Full-Figured Fashion Week

5 Feb

uptown-rick-owens-2Diversity on the runway has always been a big issue in the fashion industry. Designers have every right to place the clothes they’ve constructed on a model that fits with their aesthetic. But what does it say about the designer when all of their models look the same?

I can go on for days about the lack of racial diversity on the runways. There are others who do it on a regular basis. What I’d like to focus on is size diversity. We all come in multitude of sizes and we all can appreciate beautiful works of art. Fashion Week, for me, is a time when stunning works of art are put on display for our critique and enjoyment.

With Mercedes Benz Fashion week in New York starting tomorrow, I’m realistically hopeful to see different sizes on the runway this year. Last fall, designer Rick Owens stunned Paris audiences with multi-cuved, multi-hued models performing a stepshow on the runway. The women stomped down the catwalk with fierce aggression showcasing some pretty unique items. There were thigh jiggles, big boobs, little boobs and hair of every texture. It awe inspiring.

When I first stumbled on the show, I couldn’t help but rewatch it. And then it hit me that I was seeing something different, but not different. I see women like that all the time—at work, on the train, on the street. They’re everywhere…except the runway.

Yes, I’m “skinny now,” but I haven’t always been this way. I’m not not that skinny. I’ve said several times on this blog, my thighs jiggle and I’ve got a pooch of a stomach. And guess what else? I wear clothes. I like fashion. I get excited for fashion week.

Can the barrier that was broken last fall in Paris carry over this week in New York? Will designers look to other boy types to market their wares?

Fashion Week began as an opportunity for designers to showcase their goods to buyers. The commercial aspect of the event didn’t grow to its current height until recent memory. Buyers are still at the shows, they’ve just been pushed back a few seats to make room for the Kardashians. That’s fine. But the Kardashians aren’t the rail-thin girls we only see walking the runway.

I don’t take issue with the current crop of models being hired to strut. Personally, my favorite model these days is Joan Smalls. There is, however, room for designers to show buyers what a woman curvier frame would buy.

The fashion industry can be exclusive, but it doesn’t have to be. I only hope designers will recognize that a diverse runway will only help them in the long run.

It was a personal exercise to consider curves and size ranges in the clothes I sell. This was a great way for us in the studio to study more ways to make clothes available to more people. It was as simple as that.
—Rick Owens in Vogue Turkey

What do you think about diversity in the fashion industry? What other types of models would you like to see draped in your favorite designer’s clothes?

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Dancing Queen

3 Feb
Zumba—it's a beast

Zumba—it’s a beast

For three years in high school and one year in college, I was a dancer. In high school, we performed at pep rallies and half time. In college, we performed at step shows and different events on campus. I wasn’t the best, but I loved it.

I’ve always had such admiration for dancers. There’s true artistry that comes with using your body to interpret music. My moves these days are limited by the little amount of practice I’ve given the craft. But I love dancing nonetheless.

Before I began my weight-loss journey, I found myself still semi-practicing in my living room. Instead of doing a routine that I’d choreographed, though, I was trying to mimic the moves I saw on music videos. Let me tell you, that is work.

Just about everyone loves Beyonce. We love her style, her songs and especially her dancing. From the “uh-oh” booty pop to the “Partition” twerk, the woman can move. My favorite videos to imitate are hers. For my best friend’s wedding, the bride and bridesmaids did a routine to “Single Ladies.” We pulled it together in a couple days and it was a lot of fun. But more than that, we burned some calories.

During rehearsals, water was at the ready. We had to go over every move to make sure they were done properly. We studied the video and repeated moves as best we could. When we finally performed it, there was a mixture of fatigue, elation and release when it was over.

There’s so much effort that goes into putting together a routine. Stretching is of absolute importance when you’re planning to dance. You will use muscles you didn’t know could ache. You’ll be moving your body in ways you couldn’t think possible. And your rehearsals could take days to get it all right. My dance team in college was well over a dozen girls, some in groups doing different moves at the same time. Practice makes perfect, and practice requires stamina. A three-and-a-half-minute routine takes takes hours of rehearsal.

Have you ever watched “Dancing With the Stars?” Every season there are one or two people who lose a significant amount of weight from rehearsals and performing. The hard work and effort eventually pay off.

When I began copy-catting music videos, I got back into that routine. It would take days, sometimes weeks, to get the routine right—or as right as I could make it. For instance, I wasn’t doing the entire ” B-Day” video, because there wasn’t a routine that took up the whole song. I’d practice when I had the time because unlike college and high school, I had a job and a dog and bills to pay.

I find it a good break from the norm to dance. Even going to the club with friends I burn a few calories. If that’s not for you, there are tons of studios that offer beginners classes. Here in New York, I know lots of people who go to Ailey Extension. They have everything from Beginner Ballet to Zumba. Or do like I did and study a YouTube video.

Do you like dancing? If so, what’s your go-to move?

photo credit: ah zut via photopin cc

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Super Snack Bowl

31 Jan

superbowl_trophyI love sports. Not playing them (I’ve never really been an athlete). But watching them is my thing.

More than anything, I love the Super Bowl. When I was a kid, we would go to my dad’s friend’s house for a Super Bowl party. The adults would be downstairs with the bar and the two large TVs to watch the game. The kids would be upstairs flipping back and forth between the game and cartoons. As we got older, it stayed on the game.

Since then, I’ve been an avid fan of Super Bowl parties. I do my best not to work on that special day, but I was in the office the night of Janet’s nip slip. Being at work afforded me the opportunity not to overindulge myself of all the treats that abound at a typical party.

I’ve been to some that serve only meat. Wings, sliders, beef nachos, the works. If you’re out Sunday evening, chances are you’ll be tempted to stray from your dietary plan. Temptation is mother. But there are ways to keep yourself on track.

1. Bring a couple of light side dishes. Just as most house parties are BYOB, you can BYOD. Make a salad to bring with you. Go to the grocery store and bring pre-sliced fruits and veggies. You’re not beholden to what’s available at the party. And if you’re in the sharing mood, bring lots. Someone else will also want more than the variety of wings available.

2. Stay hydrated. Common staples of any Super Bowl party are pizza, beer and wings. If you’re not planning to walk out of there bloated, I suggest you drink water before you go and possibly bring a bottle of water with you. Maybe you don’t want to BYOD. That’s fine, but if you don’t want to regret the number on the scale the next day, drink some water.

3. Eat before you go. Super Bowl parties aren’t known for their meals. If you don’t want to linger by the charcuterie plate the entire night, have a decent meal before you go. Just realize this will be a long night. The game may start around 6:30, but there’s hours of pre-game and commercials to contend with. Eating ahead of time will cut down on your snacking.

4. Get in a workout beforehand. So maybe the idea of an evening of pizza, beer and wings doesn’t throw you off. Working out earlier in the day won’t be such a bad plan for you. That way you’ll free up some room for the extra calories. Just remember there’s a lot of fat in the food you’re about to shovel in, and no matter how much you worked out earlier you’ll feel heavy later.

Snacking isn’t a bad thing. It actually helps keep your metabolism up between meals. But when you’re faced with the ultimate snackfest, it’s best to have  a plan of action so as not to ruin all your good works.

I’ll be hydrated and prepped with corn tortilla chips and salsa on Sunday. Buzzfeed also offered a list of non-meat treats for your Super Bowl party.

What’s your Super Bowl plan? And who are you rooting for?

photo credit: seng1011 via photopin cc

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Tuning Out

27 Jan
Once these go in, the world is shut out.

Once these go in, the world is shut out.

Do you remember a few years ago when Jay-Z and Linkin Park released “Numb/Encore?” It had been a while since we’d heard such a perfect melding of rap and rock music. To this day when that song plays, it gets me amped up and motivated.

That happened again last night when Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons took the stage at the Grammys. Their performance was one of the highlights of an otherwise long, dry and predictable show. Post-performance I tweeted, “I’m glad I recorded Kendrick and Imagine Dragons, because I’m watching it again.” What I really want is to add the song to my workout playlist.

 

A good playlist or album can be what makes or breaks your workout routine. You want a good mix of songs. Every song shouldn’t have beats as fast as “Bombs Over Baghdad.” You’ll wear yourself out. But you do want good energy. The music should keep you moving.

There was an article in The Wall Street Journal last year in which a sports education professor said the musical “sweet spot” for an optimal workout is 125 to 140 beats per minute. To be honest, I don’t count beats per minute. But if that’s your thing, have fun. For me, the songs should be positive and have a quick energy.

Music has been a big part of my weight-loss journey. I get pissed when my Nano battery dies during the middle of a run. I can’t really deal with the music at the gym (too much ’80s rock). I work out best with what I like.

I mostly listen to hip hop and R&B when I work out. The beats are reliably funky and I can get lost in a groove. I’ll plan on a half-hour run and before I know it, I’m at the end of an album or playlist.

The first two songs are key for a good album or playlist. The first song has to have a strong enough beat to get you interested, but it doesn’t have to be the heavy hitter. That role belongs to the second song. The first song gets you moving, the second makes you work. I need my first two songs to drag the workout out of me.

I’ve found a few good albums that do this for me. Some of them are old, but they still do the trick, trust me.

Ciara, “The Evolution”—The first two songs are “That’s Right” and “Like a Boy.” “That’s Right” didn’t play that much on the radio, but when I first heard the song, all I could do was jump around my house. It’s got amazing energy. This is the album I play when I really don’t feel like working out because the energy of the first song is undeniable. Then “Like a Boy” comes on and I can’t be stopped.

T.I., “King”—When I began my weight-loss journey, this was one of the first albums I listened to at the gym. The first song, “King Back,” has a announcer’s intro for a boxer. So if you need to feel like you’re about take over, this is the album for you.

Beyonce Mix—Lately, Yonce has been in heavy rotation for me at the gym. I’ve got everything from “Crazy in Love” to “Partition” and it’s awesome. Beyonce knows how to keep you moving and motivated. My playlist is almost an hour and a half long, and I love every minute of it.

Imagine Dragons, “Night Visions”—As I said earlier, Imagine Drangons’ performance with Kendrick was amazeballs. The album is even more amazeballs. “Radioactive” is the first song to play and it’s got the perfect energy to get you started. As you get further into it, the songs slow down a smidge, so keep that in mind if you don’t like that sort of thing.

Honorable mentions go to:

Kanye West and Friends, “Good Music Cruel Summer”

Jay Z and Kanye West “Watch the Throne”

Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse”—When you’re in a class, you’re at the mercy of your instructor. My spin instructors love this song, and it’s grown on me. Don’t let Katy’s bizarre Grammy performance fool you. “Dark Horse” is a banger. I can’t say that for the album.

What’s on your playlists for a good workout? I’m taking suggestions.

photo credit: el patojo via photopin cc

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You Don’t Need to Clean Your Plate

24 Jan
Honestly, I don't even know what all is on this plate. I do know you don't need it all, though.

Honestly, I don’t even know what all is on this plate. I do know you don’t need it all, though.

Living your life means enjoying all of life’s pleasures. One of those pleasures for me is going to a nice restaurant. Lucky for me, New York has no shortage of them.

One of the things I noticed when I moved here is what I like to call New York-sized portions. As a girl from St. Louis, I’m used to food being piled high on my plate. I’ve seen steak covered in roasted potatoes taking up every inch of my plate, with my vegetables brought out in a separate bowl. Depending on where you go here, you’ll have the tiniest sliver of steak sitting atop a bed of sauteed spinach with a couple of potatoes dotted on the plate. And that’s your full meal.

This isn’t typical of every place, but it’s not uncommon. But maybe you’re not a steak eater. Maybe you’re in the mood for fish. It doesn’t really matter, because you’ve got a food plan you’ve got to stick with.

No matter how much or how little food is on your plate, remember you’re not a child anymore. You don’t have to clean your plate. But how do you enjoy your dining out without paying heavily for it in the morning?

Save some for later: Many restaurants give you way more food than you need. One of the tricks I learned early on is to slice the dishes on my plate in half and and take the rest home in a doggy bag. If that’s not your thing, a lot of restaurants give away food at the end of the night to people in need. You can offer up your extras, or maybe you’ll pass someone in need on your way home. Now you’ve done a good deed and avoided wasting food. Don’t you feel better about yourself?

Water is your friend: One of the many added benefits of water—besides lubricating your joints, hydrating your skin and keeping you alive—is that it can help as an appetite suppressant. When I get cravings, I drink water and chew gum. If I’m still hungry in about 15 minutes, it’s time to eat. When you drink water before meals, you’re keeping yourself from overeating. And it’s water! I love water (weird but true). A nice cold glass of water will get me every time.

Knowledge is power: There are certain chain restaurants that boast a healthy menu when it’s loaded with sour cream and cheese and cooked in salted butter. I like a hearty meal as much as the next gal, but if you’re on planned eating regimen, you should know what you’re putting in your body. Ask the server how your meal is prepared. See if it can be cooked a different way. Or ask your server for a lighter suggestion. There are plenty of places that offer lighter fare on the menu. Try  out something new.

Dining out doesn’t have to be the death of your new healthy lifestyle. Look at it as a new beginning. You can try smaller portions of different foods that work with your plan. Just don’t forget the water.

What do you do to stay on track while dining out? And if you’re a cafe fanatic, like myself, Well+Good did a great post about what to get at your local coffee shop.

 photo credit: jypsygen via photopin cc

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