Cassential Links, 1/19/14

On my radar:

What does it mean to be a dad?  A black dad?  Gay black dads?  Societal notions of gender, race, and fatherhood examined by the reactions to these two families.

Showing some local love for these St. Louis bloggers

While I love having fun with new trends and enjoy breaking trends down on the blog, I'm in full agreement with Amanda about not following trends.  Fashion is way more fun if we don't all look the same and wear what truly suits us.

As women, we are often taught to apologize for being who we are, explaining our way through life for not following the norms.  Time to be who we are in all our glory, unapologetically.

The Curvy Fashionista just turned five, and Marie is looking fierce in a satin jumpsuit and gorgeous make-up.

The internet exploded with hateful critique of Gabourey Sidibe and her Golden Globes look.  She offers the best response ever.  Gotta love her attitude!

So, Lena Dunham is airbrushed in Vogue, like EVERYONE ELSE, and Jezebel pays $10,000 to get the unretouched pics?  The story has made the blogging world abuzz this week, but the best response was this fundraiser started by blogger Nicolette Mason and musician Brad Walsh.

And the controversy over Mindy Kaling's gorgeous cover of Elle.

While body diversity in modeling has increased some, plus-size models are getting skinnier.  Plus-size models are smaller than their target demographic.

Love this cool retro-inspired outfit - leopard spots, black and white leather, and pops of red.  Gabi nails it.

As a poor/working glass white girl, I certainly didn't have many of the benefits of my middle class peers, but over the years I learned how my race afforded me opportunities and everyday privileges.  Good article for explaining white privilege.

Just as everyday women look sexy in our skivvies, so do men.  :-)

Cassential Links, 1/7/14

There's something so amazing and zen about this simple black and white look!

Target in trouble again - this time for using a pregnant model to feature a plus-size dress.  Get it together, Target!

Gendered differences in size of physical characteristics in Disney films...what does it mean?

Tanesha nows how to rock a frock!!

This tartan jacket is equal parts edgy and chic! 

Perfect winter styling of this fab body-con dress!

Leopard dress. Check.  Tweed coat.  Check.  Comfy boots. Check.  Perfect cool and casual look!

I don't think it's fair to put the lame on Jennifer Lawrence, but there certainly is a difference in perception of a thin woman saying she loves to eat and an overweight woman saying the same.  Thin privilege is real.

Magazine doesn't use Photoshop, and the results are gorgeous!

The "problem" of "strong women" still exists for Hollywood writers, apparently.  Thank the Goddess for Neil Gaiman and Joss Whedon!

Ke$ha's check-in to rehab for an eating disorder is a reminder that the time to reconsider the way women critique each other and get critiqued for their bodies is long overdue.  Celebrities especially are under constant scrutiny.  Jessica Simpson discusses the attacks she faced for that infamous pair of jeans. 

And, in exciting personal news, I've started as a contributor for the amazing blog, The Curvy Fashionista!  Check the blog out and see my first post here.

Source:  The Curvy Fashionista

This post got picked up by the Huffington Post too!