Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Body acceptance is a journey. It’s not something that happens over night. This week, I thought a lot about my own personal journey. I remember being extremely insecure in high school about my body and about my skin tone. I’ve shared with you before how I had to learn to love my dark skinned complexion (Read HERE). My bestie used to think I was crazy. She complimented my looks all the time. She couldn’t understand why I couldn’t see my beauty. However, for every kind word about my looks my focus seemed to always be on the negative ones. If you lose a few pounds, you would look better. I used to try all different types of get slim quick programs until I had to just sit back and think how I honestly felt about myself.
When I took time to think about it. I realized was okay with me and the way I looked. Sometimes we can allow other peoples thoughts to affect us and throughout this journey to body acceptance I’ve come to the conclusion that I am comfortable in my own skin and it’s other people who have a problem. Not me. Once I realized that, I immediately started to become more confident. Clothes really helped me with my confidence. I know it sounds corny but I found clothes to be magical. Whenever I found a piece of clothing that made me look and feel my best, my confidence soared. I wasn’t thinking about dieting and losing weight. I was just thinking about how good I looked.
Recently, I felt my body confidence plummeting. Over the past couple of months I’ve put on quite a few pounds and wanted to hide my body. I didn’t want to let my body insecurities get the best of me so I went shopping to find a dress that made me feel good about my body again. I know most people shy away from clothes when they gain weight but for me I need them. My love for fashion is deep and nothing makes me feel better than slipping on a dress that hugs my curves in a way that makes me stand proud.
New York & Company Dress, Aldo Sandals, Bauble Bar earrings, Tory Burch tote
Case in point, this ribbed knit body con dress I found at New York & Company. Since I’ve packed on some pounds, I’ve been steering clear of body con dresses. However, I am big believer in trying things on because you never know how they will fit. So, even though I was skeptical, I tried the dress on.
I’m glad I tried on this dress because when I put it on, my confidence instantly soared. I love how it hugs my hips and the lace up detail added a little sexy flair. I also like how the olive green flatters my deep rich skin tone. For those of you that don’t know, New York and Company has begun to offer extended sizes up to an XXL and size 20 (Read HERE). Last month, I shared with you some of my maxi dress finds from them (Read HERE). I got the dress in an XXL and possibly could have gotten the XL.
All I had to do was put on some shapewear for a smooth look. I added a pair of lace up lime green sandals for a contrasting look.
For hair, I put my ponytail into a top knot. For makeup, I went with a gold and brown eye look and a bold red lip. I accessorized with a pair of drop earrings, a gold Kate Spade watch, and a gold cuff from Forever 21.
How do you guys stay confident?
All photos by: Pristine Finesse
This post was sponsored by New York & Company. All opinions are my own
Susan says
You look amazing! I stay confident by subscribing to bloggers like you who embrace who they are which helps to build my confidence. I must say that I find it harder to stay confident in warmer months than in cooler months. I feel my cooler weather wardrobe is more stylish. I’m really not a fan of summer (smile) .
alissa says
Thank you! I totally feel you on a more stylish wardrobe in the cooker months. The options are so much better.
Joi @InMyJoi says
I LOVE THIS LOOK AND YOUR HAIR LIKE THIS!!! I too have been ‘gifted’ with a few added lbs…it can be a challenge to continue loving our curves throughout shifting weight… I try to remember that my body is a gift. I also practice self love by showing love to the skin I’m in with rich candle-lit baths/full body scrubs/exfoliation/and luxuriant & fab smelling moisturizers. After all of that, I look in the mirror and find that I not only feel good, but also look good 🙂
XO
alissa says
Thank you so much. This hair is so much easier to get out the door quicker now. LOL! Its always nice when people understand how I feel.
Louise @Shapelylouise says
And you look Beautiful! Confidence is an evolving journey! But I’m so glad that you see the light! Chocolate x Curvy= FIERCE! Yassss Baby you better work!
alissa says
Yass, chocolate & Curvy. Thanks Louise
Larisnnk says
Hey ma belle,
I’ve seen your pix on garner style and rushed to you blog.
I do like body con and long after olive since few days.
I really want to buy but I live abroad and I can’t return if anything that doesn’t fit me.
Some friend ( a man) shops online and sends to me. Then I pay him back.
Tell me what size would fit me :
Bust 40 Inc Waist 39 Inc Hips 50 Inc
I m À shape ( way big on the bottom) as you can see lol.
I wear 18 eloquii and 16/18 ashley stewart
Regards,
alissa says
Hey,
You can probably get away with an XL but you should go to the site and read the size chart and match your measurements against their size chart. That’s a much better way of figuring out what size would fit you best.