There are positives and negatives when it comes to having some extra curves below the waist. I'm stereotyping here, but from various girlfriends' opinions, it would seem that Latin men and African-American men appreciate booty curves more than the traditional white guys. Now, thanks to J.Lo, Beyonce, Rhianna, and Coco (that's Ice T's girl), the trend is hopefully changing, and more men of all races can appreciate girls with a little more junk in the trunk.
Wikipedia describes curvier girls as "full-figured or Rubenesque - the latter term referring to the art of Peter Paul Rubens, best known for portraying full-bodied women," and "Voluptuous and zaftig," which "usually connote ripeness, sensuality, and a body shape involving large breasts and wide hips."
In years past, being curvy was associated with fertility, which equated to sex appeal as well as the ability to bear children. Men were attracted to curves. With the advent of mainstream television media and print media, curvy girls took a backseat to super-thin supermodels and TV actresses. Along with this came pressure to be thin, and many girls suffered eating disorders and resorted to unhealthy lifestyle choices trying reach an unrealistic physical size.
Today, one hopes, women are learning to embrace their curves and become comfortable with their outward beauty while focusing on valuing their inward beauty as well. The quest for real outward beauty is ultimately a losing battle with time and environmental elements. However, on a daily basis, we do the best we can with what we have, and learn to dress or apply makeup in ways that benefit our individual features. We also can try to eat and exercise in a healthy way. Lastly, it's not just a cliche that we must love and accept ourselves before we can love another.
That being said, women have an amazing ability to empower one another through encouragement, rather than being catty and tearing one another apart. As a curvy female, I want to share with you my favorite jeans that will make you feel sexy and help you to embrace those curves that God gave you!
Article comments
1 - Nabanita
Women look cool either way. Curvy is nice and so is the healthy athletic lean body. In India, as far as jeans are concerned, Levis is the prefect choice for curvy women because they have this particular shape that can accentuate the curves rather than let loose.
2 - Girl in Pants that Fit
I think it's kinda strange you felt compelled to give your measurements. You're obviously beautiful. But why point out that your tiny size is actually considered heavy? Sigh. Anyhoo, curvy girls, another great pant to try is the Julie pants at Ann Taylor LOFT. They come in a size 4 too. It's not about the size, it's about the cut.
3 - unconventionalpamela kay
Thanks for the feedback, Girl in Pants that Fit. I appreciate the question regarding my measurements. I gave my measurements as a guideline for gals to help them determine their own size for the jeans I suggested. Many times, I find that the manufacturers measurements don't always fit, because for my overall size, I have more booty to contend with than some brands account for. Thank you for the compliment about my beauty, but I have good days and bad, as most girls do. Having a professional do my hair and makeup makes a big difference. Otherwise, we all just try to do the best with what we have on the outside. Helping each other along the way. The inner beauty and how we feel about ourselves is most important! :)
4 - Elvira Black
What you said about ethnic preferences seems to ring true, though I think overall curvier women (and their admirers) are starting to come out of the closet--the former emerging with more stlish and flattering offerings--since larger has gone mainstream.
As a Manhattan transplant, living in the Bronx the past two years has been a very empowering experience. I'm in a heavily Latino/African American/other ethnic environment, and women of all shapes ande sizes let it all hang out unashamedly. I never felt comfortable aobut my booty til I moved here...now I'm proud of it.
When I went to Manhattan the other day, though (around the Metropolitan Museum area), it almost seemed like you had to get a special dispensation to enter the borough if you weighed more than 90 pounds soaking wet.
Fashions do change: when I was growing up in the 60s and 70s, what was considered ideal is now often thought of as too bony. It also helps that older women are also being appreciated.
Thanks for an enlightening and informative piece, though I agree you are hardly heavy by any stretch of the imagination.
5 - unconventionalpamelakay
Nice to hear from you, Elvira! Proud of you for embracing your womanly curves! Stay sexy and confidant! xoxo
6 - Vi
unconventionalpamelakay, thanks for this article. I may share very similar measurements to you and have the hardest time finding jeans. Thanks for your suggestion and just bringing people of our size to the spotlight for a second. ;)
7 - unconventionalpamelakay
Thank you, Vi! Glad to know you can relate to the message I tried to share! After many years of wasted dollars on jeans that would just sit on the shelf, I'm glad to know that a few designers are giving us options to look and feel both comfortable and sexy!!