I couldn’t think of a better retailer to celebrate International Women’s Day with than…

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Today marks International Women’s Day, and beyond all the important social and political meanings of the day are some of the more fanciful meanings. One thing I so enjoy about being a woman — especially an American woman — is being able to dress however I want. It means body positivity and each of us realizing our own brilliance. Since I was a child there have been so few examples of women who look me modeling clothing. Combined with the messages of the media this led me to eating disorders as a teen as I struggled to fit into the status quo idea of ‘attractive’ and ‘healthy,’ which as a teen I thought indicated being thin.

It’s taken me a long time to come to a fresh perspective on what healthy means, and what attractive signifies. I’m so impressed by my fellow Millennials and especially my fellow women who have turned the media’s very narrow definition of attractive on its head. How wonderful it is to be alive in a time when women of all skin tones, all heights, and all sizes can be considered beautiful. I’ve learned the existential meaning of beauty radiating from within, yet I’ve also come to appreciate many forms of outer beauty too.

That’s a very serious introduction to a slightly superficial post! Still, when I see retailers who are embracing the values that I myself hold dear it’s pleasing to me — it makes me more likely to shop there. Perhaps no store has gone further to hold true to the modern meanings of beauty and womanhood than American Eagle Outfitters. This erstwhile teen store is a favorite among my friends, many of whom are now Moms to teens or nearly teens themselves!

Without too much fanfare, three years ago AE and its lingerie brand, Aerie, began to embrace plus size models. While the term ‘plus size’ doesn’t feel right to me, I very much support the idea that while a 5’10” size 0 is one representation of a beautiful female shape, a 5’8″ size 12 is equally as beautiful and worthy of celebration. Sizes beyond a 12 are also equally worthy — unfortunately retail hasn’t quite caught on to that yet, but hopefully soon. I love that AE has become outspoken about loving ourselves and embracing what we perceive of as our flaws, in finding our own beauty and what makes each of us special and worthy of confidence and empowerment simply for being female, for being us.

I’m certainly not arguing that AE has it perfect. But as a store that caters to teens as its intended audience (and winkingly, to the 30 and 40-somethings accompanying them to the store too) I very much appreciate its efforts to send body-positive messaging.

And if none of that stuff matters to you, well then let’s get to the promotions! In honor of International Women’s Day, American Eagle is offering 25% off tops and accessories, today only. Additionally, bras and bralettes are $20 at Aerie, today only. And finally all jeans (and denim shorts) are buy 1, get 1 50% off.

I also have a special offer just for the community at the bottom of this post!

To help inspire you, I’ve got 20 casual outfits put together using my favorite American Eagle & Aerie items. Outfit #1 is above; below are 19 more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m very excited to be partnering with American Eagle this Spring to bring you lots of outfit ideas, some OOTDs and some inspiration too! This post is not a sponsored post but I do have a very special offer just for this community.

If you’ve never ordered from American Eagle before now’s your chance to do so at a discount! You can take 20% off your entire order via this referral link. The promos running today may turn out to be a better deal for you — but if you’re not ready to make that purchase today, stow that referral link somewhere safe for future use.

What are you loving at AE these days?