tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post4244190693815204840..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Why Aren't Plus Size Actresses Allowed to Show Their Arms?Gertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-11456835804585526932013-02-27T18:26:21.239-05:002013-02-27T18:26:21.239-05:00I haven't made it through all the comments her...I haven't made it through all the comments here - and I know I'm commenting on an OLD post, but... what I don't see mentioned is bras... The reason I don't wear strapless and/or tiny strapped dresses is I have to wear a bra. So I will wear 'the same dress as everyone else' but will throw a jacket or sweater over it because I'm not going to go braless - and strapless bras are useless. I could see this in both the cases you've pointed out above.Shawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04722507671226227620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-13780494588152283052012-10-30T22:52:48.436-04:002012-10-30T22:52:48.436-04:00Like many women I have struggled with my weight an...Like many women I have struggled with my weight and self image to the point of making myself ill. I still have issues although today I'm more focused on being healthy than trying to fit into society's ideal image of womanly beauty.<a href="http://www.caraccidentlawyers.com" rel="nofollow">lawyer</a>Ridahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02405619882350094230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-45776043270381252942012-09-16T23:06:04.400-04:002012-09-16T23:06:04.400-04:00"My own mother told me from the time I was 3 ..."My own mother told me from the time I was 3 or 4 years old, if I complained about an itchy skirt or a too-tight waistband: "Darling, if you're too comfortable, you don't look good.""<br /><br />That's just so sad. I'm really surprised no one commented on it in all this time.<br /><br />"Looking good" is something a culture shapes and creates, an infinitely malleable concept. We CAN choose a meaning for "looking good" that does not require small children to be distractingly uncomfortable. We CAN choose a meaning for "looking good" that does not require everyone to camouflage themselves as an arbitrarily-decided "perfect" shape. We CAN choose a meaning for "looking good" that does not privilege some and shame others. kristincnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-52125921960738445322012-02-20T17:52:00.718-05:002012-02-20T17:52:00.718-05:00Gertie, I'm chiming in late on this topic, but...Gertie, I'm chiming in late on this topic, but I actually read all 83 comments!I haven't worn sleeveless in years, but have recently sewn a cap-sleeve dress, and plan to make a couple of the lovely blouses you show on your blog. I am a size 12/14, but I have "beefy" arms, according to my mirror, and have hidden them for years. No more! They are toned and actually match the rest of me! But the point I wanted to make was prompted by LizaJane3 who said the street wear of NY is more fashion forward than the rest of the country - so true! I live in Detroit, and was shocked when I went to Chicago to see that people DRESSED in REAL Clothes on the street! Thank God I didn't listen to mr husband and pack only jeans! My friends and I always wonder why there are pretty clothes in shop windows, and yet you never see anyone wearing them...maybe it is a regional thing, but sweats don't look good on anyone, and I own my share of girdles and garters, since I want to have the right "line" with my clothing. Thanks for this, for helping me change my attitude, I love your blog!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-67521035436114251932011-07-15T21:50:52.692-04:002011-07-15T21:50:52.692-04:00...
Gertie, you are at a slight disadvantage here......<br /><br />Gertie, you are at a slight disadvantage here, as the sidewalks of NY are STILL more fashion-forward than your typical American public venue. But for the rest of us outside NY or LA, just glance around and see for yourself what all this "I'm perfect just the way I am" hath wrought! We're a bunch of slobs. No, probably not the fine ladies of this forum, regardless of size, who clearly care about fashion. But glance around the next time you pop into the grocery store. Glance down the line at the movies. It's a horror show, for sure. <br /><br />What's ironic is that the dresses we (and that most certainly includes me) swoon and daydream over are, more often than not, vintage. And as we know (or have we forgotten?), yesteryear's fashions were cut specifically and purposefully to CHANGE a woman's natural shape. <br /><br />And of course, this molding of the female form to suit the current style goes back as far as any fashion history book can take you. Clothes, until very recently, were SO demanding of a woman's body, in fact, that she had to wear all manner of (often painful) undergarments to force herself into the desired "look." It wasn't a little pair of Spanx under those wiggle dresses. No ma'am. Just read about the women on Madmen. They are all wearing girdles and waist-cinchers and other flesh-squeezing and molding undergarments that most of us today wouldn't be caught dead in. My goodness, no, I couldn't possibly be UNCOMFORTABLE for more than 30 seconds. But that attitude is a very recent one. <br /><br />My own mother told me from the time I was 3 or 4 years old, if I complained about an itchy skirt or a too-tight waistband: "Darling, if you're too comfortable, you don't look good." She wasn't trying to squash my self-esteem. She was speaking the truth. As she said, "Nobody looks good in sweats."<br /><br />Can you imagine a 1950s woman saying, "I'm fine just the way I am. I don't need a girdle and you won't tell me I do!" Of course she needed one -- because she wanted to wear the current styles (who wouldn't?) and normal people -- of ANY size -- can't wear them without some minor "body modification." It's not an insult or a personal attack... it's a means to a fashion end! And a heck of a better end than mom jeans.<br /><br />Not many of us (OK, maybe Elle McPherson and Heidi Klum) are BUILT with padded shoulders. Not many of us (OK, maybe January Jones) are BUILT with a 22" waist on a size 4 frame. But, until recently, we'd suck it up and mold ourselves (regardless of weight -- ALL women wore girdles) into the currently fashionable silhouette. Whether forcing the S curve of the 00's, binding our boobs to be a fashionable flapper, or cinching our waist to fit the New Look. <br /><br />And in each era, there were those 2 or 3 freaks of nature -- movie stars and models -- who were just "born that way." And they were on the magazine covers and the red carpets. And everyone realized they were exceptions to the genetic rules, and didn't get upset by it. <br /><br />Movie stars and models represent, and always have represented the "ideal" for their era. We just try to do what we can, with what we have. But simply saying, "I'm fine as I am... I don't need any help or to change a thing. And you need to approve of me." Well, as my mom also told me (and again was correct): "There's not one of us who doesn't look better with a touch of lip stick."LizaJane3noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-37899502741318188972011-07-15T21:43:37.345-04:002011-07-15T21:43:37.345-04:00This entire conversation is ironic.
Yes, I agree,...This entire conversation is ironic.<br /><br />Yes, I agree, the heavier girl(s) should wear what she likes and not be told "You must wear sleeves or you're outta here!" <br /><br />But, I also hold that she (AND her skinny comrades) should have the social grace to dress for the figure they've got (not merely the size, but the shape).<br /><br />People are not arguing here for true acceptance of weight differences. They're arguing for the right to dress poorly and be proud of it, regardless of weight. They want to be 'comfortable,' they want people to 'accept them for who they are.' But since when has that been the case? Think about it.<br /> <br />Only now, in these self-esteem obsessed times, would anyone argue that people shouldn't present their best self in public by dressing in a manner appropriate to their shape (not size, shape -- as well as age, but that's another conversation). <br /><br />We have become so darned concerned with our own egos, our own comfort, our own wants (which we now call "needs"), that we actually walk around in broad daylight for all the world to see wearing shorts, Crocs, and boxy t-shirts. Who looks good in THAT? But we're certainly very comfortable... <br /><br />cont'd.LizaJane3noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-78413666037045401182011-06-18T09:24:09.253-04:002011-06-18T09:24:09.253-04:00Just thought this might be interesting for you!
ht...Just thought this might be interesting for you!<br />http://clothesonfilm.com/bridesmaids-comedy-costume/20792/cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09802038968176379476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-67718891579664234282011-05-13T16:34:57.323-04:002011-05-13T16:34:57.323-04:00For me, this isn't an issue of weight but rath...For me, this isn't an issue of weight but rather modesty. Why can't she still be hot with her arms covered? I am a size 4 and very petite but I choose to keep my shoulders covered for religious reasons. Now, I won't deny that there are many a times I wish I could wear that cute strapeless dress without something over it but that's because the media has taught me that you aren't as cute if you aren't showing your arms. Look at all of the "cute" girls in Glee with their sleeveless dresses and the "not so cute tomboy" with her arms covered. Everyone should be able to wear what they want (sleeves or not) and still be cute and comfortable.Shelbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11457121249984877104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-28800801315222654112011-05-06T05:43:51.331-04:002011-05-06T05:43:51.331-04:00The sleeved girl on the left appears to be the EXA...The sleeved girl on the left appears to be the EXACT same distance away from the girl to her right as that slimmer girl is from the very next girl on her right. I think maybe there is a hypersensitivity to sleeves and size discrimination than really is called for in this poster's instance. She does not appear to be an outcast from my vantage point. She seems like she fits in nicely and perhaps she likes the sleeves. Perhaps she's Mormon. Perhaps it WAS the costumers choice.Dear Babyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17663998139840524011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-7611267917728149382011-05-04T12:05:53.933-04:002011-05-04T12:05:53.933-04:00This is such an interesting post! I'm a size 8...This is such an interesting post! I'm a size 8, but I carry a lot of weight in my chest and upper arms, so I'm self-conscious about that area. I also have a couple patches of upper arm cellulite and extremely pale skin. I just hate the way my arms look and working out doesn't help much. I think it's a thing that runs in my family, because my aunts, Mom and cousins all feel the same way about their arms (even though some of them are quite skinny). It's a bummer during the summer when I'd feel a lot more comfy in a sleeveless top, but don't bother because I just don't want to show my arms.<br />But I've seen lots of plus size women with really nice arms with none of the problems I have. They've got nice skin, no cellulite, good proportions. They shouldn't feel self-conscious... nor should their studios or customers force them to cover their arms.<br />I think all women are allowed to have a few body quirks they'd rather keep under wrap. When I was shopping for wedding gowns, I was upset at how everything I saw was sleeveless (hopefully that'll change after the royal wedding). But it's already hard enough dealing with body issues without the media confirming that, yes, if you are above a certain size, you need to be as covered up as possible!<br /><a href="http://shuflies.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">shu flies</a>Catherine Shuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06759711296632260503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-79184950776179182472011-05-03T00:32:26.345-04:002011-05-03T00:32:26.345-04:00Gertie, thank you not only for this post, but for ...Gertie, thank you not only for this post, but for allowing your readers to talk about their opinions so openly. <br /><br />Trixie Rocket brought up a good point by saying "a woman can look beautiful regardless of her size." While I agree 100% that fat shaming is horrible, I don't think it helps to make thin women a target of discrimination and hate either. Not all thin girls are "sticks" or "anorexic." <br /><br />I'm a "thin" woman (size 0-2 but I'm short so that's a factor in my size). I can't say that my experience with discrimination is the same as those experienced by heavier folks. But I will say that it's still hurtful to be the object of someone's distaste and hatred--because of something like dress size. There have been a countless number of times when I've been teased or made fun of for being thin--by "curvy" women! Not just people I know, but from total strangers which I find really odd. For example, I would (and have) never gotten into an elevator with a plus-sized woman and said to her "Oh my god, you're so fat!"<br /><br />Like many women I have struggled with my weight and self image to the point of making myself ill. I still have issues although today I'm more focused on being healthy than trying to fit into society's ideal image of womanly beauty.Jennifernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-42332804612916339052011-05-02T12:40:32.160-04:002011-05-02T12:40:32.160-04:00Gertie - did you see the Bridesmaid feature in thi...Gertie - did you see the Bridesmaid feature in this months Bazaar? All the actresses are posed 'sexy' except for the plus-sized one, who is clutching shopping bags to her self and effectively hidden behind them. Interesting.Carolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05331877502227636707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-13713176229922930462011-05-02T10:33:23.401-04:002011-05-02T10:33:23.401-04:00I'd like to also note that perhaps there are s...I'd like to also note that perhaps there are some character elements being taken into account here. I can't be sure with the "bridesmaids" movie as I haven't seen it, but at least in Glee, Amber's character is sassy, she's proud of her body, she's unapologetic about who she is. it makes sense that she'd wear the strapless dress. The other plus size actress' character is on the wrestling team (right? I can't remember.) Perhaps they interpreted her character's tomboyishness as something that may prevent her from showing skin. <br /><br />Just a thought, but I think its worth considering.Rachel D.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-29858128655950975562011-05-01T22:21:52.824-04:002011-05-01T22:21:52.824-04:00I am formerly plus size (16) and currently an 8-10...I am formerly plus size (16) and currently an 8-10. I would prefer to cover my arms on camera if I were to be on TV (hah) for one simple reason: they wobble! There is a little loose skin from when my upper arms were 3" bigger and it creates what I affectionately call a "bat wing" effect. It's super obvious if I wave my arm around. Like a jello mold below my arm. It's just weird! It was just as bad when I was bigger too, but I suppose more jiggly instead of wobbly.colleennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-6787045713073307202011-05-01T08:39:41.913-04:002011-05-01T08:39:41.913-04:00I am also adoring watching Melissa in Mike and Mol...I am also adoring watching Melissa in Mike and Molly. It is inspiring for a larger girl to see a larger figure women playing a main character in a show and the lovely wardrobe they give her. I have picked up the finishing detail touches like a scarf can make all the difference to the outfit.Secret Admirerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04795452479708451539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-82342445478967755092011-05-01T08:32:25.124-04:002011-05-01T08:32:25.124-04:00Also - all this supposed focus on "health&quo...Also - all this supposed focus on "health" is hokum. I am a size 18, but I see plenty of out of shape sticks out there. I can run faster and longer and lift more weight than a lot of them. Yet no one is posting on blogs about how these poor unhealthy (yet at a normal BMI) women just NEED to get to the gym. I'm shocked!<br /><br />Fat does not necessarily mean out of shape. Skinny does not necessarily mean in shape. Also, you could be a healthy weight for your height, go to the gym every day, and be unhealthy for other reasons. Health is personal and multi-dimensional, and I am tired of seeing it as an excuse for fat shaming.Erinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-52911251015142843092011-05-01T08:17:34.498-04:002011-05-01T08:17:34.498-04:00Also - group shots or crowds almost always put the...Also - group shots or crowds almost always put the fat girl on one of the edges, not in the middle of the fun. Why is that?Erinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-62832898405594777522011-05-01T00:34:00.174-04:002011-05-01T00:34:00.174-04:00I think what stands out the most is that Melissa M...I think what stands out the most is that Melissa McCarthy is posed so far to the side of the group that she's obviously not part of the group. And while that may be part of the story line, it still sends the message that girls who aren't skinny aren't part of the group/are 'other' or outsiders. And that's shunning a certain section of the audience this film is intended for, so I think it's not the best idea on a marketing level, as well as being a commentary on body size/shape.<br /><br />I'd also like to point out that "fat" isn't always fat. I have a terrible, pouchy-looking stomach, which makes it difficult to find skirts and pants that fit me, since additionally my waist is several sizes smaller than my hips. Why do I have this pouchy stomach? It's not fat - it's skin that has stretched excessive amounts due to pregnancies. Some of us go back to our old bodies but not everyone does, and my stretch marks are so bad that my skin will never regain its former elasticity and I will never be rid of this excess "fat" unless I have plastic surgery, for which I don't have the money. Even spanx or a girdle doesn't help, since it merely flattens the skin and causes rolls of skin in other places.<br /><br />The same is true with some people's arms after losing weight. That doesn't mean that they're fat - it just means that they no longer have the elasticity in their skin. But shaming them because they have saggy skin is ridiculous.<br /><br />Lastly, the comments about people's size really bother me, particularly those from evaline. Quite honestly, one may start out by making bad choices but without support or the means to change those choices, people who suffer from weight issues (both over and under weight) actually don't have that much control over their weight. I live in the metro DC area and in DC itself there are some areas that have no grocery stores - they're called food deserts. People who live in these areas are poor, really poor. They often don't have their own transportation. This means that they have to take 2 different buses to go to a grocery store, which may or may not have decent fresh produce. Then they have to spend $20 or more to get a taxi home once they've done their shopping. It frequently costs them far more to do their grocery shopping just to get healthy items than it does to buy pre-packaged foods at the convenience store. Is this their fault? It's very easy to lay the blame for someone's body size/weight at their feet when one has no idea what the circumstances are. Additionally, studies were published recently which showed that obesity has a direct genetic link. If you take a baby whose biological parents are obese and place him/her in a home with parents who are not obese and who have healthy eating styles and exercise, the child will still grow up to be obese. Further study is being made to determine exactly how this genetic link works, but if it is, in fact, genetic, your theory that it's all about choices goes right out the window.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11447949592701882774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-44360597229768394372011-04-30T11:52:38.593-04:002011-04-30T11:52:38.593-04:00I haven't paid much attention to this topic, o...I haven't paid much attention to this topic, or read the comments. But I just wanted to add the thought that there might be a religious aspect too. Some women don't bare their shoulders/upper arms for religious reasons.TracyKMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07498896222222982320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-70976447892950093582011-04-30T07:52:00.406-04:002011-04-30T07:52:00.406-04:00Well, where Glee is concerned, there seem to be tw...Well, where Glee is concerned, there seem to be two "plus-size" actresses involved. One wears the same as all the other girls in sleeveless dresses, while the other wears sleeves, so I'm guessing that's an indication of the actress's preferences. Where the Bridesmaids comes into question in the fact that only one bridesmaid has sleeves, only one bridesmaid hides her knees, and only one bridesmaid looks to be in a comfortable pose without stretching her skirt. <br /><br />I know I couldn't wear the clothes those bridesmaids are wearing, they really don't suit my figure. And I would much prefer to wear the "plus-size" skirt - I prefer to be able to move my legs without encountering resistance because I'm wearing a too short, too tight skirt. <br /><br />I must say, the dress with sleeves looks well-fitted, the other actresses look like they were told to wear the dresses, discomfort be damned.NSuttorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09664655522910863000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-29574597637457401192011-04-30T00:27:06.895-04:002011-04-30T00:27:06.895-04:00I noticed that too! I was a little less outraged b...I noticed that too! I was a little less outraged but very angry. Girls who are larger can show their arms if they damn well please an our society and culture needs to shut up about fat being a bad thing. <br />This reminds me of the girls at my high school who whine and moan about how "[they're] soooo fat!". It's very irritating to have to tell them every single time that they're not fat. But really, what's wrong with being fat? Does being fat make you unattractive? People will still like you for your personality, especially if you're a great person, and *wait for it* people will be attracted to you. But this has been so imbedded into people's minds that they just accept the fact that "fat is bad". <br />Another example here (sorry to ramble), is one of my closest friends. She's quite curvy (which she mistakes for being fat/obese) and we were hanging out at her house. We got onto the topic of the swimming unit that was going to be started in PE, which inevitably lead to her complaining about her body. I had mentioned that I wasn't that comfortable in those really unflattering Speedo one pieces. Mainly because they never fit me correctly and I get a wedgie (which is irritating!), nevertheless, she took it upon herself to correct me.<br />"Bina, you're, like, the skinniest person I know."<br />Annnnnd? <br />Being skinny does not mean that I look amazing in everything. But to her, it means being confident and looking great. <br />Ha, that got really off topic but awesome post!Sabinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01350725039152769729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-80528389950394662382011-04-29T23:06:46.569-04:002011-04-29T23:06:46.569-04:00I was disappointed to see comments like those from...I was disappointed to see comments like those from lovelypinup and evangeline. Evaline's comment is problematic for obvious reasons, and since other commenters have responded to that, I don't have anything to add.<br /><br />But although lovelypinup's comment was less offensive and seems well meaning, I still don't like the "dressing for your body type" thing. What that actually means is "dressing to look thinner." I do try to wear things that I think are flattering on me, but I recognize that my idea of what is flattering is arbitrary. There's no reason why fat women shouldn't wear horizontal stripes, big prints, short sleeves, and all the other things they're told not to.<br /><br />I'm glad you wrote this, Gertie! I saw this poster recently at the movies and I was really disappointed. But even though we have a long way to go, I think we are moving closer to a day when we see fat bodies represented along side thin ones.Emhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03952257310134107514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-38517647857767123812011-04-29T23:04:20.047-04:002011-04-29T23:04:20.047-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Emhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03952257310134107514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-24330550342975505732011-04-29T17:39:18.565-04:002011-04-29T17:39:18.565-04:00This is so true. Actually, when I first started re...This is so true. Actually, when I first started reading the article, my thoughts immediately flashed back to the Sectionals episode of "Glee", so I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed the added cardigan during the performance.Julia H.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15017398882614874965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-61516231816839616182011-04-29T16:53:11.687-04:002011-04-29T16:53:11.687-04:00Thank you for writing about this. It's always ...Thank you for writing about this. It's always frustrating to see curvier women treated as second class citizens in the media. <br /><br />evaline, I did not choose to have my thyroid go berzerk. I know for a fact that there are many other conditions such as depression that cause weight gain and there are many medications (such as birth control pills and some other kinds of hormonal medications) that cause involuntary weight gain for some people. Should I choose to die rather than take my thyroid medicine? I would be a lot thinner then. <br /><br />And frankly telling others that they've "choosen" to be offended? I call BS on that. You're both telling us that we are at fault for everything that happens to us related to our weight and by your tone and some of your implications that you think there is something wrong and ugly about being plus sized. You're entitled to your opinion, but I don't think it's a "choice" for me to be offended that you're implying I'm ugly.Evahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08461424837432543274noreply@blogger.com