What’s Wrong With Just Being You?
By Lindsey Borchard
I can remember in 5th grade doing our annual weigh-in at school and being 10 pounds heavier and about 2 inches taller than the other girls in my class. That’s when I started noticing my body and my size. My hips were a little wider, my waist a little rounder, and my breasts definitely fuller. It has continued like that my whole life and I am almost 30. But I can honestly say that being curvy has had no negative effect on my life other then what I have done to myself emotionally. Constantly thinking there was nothing out there for me to wear, or that no store would have my size and my life would always revolve around my waist size.
But with age comes wisdom and I have learned that confidence in yourself is what makes you shine, and what makes you stand apart from the crowd. Confidence is also what makes you believe in yourself and that radiates beauty. I’ve tried to stop thinking about what I am losing from being curvy and started realizing what I’m gaining.
I am learning, and the key word is LEARNING, that I can be curvy AND be stylish and most importantly be beautiful. The most important part, as cheesy as it sounds is, BE YOU. I am gaining knowledge everyday about how to dress my body and what things will work on me and what won’t. And most importantly I have learned that some things I just need to mourn and move on from. Like the lovely lacy wire free bras I see all the time and wish I could wear. My body is not made for them and I have accepted that and moved on.
So, why I am telling you all of this?
Because more women need to help other women feel good. And knowledge is power. You need to learn what works on your body and what doesn’t. Below are some of my go to pieces for Fall to show off my curves and make me feel extra good. Some might work on you and some won’t. But don’t be discouraged. Pick yourself off the ground, dust off the negativity and try again. Because I promise you, eventually you WILL find that perfect outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks. And who knows, maybe even some confidence to go along with it.
Mossimo Women’s Ponte Jacket at Target
Bold Colored Blazers. I loved wearing my bright Blazer with a crisp white shirt and jeans for a casual look or black pants or dress for an evening look. This should be a staple in everyone’s closet.
La Perla ‘Manhattan Contour Bra at Nordstrom.
Jewel Toned Lingerie. How sexy are you going to feel with lingerie in deep jewel tone colors under your outfits? These colors are also really good for a pop of color under a shear shirt or the strap showing off your shoulder. It’s a winner in my book all year round.
The Dipped Hem Dress at Simplybe.com
High-Low dresses are one of the bigger trends I am seeing out there right now. You have to be careful with these as they can make you look shorter if you wear the wrong kind. If you have awesome legs this trend is for you. Try it in a simple pattern or a bold color like this one.
Chantelle High Waisted Brief at Herroom.com
High Waisted Kinckers. These bad boys are the perfect piece of shape wear to have for under dressed, pants, and skirts. They have just enough hold to make you feel smoother, without having to feel uncomfortable the whole day.
Peplum Shirt at Asos.com
Peplum shirts. A hot trend right now but it can be a disaster if it doesn’t work for your body type. These can either hide or accentuate your mid section. Make sure it cuts you off on the smallest part of your waist or this trend can make you look bigger then you are.
Trouv’e-Oversized-Sweater at Nordstrom
Oversized Sweaters. These gems always have a home in my closet. However you need to make sure to always balance the proportions out. If your top is oversized, wear a tighter bottom. These sweaters are perfect for leggings and skinny jeans.
1969 Curvy Jeans at The Gap
Dark Wash Boot Cut Denim. Perfect with most shirts and always flattering for the legs and butt. Enough said.
