One of my favorite pictures captured by Vlad of Radion Photography
My Mom was certainly a huge influence when it came to embracing oneself and being my own biggest cheerleader. This wasn't always an easy journey, in fact it was difficult most of the times. As I get older the idea of feeling comfortable in my own skin seems less and less foreign to me. I think it is a combination of life experiences, hard knocks learning and well, growing up. Style has allowed me to figure out what I love the most about myself, this positive mind frame then infiltrated other avenues of my life. This is a BIG part of why I love personal styling, I get the chance to show my clients what I love about them and the best way to show it off.
I don't wear fitted dresses. That was just something I had as part of my style repertoire. My peeps will tell you that I love drapey, boyfriendy...you know loose anything ;) Times they are a changing and I no longer put "I won't" but more "how can I." In other words, "how can I wear a fitted dress that I like and still be me ?" I saw this fitted crew neck dress at H & M and loved the simplicity of it and the color. It really hugs the body but in a soft way. To make it "me" I layered this amazing lace jacket by For Love and Lemons from Piece Unique. This lace number was one of those "love at first sight" moment and oh the outfits!!! It's light and airy and the color reminds me of the golden tones in sunsets.
If you want to wear a fitted style focus on fabric, fit and function. The fabric should have some weight to it, which allows for a smoother fit along those curves. I prefer those with structure, stretch and a more streamlined style. The fit should hug your body not constrict. You should be able to move around and sit comfortably. I want you to be able to breath, okay :) If the fit is right, then the ability to function should fall into place. That means we can walk with ease the way our body was intended.
I use to feel it was necessary to constantly combat what I was naturally given, long limbs that I wasn't always certain what the hell to do with, curly wild hair that wasn't the norm around me and a boyish shape that made me feel less like a woman. I learned to appreciate my long limbs (can I grab that for you in the top cupboard? ;) I stopped straightening my curly mane and a few slight curves popped up ( not many) that made me appreciate the beauty of being a woman. The less you try to fit in, the better you fit with yourself. It's the coolest thing. I want you to do something for me. Everyday this week and the rest of next week...every morning that you wake up I want you to say something really nice about your body to yourself. I'm serious, this embracing your goodness thang starts with you and the mental conversation you have with yourself. Trust me it's going to blow your mind and the exhaustion of picking yourself a part will be gone. Hallelujah!
Share this with your best peeps and spread the love. The process is a journey and it's not as bad as you think. I've got your back :)