Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Insecurities

I wrote this post a while ago.  Being harshly honest and open.  I never posted it in fear or the reactions.  Ironic right?  But today, I attended a screening of a new documentary called "The Illusionists" by Elena Rossini.  It prompted me to re-think this post and want to share it with y'all.
So, here it goes...

Everyone has insecurities.... right?

I scared myself the other day.  For the first time in my life, I had a "self hate" thought.  Sorority formal is coming up and I thought "hm, my outfit would look so much better if my stomach was flatter.  Maybe I'll eat less the week before so I will look good in pictures."

This stopped right in my tracks.  What was I thinking?  Starving myself to look "slimmer" in photos.  Harming myself.  Why?

All throughout my life, I have had low self esteem.  I have never been one hundred percent comfortable with my body and appearance.  But I had accepted that "fact" and was content with being "less than".  I tried everything.  Ate well.  Worked out.  Drank water.  Nothing made me feel completely comfortable with my body.

I have always hated how my stomach looked.  Always thought it was pudgy and big.  I have never worn tight clothing without covering up my stomach.  I do not own a body con dress.  Flowy is my friend.  I've learned how to dress for my body shape to draw attention aware from my stomach to look more flattering.

The fact that I have a fear of people looking at or touching my stomach is so sad.  But the fact is, most people have this.  Maybe its their teeth or toes or thighs or hairline.  Why though?  Why do we hate parts of our bodies?  Our bodies are amazing and unique.  No two stomachs are the same.  Why do we compare ourselves to actresses, singers, athletes, and our peers.

I am here to say that I love my body.  I love my pudgy tummy and my chicken skin on my arms and my uneven eyebrows and my long toes and my freckles on my legs.  I love my body and I pledge to uplift myself and accept my body.  I promise to stop comparing myself to others.

I invite you to address your insecurities.  Accept them.  Love them.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

The Fashion Tag

I am going to complete the "fashion tag" and answer fourteen questions about my style and my view of fashion.  I hope you enjoy and learn a little something about my personal style! 

1.  What 5 words describe your style?

classic, comfy, preppy, practical, quirky

2.  What are your favorite jeans?

American Eagle Hi-Rise Jegging

3.  What is your most worn piece?

My most worn pieces for fall are vests.  I love to layer them with long sleeve shirts or sweaters and scarves or statement necklaces.  I have 6 and wear them way to much!


4.  What are your favorite shoes?

Keds.  I know they aren't traditionally the most stylish shoes but I wear them all the time.  I like to mix them with a feminine outfit to make it a bit edgier.  They give off  a chill vibe and are super comfortable! 

5.  What is your favorite store?

I go to Marshalls,Tj Maxx, and thrift stores the most because they are affordable and have great finds!

6.  What was your last fashion purchase?

I bought a romper from Nordstrom Rack two days ago for my sorority's formal


7.  Spend or save?

SAVE!

8.  What is your favorite winter outfit?

My go to outfit for fall is a sweater, leggings, scarf, and boots.

9.  Who is your favorite Youtuber?

Casey Holmes

10.  Who is your fashion crush?

Lauren Conrad has been my fashion crush for years!  I love how she rocks looks from romantically sweet to masculine chic.  She always looks put together and powerful, which is my goal.  Her line at Kohls is amazing and I want to raid her closet so bad! 


11.  Heels or flats?

Flats

12.  What is your go to bag?

Vineyard Vines Classic Tote  or my polka dot black cross body from target.  Just depends on the occasion!

13.  What is one splurge item you are lusting after?

I am saving up for a Kate Spade bag and watch


14.  What is your favorite season to dress for?

Fall and winter are my favorite because I love layering!  Vest, scarves, fuzzy socks, sweaters, flannels, boots!  Ah, the BEST

I tag Danielle of Beautiful Disaster!

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Best drugstore finds

Some of my favorite and most used products are from the drugstore.  Even though I love Sephora and want to buy the whole store, doesn't mean that I can or would.  If you know what to look for, you can score products that are better than high end products!

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation


This is my most used foundation because of it's full coverage and blendability.  I have this in three different shades to match my skin tone year round.  I use the foundation brush in my Top Slurge Makeup post.  I have uneven skin with red patches and one layer of this covers it all up!  

Essence Silky Touch Blush


If you want bang for your buck,  this is the blush for you!  It costs a whopping $ 2.99! It is the silkiest, most pigmented blush that I own.  I have multiple shades in my collection an use them daily.  The only downside is that they are VERY soft so they will break easily.  But, they are so cheap so it is so worth it!

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara


I change my mascara all the time.  I have a love hate relationship with this mascara.  I love it only when it is about a month old a little dried up.  When it is brand new, it is too watery and doesn't give my nice thick, long lashes.   But, when it is old, it is perfect and gives me full, dramatic lashes that I love!
Insider secret : L'Oreal is owned by the same people who own Lancome and Saint Laurent.  A lot of their formulations are very similar, so you get the same results with L'Oreal products but at a lower cost.

e.l.f. High Definition Powder 
I have just recently started using this product but I am obsessed.  I use this powder to set my undereye concealer.  It is a very thin white powder that appears colorless on the skin.  It sets your makeup and matifies the skin.  e.l.f. is starting to be carried in stores like Target and CVS which is awesome because e.l.f.'s cosmetics are very cheap and good quality!

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes 

These are the best makeup remover wipes I have tried.  They are oil free and lightly scented so they work well with my sensitive skin.  They are moisturizing so I do not wash my face after using them.  After using one, I have absolutely no makeup left of my face, including waterproof mascara. Yeah, they are pricey at $ 8 for 30 wipes, but they are so worth it. 

Maybeline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Treatment Concealer
I have used this concealer for about two years now without fail.  It is full coverage without looking cakey and gross.  The applicator tip is a squishy sponge-like circle that applies the product evenly.  I then use an elf concealer brush to blend it in.