Mirror Mirror

I've been noticing recently the obsession of 'image' that's being shoved in our faces in every possible direction.

The main news story being about Amy Willerton. The most beautiful woman alive. Who dared to strip down to a bikini in a scorching hot jungle. Of course she took one step on to the I'm A Celeb set and it was all guns blazing. Can it be that an attractive, flawless woman is also well spoken, intelligent and kind hearted?

So thus began the hate campaign.

Lucy Pargeter being the main ring leader, accusing the 21 year old of being a 'piece of meat' due to her career of beauty pageants and modelling competitions. How interesting that the Emmerdale star has been snapped in lingerie for lads mags and calenders. But we won't go in to that. The point of this being that a handful of those 'celebrities' all with partners, children and a past, chose to complain, bitch and whisper about a girl who's only downfall (or not so downfall) is her beauty. And the irony being that the message they were wanting to put across was 'girls shouldn't be judged on their appearance' and sure enough, through making their thesis, the 21 year old model was too being judged on her appearance.

What a flawed society. We are forever being spoon-fed the ideas that women are no longer judged or mistreated on weight and appearance, and yet through this strong campaign, the girls, like myself, who are naturally very skinny get thrown in to the fire.

I work in an industry (a fashion store) that uses clothes as a way of covering up, enhancing, uplifting, and matching a woman's figure and general appearance. I see my role as an encourager to every woman, young or old, that needs advice on what helps them to feel comfortable and beautiful. Mirrors are at every angle so that women can see every angle of their representation to the world. Now some may disagree with this- but I see such a healthy and natural approach these clothes stores are introducing. They're allowing women to feel beautiful. They are 'entertaining' every age, height, weight and style. Because not once do I serve a customer that doesn't have a lit up face at the thought of wearing and modelling their chosen item of clothing.

They say- 'you should wear the outfit, don't let the outfit wear you' and it's a saying I regularly go by. I won't turn up to a party in high heels (high and sharp enough to defend myself from a rapist) and a short, tight, strapless dress, because I wouldn't feel comfortable nor beautiful in that. I wear dresses with ribbons and collars and dolly shoes with sparkle; that's what I feel my most 'Alice' in. My family are regularly laughed at for all having matching tweed blazers- because we all completely delight in that look.

Another thing taking the nation/world by storm is Beyonce and her fierce, crazy, flawless visual album that has sold quicker than any other record of a modern 'pop star'. The artist subtly dropped an album in to itunes this week, and BAM within seconds, there it was for all to see. Her own intakes and visions of what her songs mean to her. She describes her album as her 'visual masterpiece' and says that people should enjoy an album for an album, not just one song they particularly like. That was great. I was so excited to watch the videos. So I sat and watched them, from 1 to 100000. But what I couldn't help noticing is her constant bare butt cheeks in every video. And as she dances around a poll to a fully clothed man (who I believe is Jay Z?) I ask myself where the originality is? Where is the line? Doesn't she contradict her entire moto that women are strong, independent and beautiful? Why does being naked even have to be included in any modern music video?

But that's neither here nor there.

I just feel we are forever having our heads shoved in to the puddle of 'beauty' 'image' and 'self-portrayal'. I love a good 'selfie' as much as the next person, but I like it because of the memories, colours, moods and moments it captures. The moment I start worrying about a mark on my face or a gap in my fringe is the moment I start putting appearance first.

I can't help but feel a protection over women that still see image as the centre of their problems...and myself included! My insecurities have seemed to have rocketed these past few weeks. Spots are becoming more of a dilemma, my outfits are becoming more of a burden. More and more I'm falling in to the well-known trap of 'am I beautiful?' 'What makes me beautiful?' 'What is beautiful?'

I think the moment you start feeling comfortable in yourself, is when you start feeling comfortable about your mistakes, about your past, about your future. So maybe image is important. Yes it important, and a new hair do or a new dress is certainly something to delight in. But it's important to appreciate, to feel a sense of peace, to accept.

I think the real answer to my blog is summed up in just two lines.
The Bible will go until the end of time with a statement so profound, powerful and wise-

'I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well.'