The writers of Her Campus Purchase know all too well how much time can be wasted loathing our physical appearance, rather than embracing the unique beauty we possess. In our new column, “Facing the Mirror,” we hope that by sharing our personal insecurities and the parts of us that we adore, our readers will be inspired to do the same. So take a look in the mirror, smile, and own the beauty you have.
Find a magic lamp, rub it, and when the genie pops out, ask him to change the one thing about your body you dislike the most.
Good job. Now your homework assignment is to take that part of you, and start to love it. Realize how you it makes you, and how you aren’t you without it. The reason you’re so you is because of this trait.
I’ll share mine with you. In the sixth grade, about nine years ago now, I reached both my permanent height and my permanent shoe size. At age 12, I was totally content with being just under 5’7”, but having size 11 feet was a serious issue for me.
But nowadays, my big feet are no big deal. In fact, I insist on having mirrors that will display my whole outfit, huge hoofs and all.
Think about it: when you go into the clearance section of Forever 21, what size shoes are always left over? That’s right, the 10s and 11s. Discount shoe stores always have the cutest shoes in my size for the cheapest prices, because that’s exactly what it is: my size. Tell me how many fashionistas you know with a size 11 foot. And my roommate can attest to the fact that I have some banging footwear, height and shoe size aside.
Tall fall boots draw attention to my outfit as a whole, bringing eyes away from feet. Rounded toes make my broad boats look less intimidating. (Yea, I’m a jokester, and in middle school, I reassured my friends by saying if the school ever flooded we could escape in my shoes.)
But despite the tricks of the trade I love my oversized feet. Guess how often I have to go track down my favorite heels ‘cause a friend borrowed them? That’s right: never. My shoes are all mine. I need them, they’re the only thing keeping my 5’7” self from falling over.
Tell that genie to hand over a million dollars. I’m keeping my feet. They’re my favorite part of me.