Cathy's Creative Corner: If you've got it, flaunt it
“If you’ve got it, flaunt it.” The first time I heard Grady of Sanford and Son fame make that statement, I thought to myself, you know, he’s got a point. Grady was Fred Sanford’s sidekick and appeared to have been a ladies’ man back in his heyday. As a handsome older man, he could still draw the attention of women his age along with younger gold diggers. So why not use the attributes of his light brown eyes, thick gray hair and winning smile to his advantage? I understood Grady! Later, I found out his phrase was loosely based on a line from a Mel Brooks’ movie in which a man tells a woman, “That’s it, baby, when you’ve got it, flaunt it.” I understand this even more! Women can enhance their physical attributes by the use of clothing, makeup, hairstyles. Keyword: enhance. Not transform. (That’s a whole ‘nother subject.)
Clothing does not have to be brand name or expensive in order to look one’s best. Find a style that is comfortably fitting and stick with it. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re about to pop a stitch. Unless you’re looking like you’re about to pop a stitch, or better yet, that your outfit is painted on. No one wants to see all your nooks and crannies. Believe it or not, this is not only in reference to plus-size ladies. It’s understandable if a full-figured woman wears something a little tight because some designers don’t take into consideration all women are not proportionate from head to toe. Some have more hips than others or happen to be top heavy but they’ve got to fit into a standard cut. The size could be right but the cut doesn’t allow for a little extra give. On the other hand, just because it’s in your size does not mean it’ll look good on you. Additionally, I see no reason any woman under a size 10 should look like she’s about to explode like a can of Pillsbury biscuits.
The makeup industry has really made drastic changes to help enhance a woman’s appearance. All mascara is probably waterproof now and there are even magnetic eyelashes. No more gluing your eyelids shut! Foundations can be sprayed on and come in a million shades. No more worrying if your neck matches your face. Lipsticks and lip liners haven’t made dramatic changes but they are still the finishing touch to a glamourous look. A question I have with the application of makeup involves these long, thick lashes that look like they’re about to take flight. Why? Lipsticks in bright, neon colors are another concern. They draw your eyes to the lip area and keep them locked in, no matter how hard you try to look away. Another why?
Lastly, hair is a personal preference. No one should be able to control how you wear your hair. As long as it’s clean and lice-free, it should be of no concern to anyone but you and your hairdresser.
What I don’t understand is why women and men are opting to have implants and injections put in their bodies, not because of physical defects, but to look a certain way. Men are doing it for bigger abs, aka a six-pack or to impress women in the bedroom. The standard for women used to be face lifts and tummy tucks. Currently it’s lip injections and butt lifts. Even now with stories of silicone leakage into bodies and blood streams, people are still having procedures that could cost their very lives! I just don’t understand!
Be appreciative of the body you were born with and become its friend. Enhance it in whatever way makes you happy, as long as it’s healthy. In other words, if you’ve got it or when you get it together, flaunt it, flaunt it, flaunt it!
