Everything visual we're exposed to through the different channels of media, has been optimized to send a message. 
In this particular case I'm addressing overly retouched photography. 
The first of the two top images portrays an idealistic version of an especially curvy lady. At the risk of sounding blunt! This shape seems rather artificial altogether and has most definitely been altered. This is a very good example of the "purification" of the human body that has become quite common in western society. 
The second image shows Crystal Renn (With the help of some direct overhead-lighting) using her curves and texture to create an exaggeration of the reality. Obviously these two photos are two extremes and complete opposites, and highlight the difference between art and commercial photography. 

The business side of fashion and media in general, present images in a way they think we'll buy what they're selling. It seems they assume we only idolize or desire people who are perfectly shaped and flawless. So flawless even Miss World needs a little digital work done. (Picture to the left: Indian model, actress, and Miss World 1994, Aishwarya Rai for L'oreal). (Although, if they didn't sell us an unattainable ideal, we might feel content with ourselves and wouldn't have to buy a lot of products. Buuut this is getting a little "conspirational", so back to the point). 

Retouch in it self is a way of improving artwork and edit details. But adjusting color and upping the contrast, maybe remove a misplaced pimple, an unfortunate shadow, or clutter in the background is one thing. Removing pores, scars, cellulite, dark circles, or change perception of limbs and shape, is changing the appearance to such a degree that it becomes a "cartoonish" version of it's original form. 

That said, I believe that it's not the retouching that is the "enemy", it's giving people a wrong sense of normality and reality. It affects how we perceive ourselves and judge others. 
The consequence of getting accustomed to the fake may be the expectation of perfection, and that anything less would be recognized as faulty (That seems a little silly, doesn't it?). 
In reality about 98-99% of women (and some men) have cellulite, and 100% of humanity have pores.
For the sake of a healthy body image in a time where fashion and makeup is used as a "body armor" rather then the creative toy it is, and so many get but-jobs and Botox. We should perhaps strive towards accepting appearance for what it is, as just appearance.
As far as commercials go, most of us can tell that skin without texture isn't just makeup, and it would be a far more believable mascara commercial without fake lashes. It's a little bit insulting "they" think we're that easily fooled. 
Also, it would be nice if our models could be left looking human and not like dolls, unless explicitly intended to. Wouldn't it be preferable to keep the features expressing personality intact? Especially when paying extra for a famous face... (Just saying!).

Brittany Murphy end up looking like someone else. Removing her under-eyelid, natural lines and shading makes her look blend. The same goes for Cameron Diaz. They even managed to make her look less toned, like that was a bad thing. 
Result: Personality is photoshopped away.

Beyonce looks like a Barbie Doll, and not like a live person. Especially since her skin looks like it's made of plastic.
Penelope Cruz, looks far better in the un-retouched image. Her expression is sweeter and her hair doesn't look like she used three cans of hairspray on it.

Eva Longoria is also a bit unrecognizable. 
I found that when overly retouched, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Eva Longoria look almost identical in some photos. Three different women with three different body shapes, but the retouchers manage to reshape their figure to the same medium-sized hourglass.

 And these ones are just crazy!

“There are no bad pictures; that's just how your face looks sometimes.” ― Abraham Lincoln


All the photos of the (too beautiful to actually need to be retouched) people in this post are random pictures from Tumbler or borrowed from Google. Mostly unknown source, except for Aishwarya Rai for L'oreal, Crystal Renn in Harper’s Bazaar Australia May 2009, Halle Berry in FHM November 2003, Filippa Hamilton for Ralph Lauren, Adam Noah Levine and random models in Vogue and Eva Mendez on the cover of Cosmopolitan.)

(These are my original drawings and designs, 2005-2012)

I love it when a "personality" shines through and stand out from the crowd- It's an injection of color on a gray day.
They get your attention by looking a bit different, like wearing dramatic prints, a fairy costume, or an authentic vintage outfit. They are creative people who know who they are, and not afraid to show it.

Let's face it, everyone looking and dressing the same, it's boring (With the exception of uniforms, which are awesome and it's uniformity serves a purpose), and it's the people who are brave enough to step out of the box and take some chances, that will stand out. 
Some people are too scared of drawing attention to themselves, don't know what to wear, who to be, and look to others. They choose one of the available trends acceptable to their community and just embrace being "blend". 
The first step towards joining "the expressive", is asking yourself some basic questions, such as what colors you like, are you edgy or ladylike? Maybe deep down you always wanted to be a redhead? Finding something or someone that inspires you is a good way to start discovering yourself. Style has no size or a preference for appearance, anyone can be awesome. It's more a matter of combining your taste with what flatters your natural look, and creating your own personal twist on the style you feel drawn to. 
If you want to express yourself, you need to think for yourself.

Showing your inside on the outside is an underestimated idea. It is how we signalize others about who we are, and a good way of figuring out who you have the most in common with (in terms of what your interested in). Plus, it's really fun to be creative! But, there is no harm in not wanting to be different (and there aren't 7 billion different style's out there. So, you know...) The point is to express yourself, and dare to be who you want to be. People should accept you the way you are, anyway. Keeping an open mind and respecting others is the only trend you should feel inclined to follow. 
The rest of the time, create your own fashion and let your freak flag fly (or not). It's up to you. 

Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Bjørk, Amber Rose, Dita Von Teese, Katy Perry, and Rihanna are famous for being true to their own style. (All the photos in this post are random pictures from Tumbler or borrowed from Google. Unknown source. 
The bottom image is from V magazine, and some of the other is from "Siralexanderthegreat" on instagram.)

Most of us are glad that Fashion Magazines have started publishing articles on what the average woman looks like, but sometimes I feel like they still haven't quite got it. 
They go on about how "The Real Woman" has curves. Reality check, not all real women do.
The average woman can be thin as well as medium or full figured, so using "the plus size" as a representative for the normal body is at best inaccurate. 
Also, there is a much greater number of skinny models being used for regular fashion spreads, commercials and so on, and on the other side, mostly amateur, regular people for the "curvy woman" articles. Thus, giving us the impression that anything other than straight figures aren't model material, and therefore less fabulous and desirable.

Research stated that when thin women looked at pictures of thin or full figured women, it didn't change how they felt about themselves. But larger women on the other hand felt worse about their apperance when looking at pictures of women of the same size or larger.
I believe this is a result of the fashion industry not using equally talented "models" to represent both groups (Thin vs. curvy).
The professional model knows how to pose, create beautiful angles, and express emotion. Not everyone can do that! 
I have seen great models make cellulite beautiful, wobbly bits sexy and disproportion interestingly attractive. 
I guess what I'm trying to say is, that people identify with appearances of similarity to their own and therefore jump to the conclusion that they look the same. So, if you see a pretty person that has features resembling your own, you might think "Hmmm.. maybe I'm not so bad?", Or on the other side you have the "Omg! Do I look like that? I will only wear black tents from now on!"

In a perfect world we would find everyone to be of equal beauty. But for some annoying reason, we are not made that way. 
It seems that a bigger variation of models is better for our self esteem. So, to do some damage control (After the unforgiving photo-camera was invented), maybe some jobs are better left to the professionals? I'm not saying the magazines should stop making their "What a real woman looks like" articles, but perhaps use a more variated selection. More importantly, start using talented models of all shapes, sizes and colors on a more regular basis. 

The rising number of (Plus Size) Supermodels such as Tara Lynn, Crystal Renn, Amber Rose and Whitney Thompson (Winner ANTM Cycle 10), and the full figured actresses Mindy Kaling and Christina Hendricks, have rendered things to take a turn for the better. They have given us a more variated list of role-models to identify with and shown us that size has nothing to do with beauty, being fashionable or simply fabulous. 
There are many opinions about what a body should look like, but I feel it's important to remember that there is such a thing as preferences and genetics. 
A thin woman should be allowed to feel pride in her figure without getting nagged about promoting an unhealthy body image, and a full figured one should not have to take dieting advice from every angle. 
Just chill, and let the body just be a body. Trying to fit everyone into the same mould is not a very good idea, especially since the mould keeps changing.

(All the ladies in the images above are professional models or actresses. I didn't use any pictures of these so called "real women" without modeling skills, because I felt it would be the wrong focus. But I am sertain that most of us have seen the articles to which I refer, and might have had the same experience as myself and many of my friends. For those of you who have never seen a photo that didn't challenge your self esteem, well done! For you are a mature, strong and advanced human being. I hope to join you soon. 
All the photos in this post are random pictures from Tumbler or borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)

It is a common saying that "Beauty comes from the inside" (Some would say" That's what unattractive people say to feel better about themselves"). Well, I think beauty really does come from the inside and that it shines trough in the way people behave, move, express themselves, or dress (You are the one deciding what to wear most of the time, so one could argue that personal style comes from the inside).  
Most people (without severe issues) find that a fun, empathic, wise, strong or brave personality makes a person more attractive. A mean, lazy or selfish person (et cetera) on the other hand can be as good looking as anyone, but they won't have that little extra something about them. A little je ne sais quoi gets you a long way.

Having a good time can be very charismatic, just look at these lovely ladies having a good time. 
You don't have to strike a pose or a duck-face to look great. I rest my case.

Hillary Clinton is one of the very few Bell's I have seen out there. The typical Bell has small shoulders, small boobs, small and short waist, big thighs and a large bottom. It's hard for Bell's to find dresses that fit right because of the big difference between top and bottom, and their short waist will make a lot of tops to long for them. This is the body shape wich needs to invest in quality clothing that has the right fit instead of buying lots of different "doesn't really fit right" clothing. 
For Bell's it is all about showing how feminine they are and creating a sense of balance to their figure. 

The most important guidelines.
- Bell's need to balance the top and bottom half rather than simply cover everything up. The easiest way to do this is to make your top half more prominent with detail and color, and expanding it with the help of layers and shoulders enhancing cuts. Dress more plainly on the bottom half.
- Narrow necklines and princess collars are more flattering for your shape because it widens your shoulder line. 
- Fussy necklines, colorful scarves, and elaborate necklaces helps focusing the attention to the right spot.
- A-line skirts, Kick pleat skirts and correctly fitted flowing wide-leg pants smooth and balance your figure. 
- And again, don't cover yourself up, wide tops and big sleeves can make you look frumpy and bigger that you are. Bell's often have good arms and waist and should show them off.
- The worst mistake you can make is wearing cut on the bias chiffon dresses, or a wide V neck dress with elaborate decoration on the bottom half, paired up with a pair of stilettos.

In short, the key is to draw attention to the feminine small shoulders and neck, and love your fabulous bottom. Don't forget to show your curves, for they are after all very womanly.

Other Bell's: Adele and Mindy Kaling are also awesome Bell-specimen. 
Since the Bell is a tough thing to find pictures of, I decided to add a few Yes and No examples of Adele as well.   
I discovered the gorgeous Mindy Kaling after I made this post, but I needed to add her to the list since she is such great fashion Icon for the type. Mindy Kaling's outfits are not a yes and no section, just a addition for the type showing that a Bell figure can rock figure hugging shapes too. 

(The 12 body shapes and rules are mostly borrowed from Trinny and Susannah's Body Shape Bible. I have made some alterations. Photos in this post are borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)


Bootylicious.

Roundness is the defining feature of the Apple body shape. They have average breast, the tummy is bigger than the breast, quite flat bum and ok legs. They have the kind of body that people love to cuddle. 
The apple might be the body type with the most negative attention and tend to simply cover themselves, to disguise what they see as a difficult shape. But they've got wonderful assets many flat chested ladies would die for and these should form the focus of your look.
Rebel Wilson is an Apple and she is gorgeous, so no need to feel like you can't dress to impress.

The most important guidelines.
- Invest in a good bra to make the most of your bust line.
- Tops with gathered fabric around the stomach that are tight under the breasts, or side fastening tunics, blouses and shirts, as well as belts in the waist flatters your figure. Remember to emphasize the bust line.
- Side fastening pleated skirts that starts below the tummy or flat-fronted trousers with wide legs that don't cling to your bum or thighs, smooth and balance your figure.
- Always wear slightly longer tops or dresses over your skinny jeans, to balance your figure. 
- Avoid anything that adds bulk, like padded jackets, large, square, sloughy or not properly fitted tops and pleated waistlines.
- In genetal, just stay away from very tight fitting clothes and instead go for flowing fabrics that hang flattering from your bosom. NB! This isn’t code for "please buy the biggest kaftan in the shop and hide in it". Flowing garments are flattering, shapeless tents are simply too big and doesn't do the Apple justice. 

The goal with these "The Body Type" posts is for people to stop hiding their figure, and rather embrace what's natural for each individual. Be the best version of yourself!

Other Apples: Beth Ditto and Kathy Bates (I just love those ladies).

(The 12 body shapes and rules are mostly borrowed from Trinny and Susannah's Body Shape Bible. I have made some alterations. Photos in this post are borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)


The more of you, the more to love.

Kate Winslet is a Vase, a body type quite similar to the classic Hourglass only it's stretched a little, making it one of the most elegant body shapes. Also, Vases don’t have as pronounced a waists and have less rounded bottoms than the Hourglass. 
The Vase signature features are big boobs, gently curving longer waist, hips equal tits, slim thighs and legs. They can also have a little bit of chunky upper arms.

The most important guidelines.
- This is not the body type best suited for chasing the latest fashions because of the very feminine curves. Classic womanly clothes is the best look for a Vase.
- The large boobs should not be overplayed as this can overshadow the rest of the figure, concentrate instead on the daintier areas such as the lower arms or legs by wearing three quarter length sleeves or straight leg pants. 
- In order to show off and accentuate your natural curves, use scooped and square necklines that are fitted under the boobs, supportive figure hugging dresses, and puffy sleeves. 
- Make sure to emphasize the waistline with jackets and tops that are fitted around the middle part.
- Ruffles around your neckline, poloneck jumpers, princess collars and sleeveless round-neck tops are your worst looks.

The Vase is the body shape many women would love to be, and the figure is at its best wearing "The classic Hollywood glamour" type of cuts and shapes. Do yourself a favor and keep the waist tight and embrace those feminine curves.

Other Vase ladies: Whitney Thompson (Winner of Americas next top model Cycle 10), Geena Davis and Mariah Carey. 

(The 12 body shapes and rules are mostly borrowed from Trinny and Susannah's Body Shape Bible. I have made some alterations. Photos in this post are borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)

Classic curves!

Countless A-list celebrities are classic Lollipops, and Angelina Jolie is a perfect example. The defining features of the Lollipop are large but not heavy boobs, slim hips, proportionally small waist and long elegant legs. Lollipops don’t have to work as hard as other body types to look good, but being this shape is certainly not without it's challenges.
One being that there is virtually no clothing made with the Lollipop shape in mind (60% of the Worlds female population are Pear-shaped). 

The most important guidelines.
- Lollipops should focus on styles that balance the proportions, such as to broaden the shoulders and hips a little to smooth that often too top heavy look.
-Deep and wide V-necks and scoop necklines are great for enhancing your assets. Halter-neck and sweetheart necklines that offers good support are also good choices.
- Avoid chunky sweaters and shift dresses that hangs straight down from the boobs.
- Elaborate necklaces will make the chest look even larger, and the same goes for bolero jackets.
- Anything chunky, loose, or too covering on the bosom, will make the shape look disproportionate and create an extreme version of the figure.
- Wide-leg pants hide those fabulous legs and make them look like sticks. 
- Bell-bottom pants, fluted skirts, details on the hip, and ballon-sleeves helps to create curves in the areas that have less.
- The absolut worst look for Lollipops is high-waisted pants of any style paired up with a turtleneck.

You lucky Lollipops can get great results without too much effort, so enjoy!

Other Lollipops: Heather Graham, Uma Thurman and Susan Sarandon.

(The 12 body shape and rules are mostly borrowed from Trinny and Susannah's Body Shape Bible. I have made some alterations. Photos in this post are borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)


Boobs are awesome! Except for when jogging...

The Cello is very close to an Hourglass as they are both women with fabulous curves. The Cello waist is also short but not as small, and the figure is on the fuller end of the scale. They might feel a little pear shaped because of their big bottom, but the broad shoulders and big boobs balance it out. 
The Cello have large boobs, short waist, big hips, big bottom, big thighs, broad shoulders and slim lower legs. 
Supermodel Tara Lynn is a full figured Cello, and anyone should be proud to share her body type.
For the Cello, It’s all about daring to show yourselves of a little.

The most important guidelines.
- Cellos have what it takes to carry off almost anything in terms of boldness and can pull of strong prints or fussy details that would simply swamp other body types.
- The biggest obstacle Cellos face is looking good in pants, but full length wide-leg trousers is an alternative. They smooth your shape, elongate your legs and make your thighs look sleeker. 
- When wearing skinny jeans, use something loose or forgiving on top and make sure the cut doesn't end up on your widest part. Preferably crotch to mid thigh length, think tunic or dress. Tulip-tops are also very forgiving. 
- Keep the bottom half simple.
- Pencil skirts doesn't flatter your shape, but if you find the right figure hugging dress you can rock it. Make sure it has a firming effect and that the material is thick. A tummy covering function or some gentle folds in the right place, is also a good idea.
- Halterneck dresses with a wide waist/belt, is your best look. 
- Don’t be afraid to use bold pieces and display your attributes up top! 

Cellos come in many different sizes. Serena Williams being one very fit and well toned version, to Oprah Winfrey at her largest. Just how comfortable you are with showing your tummy or thighs si up to you.
But dare to be bold and wear things those little women would be overwhelmed in!

Other Cellos: Kirstie Alley, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams.

(The 12 body shapes and rules are mostly borrowed from Trinny and Susannah's Body Shape Bible. I have made some alterations. Photos in this post are borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)


Dare to be bold!