photographed by: Jennifer Jean-Pierre
Hey all-
This post is a little different and more so a confessional of some sort. Ever since I was nominated for Best Curvy Blog for the SBOC, I have been going through alot of emotions about my looks and have received MANY emails and comments about it. Being in that category did honestly have me critiquing myself and my body in an unhealthy way. When I first heard about it, I was geeked because its nice to know you are being recognized positively for something and heck who doesnt feel honored to be nominated for an award with top bloggers! I then looked at the other girls nominated under Best Curvy Blog and I realized that the others categorized themselves and repped more so for plus size fashion. I love all these girls and they are beyond beautiful and definitely wonderfully curvaceous so I hope this never comes across as a dig to them in any way shape or form.
My only problem with it was the fact that I am not a plus size blogger, I just have muscles and a semi athletic build that I guess can come across as being plus size. It seems as if the fashion industry believes that if you are not a size 4, then you must be in the plus size category and that is SOOOO far from it. I know girls from playing football who are extra curvy and are a size 4. Labels and sizes mean NADA people. They really DO NOT. Being healthy is the name of the game. I was able to look past the nomination and just continue being geeked about it until the emails came in. I received a couple positive ones but more so negative ones from ladies who follow some of the nominees and felt as if I was the girl trying to take it away from them with my “single digit sized a**” as one so eloquently put it. Or better yet another email that told me “why would you associate yourself with this conference that is just a bunch of colored girls trying to get press and using your name in it by throwing you into a category because they know you will promote”. And last but not least a letter from a plus sized brand looking to collaborate but having difficulty finding an article of clothing in my size range to be able to really show off their clothes accurately and them apologizing to me because they assumed I was between a size 12-18. It made me think more and more about the fashion industry and women’s insecurities. It also upset me not only because these were mean comments but because I think this conference is a GREAT idea and a FABULOUS way for non-white fashion bloggers to finally get a voice and recognition but people find a way to dingy it up. We deserve a piece of the haute pie as well and often the blogger awards run by IFB and various other publications tend to forget that there are FAB black bloggers out in the blogosphere too. I live in DC, chocolate city and when there are posts on bloggers, we are so underrepresented its not even funny. I deal with it because this is our world but does it HAVE to be our world… can’t we diversify it up every now and then… Yes there are some things that need to be worked on with SBOC but at least its an idea for us that is coming to fruition and we should congratulate Mattie for it. (separate post to even discuss the racism and prejudice in the blogging world for ethnic bloggers) I may get flack for this and Im prepared for the backlash but this is my blog and this is me. I am all about transparency and being authentic so instead of some whimsical fashion post I wanted to keep it real on what I was thinking and feeling. I took these pictures because I was feeling icky about myself. When I feel bad about my body I make it a point to wear something that showcases my womanly figure… maybe its my reverse psychology… who knows….
In the end, WE ALL have insecurities. I dont always love my build especially when I am in H&M and I find super cute pants but their slim fit just doesnt work with my 23.5in luscious thighs or when I find uber cute knee high boots and they dont always fit over my 16.5 circumference track runner calves. Better yet when my mother (bless her heart) always comments “you shouldnt wear a skirt like that over your big legs”, it hurts but I have to remember that she is from a different time. I may preach love yourself and I mean it from the bottom of my hear but it doesnt mean that I am not human and that the negativity doesnt get to me at times. I know my mom does it out of love but others do it too and its NOT out of love. When does the hate end?? When do we start to accept and stop putting people into boxes of what is beauty and what is not?!?!? It gets hard sometimes to hear those things especially when you know you are not big but you are not super slim but you just dont fit the status quo of the body society believes is beautiful.
One of my biggest passions is the empowerment of women and especially black women at that. Most black women have curves and most of us do flaunt it because we think WHY NOT?!?! Although some flaunt the wrong things and some dont realize that there is a difference between being “thick” and being unhealthy, I still love to see true confidence in a woman. My goal is to be much more confident and much more transparent with all of you my readers starting with these pics and this post.
I love my body the way God made it and you should love yours as well! I have let myself go and Im not eating right or exercising as much as I should have but guess what I am still beautiful and I can still wear shorter skirts or shorts and let my thighs shine. I am a mesomorph and I will never be Gisele slim but I will still have an amazing body Comme Coco style. So I urge you all to be happy with what you have as long as you are healthy. Do not let contests or fashion magazines dictate what is beautiful or make you feel down about yourself! Be proud at any size and remember that there is a silhouette that will always work for you, just find it and ROCK IT!!!!
I am always just an email away if anyone has to vent.
I know my mother will have something to say about these but honestly I love this suit and I want to show other girls that its ok to flaunt your curves and still be appropriate!
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| custom earrings made by Kisha of UniqueLee_Yours |
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| I truly believe in the imREDy campaign started by The Seventh District, check out her site for more info. |
Jenni Jehanne
Jenni Jehanne- Bravo! I commend you so much for this and I do not even have words to describe how much I needed this in this point in my life. I have been silently following your blog and its not till today that I have commented. You are in fact very beautiful and not plus sized. I am plus sized myself and I did feel a little jilted that you were in that category with Gabi Fresh and Girl with Curves (I love them). But you are right that we do need to stop the categories and just be beautiful. You remind me so much of Nadia Abouhosn who I adore for her confidence. I know you two are friends and I think you need a double photo shoot or a collaboration or something. The world needs YOUR curves too!
Thank you thank you thank you so much. Nadia is pretty awesome isn’t she lol!! Please don’t be a stranger and thank you for visiting the blog and commenting!!!
Jen
Your honesty and your body are gorgeous!
xo
B
Stunning! I admire you for proudly showing your amazing curves , you are SO BEAUTIFUL
http://myvintagecurves.blogspot.it/
LOVE this post! I think its going to take a couple of rounds for the SBoC to get it “right” and I do agree that this category may not have been the right “fit” for you considering you were the only curvy but non plus sized nominee. But honestly my PREFERRED body shape is curvy but fit, I’ve said it a thousand times and most recently in my weight loss challenge on my blog. Serena Williams, Lala Anthony, Trina, Toya Carter – all fabulously fit amazingly curvy bodies that I’d more than likely give my baby toe to have! I personally think you look awesome and its a shame that you’ve received so much negativity from something that should have only brought happiness. Its so great that you are as secure in yourself as you are and I’m sure this post will be a blessing to others!
First of all, your curves are looking FAB in that swimsuit. Secondly, continue to be proud of the skin you’re in. I know I will!! Thank you for inspiring others to do the same.
http://ticka-spoonfullofsugar.blogspot.com/
Thing is curvy and plus size In my opinion can be two different things, and we have had this chat on gchat, and I really love that you addressed it, smaller women can be curvy to me, plus which i might get s*it for is assumed for the most part to be 12 and up. There are some women who who aren’t built with curves who are plus, and some who aren’t I think it was tacky for people to even email you in the first place since you like everybody else were surprised to even be nominated. i think i ranted about this on twitter, and girl you have an amazing body!
There are plenty of curvy and smaller women out there,
Serena, Sofia Vergara, Salma Hayek.
Anyway great post!
very well written & congrats to you for having the courage to put it out there. when i first started reading i very quickly got an idea about where you were going, lol. i can totally understand how that may have mind f*cked you (as i always like to say). you have a great body and are even confident enough to wear a bathing suit on your blog, so go ‘head! while i’m not a fashion blogger, i am a design blogger and i agree–it’s hard enough in the blogosphere for bloggers of color without having to deal with stuff from own own. continue to “do you” and congrats again on the recognition.
best,
dayka
When I saw your name under the plus size blog category, I must admit I was very puzzled by it, as I never thought if you to be plus sized (what does that truly mean anyway). I find that people often associate curvy with being plus-sized, and if you’re under a size 12 and call yourself curvy, you get the side eye. I sometimes think about the in between woman who is not model size 4 or smaller, but also isn’t a 12 or larger. I am 5’9″, but I have thick calves (maybe not as thick as your fabulous athletic beauties) and 45″ hips, of which brands and designers certainly don’t make pants and slim skirts for!
When you put yourself out in the public eye on a blog, especially putting your pictures out there, you’re bound to get some negativity from somewhere, but I say forget the negative emailers or commenters. You and your awesomely curvy body are great!! We all have insecurities, but we have to remember that we’re all perfectly imperfect, and we each deserve to be celebrated!
Thank you for writing such a real, raw, and amazing post hun!!
i adore your honesty. you are beautiful. your body is sexy. (period) all the haters can fall back! much love from your Haitian sister who wears a size 12 🙂
Well said sister. Your post hits me really hard because I am built like you. Yes, I can fit in size 6 or 8. I have thighs that I have a love hate relationship with. I am not overweight, but like you, I am curvy and I am working on being healthy with these god-given curves. Stay strong. You are a beautiful curvy woman, and you deserve this recognition because curvy comes in all sizes.
Very nicely done. I love this post Jen! It tackles many issues and I appreciate you for having the moxie to say them. Great pics too!!!
WOW! Such an honest and open post! You mentioned so many things that I agree with. I applaud you. I also feel like bloggers of color aren’t recognized as much as they should be so I was glad to see the SBOC. Good Luck to you and the other nominees. I hope it opens doors for everyone involved. and Thank you for supporting the ImREDY campaign! We have so many things in the works and this post just gave me an idea for another avenue we can tackle.
well…I will say I was confused when I saw you in that category. You are a regular sized woman….and tbh for a black blogging award ceremony, I was very confused.
lovely and wonderful. I love this post and it make sense. I say the same and you know you show how pretty you are in such a nice way and you are not afraid of others. I use this as inspiration. thank you
Thank you Brea. I’m trying. I debated this but in the end just had to.
Jen
I’m blushing. Thank you so much. It’s my mama though. I don’t have credit for it hahah. But yes I’m over these “fake” blogs trying to be a certain way in order for brands to like them. My blog is like a journal and that’s how I’m going to treat it.
Jen
Love love love you! Thank you for commenting and I agree with everything you said. I prefer curvy but the fashion industry has turned that word to mean plus size or some cruddy stuff. Who knows. For me I love Jennifer Lopez body. I love love her body.
I think SBOC will do just fine. It’s just the beginning and they have a great idea. I have faith in Mattie.
Jen
You inspire me. Everyone does so I thank you. I appreciate you commenting and visiting the blog.
Jen
I agree wholeheartedly with you. I know I kept saying I won’t bring it up yadda yadda but in the end you know I can’t shut up. I have to speak up. Especially the last email I got. It just made me realize it needs to be said. I seriously am so happy that you are my friend and thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading and commenting!!!
Jen
Thank you SO much for commenting. I was hoping to not be too harsh and to say everything with class. It’s hard sometimes but it needs to be said. I love your blog by the way and I thank you so much for being such a loyal supporter
Jen
Whoo hoo to my fellow Haitian!!! Thank you for commenting and visiting the blog. Don’t be a stranger please.
Jen
I’m soooooo happy it spoke to you. That’s all I want. Is to inspire others to be the best they can be. It’s a struggle for me because I’m photographing myself so much. It’s hard not to not pick and critique myself. But yes I love being curvy and I thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog. Your awesome!!!
Jennifer Jean-Pierre
Editor In Chief: Comme Coco
Managing Editor: Facon Magazine
Director of Outreach: CapFABB (Capital Area Fashion and Beauty Bloggers) Facebook: Comme Coco
Thank you Sheila. I appreciate you writing. I know my mom is gonna flip but oh well. My blog is about me and not pleasing anyone else. I appreciate your support and I know I said a lot of things but it seems that many feel this way but won’t speak up.
Jen
I’m happy that you agree and I can’t wait to see what else you are doing with the campaign. I’m always in awe of you and what you look to do and I appreciate you supporting me as well. It’s nice to know we have a good blogger community. I just hope we see more color in DC blog world. Well in publications lol
Jen
Thanks for being honest and sharing this!!! I got that response all over my FB as well.
Jen
Beautiful post and beautiful photos. Well said, Jen 🙂
xo,Cortnie
http://stylelustpages.com
I LOVE this post. Love empowering posts. You look stunning with your curves, and especially in that suit.
Great post! I’ll say this about ethnicity and bloggers,
there is no doubt that there’s a lack of popularity amongst non-white bloggers.
But it is up to us to tear down the misconception that (mainly black) bloggers
only blog about natural hair or have to dress all types on crazy to get
recognition. We are chic, stylish, and fierce too…no matter if we’re curvy or
skinny, the point is we have a powerful voice in fashion. And no matter what
box someone tries to put you in, it’s YOU that has to know your worth. That is undoubtedly
done by making your unique voice scream louder than those who criticize and
judge you!
all types *of crazy I mean 🙂
I am so glad you posted a response to this entire ordeal. Honestly, when I saw that you were featured as a curvy blogger I was confused. Generally speaking I didn’t think you fit into what society may sometimes label as “curvy” which to me is a political correct way of saying “plus-sized”. But I do admire your curves, every post following this “feature” I was viewing your posts in a completely different light, having several convos with my self “she is not plus-sized, why would they do that?” or “I wonder if she feels some kind of way about that?” Regardless, I am happy that you decided to speak on the subject. It’s crazy when we don’t fit the labels and then people don’t know what classification we should go in, that definitely reveals your level of originality. I should have known you were planning a response all along ;). Great job addressing that issue along with many others that we encounter in today’s society.
I love this post, your blog and you!!!
When ppl put themselves out there to be judged (like us bloggers).. trust ppl are going to take any opportunity they can to bring someone down, a hater that is. And it’s sad. Don’t let anyone else’s opinion of you change the way you feel about yourself. You are comfortable in your own skin and that shows. Don’t let negative ass ppl get you down, a hater is going to be a hater and at the end of the day a hater gets no damn where. You know what we do to haters.. smile and wave, “HI HATER!” and keep moving! Head up. Keep doing you. And f*ck a hater (excuse my french :)) but who honestly takes the time out of their day to send hate mail or leave rude ass comments, that is laughable on some many levels!
DUH! <3 You girl! I can say that you along with a few others are actually friends outside of blogging, but we were brought together because of blogging, and I love it!
Have to agree with this!!
Thank you so much!! I
Love anything empowering too 🙂
Jen
Amen!!!! You are so right. If we aren’t dressed head to toe in luxury labels or wear very color in the crayons box ( stolen from denisio) we get NO love. I agree with you that we have to make our voice louder so at this point I’m done whispering about it and I’m going to belt it out!!!!
Jen
Hope!!! Thank you thank you thank you. Your comment really meant a lot and I sorry my best to keep it real and not worry all about what people are going to think but I’m human so it happens lol. I’m really happy to have you guys as readers and blog friends. I don’t know what I would do without all of you. Seriously. I tried to keep my mouth shut but it was gnawing at me so I just has to. Thank you VERY much again.
Jen
Hahaha Ashleigh. You are right. Haters are very where and it does get old. And you are right I shouldn’t let it get to me and it usually doesn’t but for some VERY odd reason it started too. I think mostly because I know I have let myself go. I’ve gotten lazy and I haven’t been putting in the work so that’s why it got to me. I appreciate you commenting!!!
Jen
I know!!!! I’m very happy I found you!!! Thank goodness for blogging 🙂
Jen
I wasnt slighted when you were nominated b/c I know that curvy doesnt always mean plus size. Beyonce, Alicia Keyes and Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) are curvy but arent plus size. Im sorry if ppl felt the need to try and tear you down b/c they feel the word curvy only belongs to plus size women (which it doesnt!). We as women need to embrace one another not tear each other down. You are NOT taking anything away from me as plus size woman b/c we are sisters…period! I think you are beautiful so ROCK THOSE CURVES!!!!
We already talked about this when the nomination first came out so I just wanted to say WORK IT. You are a stunningly beautiful girl 🙂
Thanks denisio. Yes we def talked about it but it’s still kinda irked me. I feel petty but oh we’ll 🙂
Jen
Jenni,
I have to say that I love this post. I love that you rep for who you are and uniquely are you!!! F**k t the negative folk and keep it moving. You inspire me to love me and even if you get negative comments know that you have atleast one person out there who loves what you do and how you look! Keep it up boo!
Well written and needed to be said! You are beautiful and trust, MANY women wish they had your body. Keep up the good work. YOU ROCK!!!!! *sending SUPER DUPER Haitian sisterly love your way*
All I can say if BRAVO!!! You said it and said it well!! I think you look AMAZING, shoot I am working now to get my body to look like yours, lol!! At my smallest I was size 12 (still considered plus size) and I LOVED MY SIZE and I am working hard to get back there!! It’s not a size 0, 2, 4 or even 6 but I loved ME. And as someone else said I don’t think curvy means plus-size, you have curvy women (hips and butt) that are a size 6, 8 or 10. So people need to let go of that misconception.
We all have insecurities but we have to look past those and embrace who we are and we WE don’t like it we have the right to change it in a SAFE way that please US and not industry standards. Not many of us (myself included) will ever be what the “Industry” considers beautiful size wise, but we have to step up and keep pushing to show the world that even those of us that aren’t a size 0 to 4 are just as sexy and beautiful!! That is why we blog, so that we can use this platform to get that message to the world. If others don’t give us the respect we deserve then it’s up to us at non-white bloggers to stand together and support each other and make this community of non-white bloggers GREAT!!! We have to show that we have style as well and no we don’t have to wear head to toe high end designer labels to look great and be considered stylish (as you said in the comments). Not all non-black bloggers do either, I follow several non-black bloggers and they don’t wear head to to designer labels either and some of them are curvy, thick, plus size what you call and they look great to me!!
Keep doing you and looking GREAT doing it. People will talk if they think you’re too thick and they will talk if they think you’re too thin, with some people it’s a no win situation, but they don’t count anyway because you aren’t out to please them!!! As long as you love what you see even with the flaws and are healthy then keep letting them hate, it’s only hurting them since they are the ones consumed with hating on you!! 😉
Carsedra of:
http://www.embracingtherealme.com/
http://sweets4yourtooth.blogspot.com/
Loved your honesty/vulnerability in addressing this. I was surprised too when I saw that you were nominated for a curvy blogger award because you’re not viewed/nor do you market yourself as curvy/plus size. I have curves but I would be laughed out of the blogosphere if I labelled myself a curvy blogger; I dnt remember who on here said it, but curvy IS pc for plus size. You can be a size 2 and have curves or a size 22 with no curves. Much ado about nothing. You look gorg as usual and hot in that swimsuit. Bon chans!
I always love your comments. You always make me feel like superwoman and I really appreciate you. Thank you SO much!!!
Jen
Thank you Tiffany…. I try my hardest to not fall into the fakeness that is the fashion industry and I pray that I can help young girls not fall into it as well. I appreciate you commenting!
love you! Thank you for visiting and commenting…
thank you…. you are such an aamzing supporter of everything I do and I really appreciate you!!!
My dearest Jenni,
Please excuse my language but f*** what the haters say! If we all sat here and concentrated on our haters, we would not be focused on acquiring our own success. People typically have negative things to say because they are insecure in themselves and are bitter with what you are accomplishing. Trust when I say when you go through life ignoring the bulls*** you will be the better for it. You are a beautiful black woman and why would you apologize for being uniquely you? The category is “Best Curvy Blog.” No you aren’t a plus sized blogger however, like myself, you are curvy. I identify with how you feel about your body, I am too small to be plus sized and to big for “white girl skinny” due to my years of track, shot put/ discus, and volleyball, plus years of lifting weights.
I may be biased for saying this since I am one of the people behind the scenes of the conference, but we nominated you because of your talent in the blogosphere. SBOC is here to celebrate diversity in blogging for the colored woman (African American, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, whatever). Don’t waste your time where you are tolerated, instead go to where you are celebrated!
I look forward, hopefully, seeing you at the conference and congratulate you on your nomination as well as your talent and your self-confidence in yourself.
Continue to do what you do and stay “Ray Charles to the BS”
Eventfully Yours,
Shawntel Asemota
SOA Event Concepts
Hi Shawntel-
Thank you so much for reading it and for commenting. Also a million thank yous for the nomination and I hope that my post didnt make you guys feel like I am not grateful because I truly am. I just wanted to address the negativity and try to help others in the process. I also ran track, played volleyball and lots of basketball and of course now I play football. Craziness!!! I love everything you wrote and I agree with you. Thank you again 🙂
Jen
Now I know I left a comment on here last night!! Just something short and to the point…
Gorgeous post and gorgeous photos. Well said 🙂
xo,Cortnie
http://stylelustpages.com
Beautiful post girlie, you are so right and are beautiful. Period.com! Rock your curves with pride!
XOXO,
Naja
http://www.NajaDiamond.com
Well written Jenni!! You’r blog is amazing! Keep doing good work. I was always told “you are you’re worst critic” so make sure you ALWAYS think positive of yourself and have confidence. Forget what other’s have to say. Loved this post!
your*
Thank you very much. Yes we are our own worst critic but man oh man I’m not y meanest critic lol
Jen
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your posts and as a plus size blogger I definitely wasn’t offended to see you nominated. As stated previously, curvy does not necessarily mean plus size but a lot of us plus size women that arent okay with being called fat like to use the word curvy. You have an amazing body…..I was your size during college and I definitely miss being in the single digits but until then I will love the body I have now all the while working to be more healthy and getting back to a healthy weight going into my 30s. I LOVE the black blogger conference because like you said we don’t get the press that we deserve and we are TAKING our piece of the pie. If I wasn’t saving for a wedding I would most definitely attend this year but I will go when my funds are in place. Keep doing what u do and you look AHMAZINGGGGGGG in this suit!!!!!
Curvy isn’t the same as plus size- people need to realise it, because it really grates on my nerves when they interchange one for the other without thinking! I’m not black myself but I am Pakistani, & we’re also very VERY underrepresented in the blogosphere- especially those of us who aren’t sticks! Lol I have a big ass/ thighs & ALWAYS get flack from my own mother about it too (in her own words: ‘you’re ok up top (though you could do with being a little skinnier), but you REALLY need to do something about down below’ Lol thanks Mum, I’ll be sure to change my body shape then!) so don’t worry, the important thing is for YOU to be confident in yourself & others will follow!
(PS- You’re totally rocking that bodysuit- Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!PPS- I’m a long time lurker on your blog, but haven’t ever left a comment before- which is probably just as well, considering how bloody long this comment is lol!)
kudos. bravo. standing ovation for this, and your body is beautiful and you are ALWAYS very classy. I am a huge fan of your blog! I cannot get enough of this post. Great job!!!!
Such an amazing post. Glad you touched on these points. Not only will it help someone in realizing how beautiful their curves are but it will hopefully get a conversation started in the blogging world. Good Job!
Thank you so very much.
Jen
Thank you!!! I’ve been trying to keep my mouth shut for a while but couldn’t do it hahahah. I appreciate you visiting and commenting.
Jen
Thank you so much for commenting and leaving all your thoughts. I agree so much with writhing you said. One of my very good friends is Pakistani and she is soooo beautiful with amazing curves and def not “plus size”. I really hope that you keep in touch and definitely don’t be a stranger. I also Love long comments bc I tend to write a lot myself. Again I appreciate you So much!!!
Jen
hmmmmm Where shall I start!! I appreciate your honesty and how u pour ur heart and soul out on the pages of your blog!! Size aint nuthin but a number and people feel as though they are defined by that stupid number in the back of their jeans…it has taken some time for me as well, but I have come to love and appreciate my WHOLE self!! And havin beautiful bloggers out there like you makes this blogger world a lot more easier to be in. Never change..and never give in…mUCH LOVE MY THICK SISTA!
In Solidarity,
Shahidah (Fist up) lol
thank you SO much for writing and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate you oh so very much!!!
Thank you for this. I am very busty but have a smaller frame. So I totally understand where your coming from.
I agree with all the lovely things the other commenters have written. I think the fact that this post resonated with so many people shows how important it is to thine ownself be true. Especially when thine self knows how to work a body suit and a bold lip :).
You are so very welcome. Thank you for visiting my blog!!!!
Jen
Love you mama. Miss you. Date soon?
Jennifer Jean-Pierre
Editor In Chief: Comme Coco
Managing Editor: Facon Magazine
Director of Outreach: CapFABB (Capital Area Fashion and Beauty Bloggers) Facebook: Comme Coco
Thank you!!!! I love this comment. I appreciate you SO much.
Jen
Thank you so much Naja!
thank you Cortnie… THANK YOU
thank you so much for posting this and for visiting my blog. This message meant alot to me and I didnt know it would resonate so much with others as well. I thank you VERY much. Its very hard in the blogger world ad I agree, we definitely need to speak up more. I was afraid I was hurting my brand by speaking up but in the end I had to stay true to myself! Thank you so much again!!!!!
Thank you for this post!! I’ve been gushing over your blog since I saw in in the category of Best Curvy Blog in the SBCC a couple weeks ago. The fact that you speak your mind and embrace yourself is amazing and it brought tears to my eyes. You’re a beautiful woman and being confident in yourself is an amazing trait..you’ve encouraged me to embrace my own. I’m too curvy to be considered a model in America’s eyes but not quite curvy enough to be considered plus-size. Thanks for keeping the hope of true beauty alive! 🙂
Thank you so much for this post! It is so crazy that I should come across it in my reader tonight of all nights, because I just wrote a long post about my own insecurities today. I guess I was talking to somebody…and you were talking to me! Love that reciprocity…
I was also surprised to see you nominated as a plus-sized blogger, because I don’t see you as plus-sized, but you know I saw it at the end of the day… there is a plus-sized group of women out their that come to your blog for inspiration in a space where they are largely ignored (by the fashion community)…you speak to them, and they nominated you for that reason. So, in the end, it really is a very positive thing…even though I totally understand that you don’t perceive yourself as plus-sized. I’m sorry that it triggered some of your own insecurities. I definitely know that feeling…but I am even more disturbed to hear that you received such negative emails and comments. ugh!! That kind of negativity just ticks me off!
Last but, not least…ummm give me that bathing suit…or body suit…or whatever it is! 🙂
I think YOU ARE SEXY. Keep it up. I used to date a skinny chic once but it hurt (me also) when we had sex.
Thank you Dria- I appreciate your words and support so very much! sINCERELY you have no clue how much your comment made my day!
I love this body suit… usually I am all for giving things away but I love it hahaahah…. got it at some lil hood adult store lol for 15 bucks 🙂 Im going back to get the green one lol
thanks for the compliment and for visiting my blog! 🙂
I know I’m late reading this, but your comments really touched me. I think you represent black women in the blogger community in GENERAL well. Keep doing you and don’t let anyone steal your shine! Much luv!
I just found this post while surfing your blog and it really struck a chord about body image. I am an athlete who just happens to have a large posterior. I acquired strong thick thighs from years of playing roller derby. It has taken me so long to get comfortable in my own skin, but I am finally there. Could I stand to lose a few pounds??? Heck yeah, but if I don’t – oh well. I’m a 5’9″ white girl who happens to pack a lot on the back side and the derogatory comments that are made at me can fill a novel. I have seriously been asked if I had “black in my family”. Can you get any more stereotypical and rude???? I love the photos you posted, I love that bodysuit on you and I love that you had the balls (sorry – I’m pretty colorful in my language) to post these pics and acknowledge your curves. It is defeating to walk into a store and see slim fit, skinny fit, etc. and be shut out, but I have discovered that I just need to find the right article of clothing and make it my own. I love your blog and I love that you wrote this – even if it is over 3 years old – it’s still a much needed read right now.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and for reading!
Would love to chat with you more about it as body image is a huge issue with me