30 September 2005

Clothes make the wo... er, frustration

Like in the realm of thinner folk, there's lots of diversity in zaftig bodies and style preferences. I find this particularly frustrating given the paltry amount of stores that do exclusively fat clothing because - in my personal experience - finding a store...

1) where the clothes suit and fit my body type
2) which offers the style(s) I like
3) and that I can afford

...I'm pretty much left with about two articles of clothing that are suitable from each vendor. Granted, this wasn't as much of a problem when I wore sizes below 26. It seems like the higher the size, the less chance of a good fit and excellent style -- and that just plain wrong if you ask me!

Of course, I admit that my body is probably alien in comparison to the women's size fit models, no matter what size I'm at. I have huge boobs, an upper torso that has seen trimmer days but is still not in proportion to the rack, a bulbous lower belly (a "second butt" as my sisters and I used to call our lovely family trait), not massive legs, a 29" inseam, and oh, did I mention no ass whatsoever? My different proportions range from size 22 to 26, and I'm somewhere between a petite pant length (which shrink to high-waters after first washing) and average length (which I can wear with heels).

Let me hear you say this shit is frustrating... f-r-u-s-t-r-a-t-i-n-g... I said, THIS SHIT IS FRUSTRATING! F-R-U-S-T-R-A-T-I-N-G!

As badly as I'd like to spill what does work for me from the various vendors, it's kinda pointless because of aforementioned diversity. But, maybe I'll mention one little thing...

After two seasons full of "bootleg cut" jeans that really ought to be labeled "straight leg" -- and yes, I realize that straight leg is making a comeback, unfortunately for us fuller figured -- I was pleased as punch to find the newish line of jeans designed by Jessica Simpson, sold exclusively at Avenue. They hug, but don't cup, the 2nd butt! The thighs are more narrow, but the fit grazes over the fat rather than squeezes it! And the wonderful calf area/hems are a TRUE bootcut slash flare.

Praise the fashion goddesses and gods!

29 September 2005

Welcome!

I've been fat pretty much my whole life, or at least since I can remember trying to dress myself in something stylish. And you know what? It seriously sucks sometimes.

It sucks because lots of people still think it's perfectly fine to express prejudice against us fat folk.

It sucks because our dating pool (regardless of what gender you prefer) is typically lessened due to full-scale comprehensive conditioning by mass media that selects thin over fat.

It sucks because we can feel so much body shame that it's hard to get out to try new things, meet new people, have new life experiences.

Mostly, it sucks because we only have like 20 stores - several of which are on the internet only - to buy clothes from!

BUT -- what I listed above doesn't have to stop you from having a life and being a happy little fat camper most of the time. You should not, under any circumstances, buy into the culture of fat phobia! Sure, we all have our good days and our bad days in direct relation to our bodies. Sometimes you watch the Oscars and you wish like hell that you could look like Kirsten Dunst does in vintage Chanel. Other times, you're in the dressing room at your favorite fat girl store trying on the fanciest dress/jeans/lingerie/whatever your thing is, and you jump up and down with excitement because you look wicked good, and it ain't got nothing to do with the size you're wearing.

Buying in to fat phobia is believing that you're "less than" the skinny chick who is your sister, friend, coworker, a stranger on the street, or the model up on the billboard. You have just as much right to have the life you want as anyone else on this earth. Besides, chances are (sadly) that the skinny chick has serious issues with her body too.

The opposite of fat phobia is not necessarily hard-core campaigning for the rights and acceptance of fat people. I do think that every fat person should do their part to set the record straight with the people in their lives. If anyone harshes on you about losing weight, tell them that it's none of their business because seriously -- it isn't. If you want to lose weight or become more fit, then you should do it... but don't even go there just because someone tells you you "need to".

My blog will probably be on the lighter end of the spectrum, because my main interest is fashion and all that. Of course, please feel free to add comments, suggestions, tips at the end of each post, or write me an email.

Welcome to my Guide to the Fat Life!
XOXO, Zaftig Girl