I’m not immune to the harsh criticisms that come from the American fashion scene. Some days, I feel enormous. I feel unattractive. I feel out of place, bloated, just plain too large to be acceptable. I often think I should have hit the gym one more time or maybe pushed through another set of intervals on the bike. I once wore a size 6, but after a medication switch, I gained a bouncy, curvy 50 pounds over nine months. It was a gradual shift, and one day I caught my reflection and saw the truth: I had changed.
After a lot of internal struggle and frustration, I finally embraced my new figure. I stand at 5’6″ and sport a size 14. And let me tell you, I’m fabulous!
But here’s the kicker: I don’t always feel fabulous. When I’m in those moments, I turn to my guilty pleasure—Europop. In my mind, I start belting out, “Big girl, you are beautiful / Diet soda and a pizza please / Diet soda, I’m on my knees / Screaming, ‘Big girl, you are beautiful!’” This isn’t just any catchy tune. It mentions The Butterfly Lounge, the first size-acceptance club in Orange County. It’s a disco anthem reminiscent of Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls.” For me, it’s my musical lifeline. So yes, I’m singing Mika right now in my head. And guess what? I’m fabulous, and I believe that. You should too.
I’m serious. My body is stunning. I have curves for days. I’m in good company with the likes of Laura Evans, who graced the cover of Sports Illustrated at size 16. And let’s not forget Jenna Brooks, who rocked the SI Swimsuit Issue in nothing but body paint, proudly declaring her love for her size 16 figure. Even traditional beauty icons like Maxim are recognizing the beauty in curves. These women look phenomenal—and they’re often the same size or larger than me. I’m basically channeling Jenna Brooks here. Excuse me while I admire myself in the mirror.
I’m teetering between plus-size, extra-large, and large, depending on the brand and where I shop. I’ve learned to rock shapewear—not to shrink myself, but to enhance my curves. They still jiggle and sway, but they look good while doing it. I’ve also figured out how to dress to my advantage. For instance, empire waists aren’t my friend since I tend to carry weight in my tummy. I prefer fitted styles that showcase my assets. My best dress hugs my curves perfectly, and I often catch guys stealing glances as I strut down the street. Add a pair of heels, and I’m unstoppable.
What helps is that I refuse to give up. I’ve never looked in the mirror and seen anything less than a woman. This woman loves her beauty products! Red lipstick? Yes, please. Gold eyeshadow? Absolutely. My makeup routine is an art form that involves over 20 steps. And no, I don’t do the whole contoured collarbones thing—that’s just ridiculous. I wear dresses almost daily because they fit my vibe and make me feel confident. I deserve to feel beautiful and receive compliments.
I also crave affection, especially from my kids. I remember how much I loved hugging my grandmother when I was little. She was soft and inviting. Right now, my 3-year-old is using my ample thighs as a pillow. Yes, they’re lovely thighs—stretch marks and all. And they do their job just fine.
My kids adore resting their heads on my tummy too. It’s a soft and squishy belly, marked by the journey of carrying them. I used to cringe at being mistaken for pregnant when I wore the wrong clothes. That was tough on my self-esteem. Over time, I learned to dress for my body, and I’ve grown to love my graceful curves. High-waisted swimsuits and stylish rash guards are game-changers.
I can’t lie; I still have my struggles. It’s difficult to feel fabulous when there are people like Max Carter out there, ready to take unflattering photos and label me “fat.” Sometimes, I doubt my husband’s compliments because he married a size 4, not a size 14. But he insists I’m gorgeous, so I try to ignore the negativity. I surround myself with body positivity, sing Mika, and remind myself that loving my body is my right. Every curve, every jiggle, every stretch mark is a part of me, and I am magnificent. I am beautiful. And you are too, no matter your size—so never forget that!
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Summary
Embrace your body and celebrate every curve and imperfection. Confidence and self-love are paramount, regardless of your size. Recognize your beauty, and let go of societal pressures. Surround yourself with positivity and remember that you, too, are fabulous!