I mentioned the other day on my Facebook fan page that I got another plus sized clothing catalog in the mail. I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder when it comes to one retailer in particular. Their clothes are the worst quality…and they have a habit of using slim models to try and make plus sized clothes more appealing.
I really want to slap the bejesus out of whoever sets up this catalog. The sales pitchy verbiage is condescending on its own – but then when you add the slim & trim models into the mix, well…they’re basically saying “Hey, fat girl! Doesn’t this hideously ugly outfit with the giant strawberry embroidered on the front look absolutely red carpet ready? Jennifer Anniston wore one just like it last week when she was in Mexico on vacation! In fact, here she is modeling our stretch pants with reinforced cotton panels. Isn’t she HOT?”
I am not so weak minded that a sales pitch and a skinny model can convince me to buy leggings and expect that my legs will look like the model’s. No. Every time I see this catalog in my mailbox, my blood boils just a little bit. But I always have to open it…because, in some sick way, it makes me laugh. I start wondering what the hell the photographer says to these poor skinny girls as they frolic to and fro while wearing the shapeless crap that we chubby girls have to wear.
I picture a beach…a sexy photographer named Enrique is snapping photos of our models…let’s listen in:
Enrique: “That’s right, Kayla…that’s right…so beautiful! Bend over a little, baby…come on. Kayla, bend over a little. KAYLA, can you hear me-”
“Enrique?” the photographer’s assistant butts in. “It’s the mu-mu…she could be clog dancing under that thing and we wouldn’t have any idea…”
Poor Enrique…he has to try and dress these hotties up like chubbies.
Let’s move into what they call…the Comfort Lounge…
And then there’s poor Kelly, the model who’s career is obviously slipping…
Poor thing.
Nice!!
Okay, perhaps I’m a little too harsh on these people…I’m sure there are some 5X girls who love leggings and want to wear them. And as much as I don’t understand that, I support their right to wear it. And some of the clothes in these catalogs are actually passable for cute – that is until you wash it for the first time and it comes out looking like a 10 year could barely squeeze into it.
Seriously the clothes I have from this catalog have shrunk so bad that they’re now my “post shower outfit”. I don’t have a bathrobe – so when I get out of the shower and dry off, I put on the tunic I bought from this catalog. It’s still wide enough to fit me, but the bottom just barely covers my stomach and it balloons out at the bottom. Weird. Then I slip on the pants. Yeah, they were supposed to be just regular pants, but now they’re capris. Quality clothing. So that’s my post-shower outfit. I look like an extra from The Hobbit movie. Meet me at the Party Tree for tea and cakes!
I’m frustrated this week. We all go through this once in a while. I just woke up and had the realization “22 lbs? That’s all?? Wow…that isn’t very much. I suck!!” It’s been nagging at me for a few days, but the thing is – even in the really hard times when I’m tempted to throw in the towel, I can’t. I literally can’t. Because I remember all the times I threw in the towel before…and what that did…and how it made me feel. I can’t do it. I have to push through it, even if I’m in a pissy mood for a while.
So this catalog hit me at just the right time, don’t you think? LOL
I have faith that the scale will move and that my somewhat sour-puss mood will perk up. But just for tonight I needed to whine and complain…and the Catalog of Horrors allowed me to do so. Now wear are my forever lazy jeggings? It’s time for bed. 🙂
Nite y’all!
hahahahahahahahahaha
Hey Di, Remember what 1 pound looks like (see my motivation board on Pinterest). You’ve lost 22 pounds. That’s awsome!
I know, right! I feel ungrateful…because I know it’s a big deal. I’m planning on going to the store tomorrow and finding something that’s 22 pounds…and lifting it. 🙂
Amen! I also get annoyed at the “plus size” mannequins at certain dept stores that are geared towards the fluffier population. If you actually look at them, the clothes are pinned tight around the back, tucked and folded to mold to the body of said mannequins. Not a realistic representation of what they are selling AT ALL.
Allison, I know exactly what you mean…I roll my eyes when I see all that extra fabric pinned in the back. Ugh!
I always wonder what runway models are thinking because they never smile.
Kat – I know!!!! LOL. Like the Victoria’s Secret models…they always look pissed. They’re probably hungry. Maybe the photographer should throw ’em a sandwich once in a while.
I had a very large friend (now gone to breast cancer) who when seeing a skinny, pale, grumpy model type would turn and say “vegetarian.” I would scream with laughter every time.
So what if it’s “only” 22 pounds? Are you forgetting the EIGHT INCHES????
Hey, I know I’m think’in wrong! 🙂 LOL
My hat off to you – 22 times. Just a sticking point – the needle on the scale will move – hang in there. There are so many regulations in advertising for food – must truly represent the product and make no false claims. Too bad there aren’t any regulations in clothing advertising. I always think the people that produce and design plus sized clothing are hypocrits when they refuse to applaud the beauty of every woman by using real plus sized models.
Agreed! 🙂
I have a confession! I am a sevelte 295 pd and I LOVE MU MU”S, thats what I change into when I get home from work, so comfy and non binding..ha ha, I even sleep in them sometimes. Oh, I do at least, by the shorter ones, the long ones are too hot. AND YES, I where them outside!…lol…Mercifully we live out in the country so no nieghbors to roll their eyes. 🙂 On any given morning you can catch me out side watering plants or “lounging” in my Mu Mu of choice. 🙂 Love your blog by the way, you have not motivated me to try to loose wt for the 1500th time, but I really do enjoy reading about your success’s and we share the purse addiction. Keep it up sister, you got this!
Oh, Mumugirl, you gave me a good giggle this morning. LOL. Thank you for your charming defense of the mu-mu. 🙂 Wear it with pride, girl! It’s not my thing, but…you go, girl!! As far as the handbag thing, stay tuned…I’m going shopping next weekend and I’m not coming back empty handed. LOL
We have a catalogue like that and for some reason they think all Europeans like to walk around in what i call ‘alpine dresses’ you know something that looks like it came straight out of the Sound of Music, low cleavage and all frilly bluegh 🙂
I will see if i can post some for you hahahaha
Oh, Jacquie, I would LOVE to see that. LOL
Whenever I see the plus sized models (the ones that aren’t stick and bones like in your catalog) in ads, I think to myself, I’d give anything to look like that! To hell with them that see that size woman as plus size! I’d rather see someone with a little padding than see all their bones, which IMO looks creepy.
Keep up the good work and don’t give up!
PS, I really enjoy reading your blogs. You’ve got a gift and I’m so glad you share your thoughts and writings with the blogosphere!
Yea! I see you have lost another pound since your last blog! Wonderful. I’ve committed to drinking a cup of water as a toast for every pound you lose! Heading to the water jug now:) Have a sensational and re-energizing weekend–Blessings and Joy!