Untouched and Absolutely Stunning.

I always find it so inspiring when a big mainstream company does something empowering and positive. I don't care that they are big and mainstream and quite likely doing it all for the publicity and the (hopeful) increase to profits. A positive step forward is a positive step forward.It can be hard to not feel a bit... hopeless when retouching has turned the already stunning models into images of impossible perfection. I know that when I stand in line at any store I'm staring at the work of photoshop (I mean... I've been professionally trained to know how to do that retouching myself), but it is still hard to not suck in my stomach a little, hate the fact that my thighs touch, and despise the oh-so-large pores on my nose. I know I'm not fat (my BMI is not where I want it to be... but I'm working on that). I also know I'm blessed when it comes to my clear skin. Those retouched photos though make me feel utterly imperfect.We are surrounded by retouched images of women... but not at aerie (the intimate line of american eagle) this season with they new campaign of aerie real. They are boasting images of real girls untouched by photoshop- showing off their true physique, tattoos, freckles and all. Sure they are still professional models- but the difference between retouched model and a 'real' model is drastic. They are stunning and imperfect.