by Catherine Anderson
Stylish GirlfriendsTM, Chicago Area
Now, before you get your panties in a bunch over the title, know that I write this article as much for me as for anyone else. At the ripe old age of 46, I have come to the realization that I will never have the body I did 20 years ago. Actually, who am I kidding, I won’t have the body I did 10 years ago!
Most of you don’t know me, so let me give you some background information. I was one of the girls that most people hate. Yes, I was a size 2 and never once dieted. The only reason I ever set foot on the track at college was when I was checking out the school’s punter, and let’s be real I didn’t run, because I might have actually broken a sweat. I stayed that way pretty much up until I had children, and even then I went straight back to a size 4-6. But here I am, sitting on my couch, drinking a glass of wine, a size 10. Now don’t get me wrong, I realize that in the scheme of things, I am not heavy, but the reality of it is my journey has not always been pleasant one.
As most of you know, your body changes over time. Factors such as hormones, lifestyle changes, stress, and health issues all contribute to these changes. I, for one, am a victim of one if not more. In some of our company’s information, you might run across a passage that talks about how I came to work with Eleanor and start “Stylish Girlfriends.” You see, I was in a pretty stressful place at work a few years ago. Things weren’t pretty and I hadn’t realized how I had let myself go. Slowly, over time, I gained weight and stopped caring about myself. I’m pretty proud of the fact that during this stressful time, I took care of my children, husband, house and students. But at the end of the day, there wasn’t anything left for me. After a couple of years (and lawyers) things started to get better, and boy was that ever a shock! I weighed more than I did 9 months pregnant! I started to take a close look at myself and began to realize that the best gift I could give my family was me, happy! I have been blessed to have Stylish Girlfriends to help me learn to love myself again. So, that being said, here are my “get over” it observations!
- Get over it……the size on the tag means nothing! As I watch women try on clothes, I am amazed at how upset we get over a silly little number. Ok, maybe not so silly, but the reality of it is every manufacturer sizes their clothing different. You can range from a 6 to a 10 depending on whose label is on the garment. I have learned a lot about sizing in the last year or so and here is the deal. most clothes fall into one of three categories. The first is “juniors.” Yes, those juniors, you know that area in the department store you haven’t gone into since you were a teen. Or if like me, has a teen and is forced to look at clothes that wouldn’t fit over our calves, let alone our thighs! On the other side of the department store is the second category, “misses.” Misses sizes are the ones that make us feel better about ourselves. They fit looser and actually allow us to eat when we wear them. GAP, Ann Taylor Loft, and New York & Co are examples of chain stores carrying this popular fit. Finally, there’s “contemporary.” These are the clothes you’ll find in trendy, upscale boutiques – think Juicy Couture, French Connection, and Free People. They run smaller and snugger than a misses, but larger than juniors. The fit is typically tighter and while more trendy, you may have to go up a size or two if you want to fit into these outfits. So, now that you know the difference, forget the tag and buy what fits! No one knows but you! I’m pretty sure that the days of wearing your clothes inside out are long gone.
- Get over it…..you will always have those last 10 pounds to loose. If I had a dollar for every time I heard a woman say that she didn’t want to buy anything because she was trying to loose weight, I’d have enough for a personal trainer and I would be 10 pounds thinner! What’s wrong with loving the you that you are now? I have girlfriends that are heavier than I am and they look fabulous!! They are always put together and look hot. They have learned to love their bodies. If you don’t believe me, watch the new show with Carson Kressley called, “How to Look Good Naked.” This show is exactly what real women need. The reality of it is, you are not as fat as you think are. We are real women, not models, but moms, wives, sisters and friends. LOVE THE SKIN YOUR IN! (Thank-you Dove!)
- Get over it…..you might have to have your clothes altered. We are not all built alike! One size does not fit all! We are different heights and body shapes. Men have this down, they tailor suits to fit all the time, but this one seems to be a hard one for most women. Let me help you out here. You don’t have to go out and take a sewing class. Most dry cleaners will hem your pants for a nominal fee. Or, if you’re like me and in a pinch – duct tape!
- Get over it…..your body image is affecting your happiness and the people that love you. I know for a fact that my husband is happier having a wife that feels good about herself and exudes confidence. You’re right, I don’t look the same, but the truth of it is… I am proud of my body. I will still work to be healthy, and if I’m lucky enough to loose a few pounds along the way, all the better. I have a 16 year-old daughter and a 13 year-old son. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I do not want their happiness to be tied to the way they look. As I frequently tell my children, if you eat right and exercise, you have exactly the body God meant you to have.
So, there you have it. My attempt to make us all feel better about ourselves. I know for a fact that I would rather be around beautiful, healthy, not always skinny women that make me laugh and enjoy life. So, really….isn’t it time to just get over it!
Catherine Anderson
Stylish GirlfriendsTM, Chicago Area
www.stylishgirlfriends.com
catanderson@stylishgirlfriends.com
Stylish GirlfriendsTM is a traveling clothing boutique and fashion show business, creating unique shopping events where Girlfriends can shop in a fun and comfortable atmosphere. Specializing in contemporary looks for the casual lifestyle of today’s woman, Stylish GirlfriendsTM is excited to offer the opportunity for women to join their team of business owners. For more information on the company, business opportunity, and products, go to www.stylishgirlfriends.com.