Since her recent death, I've been thinking a lot about Bettie Page. Having just finished a book about the model, I wanted to blog about what I think attracts women to Bettie.
Of course, she had all the usual things that people admire: a nice body, pretty face, an innate understanding of how to present herself in the best way... But what makes her appeal to other women? Why do those of us who love vintage LOVE Bettie Page so damn much?
For me, at least, I think it's because she had her own style, her own unique look. No one else looked like her. And while everyone can admit she was a knockout, closer inspection shows us she wasn't perfect. She had a tendency to plumpness and asymmetrical eyes. If not for the cover of the bangs, her forehead would have looked out of proportion to the rest of her face. Despite these things, she was gorgeous.
She established her own look. What helped was the hairstyle. She really lucked into that one. No one else had that hairstyle. Now, every vintage or retro girl has had THAT hairstyle at one time or another.
I think the key is to finding not only the best hairstyle for your features, but the best hair practices. For instance, finding the best shampoo for your hair type or making sure to deep condition once a week. Find the most flattering hairstyle for you and coddle it. Wear it and make it your own. Let the style and the color establish you as someone well-groomed, polished, and glamorous.
Next was her body. Bettie was curvy and fit during her modeling days, but she always battled with her weight. Before she ever began modeling, after a falling out with her first husband, Bettie weighed nearly 180 pounds because of junk food. But did she let that conquer her? No. She replaced the ice cream with veggies and began working out. During the zenith of her modeling career she weighed 118 pounds. Imagine! A model considered by many to be the epitome of beauty and glamour didn't have a lightning fast metabolism. She had to work to stay so fit. I find this very encouraging! She took her body and health into her own hands.
Take care of yourself. Be mindful of everything you put in your mouth. You can still have a treat when you want, just don't go crazy. Work out at least four or five days a week. If you don't do cardio, lift weights or do a leg work out. Any effort is a step toward looking like a goddess.
Bettie looked after her mind the best she could. She was educated and even tried her hand at teaching. She loved to read mystery and fantasy stories. After her modeling career was over, Bettie went to a bible university. She did all of this because she wanted to better herself, to find a higher purpose.
Pursue the things that interest you. Read, draw, play music, take up some sort of study, have a goal for yourself. There is nothing intriguing about a beautiful person with an empty head and no story to tell.
I titled this blog "Be a Bettie," but it's really about being yourself. Corny as that sounds, you may find that there is great satisfaction in honing your own beauty, body, and mind in a way all your own. It's nice to admire other people, but you can only do so much of that before you start pursuing your own accomplishment!
