If you’re like me, the only reason you watch award shows is for the fashion. Who knows who won Best Actor? All I know is that, at the 2016 Oscars, Rooney Mara’s Givenchy dress looked divine.
With that in mind, today, I am giving you two tasks. First, compliment someone’s fashion. Maybe it’s your friend or a co-worker or just a stranger on the street. I promise you her face will light up, and you can say you officially made someone’s day. Second, show us your favorite outfit via social media and let the @OnTheDot community compliment you! It’s your time to shine, girlfriend.
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: The First
One woman who has rocking-good fashion taste is Mariah Idrissi. This model of Pakistani and Moroccan descent recently became the first model in an H&M ad to wear a hijab.
As a Muslim woman, Mariah says this feels like an achievement for all women who wear hijabs. And highlighting hijabs in mainstream advertising is a step in the right direction. Mariah shows off her stylish hijab collection on Instagram. From neon pink to a neutral ombré, her chic assortment is proof that staying true to yourself is the most beautiful fashion statement of all.
WOMAN TO WATCH: Gabourey Sidibe, Oscar-nominated Actress and Plus-size Model
You probably know today’s Woman to Watch from the powerful role she played in the film Precious, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. That’s right, it’s Gabourey Sidibe.
Gabby has been a busy lady since 2009, when we all fell in love with her in Precious. You may have seen her in American Horror Story, Empire, Tower Heist, The Big C or any number of other TV shows or films. Gabby has even written a memoir, set to be published in 2017, and is getting her feet wet on the other side of the screen with her first directorial debut, a short film called A Tale of Four Women.
Most recently, Gabby became one of the lovely ladies gracing a powerful Lane Bryant ad, a commercial that has elicited emotional, honest and proud feedback on social media. Through the use of the hashtag #ThisBody, the women’s clothing retailer hopes to end body shaming for good.
In the ad, Gabby reads actual hurtful comments posted online about plus-size models, and confidently replies with a refreshing attitude of defiance, self-acceptance and empowerment. She believes she can do whatever she wants in life, and nothing—not her size, and certainly not vindictive online comments—will keep her from accomplishing her dreams.
Despite her strong demeanor, Gabby admits she is periodically plagued by fear and uncertainty. But she relies on her feisty confidence to get her through even the most difficult of life’s situations, and we’d say it’s working out pretty dang well for her.
Let’s rally behind Gabby and take the advice she boldly suggests in the Lane Bryant ad. While sassily wiggling her finger in the air, Gabby expresses a wonderful sentiment that’s the perfect motto for every woman: “Slay all day.”
QUITE THE QUOTE
Gabourey Sidibe doesn’t take any flak from anyone, and her no-nonsense approach to life is inspiring. With Gabby in mind, I’ll leave you today with this quote by British-Afghan author and scholar Mohadesa Najumi. She said:
“The woman who does not require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet.”
This is Melinda Garvey signing off until next time. Remember, ladies, empowered women empower other women. Share On the Dot so more women can have a voice. Thanks for getting ready with us.
To learn more about our conversation, check us out at OnTheDotWoman.com and talk to us @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter and Instagram. We’d love to hear your voice.