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Saturday, March 8, 2008

Victoria, your secret is showing..

I just spent the morning reading a message board on whether or not Victoria's Secret is too sexy. Since this subject hits close to home, naturally I read every single comment.

I'm actually happy to see how many women seem to have the same feelings as I do. With the exception of a few men (naturally) almost everyone was objectionable about one aspect of Victoria's Secret or another.

This was very encouraging. I really hope that the comments I was reading somehow make its way to the powers that be at VS headquarters. If they actually listened to what the average consumer was saying, I bet it would do a lot for their image. Not to mention open up the consumer base to a large demographic of women who fit into the average category not "model/teen" category.

Like I said most of the commenter's were women. A lot of them complained of poor quality and high prices. Something I wouldn't know too much about since I am unable to purchase anything in their stores that actually fit. However this is very important. It just goes to show that VS is spending most of their money on sexy models and advertising, and not focusing on what counts, like the quality of their products, which according to the consumers fall apart easily after one or two wearings.

The other hot button issue was the sex factor. When is "sexy" too sexy?

Many people had complaints about the advertising. From commercials and catalogs that border on soft porn, to complaints about the "raunchy" store window displays with scantily clad women in compromising positions. Displays that are at the front of the store in plain view. That adults were embarrassed to look at, not mention how they felt about their children seeing these peep shows.

Many women also pointed out that the advertising is geared towards men. This I cannot agree with more. Like I said before the catalogs, commercials, and "fashion" shows, border on soft porn. Astonishingly, this stuff is shown on national television. Mothers especially were bothered by this as children and teens are frequently exposed.

The main problem with VS advertising is that it's obviously geared towards men not women. The men drool over and get excited by the models, while the women end up being embarrassed and uncomfortable.

Plain and simple Victoria's Secret needs to target women. They are the ones spending the most money in the stores. Men occasionally shop there for special occasions, but overall it's the women who fills the coffers.

How does using a underweight model in skimpy underwear make the average woman want to buy VS products?

On the contrary, the way I see it, and this is true for some of the commenter's as well, women are put off by the ads with skimpy sex kittens posing sexily. It makes them feel inadequate and inferior. I know I do. Right away it makes me feel like I don't have a chance at getting into their clothes because I don't have a body like that.

And you know what? It's true. Walk into a VS store and try to find a size that fits a "plus sized" woman correctly. And by plus size I mean something over a size 6, because according to VS if you are over that you are fat.

Now on the off chance you do find something in your size, chances are it doesn't fit properly. I have this issue with bras and lingerie there. I am well endowed, and the bras at VS do not come in my size.

I shouldn't say that, sometimes I find one or two specimens that have my size printed on it, (usually they are the plainest looking granny bras you can find. Not the cute girly ones that come in the A-C sizes). Unfortunately these bras are nowhere near big enough, nor strong enough to support the twins.

Why are bigger women made to feel inferior and ugly? If I have bigger boobs then why aren't my bras as cute as the ones for smaller breasted women? Why are they plain and ugly? Why are the larger sizes mostly only sold online? Which is really stupid considering that people that need larger sizes, really really need to try the product on before they buy it.

The message VS (and other stores as well) is sending, is that bigger is uglier and we don't carry your size because it isn't sexy.

Which I find a little odd considering when it comes to breasts at least, bigger is supposedly better (according to the media that is). Or does that only apply to fake breasts?

What I'm trying to say, is that retailers in general cater to the ideal that women need to be small and skinny in order to be beautiful, sexy, and attractive to your man.

Again, is it any wonder women turn to plastic surgery and eating disorders?

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