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Showing posts with label indie designers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indie designers. Show all posts
"My confidence has changed but my options haven't, which is disappointing." ~ Deputy Beauty Editor Lara Capon, Cosmopolitan UK
Last week, I found out that designer Brandon Blackwood launched a clothing collection called Studio, that included plus sizes. To say I was hyped is an understatement.
I'm a Gen X streetwear girl who loves to mix street style with a feminine soft vibe. I have been known to rock a pearl necklace and tulle skirt with a hoodie and sneakers. And Brandon Blackwood gives me that vibe.
Blackwood is an American designer of color whose End Systemic Racism tote bags are still sought after. I own one myself. Black designers such as Blackwood and Telfar Clemens are iconic in Black and Brown culture and deserve ALL the flowers.
I love Clemens' apparel collections but sadly, they only go up to 2XL so there's no way I can fit into his pieces. My fashion soul cries every time I open up an email and see new pieces dropping. So when I heard Blackwood launched apparel, I thought, maybe, just maybe, it would have a size range that expanded beyond a 2X.
And then one of my fave influencers, Sarah Chiwaya aka Curvily, wrote a review of the new collection for Refinery21. That got me really excited. I happen to know Sarah personally as she was a previous guest on my NAAFA-produced fashion web series Ahead of the Curve and is a supporter of size inclusivity in fashion.
However, after reading the article, I was yet again disappointed. The collection ends at a size XXXL (3XL). Sarah is always very candid and upfront in her reviews and while her write-up is an excellent read as always, I am disappointed in Blackwood and the missed opportunity for him to accommodate customers above a size 3XL.
The designer said in the article:
"Our customer range is insane. It’s such a blessing to have our brand celebrated by so many different people, regardless of size. I wanted [Studio] to feel inclusive. I didn’t want anyone turned away because they couldn’t find their size or something they didn’t want to wear. The collection has something for everyone."
*raises hand* I cannot find my size. Am I not included in "everyone"?
As someone who grew up fat and loved fashion, I worked hard to be confident in my skin while navigating a world that made me feel like I wasn't worth taking space, wearing fashionable pieces and just existing. Confidence became my armor and helped me to express myself through fashion. But I still felt limited because I did not have access to clothing like my thinner counterparts.
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| Studio by Brandon Blackwood Draped Jersey Dress, $75 (I would get this in every color if it were in my size!) |
It's gotten slightly better decades later but still, as a size 4X, my options continue to be limited. So the term "inclusive" became a beacon of hope for me at first. I would see a brand say they were size inclusive and I would get excited as that meant to me that they carried my size. And most often, I would be disappointed to learn that they didn't carry my size.
Blackwood says he wanted his collection to feel inclusive. What does that mean exactly if you're stopping at a size 3XL?
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| Studio by Brandon Blackwood Ribbed Zip Hoodie, $45 (I would get this entire look in every color if it were in my size!) |
I realize the term "size inclusive" has become a buzzword and it seems as if it has become this subjective term that brands define to mean whatever suits their purpose. A brand will now use the term if they carry a full size range that includes straight sizes and plus sizes (0 to 3X).
But plus sizes do not stop at a size 3X.
Last time I checked, inclusive means ALL. So size inclusive means ALL sizes. However, I'm a size 26/28. Does this mean I don't exist?
Shoot, there are some brands who only offer up to a size 20!!! And the average American woman is a size 18. SMH. Make it make sense.
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| Studio by Brandon Blackwood Ruched Maxi Skirt, $45 (I think this may actually fit me but it would be a tight fit.) |
It's no secret that the plus size apparel section is profitable. There is money to be made because we need clothes! Yet it's a sector that remains largely untapped. The proof is in the data. Sarah Chiwaya wrote in her recent blog post:
All of the extensive market research done in the industry shows that not only is the plus size market the most populous (over 67% of women are in the plus size range), it is growing at twice the rate as the straight size market. And that growth not starting from scratch, either: The plus size market is already valued at $541.35 billion – yes, that is billion with a b – and it is forecasted to grow to over $727 billion USD in the next five years alone. The potential is massive and largely untapped, with only 20% of clothing made offered in sizes that fit the majority of women.
So what's really interesting is that the average woman in the United States is a size 18. And plus-size women make up more than half the market. And yet, plus size clothes only make up 19% of all apparel on the market. The fashion brands are not actually meeting the needs of their customers.
So that means plus size clothing has only grown 1% since 2022 in the apparel market. **jaw drop**
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| Studio by Brandon Blackwood Convertible Slit Maxi Dress, $60 (I would get this in every color if it were in my size!) |
And even now, I still see brands, the media and content creators/influencers still misusing the term size inclusive.
Here's an idea... Can we stop using the term 'size inclusive' altogether?
As someone who is a size 4X, when a brand says they are size inclusive and I then see they only offer up to a size 3X, it makes me question where I belong in this narrative and industry.
It creates a false sense of inclusion within our own community! Inclusive means noBODY left behind but the misuse of the term is doing just that by excluding women over a size 3X.
Clothing is a basic need that everyone should have access to. If I need a suit for a job interview or a dress for an event, I should be able to shop for those things just as plus size women under a size 3X do. My money holds the same value as theirs.
I want to implore brands to not make assumptions about the plus size customer. We are shopping in real time because we need clothing now and not 50 pounds from now. Plus size bodies are not temporary. And however you feel about fatness, that should not affect how you run your business, if you want to make money.
Brands, pls take a cue from Universal Standard who offers a size range of 00 to 40. Universal Standard co-founder and CEO, Polina Veksler told Forbes in August 2022:
"Universal Standard has been growing about 60% over the past year, and we hope to be on a similar trend going forward. The fashion industry said a profitable inclusive-sizing brand simply wasn’t possible. We’ve been able to show that Universal Standard has become a profitable business as the world’s most inclusive-sizing brand."
I did fit modeling for US when they first expanded to a size 40 and I can tell you, they focus on fit, quality and design. They always asked for my feedback and always listened to what I had to say. This is why their customer loyalty is high.
Yes, it is an investment to offer a wider size range but let me tell you, if you invest in us by listening to what we want and offering great quality and design that fits, we will be opening our wallets with the quickness.
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| One of my fit sessions at Universal Standard in 2018 SIP Alexandra Waldman, thanks for everything! Miss talking to you. |
While Sarah did say in her review that the fit is generous on many of Blackwood's pieces and their 3XL may fit a size 26, that's still not enough to cater to all the women being left out in fashion, including myself.
We shouldn't have to try to make the clothes fit us by seeking out stretchy fabrics and wearing a smaller size that may be uncomfortable. It's the brand's responsibility to make sure the clothes fit US because at the end of the day, we are paying for you to get it right by buying your pieces.
Listen, this ain't nothing new. I've been talking about this for years and there are others, most notably my sis Saucye West, a trailblazer in this community/industry, who created the #fightforinclusivity movement to push brands to expand sizing.
I'm holding out hope for you, Brandon Blackwood. Because I truly want to support you and give you my money, as I am sure many women out there want to.
Special thanks to Sarah for all she does in our community and industry! Pls go follow her on Instagram here and check out her blog here. And watch her on Ahead of the Curve here.
Are you above a size 3X? What do you think of the term size inclusive and its constant usage? Let me know below in the comments!
Shop Small: 10 Plus Size Brands to Shop on Cyber Monday That Offer Above a Size 3X
Monday, November 28, 2022
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| I'm wearing the Francesca Dress in Magenta from Igigi - LINK |
I'm a big supporter of small businesses and indie designers. These folks have kept me looking fly for many years when big brands were not offering my size or styles that I liked. Small businesses always put a personal touch into their brands, including being accessible from a customer service aspect and even including a thank you card in your package.
There are so many lists out there of Cyber Monday sales that include major brands and I wanted to give some shine to small businesses today because Small Business Saturday was not enough. Here's 10 plus size brands that go that extra mile in offering an extended size range so those of us over a size 3X can look cute and feel cute too!
1. Renee Cafaro Atelier | Public Label
What they offer: Luxury clothing that doesn't break the bank. And their fit is on point.
Sizes: 16 to 32 and custom
Promo: 30% Off Entire Order* with code CYBER – this includes pre-order/made to order items.
Fine Print: Does not apply to gift cards or Renee Cafaro Atelier Couture requests. Valid until Nov 29, 11:59pm EST
LINK: https://www.rcapubliclabel.com/
2. Igigi
What they offer: Igigi has been around for YEARS and is the place to go when you are looking for a dress for any occasion. They now offer custom, not just by measurements, but also in length, sleeves and more.
Sizes: 12 to 32 and custom
Promo: 20% off off select styles with code BLACKFRIDAY through Wednesday, December 1, 2022
LINK: https://www.igigi.com/
3. Wray
What they offer: fine art inspired clothing line that are focused on both form and function. Every garment is created ethically at fair-trade operations in India, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Peru.
Sizes: XXS to 6XL
Promo: 25% off your purchase with code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout.
LINK: https://wray.nyc/collections/black-friday
What they offer: Fat-friendly message tees that make a statement, vintage and original clothing and accessories
Sizes: 1X to 5X
Promo: 20% off sitewide with code BFCM22 at checkout.
LINK: https://proudmaryfashion.com/
5. Hey Mavens
What they offer: Intimates and sleepwear in cute colors, luxe fabrics (think lace and velvet) and quirky prints
Sizes: XXS to 10XL
Promo: 25% off orders $75 or more + get free shipping on every flat rate domestic order with code BFSHIP at checkout.
LINK: https://www.heymavens.com/
6. C’EST D
What they offer: Unique, style-forward clothing with the mission of unapologetically designing fashion for all types of bodies and ultimately providing ‘choices’ that are missing right now in fashion industry
Sizes: XXS to 6XL
Promo: 20% off sitewide + free shipping on orders of $180 and more. No code needed. Prices reflect the 20% off.
LINK: https://www.cestd.com/
7. Loud Bodies
What they offer: Stylish and comfortable clothing that’s ethically produced and sustainable
Sizes: XXS to 10XL
Promo: Up to 50% off sitewide. No code needed. Prices reflect discount.
LINK: https://loudbodies.com/sale/
8. Nerecina
What they offer: Made-to-order, sustainably produced formalwear that makes a statement
Sizes: Custom
Promo: Cyber Weekend Sale: 25% OFF everything! Automatic discount at checkout, no code needed.
LINK: https://nerecina.com/
What they offer: premium activewear with a focus on making products with high quality materials, style, fit and functionality
Sizes: L to 7X
Promo: 20% off your purchase with code BF20 + free shipping on orders $100+ and free returns
LINK: https://superfithero.com/
10. Alpine Curves
What they offer: Plus size clothing and gear that fit the everyday woman for her outdoor lifestyle. (INCLUDING THE CUTEST SKI STUFF)
Sizes: 1X to 6X
Promo: $10 off $50, $15 off $75, $25 off $100, $50 off $200. No code necessary. Discount applied at checkout. Free shipping on all orders of $99 or more.
LINK: https://www.alpinecurves.com/default.asp
What are some of your favorite small plus size clothing brands and indie designers that offer above a size 3X? Please let me know in the comments below!
A Size 26/28 Girl's Journey on Shopping Brands That Stop at Size 24: City Chic
Monday, August 6, 2018
"Clothes aren't going to change the world. The women who wear them will." ~ Anne Klein
I had an amazing call today with an up-and-coming designer named Elle Dove who creates clothing for ALL sizes. Now when I say ALL, I truly mean all. She wants to dress everyone and her passion gives me hope that the fashion industry, including major brands, will see the importance of fashion for everyone. Here's an interview I did with her a few months ago for PLUS Model Magazine here. |
| Lorenza James by Elle Dove |
And that resonated with me so deeply because it is so true and the core of what an influencer should be.
I think the industry has lost its way a bit in that instance with major brands:
- Looking solely at numbers over engagement.
- Choosing only to offer up to a certain size or calling it "size inclusive" but stopping at a size 3X/24.
- Using influencers whose bodies fit a certain beauty ideal that is acceptable to society (hourglass and pear shapes under a size 24).
So as someone who is often outsized within my own fashion industry, I have learned over the years that shopping is not always fun and is honestly a sport. And I am a repeat gold medal winner. I constantly have "make it work" moments with Tim Gunn's voice in my ear.
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| Jacket: Premme // Dress: plus BKLYN // Booties: Avenue |
Sizing is so inconsistent across the board, even in straight sizes! I hate to try on clothes and would love to just buy off the rack but that is not just possible, especially when you're plus size. Once I accepted this and adapted, I have become savvy as knowing what fits me.
I admit, I used to bypass brands that only went up to a size 24. I naturally thought I could not fit into anything they sold. I was also programmed to always reach for the larger size and have learned to not do that anymore. Baggy clothes do not hide the plus body. For me, it made me look bigger. Sure, I was hiding my rolls and such. But I looked as if I was wearing a tent. Not cute.
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| During my days of hiding my body in larger clothing. |
Life is short so why should I wait to wear what I want? Why should I have to lose weight to look fabulous and show off my style? The time is NOW.
One of my favorite brands to shop that stops at a size 24 is City Chic. Nine times out of ten, I have been able to fit into their size XXL, which is a 24. For the record, I usually wear a size 26 on top and a 28 on bottom. My measurements are 55-53-68.
Their strapless dresses are everything! They have piping and an adhesive band around the top part (similar to what you see in strapless bras) so it stays in place. When I finally got the courage to let my wings be free and wear strapless dresses, City Chic was the first brand I wore.
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| Full Figured Fashion Week, June 2018 |
Here's some other City Chic styles I have worn and loved:
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| Hello Body and Curves! |
I think that we have been fed so much negative rules and criticisms for most of our lives that it takes time to reprogram our thoughts. But I still live by that mantra "Change your mindset, change your life." It didn't happen overnight but I started out with one body part: my arms. And then once I took that step, it got easier to continue to push myself out of my comfort zone and not be afraid to show my body in public and stop covering up.
City Chic has been one of those brands that has been a part of my self love journey. While I do think they should consider expanding their sizing to 32, I still celebrate them for what they do get right... the fit! They truly ensure that their clothing fits a curvy, plus body that has extra in some places. I also check the fabric and if I see spandex or elastane in it, that means it has some stretch. Yes!
The biggest shopping lesson I have learned over the years is to shop by fit and my measurements. Even if the size tag does not align with what size I am.
Here's what I have my eye on at the moment from City Chic:
Just an FYI, this is not a sponsored post and City Chic has no idea of my love for them. Sometimes we have to show our support for free because that's how we not only build relationships that can lead to a profitable future but also to spread the word. Our voices must be heard in order to make change and sometimes complaining is not enough.
If you love what I have to say regarding fashion, fit and style for the size 20+ woman and you're in or near the Atlanta area, come hear me speak this weekend at the TCF Style Expo! I'm on an amazing panel of incredible women talking to this very topic. The panel will be moderated by Alicia Young of AP Young Blog, who is over a size 24.
You can still get tickets to the TCF Style Expo here. Would love to see you!
"Traveling. It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." ~ Ibn Battuta
Right after Thanksgiving, I got a text from someone offering me a wonderful opportunity that I knew was a sign that amazing things are coming. YEAH!
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| Photography: Jessica Milagros / Jacket: Torrid |
That someone was Melina Alarcon, designer and owner of Generose, a new plus size women's clothing line, designed by her and manufactured in her home country of Mexico.
I met Melina at Full Figured Fashion Week in June 2017 where she showed her collection at the event's finale runway showcase. I remember sitting front row with Maddy Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Plus Model Magazine, and constantly turning to her and ooooohing and ahhhhing as each look hit the runway.
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| Generose on the runway at FFF Week 2017 |
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| Me with Maddy Jones (center) and Sarah Chiwaya of the blog Curvily Fashion |
See, Melina had a dream to be able to offer stylish and high-quality clothing to plus size women, particularly over a size 22. In Mexico, plus size fashion is not very accessible and most plus size women in Mexico shop online or travel into the US to shop. There are no plus size stores to shop in and there's not even a big plus size fashion presence there. Melina wants to change that.
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| Melina Alarcon |
As a Latina and a woman over a size 22, I felt her passion and believed in it. I believe no woman should be deprived of fashion and accessible clothing in her size. Your weight or size should have nothing to do with you dressing well. Fashion can help you build your confidence and self love and then that, in turn, will inspire you to live your best life.
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| One of Melina's sketches for Generose |
Melina and I spent some time in Atlanta last summer at the TCF Style Expo, which she invited me to attend with her as her guest. It really gave us the opportunity to get to know each other and also for me to try on some of her dresses!
I loved her idea of including an inner corset so you have all the support you need to the point where you don't even have to wear a bra! The way she designs her dresses are smart and meant to celebrate your curves. Yup, not wearing a bra in the above images and I'm an F cup.
Fast forward to last month and that text...
Melina asked if I would come to Mexico City and be her size 28 fit model, as well as offer any fit input and ideas. WOW! This was a major opportunity I could not turn down so of course, I said yes! You rarely see fit models my size used so this was something I could not pass up.
So off to Mexico City I went! I was only there two days and I was exhausted the entire time from the high altitude that caused me to have a headache and aggravated my sinuses. But I did not let that stop me from enjoying this experience to the fullest and being present for it. When you are working as a model in any capacity, there is no space for complaining, slacking or a bad attitude. You'd be surprised at how fast word travels when a model is unprofessional while on a job. Plus, I was so humbled at the opportunity that I could have been on crutches and I still would have done it.
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| Molletes con Tecino AKA Spanish bread with frijoles, toasted with cheese and bacon - YUM! |
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| Size 16 fit model |
I went in with the mindset that I was not only offering feedback from my point of view but also other women who may not have the same body shape as mine. I'm a cross between an hourglass and pear, not quite either one. And I have large upper arms and large calves. However, I do know women my size who have smaller arms than I or larger hips or who carry their weight in the belly or on top. I feel ALL these women have to be represented and while it's tough to design ready-to-wear clothing to fit all shapes and sizes, it can be done.
I have a long torso and short legs despite being 5'7" so I need a shorter inseam even though I am not considered petite. But there are those of us with the opposite situation too! And let's not forget the tall girls either. So this was a great opportunity to not only educate others on plus size bodies but also showing them that when it fits well, it looks amazing!
I left Mexico City feeling so excited as to what's to come. Melina said I would be back for more fittings and who knows after that? This is why I always tell others that it pays to be nice to people, network and be authentic. Always remain humble and know that no one owes you a thing. I don't care if you have 1 million followers on social media or the most perfect images in the world, you are not entitled to anything. You have to chase your own dreams, be willing to work hard and be true to yourself.
Never compare your journey to someone else's. If someone else received any opportunity that you wanted, that just means it was not meant for you. And that's okay because there are other amazing things out there meant just for you.
For me, I'm realizing I'm more passionate about making my voice in this industry from a fit perspective. We all have our part in advancing plus size fashion and I feel like this is what I am meant to be doing. This has been something that I have been involved in for years but I was so focused on doing other things and watching what others were doing that I couldn't see it. Now I do.
When you realize your purpose, the sky's the limit. You just gotta keep it real with yourself. And be open to the possibilities.
Mexico City was magical. It was filled with street art, vintage cars, the hustle and bustle of a city on the move as well as friendly folks. Not to mention it's so cheap for us because the US dollar is strong there. Great food, so many great sights to see and just overall, an unforgettable city.
Stay tuned to the blog next week for more on my trip, including my experience flying with Interjet and my review of a piece from Melina's Spring 2018 RTW line for Generose.
You can check out more of Generose on Instagram here.
What do you want to see in plus size fashion (in terms of styles and pieces), especially for women over a size 22? I would love to know so hit me up in the comments below!
"Who says I can't be free from all the things that I used to be? Rewrite my history, who says I can't be free."
I look at this picture often because it serves as a reminder of who I used to be and who I don't want to be anymore.
I didn't love myself fully and covered up my body with layers, shrugs and long tops. I wore baggy pants, including jeans! I wore two sizes larger than my true size so I was grabbing those 30/32's out of habit and not even caring how baggy my clothes were.
So the red floral top seen above is something I would wear now but I would get it in a smaller size and belt it. Perhaps wear a cami or bra underneath. My, how times have changed!
Ten years later, sometimes I am so shocked at my own transformation. When many talk of their transformation, it involves weight loss. However, I haven't lost any substantial weight aside from maybe 25 pounds or so. And that only came off because I stopped drinking soda and eating take-out on a daily basis because my health depended on those changes.
But for the most part, I'm still fat with large upper arms, lumpy thighs, 23" calves and 68" hips. And I'm happy...
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| Dress: SWAK Designs |
I know that it's hard for some to understand how I can be fat and happy but I am proof that it is possible. A lot of it has to do with how you feel about yourself and how you let what others say/think affect how you feel about yourself. It's not rocket science and some have made a lot of money speaking to people about this but I'm going to give you my perspective for free.
The diet industry makes millions off of making people feel bad about themselves and convincing them that happiness and weight loss go hand in hand. I'm not saying weight loss is bad. I'm saying dieting is bad. They are two different things. You can lose weight by changing your eating habits for the better because you want to be healthier. However, going on a diet and not a lifestyle change is entirely different. Also, your reasons for going down that path mean a lot as well.
If you're looking for happiness to come when you lose weight, it will... BUT it will be shortlived if you never worked on truly loving yourself unconditionally... unless you work on yourself and how you feel about yourself. You will never be satisfied and will be forever obsessed with keeping that weight off.
And you don't have to lose weight to work on yourself on the inside. You can start to heal and love yourself at any size and that healing is imperative to being the best person you can be, AT ANY SIZE.
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| Dress: City Chic via Gwynnie Bee |
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| Jacket and Jeans: Eloquii, Sneakers: PUMA |
It's your body and you do what you see fit with it and if it's weight loss, I am not judging you. I'm only speaking of the Why's and encouraging you to look within yourself and be honest with yourself.
Life is lived fully when you are present and enjoying the now. If you don't, you will miss out on time you can't get back. Missed opportunities can mean missed moments of happiness. This I learned the hard way.
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| Swimsuit and cover-up: Lane Bryant |
Is it tough for me to shop as a size 26/28? Hell yes! But will I lose weight to be a smaller size just so I can have more clothing available to me? Um, hell no!
Why should I lose weight to cater to an industry that makes money off of making us feel like we have to fit a certain ideal to look stylish or beautiful? I think everyone is worthy of accessible fashion because we all need clothes. Last time I checked, it's illegal to walk around naked on the streets of New York.
And why should I wait to dress fabulously and feel good about myself? I don't want to sit around waiting until I'm a certain weight to dress fly.
I have my workarounds and have done my research. There's great brands for me to shop like Universal Standard, Gwynnie Bee, Avenue, Lane Bryant, Premme, Eloquii, eShakti and indie designers like Christian Omeshun, Ashley Nell Tipton and 2 B Continued Denim. I'm also finding new brands every day like Curve Girl and Curvy Sense, that offer above a size 24. Hell, ASOS even offers up to a 28 now and Ashley Stewart offers up to a size 34/36 in some styles.
It's a challenge to shop but it is possible. It just means that while I can't shop at Forever 21, Boohoo, Missguided or NY & Company, I can access designer pieces and get customized clothing made for me. I shop on a budget so I usually treat myself to one core piece a season that will last me for years. I also want to learn how to sew. To me, those are more positive steps for me to take than stressing myself to diet to be able to shop in more stores. I'm trying to love myself more and more daily and not succumb to what others say I should be.
I am enough.
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| Dress: Sexy Plus Clothing, Shoes: Catherines |
Am I glorifying obesity? No. I am glorifying self love and self care. Who made the rule that you can't love yourself over a certain size? Who says beauty only comes in size THIN? I would love to know who came up with all these restrictions on who I should be and how I should feel. Self means ME. So I should be able to make my own decision on how I (ME) feel about MYSELF.
Actually, once I started dressing more stylish and wearing my actual size, I felt better about myself. And this led me to want to take better care of myself. This led me to stop drinking soda and walking more. This led me to traveling more and being more positive towards life. If anything, having access to clothing in my size is not keeping me fat... it's actually helping me heal and love myself more, which in turn is motivating me to be healthier and be the best person I can be.
And that is subjective according to who you are and where you are in life. We all can't be the same size or fit this cookie cutter version of who we should be at our height and age. That's impossible.
My transformation began with the first step of getting a pixie hair cut, which made me see a glimmer of beauty that made me yearn to see more. You can read more here. So I peeled the layers off, literally and figuratively. I don't wear shrugs anymore. I don't wear long tops anymore to cover my thighs. I actually wear my size now. These things took time but it was worth it.
One of the best things you can do for yourself is invest in YOU. Building any kind of relationship takes time and the one you have with yourself is the most important one. So wherever you're at in your journey, I hope you will reflect, be honest with yourself and truly work on you. Work on seeing your beauty and worth. Believe in yourself and know that you can do anything you set your mind to. Happiness lies within you -- you just have to allow yourself to feel it.
It amazes me at times how, for instance, I can wear sleeveless styles and while I used to think the world was staring, in reality, no one is. And that one person who does have something to say, is not worth me giving that person time and energy to affect me. I used to make that one person seem like a million and let it limit me from truly feeling free. And I refuse to go back to that place. So I keep rewriting history and living my life one day at a time.
Where are you at in your journey of loving yourself? Comment below and let me know. Or feel free to email me at marcyc19@gmail.com if you don't want to disclose it publicly.
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| Jacket: Drew via Gwynnie Bee, Dress: Addition Elle via Gwynnie Bee, Boots: Lane Bryant |
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