Working quite a bit in the fashion and beauty industry, where there is such an emphasis on how we look, body image is at the forefront of my mind all the time. Especially weight. It’s a constant struggle, right? And sometimes, I read an article that really sits with me. This Glamour piece, discussing weight stereotyping really made me aware of how often we judge others — and ourselves, for that matter — and we don’t even know we’re doing it.

The article explains this phenomenon: How women look around at other women, every single day, whether they know them or not, and judge their personality and “characteristics” based on their sizes. Oh, she’s 5’9″ and 120 pounds? She must be so conceited, stuck-up and worried about every little thing she eats. Oh, she’s 5’5″ and 240 pounds? She must be a couch potato. Take a peek:

“‘Sloppy.’ ‘Lazy.’ ‘Slow.’ Franki Northern-King gets the message loud and clear, and constantly. ‘I’ve been called all those things — and let’s not forget ‘stinky,’” says the 32-year-old business-management student from Huntington, West Virginia. ‘At 5’3″ and 250 pounds, I’m reminded of my weight 50 times a day by store clerks, coworkers, family, boyfriends, you name it,’ says Northern-King, who goes to school full-time and works 20 hours a week to earn tuition money. ‘I feel like people have forgotten how to see the human being.’”

Women of all body types admitted to feeling judged. And I have to say, how sad is that? It’s hard enough to deal with school work, career obligations, love-life issues or family problems. But we also have to feel the watchful gazes of girls we pass in the coffee shop and on the subway, and the weight of our appearance hangs with us 24/7, too.

And it’s not just others pushing perfect appearances, we have internal pressure, as well. I struggle with body image sometimes. I’d be lying if I said I gazed in the mirror everyday and thought I looked fantastic. Pssh. I want to meet the woman who does that. We see our own flaws. We are our own biggest critics. I think we’re all on that boat. I think we all have moments of self-doubt, when we feel judged, when we feel like we don’t live up to society’s ideal — and our own.

What’s my point in all this? Well. I have a wish for the fashion and beauty industry, and for the way you look at style. Since that’s why we’re here, on this blog, isn’t it?

1) Turn down the volume on the pressure. There is so much of it. We don’t know every woman’s story, the struggles she’s facing. We should try to lend a smile instead of snap judgment. I’m guilty of it. Are you? Let’s work on being supportive of each other and the pressures we face, and supportive of good health and happiness… Oh? And give yourself a break, too, honey. You’re gorgeous! Stop judging yourself, that last pound, that amazing piece of confetti cake you ate and are feeling food guilt over. (I’ll try, too.)

2) Use fashion and beauty as a means of building your confidence. If it’s not fun, it’s not worth it. A great pair of jeans. A perfect black blazer. A YSL lip stain. A tube of Lancome mascara… These things should be little treats, and should make you feel more confident and awesome about yourself. No stress involved, whatsoever! This industry often makes women feel worse, and I hope we become more sensitive to that fact. Let’s make the act of getting ready in the morning a fabulous one, OK?

And let’s work on our body love. We owe it to ourselves, and others.

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Happy Monday, darlings! I know, I know. The weekend is over. I have a chipper attitude. How can that be? Well… how can it be a bad day with all these obsessions to gush over? From Alexander McQueen on the red carpet to Chanel in Paris, let’s get right to it.

SAG Award Red Carpet. Don’t you just love award season? Just two weeks ago, I was swooning over gowns at the Golden Globes. This week, it’s all about the Screen Actor’s Guild Awards. My favorites? The risk-takers! Emma Stone in Alexander McQueen…the girl hit a home run again with this trendy LBD. The detailing at the bust and full skirt were perfect, especially when paired with fabulous heels. Take note, red-carpet celebs. Emma is consistently fabulous. Rose Byrne in Elie Saab… Rose wore a jumpsuit on the red carpet. A jumpsuit! Most stars wouldn’t dare, but this white, glitzy number looked gorgeous on camera. It was made to stand out, and the actress could not have chosen a better look to make a statement. Zoe Saldana in Givenchy Haute Couture…Nina Garcia tweeted that this frock flew across the pond for the SAG Awards, since it just went down a runway in Paris. It’s not a dress that any girl could wear, but Zoe pulled off the sheer fabric and beading. Major fashion moment(s).

Spring 2012 Couture. Speaking of red carpet moments, let’s talk about the couture shows which just took place in Paris, France, AKA where red carpet moments are born. From Chanel to Elie Saab, Givenchy to Armani Prive, there was so much to love. Like I said, Zoe got to rock a gown straight from the runway last night, but I bet we will see more couture in the coming weeks. I can’t wait to see if any of my favorite gowns will end up on the Academy Award red carpet. (Oh, please, please, please: Lots of these Elie Saab dresses! Amazing.)

Make-up from The Hunger Games. OK, I hate to go all fan girl on you guys, but I cannot wait for the YA-novel adaptation of The Hunger Games to hit theaters on March 23, 2012. (Less than two months! Eeee!) Over at Allure, the mag talked to the movie’s make-up artist, Ve Neill, on how he created Katniss’ “Girl on Fire” look, a huge moment in the book. This included MAC Eyeshadow in Orange for a flame-like flare along the lash line, and L’Oreal Infallible Lipgloss in Fiery for a fierce, pink/bronze kiss. Can’t wait to see this look onscreen. At least we can try it out ourselves in the meantime!

What are you obsessing over this Monday?

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Happy Monday, readers! We have so much to talk about. Can we please, please, please start with the red carpet?

The Golden Globes. I could literally go on and on about the gorgeous gowns of the GG red carpet on Sunday, but I have to pic a few favorites. I adored My Week with Marilyn winner Michelle Williams‘ Jason Wu creation. The look was totally her, the print and color were both on trend, and she added an amazing Fred Leighton hairband. Daring, as always for Michelle, but she pulled it off. I was also loving Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture. The Young Adult star looked like a modern (and dressed-up) ballerina attending a ball, didn’t she? Fab! Lastly, there was the lovely and hilarious Emma Stone, who continued to enhance her fashion resume by rocking a flowy Lanvin dress. I can’t wait to see what this girl wears next. She always impresses. OK. Spill. Which dresses did you love? (The always stellar Dame Helen Mirren, maybe? How about Claire Danes in a black-and-white stunner? All right. Stopping. I could discuss this for all of time.)

Maybelline Baby Lips. I am in a perpetual search for the best lip balm on the planet, because I don’t wear lipstick on a day-to-day basis, and lip gloss is just too sticky for me. No, I need lip balm, a perfect, everyday-wearable option. So basically, I try tons of new things, but nothing ever comes close to good ol’ Chapstick. And that’s what I’ve been sticking with for years. Well… I’ve been hearing all sorts of good word about Maybelline’s new Baby Lips, so I figured, why not? I’ll try a tube. And the verdict: Ah-mah-zing, people! I bought “Cherry Me,” and the color is so pretty and natural. The formula has a slight sheen to it, and goes on oh-so smooth. You have to try it. And at a mere $3 per tube, you may want to try a few flavors. (I will be getting more of this stuff!)

Brights. The word on the street for spring? It’s all about pastels. Pastels are the big color trend for the coming season. And OK, I like pastels as much as the next girl, but you just can’t live in them. They don’t look great with every complexion, and they scream “afternoon tea party.” So… I propose adding a whole lot of brights to your spring/summer wardrobe. (I have been!) Orange, lime, electric blue, magenta, yellow — you’ve got tons of options to stand out, layer and mix. Color-blocking is back, so take advantage of the ability to have fun and play with your wardrobe. Don’t get too overwhelmed by the pastels for spring. Remember to add standout shades to your closet, too!

What are you obsessing over this week?

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Happy Monday, lovelies! So… who scored a serious haul of goodies on Black Friday?! Yours truly left the house only once for a Starbucks and brief spin around Target. That was late in the afternoon, well after the madness had ceased. I’d much rather stay in and avoid massive lines. Which brings me to my Monday obsessions. Here’s what I’m dying over this week.

Cyber Monday. I love the idea of shopping online instead of in stores over the weekend. I don’t have to feel like I missed out on the Black Friday madness when there’s a low-key version of shopper’s paradise available on Cyber Monday! What sales am I waiting to check out? Up to 80 percent off on Stila Cosmetics, $50 off a purchase of $150 at Armani Exchange, and 20 percent off site-wide at Piperlime. Let the online shopping bonanza begin!

Birchbox. I basically just found out about this little gem, and I am so glad I did – especially in time for the holidays! Birchbox sends a box of luxe beauty samples to your door every single month for just $10 per month. I’m talking the good stuff: NARS, Kiehl’s, Stila, Smashbox, Kérastase. By the time you run out of the products, whether it be mascara, lotion, lip gloss, peels, etc., you’ll get the next month’s supply in the mail. You can order a three-month subscription for $30 (what an awesome gift!), or snag a year for $110, one month free. I am so putting Birchbox on my Christmas list.

Futuristic fashion. Maybe my obsession with the futuristic Hunger Games trilogy has gone a little far (OK, yes, I probably love young-adult lit too much – consider me guilty), or maybe designers were actually thinking waaaaay ahead when they designed their Resort 2012 collections. If you’re planning a warm-weather getaway this winter, think futuristic vibes. I love the structured, neon and scuba-esque take on color-blocking at Michael Kors, and the darker edge at Alexander Wang. Be daring, and ahead of the times. You can’t go wrong.

So, dolls, tell me what your fashion/beauty obsessions are this week? Will you be shopping the online sales today? Sound off!

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I barely had time to open my eyes and pull my laptop into bed with me on this freezing-cold morning before the fun fashion began smacking me in the face! Can’t say I’m complaining, though. I love being bombarded by fun fashion.

I love sharing it with you all the most, though.

First of all, H&M‘s winter collection will start hitting stores today. I took a peek, and could not have been more ecstatic about what I saw: Cozy sweaters, sleek fur and tons of neutrals to amp up with great scarves, hats and all-things warm. This is going to be a lovely collection for the mega-chain, so don’t miss it! You could even head right on over there after work today…[Check out the gallery at H&M]

Question of the day, ladies: Would you jump off the Golden Gate Bridge for a lifetime supply of Manolo Blahniks? Turns out, 37% of women polled back in ’07 would have strapped on a bungee and taken the leap! I think it’s interesting what so many of us would do for (great) fashion. Oh? Would I do it? Well, no. I have a huge fear of heights which I am positive would hold me back in the moment. But I would really want those Manolos nonetheless… [Weird poll over on Glamour.com!]

Do you know how to wear a trench? I mean, really? Really, really? Answer: Of course! There are so many ways to wear your classic trench you cannot go wrong if you tried. It’s one of those coats that will instantly enhance any outfit. But in case you need some ideas, Stylist got some great celebs together for a trench round-up. My favorites are Liv Tyler‘s look of skinny black pants, stripes and an iconic tan trench, then the face of Burberry, Ms. Emma Watson, who rocks a short, plaid-sleeved coat. It’s to die for. [See all the trench looks on Stylist!]

Last, but certainly not least, the top knot. Have you all gotten on board with this trend yet? Wearing a sleek/messy-but-so-cool bun atop your head? Here’s the thing: I’d been working this trend out for years! And I was constantly made fun of because of it. But, “Whatever“, I thought. It’s my signature! Turns out, these knots are really making a comeback! Fergie, Kim Kardashian, Whitney Port, Keri Russell, Elizabeth Olsen, Jessica Lowndes… it seems everyone is taking a page out of my style book (Hehe!). Would you don a top knot? [Glamour.com shows you the many ways to wear the top knot]

OK, ladies. I know you’ve been perusing the web this morning. What’s the best newsworthy fashion or beauty item you’ve seen?

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Is anyone getting a tad sick of hearing about Kim Kardashian? Now, I love me some reality TV as much as the next girl, but between all the Kardashian shows on TV, my Twitter feed and Kim’s wedding, this woman is becoming largely overexposed. But I do have to give her one thing…

She knows how to work with what’s been given to her.

I once heard her say that she used to hate her body, that she had absolutely zero ability to dress her assets, and her looks were a sore spot for her. Obviously, she realized that she was not suddenly going to get taller, receive blonder hair or a smaller chest. She learned one very important lesson: How to work with what you’ve got, and now she’s considered one of the most glamorous women on the planet. (Go, Kim!)

I can totally relate to Kim’s beauty issues. Guess what? The clothes and looks I like most are most suitable for a flat-chested women. My hair is a little too frizzy, and it never looks all that great on Day Two. I wish I was two inches shorter and ten pounds thinner. But I figured that I could wallow in body-image misery, or make like Kim and get over it.

Ladies, the most important skill you’re ever going to learn is how to work with what you’ve got. All women are not made equal, and you will never look like your best friend, Kate Moss, that girl in your chem class or your annoying, perfectly-primed co-worker. Stop trying, and be you.

If you’ve got a small chest? Wear the clothes I’m dying to don! Chic oversize sweaters and chambray shirts. Have a big chest? You can wear sweetheart necklines, V-necks and scoop necks to show off your collarbone and frame your gorgeous face. Curvy? Wear something a little fitted and cinch your waist. Thin? You can wear a super-trendy shift. Dark hair? It will shimmer in the sunlight with a little shine serum and a straightening iron. Blond, thick locks? Go wavy, and your hair will also look amazing in a messy braid.

Scour websites, magazines and blogs for great inspiration. It’s a new season, it’s fashion week, and there’s tons of it out there right now. Pull from the runway, and take ideas from your favorite celebs. They are designers, and the stars pay stylists, after all. Take advantage! And most of all, like Kim, try to love what you’ve got. And work it! Beauty always shines from the inside out. If you love you, then everyone else will love your look, too.

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Hey, y’all! It’s Friday. I’m ecstatic. The weekend is upon us and, to end this fabulous five-day stretch of workin’ long and hard, I’m here to talk about beauty. Well, “scientific beauty,” anyway.

This Yahoo! Shine article recently talked about studies scientists have done to find out what’s clinically beautiful. What did they find out? Shocking stuff. Like that people find women with wide eyes, full lips and a tiny nose most attractive.

Again, totally SHOCKING.

Now, the scientific researchers quoted did go on to say that it’s more about the overall face than individual features that indicate attractiveness, and it’s really just about having a feminine face. So, if you have a tiny nose and skinny lips, you’re golden. Or, y’know, whatever…

Sense my distaste?

I’m not a huge fan of these types of studies or, really, publicizing these studies because I think they defy logic. Obviously, we all find different features beautiful. We find different faces beautiful, and different personalities and people beautiful. Why plant seeds in our heads to take root, even if it is just about “physical” beauty.

And I think making a big deal out of all this scientific information causes us all to look in the mirror and think: Hmm… is my nose really tiny? Are my lips full enough to be considered beautiful? Are my eyes pretty? …I dunno.

I’m one of the worst culprits of this. Now, I don’t feel I have a beauty complex, but there’s a lot about myself that I would “change” in my moments of weakness. You probably would, too (it’s a girl thing)…

I wish I had fuller eyelashes. I wish I had fewer blemishes. There’s a pit mark on my forehead from childhood chicken pox that I’d gladly erase… Ah. Man. I don’t look like a supermodel. Or an actress. And, sometimes, I give into the public stance that there’s a prototype for beauty.

But truth is, I really hate that. I know firsthand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It happens everyday.

I mean, as girls, we’re constantly talking about guys and what we find attractive. And you know what I’ve found out? Sure, there are those stereotypical men that all women find gorgeous (the Brad Pitts and Jake Gyllenhaals of the world, perhaps). But my friends and I rarely, in fact, never in my life, have crushes on the same guy at once. Because we find different things “beautiful.” It’s got to be the same for women, too, right?

So, next time you see a study like this, try to be more awesome than I am by not clicking on it, reading it, and analyzing it. (Or at least, don’t take it too seriously.) We’re all gorgeous, no matter what the scientists say.

Happy Weekend!

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I spent countless hours dressing Barbie up in her chic clothes (the ones I sort of wished they’d recreate for me…). From her dentist outfit to her pilot gear, prom frocks to wedding dresses, I adored this iconic doll as a fashion maven. And Barbie was pretty, too. She was tall, thin, blond and stylish. She had seemingly flawless skin and make-up that would forever stay perfectly-plastered to her face…She was beautiful, right?

Not exactly.

I grew up. I realized Barbie’s beauty wasn’t real. I realized I was never going to look anything like Barbie. (I will gladly confess to you today that I will never have an 18-inch waist. And I would look ridiculous with blond hair).  But, sadly, many young girls and adults struggle with the body-image issues that Barbie seems to reinforce. Admittedly, sometimes I do, too. We think that in order to be beautiful, you must meet specific requirements: Blond. Big boobs. Tiny waist. Tall… Check. Check. Check. Check.

We think that if you can’t cross those traits off the list one by one, then sorry, you’ve lost in the game of genetic lottery… Well, if you’ve ever felt like you fall short of the ideal, this video is for you:

One college student set out to put Barbie’s beauty in perspective, and boy did she do a fabulous job. She created an accurate depiction of Barbie in real life, correct dimensions and all. Accurately re-imagined Barbie stands six-feet tall with a 39-inch bust, 18-inch waist and 33-inch hips. This oddly proportioned life-size depiction of the Mattel doll is what the media seems to idolize. I think it’s sort of haunting, don’t you?

If life-size Barbie can teach us anything, it’s to stop wishing we looked like dolls. Or supermodels. Or skinny actresses. Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colors and styles. So, please, just be who you are.

Chances are, the “perfect” image you have in your mind of the feminine beauty ideal is probably all sorts of distorted.

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It’s rare to find a drugstore brand whose products you’d actually take over their expensive counterparts, but so is the case with eos. I swear by their lip balms, love their shaving creams (you can use them wet or dry!), and their hand and body lotions are pretty awesome too, especially given their prices. What gets me about eos, though, more than anything, is their packaging. Unlike, say, Nivea or Neutrogena, eos understands that women want products that they can actually be excited about displaying on their vanity or bathroom counter, which is why as much thought goes into coming up with innovative product design as there is thought that goes into their actual formulations.

Don’t believe me? One of eos’ newest innovations are their hand creams and, to celebrate their cool hand pods, they’re giving away 20,000 of them! Once  a week for four weeks starting today, 5,000 people will get one of the hand lotions. To enter, “Like” eos on Facebook, click on the ‘Giveaway’ tab, submit your contact info and choose your desired lotion fragrance. You’ll automatically be entered into each subsequent giveaway until you win a hand lotion, or the giveaway ends.

With so many products being given away the odds for winning are pretty high but,  worst case, there isn’t much to gamble by buying one of the lotions, which retail for under $4 and come in fun pastel colors. The packaging is also portable – so you can toss it in your bag – and it’s 97% natural, which makes it appropriate for those who, like me, have sensitive skin.

Image: eos

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