What are your best features?
I was buying coffee the other day and this gorgeous little creature behind the counter was staring at me. Not right into my eyes but just above my eyes. I looked at her and smiled awkwardly and she said ‘Sorry! It’s just that you have the most perfect eyebrows I’ve ever seen. God, I would KILL for your eyebrows!’. I was terribly pleased by this compliment and shamelessly ran to the nearest bathroom to check them out. She was quite right. I do have exceptional eyebrows. Despite the fact that they seriously need a pluck, they are perfectly shaped with a delicate curve that mimics the lines of my eyes. They are not too bushy and not to fine - The Goldilocks of eyebrows. When she handed me this compliment I snuck a peak at her eyebrows for comparison. To be honest, they were pretty dismal. They were thin, pale, over plucked, half drawn on and were trying, but failing miserably, to hide beneath a long fringe. They were obviously giving this poor girl a lot of grief.
I would like to point out though, before the eyebrow incident I was checking out her teeny tiny bum in her teeny tiny jeans and lamenting that no matter how skinny I am my bum will NEVER be that small. And I didn’t even notice her scabby eyebrows because I was too busy checking out her straight white teeth and swishy black hair. This gorgeous girl was letting her eyebrow anxiety shadow the fact that she is a freaking knock out.
This got me thinking… Most women are uncomfortable with their bodies in some way right? Big thighs, small boobs, jiggly belly, tuck-shop lady arms, super fine hair, stumpy fingers etc… For me it’s not anything in particular it’s just being a ‘big’ girl. I’m not saying I’m fat. I’m just tall and well built and a fairly healthy size 12. I’m actually quite average in size but for some reason the bane of my existence is the fact that I’m not built like a ballet dancer. My little chat with the coffee making beauty (who IS built like a ballet dancer) made me realise that women of all shapes and sizes have issues with their appearance. Just because she is a size 6 doesn’t make her self loathing any less valid. EVERYBODY has some kind of beef with their body and we are all equal in our quest for physical perfection.
So on that note ladies I think we should all list our amazing features and acknowledge them instead of chucking tanties about stupid things that other people don’t even notice unless you point them out. I want you to list three things that people have complimented you on. Now I want you to think about these three features the next time you get dressed and think about playing them up. None of this ‘My thighs look like cottage cheese’ crap. If you have long slender fingers I want to see manicures and cocktail rings. If you have caramel skin I want to see you moisturised and glowing in strapless tops. If you have long, long legs I want you strutting your sexy butt in some killer heels.
To kick start the list of love here’s mine…
* My hair - I’m thinking more accessories and more volume. I honestly don’t believe that one’s hair can ever be too big.
* My eyebrows/eyes - I’m thinking smoky navy eyeliner everyday. It’s going to be my new trademark.
* My posture - I stand very tall so I try to wear flats so I seem less of a giant but I’m going to wear high heels more often and not apologise for my height. I’ll just be a massive and spectacular amazon!
Tell me, what are your killer features? The ones that make you smile when you look in the mirror? The ones that make people stare at you in the street? Don’t be shy! Tell me your killer features and what you’re going to do to make them smokin’!
Love Lady Smaggle
xxx
Heya. I love random compliments they really make your day hey. It’s hard thinking about what I like about my body but I would say I’m happy with my small waist and I like my eyes and hands. I used to get compliments for my eyebrows when I coloured my hair black and then pencilled in my eyebrows with a black eyebrow pencil, they were perfect, but now I’m back to blonde and my eyebrows look too dark if I colour them in so they are just oh natural and I no longer get compliments. OH well.
You do have killer eyebrows…I’d even go so far to say that they’re Elizabeth Taylor-esque.
As for me, I’m an over confident fire sign so I’d say;
My eyes, teeth (despite the smoking and booze stains) and my height to weight ratio - which is tall and skinny.
What an awesome question!! I have naturally blonde hair - it’s my main identifying feature. If I wear a hat people don’t recognise me (I very rarely wear a hat because I’m vain about my hair!). I have nicely shaped brows, too, and I have a narrow ribcage/waist/hips. I have other stuff I like, too, but those are the ones people mention.
Christ that pic made me gasp in fear when the page loaded!
What a good post. For the bazilionth time, I love your hair, and I agree – hair can never be too big.
Um, my good points… can I get back to you on that?!
Hahah, I love the picture too.
I’ve had compliments on my hair, thighs and arse. Although I personally like my eyes, cheekbones and boobs
And I do love your hair Smaggle, so I’m glad you love it too - big hair always! I also think you have the perfect bone structure and body shape
Sorry – technical mishap!
I like wearing my hair big and pinned up with flowers and what not, I like my long neck, and I like my cheekbones!
aww lady smaggle you always know how to cheer a lady up. i too often wish i was built like a dancer. then, the other day and good (and very handsome) gentlemen friend said with horror “why are you vegan? you’ll loose lots of weight and wont be nearly as gorgeous” with no prompting. i was positively glowing - so here goes
1) my arse. it’s in proportion and even when everything else feel flabby and gross my arse in all it’s round glory never has a bad day. my boyfriend loves it too. lots of pencil skirts for me
2) hair - i always get “you’re hair is so nice and shiny and thick and curly but also straight - you can do anything with it and you wont go bald when you get older”. I like dying it black and giving myself a severe fringe. home haircuts are the best, too.
3) forearms - a friend said she loved how i had very slender delicate forearms but a curvy feminine frame - she was jealous of my womanly ways. I always wear 3/4 tops because of it.
lady smaggle you are stunning and one of my favourite bloggers to both look at and read. keep up the good work.
I love your awesome hair too - long live super volume! I have a love/hate relationship with my hair, but it is by far my most complimented feature.
My things I genuinely love are a bit funny:
1. My ears are small and perfectly formed and hug my head in a most excellent fashion,
2. My eyebrows aren’t symmetrical but I love their scary lady pointed arches, and the fact that I can raise one at a time with expert precision to signify all kinds of evil intent.
3. I have a great smile - I don’t really show it in photos on my blog because it makes me look like a goofball. I think I might have to post some smiles though now!
Pre child-feeding I can honestly say I had the best rack in the world - high and firm and the perfect size. I enjoyed them wholeheartedly in the knowledge that they weren’t going to last forever, and I’m glad I did or I’d be miserable now they’re gone!
You have really beautiful eyes lady S, and you’re a fantastic cook! That Sunflower seed slice!!! OMG!
I get the most compliaments on my arse, and oddly enough my voice. I think I sound like Fran Dresher- maybe that’s sexy to some people?
before in my teens i would have said my jlo ass is my worst feature and always wore long tops and wide leg jeans, but now i’d say it was my best and have no fear of wearing super tight dresses haha.
can we see a pic of these amazing eyebrows?? i must admit i forget about mine and would love some tips- how do you take care of them??
last year i was thinking i wish i could change xxx part of me, but then thought how the rest would be the same and that’s only one part, so why not make the absolute best of everything else!
Oh dear gawd - that woman at the top of your post!
!!
OK - list of love:
My pale, pale skin (which I have had issues with as the tiniest blemish looks like a whopping big bunion) and it’s lack of wrinkles due to sun avoidance, water swigging and pleasant plumpness (avoiding the scrawny neck). Whoever said face or figure as you get older was right
My eyes. Which are different colours. Not in a Marilyn Manson kind of way - more of a clear blue one/green with hazel flecks one.
My hair - which is fine and I dye the living crap out of. Currently bright pink - love it so much I painted my motorcycle to match
I DO think attitude is all - thank you for encouraging a love-fest!
That’s so sweet! I love it when people just say outright things that they are thinking and compliments like that–I’m usually too shy to compliment a stranger!
Hm…I love my long fingers, my legs (which are long for a short girl) and my eyes…I’m think I should get contacts so that my baby blues shine more.
I love my naturally red, curly hair. I now also love my legs, I used to think my calves were too big when I was younger, but I realized I love them because they are strong from gymnastics and running. I also love that I have freckles but still get tan. I also LOVE my weird shaped nose.
I love:
My eyes. They’re bright blue, and rather huge. I get loads of complements on them.
My curves. I’m slim, but I have a great bustline, a tiny waist, and nice full hips.
My uber-pale skin. I never go out in the sun. And I have naturally pink cheeks and lips, so I don’t look too pasty.
I love your hair, too!
Hmmmh… I like my hair and I like my eyes/my face!
I think this was an excellent reminder that we need to compliment people more often. On the days when I can barely get myself dressed and out of the house due to fascist beauty stardards, a stranger’s compliment can really turn things around. I get comments on my lips quite often,which is great because I hated them when I was younger. They were the same size when I was a toddler and it looked pretty ridiculous, but I do like them now. So, more lipstick!!
Also, I like my small calves and I have a pretty small waist. So, more belts, too! Thanks for today’s post; it’s nice to have a reason to compliment yourself.
Dear Lady Smaggle, I am delurking to say that from the pictures on your site it’s clear that you work everything you’ve got to great effect. I doubt I would have honed in your eyebrows, I would probably have had to say your ebullient attitude is much more noticeable and charming!
Random compliments are great, and in the spirit of “do unto others…” I hand them out whenever they seem justified.
I get them for:
1. Outfits. I live in a very casual town and work in a casual but unstylish workplace, and am usually fairly dressed up, so that attracts some remarks.
2. Hair. Usually because of some pieces of wacky colour (e.g. in February it had turquoise bits in, right now it has neon red pieces). But I think you have to be willing to put in the maintenance, because faded hair colour can look very sad.
3. Eyelashes, but only when I’m wearing extravagant false ones.
So these are the three things I plan to just do even more of.
I like my smile. I also like the photo you chose to illustrate this post. Brilliant.
Hurrah! Way to force us to remember how gorgeous we all are. We ladiez focus so much energy on loathing our least favorite traits, that we sometimes forget about the fabulous features we also possess.
1. I, too, am blessed with great hair. Gobs of it. Naturally wavy, thick, and full of volume. And I should wear it down more often. Definitely.
2. I have a pretty small waist that is easy to emphasize with retro silhouettes, corset belts, and the like.
3. I’ve got delicate ankles and wrists that help me appear diminutive even when I FEEL like a waterbuffalo. Oops, did I sneak that in there?
You are totally right. I always fixate on the things I don’t like about my body (and there are many), instead of on the good qualities I have!
I’ve been told that I have “incredible” eyes, and I already try to play them up as much as possible with mascara, but I plan to start wearing eyeliner more often.
My body shape-it’s the coveted “hourglass,” which I hate because I have big hips, but apparently it’s very attractive? Perhaps I should start wearing belts around my waist or something to make it more noticeable.
My smile. It’s huge. And almost always on my face. Maybe I could start an at-home whitening system and actually stick to it, or pick out a lipgloss that really highlights it.
Now I feel like going and buying new makeup. Thanks, Lady Smaggle!
Ah, the crazy cat-face lady - always good for a laugh.
My best features - boobs, boobs, and boobs (not that I have three of them, they’re just that good). I tend to get a few compliments on my hands and nails as well.
OH Lady Smaggle you are truly fantastic. I randomly complimented a friend recently and she was so shocked but appreciated it so much, i honestly meant it and it felt good!
For me I love my:
Hour glass figure
My big hair (hair is NEVER too big
My hands (long delicate fingers) I should really get a manicure to play it up.
aw lovely! I’m a big one for eyebrows and you do have good ones.
I quite like mine even though they are enormous. Starting waxing the straggly bits a few years ago was the best thing I ever did because now they are groomed to maximum Lauren Bacall massive brow perfection.
I also like my hair, my lips, and I’m quite partial to my back.
you do have awesome eyebrows! My feature would prob be my skin.
i love this post.
a (very happily married) male friend recently said to me (in response to me saying “oh, i couldn’t wear [insert fabulous thing here] because unlike your wife i actually *have* an arse”):
“yes, but Fifi you have AWESOME breasts”. His wife nodded in sage agreement.
Somehow this is the best compliment, while lewd guy on the street slurring “nice tits” is so hard to take as genuine…
anyway, I’ve recently invested in new bras which make my boobs look even more AWESOME, and I’m wearing them all the time.
Also, I like having green eyes.
Can I play too??
I have good teeth, and a nice waist. And people also tell me that I am very smiley. And it’s so much fun to point out your good features, and not focus on the bad ones…
Oh Lady Smaggle, you are such a kind and positive girl. I like how you try to make other women feel good about themselves.
You always look fantastic and I love seeing what wacky yet stylin outfits you have put together. I must ask - how tall are you? For some reason you don’t “read” as tall in your pictures.
The features that attract compliments from others:
(1) Hair - naturally curly, fake red. I have been dying it since I was about 15, so most people think it’s naturally that colour! I slather it in leave-in conditioner.
(2) Lips - quite big. I have been very committed to lipstick since my year 12 formal date (who I’m pretty sure must later have turned gay) told me that I had fantastic lips and should always wear lipstick.
(3) Skin - bordering on radiant, post-makeup application.
My husband says “your hair [this is emphasised, so I really can’t stop dying it], your epidermis and your boobies”.
Hailey - I would KILL for a small waist! I’m straight up and down like a ruler!
Imelda Matt - Oh I do love that comparison! And tall and slim is my favourite. Mr Smaggle is a long, lean man and he totally pushes my buttons!
Nadist - Oh! I have a MASSIVE ribcage. You’re so lucky. And I love blonde hair…
Marianne - Ah thank you!
Ivy - Your cheekbones ARE gorgeous! Although I’ve never seen your arse and thighs. Perfect bone structure and body shape??? You totally made my day!
Marianne - A long neck is a good one. Very versatile gift to have!
Emma - Oh thank you! That was totally the point of the article was to make people feel wonderful about themselves. It’s lovely when people say things like that isn’t it? Mr Smaggle LOVES my tummy and I hate it but he can’t keep his hands off it. He obviously sees something that I don’t! And thanks for reading! I love it when people comment!
Skye - Ah that’s awesome! I’m sure they aren’t too shabby now. And I love that you love your ears. That’s precious!
Grant - Oh I’m so glad you liked it! And you do have lovely voice. It’s not Fran Drescher at all it’s more Ed Norton???
Selina - Your arse is awesome! So is your tiny waist and hair! I’ll do a post on eye brows soon! Mine need some maintenance before I can show anyone.
E - Tis my pleasure love! And how cool that you have different coloured eyes! Very special.
The Clothes Horse - Oh me too! I should do it more often because people just love it.
Christine - That’s awesome. I love it when people find beauty in their bodies that didn’t see before
Amanda - Long live the pale gals!
Nadine - I love your face too!
Cleo - It’s funny that we need reminding to do it hey?
Serpentine - Oh thank you! What a lovely thing to say! And thank you very much for de-lurking. It’s lovely to meet you!
WendyB - You do have a great smile and I love that you always wear lipstick. The photo is pretty scary.
Sal - Totally. We need to focus way less on the negative things and embrace our positive things!
Nicole - Any excuse to get a lady whipping out her wallet!
Emma - I would love to have beautiful hands! I’m all stumpy midget hands over here. Boobs would be nice too.
SHOWA59 - It’s all about the big hair baby!
Na - I would agree on lips but I haven’t seen much your back… perhaps a few more backless outfits to show it off?
Hailey - I have to pluck them now! Everyone wants to see them close up!
Fifi - Ohhhhh! Who said that?
Kerrin - You can totally play! You are totally smiley and you DO have a lovely waist!
Gervy - Aw thanks! Stereotypes just bore the crap out of me and sometimes I think women just don’t get how gorgeous they are! I didn’t know you were a fake red head! It looks so natural! I’m 5′8 or around 177cm. I’m not actually that much of a giant but I always big and clunky all the time.
1. Boobs. I would not change one thing about my chest. Nuff said.
2. Hair. I have bad hair days like anyone, but it does draw a lot of compliments.
3. Eyes. I’m happy with their size, color (green/gray), and deep-set quality.
4. Teeth/smile. I was born with rather straight teeth (well, not born with them, but you know what I mean), and I use whitener to keep them presentable. I have one front tooth that has begun to kink out slightly in the past few years, and I love it. I love having a tooth that’s just a little crooked.
Hm, people usually compliment similar things on me to what they say about you, especially my eyes/eyebrows (I have long eyelashes, which are naturally pale but usually seen with with lots of mascara and eyebrows which I don’t even really do anything to because I’m scared that I’ll mess them up) and hair (red and fairly volumnious, though not so much compared to yours!). People also tend comment on my hips, which are pretty narrow, which apparently is good but I think it tends to be quite awkward looking most of the time.
I have had to de-lurk for this one! What a fabulous post, which should be required reading for every pre-teen girl. I’ve been reading for a couple of months now, you certainly brighten my morning tea break. My most favourite features:
1. My eyes. As a kid I hated my “big brown cow eyes”, but as a grown up I get told that they are just like Audrey Hepburn’s peepers (woo!)
2. My long neck. I used to be called Giraffe-Neck. Now I get called elegant.
3. My height. Again with the ‘used to hate it and was teased at school’. I always get told how lucky I am to be tall and must say that I agree!
It’s funny that things people tease you about as a kid tend to turn into fabulous features that you love. My best friend was teased for being tall and skinny and blonde as a kid (we were the tallest kids in primary school). Needless to say she is now a 6″1′ glamazon that even dwarfs me!
personally one of my best features are my eyes, they are big and a fairly deep brown and the first and maybe only thing you would notice about my face. you can see most of my eyelids even when my eyes are open, and wearing makeup on my eyes can often make me look zombie like or ridiculous. any suggestions?
Love the comments:)) I love my big afro hair! I don´t straighten it with chemicals or blow drier. I always stand out in a crowd when I let it free:)) I love my figure, love my nails, and the fact that even if I´m 40 yrs old, I look much younger, or so I´m told:)) I simply love my chocolate brown colour!!
Hurray for BIG HAIR!!
Hey…I forgot to add that I love my smile! I have the whitest teeth and they look even more white against my dark skin…..Did I mention my bum? Oh yeah, Love that one as well…..