Shenae Grimes

New Year, New (more fit) Me

2010-01-18T18:52:00Z

Why is it that whenever the new year approaches, I feel a familiar tickle in the cozy spot I let fill with holiday goodness for months prior? Well... that cozy spot is also known as my tummy and that tickle, the sign that its time to start getting my fitness on again. I can hear the eyes roll at my petite frame but I doth protest that no matter what shape or size, we all know what our bodies can be when we treat them right. After many a diet-myth tried and failed, we all eventually learn there’s no easy way around it but a healthy diet and exercise regime. Isn’t it funny how as a teen I ate pizza and chocolate for every meal whilst remaining a waif and now that I’m a yogi who doesn’t have ‘pizza’ in my vocabulary, the scratching of denim between my thighs only intensifies with each year? I know, hysterical. In this physique-focused bubble, aka Hollywood, I’ve quickly had to learn how to hold on to my self-confidence and refrain from developing a skewed personal ‘ideal’. (**The first step is accepting that a gaping hole separating two toothpicks simply isn’t enough support for an adult anatomy.)

For each of us, this ideal varies. For all of us, it can be stimulated by any cocktail of private insecurities, and the media-driven “norm” accepted by the general public. This “norm” is what media outlets dub the underdeveloped bodies belonging to today’s latest teen celebrities; and moreover, just another intangible American dream created to churn curiosity into constant demand. I know, I know, I’m one of those teen celebrities! Well, technically... “was”... And, while still a self-proclaimed baby, I must stand by the fact that breaking twenty brought along a body evolution of sorts.

In my life, I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by beautiful women varying all ages and hear their truths. I heard it doesn’t stop. The evolution that is. Along with life, the evolution of our bodies continues on triumphantly with age and so it better to learn the lesson sooner: STOP trying to fight it. No matter how many times we attempt fitting into our ‘favorite jeans from college’ with bouts of extreme...er, intolerable... discipline, longevity will laugh at our outrageous goals. At 4’6 or 6’4, we all feel it because most of us obsess over a similar ‘ideal’ for ourselves and often inaccurately believe that we judge each other the same way. I say screw the ‘ideal’ already!

Fortunately, an increasing number of women in influential positions are saying the same. Below are some empowering women in Hollywood who’ve encouraged this message despite public scrutiny of their personal body evolutions that have been documented during their lives in the limelight. These women, along with many others in media, have begun a new wave of “norm” that’s finally being acknowledged and appreciated but too many of us are still hung up. Mandy Moore was a bony, blonde, bubblegum dead-ringer for every other poptart emerging in the 90s when she made her debut. Now, with several great films under her belt and a more sophisticated, critically respected musical sound, she is confidently striking carpets with a more natural brunette do and fuller figure. Tyra Banks is someone who has gone out of her way to fight against today’s tragic standard of beauty depicted in media. Initially emerging as a teenage uber-long-and-lean supermodel, she soon realized she was meant to be more...in her physicality as well as her social impact. Kimora Lee Simmons was another super-slim teen model emerging around the same time as Tyra who rose to the top with her waify runway strut. Now, as CEO of one of the biggest urban fashion franchises, the self-proclaimed voluptuous diva knows what she wants and no longer denies herself any fruits of her labor. Brooke Shields is another icon who made her mark in Hollywood as a teen with unplucked eyebrows and pre-pubescent protruding ribs but gracefully embraced a more womanly figure with age. To believe the media's depiction of these teenage celebrity bodies as social “norm” for womankind is to inherit a rather false sense of reality that is literally unattainable... even for one of those teens herself. ;)

This new year, I resolve to not obsess over the universal diet resolution, welcome every milestone in age, take care of my health and body as to keep those milestones comin’, and embrace the extra me that I acquire along the way... don’t mind sharing that resolution either! :) xx Happy holidays to you and yours!

PS Incredibly inspiring personal story on this subject in novel “Hungry” by supermodel Crystal Renn.

Wearing Wild Things...

2009-12-02T20:36:00Z

The dreaded damp and constant chill of christmas season’s closing in around the globe...for the most part. Even sunny California’s night creeps up by five with a bite that has us dusting off our thermals and dawning winter’s latest fads. Perhaps the Zoe’s namesake line of faux-fur frocks or the over-saturated popularity of Spike Jonze’s take on our generation’s favorite bedtime story are influence behind a more wide-spread acceptance of this season’s latest trend than ever before. For seasons designers have played with animal inspiration but jungle fever has risen to an ultimate high this winter. Feathers and fur rocked ready-to-wear fall runways of even the most classic of Europe’s infamous craftsmen. From Valentino to Givenchy to Gaultier and on and on, wilderness was emanating from the wings.

So, this Canadian former east-coaster and inquiring fashion-follower wants to know: Here in Los Angeles, which is known for it’s enthusiastic Peta supporters, is it politically kosher to bear such bold a statement?=

What's Your Alter-Ego?

2009-11-05T06:11:00Z

When approaching the insignificant yet momentarily daunting question, we’re more often than not left stumped by “what the hell am I gonna be for Halloween?!” There are several avenues to consider when initially broaching the quest for the perfect alter-ego... sexy? scary? silly? Well, many choices play contribution to a committed decision such as this.

If veering towards the sexy genre, the options are endless so put your thinking caps on and let your creativity shine...

...er...well, regardless...a little cleavage, a lot of leg, plus lace, leather and straps anywhere applicable and one can turn any day job into a walking calendar issue worth screaming for on the year’s darkest of eves.

A more organic approach to the original premise of the annual ghoulish affair has become nearly obsolete these days. But, while Halloween is an excuse to be skankier than socially acceptable on most days, it is more importantly the only opportunity to cross paranormal lines and scare the living s*#! out of anyone so unlucky to cross you.

If seeking popularity and great conversation-piece for the year, the costume category to ensure party-favorite status is the one that gets the laughs...and is usually the most uncomfortable to endure for the entire evening. Whether you’re a life sized anything or experiencing abnormal hair growth (or hair removal depending on which way the gender-bend curves), you are sure to earn the gratification of whatever passerby provided the desired reaction you’d worked so hard for.
**Probably for the more hardcore Halloween-ers, as effort and commitment are clearly major components of this choice.

Before I let you go, a Halloween costume blog just wouldn’t be complete without a brief review of the intricacy and creativity of the outfits that blur all boundaries and exceeds all limits to the imagination. Not to mention, the breathtaking woman dawning them at her annual spookfests. Ladies and gentleman, Ms. Heidi Klum...

I always have trouble when pondering my Halloween garb, usually opting for a fashion-y femme spin on a male film character I secretly adore. Hmm, a fairly reflective choice one could say.
Now I told you mine so tell me yours...on the night when anyone can be anything, what alter-ego suits you??

Acheiving the Perfect Fit... Do-It-Yourself Shoulder Pads!

2009-10-23T16:19:00Z

Now that your mind has been eased and you’re ready to try this trend on for size, don’t be discouraged when most pieces exceed your financial reach as most “it” items often do. Not only will your favorite politically incorrect franchise (i.e. Forever 21) soon be mass-producing pocket-friendly designer replicas but you can save even more by temporarily recreating the same look at home. This way, you won’t be hundreds in the hole when today’s must-have jacket becomes next year’s fashion faux-pas.

First come the shoulder pads...just like us, they come in all shapes and sizes but are equally perfection depending on one’s taste. I happen to love all sorts of jackets so I invested in a variety. You can find these at any fabric emporium or for a great selection at your easiest convenience check out : laurensilva.com/shoulder_pads.

Pieces that work well in achieving the desired look of this trend are larger men’s style blazers and tailored slim-fitting jackets...and these examples I pulled from my closet would certainly benefit from a little oomph.

What could turn these plain jane looks into red-carpet ready?

hmmm...

ahh, yes....

Shoulder pads!!

When altering a jacket a la Ms. Collins’ broader approach, use larger shoulder pads (like the white option pictured above) to define a strong line typically not seen on women. This exaggeration of a “men’s jacket” is a perfect balance for tight pants and high heels allowing us to exude a confident but effortless chic as opposed to flashy...or trashy. Who doesn’t love themselves a sexy tomboy?

Of course for a slimmer cut or more petite shape, an investment may need to be made. It’ll run you about three deep at any vintage shop or a good 20 minutes of digging’ deep in mom’s closet but will prove well worth the commitment as this little devil is a free alteration that is once again removable and reusable! They call it...well I don’t know what they call it... so I call it “the clampy-to-make-stuff-tighter thing”:

A little nip in the back...and a lil tuck into the shoulder...and we’ve gone from drab office wear to standout street style!

Now that you’ve seen how easy it is...and my hideously embarrassing mirror face...you owe yourselves, and me at this point as I’m clearly invested in the issue, at least one fair shot at trying this trend on for size. A well-fitted blazer is a wardrobe staple but don’t blend into the background when a simple shoulder tweak will have interests peaked. Use these tips for an at-home attempt before you make any splurges but I do hope you’ll now be less intimidated when walking by the rack of this fall’s most recent retro recovery!
xx

Shoulder Pads: The Dos and Don'ts by Shenae Grimes

2009-10-16T18:11:00Z

Here to chronicle the life and times of one of fashion’s most frightening trends, I must preface that the aesthetic created by these foam enhancements is only unappealing if executed incorrectly. A fine line must be walked to avoid reminiscence of the easily comparable Star Trek uniform and ladies... please, no gentlemen, your stature is broad enough... I am here to show you how to strut it. Shoulder pads CAN work in your wardrobe too! Our instinctive intimidation keeps us away from this runway commodity but there is a method to the madness and the key is in subtlety. The structure of this trend actually lends to a very flattering female form and can be interpreted in different ways to suit the individual. Let’s first take a boo at who the hell had the cojones to introduce the bigger, badder, broader phenomenon:

A History Lesson of Shoulder Pad Do’s and Don’t:

Shoulder pads made their debut gracing the silverscreen on starlets like Joan Crawford and Katherine Hepburn in designs (by Adrian) that portrayed a refined strength and edge. At a time when women held more significant societal roles than ever before and style was being heavily influenced by war-time circumstance, this new wave of femme masculinity in fashion represented the rise in gender equality.

DO:

In the 1930s the hourglass-figure was the desired physique and shoulder pads were finally a way for women to enhance focus on a petite waistline...but remember the key in subtlety...or you’ll resemble a college linebacker.

DON’T:

Post war, fashion reverted back to more traditional gender representation until the late 70s and 1980s when they resurfaced, again with a movement of social change and a silverscreen showcase...(sigh) Dynasty. This time, in search for equality in the workplace, women meant business and so suited their wingspans.

DO:

However, looking like you’ve beenswallowed by your boyfriend’s wardrobe is not a cute look so avoid bulk in the rest of the outfit. Remember: juxtaposition is what makes it sexy so balance jacket with slim-fitting pants or a low-cut undershirt.

DON’T:

Fashion evolves with its environment and with the economic crisis looming, fashion’s been feeling drab. Designers have recognized the need to motivate women to make a statement again and challenged themselves to revamp this seemingly abused trend using sexier silhouettes than ever before. With equality now an issue of the past, today’s statement is simply this: because we’re women, because we can.

DO:

Head my warning, in fashion we trust but our lates and greats can turn a good thing awry with an over-experimental approach I call OVERKILL. Artistic license considered but art these pieces remain. Clothing must be wearable; we want to stand out without harming others when we stand up.

DON’T:

This trend may be daunting to transplant from runways to our bedrooms as most of us don’t have 6-foot gams to accompany but methinks we all can with the help of these simple guidelines. I only hope to have helped shatter the tentative divider between you and the fierce-shouldered style maven within.

Stay tuned for my tips on how-to at home!