I spent a significant amount of my life working as a model. You may not recognize the name...but I worked. And I've got stories...;)
The expectations put on us, and that we begin to put on our young girl selves, starts the moment we realize...we are girls.
I was reading Seventeen magazine at thirteen wondering how I would ever look like those young women. Of course, at that age, I knew nothing of "touching up" photos...or today, photo shop.
The dark cycle of it all sets in early. We women are marketed to...to be different than who we are, as we are. If we were only skinnier, taller, had blonder (browner, redder, more "ombre,") hair, well, life would be just grand.
The right foundation is what is most important! I mean, right? We begin swimming in a sea of images that make us feel, not right. We are not right the way we are...we need more glosses, blushes, long-lasting mascaras, perfumes, the "right" potions, "perfect" lotions and more Prada, Gucci, Guess to be okay.
It's exhausting...to the spirit.
Here, I present a new find. Sarah Dubbeldam started Darling as a blog in 2009. It became a quarterly printed magazine, with its first edition in 2012. Based out of California, Darling gets it right!
These are just some of the reasons I not just like, but LOVE Darling magazine:
· They challenge cultural “ideals” of beauty and question their exaggerated importance.
· They see beauty in every type of woman.
· They believe in being “fit,” and see “thin” in context of the healthiest version of self.
· They promote respect for women’s bodies in fashion and photography.
· They never use Photoshop to alter women’s faces or bodies.
· They feature clothing and products within a price range that an average income can afford.
· They don't offer shallow advice to real-life issues. Instead, promote coping behaviors for helpful and lasting change.
Thank you Darling, for turning this medium on its ear, creating accountability...and helping champion future generations of girls into a world that is filled with much less "noise" and insecurity.
Totally Smitten.