Oh, how I love it when a great idea takes off and there is a cool story attached. And I love it even more when it happens to a really nice — and very savvy — person. Such is the case with the launch of Canada's new magazine for curves — DARE, created by 21-year-old Diana Di Poce, a recent grad from the Fashion Communication Program at Ryerson's School of Fashion.
I like to think of myself as eco-friendly. Our family carried re-usable bags in the 1980s, we gathered newspapers for recycling before any programs were in place, we always had a compost in our backyard and I think about what I buy for its packaging content. But, sometimes I mess up. Sometimes I am not sure what to do with a product and maybe it ends up in a landfill when it could be recycled. I am always open to new eco info that makes it easier for me to do my part.
I speak with many groups of girls of all ages about body image and self-esteem. I try to teach them the power they have in their hard-earned allowance money — either now or in the future. A lot of that power comes in the form of what magazines and goods they will decide to buy in the future or are currently buying right now. We talk about what silent messages fashion photos can send, what stories a fashion editorial conveys and how girls and teens of all shapes and sizes feel when they are included in fashion or excluded. They learn from me and I learn from them.
I have been in the fashion industry for almost 20 years so have been privy to what happens behind the scenes and have seen how the production of images has changed over the years — especially when photography moved from film to digital. Where originally expensive retouching was used by a select fashion few to remove stubborn last minute pimples in beauty ads, in a few short years, it has been replaced by computer artists shaving pounds off bodies and eliminating years of living from faces.
I am finding The Bay's ever expanding online shop to be really rather fun. The retailer keeps increasing its selection and I am pleasantly surprised every time I check in. My latest "shopping trip" had me taking notes. That's a serious step in the online shopping process before throwing down the plastic.
Looking for a fantastic leather jacket at a great price? Ever thought of pleather or, as I prefer to say, faux leather? Ricki’s has an astounding array of hip, affordable leather-looking jackets in a wide assortment of colours and styles. Jackets range in price from an incredible $49.99 to $69.99. And the part I love the most is they are available up to a size 18!
If you find it impossible as I do to find cute shoes in wide widths, read on. I am convinced I came out of the womb with giant feet. They keep my almost 6 foot frame standing so I can’t complain. I just wish I didn’t have to cram my feet into ultra-thin shoes every summer or opt for flip flops. At a size 11 (okay a 10.5 but who makes those?), my feet are particularly picky after years of being crammed into size 9s on fashion shoots. They protest and do not play nice anymore.
I watched the Oscar red carpet fashion extravaganza in sweats, sans make-up, with my hair in a ponytail. And the stars were all dolled up. And it made me want to get all dolled up and have somewhere to go. And get a spray tan. And have a style crew for hair and make-up. And live in LA. And buy fabulous shoes. And own swoony dresses. Sigh.
I often have scarf envy. Big, chunky, wrap around your head 5 times scarf envy. Infinity scarves that you get lost in. Can double as a blanket scarves. And when I go to search for them in stores, they are either sold out, only available in bizarre colours or a sly shopper just beats me to the punch. Someone wearing a really cool scarf is mocking me. Big time.
While everyone else looks so calm, energized and elegant in my pilates class, I am still in the grunt and struggle phase. They make everything look so beautifully easy and I am still a fish out of water. I know I will get there and am feeling healthier and more agile with each passing class. But here’s one thing that will help me mentally right now: This pilates babe needs better fitness clothing. I have enough to think about just trying to get my legs into certain poses.
As the newest addition to Yummy Mummy Club, I am thrilled to meet you here! Through Celebrate EveryBODY, I look forward to sharing fashion, fun, and wellness information for everybody and every body. Can't emulate the latest $10,000 dress on the runway in your everyday life? Good. Neither can I. We will get along just fine.
