How far would you go for beauty?

[Unicorn]

Every day, we are bombarded by images of beauty in various media across countries - skinny, plump or average sized people; colour of your skin, hair, eyes; size of chest, hips (for males and females); etc etc...

Even now, I read newspaper articles about how increasingly younger females are rushing to the plastic surgeon for various enhancement surgery. Very little news about the male patronage, but I'm sure they are out there... (maybe plastic surgery isn't macho enough, or too embarassing).

How do you perceive media-controlled beauty?

1) Are you controlled by it (eg. Do you go all out to emulate your favourite idol by re-shaping your face and body with plastic surgery? Do you slavishly follow the latest haircut and colour? Must you absolutely have the be-ribboned chihuahua in the handbag look?)

2) Do you follow some of it (eg. I must have that pair of shoes and that pair of sunglasses... but that latest hairstyle looks weird, and chihuahuas and my LV handbag just don't look good together)

3) Do you ignore what everyone else is doing and forge your own path? (eg. meh, what the heck is she wearing? His latest hairstyle makes him look like a rooster, and don't chihuahuas leave unwanted droppings?)

...

I guess I'm #3. I'm your average female, so I have nothing to flaunt. Neither do I see the need to change my appearance (plastic surgery) to have something to flaunt, because then it's not ME. I may as well tear up my childhood pictures.

I find most of the latest fashions too flamboyant to the point of ugliness. I like plain clothes, timeless cuts that stand the test of time (and retro fashions). I can't even wear stilettoes without falling over, and I refuse to try (leg casts just aren't the 'in-thing').

Yes, I'm boring. You won't take a 2nd look at me at the public transport terminal. However I feel good that at least, I don't have to change my wardrobe every 6 months just to keep up with Vogue magazine.

[Rain]

I'm also more of a number 3:D

I think of myself as being quite attractive (whether i am or not is a different story:lmao) so I wouldn't go to any lengths for addition beauty, no matter how cheap/expensive or safe/dangerous it is.

[Riekie]

I am No. 3 as well. I can't say I am the Plain Jane that you won't recognize, no offense here! But I like clothing that can be worn in 2010 perhaps as well. I love clothing, I admit it and sometimes I buy something that is 'in'.

Just like today: my friend and I went to Amsterdam..ofcourse then we want to look good so I throw something on that will make me stand out..but not in the flashy, flamboyant and ugly way....just good combinations:D <---atleast..that's what I think!

About P S. I would never ever do it, especially when it comes to make you look younger than you already are. I look mucho younger then I am so i will probably will look alot younger when I'm 60:D I want to age naturally and don't need some guys and girls put Botox in my head to remove the wrinkles or get a tummy tuck. <--btw...not that I would mind one though..I can really use it!

[FireCandy]

2 & 3

I try to be myself. Of course I listen to my friend when she says "Oh, you know it doesn't suit you?" (that's what TRUE friends are for anyway).

My style? It changes everyday. Geez... I'm a teenager after all xD
I don't have to change my wardrobe every 6 months because I usually buy things that are high quality and you can wear them for a long time.
Timeless clothes are the best.
What I do like to buy are huge bags. I’m talking about this kind of a bag where you can put your keys, books, cosmetics and even 2 yogurts. I buy a new bag every 10 months I think. It’s usually in one color (my last one was whole green) or dark with small pattern. I take it with me everywhere so 10 months is really not so short, you know.
But the thing I can spend every money for are shoes. I have a lot of problems with my legs so I’ always trying to buy the best pair. The second problem is that I have a large feet.

About following some of the media-controlled beauty…

This season is only one – a huge tuque . I wanted one for ages and because it’s cool now I’m sure I’ll find something great what suits me the best xD

Plastic surgery? No way >.>

[Who]

I'm definitely # 3. I dress in whatevers comfortable, and often times wear clothes with dorky sayings/logos. I'm happy with my apperance though, and don't really try to adjust it at all.

[Ryuuko]

#2
I try to look my best, but I'm not controlled by media, if someone says my shirt is ugly, sure I'll respect their opinion but I won't immediately change my shirt, because others may like it. And since I'm wearing it, I like it too. I try to get the best clothes I can for the money I make, but why buy something at one store for $50 if another is selling it for $20? Thats my piece in it.

[WatanukiXXX]

Oh definitely 3) :D

Everyone in my family is ashamed by my dogged determination to not follow any fashion trend whatsoever. As my sister put it "Your fashion sense is timeless" ;) or what she really means is no matter what era or time or style is current, I will always be out of it.

I am pretty proud of myself

[emoloz]

#3 - I make my own crazy style that matches and i feel comfy in. Who cares what the latest trend is be yourself and be invidiual. Hate these bags at the moment as well there suppsoed to be leather in all different colours and they just look fake and plasticy hate the plastics at college they all have one. And these Jesus loves me belts its like if your religious pick up a bible don't wear it as some fashion statement. Gah i could rant forever XD.

[Teishu Soukutsu]

Well I've got no determination of not going with trends.. i mean.. I wear what I like.. i dislike any clothing that advertises some already overly popular company.. don't like dorky shirts... because if you like it or not some a-hole is gonna read it out loud to you 10 times a day if you like it or not and that really gets on my nerves.. So I usually wear a shirt, (I have no idea which english piece of clothing is for men or women so i'll just use the word top...) usually a ''Monton'' top.. they never label their clothes (minus the one on the inside of your collar)
and then a long sleeved shirt on top of all that..

hmm i wear jeans.. yeah.. usually wear jeans.. no idea who makes them..

AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD WHY THE HELL DO PEOPLE NOT GET THE MEANING OF A BELT, IT'S SUPPOSED TO KEEP YOUR PANTS UP.. GOD!!!.. it really pisses me off that every time i crouch down to tie my shoe laces or what not I am forced to see some pricks bloody underwear..

And then they keep walking around pulling them up... if they're so uncomftrable, why not try pulling your belt tight enough to stop the blood stream jeez..-.- I hate ppl like that..

Every day i want to walk up to someone like that and go like : ''Give me the definition of the word Belt!'' and then totally own them..-.-

I don't know if I pop out from a crowd but jeez.. I'm comfy with the way I look and other ppl just don't get a say in the matter..

so.. what.. 3?

[Manna23]

2 and 3

I don't even try to be 'beautiful', and I make no attempt at wearing the latest clothing. IMHO, it's a waste of money when I can just wear jeans and a T-shirt. I don't even wear eye-liner. I don't try to make myself thin, I was born a string-bean and still am. Back when I was in middle school I had two friends who wouldn't leave my preferences alone, but it was all in vain.
Though I've always scorned the way some boys in my high school wear their jeans down to their knees. It's 'mainstream' and definitely a bad fashion. What's popular isn't always very appealing to the opposite sex. >_>
As for P.S.- Yeah, right. I don't want it or need it. And only in the most extreme cases do I approve of it. Want a tummy-tuck? Work out in a gym.

[AnimeGirlPan]

I have to pick 3
I think i look pretty enough as myself and not any big bullcrap like the media...

[Lone Wulffe]

Number 3, definitely.

The only reason anyone has control over you is because you let them.

[Poiison]

I got to pick number 3. ^,^
I don't really follow fashion, but I do read some of the magazines if I'm really that bored. I choose clothes, acessories, and hair that is comfy and doesn't take hours to pick out and put on. ;o

[Hyriea]

I don't follow clothing trends or beauty trends because i hate make up and it should all die. I hate EYE LINER!!!!! But I do follow music trends or I just happen to like the same music like everyone else at the same time.

[Bleu]

For me its a mental problem almost, so im a number two.

Ive definetly been affected by all of this, since the people i grew up with were the type to critisize. "That doesnt match, your hair is messy, your too pale, your clothes are too baggy, your too tall, your saying that 5'5 100 pounds is skinny?" Which was very unhealthly for me, so i grew up really self-concious and depressed. I have almost an urge, no, a need to go shopping, to have the most expensive things, the nicest style, all so i could probably feel just a little better about myself, and it works for me.

I draw the line at changing yourself physically. dieting to be a little thinner and changing your style isnt exactly bad, but i like to emphasize the beauty of the life you were given, and how you shouldnt use plastic surgery ect to mess with what god gave you. I heard some stories about how in america there are some rich girls that for their graduation presents, they're parents buy them nose jobs, lifts, breast implants ect, and it makes me sick.

[tari101190]

i dunno about the specifics...but i'll say some stuff.

its notlike i'm the most beautiful person ever, but for some reason i get REALLY 'aware' of how i look. i'm not really crzay about it, but i'm just always making sure i look alright. its like every few seconds i check if my trousers (panys i guess...for you americans) are done up properly, my coat/jacket is fitting on me right so i dn'tlook weird, y hats dn't make me look weird, just stuff like that.

it's realy annoyin cos when i try to stop i just feel akward and start shouting inmy head stuff like "i look like an idiot!"...erm, thats kinda rare-ish, but still annoyin.

i wanna try check out more about OCD's cos i tink i'm a litlle OCD... or perhaps im just being realy paranoid. which is the whole point! i get really paranoid bout other things too...maybe i'm just excessively (spelling...) paranoid in general. is that OCD-ish?

[Unicorn]

@ Bleu... thanks for sharing your views. I am glad that you feel confident enough about yourself to not consider having plastic surgery.

I know about these graduation presents. In some Asian countries, when the girl is considered 'mature', usually on their 16th birthday, she gets double-eyelid surgery. Possibly other surgeries too. can anyone say 'clone'? :(

In light of Bleu's experiences, I strongly think that family directly influences your sense of beauty.

How many of those who voted #2 and #3 have families who have similar thoughts on 'beauty'? How different are your thoughts from your siblings' or direct relatives?

My own parents can't care less about fashion labels. Yes, they buy functional clothes that look decent on them. Never because it is 'in'. I grew up thinking the same way. My younger sis is much more fashion conscious, probably #2. She pays attention to trends and does splurge on clothes and accessories, but not too much (i think).

[Ileenka]

Depends on my mood. But mostly I'm between 2 and 3. I'd maybe go for 1 some of these days, though - but not the plastic surgery bit, since generally I'm happy with myself. This is mean, but whenever I feel bad about my looks, I would look at pictures of not-so-pretty people to make myself feel better (and I'm referring them as 'not-so-pretty' mildly). If I were to go down Route No.1 though, I would rather that the look that I'm emulating not stay permanently. Maybe go for a wild hair cut, and a hair dye. And shop for weird clothes for the heck of it. Maybe I'll keep that look for a week or two before reverting back to my usual boring self. :D It sounds therapeutic and exciting.

[Kristen]

2, for sure. If i had the money, I'll go for 1. XD I mean, there are somethings that I hate and would want to make better.

[Ametatsu]

I just wear what's comfortable and looks nice...I don't follow any sort of fashion - if I emulate anyone, it's my friends who I think are cool, and they take pride in not following trends, and even then I don't dress as outrageously as they sometimes do, because that just makes me feel stupid.

I like the look of makeup on other people, but eyeliner looks awful on me and I have clear enough skin I don't need foundation, so all I ever wear is mascara.

~

My dad and one of my younger sisters don't give a hoot about what they look like. My mum likes to look nice sometimes, and she likes nice clothes, but she also likes things that are cheap (that I've got from her, but not as much - I like to splurge sometimes). She doesn't follow fashion, but that would be because she's sensible enough to realize that a lot of fashion is aimed at teenagers and 20-30 year olds, and wouldn't look good on a 50-year-old, even one in good shape (which she is).
My other little sister and me think about clothes and looking nice the most out of our family...she has quite an emo/goth style, though, whereas I have some gothic stuff (lovely ruffly lacey velvety tail-coat thing, fr example :)) but most of my stuff is very boring.

I might say that if I had more money I'd be more fashionable, but no - I might dress nicer, but it still wouldn't be fashionable, it would just be slightly more expensive and varied stuff - I want to look good, whether what suits me happens to be fashionable or not. (Plus if I had more money I'd get more books, not more clothes :P)

[emoloz]

In relation to Unicorn. My parents only care for labels when it comes to the weather to be honest like your waterproof coats and good shoes etc. I mean i sometimes like a few labels because i dunno i just think there clothes are well made and cool. However sometimes i find myself like why should i bother about labels and just wear what ever suits me and what i feel comfy in. No way would i buy something that had a label on that isn't comfy or suits meAnd matches with other clothes. because that would be stupid. Probably more about the style of clothes and comfort. Guess my parents are the same. I also don't care what is in fashion either.

[Agmaster]

I fall under the choice of the primera, striving to be the best of the moment, a veritable chameleon of fashion switching from urban to prep to eccentric, to fab, all the way back to simple and clean.

Unless it's a lazy day filled with amazing grace, then I am something akin to the third choice.

After all, comfort is fading, beauty is eternal.

[Alphonse]

Number 3.

I really don't care much about fashion and such. I'll work out more if I want a better looking body. About hair, I don't really care either. I just put gel and there. About plastic surgery, I find it ridiculous.

If you want to look better, work out or something!

[Mei]

I always had and will always have my own style. =)
At home, I'm number three, because I relax.
When going out, I always shampoo my hair or shower, and put on some make-up. I wear boots with high heels every time I go out, but not because out of some fashion sense, but because I like it. =) I dye my hair every few weeks, either dark brown or a dark violett (my natural hair colour might still be a dark blonde..?). And again, it's because I feel more comfortable this way. =)
By now, I lost 9 kilogramms of weight, it just happened this way. I didn't think I had to or absolutely wanted to diet. I had free time, slept till midday and got used to not eating much, when I moved out, that's all. ^_^

[Guildenstern]

Only as far as it takes me to get bored with it, or until the pursuit of beauty infringes on my video game time.

Hard to beat the Bloody Palace level on DMC 3 with French Tips, ladies.

[Agmaster]

Dammit, I can't privately express my sheer appreciation for the Stern of the Guild. And here I thought myself witty, with a simple line akin to 'You can bloody my palace anytime, even with french tips.' (and i'll take my straight points for only knowing that french tips area kind of nail...service? alteration?) C'est la...what am I to do...

Such a shame PS2 is being downgraded, but such are the way of times. I'll undoubtedly upgrade to the third someday. After all, they have a game where the main character has my full name. That's just good marketing there.

[earthforge]

I'm just #3. Frankly, I ignore fashions. I just believe in natural beauty, without makeup or any other stuff like that. I actually find make-up disgusting, for a reason many people my age cannot figure out (they only proved my opinion by doing a "makeover." God, I still hate their guts for doing that. But I hate their guts for doing a lot of things to me.)

I find makeup or any product just covers up true appearences. I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But that moral has been downgraded by our culture so much that it is now "beauty is in the brand." Again, I hate consumer societies.

On clothes: I just look at what I find nice and wear it. I don't really care what are the big fashions. Many of them really turn me off.

[Sora Chan]

I'm probably a three. I just like being comfortable. I have never gotten my nails done unless you count putting invisible nailpolish on my nails to stop biting them. I absolutely despise the salon. I would much rather so something else with my time. Plus have you ever had your head burned by that heir straightener thing, not to mention sitting under that thing that dries your hair really sucks. I like dressing comfy, don't really by name brands, and whenever I have a state wide test I grab my brothers tee shirt which is like a 3X *No I am nowhere near a three X* just cause its comfy. Most of my friends have never seen me in a skirt cause I own like one for special occasions. They make a big deal when I put my hair down. I'm like the tomboy in my group. I would rather sleep then wake up and get all nice looking. Ohh, and I wear no makeup either, though I use chapstick in the winter but only cause I like the smell of the cherry.
I personally disaprove with plastic surgery.I think everyone has something beautiful about them, and I think imperfection itself is beautiful.

[Unicorn]

Thanks to everyone for sharing.

Feel free to add more categories, I am happy to add the ones I missed to the front post.

[Ryuuko]

I'm the complete opposite of anything beautiful. But I won't go far for it, because chances are I'll mess something up and end up getting disowned or something bad like that. :<

[Bleu]

your probably very beautiful, Ryuuko :)

I think that magazines are really confidence busters. We have Vogue and all those big ones, with models who are soo tiny you need a microscope to see it. Not many people look like that. most women have nice curves that they should flaunt.

[earthforge]

So true, bleu (hey, that rhymes!)

And a reason why I never look at those magazines. Because, well, their unrealistic. And in a celebrity culture, this mentality is spread throughout the country. Peer pressure is just an example.

[Bleu]

it really doesnt ryhme in french but in english it does, so yay xD

i dont think alot of girls realize that those models are airbrushed. Ever notice how they dont have red tones on their skin like every person has? or even beauty marks, scars, ect. they are all edited pictures.

[Llama]

I'm a 3. I was in that phase though when I thought I had to look cool but now I just don't care anymore.

[Jaws]

Even now, I read newspaper articles about how increasingly younger females are rushing to the plastic surgeon for various enhancement surgery. Very little news about the male patronage, but I'm sure they are out there... (maybe plastic surgery isn't macho enough, or too embarassing).
If you follow the K-artist trend, then you'd know that just as many male celebrities frequent enhancement surgeries as the female gender. With that came a long line of fans blindly following their respective idols ... they even have votes on which celebrity parts get the most requests when people go under the knife!!!

I'd be the brave one here to admit that I am one of those who follow the latest trend, and buy a heck lot of magazines to make sure I'm in on the latest. I love dressing up, and I love heels ... heck I'll even admit that I love the LVs, Guccis and Diors!!! However that's as far as I'd go, plastic surgeries or starving myself to look like a stick is not something I'd torture myself with. There is a difference between one being fashionable, and one who thinks he/she is fashionable. Anyone who needs to alter their body in anyway to be 'in' style lacks confidence, and that is the key thing about being a trendsetter ... confidence! If you have it, you make whatever it is on you look attractive. Period.

[Schneider]

I'm a 2 I follow some of it, but not too much. Basically I'm pretty guilty as charged when it comes to having expensive purses and jeans. My purses consist of Gucci, and LV. And my jeans are mostly Sevens. I also do own a couple of expensive glasses Gucci and Chanel >.<

Although I really don't think beauty has anything to do with people buying brand names...It's all for status really.

I believe anyone can look beautiful in any brand of clothes as long as its not ragged and dirty. Oh and granted you actually look put together.

I will say this the only thing that i would consider doing is getting rid of a few pesky moles on my face that i absolutely detest and perhaps a nose job. But I would only get a nose job if i really needed one for health reason or I broke my nose and ended up with Owen Wilson's nose.

[beautiful_death]

I'm partially a 2 with lots of 3 overtones. I know I'm not skinny, yet I do somewhat observe trends, but only because fashion always recycles itself and I laugh at people wearing stuff I wore when I was a kid. (yeah, I'm old)
I own a few luxury pieces as well, but I'm not obsessed with it. Like what Schneider said, it's really all about looking well put together and looking clean.

Here's another issue of beauty that really scares the crap out of me: Plastic surgery that erases a "flaw" in your physical identity inherent in your racial/ethnic background. Example: blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) done on East Asian women and men. I had a Korean friend get that done (along with breast augmentation) because she was so uncomfortable in her own skin :(

[speedphantom]

I'd say I'm a 3. Becoming more fashion conscious as time goes on haha. I used to be a 10 but now I realise you can't just do your own thing.

I had an boycott on jeans and that sure lasted a whole good year or so until I realised no one wears anything but >< haha. Dressing better is a nice feeling too I suppose. Self confidence through image is good somewhat but not too extreme.

[Sora Chan]

I'm partially a 2 with lots of 3 overtones. I know I'm not skinny, yet I do somewhat observe trends, but only because fashion always recycles itself and I laugh at people wearing stuff I wore when I was a kid. (yeah, I'm old)
I own a few luxury pieces as well, but I'm not obsessed with it. Like what Schneider said, it's really all about looking well put together and looking clean.

Here's another issue of beauty that really scares the crap out of me: Plastic surgery that erases a "flaw" in your physical identity inherent in your racial/ethnic background. Example: blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) done on East Asian women and men. I had a Korean friend get that done (along with breast augmentation) because she was so uncomfortable in her own skin :(

My friend wants to do eye surgery. I think it's stupid. I can't imagine her with any other eyes and her eyes look nice on her. When she said it I evil glared her. My other friend was talking about losing wait. I smacked her in the back of the head. I think it was too hard though cause she hit me back and was like *evil glare* I think the whole losing weight thing is getting out of hand. Half my friends are on "diets", even my guy friends. It's like look biznotch a diet means you eat certain foods not you don't eat any. My bf and I are constantly on our friends asses for it.

[beautiful_death]

^^I understand dieting for health purposes (I'm on a low sodium diet for hypertension), but dieting just because? WTF.....

I won't even go there on the whole skin bleaching issue.....it seems so prevalent in Asian cultures...actually, more like cultures that have colonization histories.

[Guildenstern]

Dammit, I can't privately express my sheer appreciation for the Stern of the Guild. And here I thought myself witty, with a simple line akin to 'You can bloody my palace anytime, even with french tips.' (and i'll take my straight points for only knowing that french tips area kind of nail...service? alteration?) C'est la...what am I to do...

Such a shame PS2 is being downgraded, but such are the way of times. I'll undoubtedly upgrade to the third someday. After all, they have a game where the main character has my full name. That's just good marketing there.

Master of the Ag :uhuh
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Manicure
My love, there's not much I can't bloody with French Tips and a good running tiger uppercut. The nails get in the way of my typing and make rolling dice or shuffling my White Deck difficult though, so sadly I had to go back to my natural nails and a nail buffer. (I wouldn't bother, but I need the posh nails for my job.) Luckily it's easy to buff my nails waiting in between Notorious Monster spawns and Transformers reruns.

I don't really let myself be intimidated by movie stars or recording artists, because 1. lol photoshop 2. I don't like surgery 3. I like to eat food that tastes good 4. A good 80% of them are hot and cold running whores. As long as I'm not verging on chubby, am not stark pale, have all my hair in something resembling a clean and neat hairstyle and have received a cursory swipe with the L'oreal paint roller, I feel OK. If random guy #56 on the street doesn't like that, he can go wax his bikini line and spend 5 hours at the Clinique counter matching foundation and see how he likes it.

[moonflowers]

Guildenstern owns the thread, hands down. :)

Amen to the Photoshop. I felt like a n00b after visiting this site and not realizing earlier just how much 'shopping was done to all of these pics:
http://glennferon.com/portfolio1/

To answer the question, I am a 3 with faint aspirations for 2. I'm a girl who studies/works in a very male-dominated technical field, so I need to dress to be taken seriously, but I can't afford to look too masculine either if I hope to ever have a love life (not at this rate, heh). While I admire the folks who take the time to make sure they're put together, and I'm truly impressed by their results, I don't think I care enough about my appearance beyond looking neat and somewhat professional to be a real fashion follower.

As for plastic surgery... Surgery is surgery, and I'll avoid it unless I really am going to die/suffer excruciating pain without it.

[Thantos-Espada]

personaly i wouldnt have any surgery, mainly cause im happy with my body... but also because theirs esier ways of making yourself look good other than surgery and strict diets...


just go out for walks now and again, ride ur bike to you friends house and stuff, eat normal food...


so tbh i wouldnt do anything for beauty other than style my hair with hairspray, wear my funky bright pink belt and boxxers, and generaly try to look good^^

[saladin]

The only thing i do is exercise lol 100 curls each night for both arms lol.

Could you add more into this post? Currently it doesn't fit the criteria of the Debates Forum.

- FH

[Orihime-Chan]

Since I don't have anything bad in my features or body that I'd want to change so badly, I can't say that plastic surgery is bad for you period! Some people lack self-esteem because they're either fat, has an ugly nose or small breasts. it could be very tormenting for them. So if they could gain or boost up some confidence when they change their features/body to something better then why not!:noworry Unfortunately, that will have to come with a price! money and after surgery pain! If they can handle both then I say go for it.:uhuh

As for me, I look pretty as far as everyone tells me :o I also like to cut and change my hair color sometimes. makes me feel refreshed.:p

And when it comes to clothes I go for the comfortable ones more than the stylish ones. unless I have an occasion that needs something chic and nice I go shopping for the latest styles XD though, I hate having to wear those damn stilettos!:notrust

[rei_ai]

Of course it's no. 3.

I have my own style, and I prefer to choose things according to what will be comfortable for me.

Actually, I'm contented as long as I won't have any pimples, my face won't be oily, and my skin is always moisturized. I'm not fond of make-ups and coloring my face, coz it makes me too mature (perhaps, the reason that despite my age, some mistaken to be a below 16 >_<)

Beauty, in terms of physical appearance, includes how you carry yourself. Beauty is supposed to be natural, and something that is intrinsic. Believe you are beautiful and you will be.

As for changing anything in my body...I might consider it if ever I had any accident (which I pray will not happen), but that only goes to that extent. As for 'improving' some parts..well, I'm contented to myself, and my pleasure doesn't really include making boys turn their heads around.

[minna]

I'm between #2 and #3...perhaps towards #2 a bit more. I do take care in how I dress...but within reasonable limits, heels are out...so are skin tight tops and pants. I don't dye my hair or have weekly manicures...but I do buy 'brands'. Yes I do spend way too much on a pair of jeans just because there is a tag that say 'Lee' on my butt, or a bag with 'Chloe' on it X3. Heay I can be both comforatble and fashionable right :D.

But I agree with the poster above that confidence is true beauty...if you are comfortable and proud of what you've got then others will view it in a much more positive light.

P.S Unicorn...I am sure you have seen the girls at the Law and Commerce faculties...peer pressure is a powerful thing. But heels are definately out...I'v seen too many of them fall down those marbel step to attempt such a feat.

[speedphantom]

I don't buy any clothing, aside from shoes, over $70. That would be my ultimate max. When I went to Singapore to shop I bought jeans around $50 each and stuff, more relaxed since I was on holiday but I don't buy the big name brands like Levis.

I buy more middle and more affordable brands. If I can get an item of clothing which looks and feels the same as one twice or three times the price I don't have any reason not to get it.

Over the past year especially I've been taking more notice of my fashion and making myself look presentable whereas in the past it was just whatever clothing. Before my trip to Singapore I didn't really have much "decent" clothing at all so its nice to have good clothes which aren't overly fashion oriented yet not too daggy (I hope ^^;).

[melboyd~]

i guess i'm #3~ :nuts i do like seeing/following the up-to-date hype thingy, but that's it. i'm not that interested in getting myself the items which this or that celebrity is wearing...and to me, chihuahua is not that cute and not convenient for hugging purpose :P. when i see other ppl's failed attempt in imitating the latest fashion style, it'd make me even scarer to do the same thing. originality is all that make a person unique. just wear whatever u want and fits ur body, as long as it is decent and appropriate to the setting, than i'd say why not? :uhuh
styling ur own image is fun too. just combined the old and latest style together and come up with ur own ;p

i usually wear eyeliner and lip balms, let my hair loose and just go outside for daily activities~ the farthest i could go for beauty purpose is as far as what cosmetics could offer. no to surgery or injections. i dun think i'll be comfortable being smtg that i;m not. i tried wearing heels (3 inches heels) once to class, i stopped the next day coz i dont like the change i made. i stick to snickers and plain sandals. :uhuh

and i think it's ok for others to make changes if that'll make they feel better spiritually and can boost up their confidence. but like someone said before, beauty lies from within and is an intrinsic component in an individual, so lets cherish that individuality that each of us has :hug

[kiera2]

Emulating idols is always a bad idea. Different things suit different people, and your own beauty should always be about appreciating what you have, not wanting what you don't. Everyone has flaws - if you want to feel good about your appearance you have to accept that, and dress to enhance your strengths.

In everyday life, I think it's important to strike a balance. On the one hand, practicality trumps prettiness. As a rower, long nails are generally a pretty bad idea. Working in a lab, loose hair is only ever going to cause problems. On the other hand, this doesn't mean I walk around like a slob in old clothes that're too big for me. It's totally possible to dress nicely but simply, and I don't believe that having typically male interests means I can't look feminine.

I don't buy any clothing, aside from shoes, over $70. That would be my ultimate max. When I went to Singapore to shop I bought jeans around $50 each and stuff, more relaxed since I was on holiday but I don't buy the big name brands like Levis.
I actually disagree with this mentality. I don't often buy clothes, so when I buy something like a pair of shoes or jeans, I'm willing to spend extra to get a really good pair that will last me. I currently only own two pairs of jeans, each of which cost me at least $100. But one pair (the ones I was wearing yesterday!) is over five years old, and I intend to make the others last at least that long, too. Likewise when it comes to dressy clothes, far better to spend a few hundred dollars on a really well-made dress that will last me most of my adult life, than spend $50 on something cheap that I'll throw away after the summer.

[Mars]

Same as Kiera, I don't shop a lot for clothes, but when I do I only buy the best of the best (and most of the times it's hella expensive too). Clothes gotta fit well, hehe..

[mebidtt13]

3^^ Of course, I do care about my looks and hair, I take really good care of it ^^" xD But I don't use make up, wear the latest and most popular clothes or change my body to something not-natural xD

[earthforge]

I second mebidtt13! I have no wish to adjust my looks with things that just make me look worse. Honesty is a thing I hold high, and not being honest about how I look just seems like a ridiculous waste of time. And I hunt in the discount piles for good clothes some of the time. The old stuff is most of the time even better than newer stuff (which generally is crap IMHO)

[IngenuityGap]

Definitely 3. I don't follow fashion or take any extra steps, just make sure I'm clean, eating well, and exercising. Best way to natural beauty.

[aisuzieya]

how far? very far indeed. lolXP like other girls, i do take care of my hair and face, but i do have some extreme love for branded goods. i love handbags, shoes and nvr can get enough of em. i love wearing all beautiful clothes and most of the time, experiment with new styles. but i dont really wear makeups cos i think i look weird in them. i just use basics stuff like lipcolor and powder.

[niku_yoku]

i'm a 3 i guess. i really don't care wat people think about how i look. i used to though, i would spend about a hundred -dollars a week just to get make-up and stuff. But now i got a lot of resistance in me. all i do now is to make sure i'm neat and clean and that i exercise well!:D

[BioBomber]

3. I wear whatever the hell I like in accordance with what I think suits me. I feel very little need to be 'validated' by other people.

[Nejibana]

I'm definitely #3:D I don't like fashion. I choose the clothes that suit me, not the brands or the shape that is is fashion. In my town, girls now wear horrible acid colored sweaters or skirts with a pair of 'lovely' shoes in the same color. I think they shine like a christmas tree XD, they don't know the meaning of 'discretion'?

[stark espada]

3 is for me

I could careless what the media says I never look stunning fashion wise I mean right now I'm dressed like I look like waldo. Never brush my hair just do not care how I look i mean if you spend to much time caring about fashion your going to waste allot of time doing it every day just to start it all over again I saw there is no point to it to just do it over and over every day so I say screw it don't like the way I look thats your problem

[Krishina]

#3 for me. I honestly don't pay any attention at all to fashion trends, because I just don't care. I wear what I think looks good on me and feels comfortable. And that's pretty much all there is to it.

And plastic surgery? Heck no. No way am I gonna go through all that just so I can have a bigger rack or a "more perfect" nose. I'm perfectly happy the way I am, thank you very much.

[Lady Mizura]

I am more of a #3 simply because if I like it, I like it. If I don't, I guarantee you won't see it on my body.

[Fyrefox]

#3. Mostly because this is a chick thing, and I'm a guy, but.....

People who do this kinda stuff are stupid. I'm thrifty, so I take money into account any time I buy something. Fashion comes fifth. Why should I spend my money on that when these jeans are cheaper and more durable, ya know?

[kiera2]

In my experience cheaper jeans are not more durable.

[Fyrefox]

To a point. Some jeans are made for fasion, rather than actual work. You should know what I mean.

[Kaori Machida]

I'm a 3 too. I just wear what I like. I actually tend to avoid popular and name brand stuff, because it's so expensive. I don't shop at expensive clothing stores, and I usually get my shoes at Pay Less (though, I don't really like the selection they have there, but when you are low on cash, you make do with what you can). I don't go clothes shopping often. I wear my clothes for as long as they are in good shape. I don't need the latest fashions, why spend extra money when your old stuff is still in good condition and still fits? When I need new clothes, I'll go shopping, or if I see a shirt I really like I might get it, but otherwise I don't see a point in going just for the newest stuff. I don't wear make up, and I'd NEVER get plastic surgery. I think the only time anybody should get plastic surgery is if they need it because of severe burns or something. Otherwise, why would you want to be fake?

I am picky about my clothes though. If I don't like the way it looks, I won't wear it. Not because I'm worried about what other people will think about it, but because I just don't personally like it.

[rayne_himura]

#3
i follow my own trend, i try to wear something no one has without looking a hot mess. being unique and fashionable is the way to go. being a trend follower make you look kinda ehh, to me.

people go way too far for beauty.
some have even died in the search for beauty, by becoming anorexic, going through plastic sergury, etc. it's really sad, some people don't necessarily die, but they loose themselves in search for someone that's not even them.

[Luhy]

Indeed Rayne... I work at Conde Naste in TImes Square usually, and I've dealt with a LOT of models... I had girls crying, telling me they were told they're too fat (when they're as skinny as a rail), even had a girl tell me a story how she dressed slutty basically to get a job, then when she started dressing normally, her boss let her go x.x NY is VERY superficial though, (it really kinda is Sex And The City...)

I've had insecurities about my weight at times in life... In Jr High i was like anorexic... I ate maybe a bowl of cereal a day x.x and lost like 100 pounds lol and see though, you never think things will happen to you... but over time i would gain some back, lose it again, like a yo-yo, and because of that, I lost my gall-bladder lol ;x buuuut now I work out every single day rain or shine, and eat healthy food, food = fuel, not comfort...

what's important is what YOU feel about YOURSELF... if you're comfortable and happy, thats what matters... if you're always bothered and upset with something, hair, looks, weight, change it, but for YOURSELF! ;o

[ComeComeParadis]

I'm prolly around #3 or 2...not sure. --__--

I personally don't believe in slapping on a ton of make-up because to me, it seems like false advertising. I mean, what happens when you decide to go a day without make-up? It'd be like: O.O However, at the same time, I think it's okay to wear a little to enhance certain features...I'm more for the natural look. All I ever wear is lipbalm/chapstick, pressed powder (because my face can get shiny), and a little bit of bronzer (even though I'm naturally tan, I live in California, so bronzer is an absoute must! XD)

As for clothes, I've personally never splurged on anything before...about 80 percent of my shoes are from asia because shoes there are cute and cheap. The most expensive item I own is an 80 dollar designer trenchcoat that I got at the Nordstroms Semi-Annual sale. (and the price was originally $160...so I thought it was a great buy).

I mean, I have nothing against splurging. There's nothing wrong with splurging on classic staples like a good pair of jeans or a basic pair of flats because things like that never go out of style, so you'll get a ton of mileage out of one splurge...but yah...I'm still growing, and I'm also the ultimate cheap-o. I hardly ever buy stuff unless it's on sale. XP Except for jeans...since I am very petite, I usually either buy the 'short' sizes at American Eagle, go to Asia and buy a pair to have them tailored for free, or pay a little extra for my local tailor to shorten my jeans.

But I must say, I've recently discovered rainbow flip flops. they're designer flip flops, but I must say, they really are worth the $48 dollar splurge. (It didnt hurt that I managed to score a pair for $28 only)

So in all, my basic philosophy is splurge on things that don't go out of style, so your investment will pay for itself in the long-run. For trendy items that are of-the-moment, don't spend as much money. If you want an awesome pair of shoes, go to HongKong or Taiwan. Shoes there are dirt cheap if you know where to look, and they are awesome and comfortable. One sales lady even threw in a pair of insoles for no extra charge.

[SakuraTsuny]

#3 I wear what I want and like to wear and I hate make-up and stuff...i'm not girly >___> Kenpachi is one of my favs in bleach and I'm a girl.LOL.

[kiera2]

To a point. Some jeans are made for fasion, rather than actual work. You should know what I mean.
I have a pair of branded, $110 jeans that have lasted me five years and are the most comfortable pair I own. By comparison, the last $40 pair of jeans I bought last summer (I needed some in Berlin and just picked up a pair at a department store) fit awkwardly and are already half worn through at the knees. I find with jeans that you get what you pay for.

[Unicorn]

Hmm. Keira2, I disagree with the 'more expensive jeans = better' thought.

I have several pairs of $40 - $60 jeans and they last pretty well. Only thing they do is fade in colour, and fray from where the ends scrape against the road surface.

However, I agree that fitting is very important. Thats why when I find a pair of jeans that fit decently, I always go back to the same shop.

...

I don't mind paying more for quality that lasts longer (eg. leather handbags, shoes from a specific brand) but I always go for classic yet simple designs that can withstand several years' worth of fashion changes.