Last week I was invited to attend the Cosmo and
Marie Claire Lingerie Show. For someone who is dealing with weight issues and low
self-esteem, this was a sure-fire way to make sure I went home and cried into
some carbohydrates. Nevertheless, it’s a party and who doesn’t like parties especially
when you see Skyy Vodka is sponsoring. So off I went.
The fashion show itself was amazing, the models
were all gorgeous, the music and production was awesome and the free drinks
were a treat. But enough about that. It was clearly fate that I showed up to
this show. As I sat there surrounded by other bloggers, media and the
oh-so-fabulous I watched the models traipsing down the catwalk, something
happened to me that made me question my life. Not one of those horrible “when
are you going to be more responsible” things I usually experience after a particularly
bad hangover but more the inspiration to better my life. See below.
Witness the Fitness
Obviously when models are around you notice how
beautiful they are. But as so many editorials and beauty adverts like to remind
us, it’s what’s inside that counts and with the right lighting and makeup we
could all shift magazine sales. But that doesn’t fly when you’re confronted
with several hot bodies. There ain’t no faking that. Sometimes it’s good genes,
most of the time it’s because they work hard. And oh man, does it pay off. I
found myself drooling over their bodies as much as the pervy guys sitting in
front of me.
This has made me firmly believe, exercise is
missing from my life. I have found that when it comes to going to gym, my
talent lies in finding excuses to avoid it. From I don’t have any cute workout
clothes (even though I don’t believe I should ever sweat in designer clothes),
to the gym is always full after work and before work and during work (I like
the extent of that one) to what if this is the day the gym gets attacked by
racist ninjas. Like I said this is where I am talented. But after seeing these
bodies in action, I was a little more inclined to do some cardio. And maybe a
bit of weight training. Also some squats and shit. Eventually this new
motivation lead me to sign up – and pay – for bootcamp. Since I am super cheap
and I have already given away that money, I’ll definitely be going. In 4 to 6
weeks, I’ll be parading my new body around the streets of Cape Town.
No More Granny Pants
I used to be unashamed of my love for granny
pants. Anything that keeps stuff in and smooth is a winner in my book. Sadly
there isn’t anything sexy about this type of underwear. Like not even a bit. It’s
never in black, it’s never got lacey bits and they really look like a grandmother
could rock them. Normally I wouldn’t give two shits about my knickers,
especially because no one has been seeing them. Crickets in that department. But
the lingerie show changed all of that.
clicking on the pic should make it bigger |
While in my seat watching the ladies strut
their stuff in sexy shapewear and big pants that still looked comfortable, I was
mentally going through my underwear drawer and chucking out all the cotton boy
shorts, the ugly beige pairs that sit under my boobs and the magic knickers
that allow me to look sleek as long as I don’t drink or eat. I thought I’d made
some good mental decisions. I also decided to put the magic knickers back but
on the whole I am inspired to change my knickers. After all, if I wear them,
surely the boys will come.
Making An Effort
There is a saying that there are no ugly women,
only lazy ones. I believe this. I also am very lazy. So while I want to change
and make more of an effort, the fat girl on my shoulder makes me snooze for an
extra 10 to 30 minutes. This is the time I could spend curling my hair, or
learning how to contour my face or finding an outfit that I haven’t messed food
on.
Clicking on the pic should make it bigger |
It’s a truth universally acknowledged in girl
world that looking good makes you feel good which makes your outlook all
sparkly and happiness personified. I have had those days. I usually have those
days when I work. On the weekends however I became a slob. And after two days
in baggy jumper and stretchy pants, you lose all direction in life. So if
anything this has made me more determined to make an effort. Look at these
girls with the good hair and the glowing skin. I want to be that girl dammit.
So thanks to everyone at the Lingerie Show for
their help/intervention J
Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!
Images from Cosmo’s FB page.