How’s that for a catchy title, hmm? It’s all G-rated I promise. 😉 This post is a little bit of a departure for me. I don’t often comment on fashion because I’m just not that girl. Don’t get me wrong, I love clothes, but they fall below crafting supplies and shoes on the list. 😉 But I just couldn’t resist getting involved when an old friend from high school brought up an issue I never even considered!

So this may sound weird coming from me since I am the palest girl on the block – no really, I’m transparent in spots. 😉 But when was the last time you took a look around Victoria’s Secret? Close your eyes and take a look around. What do you notice? Probably a lovely collection of bras in shades like blush, white, off-white, cream and nude. Nude for whom, exactly? Enter the event, “What’s Your Nude?”

I will totally admit that it never occurred to me that VS skewed toward a limited selection of skin tones until my good friend Tara brought it to my attention. (Granted, I rarely, if ever, shop at VS – mainly because I’m a big girl and they don’t carry my “size” if you catch my drift. But that’s a whole other post/event/cause and this is Tara’s moment in the sunshine – not mine.)

For girls and women of color they have one shade. Uh, what? Really? Well Tara’s out to change that – and I know that some of you out there might want to help her out. I took a moment during my blog break to virtually sit down with Tara and ask her some questions about her campaign for change.


What's Your Nude?

I’ve seen this picture *everywhere*, but can’t find the original source. I’d love to credit it if you know where I can find it. Thanks!

1. What inspired the “What’s Your Nude?” event?

I decided to enjoy some of the fruit of the Victoria’s Secret semiannual sale. I realized the “every day” bras I wanted were only in black, white, and “nude” and I wanted one in BROWN! They only had very few styles in brown but innumerable styles in “nude”. I got pissed. 

2. Why do you feel this issue is important for today? 


We are in 2012 and African American women are essentially disenfranchised when they shop for underwear! I know it is a little dramatic. Honestly, on a subconscious level, I take it to mean “This is the color of “nude” women. If this isn’t your “nude” you don’t count.” What about young girls getting training bras?! That is NUTS! 

3. I notice you’re specifically citing Victoria’s Secret – is there a reason for that? Do you hope that your message reaches more lingerie companies? 


No particular reason. They had a sale I wanted to take advantage of the sale prices! Description: http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/images/blank.gif I very much hope this reaches other companies. I have asked people to email their bra-specialist of choice! I mean TARGET doesn’t offer enough brown bras nor do many other companies that sell bras to the masses.

4. If you could speak with representatives for Victoria’s Secret directly, what would you say to them? 

Please offer brown in all varieties of bra you offer “nude,” “buff,” and “blush”

5. What can my readers do to help spread the word about your cause? 


Please email your bra-specialist requesting more variety and quantity of chocolate brown bras. Please join our facebook event “What’s Your Nude” (see link below) and/or tweet about this using #whatsyournude 

6. Where can they find more information about what you’re doing? 


I have posted the contact information for several lingerie companies and a sample of the brief email I sent.
If you’d like to contact Tara about her event or join the cause, you can find her here:
What’s Your Nude? – Facebook (And in case you’re curious, she’s already got over two hundred and fifty supporters – and companies are already responding!)

Tara is also up for spreading the word through bloggers. If you’re a blogger and you’d like to interview her or share her message, leave her a note on the event Wall and she’ll get back to you!

I really had an “Aha!” moment with this. One of the comments left on the event wall sums it up nicely – 

Ali says, “Just so everyone knows… it’s called nude because you can’t see the bra color when you wear a black or a white T-shirt, thus making you appear nude under the shirt”.

A little hard to hide if it isn’t your shade of nude, right? 

And while talking to Tara, she brought up what I think is the most important point. Getting your first bra is a huge deal for young girls. They only come in white. What a let down!

Let’s share her message – it’s 2012 for heaven’s sake!

Now seriously ladies, what’s your nude? Are you a pale girl like me? (I reflect light – no joke) Or are you a warmer skin tone? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave me a comment below.




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