Being a fashion blogger for almost 3 years now, I have come to realize a few things about fashion blogging and what people like to see. When I started sharing my outfits and styling with my readers, I wanted to show people that you can dress any size or shape however you wanted, as long as you had confidence. I never thought that what was “accepted” would alter the way that I felt about myself.
I would consider myself an “in-between” blogger, having an hour glass shape puts my in a slightly different category than your typical fashion blogger. Although I stay active and try to eat somewhat healthy, I won’t ever seem to shake my calves, thighs, breasts and butt. Those were certainly items that were passed on and given to me, not exactly something I could get rid of with regular diet and exercise. Sure we all have things we’d like to improve about ourselves, but I have certainly come to love and appreciate the curves that I have been given. That might not fit me in your “typical blogger” mold, but I pride myself on being something different and refreshing in a world full of size 2, 115 lb, 5 ft 9 bloggers. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love and respect everyone who is out there doing their thing, I just didn’t realize that all clothing and body types were not created equally.
About a year ago, I started to notice that my curves sometimes get me in trouble. Being into fashion and personal style I always tend to push boundaries and try new things I love. What I didn’t understand is that having curves and trying certain trends would make me appear to be “too sexy.” I never realized that people were offended by my body, even though similar outfits were worn by people all the time and were accepted?
Until posting this image from a concert I attended, it didn’t hit me how much I was holding myself back to appear modest and appeal to people who were turned off by the way I looked in regular clothing. Similar styles were popping up all over the internet, as pictured on Aimee Song, blogger at Song of Style, and it started to make me realize that I have been altering my own personal style. As a 27 year old business professional, sure, I don’t need to go around showing myself off to attract negative attention, but clearly, I should not be limited to what I should be able to wear just because I have a different body time. The mis-conception about what is “too sexy” actually restricts us all by thinking that we should be overly modest just to appease others.
I understand that body image concerns are a real issue, but being someone who doesn’t fit into societies norm shouldn’t hold me back from being myself, or anyone for that matter. So as I continue with Eleventh & Sixteenth, I plan on being more of myself without the fear of restriction and judgement. I hope that inspires us all to try new fashion, be confident, and our truest selves. There are already so many of you amazing body positive bloggers out there, I am just ready to be a little bit more ME.
{Bodysuit pictured above}
Dress // Kimono // Heels // Clutch
Photos: Haley Nord
I can’t believe there are people in this world that waste their effort to put down other people! I’ve been following you for awhile now and I think you are beautiful! Everyone is different and I think that is what makes you so great. Being the ‘norm’ is boring. I’m glad you are finding confidence in yourself and I look forward to seeing outfits that are more you!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
what kind of crap is that commenter pulling? are they flipping blind? i hope they are being sarcastic, b/c they are dead wrong. their comment aside, you are right again about a double standard. apparently women are supposed to be flat chested waifs in order to look good in clothes. you look great.
b
Thank you so much! I actually just had to block them. I really appreciate your support and kind words! 🙂
Good morning, sunshine!
Hon, you are lovely and gorgeous. I enjoy your blog so much and love how you work your curves and your style.
I know so many skinny girls/women who complain about not having curves and wish that they could achieve the natural hourglass silhouette that you were born with.
I am almost 41 and I have seen and done a lot and let me tell you, you are on the right track!
Keep going, keep shinning!
I think you look just beautiful and always look classy and chic!
People are always going to have their opinions and what they don’t realize is that they can hurt someone!
Keep doing your thing girl!
You are fabulous! Xo
Girl, you are beautiful! Keep on doing what you’re doing because you are rocking it! I love this outfit!
Love this look and you look perfect the way you are! It would be so boring if all fashion bloggers looked the same.
♡ Kristina
TheKontemporary
One of the things I love about reading your blog is that you are NOT like anyone else! Also, totally digging this outfit!
Jackie
Something About That
A) You are gorgeous & B) nobody should ever have the right to body shame another human.
As a curve challenged chick I’m so jealous of women with a more feminine shape! I’d kill for some hips & booty & it took me a long time to just accept that by (nearly) 30 years old it’s just not going to happen for me. The grass is never greener, it’s just different grass. We’re all beautiful in our own unique ways 🙂
Friend you are gorgeous and I love your blog! All I can say is Amen!!!! Keep on keepin on!
Xo
Jacque
Looksforlovelies.com
Wow, I am always surprised by the nerve of some people. I am so glad that you touched on this issue. Every fashion blogger is not a size 00 and we shouldn’t want to be! Flaunt those curves, girlie. I am all here for it!
xx Leah / http://www.eatpraywearlove.com
I love the message in this post and the double standard with body types.
If you feel like dressing sexy – you are able and should dress that way.
You share your style as a way to express yourself and I love how your style is so diverse.
Forget the haters – you’re awesome:)
-Andréa
A.Viza Style
Uggghhhh this pisses me off so much! Today I am expecting some of those kinds of comments on my post about thick thighs and it’s so gross to me that we even have to “expect” that kind of thing.
The Adored Life
Love that you posted about this issue in the blogging community! You are gorgeous and I love reading your blog, I can’t wait to see what you do as you move forward and push past more boundaries! Keep doing you!
xx, Merritt
The Style Scribe
LOVE this post!! I am in the same boat!! I would love to wear certain styles but I have curves that don’t make it seem appropriate.
http://www.maggiealamode.com