The Ugly Price of Beauty

To become beautiful, women are willing to do anything, I mean EVERYTHING- from extreme diet fads to going under the knife- just to look like a Hollywood star, say Jessica Alba. But do we really know up to what extent the beauty industry will manipulate or photoshop decent pictures to perfection? 


Truth be told, even the most confident and beautiful person still has insecurities. Society has become so judgmental and less tolerable about women's flaws and imperfection. The evidence lies in the rampant use of airbrushing and cropping techniques to make celebrities lose 10 lbs in a magazine cover. It's not totally wrong if only minor retouches are done, but what happens is a total overhaul. We have been groomed over the years to believe that anything far from perfect is ugly.

Wanted: Sticks and Bones 

The fashion industry is very brutal. Designers are very picky in choosing what type of models they want to use for runway shows or editorial campaigns. Sometimes they can be specific- demanding girls with an edgy look, an androgynous feature or a strong walk. But the bottom-line is you have to be size 0 with a 23 inch waist.


What we see on runway shows are the fashion industry's full blown fantasy. Most of the dresses worn on the runway are extravagant, impractical and over-the-top. It's the kind of clothing  that you would not normally see any person wear in real life. And if you happen to see anyone wear it down the street- you'd think of them as crazy and absurd fashion whores.

(image source: here)

The same analogy applies too for stick thin models wearing designer clothes. Being stick thin may be  normal for fashion experts if you are a model, but never will that body type be considered a model for girls and women to emulate in real life.


Fashion has tweaked our mind that a super skinny body is the most desirable. However, common sense tells us that if you are stick thin it means something is wrong with you. It's either you are gravely sick or starving because of impoverished conditions.

(image source: here)

I see the point why basketball players need to be tall, or why jockeys need to be small- that makes their job easier. Models need to be skinny for aesthetic purposes- I get it,  but why allow the unhealthy looking models work when these girls should be placed in a hospital or rehab centres. 
 

Skinny vs. Super Skinny

In order to compete against many aspiring models, girls resort to extreme measures to lose more weight. Being skinny is not enough because those tiny (size 0) sample clothes must fit you all the time. Gaining 1-2 pounds or just moving 1 size up may jeopardise your chances of being booked.


The pressure of staying thin over a long period of time can make girls develop eating disorders like Anorexia and Bulimia. Professional models start out as early as 14-16 years old so their bodies are not yet fully developed. But eventually their bodies start to grow, thus, they do whatever it takes to maintain a small frame, and most of the time- they go overboard with dieting.

 Coco Rocha, below, was called 'too fat for the catwalk' 

 ( image source: here)

The Elle Style Awards Model of the Year 2011, Coco Rocha, was labelled last year as too fat to walk the runway at size 4. In response, she opened a can of worms through her tumblr account. She attacked the fashion industry’s obsession with size 0 and questioned the morality behind encouraging young models to lose more weight- when in fact they’re already skinny.  

 (image source: here)

In 2008, this 5’10 beauty was also told that she’s too fat for weighing 108 lbs. And she was advised:

 “You need to lose more weight. The look this year is anorexia. We don't want you to be anorexic but that's what we want you to look like."

Zombies on the Runway

Every girl wants to be a model because you get to wear designer clothes and travel the world. But what upsets me the most is the price young girls are willing to pay in order to reach supermodel status.


Are cocaine, smoking, diet pills and starving the key to fame and fortune? 


What you get quickly will soon vanish before you know it. Sure, healthy eating and working out can take a while before its effect can be noticed, but relying on instant methods will not only destroy one’s body but it will mess up your psyche- crash your self respect.

( image source: here)

Whenever I watch fashion shows all I see are Zombies- minus the blood, but the gore factor is still there! Their hollow face and boney arms speak for themselves: FEED ME! 


Their face is so ghastly and cold- it looks depressing. As a rule of thumb, designers prohibit models to show emotions so the attention goes to the clothes and not the wearer. Well isn’t that quite degrading? It seems that couture clothes are put on a pedestal so high that you have no right to outshine it.
 

In real life, only the upper class really wear designer clothes because they can afford it. I can't help but notice that the look that most common on rich people’s faces is actually not far with the blank or snobbish expression that models-turned-zombies have. And I want to ask both of them:  “You are lucky, but what’s keeping you miserable?"

Starved to Death 

In recent years, models have died because of complications from eating disorders. A lot of blame has been pointed out to unrealistic body proportions demanded by designers. Since then few groups in the industry have banned skeletal models. But why not make an approach that solves the actual problem? Perhaps increasing the size to a more realistic one, since real women with curves are going to wear it anyway. 


Girls with big dreams have died, I don't know what else will it take for the fashion industry to take accountability and revolutionise the concept of beauty. 


And so here are some models who lost their way and take look closely at the massive transformation after starving themselves:

Ana Carolina Reston

  BEFORE

 (image source: here)

AFTER

(image source: here)

Ana Carolina Reston, 21, died for the most obvious reason- complications from an eating disorder. At her death she weighed 40 kg or 88 lbs at 5’8 tall. Her diet of choice: apple and tomatoes.

 Luisel Ramos 

BEFORE

 (image source: here)

AFTER

 (image source: here)

Luisel Ramos, 21, died from a heart attack after stepping out of a runway show. Her diet of choice: lettuce leaves and diet coke. Her younger sister, Eliana Ramos, 18, also died a month before her death after suffering from the same condition.


Not One Size Fits All 


There may be standards of beauty sealed by those who call themselves 'experts' but at the end of the day what makes you beautiful is not because you fit into sizes 0-4. What we see on the runway are unrealistic expectations of how a modern woman should look. A real woman knows how to take care of herself- eats a balance diet and exercises regularly. She is empowered to make good decisions. And most of all she would not in any way harm her body just to satisfy other people's perception of beauty.

Valentine's Day for Singles

Valentine's Day is once again knocking at the door.

It's only not a big deal of a theme this weekend for retail stores or restaurants- the truth is, for twenty something singles this is an annual dilemma. For new couples this is one of the most opportunistic occasions to romanticise a budding love.

And most likely for long time lovers, who are past the honeymoon stage, this is the time to be more creative in pulling off something special what will make both feel like a teenager again- might as well bring back the spice they had for each other when they were dating for the first time.

The Anti-Cupid
 

There are people who hate Valentines Day as much as the Grinch does- telling that they don't seem to care- well, I think they are saying the half truth! Obviously, those who hate it the most are probably singled out just recently or had the most painful love story and haven't moved on ever since. Or simply put- they are haters.Who knows? They might soon change their minds once they fall in love again under the spell of Cupid's love potion no.13.


A long time ago I've never heard of this but now there are group of singles who organise parties and call it- Love Stinks- or the more straight forward- The Anti-Valentines Party. This is another way of crying out loud that being single sucks. Oh- what better way to not feel left out when couples are smooching in every corner?  


But this is absolutely sugarcoating pathetic-ness (let's say that's a real word) at its finest! 

Even though the chances of me being invited to these parties are higher- than being invited for a romantic candelight dinner for two, I still wouldn't go to these wear-only-black parties! Who wants to celebreate Halloween on February? You mourn for the loss of a person but please spare LOVE- it's immortal.


I may be single and had my heart broken, like what everybody goes through, but it doesn't mean I wanna play the victim when everybody's feeling lovey-dovey. Being single on Valentine's Day is not an excuse to feel sorry for myself, disassociate with my happy-in-a-relationship friends, curse on exes and shout that love sucks!


Yeah it's normal for us to make fun of ourselves when we feel miserable. This is a defense mechanism we do, so that we feel the blow of being alone, at a lesser extent. But I don't want to make a mockery out of love's sting. 


Love sure did hurt us at least once in our lives. But is it really that bad of an experience, that we have become losers/ lunatics to make Anti-Valentines Day something to look forward to?  


Or is Valentine's Day really important that we need to ensure no one is left out: so singles or non-singles can both be happy?


Misery loves company 


S.A.D or Single Awareness Day, not quite known to the dear the public, was declared an unofficial holiday for singles every February the 15th. The founders say that it doesn't mean that if you're single on Valentine's day- you have no right to be happy anymore. They encourage people without a Valentine's date to get together with their single friends, celebrate the joy of singlehood and shower each other with the works: flowers and chocolates or edible underpants. 


I get the tone that while the Anti-Valentines Party focuses on the negative sentiment of being loveless - however S.A.D is proactive or a better alternative for singles. 

Although the acronym associates perfectly with the common feeling that single men or women dread having on February 14th, which is sadness in the romantic point of view, it's really about empowering what its like to be single. 


For me its means to have fun and mingle a.k.a window shopping. No need to buy the lovely dress if you still have no use for it, can't afford one or you know there are still better designs waiting in other botiques. 


One for all- all for one 


The common notion about being single is that you are sad. Of course that's not true. Life does not  revolve around romantic love alone. You are single not because you have no choice, but the circumstances in your life right now are not yet ripe for you to make that choice. 


Having a great time with friends and family on Valentine's Day is fine. Go out of town or surprise your girl friends or mom a bouquet of flowers if you haven't done it yet. Do the unconventional. Treat people who have been good to you and make amends with an enemy.

Realistically, this may not be one of the greatest hits in your V-Day compilation of memories, especially if you are a hopeless romantic, but at least you don't have self pity written all over your face! 


Love is such a universal need for our survival. It comes in a variety and most complex of forms- so express it endearly to your loved ones this Valentines in any way you could.


Valentine's day works like a cliche-  making the non-comformist squeal and hate its cheesiness- but me- I don't mind. Love deserves to be celebrated even in the most outrageous way because I don't know if I'd be here without it. 


Happy Valentines Day!  
Feliz Día de los Enamorados! 

It doesn't have to be that way

The pain.. is it all worth it in the end ?

Heartaches hurt the most.
Wounded feelings scrape its way to the soul.

Physical pain is bearable because bodies can heal itself,

but the Mind never forgets- cannot let go.

Hope is something that can be taken away  

brittled by unpleasant experiences and failed attempts.

The Mind is logical to believe in something called Faith.  

It blames anything: from the weather down to the bubble gum stuck under your shoe: like a child throwing tantrums- when it doesn’t get what it wants.


The Mind is a powerhouse in its fullest potential,
but flawed by its blinding ego;

thus suffering becomes inevitable. 


Loneliness silently kills people faster than cancer or AIDS. 

You can be living but you may be good as dead.  

And Hopelessness may whisper in your deepest corners: 

"You plan but nothing gets done."

"You love but no one stays forever. "

"You give your best but it’s not enough."

Grudges locked inside can make you crash and burn-

As they say, the rear view mirror is not to be obsessed about.

Look back for caution, but let it not be a distraction.


What you have passed through is distant and gone. 

Misery only haunts the restless- don't be trapped in yesterday’s worries.


Escape is not a permanent solution to problems which by nature are temporary.

No one ever comes out in this world alive anyway,

so why quit, when this is soon going to be over.


Your living body is only a gift and your soul it's caretaker.

Matter may be disposed but its essence lingers. 

In the realm of the invisible, guilt can cause unrest. 

Better to die trying- in vain, than leave beforehand quitting. 

Success is the Sweetest Revenge

Reel and real. What do these blondes have in common?

Sure you’ve heard this line a couple of times but what does it actually mean? The movie Legally Blonde  is what comes first to mind.


The lead character, Elle Woods, was dumped by her boyfriend because she was too blonde and not ideal for his political career in the future.


Pathetic as Elle can be, she also applied for Harvard so she can win him back and to prove him wrong that she’s a dumb blonde. Little did Elle know that his ex-boyfriend just got engaged with another student, whose influential roots can boost his less than impressive track record. 


So there are two brick walls that are in front of Elle. First, his ex-boyfriend’s fiancé whose making her life miserable and second, surviving Harvard Law School. In real life, I don’t know what most people will do in this kind of situation. 


If you are truly a vengeful person and would like them to suffer, you might as well put the girl out of the picture- set her up for a crime or be as annoying as can be to destroy their relationship. 


But ideally, I guess all of us would want to take the higher road. Acceptance and forgiveness, although underrated at times, will really set you free of a vicious cycle of grudge, hate and rampage. 

 

Softie on the outside but a toughie on court

Elle is a fighter and she proved it the first instance by getting a high SAT score and overcoming people’s airhead stereotype of her.


But the difference she has with those who never stop fighting until havoc is served, is that she realised after being pathetic that not getting what you want is not the end of the world. 
 
Not all battles are worth fighting for, especially if it's a lose-lose situation. 


Isn’t there more pride and glory in graduating the top of her class rather than wrecking a made-for-convenience relationship? 


Elle may be a fictional character but her formula to success in reality is tried and tested, it works. 


Just like another blonde,  a real person in the name of Katie Piper- I think is one of the most courageous people out there who is currently teaching the world that not even an acid thrown at your face can make you an ugly person if what you have inside is already beautiful to start with.

 

The mastermind of the tragic acid attack was a boyfriend she just started dating- who’s paranoid that she’d tell the police that he sexually assaulted her.

Katie Piper at that time was a model and TV presenter.

How she looks is an important part of her job, and amongst other things like love and respect from her boyfriend- her angelic face was taken away from her. 


In May 2009, after a year of living in the shadows, she went public and told her story through a documentary film.  


More than spreading seeds of awareness, she’s now working on the Katie Piper Foundation. It's a charity dedicated to provide support to other burn victims with a vision of creating an advanced burn and scar management and rehabilitation clinic in the UK.


Some people have had a hard time feeling sympathy towards her because they think it’s her fault of choosing the wrong guy whom she only met in facebook. 

How can you go in a hotel with a guy and expect no intimacy to happen?  And to think they were only dating for 2 weeks. No doubt, she has placed herself in a situation to be raped.


But for me, I think it’s not my right to judge her; nobody deserves an acid attack for trusting too easily and attracting the wrong kind of guy.


A bad decision has been made but she chose to move on with her life. I admire her for capitalising on a treacherous event which to others may seem like death that needs no revival.


Her attacker’s motive on destroying her face might have been out of selfishness, so that so no man could ever want her again after him, but he was wrong in thinking that her physical appearance is her greatest asset.  


He did not take away anything important, in fact, what has now emerged is a more beautiful person. Her strength in facing adversity, positive attitude and dedication in helping other victims makes her success stand out in today’s superficial world.  

The Philosophy of Roller Coaster riding with Nadal

The highs and lows, they make the ride worthwile.

I like surprises, the plotted twists in a drama series and anything out of the ordinary that makes me wonder or doubt.  When everything is always calm, predictable and constant it leaves me bored and cold.


Perfection is what I've always aim for but that doesn't mean I don't push myself way too hard. I'm not afraid to crash and burn as long as I know that what I am doing is life changing, thus what is the point for setting goals if it's too achievable?


Reaching from point A to B to start with is fine but afterwards one would feel that reaching point C from B has become mediocre because it has been done before. Probably aiming to reach point G would take a grueling effort, but its worth the shot even if you don't reach that far because along the way you learn from mistakes and become tougher to dwell in difficult situations. 


For me, becoming the best in anything means you have to take risks. It's always inevitable to fail in life because without it you will never appreciate the sweetness that victory brings.


Roller coaster rides are designed to have high and low points so that the adrenalin rush remains pounding all the way through the ride.


If the ride goes in a linear fashion and way too close on the ground- where you feel safe and comfortable, there's no sense in riding it- better yet, sleep and conquer your fears while dreaming, it would be more exciting and be a better learning experience. 

Nadal, wiping the tears away on the side court.

 

This week so far was a hell of a roller coaster ride in the perspective of my favourite Rafael Nadal.  Of all contenders in the Australian Open he's got the biggest motivation to win the title. 4th Grand Slam in row would put him in Tennis history along with Rod Laver.

Losing a match with an injury that was only acquired in just the early minutes first set is totally devastating.  The hamstring injury was not the sole reason why he lost in three straight sets.  David Ferrer despite being no. 7 was rock solid and amazing that even if Rafa (being the no.1 player) was healthy,  it would have been a very gritty close fight. 

With that loss, I cannot help but feel sad as if the world has been torn into pieces and thrown in the fire. I was mourning, trying to fathom how can I lift my spirits then I thought carefully about what Rafa said after the match: 
  

"Last year I had a fantastic year. This year the year just start. Last year in the beginning I had problems, too, and finally was the best season of my career. I think is almost impossible to repeat that. But remain a lot, and remain a lot to have hopefully really good moments, and at the same time, too, really negative moments."

 

"So this is one of bad ones, one of negative moments. That’s part of the sport. I think I am very, very lucky sportsman about what happened in my career. And I have to accept the fantastic moments that I had during a lot of years with the same calm that when I have problems. And if I am ready to accept both things with I think let’s say everything the same, I going to be able to come back and play my best tennis another time."  

 Rafa remains humble in accepting his defeat and says it is just part of any sports career. He remains even grateful for what he has achieved so far and did not see this defeat as the end of his dream. For last year, he had faced a similar problem as early as January but afer that everything went boom- boom- boom: 3 grand slams in a row. 


He knows that the physical, emotional and mental conditions are never going to be perfect for anyone to win all the time-  just the same that he knows how to keep his foot on the ground. 


After every successful battle, his hard work never stops from there. For him life goes on, being on top is continuous work, not just a result of overnight success. 


His staying power will be there for a long time because accepts everything, good or bad, just the same- that his accomplishments never gets stuck in his head where others would have been so over confident; and that this deafeated moment will not hinder him from rising up again where others would have chosen to quit or sulk all the time.  


This is why I love Rafael Nadal. 


On the court he is fierce, bold and agressive. He always play to win, make shots that are seemingly impossible and pound the ball with enormous strength.


Its like watching a matador run for his life in a bull fight. Passion and excitement is the flavour he brings on the court, that even a non tennis fan like me converted got to the tennis bandwagon last year.


There's nothing wrong in playing with so much gusto, although I must say, with the way he plays I'm also worried that he will attract injuries along the way. Not all bodies, as we all know, are perfectly designed to suit agressive play. Good thing he keeps coping with the one he has.


He's taking accountability and not using it as a primary excuse for his losses.  I like that he is stubborn- willing to move in top speed mentally, even if at times his body does not follow through. 


He risks with everything he's got not withstanding the toll on his body. But unlike ordinary folks, he's not afraid to play even if the chances of losing is close to 90% and  that's the courage I've seen in his match vs. Ferrer. He didn't quit even if he knows he will lose from the time his thigh muscle was injured.


Yeah, he takes us on roller coaster rides but beneath that strong persona lies a calm and humble soul with a wisdom that speaks volumes, that even his less than perfect English is enough to make his point across. 

Rafael Nadal, My Inspiration

Nadal, the new ass body of Armani

Artists create art from inspiration.


And although I am not an artist I seek for inspiration from the world that is above and around me.


The only difference that I have from a painter or a photographer is that I don't imitate on a canvass or capture through the lens the beauty that is in front of me. Rather, I look in depth, seek what makes them amazing and try to learn from them.  


Rafael Nadal was one of those few people that made my jaw draw drop when I first saw him playing on hard court.

He possesses an intensity so engaging to watch. If he was playing against me I would be intimidated by this graceful court mover but at the same time admire him too for making me play my best or worse.  


A year ago I did not at all fancy tennis, but when I saw him damage his opponent, I cannot help but root for this Spaniard Stallion who refuses to give up. It's like I had an epiphany. After seeing Rafael Nadal's short stint in the Australian Open 2010, I had a sudden spark of interest in tennis. My friends and I tried playing it on court occasionally. 


Playing is fun but quite a struggle for an inexperienced body that I have. The important thing is I was able to built that respect for professional tennis players after trying it out for myself. 

 2nd round last January 20 at the  Australian Open

If not for Rafael Nadal tennis would forever look like a dry sport, to my eyes.I believe that it is the great players that bring the life and passion out of any sport. Remove the players and the court is cold and flat, very one dimensional. 


The world's no. 1 tennis player is here on Australian soil with hopes still alive of winning a 4 straight grandslam. 

He has everything at stake but he remains a humble soul. I find it amazing that his demeanor changes everytime he steps outside the court and talks about his success.


Fierce on the court but very poised out of it. He doesn't boast about how good he is, instead he is generous on praises he gives to his defeated opponents. For Nadal, every match is like the last one, he plays as if he has everything to lose. He is always in the moment, never missing a beat. 


However, sometimes I worry that he gives too much and it may have a drawback on him.


But I was wrong, he is a firing machine that never runs out of bullets. Yesterday in the 4th round against Marin Cilic, Rafael Nadal chased a ball so near to the net that seems so impossible to recover but he hit it suavely back to the opponent's side and outwitted Cilic.That was just in the first set and yet he dived for the ball as much as he could.

            Every ball is an opportunity

Physicality is his strongest asset but more than that, his mentality is also in best shape. 


Nothing can bring him down for that long, even if down by 4 games last Saturday with a match against Bernard Tomic, Rafael Nadal used his frustration to climb back and win that set. 


His mind never rests on his record breaking successes. He goes on, play, analyse his mistakes and works on them to overcome his weaknesses and improve his game. 


There is no secret to Rafael Nadal's success, you can easily see why he is one of the best sportsman to date, he always stays hungry and that's what I want to apply in my life. 

Golden Globe Glamour

What do we get out from award shows? 


For me it’s like I am star gazing. I know this is not Project Runaway or America’s Next Top Model just because these ridiculously beautiful stars strut on the red carpet and judged on who or what they are wearing. 

For the most part I am just curious on seeing ‘stars wear themselves’ and not impersonate a character’s fashion sense in the movies. There are lots of people that work, from personal trainers to makeup artists just to make them look beautiful and glamorous, and so seeing the finished product is fascinating. 

O-k-a-y it is an awards show for filmakers and actors and not for designers and stylists.  Who cares? We can't watch all the movies right now to criticise, so for the meantime I want to feast my eyes on what's eating up the Golden Globe red carpet.

For the fun part,here are the things I've learned so far:

1. If you have it,  flaunt it. 

Tacky Berry. If you have a knock out body like Harry Berry there’s no need cover up yourself, or the need to find the best jewellery or hair extensions. Her arms, legs and cleavage are enough to make men drool and women get jealous.

 

Red Hot. Either you love it or you hate it. I just love the boldness this dress brings which is the opposite of what January Jones is commonly mistaken for, the ice queen. Might look like she came from Vagas but this girl is on fire.

2. Wear your best accessory.

Bring your best man. The only thing I love about this dress is the colour (emerald green) and her accessory of the night- Brad Pitt. This is just so matronly and I am not surprised if this came from Barbara Walter's closet. Angelina's frame is so tiny and seems fragile, and probably underneath the long sleeves are skeletons she's hiding?

A rose among the thorns.This is my favourite among the pale coloured gowns that night because there are two focal points: her baby bump and the rose holding it all together. Natalie Portman's face is a classic, the makeup compliments it perfectly. 

3. Let it shine!  

 The Prom Queen. Olivia Wilde's expression says it all, happy as can be. Who wouldn't be when you're sparkly ball gown with golen shoes to match it. By the way where did her crown go?

 

Best on my list. Anne Hathaway's long sleeved gown is quite similar with Angelina Jolie's Emerald piece but this one came with a bit of revealing surprise. Shoulder pads with glitz can go retro but this one is an exception.

Shiny. Shimmery. Splendid. Amber Riley of Glee maybe singing to that tune in her head as she walked down the red carpet.

4. Never use the curtain! 

. 

  

Blast from the (ugh) past. I don't know what this dress is made for but certainly it's not for the glam red carpet. Probably she was shooting a horror film in 18th century. Oh yeah, it is couture but I don't care-  it looks hideous!

 What-a-drag! Who stole Sandra Bullock's spark? I love her personality but this dress drags her inner bulb to light. The bangs are edgy but it doesn't suit the outdated look. 

Vintage can add Age. The paleness of this dress is very haunting and sucked the life out of Scarlett Johansson. She looks less than a bombshell that she used to be.  Perhaps she's fishing for motherly roles? Hope not.

5. Monochromatic is cool. 
 
 

Pretty in Pink. Claire Danes has just the right amount of sweetness. A little more sugar would have been a oversweetened cupcake like what Lea Michele wore. 

 Sleek Chic. This is a trendy dress and  I haven’t seen something like this before. Emma Stone's hair is new too- platinum blonde. The dress is not a sore to the eyes and the longer I look at it the more I adore it. This is a statement piece and I wonder if the trend now going minimalistic? 

6. Black is beautiful and still a classic.

.

The Black Widow. I'm not used to seeing Eva Longoria in full black and without her accessory on the red carpet- Tony Parker. She looks elegant and makes me not think she's still crying over that jerk.

 

Holy Moly Kelly. Black but not boring- looks like a thunder of fabulosity hit her in the right spot creating this elgant number.  

  

7.  Wear the right dress for the right occassion. 

Summer Fling. I'm expecting a lot from Heidi Klum because she's the host of Project Runway and howcome she comes up with this carefree (I'm going shopping, etc ) look which makes me assume that she just got off from a cruise in Caribbean! 

All-around-cloth. You can find it hanging on the window or on top of the table. The form is unflattering in so many ways. Michelle Williams looks more pregnant than Natalie Portman in this maternity gown made from the 60's.