My Definition of Beauty.

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. I remember growing up, seeing Kate Moss in Calvin Klein ads. I thought she was pretty, in a plain sort of way, but I never strived to be pin thin. I used to buy Sassy or Seventeen, and cut out pictures to make collages. The size of the models didn't matter to me - I was into the fashion. They were merely hangers for cool outfits. Someone I did look up to, at a young age, was Drew Barrymore.

Even though she had been through hell and back, with addiction problems before she reached her teens, I admired her for battling her demons and making a career for herself. Her quick wit and killer fashion sense appealed to me. She marched to the beat of her own drum, and wore what she liked, regardless of print media ridicule.  


This whole idea of stick-thin, "heroin chic" beauty is relatively new. The last thirty years, if I am gauging correctly. While I sometimes wish I had long, slender limbs, I know being under five feet tall and curvy, that this will never happen. Am I cool with that? Mmhmm! I was blessed with curves. Even when I was at my lowest weight, I still had a shape to my body.


What so many people fail to realize (or just choose to ignore) is the fact that so many photographs of celebrities are Photoshopped to hell and back. Here are a few I found of popular celebrities, that were edited to make the ladies look slimmer, and more appealing to the masses:

Its funny how once celebrities are no longer in their prime, they shift to healthier weights. Portia De Rossi had issues with food (for brevity's sake - there is more to her story), and a lot of that had to do with her role on Ally McBeal. Now that she's living her life how she wants to, she looks absolutely stunning, and is at a healthy weight. J-Lo popped out babies, and looks fantastic in a size 4/6 - she knows how to work her curves.


While some may feel pressured to be stick thin in order to be beautiful, I don't feel that way. I think taking care of oneself  and being happy with what you have is beautiful! Accentuate your features (but please don't cake makeup on - its so bad for your skin!), have good posture, and smile often. Trust me, you'll thank me later. 


*all images via Google Images