I want to be a princess! Professional princesses and body types.

When I was little, I always loved loved loved to dress up. I still do! Fairy kei is a very fun and girly fashion, so when I get in a slump, I look back to my old dress up outfits. Most, if not all, of these outfits involved tutus or a princess dress.

Probably my role models

 I dont seem to get to put on a disney outfit so much anymore. There are not a lot of chances to dress up like that, you know?Then again, it's not like I can go down to party city and get a spare halloween costume, like when I was a kid. Most of the adult costumes are very risky, and bare a bit too much skin for me? The skirts always seem so short! Thank goodness for conventions and cosplay! I love cosplayers and seeing their interpretations of princesses, and having fun. I myself don't cosplay that often, but I really should.
In today's world, it is very hard to get around in a full length princess dress, but thats just fine by me, its not really my sorta style anyways! The thing is, there is actually a handful of lucky women in disney world who get to dress up as professional princesses. Not only do these women get to cosplay for a living, but their appearance at disney parks places them as the official look for a disney princess.
These women are by all means living the dream. Disney princesses are often the idealized woman, what we grew up with as role models. Standards of beauty and living often reflect culture, and it's no mistake that disney princesses are known worldwide. If you say cinderella, sleeping beauty, snow white....most people will get an idea of what you're talking about. Fairy tales are always meant to be great, and happily ever after. But with so many people having this small western group as role models, well. Things can get messy pretty fast.

This post was started by my idea to alter an outfit I recently got. It's very frilly and has a babydoll cut on the top, lace at the bottom. It doesn't really flatter my body type. While it would look great on someone with a bigger bust, or a shorter torso, I know it is just going to look misplaced on me. So I started thinking about how I might tailor it. I could make it more of a 'princess' cut- you know the type. Slim, fitted torso and top, showing off a nice figure, with a fluid skirt. There is usually a defined shape to the shoulders, as well. Most princess dresses have the same shape, you see. But, that doesn't flatter me so much, either.

Now, here's my concern. I don't have that perfect figure. My heart was broken with the recent realization that the look I longed for growing up was simply unattainable. I didn't 'match' the look, despite my best efforts. I have always compared dresses to the 'princess ideal'. It's sad to think that I can't wear those things and feel good about myself. 

I know that for some girls, their body type can be very troubling, and they can be insecure. Maybe their face shape or body type doesn't quite match up with the disney princess ideal. There are entire blogs on tumblr devoted solely to disney face character confessions. This, meaning, that people will submit their thoughts on face characters and the appearence of a princess. I invite you to google "disney face character confessions" and read up on the ones from girls who want to audition for a role. It's not fun to read, because it's always frustrating to want something that you cannot have.

 It makes me think of a quote I read at some point. "If you're not angry, you're not paying attention." This is not to say that we should all start yelling about the unfairness of unrealistic standards of beauty. However, it is a problem that many girls face as they grow and come to terms with themselves. While it does not need to be fought about, this topic should not be ignored. It's especially relevant in fashion communities, where appearence can feel very important. 

We're never gonna look like them,but that is okay!

 I find that in certain fashion communities, appearance and physical body types can be a big issue. You might find street snaps or pictures of models with thin waists and cute faces. I have often looked online and thought- "oh, I wish I looked like her". I think it's something that has crossed everyone's mind at one point. However, recently, as I experiment with styles that make me feel comfortable, I have been starting to think like that less.

It takes confidence to wear a lolita dress in public, or put on a tutu and wear it to the mall. But I think it's important to keep in mind that you are never going to look ideal to society, and that standards of beauty are just that- standard. We all feel insecure at times, and that's alright. It is important to be yourself, and not compare yourself to others. Individuality and a sense of creative and self expression are more important than looking like a princess or a pop star. Your style should not restrict you, or make you feel bad. Clothing should make you happy, and feel comfortable. If you like JSKs and blouses and you feel confident in that- stick with that! If you like low cut tops and feel that is what empowers you, by all means do that.
This is the great thing about fun fashion. As a young adult, or an adult, or as a person who involves themselves in a more carefree street fashion or jfashion community, there seems to be less restriction on physical appearance, and more focus on being yourself. To be a lolita, you don't need to be size zero to look cute and innocent. To wear decora, no one cares about your skin color. I like to think of Chai's description of aomoji kei, really. To condense the article, it talks about a mixture, or an individual asian fashion style which is based off of wearing clothing for yourself. It mentions Zipper and KERA, because some of the styles are far from conventional, but still very fun.
No matter where your inspiration comes from, at the end of the day, it's important to not worry so much about how you should look, but following your own fun style that makes you feel good. Being comfortable in your own skin is key. As long as you are dressing for yourself, it doesn't matter what other people think, or what standards of beauty you might be used to. You can always be your own princess, no matter if you are in jeans, a jsk, or a tutu. The very best thing to feel that you are cute, confident, pretty and powerful!
Have a great day, everyone!