Why It's Okay To Be A Big Girl In A Skinny World
Posted on July 3, 2011 12:00 pm
Photo: courtesy of Buena Vista Television
In the end, even Betty Suarez learned how to work her curves.
When I was younger, I thought that when I reached a certain age I would finally become the thin, skinny woman I always wanted to be. Well, I turned 30 this month and I'm obviously not the skinny type—and I'm okay with that.
Growing up, I admired and wanted to be like all the supermodels of the '80s and '90s: Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, Elle McPherson, and the waif Kate Moss. But ever since I was a little girl, I've always been on the plump side. When I compared myself to other girls at school, I was always bigger, taller, and slightly chubbier. Being big-boned caused most of my insecurities growing up, and it was difficult for me to accept why I didn't look a particular way or couldn't wear certain clothes.
I went through the same teenage dilemmas girls go through—particularly skin and weight problems—that made me do crazy things to my body that weren't healthy at all. I've had my fair share of crash diets and inconsistent weight loss and gain. I'd be happy looking thinner for a time, but then I wouldn't be able to maintain the weight and I'd be right back where I started.
Now that I'm 30 (God, help me!), one of the most important things I've learned is to accept who I am today by learning from the past. Would I trade my life now to become my thinner self again? Absolutely not! I can now unabashedly say that I'm a size L to XL because I've accepted my curvy frame. Don't be ashamed of your body; rather, use your assets to your advantage. Learn how to work it with the right attitude and clothing.
Just remember that you should always aim to be the best version of yourself. In terms of weight and size, this means being the healthiest possible you. Aspire to be fit by exercising and eating right—that's what I'm trying to do. Does this mean I'm okay with being a size L or XL forever? Maybe, maybe not, but the important thing here is to work on being fit according to what is ideal for my height and body type. With my build, I know I'm capable of being a size M at a certain weight, and I believe in setting that as a goal.
I am proud of all the plus-size Pinays today. I can see that you've come a long way from choosing to look ordinary because of your size to looking oh-so fasyon in the trendiest styles without a care in the world. I feel really happy when I'm out shopping and see full-figured women in the fitting room, trying on clothes that used to cater only to the skinniest of girls—in their correct size, of course. Stay confident, work that fun attitude, and strut your stuff because fashion is for everybody!
Read our feature on plump Pinays and plus-size fashion tips in this month's "Fashion Insider" for more inspiration to be plump and proud! Here's to all you fun, fearless, and full-figured females! Let's celebrate our curves together with fabulous clothes on my birthday month! Cheers!
8 Comments
Add A Comment
-
8. Hi cheskafrances! Skinny or plus size, no one has the right to step over you or judge you. Just always be the better person when you're in this kind of situation. We are all equal even if we come in different shapes and sizes :)
July 07, 2011 at 08:58 pm report abuse -
7. thanks ms. happy and thank you cosmo! cheers! :)
July 07, 2011 at 03:54 pm report abuse -
6. Bravo!! I can relate to this =)))
July 07, 2011 at 08:43 am report abuse -
5. i agree ms happy who cares if we are plus size as long as wala tayong inaapakan at inaaping tao..mdmi dyan they have the perfect or 36-24-36 figure but sama nmn ng ugali..and thnks to cosmo for giving importance for the plus size women.. ^_^
July 05, 2011 at 11:14 am report abuse -
4. Go EarthAngel75! So happy to hear from a confident and proud plus-size woman :) Keep up that confident, fashionable, and sexy vibe! :)
July 05, 2011 at 10:49 am report abuse -
3. am so happy that the fashion world is starting to recognize that plump and plus sized women can be fashionable. i hate the time when the plus sized women can only choose from the oversized men's apparel (coz that's the only thing that fits), maternity clothes (even if they're not pregnant) and styles that are mostly for the "oldies" (sorry no offense meant). im a proud 36 year old, plus sized woman. i have already gained enough confidence to wear more fashionable clothes and strut my stuff even in the office. cheers to all the plus sized, plump but uber sexy cosmo gals out there!
July 04, 2011 at 11:51 pm report abuse -
2. Hi glamourgirl23! Don't mind the haters and those people who have nothing better to do than put others down. What's important is you're happy with yourself and you are focused at staying healthy. Be proud of this positive attitude and keep it up! :)
July 04, 2011 at 12:07 am report abuse -
1. i can relate!!! I used to be thin but then eventually put on the weight, then it came to a point where i just became comfortable with myself and how i look although i try to exercise and eat healthy. I was turned down for a job because of my figure (promise!) and i hate it when people who disagree with me or dont like me attack my weight and call me things like pig (as if theyre so pretty helloooo!) Be mad at what i did and how i look. But thanks Cosmo for celebrating women of all shapes and sizes!
July 03, 2011 at 06:32 pm report abuse
Advertisements
us on:
POPULAR IN COSMO COMMUNITY
-
A New York State Of Mind
Associate fashion editor Happy Lopez shows us snapshots from her amazing trip to New York... READ MORE
-
New Year On High
Cosmo.ph photographer and graphic artist Jico Joson went up to Baguio to welcome 2012--and play... READ MORE
RECEIVE COSMO.PH WEEKLY!
Join thousands of subscribers enjoying our fab weekly Wednesday sendouts, and get EXCLUSIVE celeb news, tips, and promos right in your inbox.