Not Hiding My Body, But Embracing Every Curve and Imperfection

Written By: Felecia Causey
Models: Lakesha Parks, Monique Murphy, and Robresha Singleton
Photography: Felecia Causey

We live in a world where women are always judged. Many have either gained weight over the years or for most of their life have been a "plus size" woman.

Many women yearn for airbrushed perfection bodies as their favorite singer or actress portray on the cover of a magazine and photos.

Overcoming body negativity can be a significant challenge in most ladies lives.

Most women hide their bodies appearance by wearing oversized clothing.

Women have asked the question does size really matter.

Embracing your curves is easier said then done,when shopping to compliment your curves and rolls, to  make yourself feel comfortable.

With many women constantly receiving disapproval gestures because they don't fit the criteria to wear a certain dress code. Maybe it's an objection from a manager on a job or criticism by a family member, because her curves are more visible than someone, who selects the same wardrobe as her.

When in the world of fashion most boutique and fashion designer, don't cater to a lot of curvy and plus size women. Many women have to seek out designer who suits their body type. Most women as myself, have to be content at getting what we can to flatter our bodies, because many stores, boutiques, and well known designer do not offer designs or clothes for most plus sized women.

The ladies below share their experience of being a plus size woman with curves and their experiences with clothing.

 

My name is LaKesha Parks and I just want to share my story with you about embracing my curves.  As a child, I couldn’t relate to the other kids style of dress because of my size.  I was very well dressed but it just wasn’t age appropriate.  Meaning, that while other little girls would be in the latest fashion, I looked like I was going on an interview.  This frustrated me so much because it made me feel as if I didn’t fit in.  Remind you, back then we didn’t have the clothing store options that we have now.  It was only a select few for the curvy girls.  It was Lane Bryant or either Fashion Bug. So now that I am entering into my teenage years, my aunt took over the shopping for me instead of my conservative mother.  She took me to these same stores, but she knew how to put the clothes together that made me feel more comfortable. I have never been ashamed of my size, but I just wanted to fit in more.

Let’s fast forward to 2000 and three kids later. I am struggling with motherhood, responsibilities, and just life in general.  I now find myself buying clothes 2 and 3 times my size. I was going for comfort and not style.  God placed two very special people in my life that helped change my image and also get me out of the rut I was in.  My friends told me that I needed to get out of those huge clothes and that I needed to put forth a little more effort in my appearance.  Those words at first hurt my feelings, but I knew that it was all out of love. I took that advice and I embraced it.  I had to look deep within myself and love on me a little bit.  I had to stop trying to fit in and just be ME!  Once I figured out who I was, then there was no stopping me.  I began to accent the parts of body that was flattering and tuck in the parts that wasn’t.  For all the curvy girls out there, I know you know, what I mean when I say Tuck IN…lol

In closing, my advice to anyone who is out there struggling with curves or whatever the case may be…  EMBRACE IT AND JUST BE YOU!!!!  Your curves don’t define you and they don’t make you.  it is the other way around.  You make the curves.  So find you a store, boutique, online site, a friend that can sew, etc.  and get your LIFE.  don’t let anyone tell you that your curves are a hindrance.  You hold your head up high and push right on through.

 

Curvy can be defined as having a well-proportioned feminine figure. In my opinion, that defines my body type in every aspect. For as long as I can remember the single digit jean sizes were never my friends. As a pre-teen I developed everything a lot fast than most and became ashamed of it very quickly. Over the years I began to embrace every single curve that was me. I have never had the urge to be rail thin it would never fit me. After two kids I have lost weight and gain weight my curves never seem to go anywhere. As the saying goes it is what my mama gave me, and I work them very well if I can brag for a minute.

Others might criticize what clothes you wear because you have a little extra here and there, but who cares. Why judge us when we can iron out those wrinkles with just some booty and hips? Let’s say this I bet our jeans fit way better than ones with no hips. I know there are plenty of women who hide under larger clothes everyday just dreading what the next person might say and feeling like that little extra weight is something to hide. Women embrace every aspect of you. We live in a world where women literally pay to have what we are born with. Let’s show them how natural

curves are doing it better.

 

If you are shapely then don’t be afraid to show it. Curvy women are blessed with the kind of flowing, feminine figure that always looks amazing in form fitting clothes. So embrace that figure-hugging skirt or pick out your favorite pair of stylish jeans and wear them with confidence!! Just because you're curvy does not mean you have to limit yourself from the things you wear. who says you have to be a size TWO to wear a 2-piece bathing suit? NO ONE!! if you got it FLAUNT IT!! Your curves and shapely silhouette is what makes your body beautiful, so embrace it!

Hi Ladies, my name is Robresha Singleton I’m 24 years old. In today’s society plus size women are looked past or looked down on because our appearance is not appealing to some people. I’ve never been a thin woman so I’ve always accepted me for who I am. One major reason I LOVE my curves is because if I don’t love myself first then who will love me? Loving yourself means that others will love you too! Your Curves are a Part of You!! CURVES ARE NOT FAT!! If you are shapely then don’t be afraid to show it. Curvy women are blessed with the kind of flowing, feminine figure that always looks amazing in form fitting clothes. So embrace that figure-hugging skirt or pick out your favorite pair of stylish jeans and wear them with confidence!! Just because you’re curvy does not mean you have to limit yourself from the things you wear. Who says you have to be a size TWO to wear a 2-piece bathing suit? NO ONE!! If you got it FLAUNT IT!! Be positive and when you take a look in the mirror and see the good in your body than you will have the confidence to get dressed and look great, no matter what your size. Once you have that confidence and you have your head held high, then others will notice the change and compliments will start rolling in. Take those to heart, love your body, your curves and start living your life!