169: From Runway to Reality: Lauren Chan is Redefining Beauty Standards

dressing for the female-gaze is the best thing you can do for your confidence

Today we sit down with Lauren Chan, supermodel, Sports Illustrated rookie, and plus-size fashion designer (yes, she really does it all). Lauren is a prominent voice in the body-positive and self-love community and is truly redefining beauty standards across every avenue she ventures into. In our conversation, Lauren opens up about her trauma-driven pursuit of perfection, her self-discovery as a gay woman, and her inspiring journey post-divorce. We dive into her time as a Sports Illustrated rookie and how it is an incredible experience but it is also eye-opening to realize that every woman gets insulted for their own beauty standards and that there is no “perfect woman” in a man’s world. Lauren shares advice about how dressing for the female-gaze is the best thing you can do for your confidence and that you should curate your social media feeds with uplifting creators that make you feel inspired. From breaking beauty standards to navigating her passions, Lauren’s story shows us the importance of representation and to always stay true to yourself.

In other news, Raeann and Kristina launched Confidants yesterday!! Confidants is our new Patreon community that will be full of new solo episodes, first access to live events, a Discord channel, and so much more. We are SO excited for this new extension of The Confident Collective community. We also dive into Em Rata’s controversial divorce rings, swimming with no goggles on, and that Kristina finally fulfilled her dream of getting a partnership with Bravo! From talking with the brilliant Lauren Chan to dishing out the details of our Patreon, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Raeann is obsessed with this Rose Inc skin serum. Mix this into your foundation for the most gorgeous glow!

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168: The Ozempic Effect: Unpacking Society’s Obsession with Thinness and the Body Positivity Backlash

Ozempic — the good, the bad, and the societal pressures

In this solo episode, we’re talking all about the craze behind Ozempic and of course, catching up with our girls. Kristina spills the tea about her bougie Aspen brand trip, meanwhile, Raeann had a much-needed low-key week. Kristina and Raeann chat about how drastically different their lives are now as Kristina talks about how special her first mother-son dance (aka rave) was. Raeann opens up about not feeling settled and her current existential crisis that she’s been trying to navigate. As for pop-culture references, we’re watching Summer House, binging The Traitors, and wondering where is Kate Middleton hiding! And we’re taking a poll — should Kristina be on The Real Housewives of New Jersey?

We’ve allll heard about it, seen ads for it, or know someone who’s on it. Yes, we’re talking about Ozempic, Wegovy, semaglutide. While some are tempted by its promises of thinness and a lack of food noise, others raise concerns about its long-term effects and the added societal pressure to conform to a narrow beauty ideal. We have made monumental strides forward as a society in the body-positive movement but overnight we’ve taken steps backward. Raeann mentions her fashion collaborations have dropped due to their lack of larger sizes available. A woman’s Roman Empire is their body and weight, so when praising and parading around this ideal that thinness is only a few injections away, this may have a negative effect on people in larger bodies and promote a negative stigma. There are so many sides and things to take into account with these drugs so by no means we are judging you if you are on them. Amidst this weight loss trend, we hope there’s a refocus on what really matters which is feeling and being healthy, nourishing your body, and loving the body you’re in, instead of constantly chasing a thinner body.

As spring is approaching, Raeann is wearing the shade Cherry more and more.

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Kristina loves this menswear-inspired skort.

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167: Solo Episode: Unveiling Spring Fashion Trends from Capris to Ballet Flats

Let’s talk spring fashion! say goodbye to puffers & hello to trench coats

In this solo episode, we are chatting about spring trends and giving our honest opinions as true fashion connoisseurs. But before we get into it, Kristina and Raeann catch us up on what’s new. Kristina and Raeann unveil that they are both thriving in their fitness era — Kristina even signed up for a triathlon!! Raeann confesses her love for buffalo sauce, Kristina shares stories about her nanny, and the girl’s find agreement on ending friendships if they associate with disrespectful men. Also, does Kelly Clarkson know she’s the face of weight loss pills that are targeting old parents?!

As spring is just around the corner, we can’t WAIT to stash the puffers away until next winter. We analyze the hottest spring trends from dressy shorts to feminine rosettes. There is a slight departure from the long-time standing clean girl aesthetic, as we are seeing boxer shorts, funky glasses, and cheetah-print pants. Now, Raeann and Kristina are in debate about balloon jeans and mesh shoes, but it might just be all in how you style them. We dive into small micro-trends and our current go-to fashion brands. Whatever trends you do or don’t participate in, just remember that cool girls rewear their clothes! Happy styling!

Raeann says if you're going on vacation you NEED this set!

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Kristina loves this swimsuit! It’s both sculpting and flattering.

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