Pin Up Girls Highlight the Beauty of Full-bodied Models

Pin up girls first became popular in the 1980's and were often an idealized depiction of what many men and women deemed a very attractive or beautiful woman should look like. These women were often viewed as sex symbols and admired by the masses. Pin up girls portraits were either photographs of actual women, like actress Betty Grable, or illustrations of these women.

Traditional pin up girls have very little physical similarities in comparison to some of today's hottest and most famous models. Traditional pin up girls are more voluptuous and curvy than the thin, tall models that are photographed or walk runways today.

I think that pin up girls most accurately represent women in society today. Women come in all shapes and sizes and no two look alike. Although we are not always comfortable with the way we look or feel in our own skin, it is important for all women to realize that curves are beautiful and we should appreciate our physical appearance just the way we are as long as we are healthy.

If pin up girls were featured in today's advertisements there is a chance that women would have higher self esteem rather than feel under pressure to be more like the thin, waifish figures of models. Many women can relate to pin up girls better, not that today's models are not beautiful in their own way but big is beautiful too.

Suicide girls are a modern day example of traditional pin up girls. Although they are mostly photographed in the nude, suicide girls create an alternative image of real beauty.

Practical Accessories for Rainy Days

Relating back to an earlier post, The North Face, rain boots are not only a trendy fashion accessory but are a practicality, especially on days where you trek across campus in rainy, cold weather.

Similar to the Ugg boot phenomenon, many men still question this particular fashion trend and do not understand the craze for rubber boots. They may laugh but we will let them continue to walk into class with soggy shoes.

Rain boots come in a variety styles and colors and can either be paired with a coat and an umbrella or resemble the rubber ducky you once played with as a kid. Rain boots are durable and are a purchase worth investing in once the wet winter and spring weather arrives.

Either simple or flashy, rain boots are a women's fashion trend that is negatively criticized. However, one argument strongly supports the craze, rain boots are practical for rainy, cold days. So continue to sport your rain boots with pride ladies and maybe one rainy day, some men will come to realize that they just might want a pair too.

Vogue India Stirs Political and Social Controversy

Fashion has always been associated with high priced luxury items and Vogue magazine is notarized for carrying some of the latest, trendiest, most valued products in the industry. Vogue India however, has recently stirred political and social controversy with its September issue.

Several of the the magazine's fashion spreads depict barefoot children wearing Fendi bibs being carried through the village by toothless grandmothers carrying Hermes bags. One man is in the background walking with a Burberry umbrella.

These products cost over $200 dollars or more. India functions socially under a caste system with many of the population living in poverty. Many of these people earn as little as a dollar a day.

Normally, I admire Vogue for their portrayal of current fashion but in this particular edition, I feel that the products were poorly advertised. Vogue made a very strong statement about their values and insensitivity to human needs. A real statement has been made but it is sending the wrong message.

Although a fashion based magazine, Vogue could have had the opportunity to make a political statement about the poor living conditions and social discrimination the people of India face. This would have been a better way to use their spread and provide the chance to help others and shine a light on the fashion industry.