Friday, October 15, 2010

How to: Be Beautiful

Working in retail is very interesting. Before I applied for the job of sales associate I didn't know it really meant "personal cheerleader".

I spend a lot of time in the fitting room. I grab different sizes, fold clothes and organize "go backs". But, I spend even more time giving thumbs up, smiling, and throwing out reassuring compliments. Boy is it exhausting!

Too many women are not happy with their bodies and it's evident when they enter the fitting room. Those mirrors can either be therapeutic or invoke disastrous words. It's either "That doesn't look good on big girls like me, maybe on you". "My boobs are too big". or "See I need a but like yours". Yes, these are actual quotes that I've heard over a five month span. I find it unsettling, because these ladies are gorgeous. But, they don't appreciate how they were made.

Attention, beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, complexions, and ages. I'm sure it's normal to go through that "I'm not cute stage" because I've gone through it. But, snap out of it and turn that feature that everyone teased you about into your uniqueness. Because, after all we're not all meant to look alike.

If you're still feeling uncomfortable in your skin follow these steps. I'm no expert, but I believe they're real confidence boosters.

1. Smile.  I'm not sure what it is about a smile that does the trick. But I've never met a smiling person that was not pretty. They just seem friendly and likeable. And when you smile you become memorable and get a lot of attention. It's true. There was an experiment conducted by students. The more they smiled the more the teacher looked their way and favored them. Besides, who wants to be around someone who's constantly frowning. 

2. Be Healthy.  Exercise and drink as much water as you can. Tyra, yes we're on a first name basis, taught me to how to get the proper water intake. "Divide your weight (in pounds) by two. The resulting number is the number of ounces of water you need each day". Were you aware that humans are made up of 75% of water?


3. Take Care of Yourself.  Although I'm sure a small percent of the world like Aishwarya Rai can roll out of bed and turn heads in a positive way. Most of us cannot, let's just be real. And there's nothing wrong with that. Just take time to comb your hair, wash your face, stand up straight, even wear a little makeup. My personal favorite is wearing something nice. A great outfit just does something special. Just think, why is fashion so important? It makes one feel and look beautiful.

4. Don't be Conceited! Attitude is everything. If you know you're beautiful then you'll walk and speak like you are and everyone will notice. But, don't become overwhelming. No one is better than the next, and screaming your beautiful while putting others down is just annoying. And frankly, ugly :D.


5. Get Comfortable in Front of the Mirror and Believe in Your Beauty. Kurt Vonnegut said, "We are what we pretend to be, so be careful what you pretend to be". In other words you can be whatever you want. In this case it's beautiful. Say it out loud and actually believe it. And yes, the "American Standard of Beauty" does exist. But, if you're not celebrated here, your look is definitely coveted somewhere in the world and it's warming to know that.


Keri Hilson inspired this post. She's bold and unapologetically announces her beauty. Every girl needs to listen to this song and make it their anthem.


Keri Hilson, "Pretty Girls Rock" by billboard

1 comment:

Chic Therapy said...

you couldnt have said it any better