stunner. Even if I don’t want to think about coats right now.

Stephen Fried is sorry to have invented the word “fashionista.”  (Via Final Fashion)

Based on the results of this poll, I need to focus all of my creative powers on inventing pants with adjustable hems. There MUST be a way!

Despite what magazines proclaim, you’ll never get a “new” body. And that’s totally OK.

Someday I, too, shall pair a graphic tee and windowpane-print full skirt. Just watch.

“… as an American of South Asian descent, and thus a deeply-raced person, I have to question whether gender-based panic about aging is the sole reason I avoid the sun. With skin the color of a wet graham cracker (I would have failed the old paper-bag test), a graduate degree in critical race theory, and a lifetime preoccupied with color, I have to consider that for me, skin—youthful, poreless, undamaged skin—is never fully divorced from colorism.” (This was, by far, my favorite read of the week. Utterly amazing.)

Patience is a knockout in her floral blazer and leather skinnies.

Reminder: You are awesome-shaped!

Would you try stretching your shoes by wearing them around the house with wet feet?

Just like me, Gracey is questioning her colors. And looking fabulous in seafoam and coral. How oceanic of her.

“This of course sounds like a love letter to New York City, but in actuality, it’s not. It’s a love letter to fashion and what it did for me last summer. … I could put on a structured blazer or a bright, yellow top and finally feel something. At the age of sixteen and eight months, I found myself.”

Nautical accents make this chic white dress feel wonderfully on-trend.

Watch yourself or Natalie Dee will wax you. No, not like a mobster.

Jes has compiled a list of things that no one will tell fat girls. And it is ahhhhmazing. (Cheers, Helen!)

Yes, yes, yes to polka dot pants and yellow pumps.

This is quite possibly the most amazing, moving, inspiring thing anyone has ever told me.

And from the Department of Random: A short list of things this vandal hates.

Also: That is one sour popsicle.

{ 6 comments }

“Obesity, as every reputable news source has been reminding us for the last 25 years, is the new normal. Except that it’s still OK to hate the obese. In a perverse way, people like me make it harder for every fat person out there. If Formerly Fat X can do it, why can’t my morbidly obese sister-in-law?” (Cheers, Tina)

Holy moly, this pleated red circle skirt is utterly glorious.

Peter examines the age-old question: Is it better to have a small wardrobe of high-quality pieces or a larger, varied wardrobe of more affordable ones? Quantity or quality?

Project Heal’s Declaration to Myself is amazing. As is Pauline’s response.

I’ve been a feminist forever but, like Caperton, didn’t realize it until after college. Due in no small part to the “one of those girls” prejudices that float around – namely hairy legs and man-hating – which amount to internalized sexism. Also take a gander at the inspiration post over on Delusions of Equality, which is equally fantastic.

This blue, green, black, and white pattern mix might just be my favorite ever.

“What would happen if confident, happy, beautiful women decided to forego painful and expensive anti-aging procedures, breast lifts and enhancements, liposuction, all-over hair removal or tanning regimens? How could that change the way their daughters, students, friends, nieces and coworkers perceived themselves and their own ‘flawed,’ lined, real faces?”

Turns out, how you “group” your features can affect your silhouette. Especially relevant to the bust, which can be grouped with your neckline or waist. AMAZING.

Thinking about self-care in terms of punishment can be so counterproductive.

This week on Facebook, reader S. requested some input on hats that might work for her aunt who is about to undergo chemotherapy. Already Pretty readers suggested an amazing array of resources. Please swing by and add yours, if you have one. (S. and I both love the work done by Look Good, Feel Better, too.)

Naturally, I adore the double stripes in this ensemble, but get a load of that necklace, too. Gorgeous.

“Your 80-year-old self would likely tell you similar things that you would tell your 15-year-old self. That you’re too hard on yourself. That life is more than a dress size, and way bigger than your problems. That you don’t have that much time on this planet, and you should focus more on the good than the bad.”

A vibrant purple trench and mirrored-print dress make for a bold spring outfit.

You have a body. It’s not the only thing you have. (Not safe for work.)

Check out this fun and easy DIY for customizing your sunnies with ModPodge and glitter or wrapping paper. Also love this pearl and safety pin necklace tutorial.

A casual chambray shirt offsets a sleek watercolor pencil skirt in the best possible way.

“I have not seen charges of ‘excessive self-promotion’ lain against any of my male counterparts. Not the ones in my weight class, not the ones above me, not the ones below me. Not the ones who self-promote ten times as much as I do. I have, however, seen the “excessive self-promotion” accusation lain against other women who make it onto award ballots. And that troubles me, because it demonstrates a gender bias that has been found in a great number of social settings and contexts.” (Via Geek Feminism)

This video about bra cup shapes is mind-blowing. A factor that few women consider when bra shopping, and it can be SO helpful in finding a good fit!

Can you ever go wrong with red, white, and black? I think not.

Corporette shares everything you need to know about dry cleaning your suits. And many of those tips apply to dry cleaning your non-suits, too.

Burlesque performance has long been associated with female freedom of identity, movement, and voice, but this piece describes how it can be even more powerful for women of color. (Via Racialicious) See AP contributor and burlesque performer Nadine’s thoughts on this art form here.

Best instructions ever for getting a bikini body: Put on a bikini. And you’re done.

New style crush: Beverly Like Hills, who has fabulous glasses, sassy hair, an amazing shoe collection, and a fabulously distinct look. And she’s 45 and I love finding amazing new outfit bloggers over 40. AND her wardrobe is almost entirely high street/mall-bought. (Via this interview on 40+ Style.)

“I think that to say that a woman can’t tell the difference between liking an item of clothing because it appeals to men and because she genuinely likes it in herself is to underestimate a woman’s intelligence even more than your average fashion magazine does.”

And from the Department of Random: I don’t even care if these animal photobombers are real. I love them. Especially the emu.

{ 9 comments }