Never has there been so much talk about the female bodyshape as over the last year. The discussions have mainly circled around the subject of body mass index (BMI’s) and the American size 0! Gossip magazines are continuing to print pictures of ever disappearing models and other celebrities as their pounds fall off faster than I have time to finish my daily chocolate-bar (hence, why I have a long way to go to size 0…). Especially with the world’s Fashion Weeks, London, New York, Paris and Milan etc just been and gone the discussions and controversies are hotter than ever. Who creates these desires for young girls wanting to look like skeletons? Who finds it attractive? And to all designers out there; ‘do we really need to be that skinny to look good in your clothes?’
One thing is for sure, it is not to attract more men. We all know that majority of men likes a bit of flesh and a few curves rather than just skin and bone. And what’s more romantic than a nice meal together, a bottle of vino and for added atmosphere a couple of candles? Imagine having dinner with your size 0 girlfriend. You might be lucky to share a leaf of lettuce let alone a bottle of wine. Not very romantic at all.
I am a size 10 with a few rounded corners, especially around the ‘middle-bit’. I am still carrying a bit of post-baby weight but starting to feel more and more that my body is returning to its’ original shape, and I quite like my shape. Of course there are always areas which could be improved but overall it isn’t too bad.
Eager to loose the last few pounds and eager to get myself a new pair of jeans to celebrate the return of my body I can’t help but being a little disappointed with the fact that the two big trends this season are boyfriend jeans and smock tops and dresses. So much for showing off my new shape after a year of wearing nothing but maternity-wear (boyfriend-style jeans and smock-tops and dresses that is). So ok, I don’t have to go down that baggy, voluminous route this season. That is a good thing. This season you can pretty much display any shape, size or style as you want so I could of course go down the skinny route and little shift-dresses. But the thing is, I really like the boyfriend look and the smock-tops. I am not really a girlie-girl and as much as I want to look a bit more womanly and softer then I have done you just can’t do 2007 without a bit of volume. Well, perhaps it is just as well while I get myself ready and in shape for the summer (I say that every year…). Then I can pull on the skinny ones, the shorts and the little tight dress. At least in my dreams, that is.
Smock, boyfriend and other voluminous pieces doesn’t necessarily mean that you completely have to hide every curve you’ve got. Do the smock dress and show off a bit of leg. Add some heels and you can’t go wrong. Put something a bit female with the boyfriend jean and you’ll have a good compromise.
So to all fellow post-natal women, spring-trends just couldn’t get any better with a few extra ounces on the bum.

Written by Malin Hosie