Hold the Glamour

I am a full-figure model and working mother. I am a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend. I am a Leo. I am a first-generation Aussie and mother to two amazing little native New Yorkers. I believe that fashion is important—but so is real life. I believe that all women are beautiful and strong. I believe in working hard and loving harder. I believe in eating delicious food and drink with close friends, in breathing deep the air of new places, in laughing until you cry. I believe that when our bodies and minds are healthy and balanced, anything is possible.

Tag: sex

August 15, 2012

Goodbye Olympics, hello double standards

What do we do now that the London 2012 Olympics are finished? What are you doing? Did you watch any or all of it? Can you wait for the next games held in Rio? Are you a sports junkie? Are you over it?

In our household, we had the games on most of the time over the 16 day event. Even Mila and Levi became educated in the sports of water polo, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics and diving. We are not ‘quiet’ spectators and if we weren’t going for Australia, we were behind the USA, Croatia, Serbia or Montenegro (splintered pieces from the former Yugoslavia). It was a treat for them to have the TV on for a period longer than one of their ‘programs’. After a while, they forgot about it and the novelty wore off – thank goodness!

One of the sports we didn’t get to see unfortunately were the female weightlifters. There was a lot of talk around the Olympics regarding Holley Mangold for team USA, and Zoe Smith from Great Britain. Lots of people talking about how they are perceived by men and in media for being “big girls”… Really now?! Are you kidding me?!

Getty Images - A world-class Holley Mangold doing her thing

Getty Images – A world-class Holley Mangold doing her thing

Camera Press - James Veysey (Zoe Smith showing us some of her red carpet curves)

Camera Press – James Veysey (Zoe Smith showing us some of her red carpet curves)

I was firstly amazed at how brilliant these two young athletes are and what does it have to do with their weight, clothing size, body shape? They come across as grounded, funny, quick-witted, feminine women who love their sport and are very good at it. What does it have to do with men (predominately) sitting at home eating potato chips and what they think a world-class athlete should be and should look like? Who made up the rules by the way?

I have done a little research and am horrified that not only do some men feel this way however, there are some young women who do also. What is with that? How far have we come in the weight debate, size debate, sex debate? Now, we are talking about athletes and their skills and accomplishments. Who gives anyone the right to judge and more importantly, publicly comment on a world-class athletes size and weight rather than their ability and ranking?

Do we dissect and discuss a male weightlifters size, weight, shape or appearance (or any world-class athlete for that matter)? Clearly not! So why is it hot news when two chicks get on stage and lift some metal? Clearly, it’s double standards.

What are your thoughts and sentiments?

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July 31, 2012

How sex sells

NYC - Broadway in SoHo

NYC – Broadway in SoHo

Yesterday I went to Cutler Salon in SoHo and on my way back to the subway stop, I saw something I’ve seen many times before however, was reminded of how funny, weird and odd it was. Hollister California (on the corner of Broadway and Houston) is a brand that describes itself as, ‘Classical, preppy style with an effortless attitude’. It is a brand for young, hot, tanned, pretty, cool dudes and chicks that evoke the ideal Californian beach lifestyle.

NYC - Hollister California's store in SoHo

NYC – Hollister California’s store in SoHo

I smiled to myself as I looked around me at all the tourists not only doing a double-take but staring in disbelief, shock and at times amusement at what they saw. Two hot, early twenty somethings were standing outside the store’s entrance in nothing but a pair of red board shorts and a pair of havaianas on their feet. They were greased up and their taught, tight abs appeared rubber-like.

The dudes were simply standing there to meet and greet customers – to lure customers in to the store. It was attention grabbing at its best – using sex to sell. This time it wasn’t the girls in their bikinis however, the guys were stripping down and appeared to be enjoying it.

The companies other big brand, Abercrombie & Fitch approaches ‘privileged prep’ with flesh also. A&F’s greeter’s have hot, college school boy looks and wonderfully wicked athletic bodies. For some it’s all a little too much, for others – bring it on! I’m never one to shy away from eye candy however, I’m not always wanting their flesh in my face either.

What do you think?

Is it OK for men to use their sex to sell and not just women?

Where do we draw the line?

NYC - Guy in red shorts & flip-flops grabbing a lot of attention

NYC – Guy in red shorts & flip-flops grabbing a lot of attention in SoHo

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