Best of… 9 Things Christina Hendricks Taught Me About Body Love & Confidence

From the “Best Of…” holiday series, another to remind you to be kind to your body this holiday season! Treat yourself with love and respect, don’t beat yourself up, and don’t let anyone ELSE make you feel less than a superstar.

1. Work with your natural assets.
Can you imagine what Hendricks would be like if she started out with those curves and then, after the success of Mad Men,  worked out beyond recognition? Instead of denying her natural figure, she works with it. She knows how to highlight one part while subtly showcasing & emphasizing the rest.

2. If you’ve got it, flaunt it.
Epic breasts? She flaunts them. More curves than a interstate clover? Her clothes skim them. She’s not an exhibitionist, but she shows off what she’s got. Whether it’s a jaw dropping dress on the red carpet, or a modest, vintage inspired piece at a private event, her personal style caters her figure and the place perfectly.

3. Don’t listen to the naysayers and haters.
People are obsessed–obsessed with Christina Hendricks’ body. There’s a lot of criticism and judgment floating around for a woman who was voted Esquire‘s Sexiest Woman Alive. All that criticism and judgment? It’s probably coming from other women. So cut her some slack, cut that girl in the office some slack, and cut yourself some.

4. Surround yourself with people who celebrate you and your body.
One of the best things I remember reading was about her relationship with her husband; she loves his curly hair and he loves her breasts. He appreciates her for who she is and when you’re spending the rest of your life with someone? That’s awesome, whether they love your tiny bust or big booty.

5. Take pride in yourself, as you are.
Some rumors went around recently that Hendricks was working on losing 35 pounds. Hendricks was quick to squish that rumor saying, “I’m completely happy with my body!” She’s said in interviews, “Sure, I’d love to lose 10 lbs, but what woman wouldn’t?” Her ease and comfort in her body is one of her sexiest traits.

6. Wear what you want and what you love. Ignore the critics.
For as often as Hendricks makes the best dressed list, she also receives lots of criticism for her choice in outfits. You know what? She wears what she wants, and her confidence on the red carpet is enviable.

7. Have a signature and own it.
All those trademarks and signature styles that get people talking about Hendricks? Is there a more talked about redhead? Is there a more talked about sex symbol? Is there a more talked about curvaceous goddess on the screen? She OWNS them.

8. Your signature looks and trademarks don’t have to be natural.
Where would Christina Hendricks be without that signature flaming red hair? And you know what? It’s not natural. Very few of us are born with all the qualities that make us who we are; I’m don’t have a blond personality and don’t see why I should deal with blond hair. There’s no harm in changing the little things to make you feel more like yourself.

9. Sexuality, Sensuality, Power, and Confidence comes in all shapes and sizes.
Hollywood is currently dominated by a few select body types, and we’ve seen, in the past few years, a handful of women who are reminding Tinseltown and the world that beauty doesn’t come in one size. Women like Christina Hendricks, Melissa McCarthy, Lena Dunham, and Gabourey Sidibe are showing us that women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and races can be sexual, confident, beautiful, and ultimately powerful. Their confidence and voice can change the path for women worldwide.

Are you a lover of Ms. Hendricks? What has Christina’s prominent role in Hollywood taught you about your own body, confidence, and self-love?