When it comes to my body image issues, well of course I've got them in spades, but I've always maintained an equilibrium where I never weigh myself, and rationalize that as long as my clothes fit, I'm fine. I no longer feel fine. But at least I've still got some generously cut swing dresses hanging in my closet. This one from Joie, has always been a favorite since rescuing it from a clearance rack at TJMaxx some five years ago.
Each year it comes out again, brought to new life with new accessories, forgiving to summer heat and expanding derrières.
The Rundown
Cloudburst Dress Joie via TJMaxx similar
Huarache Mules "Camila" Rebecca Minkoff similar
Round Rattan Bag Andakasa
Raffia Hoop Earrings Ann Taylor
Black and White Bangle Vintage thrifted similar
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
Huarache Mules "Camila" Rebecca Minkoff similar
Round Rattan Bag Andakasa
Raffia Hoop Earrings Ann Taylor
Black and White Bangle Vintage thrifted similar
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
and
I love a looser silhouette for summer and this dress looks fabulous with those white sandals and that straw bag I'm totally obsessed with!
ReplyDeleteDistrict of Chic
I have been in exactly the situation you describe more times than I can count. And the one thing I can say for sure is this: your 30s are not to blame. When I was in my mid-to-late 20s, I had a high stress job that required me to manage a group of people who were mostly twice my age. At least half of them resented how young I was and took every opportunity to be insubordinate. I was never not running around trying to fix some mess. I never ate at work, except for large bags of M&Ms that my one loyal staff member made sure were always in my top desk drawer. One winter, I went to put on a skirt I hadn't worn for a while and, as you say, things were not fine. For me, that was a wake-up call, and the start of a long series of lifestyle changes. Nothing happened overnight. First I started eating breakfast again. Eventually, I tried yoga and found I liked it. Still further down the road, I relegated most of my junk food consumption to Friday through Sunday. I even started lifting (light) weights. Fast forward to about three months away from my 32nd birthday. I have a different high stress job now but I'm fitter and healthier and yes, thinner, than I ever was in my 20s. It didn't happen in a short period of time, but I promise you, it can be done. And in the meantime, from where I'm sitting, you look as fabulous as ever <3
ReplyDeletexox,
Cee
Oh, I feel your pain, Lydia!! It happens to us all! Even if I don't actually gain weight, the body parts seem to change on their own!! But since I only have so much control over it, I'm trying not to stress too much.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to look at it as a great reason to go shopping...ha ha!! (Or alter what I already have!)
XOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
I hear you sister! I don't love to weigh myself, so I too gauge my weight by how my clothing fits. Recently I have noticed things being a little snugger. Maybe it is the ice cream, or perhaps the glasses of wine, or maybe I just washed everything and my dryer is shrinking everything! I have found regardless of size, if I feel better, I look better, and you look amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love this dress and those earrings are outstanding!
xx, Elise
www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
I do love that dress!
ReplyDeleteAnd I know what you mean, sometimes it's disheartening when pieces I've had for years are suddenly a little bit too tight. But it happens and we shouldn't worry too much about it unless it becomes unhealthy.
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
OH I TOTALLY Get it! That little "warning" is always like RED ALERT for me! I always gauge if I am doing okay by my clothing. But honestly I would have NEVER guessed this wasn't ideal for you because you look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThe Adored Life
For what it's worth, regardless of how things feel they're fitting, you look great. That said, I 100% know how you're feeling. My metabolism has definitely gradually slowed over the years (although I've mostly been able to mitigate that by changing up my diet from time to time and ensuring I get lots of exercise) and right now I'm on the cusp of fully accepting that my body will likely never return to the way it was pre-pregnancy and I'm going to need to start assembling a new wardrobe so that I don't have the frustration of wearing things that don't quite fit right since my body has now decided to store fat reserves in odd places and with the baby there's just no way I'll have the time to exercise like I used to. My plan is just to focus on ensuring I feel as strong and fit as possible and that I wear things that fit me and make me feel good, rather than worrying about numbers on a scale or things that don't fit quite right anymore. I guess the upshot of it all is that I can do some shopping!
ReplyDeleteCourtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
I could have written this post. This has been me for about 8 months now. I was 12 pounds over my usual weight and nothing fit and whatever did fit was tight. Now, I am still 9 pounds over my weight and have gone to two nutritionists and I have been terrible at following any instructions.
ReplyDeleteI think you are doing the wise thing, wear what fits and then begin making small changes. The dress looks good :)
I know the feeling -- it's a metabolism thing. Now that I'm in my 30s as well, my body just doesn't act like it used to. I would recommend that you try to not eat all your meals at the end of the day. Don't let work keep you from eating. It'll help your metabolism even if you eat like 5 small meals a day (throughout the day) as opposed to 3 larger meals all at the end of the day.
ReplyDeleteAnd I do like this dress on you, but the bag is my favorite. Super, super cute!
www.ohtobeamuse.com
Love your swing dress, and that is the cutest round bag! I think you look wonderful personally.
ReplyDeleteAmy Ann
Straight A Style
Love this easy breezy outfit - that bag is so awesome.
ReplyDelete♥ Paula Shoe Fiend.
http://shoe-fiend.blogspot.co.nz/
Love this outfit! It really suits you!
ReplyDeletexx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS & HOLLYWOOD!
Oh forget the body issues, you look amazing! Love that swing dress and the shoes!
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com