Imperfections are A-OK

[Wink Holliday]

A lot of huff is made about "Marilyn Monroe wore a size 12," but weall know how much vanity sizing has altered reality over the years. Her dressmaker recorded her measurements as 35-22-35, and nowhere will you find a size 12 dress that will fit a 22" waist the way dresses fit Marilyn. 

BUT…

That doesn't mean that Hollywood hasn't been full of illusion for years. While researching a swimsuit for my shop, I came across this excerpt from a July, 1981 article by Cheryl Lavin for the Chicago Tribune:

     The history of the bathing suit, part I, was presented recently by Anne Cole. That's Cole, as in Cole of California. And this is one woman who doesn't believe all you need is a smile and a Jantzen.

     The Saks Fifth Avenue show here saw the progress of the bathing suit from a midcalf, long-sleeved wool dress over ankle-length wool bloomers through the banned-in-Boston suit (black wool Dr. Denton's) to a 1940 model that was more an engineering feat than a designing challenge. It zipped up the back, draped across the front, and had enough room in the top for a complete service for six. It dated from the days when Esther Williams was the Cole spokesperson.

     "It was always said that Esther had a 38-inch chest," says Miss Cole, a diminutive woman with a silvery blond pixie, blue eyes, great legs, and a figure she describes as "round." "Well, those 38 inches were all across the back. She had the biggest rib cage you ever saw. I used to be her dresser, and I'd unpack her suitcase and right on top would be the falsies. Another illusion shattered."

So gals, guys, cats, kittens: Be healthy. Feel good about yourself. And don't freak out if you don't have a Hollywood Bombshell figure. Maybe your "ideal" was herself getting a little help.

[d_gotham]

I say that physical appearance is only half or maybe less than half of the attraction.  The majority is attitude.  If a person has the right attitude to be sexy then they will be sexy.  It is all about how you present yourself. As your article and photo points out, Marilyn did not have a fantastic figure but if she wanted to she could exude sensuality and everyone loved it...and subsequently wanted her.

[RL]

When I started shooting, (Yes we had colored film). 7-8-9 wconsidered thin,and girls where 5'7". Today we have 0-00 and 5'4" is excepted in print work. Sophia Loren was told without a nose job she would never make the silver screen. If you can't turn your imperfections into assets, learn to hide the gracefully. I tell my models "If you weren't fabulously beautiful you wouldn't be here. Show you the beauty of who YOU are."

[Phoenix Arousing (Valezka Vidra)]

Such a great post! The only imperfection that i cant stand seeing on gals (and fellas) is a bad attitude. But thats not relevant in the realm of physical beauty.

[Phoenix Arousing (Valezka Vidra)]

You have no idea, but what you posted here is really inspirational to me, in regard to my work problems. Although it wasnt directed at me specifically, thank you so much for that.

RL said:

When I started shooting, (Yes we had colored film). 7-8-9 wconsidered thin,and girls where 5'7". Today we have 0-00 and 5'4" is excepted in print work. Sophia Loren was told without a nose job she would never make the silver screen. If you can't turn your imperfections into assets, learn to hide the gracefully. I tell my models "If you weren't fabulously beautiful you wouldn't be here. Show you the beauty of who YOU are."

[ShesAces]

I personally like to keep it natural and only add a little "flare" here and there like cinchers and such where need be if I want something to fit just right. I love my body the way it is and I flaunt proudly what the good lawd gave me :D

[Kim Coquette]

So much goes into looking "Perfect". It is all an illusion anyway! The 'Perfect' figure does not exist, and the sooner everyone realizes this the sooner we can all be happier with our own bodies!