Marie Denee from The Curvy Fashionista was a natural pick for the Beautiful Bodies series: she’s bright, she’s bold, she’s fearless, and has enviable pride. And can you blame her? She’s a knock-out. I love that Marie D. promotes this amazing, confident body image for women of all sizes, is always in tune with what is going on in the plus-size fashion world, and is a consistent advocate for plus-size women. I hope you enjoy Marie Denee’s responses to Beautiful Bodies!
What’s your earliest positive memory of body image (whether your body or another’s bod)?
I think I was twelve and a boy I liked was like whoa, you probably weigh 150 (I did!) but I was ilke and??? I never saw it as an issue, but in that moment, it made me think or become self conscious to the fact of my weight… My mother was a big health food eater, especially being in the military, so I always had a healthy relationship with food and my body, never one that discouraged it. Also, I remember visiting my grandmother, who was a size 14 who always looked amazing: polished, poised, and sharp!
What’s your earliest negative memory of body image (whether your body or another’s bod)?
Hmm… I think this would have to be in high school… freshman year or so? I remember overhearing a boy talk about me that I had a perfect body but an ugly face… this struck me, as then I never perceived myself to be ugly and then, in that moment, I became self conscious of my looks… it was kind of like seeking of approval?
If you could give 15 year old you advice [on your developin' bod, fashion, self-esteem], what would you say?
It is okay to walk off the beaten path. You do not need to conform to be accepted as you were made to stand out. I would also tell me to learn to value and love myself more, without seeking the approval of others for personal worth and value. You are perfectly flawed, but THIS is what makes Marie, Marie.
What’s been your biggest struggle in accepting your body?
My biggest struggle? I used to compare myself to my sister and mother… I never had hips, boobs, or perfect skin as a child. Growing up I envied these things my sister and mother had… as I grew older I have learned to accept my flaws as a part of me, kind of like the cloth that makes me, me. You know? I have grown more confident in who I am, and that we were all made to be unique and are perfect just the way we are…
When it comes to other people + your body, what’s your biggest pet peeve?
Assumptions.
When it comes to dressing your body, what’s your motto? What rules do you swear by– or don’t you abide?
I dress for my mood. If I am feeling foxy, I will wear something more fitted. If I am feeling chill, you will probably see me in a maxi.
My rules? I tend to dress for ease, and oftentimes, especially this year, I am challenging myself to step out of my norm. While I love my easy wear frocks, I am challenging myself to break my personal norm!
If you’ve been enjoying Beautiful Bodies, please be sure to let me know! And if there are questions you’d love to see asked or bloggers you’d enjoy hearing from be sure to let me know. I love finding a diverse group of women to share their stories– and I’m sure you’re seeing how similar, and yet, unique, each of them are.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I do really like this series and I would love to know what these women think about the availability from designers in more niche markets like petites or plus size.
Sarah/Destrehan’s Daughter´s last [type] ..Two Total Wins, Tuesday, June 26th, 2012
Thank you, Sarah! And I LOVE your suggestion re: availability in niche markets (as it may/may not apply to them). Because really– I definitely believe how we feel about our bodies is also partially due to how we can express ourselves through our bodies and fashion choices! Great suggestion :)