Sources:
- Silk scarf – erre, thrifted in Munich
- Brocade blazer – Koan, thrifted in Munich
- Tee – gift from e.
- Jeans – S. Oliver
- Boots – Banana Republic
- Bag – Liz Claiborne, thrifted
- Earrings – gift from husband
Endnotes:
Just like last year, I’m listing my legs as one of my favorite things about my body. It’s hard not to love something that’s carried me through the hundreds of miles it took to train for two marathons, several half marathons, and the odd 5Ks and 10Ks along the way. And just this coming Sunday, I will be lining up once more at the start of a half marathon here in Europe, willing my legs to do their best as they carry me the 13.1 miles it takes to get to the finish line.
Running has had a tremendous effect on how I view my body. I used to focus on it solely from an aesthetic perspective (the indulgence of the young and the healthy, right?) But viewing it from a mere aesthetic vantage point meant that I focused far more on its limitations and flaws than on its triumphs and achievements. Forget the physical makeover that came with running – let’s just talk about the mental makeover for a minute: I now appreciate my body (and particularly my legs) for their amazing physical capability. This merging of form and function has given me new eyes through which to view my body and I can no longer harp on some insignificant flaws – like a few cellulite dimples here or some thigh-jiggling action there – when these two machines of pure strength and endurance continue to carry me over so many miles and through all kinds of weather, just to test what I am capable of.
Braid Wednesday, originally uploaded by academichic.
Pattern Mix, originally uploaded by academichic.(Have you experienced a shift in perspective that has made you appreciate your body for its function as well as its form? Without having gone through this myself, I hesitate to make this assertion, but I think that childbirth must have a similar effect. I’m also guessing that having recovered from a serious illness or accident must make someone appreciate their body for its amazing healing capabilities, its endurance, and its strength – qualities that I would all call beautiful.)
To celebrate my legs, I’m wearing my favorite jean style as of late – the skinny jean. It was right around the time I got to Germany that I fully embraced the skinny jean and started wearing it with or without boots to tuck the jeans into. And to think that I was afraid of this trend when it first started, when I should have been happy all along to embrace a style that highlights one of my best features – my legs. Thanks, skinnies! S.
I think we must be kindred spirits! I just published my post about how running has helped me to love my legs and think differently about my body. Glad to know I’m in good company!
Your legs look great and I LOVE this scarf and blazer together. I’m not a very serious runner (4 miles is about my max typically), but running on a regular basis has definitely helped me to be more positive about my body!
Creative take on “dressing for your legs.” Good luck this weekend!
I injured one of my ankles about two years ago and spent a large portion of the next year recuperating. The process of injury and recovery has made me appreciate my legs and ankles much more than before. I’m much more conscious of my shoe choices, both for practical and aesthetic reasons.
I used to just throw on whatever shoes when I left the house in the morning, but now I take much more time thinking about what shoes I’m wearing both practically and how they contribute to the outfit I’m wearing. Although I wouldn’t have said this previously, I’ve come to love the way my ankles look in cute, well-made shoes that fit well!
I also began to appreciate my body for its strength and abilities when I discovered the joys of athleticism – for me, biking. And my recent brushes with illness have made me SO grateful for a body that can walk, talk, move freely and do pretty much anything I want it to!
You are rocking those skinnies and that scarf!
Interestingly, although I have logged many miles and run a couple of half-marathons and one full-marathon, I still don’t include my thighs in my favorite five. If anything my approach to them has become more schizophrenic than ever. I appreciate how far they have carried me and how quickly they healed, but while I love the appearance of my calves, I still feel the need to hide my thighs because they do not have a socially-sanctioned appearance.
My legs are in my top five as well, and it’s purely because of running! I only started running about two years ago and it has totally changed the way I look at myself. I appreciate my body so much for all the things it lets me do! (Oh, and I’m just getting into skinny jeans, too – you’re an inspiration!) :)
Your ruminations on the effect childbirth has on body appreciation led me to a triumphant, “Yes!” As a brand new mom and recovering body basher, I definitely appreciate my body more in light of what it has endured in the past 12 months. First, one has to think about sustaining a teeny life inside you for 9 months; then there are the tremendous changes that happen during the pregnancy, which culminate with actually giving birth. And then if you breastfeed, you continue to sustain this teeny life for a few more months. It is truly incredible and has helped me learn to be a little kinder to my body. Yes, I still have a few more jiggles than I would prefer, but after what my body has done, that’s ok.
Great outfit, especially the scarf and earrings combo. One of these days I will follow your example and dare to wear skinnies.
Recovering from a chronic illness definitely made me appreciate my body in new ways. Even though my shape, weight, and strength fluctuated, I learned to love my body for whatever it could accomplish that day.
Like you, I LOVE running. It feels so good, and I think it makes my body look great, too. I love being able to test my body with long runs, and then admire the strong legs that help me get through those runs.
Just wanted to say I’m a long-time lurker, but had to comment today because your thoughts on strength, muscle, and beauty really hit home for me today.
I started running halfheartedly last fall in an effort to drop 10 of the 30 pounds I’d put on since meeting and marrying my husband. It was hard – really, really sucky. I finally committed in February after running once a week or so, did a few weeks of Couch to 5K, and was off. I’ve proudly considered myself a “runner” now for a few months and I’m training for my first half in September.
I started running because I wanted to lose weight, to be as small as I had been as an undergrad 3 years ago. Today, I’ve lost about half the weight I had planned, but I look and feel fantastic. I think I actually look better than I used to because instead of being thinner and squishy, I’m larger and powerful. I’ve always been curvy, but now there is athletic power behind those curves and I *love* it. I’d happily stay a size larger if it meant holding onto this feeling.
Thank you for this post. I loved it.
Can you teach us how to do that braid? :)
You look amazing in those skinny jeans! I love your celebration of your legs, too.
I found new appreciation for my legs when I tried rock climbing a few years ago. Finally the large thighs (and muscles laying beneath) actually gave me an advantage! I started running last year and this appreciation grew. I even ran a marathon! It turns out that distance isn’t quite for me, but I hope to gear up for a half-marathon in the future. For now I’m signed up for a 10K in August… to motivate me to get back out on the streets… I’ve been away too long!
PS. Your legs in skinnies with boots look amazing! Long, lean, and powerful!
You look beautiful in these pics! I especially love how the scarf makes the entire outfit more special!
http://www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com
[...] as S. loved on her legs today for their form and function, I’m giving my arms a gold star for their function-turned-form. I [...]
Interesting mix of floral brocade and a nautical themed scarf! I like it.
I like to focus my attention on the function of my legs. Studying dance helped me to appreciate them in an active way that I have agency over as opposed to a passive “well, it’s genetic” sort of way. Legs are beautiful because of what they do. Now that my daughter just learned to walk, I have a new perspective on this body part.
You look gorgeous!
I have been really sick – nothing life threatening, just crippling nausea and vomiting throughout my pregnancies. So now I don’t care that my body isn’t some long-limbed aesthetic ideal – I’m so grateful to be able to do everything I want to do!
I love your mixture of colors and textures! And your legs look miles long!
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I have long tortured myself for having knees that slightly knock. I think yours do too? No longer do I torture myself! My legs are now my best feature… knees and all!