I’m a huge fan of Sally Mcgraw and her blog, Already Pretty. It may have something to do with the fact that we both have a mild obsession with fashion. 
But Already Pretty isn’t just a fantastic style blog, it’s also a blog about body image and body diversity. Sally’s tag line truly says it all: “helping you recognize your own beauty one post at a time.”
For a long time, Sally struggled with her own body image, wanting so much to change her body. However, after she discovered fashion and style, she started looking at her body differently. Here’s an excerpt from her mission statement:
For years I tried to change my body with diets and exercise, believing that its shape and size were the root of the problem, but I just kept on hating it. When I began exploring fashion and style – dressing in fun, flattering, and form-fitting clothes – an unexplored universe opened up to me. For the first time, I respected my body. I realized that there was nothing wrong with my body. I saw my body as integral to my identity. I wanted to show it off, and decorate it joyously, and hone my personal style so that I could understand it on new levels. THAT is how this all began. That connection between looking good and feeling good, as it relates to style, is what inspired me to launch Already Pretty. Because when I started to dress in a way that made me look amazing and feel amazing, I finally stopped actively, continually, exhaustingly hating my body.
I get excited to read Sally’s blog every day and am always inspired by her eloquent and honest writing and individual style!
That’s why I’m really thrilled to present my interview with Sally, who was so gracious to take time out of her super busy schedule to share some great tips and insight into style, body image and more!
What inspired you to start writing Already Pretty?
I started the blog in September of 2007. A coworker friend had approached me for some personalized style advice, and I was positively giddy at the prospect of telling her what she could and couldn’t wear. I wrote up a list of guidelines – seasonal style rules, wardrobe basics, and the like – and handed it over a week before our little closet consult. She was blown away and said, “You should put this on a blog. People would love it.” So I did. Because I ALWAYS do what I’m told.
What would you say are your top tips for creating an individual style?
Bizarre as it may sound, I’d say look to the trends. It’s always helpful to be aware of what everyone else is wearing so that you can cherry pick styles that suit your taste, and either discard or actively subvert the rest.
Aside from that, I’d say get to know your body. Learn about what flatters your form, find styles that make you feel like a total goddess, and build your wardrobe around them.
One of the biggest problems women run into when searching for great clothes is fit. Any tips on finding budget-friendly clothes that fit well?
Honestly? The only tip I can give is, “Be patient.” Standardized sizing is a fantasy at this point, so it’s trial and error for us all. If you’re looking for a specific item, don’t give up too easily. If the mall fails you, try the thrift store. If the thrift store fails you, look online. If you can’t find it online, consider commissioning it from an Etsy seller or tailor. What you want is somewhere out there – in the size and color and shape you want. It’s just a matter of honing your detective skills and holding out for the truly perfect.
In addition to dishing out fantastic advice on style (and posting photos of your awesome outfits!), you write a lot about body image. How have you improved your own body image?
I can honestly say that writing a letter to my body was the turning point. I did that in June of 2008, and the experience was truly transformative. I still struggle to love and accept my body on a daily basis, so it’s not exactly a done deal… but I feel real tenderness and affection toward my physical form now, and that is still very new.
Any tips for helping Weightless readers improve theirs?
My entire blog is dedicated to helping women accept their own beauty and love their own bodies, and I am constantly finding new ways to discuss and explore body image as it relates to style. But in a nutshell, the path to body comfort lies in remembering that you are NOT solely defined by your weight or dress size or BMI.
Your body is a complicated system that demands respect and understanding, and it’s well worth your while to learn to respect it and strive to understand it. If you treat your body as an ally instead of an enemy – if you learn to accentuate its strengths and natural beauty through figure flattery – it will repay you in confidence and radiance and joy.
Clothes are tools. Use them to reflect your amazing self outward to the observing world.
Can you mention a few of your favorite resources (books and/or websites) on style?
Anything else you’d like Weightless readers to know about yourself, Already Pretty or a related topic?
I do style consulting, both in-person for Twin Cities residents, and online worldwide. They can e-mail for rates and further info: sally@alreadypretty.com.
—
Sally, thank you so much for answering my questions and sharing such great wisdom with Weightless readers!
Today’s favorite post. “Summer Black-Out 2010: Round-Up” from Already Pretty because it features beautiful women with diverse shapes and sizes looking fabulous – and happy in their skin.
How has your style evolved? Do you have any tips for finding clothes that fit and flatter? Do you notice that you feel more comfortable in your body when you dress well?
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
OOOOh! I love Sally AND Already Pretty and I was so excited to see that you interviewed her Really fantastic. xoxox.
@ Marzipan, thanks so much!! I think Sally is awesome (and so sweet), and I can’t say enough great things about her blog.
Thanks for reading, and so glad you enjoyed it!!
Ach, you ladies are so kind. Thanks again for the opportunity, Margarita!
@ Sally, it’s my pleasure! You really do wonderful work, and I was so happy to be able to interview you.
Eva at 10:34 am on
June 23rd, 2010I agree about one of the hardest things is finding great clothes that fit, but on a budget. But I find that some high-street fashion’s looser style women’s clothing is really in at the moment. Oh and Sally, I completely agree about Shirt Dresses (I love reading Already Pretty ) being so in – prime example of how something simple can be so flattering!
Eva, I couldn’t agree more! I usually go to the outlets or to stores like TJMaxx, Target or Marshalls, but it depends on when you go and you have to look through a good amount of stuff to find the gems. I’m lucky that there’s also an outlet mall just 30 minutes away with some of my faves like JCrew and Banana Republic. Plus, sometimes, you can score great deals at higher-end stores when they’re big sales. But usually I just do the outlets..hehe…
Thanks for your comment!
So, excited to see this interview. At Body Republic we are always looking for wonderful women like Sally who support the diverse body image of women. So many women suffer and her voice is refreshing.
Hi Scarlett! So glad you enjoyed the interview! Thanks for stopping by.
Body Loving Blogosphere 06.27.10 | medicinal marzipan (June 27, 2010)
From Psych Central's Weightless:
11 Body Image Practices To Pitch In 2011 | Weightless (December 21, 2010)
From Psych Central's Weightless:
Body Image Booster: 10 Ways To Have Fun With Fashion | Weightless (March 21, 2011)
Last reviewed: 22 Jun 2010
I...
Copyright © 1992-2012 Psych Central. All rights reserved.
Site last updated: 10 Feb 2012
|
