I'm a twentysomething writer and editor living out my dream
one day • one picture • one avenue • one story at a time.
This is where I overshare and constantly write tiny love letters to New York.
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Post reblogged from Julia Allison
One of the biggest difficulties I’ve had in my own “personal branding” is that I really, really like being seen as attractive.
I rarely felt pretty (or popular) growing up, and so, in my twenties, when I figured out HOW to look attractive (emphasizing my best physical qualities, learning about fashion, makeup, wonderbras, how to pose to flatter my best angle, etc etc), I just … got addicted.
There’s a rush that comes from feeling beautiful, period, but it’s something that women don’t frequently talk about outright. I think it’s because it brings up too many of our insecurities. Or, if you’ve seen Mean Girls, this:
Regina: But you’re, like, really pretty.
Cady: Thank you.
Regina: So you agree?
Cady: What?
Regina: You think you’re really pretty?
Cady: Oh… I don’t know.I can’t speak for women who had that natural beauty in high school, but it may mean more to me because I had to work for it. Because I know what it’s like to feel completely undesirable. And it sucks.
The truth is, most times I’m in my sweats. No makeup! Hair in a braid or a ponytail. Right now, in fact :)
It’s not any “more” me or “less” me … but for “branding” purposes women usually have to pick: you either go Maxim cover or … you get to be the best friend. You know, like Oprah.
Is there any woman who gets both? Who markets herself well in a three-dimensional way??
PPS. If you think the above was easy for me to write - you are wrong. It is HARD to admit shit like this. Just so you know.
Truer words haven’t been spoken in a really long time. I don’t think I was “unattractive” by any means in high school, but over the last few years I have really learned what makes me feel and look the MOST attractive. I know what clothing is flattering for my figure; I know I make a better blonde than a brunette; I know how much makeup is too much; And I know exactly how to pose in pics (obvs) to compliment my features.
I’m not always 100% happy with my appearance (like most women), but I know what little effort it takes to send my confidence skyrocketing.
