Good morning!
Today we have a very special treat for the Summer Glow Boot Camp! Leslie will be talking about a VERY important topic that I think many of us struggle with- feeling confident in summer clothes! I know I always feel a bit self-conscious when I whip out the summer wardrobe. Society places so many expectations on women to not only be thin, but perfectly tanned, smooth, and cellulite free. It can make the most sane of us feel a bit crazy at times. Leslie is here to offer her awesome tips on how to get past those summer wardrobe fears and to embrace your awesome GLOWING self!
Hello Oh She Glows readers! My name is Leslie, and I blog over at the whole plate.
When Angela put out her “casting call” for the SGBC, I jumped at the chance. I’ve been an OSG fan for quite some time now, and I adore the positive message that Angela spreads.
On my blog, I often write about balance and self-acceptance. Last year, I found myself working in the high fashion industry, and as you might imagine, the atmosphere made both of those things difficult to attain. Nonetheless, I still harness a deep love for fashion, and like many, I used to dread the skimpy clothing that peppered garment racks as summer approached. The sudden exposure our bodies receive in summer attire can be intimidating, but over the years, I’ve employed a few strategies to relish in showing some skin.
1) Throw out the rule book. Fashion magazines often entice readers with promises of “seventy tops for your figure,” but I’m not here to tell you how to flatter your frame. Only you can do that. In my opinion, there is nothing more fashionable than a woman who pulls off her outfit with pride. Maybe your favorite dress isn’t the one fashion editors recommend for you. It doesn’t matter. If you feel beautiful in it, then you are.
2) Embrace your rights as a woman. I know, it’s easier to say the words, “I am beautiful” than to actually believe them. Summer arrives, and retailers suddenly ask us to reveal more than we do the other nine months of the year. Instead of complaining, I’ve finally begun to respond with enthusiasm. As women, our ancestors fought long and hard for the equality we have today. It is our right and privilege to bare our arms and legs. Put on that halter top, zip up those shorts, and feel your place in the feminine community. Your exposed skin reflects the history of our gender and the freedom we should be proud to enjoy.
3) Treasure the atmosphere. Summer is my favorite time of year. The long days, the heat, the opportunities to be outside – these are available to us for just a short period each year, and personally, I savor them. If I remain indoors with the air-conditioning, warmed by a baggy sweatshirt, I am allowing the season to slip away. Chances are, long sleeves won’t feel comfortable in the sun and hot air, and wearing them will cause you to fixate on your body, rather than the ambiance surrounding you. So shed those layers, and cherish the beautiful sensation of the summer heat embracing your bare arm.
4) Be a bit narcissistic. Your legs carry you up flights of stairs, on countless errands, perhaps on miles of runs. Your arms support every item held in your hands, help you reach high and low, propel you off the floor in a morning push-up. Your stomach digests the food that keeps you strong, and its core strength keeps you balanced. With all that your body can do, why wouldn’t you want to show it off? Take pride in the support it provides you, and wear clothes that let the world see its strength.
5) Dress yourself with your heart, not your head. You’ve been working hard, strengthening your body through the SGBC. Maybe your head is still arguing that you aren’t ready for a swimsuit or a skirt. Don’t listen. We women tend to spend hours overthinking our clothing choices – is this flattering, what is the size, can I pull this off. Fashion is a means of literally wearing our hearts on our sleeves. Quiet the negative thoughts and allow your clothes to reflect the person you are.
The next time you peek into your closet, I hope I’ve inspired you to toss away the layers and take a fashion risk. And if you have a free moment, I’d love to see you at the whole plate!
Thanks Leslie! I absolutely loved this post so much. I think this is such a great topic and I will admit one that I have not really addressed on OSG yet! When Leslie approached me with the idea I was just thrilled. I especially loved this part, “So shed those layers, and cherish the beautiful sensation of the summer heat embracing your bare arm.” Wow, what an amazing visual that gave me..a warm summer day…nice breeze..and feeling the warm sun on my skin. Who wants to constantly be all covered up and self-conscious all the time. Embrace it! :) I couldn’t agree more with ‘If you feel beautiful in it, then you are’…nothing is more attractive on a woman than confidence!!
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I have been a busy bee in the kitchen this morning as you could probably guess from my late post!
Today I was baking up some donated orders. The first one was for the Glo Bars I donated to Natalie’s bake sale for cancer. The second was for the SGBC Sidebar challenge, and the 3rd one I will be announcing below!
Classic and Revive…two lovely choices.
My new packing table! lol
A taste of heaven…
ATTENTION US READERS!
I know you have had it a bit difficult lately seeing all of these Glo Bars and not being able to order any yet! You’ve also had to deal with two Neal Brothers contests that were only open to Canadians. Well, today I want to say a little ‘thanks’ to you all for your dedicated support with Oh She Glows and your enthusiasm with Glo Bakery.
So today I am holding a US-ONLY contest on OSG! I will be sending another test package to the states and YOU could be the lucky recipient! You have a chance of winning one of these variety packs above (Heaven, Class, and Revive bars)!
How to enter:
- Leave a comment below about Leslie’s post on being confident in summer clothes. If you have any tips on being confident tell us what they are!
- Contest is open until TOMORROW, Friday at NOON EST.
- Open to US residents only please.
- GOODLUCK!
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I am off to pack and ship some stuff! Then it is back to calculating Nutrition Facts.
See you later for the winner of The Amazing Grass Contest! You have 1 more hour to get your entries in!!!
Also, just a quick note about emails- I am experiencing a large volume of emails lately for OSG, GMM, and Glo Bakery. Please rest assured that I am receiving all of them and I will get to them as soon as possible! Thanks so much for your patience. :)
I agree 100% that feeling confident and comfortable in your clothes is very important. But I also feel very strongly about dressing modestly when possible (when working out or swimming or something like that, the occasion warrants fewer clothes and I have no problem with that). I have found that showing more of my body doesn’t necessarily make me more comfortable, even if it has nothing to do with being ashamed or uncomfortable in my body.
I probably wouldn’t explain it very well if I kept rambling on about it, but basically I personally try to feel comfortable in my clothes, like they fit and flatter my shape, but also like I’m not showing the world what they don’t need to see of my body. I don’t have ANY problem with anyone that chooses to dress differently than me, it is just a personal choice for me with my beliefs.
But that doesn’t stop me from loving summer clothes in general, even though I sometimes have to modify them slightly. Pretty strappy dresses for example, I just add a t-shirt underneath – they have become one of my favorite things since this is the first summer ever that I’ve owned one. It is long and flowing and full of fun colors! And it makes me feel great!
Oh, how FUN! Finally we get a chance to enjoy! =)
Leslie’s post was great. We should all be proud of our bodies and not be ashamed to show them off. I feel sad when I see people in the dead of the summer wearing jeans. That must be incredibly uncomfortable physically and mentally!
I would love some OSG bars!!!!
I think you just have to be comfortable in your clothes! If you’re comfortable, you feel beautiful and the beauty shines through!
Loved this post! Wear what you want, not what is trendy. If you feel beautiful that’s all that matters :)
Pick me!
Wear clothes that make you feel confident, and don’t wear anything that makes you “feel” less than wonderful!
I love that Leslie forget what the magazines say will look good on you. Everytime I see an article like that I find myself like options from every different shape. Lol
Sometimes with confidence you just have to fake it till you make it. That really helps me when I’m feeling insecure
I would really love to win some Glo bars! I’m so excited!
Oh man I wanna win!
My tip is to wear sexy, racy underwear even if no one but you is gonna see it :)
Heck yes I want these bars!!!!
Leslie hit the nail on the head. I remember spending an entire summer a few years ago wearing jeans. I never wore shorts or a skirt. Looking back, how was I not sweaty and uncomfortable all the time. Now I embrace the beautiful summer dresses and flowy tops and I feel beautiful in them! It’s practically all I wear during the summer now. What a great post! :)
I loved the ‘think with your heart, not your head’ part of the post. I over think my clothes selection every morning! Tomorrow I will let my heart take the lead!
My confidence tip: Walk in the room like you OWN IT! Head up and eyes straight ahead! LOL Works every time!
I agree with Leslie that being comfortable is key to having confidence. It’s sad to think of how many summers I let slip away because I didn’t want to be seen in a bathing suit. Let go of your inhibitions and wear something that allows you to make the most of the gorgeous summer weather!
OMG! I have been waiting for the day that I could try your bars since I started reading!
I love wearing sundresses in the summer, they’re cool and flatter anyone’s figure!
I’ve been dying for some OSG bars!!
I loved Leslie’s post. Summer is always a scary time because of skimpier clothes and the dreaded swimwear, but I think women should embrace their curves (I know my husband looooves mine) and be proud of what God gave them. Everyone is unique, and we should embrace that!
My “tip” for looking and feeling great in summer clothes is a little tan. Whether you spend an hour or so in the sun getting a slight glow, or use self tanning lotion, it always has a positive effect!!
I love this post, Leslie! It’s great to feel bold and proud in what you are wearing — people can totally read it in the way you carry yourself! I want in on the bars! I love me some snackage and they look fantastic!!
I would LOVE to be the test recipient of Glo bars!!
I think that it’s important to embrace all the hard work we put into our bodies. My legs may not be twigs, but they’ve carried me through three marathons, and they better carry me through more!
Confidence looks good on everyone, no matter what you’re wearing. :)
Dressing with your heart not your mind – excellent tip. Might sound counter-intuitive but I always feel an extra boost of confidence in bright colors in the summer!
Stand up straight! It ALWAYS makes me feel more confident!
Ooooh!!! Fun fun!!
I’m all about comfort. I can not feel confident if I am in tight clothes. I am FINALLY realizing that these fun summer dresses are the way to go! You get comfort and you look put together! :)
I would love to be the test case for your wonderful product!
As for summer – wear something that you feel confident in or that shows off a feature you like. For me, I’ve been doing push ups all summer and enjoy wearing tank tops.
I want to win this contest! I love being able to leave the gym in shorts and a T-shirt in the summer. Embrace being athletic with pride!
Oooh I’d love to get a goodie package! I’m always sending out stuff, but never getting presents myself! Yippee :) I love the tip about dressing with your heart. Some things I wear would not be considered conventionally fashionable, but if I feel good, I’ll wear it! I love love love dresses in the summer because they require less thought since you don’t have to match a top and bottom, and can be super flattering on any shape. My go-to summer wardrobe pretty much consists of little black knit dresses that can be dressed up or down. Paired with flat sandals or heels I always feel confident!