Portraits of Power: Kathrine Switzer

Hi Friend, after watching my sister, Neda run a 5 mile race on Saturday, I was so inspired. She told me about the first woman who ran the marathon in Boston, and how she was pushed out of the race at some point by a man, just because she was a woman. Women were not allowed in the marathon races.

I wanted to know more, her name is Kathrine Switzer, and you can see her being pushed, above. Her friends saved her from that man, and kept her safe for the rest of the race.
In an interview she said that at that point, with all the cameras and reporters focused on her, she realized, she had to finish the race at any cost, or "the men" would make her the example of why women should not be allowed to run.

And she did, she finished the race and her uterus did not fall out!!! it took another 5 years (1973) before woman were allowed to participate in the marathon, but if it was not for Kathrine's fearlessness, it could have been much later. Women struggle with their place in the society to this day, from wage inequality to making decisions about their own bodies. However, just like Kathrine (here comes my pinterest quote) we can change those rules one strid at a time, if only we put fear aside.

Also see her being interviewed for a new series called Makers due to air in 2013, about woman who empower America.

How to Dress Like a French Woman

I was reading A Cup of Jo yesterday, when I came across this Q&A on how to dress like a French woman, lets face it we all find French women so sophisticated and confident. They layer dark solid colors with touches of bright colors here and there. They accessorise and put their outfits together such that you would think they all have a fashion designer hidden in their closets. One thing I have found out is that they buy one of a kind, good quality pieces and take very good care of them (example, don't put pieces you love in the dryer every week, hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry), then they have the piece for a very long time. But most importantly, having confidence in who you are  and your body is KEY in looking beautiful and sophisticated!
I recommend you read the Q&A on A Cup of Jo or Garance Dore it is a fun read, here is an excerpt:

"Here in New York, people wear lots of patterns and prints. But it seems like French women wear mostly solid colors, is that true?
Yeah. That’s right. The French wear mostly black, but we’re known to mix it up a bit. Like for special occasions, we’ll even wear grey. Ha! But overall, Joanna, the mystery behind the French woman is that she has confidence in herself, despite all the nonsense she says."

Illustration via Garance Dore