Happy Anniversary, MuffinTop

Exactly one year a go on March 24, 2011, the Oxford English Dictionary announced the addition of “muffin top” to their newly revised dictionary. The first definition refers to the actual top portion of a muffin (you know, the yummy part), which was the most likely the key player in the second definition: "a protuberance of flesh above the waistband of a tight pair of trousers." In honor “muffin top's” birthday, I gathered a couple of pictures a as well as an explanation of this phenomena from Urban Dictionary for your enjoyment. And, while I understand that many of the incidents shown below are as a result of bad choices, I still blame designers for limiting our choices with low cut, super-skinny, tight-ass and ultra low-rise jeans and pants (as explained in the Urban Dictionary definition as well)! 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muffin_top

http://www.hivehealthmedia.com/warning-muffin-top-kill-you/

There is a (real) 5 step instructional video on how to avoid "muffin top"?  How about designers just making clothes that fit!

How To Avoid Muffin Top on Howcast


And she’s not even a “plus size!”

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/keelmoose/125478105/sizes/m/in/photostream/

 

“Though, the effect is more extreme with heavier females, all females, with the exception of anorexic models, can fall victim to the muffin-top disaster. The reason for this, is that the design of low-rise/hip-hugger pants, originally popular during the late 60’s and early-to-mid 70’s, defies the natural shape and contours of the average females’ body; forcing the skin and fat around her waist, back and upper buttocks to spill out over her pants and through her tiny crop-top, causing a muffin-top effect.”

  http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=muffin%20top

Happy Anniversary, Muffin Top!

Women and Shopping

I was talking to my fiancé the other day about my blog and the inspiration behind it.  I know I was talking to a man about clothing; it's my own fault...but, please hear me out anyway.  I started with the article I shared on February 12, 2012, an instance where a writer talks about women's clothing being thin and flimsy; and how we're expected to purchase several shirts to create a "layered" look.  Well, before I could even get my thoughts out, he chimes in with his two cents on the subject.  His explanation was that the designers know how women like to shop so they don't waist the money making durable clothing.  To preserve my relationship, I simply changed the subject but what I really wanted to say is as follows:

Do we really love shopping that much?  Do we really love having to purchase yet another tank top because ours shredded in the wash, or because another t-shirt now has one sleeve with a twisted seem (oh that’s so annoying)!  I know we love shopping for jeans.  We love having to try on boot cut, straight cut, boyfriend cut, wide leg and slim cut in three different sizes and lengths only to realize that all are too long (because we are not supermodel tall) and all are far too damn expensive considering the fact that they won’t fit after we wash and dry them!  

Actually maybe today we’re going to be sensible and just purchase a new top for work.  However, the only reason you need a new top for work is because yours has a hole in the armpit which you didn't notice until your co-worker pointed out to you after your presentation.

Then again, if we’re really lucky we'll get to go shopping for a new bra.  I love bra shopping, especially when the sales associate wants to come into the dressing room to fit me!  Plus, I always walk away feeling satisfied and not taken advantage of at all.  I know I've purchased just the right bra for me; it was designed not pinch my armpit, squeeze my back or chest and certainly won’t give me that just baked “muffin top” look or yank down on my shoulders and back leaving indentations and red marks.  I will pay just $35-$60 or more for a good quality medieval torture device...or rather what I meant to say was a supportive under garment that will make me feel like a strong confident woman!

Yes, honey.  You're right.  I love to shop!  I love to spend hours searching for the perfect pair of ill-fitting jeans that will drag on the floor to go with my crappy tank top and broken bra.