Tag: beauty redefined

+Size Matters: Hairspray (1988 and 2007)

4 Comments

hairspray-postHairspray is a very interesting film and musical as the protagonist is plus size but the story presents a character of this body type be more than just a source of humor due to “gluttonous practices.” The heart of the story is the theme of acceptance of difference, whether it be size, race or even economic background. The protagonist, Traci Turnblad, uses her privilege and local celebrity platform to bring on a cultural change which in this case involved integrating a very popular dance show. The very title implies the significance of appearance which is conveyed better in the 1988 original with the opening sequence being that of the council members getting ready to  go live on television.

the-von-taseels-vs-turnblads

Colleen Fitzpatrick as Amber Von Tussle, Debbie Harry as Velma Von Tussle, Divine as Edna Turnblad, and Ricki Lake as Tracy Turnblad, Hairspray (1988). Image Credit: © 1988 New Line Cinema

I truly believe that what makes this Hairspray so appealing is the layers that come with it. The story follows Tracy’s rise in dance show scene, the racial conflicts of the 1960s, the socioeconomic differences of their community, as well as the relationship between the two mothers, Edna and Velma, and their daughters, Tracy and Amber. With the live broadcast of the musical adaption set to air tonight, I thought it would be great to take a look at these two very distinct films and how they help set the standard for what makes a great body positive, plus size protagonist lead story.

Continue reading →

Black Friday 2016 Wishlist

Leave a comment

One welcome part of the holiday season truly are the sales. From scoring items from last season at a steal to stocking up looks for upcoming office parties and family gatherings,  this truly is the time of year for those of us on a tight budget. So whether you’re looking to add to your closet or even find some nice presents for your BFF,  I figured it would be great to share some of the many Black Friday sales you should really look out for this weekend. In this list I’m also sharing some of my current favorites that I think are worth your consideration as you shop.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which help me earn a small commission when you buy an item, which in turn helps me continue to bring new posts.  Thank you for supporting the blog!

Society Plus – 40%  Off Everything

Continue reading →

Autumn Blush

Leave a comment

This time of year the color palate tends to be browns, burgundy, forest greens and harvest oranges; the last thing expected are pastels like blush pink.  Yet these kinds of colors do help the season’s fashion be a bit more interesting when styled right. This dress is one that I found in the clearance section at Torrid last month for only $13. I remembered eyeing this dress for the longest time and had thought about how I would wear if I ever bought it so this was a pleasant surprise for this fall. With the quarter-length sleeves and the inner lining,  this outfit works well for fall and by simply swapping my boots for flats or sandals, it can also be worn for spring. I paired  the dress with my double buckle belt, which turned out to be the best idea as the addition of the brown really is what makes this look “fall-ready to me.” I also added my heeled two-tone boots from Avenue to keep me warm during these low temp fall evenings.

20161111_171158

Continue reading →

Fall Weekend Getaway (feat. Gwynnie Bee)

3 Comments

Last weekend I got to head over to Lancaster, Pennsylvania with two friends and my mother. A retreat of sorts, it was a trip I wasn’t expecting to go on until my mentor casually mentioned that she had purchased my ticket because I deserved to take some time to unwind. (I truly really am blessed with some great friends.) I had to travel light so I looked to Gwynnie Bee to help me make a decision as to what to pack. Gwynnie Bee is a subscription box service that allows you to try different styles and brands for an affordable rental fee.  For my first box I got these two beautiful printed dresses that were just perfect for the occasion especially since they both go well with my favorite crossbody satchel.

Day 1-  Pennsylvania Dutch Country Sightseeing and Shopping

One we entered Pennsylvania our first stop was Kitchen Kettle Village. A very picturesque countryside attraction with small shops and restaurants,  I got to sample authentic Amish jams, and window shop scented candles, soap, hand-carved signs, handmade quilts, and leather goods. I totally missed my chance to take a buggy ride tour of the nearby Amish farms, but I guess there’s always next time.

20160930_130044This Hemant & Nandita print A-line dress is meant to be worn in the summer yet when paired with a turtleneck or denim jacket, can easily be worn during these early fall days when the temps are just beginning to drop into the mid-60s.  The pattern and colors are stunning in person so I highlighted this with black tights and boots. (Style notes: I would suggest either sizing down or wearing this dress with a belt because it runs a bit large. As it is not lined I wore a slip underneath, this helped with the static, but it did cause the dress to twist on occasion.) Continue reading →

Why Fa(t)shion?

3 Comments

I have been very fortunate to have major support for what I do here on this blog. I’ve had friends and family help me pick out blog shoot sites, take pictures and point out new industry updates that I may have missed due to my hectic schedule.  And every once in a while they question what I decide to feature in my posts, but with recent events being what they are, I’ve noticed that these private exchanges have shifted. I’ve begun to get messages saying that with my academic background and intellect, my time and efforts would be better spent writing about social injustices instead of fashion. To be honest, I have been anticipating that comment for a while now. The very act of  getting dressed is considered to be a necessary, yet  frivolous, part of everyday life, so the pointing out that  fashion plays a central role in society is met with denial and ambivalence. The thing is culture, race, socioeconomics, gender, capitalism/consumerism and even politics all intersect in fashion.

why

Everyone whether black, white, rich, poor, male, female, adult, child or teen interact with it in some capacity.  Just think about  the amount of effort we put into figuring out what to wear for everyday occasions like going to work,  job interviews, graduations, dates,  quinceañera parties and of course weddings. Fashion, even at its most simple, conveys culture, social status, income level, education, age, sexuality, and even nationalism.  Continue reading →