A couple of days ago I’ve posted on Instagram my views on beauty and what it means to me. Little did I know of the outpouring love I would receive from all of you. I have mentioned this before but it’s quite refreshing to share our voice in an empowering way. There are so many stereotypes and societal expectations surrounding beauty and intelligence – expectations that make people believe that a beautiful person cannot be intelligent and that intelligent people aren’t attractive.
“I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives.” ― Persuasion
Growing up, because I was a straight-A student, no one expected me to wear stylish clothes or be attractive in general. But I loved fashion. I did dress up for school. And for that I was bullied. You simply were not allowed to be smart and pretty, whatever “pretty” means. The beauty standard has changed over the years and yet as a woman we still feel pressured to look a certain way in order to be “pretty”. I want to break this barrier and tell you that YOU are beautiful. What truly matters is your heart. And you know what?! The best, most feminist thing that we can do is to love ourselves just as we are and refuse to let anyone profit off of our insecurities.
So, I am no angel. I refuse to be labeled as anything. I am who I am. I’m confident, I’m ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If this makes me no angel, well, I am OK with that.
I love the incredible message that your putting out there, Vanessa! Sending love from Canada! Merci for sharing <3
Xoxo, Annie | TheAnniePursuit.com
In love with your boots Vanessa, so gorgeous darling!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
I absolutely love this Vanessa! You are beautiful. Have a great weekend!
Mich X
http://michjoseph.com
Such a positive post ! Thanks a lot for sharing your views on beauty, and I have to say, I couldn’t agree more! I wish the general society view of beauty could evolve a little in that direction, I mean, maybe it is, but it’s going very slowly. So thank you for sharing that on your instagram, I hope a lot of people read it and I hope it helps a few of them feel a little bit better, even if it’s just for one day !
Lucie,
http://thefrenchpier.blogspot.com/
Very well said Babe…
Have a nice weekend…
Love that last quote from Maya Angelou. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on beauty! You are beautiful inside and out Vanessa.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
This message is incredible Vanessa and I am so glad you sharing this! You are beautiful inside and out!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
I was the same as you in school. I loved clothes and I would dress up as well and stand out from the rest!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Such a lovely post V!! Important and empowering with the message and couldn’t agree more. Women are allowed to be whatever they want to, not bound by societal demands or expectations! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Awesome post Vanessa! I am loving that pic in the bath tub – so very chic. I agree with this completely – I have 3 degrees, but constantly have to prove myself because I’m seen as “the girl that likes fashion” and therefore people think you are frivolous. It can be frustrating to break stereotypes. But like you said – go on loving yourself anyways!
Angela | http://www.lenorth.com
Yes to this post Vanessa. I love your stance on what beauty means. That bath tub shot is hot!
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
Such a thought provoking and your views on beauty! Thank you so much for sharing hun xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
Very sexy 🔝
I love that you received a ton of support. I can’t believe you were bullied for being smart and pretty… Seriously?? Often times, it’s because you set the bar. Be your best self :).
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Love this post, so inspiring! I think exactly the same!
xoxo
Ale
New post: https://styleaholiccom.wordpress.com/2018/12/07/il-tuo-abito-su-misura-con-righe-a-pois/
so much positive vibes through this post. love this. so inspiring and motivating. as usual you are great
Neha
LovePlayingDressup
Beautiful post! I love inspiration from great women whose words live on.
http://www.comfycozyup.com
This is absolutely gold dear! I love it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
This is a great post. Women do tend to get stereotyped a lot of the time. If we look a certain way, some people assume we have a certain personality and have accomplished (or didn’t) certain things in our lives. Thanks for sharing your positive outlook.
Kathrin | Polar Bear Style
love this so inspiring and motivating as usual you are great. Thanks for inspiring.