Tall Role Models

…if only!!

Firstly apologies to all those tall girls who thought all their Christmases had come at once reading that title. If I were Prime Minister, it’d be the first law I’d pass.

Now, I know I’m not the only tall woman to think there is a problem… What’s the deal with you half-grown, fairy-sized women taking all the big boys??   Why do you see so many tall men (I’m classifying this as 6ft3 and over for my purposes) dating short women?

Today I saw the latest pictures of Christina Ricci with her comedian fiance, Owen Benjamin, who, at 6ft6, saying he towers over her is a tad of an understatement.  Obviously, they are madly in love and well done them for finding each other in this cynical, transient world. However, it does also leave me furiously wracking my brains wondering why so often the phenomenon of massive–him/mini-her.

If you see almost any picture of a US NBA star with their wife (such as Kevin Garnett or Kobe Bryant, pictured here), they always seem to tower metres above.  Even our English rugby stars are the same – just take a look at Simon Shaw!

Kevin Garnett & Wife

As a tall woman you notice the same everyday in the street. Why is this? What is it that makes many very tall men date women so much shorter than themselves?  Aidan and Carrie – yes, it may be TV fiction but it’s everyday reality for us amazonian girls.

Kobe Bryant & Wife

Do petite women somehow make men feel more masculine?

Is is that us tall girls emasculate men? Or Intimidate them? If you’re a tall woman you will be told on an almost daily basis that you are ‘scary’ or ‘intimidating’ by some (usually male) stranger.  Quite why people feel this way, and also feel bold enough to tell me, confounds me.  Surely a very tall man is not intimidated by a tall woman? It’s not as though we are taller than them! (Generally!)

Well,  if this is the reason then you tall girls have to be thankful that you are not stuck with these way too metro-sexual, insecure boys. Quite frankly, any man who feels less masculine in my presence can remove himself from the vicinity and take some therapy.  I like my men to be secure in their themselves and their masculinity.

Maybe it’s simply that smaller women are easier to throw around the bedroom?

At 6ft2, I admit that there are not many men who have managed to throw me around the room in a moment of passion (some, but not many ) and considering I have often dated professional sportsmen, that’s saying something. However,  one of my male friends (6ft3) is adamant that tall men and very short women do not, ergonomically.. er… work either.

Is it some kind of subconcious, genetic correction in the mind of these short women that makes them pursue tall men?

Perhaps some short women, either conciously or subconciously, actively seek out and pursue these hero-sized men in a basic biological attempt to ‘improve’ their offspring ? (What man really resists when it comes to a woman being single-minded enough to get them?) With tall people being perceived as more successful, intelligent and earning more than their shorter colleagues, wouldn’t you want to increase your children’s potential by ..er.. marrying up?

On this point, I think a strong factor could be the determination of many a shorter-than-average woman. Many girls I meet who are more ‘shortie’ than ‘supermodel’ in their proportions are polished in the skills used to get what they want in many areas of life. Therefore maybe they are just using their feminine whiles to get those big boys.

Or could it be that tall women draw attention away from tall men?

Personally, this would be the reason I probably agree with most. Think about it. If you’re a very tall man or woman, then everywhere you go you attract attention. People are drawn to look at you. Now, if you have a very tall man and very tall woman together, I reckon the very tall woman would gain more attention since it is further from the ‘norm’.  Therefore, if a tall man dates a tall woman, he has to relinquish some of the attention that he is used to getting.

Whatever the reason, I wish some politician would pass a law stopping these altitudious, alpha men being snapped up by all those diminutive divas. Otherwise I’m going to have to admit defeat, marry a short man and have wedding photo’s that will look just plain ridiculous!

What is it with the Apprentice? It’s like a caricature of women in business – either they are are more aggressive than a Rottweiler with PMT or they are so over-emotional they’d give Gwyneth Paltrow a run for her money doing an Oscar’s acceptance speech.

Everytime a new series turns up, it seems the women follow some kind of un-written script and immediately slot into one of these stereotypes. Once they have done that, you have to cringe through the first few tasks where they then begin arguing, b*tching and incompetently muddling their way through. Ultimately loosing the battle of  Men ‘V’ Women. Don’t get the wrong idea, I’m not obssessed with winning said battle but if we do loose, I want to loose for the right reasons.

My worry is that those who believe everything their TV tells them might believe that this is actually a true representation of women in business and that just isn’t true! Women have incredible strengths, tolence and a huge range of  talents. However as a young woman in business,  it can sometimes be extremely difficult and that is without some of your colleagues making some crack about you being cold-hearted, ruthless and ineffective. Of course, on top of this you then add the fact that I’m not only a young woman but that I’m very tall as well and that has people immediately making assumptions and shoving me into a box that not only doesn’t fit but that I can’t seem to ever escape.

So, being seen as professional woman was already sometimes challenging and then, as if she is the poster child of my worst nightmare, along came 6ft tall Debra Barr.  She is very quickly proving to be the sterotype incarnate of exactly what everyone expected and for me, the epitome of everything I abhor about the worst of women in business. It’s almost like she feels that she must ‘act like a man’ (as she must see it) and overly develop traits often more associated with a city trading shark. Throughout this series, she has shown little talent for anything other than an aggression and shown herself to be a cold person who domineers, bitches and lies her way through tasks.

Any tall woman will tell you that she is endlessly tagged as aggressive, dominant and scary – and that’s just from walking into the room yet alone when you open your mouth and prove to have a both a mind and an opinion. Many people seem to find extreme height in women a truly intimidating force and men in particular seem to find it threatening.  Now, combine that pre-conception with the traits that Debra has shown in Series  5 and you have a walking, talking thorn-in-the-side every tall woman out there, and most definitely those in business.  There is no finesse, no kindness, no sublety,no yield, no grace…

Consider some of the most successful women in business, Anya Hindmarch, Sahar Hashemi, Kelly Hoppen or Linda (LK) Bennett and none of them seem to have anything in common with women like Debra. Whereas I am not disputing that businesswomen do need to possess a tenacious, determined nature and that there are times when the stereotypically more ‘male’ traits, such as aggression and ruthlessness,  are indeed required, I think it gives the wrong message to young women today as to how they should be in business to succeed.

What people are saying about Debra:

Paula (Fired in Episode 4): “”The thing with Debs is which is why I do respect her and I do kind of like her is she absolutely doesn’t give a t**s”.
(Hmm I’m don’t usually find that an endearing or likeable trait!)

The Guardian: Debra would be the offspring of series two finalists Michelle Dewberry and Ruth Badger, should their genes ever be spliced

Even more than usual this week, Aidy Chiles’ follow-up - The Apprentice - You’re fired – was far better than the programme itself. The likeable, articulate, quietly amusing Paula came out with one of the best comments of the show so far – asked if the endlessly self-grooming, self-adoring Debra Barr was tall, Paula demurely but devastatingly replied ‘oh yes, she’s about 6 foot….. 7 with her mouth open.’ Just so

Daily Star: Apprentice b*tch Debra Barr is in pieces at being dubbed ‘Jigsaw’ after the demonic doll in horror flick Saw. Show hopefuls reckon her pale, moon-shaped face and chiselled features make her a dead ringer for the film’s monster.

Star of US hit Gossip Girls, Blake Lively, was recently quoted in an interview for Allure Magazine saying that she finds having a large frame (Er.. Sorry, I wasn’t aware a size 4 qualified as ‘Large’) often makes her feel masculine and like a transexual:

“I feel like a tranny a lot of the time. I don’t know, I’m … large? They put me in six-inch heels, and I tower over every man. I’ve got this long hair and lots of clothes and makeup on. I just feel really big a lot of the time, and I’m surrounded by a lot of tiny people. I feel like a man sometimes.”

Seriously Blake, sweetheart, get over yourself and stop looking for both sympathy and PR. You’re only 5ft10, you’re as thin as a catwalk model and you’ve had a whopping boob job. If I were you, I’d take some of that hard-earned cash and get yourself a good therapist.

As far as the Amazona team’s concerned, you’re no role model for young women today if you even think that, let alone say it in an interview.

As a fully functioning, reasonably confident adult woman, I’ve never really wanted to be anyone else (although I do LOVE Kimora Lee Simmons). Until now - Damn that Michelle Obama and her arms!

Here at Amazona we’re blogged several times about how she is a great role model for tall women all over the world, but it’s only just occurred to me that she’s got it all - literally, the whole package. Not only is she an exceedingly capable and successful professional in her own right, but she partnered her husband to achieve what seemed like the impossible dream to become the first black American President. And that lot is just for starters…

She’s tall, graceful, elegant and powerful. Happily married with two delightful daughters. When it comes to fashion (because, lets be honest, most of the press do love to reduce the First Lady to nothing more than a fashion update), she seems to have great taste. However, at the same time I feel that she understands the relevance of clothes in the bigger picture - it really is just a shift dress at the end of the day. Her husband’s policies and ideas are the important matters.

I almost did it, I tried not to discuss the arms but I can’t resist. How much would you pay to get those toned arms!!? I’d gladly sacrifice a month’s salary. This woman really does have it all.

In short, she’s tall, strong and got it ALL going on! Barack is a lucky man.

Everyone loves Oprah. How can you not? She is such a strong, independent and positive force.  Everyone now and then I check out her website. Today I found this article on tall women and their top tips on shopping and dressing their tall frames. Each woman has a very different style to the others but they all look brilliant. Although, we all know that this has far more to do with their confidence than anything they’re wearing.

Check it out and be inspired here

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear…. We thought that the Oscars, held last night in Hollywood, should provide some excellent guidance to tall girls and women all over the world on evening dress: what to wear and how to wear it. How wrong we were….

The two tallest actresses present (both at 5ft 10.5), Tilda Swinton and Nicole Kidman, both have enviable figures to go with that supermodel-esque height. Did they make the most of it? Hell, No!

Tilda Swinton looked like a ghost - and not in an ethereal, dreamy way. Her skin seemed to actually match her nude-grey blouse from Lanvin. The black skirt had an interesting cut but seemed to hang off the slender Ms Swinton like a potato sack. In fact, her outfit did absolutely nothing for her figure. The slick of bright red lipstick didn’t even liven-up this look, it may even have made the blandness more obvious?

At least Nicole Kidman didn’t manage as many disasters in one outfit. Although, do you find this gown at all inspiring? The epitome of glamour, it most definitely is not. I think the colour is all wrong for Ms Kidman. You’d have thought designer L’Wren Scott might have given the girl a slightly different shade of nude so that she too didn’t seem to merge skin with dress from afar. I also have to say “Nicole! What are those RIDICULOUS feathers doing all over the place?”. It looks like she’s a modern take on cobweb-covered Miss Haversham!

If you’re looking for inspiration for evening or prom wear this year, then look somewhere else. Don’t look to the Oscar’s. Try the Golden Globes or even the BAFTA’s. This years 81st Academy Awards were definitely too tall an order for either of our statuesque girls to pull off, it seems.

Stuck what to wear on Valentines Day? Or do you suspect that your other half is still a little clueless as to what to surprise you with? Never fear, because here at Amazona, we have come up with a few pointers for the perfect Valentines’ accessories and a few hint-worthy treasures!

First things first, don’t be afraid to whack out your favourite red and pink accessories. Valentines is about over-the-top gushing romance, so keep your trusty LBD until next time (Check out the SATC girls!). However, here are a few guidelines to ensure that you don’t end up looking like a) a sugar-plum fairy or b) a big red devil! Keep that look for the glint in your eye!

1.    Don’t over-accessorise! If you can’t bear to part from your LBD, then match your shoes, bags and jewellery to the red/pink theme, but pick one colour, stick to it and remember that less is more!
2.    If you do branch out and wear a fabulous red number (such as , keep accessories plain and don’t mix too many colours.
3.    Dress for the occasion. Anything with a pink tutu, no matter how cute, will not look right in an expensive restaurant. If you don’t know where you’re going, then keep it neutral!

And as for the gifts? If you’re not the kind of girl that enjoys the traditional flowers and chocolate gestures, then here are a couple of ideas that you could drop into the next conversation with your guy! If you’re in a pretty serious relationship, then try this ‘Commitment’ necklace. Though if it’s a pretty new thing that you’re looking to heat up, then get straight to the point with this ‘SEX’ cherry necklace. Both available from Amazona Style.

photo credits: eonline.com

As a tall woman, it can sometimes be difficult to feel comfortable in a group full of people smaller than you. You feel like you’re sticking out, and for all of the wrong reasons. Well, we at Amazona are here to tell you that you are actually sticking out for the RIGHT reasons! Stand up straight! Stop hunching your shoulders and slouching in an attempt to look shorter; you just look like you have very bad posture. I am a strong advocate of good posture, as I spent my youth slouching in order to fit in and had back problems because of it. I have compiled a list of TALL celebrities in the fashion and beauty world. Next time you feel the urge to slouch and blend into the crowd, just think of these fabulously FIERCE role models!

Measuring in at a respectable 5’10” are: Miss Tyra herself! Supermodel turned super TV mogul Tyra Banks has never been afraid to don her heels and show her height. The ANTM presenter encourages girls to be happy with themselves and it looks like she definitely takes her own advice! Another 5’10” girl is Dior perfume spokesmodel and actress, Charlize Theron. This golden-haired South African beauty is never one to shy away from the crowds!

Stretching up to 5’11” are: Legendary supermodels Jerry Hall and Rachel Hunter. It was their super-long legs that helped them find fame, not just their rockstar husbands! Jealous, us? New fashion icon and First Lady Michelle Obama also measures 5’11”, but that doesn’t stop her strutting around the world’s stage in a pair of Jimmy Choo stilettos!

And finally, at a mighty 6 feet tall, the one and only Elle Macpherson! She is as pretty as she is tall and the business and lingerie entrepreneur certainly knows how to impress!

I assure you that I could have listed almost every model in the industry, but these are just a few examples of the greats. A few more elevated ladies that caught my eye are:

5’10” - Lucy Lawless (Xena Warrior Princess!), Minnie Driver (actress), Princess Diana (national treasure), Zoe Ball (TV/Radio presenter), Joss Stone (singer), Kelis (RnB star).
5’11” – Brooke Shields (actress) , Nicole Kidman (actress) , Brooke Hogan (singer and HULK’s daughter), Amanda Lamb (TV presenter and ex-model), Uma Thurman (actress).
6’0 – Kimora Lee (fashion designer)
6’2” – Maria Sharapova (tennis star)

I gathered all of my information from http://www.celebheights.com and if you go to the website, you can see how you measure up against other celebrities!

This year’s Golden Globes generally went as predicted: a sea of recession-friendly, bland and boring outfits sauntered down the red carpet last night in LA. When it comes to Hollywood’s award ceremonies, the Golden Globes have historically been where stars could take more fashion risks which may .. or may not work out for them (remember Lara Flynn Boyle in that tutu and lace-up ballet pump number in 2003?). So what is there to bitch about this year? Precisely that! The lack of love/hate anything!

When little girls (in their late 20’s) dream of being able to wear the dress of their dreams to strut that red carpet, is beige your first thought? Is it a simple back dress ? HELL NO!
For the most part, the dresses this year were dull, dull, dull. Beyonce enevitably added some bling to the evening and Angelina Jolie wore a silver potato sack and looked liked she needed a good meal.

One-shoulder numbers and strapless dresses were a favourite in 2009 but there was a lack of colour. Of course the girls looks elegant and well-groomed in their nude/beige/blush, such as Sandra Bullock, Elizabeth banks and Amanda Seyfried (to name but a few), and the girls in their safe little black numbers (yes, we mean you Ms Winslet) looks safe and sophisticated. But, we want to go WOW! Even if it is followed by a cackle at the hideous nature of the gown. There was very little of that this year but here’s our favourites  - both good and bad.

Jennifer Lopez took the Golden Globes slightly too literally this year and covered her own ‘globes’ in gold.  It wasn’t flattering and smacked slightly of a ‘I’m still sexy even though I’m a mother now!’ but at least it wasn’t boring.

Renee Zellweger in Carolina Herrera missed the mark by …oh about 4000 miles with this number. She strayed from her usual sleek hair and fitted strapless numbers she has worn in previous years and seemed to seek inspiration from a BBC period drama. Hideous!

Marisa Tomei seemed to be angling for a part in the next Pirates of the Caribbean film with this complete mis-match. The Fashion Police wouldn’t know where to start with this look.

Drew Barrymore has split the Amazona girls with her baby blue Galliano number. She looked like a 50’s Hollywood starlet with a mischevous glint in her eye as she played around on the red carpet. Drew worked the look which is why we voted this as a ‘Yes!’ in the end.

Cameron Diaz - hit or miss? Well it is fun and colourful so she definitely gets points for that but what’s with the hair Cam? Not loving the shoes with this outfit either but we’ll give it a ‘Hit’ for livening up what was a dull year for fashion at the Globes.

Jennifer Morrison (from ‘House’) rocked the red carpet with this bright blue Oscar de la Renta gown. Me, me, me!!! I want this gown!!

Eva Mendes is 90% there with this white Dior dress but it’s mainly for the colour with that bold turquoise collar necklace. What is that bow thing though?

And the winner is…. Eva Longoria Parker was red-hot in this spray-on Reem Acra number. The hair, the diamond star earrings, the make-up and the gown… or maybe it was the whole package including Eva’s ‘Blissfully-Newly-Wed-Glow’. When I grow up I want to look like this!