You Should Go & Love Yourself

As I was scrolling through my emails this morning, wading through junk filled with deals & advertisements for products I truthfully don't need nor want, I stumbled upon something that stood out. The email came from Aerie and unlike most emails arriving in my inbox from clothing brands, this one didn't feature a sale, promo, or gimmick aimed at convincing me to click and make a purchase. Instead, the email opened to a moving collage of real life women, not toothpick thin models, wearing Aerie brand bras and undies. I paused. Color me intrigued.

The email was centered on Aerie's "Share Your Spark" and #AerieReal campaign. I was vaguely aware that something like this existed from Aerie, but I'd never taken the time to do my research and find out what it was all about. Navigating to the Aerie website I learned that the "Share Your Spark" campaign features real women, of all sizes, from all different backgrounds. Some are twenty-something working women like you and me, others are fashion bloggers, Aerie brand designers, and athletes. While it was great to see women of all shapes and sizes being featured on the website of a popular clothing brand, I'll speak the truth when I say that wasn't what gave me goosebumps. What truly inspired me was the fact that these women genuinely loved themselves. These women didn't tolerate their "imperfections," they embraced and loved every inch of their skin. Stretch marks, rolls, big hips: you name it. Every dimple, every mole. And they were killin' it.

My initial impressions of the "Share Your Spark" movement came early in the morning and before I'd consumed any caffeine. I was impressed and refreshed by Aerie's new approach to things, but I wasn't 100% convinced that what they were doing was unique. I follow fashion (translation: I do a lot of online shopping) - but until today I realized that I never really looked at the people wearing the clothes. I would aimlessly wander through stores or scroll through websites until something caught my eye. If it's in stock in my typical size and relatively close to my price range, I'll buy it. Signed, sealed, delivered in 7-10 business days. Until today I didn't realize that the women modeling the clothes I purchase are all the same size. Zero. No curves, no love handles, no differentiating features. I went from store website to store website and I discovered that I could count on one hand the things I had in common with these women: a head, two arms, and two legs. Toggling back to the Aerie website I suddenly understood why what they're doing matters. And I mean, really matters. For one of the first times a well-known clothing brand is telling girls that it's okay to be who they are; and not just be, but feel accepted and beautiful in their own skin.

As someone who struggled with body image issues and a lack of self confidence through the majority of my teen years and into my early twenties, I am all too familiar with the fear that comes from shedding your clothes in front of another person. All bets are off. Clothes can hide more than just ten extra Christmas cookies and a few more pieces of pumpkin pie; clothes can hide insecurity, fear, and everything that makes you different than your peers. All too often we feel that we need to cover ourselves up if we don't fit into the stereotypical "skinny" mold. Aerie is on the front lines of social media challenging this point, fighting for every woman and girl to say that we all have a spark in us. We can do it all. We're more than the flaws and imperfections - it's what's beneath the skin that truly defines who we are as individuals.

I was high on life after reading about the "Share Your Spark" campaign. I watched the video promo 6 times (watch it if you want a dose of serious #girlpower) and started the day wanting to dance around the apartment in my bra and undies to celebrate how seriously pumped I was to be me. And that, my friends, is how every woman should feel every day of her life. Hell, that's how we all should feel.

Before I hop off the horse of female empowerment, I challenge you all to this. Leave the house without asking someone if you look okay first (because you do; you look hella okay), eat that last piece of ice cream cake even though you haven't worked out since Obama was President the first time, and take the time to remember why you are who you are. Together we can change the world.

#feminism #girlpower #bodyissues #selfconfidence #empowerment #media #selflove #bodylove