Every season there’s a never-ending deluge of what the new look is. Sadly, the new look many people are talking about involves how a woman’s body should look with “strong is the new skinny” becoming an obsession for many.

For years, women have felt pressure to pursue skinniness at all costs. Eat a salad at every meal, only eat a grapefruit for breakfast, avoid carbs at all costs — all the previously mentioned mantras were totally acceptable — and followed by many people. Now, though, there is a “new” body look that’s gaining momentum. Strong is the new skinny bodies are all the rage.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I think it’s awesome that women want to lift weights and workout. Women naturally have curves, so working out can help accentuate our rockin’ bods! Also: Working out, in general, is an incredibly healthy practice. Working out can improve mood, help people lose weight (if they want to), and in general, can just make you feel pretty awesome.

The problem with this “new look” trend, though, is that a “fad” — a media generated fad — is telling women what they should look like.

Jezebel reports that news outlets, such as The New York Times and The Washington Post, are writing articles that describe how some women are “ditching” their skinny bodies to become strong. Because, as these articles point out, “strong is the new skinny.”

No, no, no.

Strong is awesome! So is skinny! Any body shape is amazing, really. These articles are equating a person’s body type to a trend. As if it’s as easy to change what you naturally look like as it is to change your shoes. Every woman knows that this is not so. You’ve got the body you’ve got and you work with it. Sure, you can lose weight. You also can put on muscle weight! Whatever you choose to do with your body is the right choice because it’s your decision — not some strange trend that allows you to now be “hot” in a new way.

We all can agree that “too skinny” trends that encourage women to try for an absolutely unattainable “thigh gap” are unhealthy. But there are many ladies who are just naturally thin and fit. And I’d venture to say that spending too much time training can be detrimental to a person’s body, too.

Long story short: Can’t we all just love what we have? These insane “body trend” pieces need to stop.

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Image: Rikard Elofsson

The post ‘Strong is the New Skinny’ is No Better than Skinny is the New… Whatever? appeared first on EcoSalon.

Want a new look? A fresh style? Halloween season is the perfect time to try out any new look you’ve been eyeing.

Some of the following Halloween looks could definitely be turned into a Halloween costume if you’re pressed for time, but also are perfect to don on any normal October day, too.

1. “Ginger Snaps” attitude

“Ginger Snaps” is a smart and scary movie about two death-obsessed sisters. A werewolf bites one sister and the other one has to… deal. Capture the sisters’ look by donning a dark, subtly goth look this fall. All you need is:

A black crop top ($68)

A gauzy, black skirt ($6.99)

Ankle boots ($42.49)

And a choker ($14.99)

2. “Suspiria” coyness

What’s a poor, young ballerina to do when grisly murders start to occur at her dance school? Investigate! Harness the delicate look of Dario Argento’s classic heroine, Suzy Bannion, by rocking this cute and simple pre-dance look for her (antiquing on a cool, October day for you):

Black leggings ($38)

Black shirt ($10.99)

Black flats ($45.49)

White shawl ($458)

3. The “Halloween” prep

It wouldn’t be a practical clothing Halloween list without listing the great Jamie Lee Curtis. Curtis plays Laurie Strode, one of the most memorable final girls in slasher history, in “Halloween”. Before Laurie is screaming and running for her life, she’s wearing a put together, causal, preppy outfit. You, too, can look this casual, cool and put together by wearing:

High-waisted jeans ($88)

Blue button up ($5.99)

Dark, v-neck sweater ($25.49)

Related on EcoSalon

Halloween Harvest: Tips, Ideas and Recipes

10 Make-Ahead Vegetarian Appetizers for Your Halloween Party

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Resource

“Looks that Kill,” via Rookie (for the “Ginger Snaps” idea, and inspiring the story)

Top image: Hannes Engelbrecht

The post 3 Halloween Looks You Can Pull Off All October appeared first on EcoSalon.