Why This 41-Year-Young Mom Walked the Runway & What It Taught Her Kids! by Ann Marie Patitucci

Parenting Motherhood
6 years ago

Why This 41-Year-Young Mom Walked the Runway & What It Taught Her Kids!

I recently had the opportunity to model clothing in a fashion show, “Modern Meets Industrial,” at La Petite Boutique in Richmond, Va. I have a theatre background but I’ve never done anything quite like this before. However, I teach my boys to try new things, challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zones, so I decided I should practice what I preach. 

More than that, though, the show featured women of all shapes and sizes, from age 30 to 60. None of us would be considered traditional models by today’s unrealistic beauty standards. But at this show we were applauded, cheered for, told we looked fabulous. And we felt fabulous, too, in clothes made for women of all sizes. This is another message I wanted to send to my boys – one about body positivity, one about real women who don’t look like the women in magazines. 

We aren’t Barbies; we aren’t air brushed; we’re real. Of course we should teach this to our girls. But our boys need this lesson, too. I think my sons received the message. And while they didn’t readily admit it, I think they thought it was kinda cool that their 41-year-young mom put down her books and closed her laptop … and walked the runway.

Photos: Barbara ShoreJewelry Designer: Petra Meiren

30Seconds tribe members Nanci BurnBarbara ShoreHelen CampbellLisa Rine and Jennifer Wright Lo Prete also participated in the fashion show!

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Elisa Schmitz
I LOVE THIS! Way to go, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead ! So happy you stepped outside of your comfort zone. You're so right - our kids are watching us, and this is a very important thing to show them - real beauty, real women, really gorgeous! You all look amazing. Welcome to the tribe, Nanci Burn and Barbara Shore !!
Helen Campbell
Fantastic piece and so glad you threw caution to the wind !
Nanci Burn
A great lesson. And GREAT fun!
Lisa Rine
I had so much fun working with all these amazing women! ♡
Tiffany Zook
“Cause I'm a model, you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah, on the catwalk
On the catwalk, yeah
I shake my little tush on the catwalk”. I couldn’t help posting these lyrics... you go girl! Great message, wish I was there to cheer for you and your tribe.
Morgan Hawthorne
You looked absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!! I'm so proud of you sweet friend!!!!!!
Katie Sloan
I love this! Also love the message for our boys!
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thank you! I really think we need to be cognizant of the messages that we're sending to boys, too!
Nancy Dafoe
I love concept behind the fashion show and your post about it. Beautifully conceived and written.
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thanks, Nancy Dafoe! That means a lot coming from you!
Eva DeVirgilis
So inspiring! Wish I could have seen you strut!

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