Ugh you guys,
This post consists of an outfit that is basically all Forever 21, right after I bitched about them all over social media.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I got pretty pissed off the other day when I saw these shirts on the rack in sizes XS!
If at first these shirts don’t upset you, it’s because as a society we’ve become so numb to the fact that the beauty/diet/advertising/patriarchal industries have made women focus so much on their weight and their food intake, that it’s now a normal thing for TEENAGERS to be planning their meals the next day to stay within caloric restrictions so they can get that unattainable body image every woman is supposed to have.
Seriously, when I first saw these shirts, I was holding a dress about to go to the dressing room,
I didn’t end up trying it on.
Instead I put it back and walked out of the store in disgust.
So what do I do now? What options does that leave me with?
Do I boycott Forever 21 and all other “Fast Fashion” stores because they sell clothing that doesn’t align with my values?
Or do I keep shopping there because they have super cute stuff for hella cheap!
(Am I just really shallow that this is even a question???)
I just feel like I’m already fighting for so many things, that conquering everything wrong in the world gets so overwhelming.
The thing I like about Forever 21 (and in reality what actually makes it a TERRIBLE company)
Is the fact that they carry designer ripoffs for extremely cheap.
I don’t have the money to buy Philip Lim or Stella McCartney.
My wardrobe consists of H&M, Forever 21, American Apparel, and the occasional vintage or second-hand designer pieces that I got at a really great price.
I guess I’m starting to realize that “Fast Fashion” is terrible, but with the way our society is structured, it’s difficult to avoid it.
The marketing and advertising that makes women believe they always need to be “on-trend” is difficult to keep up with unless you have a lot of money…OR you shop at cheap stores.
The problem is that there’s hardly any places left where affordable = good.
(and by good I mean: sustainable, workers are paid fair wages, they don’t rip-off someone else’s art, no child labor, labor laws are actually abided by, no greenhouse gases are produced, no deforestation, the list goes on…)
I want to be able to “Green” my wardrobe without sacrificing:
a) my style
b) my wallet
but I don’t know how.
Has anyone ever read this book?
I haven’t but I’m thinking about ordering it.
Thoughts?
Or do you have any advice for me????
As I’m getting older, my conscious is finally hitting a wall regarding good & evil in my clothing.
I would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, even your own personal dilemmas with good clothing versus bad clothing.
How do YOU define acceptable clothing?
LATER DUDES,
XX-HOTPANTS
Since overcoming Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder, Dana Suchow has become an expert in the field of body image and eating disorder prevention. Offering a nonclinical and holistic approach, Dana will teach you how to put your child on a path towards body love, empowerment and self-acceptance.
Hi! I see what you’re saying about the shirts–and I totally agree that we’re all wayyyyy too obsessed about what we’re eating instead of just listening to our bodies and being good to ourselves–buuuuutttt I think maybe someone thought they were being funny about loving food, not about wanting to be thin. Like I see that shirt from my perspective, as someone that looks forward to every meal so I’m always hungry–as in I will always eat–and I plan my next day’s meals because the highlight of my day is delicious food. That’s not to say I’m starving myself or obsessed with counting calories, but I can see how one would think that’s what the shirts were trying to convey. Not defending them at all; it’s stupid to think someone won’t see it that way. I imagine those slogans on shirts for guys and maybe you’ll see where I’m coming from. Anyway, love the look as usual. Stay awesome. xoxo
I think more like you, Jane, than like you, Dana, in the sense I think those t-shirts are trying to make fun out of loving food, like “I care so little about what you think about my body image or my weight that I’m just going to eat whatever I want because it’s my favourite part of the day” and that’s it. I mean, that’s how I see those messages more than in any other twisted way because that’s what I think, but I see too how a lot of people, like you, may disagree and get offended by them.
Anyway, first time commenting but I’m an all-time follower, I think you’re superfunny and natural and I love that :)
xx
Hi Dana-
I am a HUGE fan of your blog and Instagram (I follow both religiously). I was also confused by the post regarding the F21 shirts. I 100% understand what you’re saying regarding eating disorders, how society has become numb, etc. However, I somewhat disagree with the controversy surrounding these shirts. I can, of course, see how the shirts could be damaging to people who struggle with eating disorders, etc. But, I don’t necessarily agree that these shirts hold the meaning that you (and probably many others) have attached to them. I LOVE food. I have always loved food. The older I get, the more I LOVE food and revolve my life around it ha ha. My friends and family have teased me for YEARS because I am known for anticipating meals days, sometimes weeks, in advance. I can literally be eating lunch on a Tuesday and asking my friends where they want to go eat on Saturday. So, the shirt that states, “I’m already planning what I’m going to eat tomorrow” resonated with me in a humorous way. Because I literally plan my meals in advance JUST BECAUSE I’M EXCITED ABOUT WHAT I WILL BE EATING!!! Because I love food! :) Also, I have ALWAYS had an extremely high metabolism, so I am always hungry. So, while I understand the need for sensitivity, I also think that our society often times tends to take that sensitivity to an extreme level. I personally thought the shirt was funny because it applies to my life so perfectly. My main reason for commenting is that I truly love YOUR love of all bodies and all women, but in this case, I disagree with the analysis of the shirts. Please keep doing what you’re doing; it’s very important. But just a cautionary word – I hope you will be wary of overshadowing the important effect you have on the world by not over-analyzing every little thing. XOXO!!
A couple years ago, I made some shopping rules for myself (mainly so that I would stop shopping all the time). If I wanted clothes I would do one of the following: 1. buy second hand (ebay, vintage, thrift, etc). 2. buy from a company that I believe in … which for me means it’s either made in the USA or is very open about where they’re made, and the company aligns with my values. I still carry those rules, but my focus has shifted more to minimalism and buying only things that I love and when I add something to my wardrobe something has to be donated (or sold). It’s been a gradual shift, and it’s something that works really well for me. I feel a lot better not buying stuff from fast fashion stores … nothing every lasted and I only bought really on impulse so I never loved the pieces and didn’t keep them for very long. So much waste! What I’m saying is that I see your dilemma:) It’s good to question these things and we all have to find what works for us individually.