it’s the only one I’ve got!
I have been feeling sad.
Recently I shared that I was feeling very satisfied with my current wardrobe in the Contented Fashionista (mind you, now the warmer weather’s here, I’m itching to go shopping again!).
I was amazed by how FEW readers knew the feeling. And it wasn’t because they don’t have money, or plenty in their wardrobes already.
It was because they are not happy with their body at the moment, and therefore not happy with their clothes and the way they look in them. Even a TV show I watched recently, reported only 3% of women are happy with their bodies. For shame!
As Nikki from Styling You says, it’s about dressing for the body you’ve got and enjoying it NOW (even if you are trying to lose weight).
But it seems the message just isn’t getting through.
So I’ll share my little secret, and you too can be a Contented Fashionista!
Lean closer, and I’ll whisper it to you: It’s been a lot easier to be happier with my body, and therefore my wardrobe, since I embraced my size, shape, and colouring.
Size
In my late teens / earlier twenties, folk often asked me if I was anorexic. That’s how thin I was. My wedding dress was a Size 8 and still had to be taken in!
The main reason I was such a skinny minnie was due to major stress in my life (long story, but if you’re really interested, this post will give you an idea of what I was going through). Then I got married and found contentment – and food! I was soon a much more healthy size.
When I was diagnosed with PND, one of the signs was that I’d lost about 5kg without trying. I went right off my food, so I guess for me, loving food basically equates to loving life!
Today I am a size 14-16 (and have been for several years now) and I’ve made my peace with that. I’ve dropped to a size 12-14 when I’ve worked hard at it, but the reality is this is my size now. As long as it stays the same, I’m happy. This is my body now and I’m gonna love it exactly as it is.
It means I will most likely never shop in certain stores again (I’m talking to YOU, Ice, Valley Girl, Supre and Ally!). But that’s because their ranges and sizing are suited to young girls – and let’s face it, it’s been quite a while since I was one of those ;-).
Shape
Apparently the “average” Australian woman is a Size 14, so I’m certainly not alone.
I’m learning to be proud of my womanly figure. However, even if I do avoid the teenybopper stores, not everything will suit me because of my shape. I’m an apple, which means I carry the bulk of my weight around my tummy. The up side is, I have great pins!
I look for what’s flattering for MY figure. Most jeans and pants are cut for the more traditional pear shape. They might look FAB on another Size 14; but not on me. It’s worth taking the time to hunt out the shops that cater for YOUR shape.
Don’t be afraid to try new things because you just never know. It was only a few years ago that I realised a halter neck really suits me and shows off my puppies assets – and all because I dared to try on something different!
Colouring
With fair skin, blonde hair and blue eyes, I’m what is called a “Summer” – pretty pastels, most blues and greys, burgundy and plum give my complexion that “Wow!” factor. Earthy colours on the other hand, just make me look faded and sick. When orange and yellow are THE big colours du jour, I know that they are not for me.
If you get the colours right, you can’t help but feel good in what you’re wearing – and you’ll be amazed how many compliments come your way.
What could you do to help you feel better in what you wear, and to help you become a Contented Fashionista (winning the lotto is NOT an answer!)?
On Tuesdays I link up with Essentially Jess and the gang for “I Blog On Tuesdays”
Hi J, I think u r and look awesome – being happy with yourself is the best accessory! Oh, and a big, friendly smile 🙂
I do feel great in what I wear and am loving my body. But it’s happened more after I lost a bit of weight and toned up. I’m a pear shape and probably always will be but I’m fine with that. I’ve only recently learnt though how to dress for my shape. So I guess for me to be a contented fashionista, winning lotto would be the answer! 😀
By the way, coincidentally, I blogged about my healthy journey and loving my body today! 😛
Yay glad to hear 🙂 and will have to pop over and visit your post!
fantastic post. I feel best in my dressing gown!
LOVE my dressing gown! So snuggly and warm and hides any figure faults 😉
“I’m no supermodel, but I’m learning to love my body –
it’s the only one I’ve got!” Here Here!
Thanks Steph!
Great post! Learning to love who you are is such a difficult journey for most of us! I love your honesty about your journey. Go contented fashionista go!
And usually a loooong journey too 🙂
I have things I wish were different about my body but I certainly don’t get caught up on them. You look great extremely happy! #teamIBOT
Thanks iSophie. I’m the same – there are some things that I’m not as happy about with my body, but I figure life’s too short to stress about them!
It’s a great thing seeing a woman who is happy with her body, whatever her size happens to be. You look great, and you’re right the halter neck looks fabo on u!
Oh ta Lynda, you are so sweet 🙂
Great post Janet! When I have styled clients i tell them their shape and what colours suit them. Once those are understood it can make a big difference to ones confidence because they are wearing what suits them.
Even though I know my colours etc, I still think it would be really fun to have a colours/styling session! One day!
When I lost 12kgs last year I thought I’d suddenly love shopping and everything would suit me. It didn’t, and I still hated shopping. I am in desperate need of a few new wardrobe staples, but can’t find the funds to do it, except cheaply, and well, you get what you pay for I’m afraid! I’d love to know what shape and colour I am! How do I find out!? x Aroha
Don’t forget op shopping! I’m guessing from your pictures that you are a Spring or Summer? See if you can get your hands on the book “Colour Me Beautiful” or check out their website – or if you are more financial, you could go and see a stylist/colours person … there’s plenty out there!
You look fantastic Janet! I’m try to go with the flow of how I am feeling. It I wake up feeling fab, I dress for it. If I don’t wake up feeling fab, I don’t fight it and go for comfort instead. I gave up worrying what I should or shouldn’t look like long ago. I think that is the key to being a contented fashionista 😉
Just read your link, and am so sorry to hear of your struggles growing up. I too have been my thinnest at my most unhappiest times- when I was so stressed and wrought with anxiety that food was unimportant. I love food, and would rather have a few extra kilograms and be happy. I have similar colourings to you- and agree I look pale and sick against many colours, but am not black and white about disregarding clothes choices on that basis alone. I consider choices on a case by case basis. I often find that with heavier makeup, there’s more room for flexibility.
Absolutley – for example, I supposedly shouldn’t wear black – but can you imagine having a wardrobe without much black in it? Nah me either! I think as you say, you can change your makeup to suit, or sometimes just a scarf or accent in your colours helps give you that “glow” 🙂
You know hun I think I just need someone who knows how to dress me for my shape/size/height! I’m a 12, but have HUGE boobs and so can’t ever find tops that fit that don’t make me look pregnant, but I’m losing gut slowly, thanks to treadmill at home… I love your tips – now I just need a personal shopper! xx
I’d love a personal shopper too 🙂
Yeah I know about the boobs thing, it’s always a challenge to find button up shirts that don’t pull open over my bosoms – I hate that!
My mum is always saying that she isn’t buying any more clothes because she needs to lose weight. Up until recently I had that same thought…then I though to heck with that. At the moment, I am the size that I am, so why shouldn’t I at least dress in clothes that make me feel great.
YAY! Awesome revelation Tegan – go for it!
It really does show that you’re happy in your own skin, Janet. Your smile says it all. I’m dropping the kgs at the moment, and am feeling so much better being able to fit into clothes that I haven’t worn for a while.
I fell into the contentment trap, but am determined to get fit, not skinny, just healthy. x
Yes here’s to better health!
I’ve always struggled with my weight, from being a teen to even now. I’m very rarely happy with it and It doesn’t matter what I wear. The best things for me are to work hard and eat well, but that’s just about control. It’s not a great way to live
I hope you grow to love your body Jess – it looks pretty darn good to me!