I have been intending to write a post like this, addressing these issues for a long time now. The back handed compliment of addressing ones beauty and style followed with “for a bigger woman”. This phrase is always accompanied with some sort of hand gesture around an invisible belly or waist. But why. Why must someone include your body structure with a compliment. I’m sure thin women are not complimented in a way that addresses their thin frame, they are simply beautiful.
Just today, a woman approached me with of course the intention to flatter me but her “for a big woman” exception completely washed away those feelings of just being beautiful.
She followed up her “compliment” by voicing her praise that a big woman can “actually” dress and look good. I don’t remember ever hearing a law against fat, plus size, plump, thick women not allowed to dress fashionably, wear makeup and style their hair. Why have we allowed society and the media to brain wash us to visualize a big woman as sloppy and unappealing? Why is it shocking to see a large woman present herself well?
I’m a single mother, I have a full time career, I have a home and pets to maintain, I’m a writer, stylist and a blogger yet I always find the time for “me”, the human being. I am NOT a size, I’m NOT pretty “for a big girl”, I don’t just have a pretty face. I’m PRETTY, PERIOD.
Toronto fashionistas and designers Sasha and Garcia of FLAWS OF COUTURE launched their brand of unapologetic fashion apparel using slogans such as “Pretty Period” “Pretty For A Big Girl” and “It Was Never THAT Serious”. I’m obsessed with their message and courage to not only speak upon this message but design a line around it.
We as women need to praise and recognize each other’s beauty from the inside out. Pay a compliment without the disclaimer. Society should not be shocked when a fat woman looks great. We need to drop the “for a big girl” and recognize beauty as beauty. We are “PRETTY PERIOD”!!!!
FOC Apparel can be purchased here
Follow FOC on IG @flawsofcouture
