On Body Confidence

September 14, 2015

wit & whimsy I dl1961 boyfriend jeans I brooklyn

Today’s outfit(s) accompany a bit more personal of a story…

When I first decided to start shooting personal style posts, I had the body of a 23 year old and was about 20lbs lighter. I had no insight into how my body would change and develop, what health issues would strike and how my blog would grow in that I was consistently putting images of myself out on the internet for many to see.

In my mid to late 20s, thyroid disease struck and I gained 35 pounds and felt awful every day for nearly 2 years. I still struggle with the disease but have done a lot to try and improve how I feel (including two procedures – 1 that failed – to have my thyroid removed). I’m still now 15lbs heavier than I was 4 years ago so it has been a daily process in accepting my new body and also accepting that sometimes no matter what steps we take, we can’t control everything.

I mentioned when I wrote about 30 things I learned by 30, that one of the best lessons I learned in my 20s was to dress for my body type and not for what all the trends were.

…I have a big chest so I don’t get to wear cute bikini tops or fit and flare dresses that look so good on so many people.

…I have love handles and so jersey is often off the table for me or anything super form fitting for that matter.

…I have really pale skin that hates to be in the sun so you won’t see me sporting all white or other styles that show off beautifully bronzed skin.

…I take (somewhat ridiculous) steps to help keep my skin clear so that acne isn’t something I can fret about.

…I have knobby knees and small nail beds and ears that stick out and make wearing hats hard.

club monaco skort I wit & whimsy

But you know what I’ve learned from focusing on body positivity rather than body shaming? That there’s a lot to love when you start to look closely and more thoughtfully.

I love that I have my mom’s nose and my dad’s smile. I love that I have freckles sprinkled across my face and that my feet let me wear heels all the time and that I’m healthier than I used to be and that all around, things could be so much worse. I love that I ran my first half marathon this year and learned the value of pushing myself. I love that I get excited to get dressed every day even though I know a lot of times I spend in stores saying “that wouldn’t work on my body.”

Because…in the end, it’s so much more liberating to compliment yourself, than criticize it.

dl1961 boyfriend jeans I vince booties I wit & whimsy

When I started dressing for my own body and not the body I wish I had (or used to have), I discovered a new sense of confidence. And I wouldn’t trade that for the world.

Here’s to celebrating who we are and all we have. Many thanks to Lane Bryant for reaching out to help encourage me write down the words I’ve so often thought about sharing on this blog. I’m grateful that they empower women to feel their best about their bodies. It’s something we all should embrace more often. So join me, won’t you?

black and white I wit & whimsy

Outfit One: Aritzia Top // DL1961 Jeans // Vince booties (similar) // Sophie Hulme bag

Outfit Two: Zara Top // Club Monaco Skort // Joie Heels (similar) // Old Navy bucket bag (sold out sadly!)

This post was created in collaboration with Lane Bryant through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Lane Bryant, all opinions are my own.

[Bekka Palmer Photography]

comments +

  1. Andi says:

    Loved your post and your message! You rock! 🙂

  2. Jess Zimlich says:

    Such an important reminder and couldn’t have come at a better time for me! 🙂

  3. Lyndsey says:

    Love this! Can you tell me where you got the jacket in outfit two??
    I love it!!

    • Meghan says:

      Thanks so much, Lyndsey! And the jacket is from J.Crew- but two winters ago, so sorry! I searched and sadly it looks like there aren’t any available online anymore!!

  4. You look beautiful and I truthfully would love to have your shape!

    Her Heartland Soul
    http://herheartlandsoul.com

  5. Megan says:

    You are beautiful, and so are your words & thoughts. Thanks for sharing, being open, and being you.

  6. Sarah says:

    I had no idea you struggled with thyroid disease. I have a good friend who is going through the same thing right now – so I have an idea of how frustrating that must be. So glad to hear that you’re feeling better, overall!

    Your blog is one of my favorites because you’re so great at putting flattering outfits together that will look good everyone. I follow TONS of blogs at this point – but most of the clothes I see I know wouldn’t work on me – even if they look gorgeous on the blogger.

    I feel like your outfits are much more creative and versatile and thats one of the many things I appreciate about your site. Everything you wear on here looks so gorgeous on you and totally inspires me to try something similar! (And I feel like your personal style is pretty similar to mine – so that’s another reason I love your outfit posts.)

    Thanks for getting real in this post!

    Sarah

    • Meghan says:

      Sarah your thoughtful comment couldn’t have meant more to me! Thank you for the kind words and recognition! It’s a struggle to remain true to what works on me but worth it in the end and I’m so glad you find my outfits inspiring! Love your blog and thank you again for the lovely comment!

  7. Therese Wiebd says:

    What a blessing you have been today! I have only come to the conclusions you have already reached quite recently. As a size four all my life, being a 10-12 at 62 is causing quite a depression. Sure there are health reasons etc., and I’m happy to be alive, but when an important event comes up, I want to reach into my size 2-4 closet and be able to wear them just for that night!

    You are a bright ray of reality! I’m gonna highlight what’s good. (Okay, great!) about me and get on with life!
    I wish you the best, and thank you for your time! It’s time I stop pouting and hiding! Life is good!

    • Meghan says:

      Therese, your comment made my day! Your attitude is so right to see what’s good in life vs. focusing on what maybe could be better but in the end isn’t that important! Your spirit is so beautiful and I couldn’t have been happier to read your words. Thank you for sharing!!

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