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. :)
Let's get social! Follow Angela on Instagram @ohsheglows, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest
{ 362 comments… read them below or add one }
AHHHH ANGELA I WANT TO WIN SO BADLY.
i think summer confident is able just being comfortable! buy clothes that fit you and wear em with pride!
I am so excited to see a post by Leslie! She is one of my favorite bloggers, and it is great to see her featured on OSG!
Way to go Leslie! I loved how you talked about what all our bodies can do. If my legs can power me through a half marathon, why not show them off in shorts? THANK YOU!
omg angela i want to win SO BADDD :) i think the best part of what leslie wrote about is being comfortable in the clothes you are wearing. not paying attention to rules, and going by what makes you feel the best :)
I learned this trick on wearing a bikini from my fav model (Marisa Miller)- shoulders back, butt OUT!! It gives you a nice curved look and lengthens your tummy. Plus, throwing your shoulders back just gives you better posture and makes you look confident. It really makes me feel better in a bikini!!!!
Be confident and stop worrying about what other people think!
I hope I win!
You know I would love to win this :)
I love how motivating and how self-respecting Leslie encourages us to be!
I always play up my best feature. I love my shoulders so I often wear tops that show them off.
What a great post, Leslie! I really like the idea of leaving fashion rules to the wayside. I also think positive self-talk is a must when transitioning into summer clothes. Sure, my legs may never be as small as I think they should be, but they have carried me through many a race, and they’ve walked me all over the world, and that is MUCH more important than how I think they look in a pair of shorts.
all i can say is…no one is looking at you as hard as you are looking at yourself. it is hard to remember, but those little imperfections, only you notice them. give yourself a break and wear what you enjoy. i’ve heard too many people say, “oh, i love that top…if only my arms didn’t jiggle,” or, “that skirt is great…but my legs are far too big.” :(
Oooh! Sending it all the way to me in FL would be a real test! :) I’d love to try the bars!
I think another important thing to remember when you are out and about in summer clothes is that, whether it is good or bad, most people are so busy thinking about themselves that they aren’t thinking about you! Seriously, you might be very self-conscious in that new sleeveless top but you’re the only one thinking about it. The girl next to you might be thinking about her legs or a party that she is going to later that night. We all think about ourselves more than others think about us, so cut yourself some slack & just enjoy the moment.
I’m SO happy that US peeps will get the chance to win!! Thank you Angela:)
Great post Leslie…When you are confident, you wear the clothes, they don’t wear you! Tank tops are my favorite sinc e I work my shoulders and biceps hard!
~B
I guess what I would have to say, if not now, when? We are young women, and summer is the time to be proud and show some skin! I guarantee 30 years from now we will not believe that we were insecure in our youth.
omg, winning this would make my life complete! i will seriously praise every single one on the blog if i win!
Having a healthy lifestyle really helps when summer comes around. This way if you have been taking care of yourself eating right and exercising there is no need to hide over the summer. It is very rewarding to be able to wear clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for the season. No need to hide under layers of clothes when it is so hot out. Show off all your hard work :)
yum id love to win!! the bars look so yummy (especially the chocolate peanut butter!! :)) i also agree everyone has a favorite feature that you like more than another mine would be my neck line so a cute v neck t shirt or tube top for me would be my summertime favorite.
yess! i’d loovee to try your glo bars that i read about everyday!! glad to hear everything is moving along in terms of US orders
YAY!!! US Only!! :)
My tips/advice would be to stop thinking sooo much!! Sometimes we overthink the simpliest things like “I love the way I look in this bikini BUT…my muffin top hangs over”. So we discount the fact that we look amazing and focus on only the bad things. It took me a long time to focus on the best aspects of my body instead of the little imperfections. So stop thinking and have some fun!!
Omg I want to win!!
My tip is just to wear what makes you feel happy, confident, and powerful – even if it’s “not in style”.
Confidence is key, but at the same time, the right outfit can make you feel more confident about yourself. Pick clothes that flatter your figure and don’t just jump on the trend bandwagon. I prefer to buy only a few pieces of clothing each season, but am extremely picky about the size/shape/make/fit.
I think we need to play up our best features more. Everyone has a favorite body part. For me, it’s my runners legs. Pick your best feature and display is proudly (and classy). One feature goes a long way….. :)
I love how she talked about thinking about what our bodies do for us! Our bodies are amazing and need to be appreciated! So pull those shoulders back and show off that amazing body! ;)
I loved Leslie’s post. It took me a long time to realize that I don’t care if my legs don’t look great in shorts; I am now too busy enjoying the nice summertime weather to care what other people think about how i look.
The Glo bars look yummy; I would love to be the lucky test guinea-pig from the States!
Awesome contest! I just think that no one is as hard of a critic as ourselves. I am working on incorporating that into my mantra for starting to love myself all of me each and every day.
OMG I would love to win this package!!! Send it to me all the way in San Diego!
I think my best tip for feeling good in summer clothes goes along with what Leslie said. Be confident, stand up straight, put your shoulders back, use your yoga muscles. When you stand up straight, instead of slouching in the corner, people notice you and you just exude confidence. And confidence is beautiful, no matter what size you are!
I’d love to win this giveaway!
My favorite line is this: “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.” That gives me a ton of confidence! :)
I thought Leslie’s post was right on! Being confident is the best thing a woman can do to look beautiful in the summer and all year long! I would be sooooo excited to win the glo bars! I hope we in the US can order them soon!
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED what she said under “Be a bit narcissistic.” Often when I’m on a long run that starts to feel a bit hard, or I’m getting lazy and would rather take the train than walk – I try to remind myself how lucky I am that I have a strong, healthy body that is able to carry me.
My father passed away from lung cancer last year and while it was one of the most painful things to watch him suffer and see his body fail him, it also gave me such a fond appreciation for what my body IS able to do. Rather than constantly berating my body for what it IS NOT, I always focus on all the great things that it is doing for me. That is possibly the best gift that he left me with.
I agree with Leslie. There’s nothing like a little bit of confidence (especially on muggy summer days) to just put those shorts on and be happy (and cool ;] )
Yummy contest…I have been waiting for the chance to order and try out these yummy bars!
Leslie’s post is awesome! Pick what you love about your body and show it off! I love how my arms look since I have been strength training. So, I wear strappy tops to show off my biceps and wear my shorts a little longer to hide the stuff I don’t like. It’s about remembering how amazing our bodies are:)
Leslie’s post was awesome and I think that if we all have internal confidence in ourselves and our bodies, it will show through to our external confidence, including how we feel about our clothes. :)
Dying to try these fabulous bars!
My tip is wear what you are comfortable in for the summer. My time on the treadmill always pays off when my legs are toned wearing my fave shorts!:)
oooh i want to try some! and i love leslie’s tips – i agree – with all our bodies can DO, they deserve to be a little bit flaunted in the summa-time :)
I used to feel very self-conscious in a bikini. Then I noticed on the beaches of Italy, how women of all sizes and ages were rocking the bikini without a care in the world (no one wears one pieces there) that I decided if they can do it, so can I!
The bars look amazing!
In my opinion, no matter what the actual clothing is, a summer outfit always looks best when the woman wearing it appears natural and comfortable.
I think being confident in summer clothes involves getting clothes that work for you body type and or course haveing a general sense of being awesome
great post, awesome giveaway :)
Yeah for the USA! Be confident by adding a favorite piece of bright summery jewelry. Wear your favorite color that you know looks good on you!
I’d love to win! From…Fargo, ND
I would love to win!!! I have been desperately waiting for the day that the US clears your shipping. Your bars all look so yummy! Since I live in south Florida, I have to deal with the “summer-time” clothes most of the year. It’s not always easy. There is enormous pressure to be looking great on the beach in your bikini. But I am trying to focus more on being healthy, than trying to compete with the 18 year old girls on the beach. :) And I found a fabulous one piece this year that really shows off my curves! Yay for the return of the Gidget style suit!
I have been drooling over those bars for months!! So excited you’re letting us in the US join in the fun & delisciousness !!
I loved the post today… I agree ! We should all rock what we’ve got and be proud (and comfortable).
I want to win!!! I have been wanting to try your Glo bars for quite some time now. Best. Giveaway. Ever.
I think that what Leslie had to say is wonderful! For me personally, being confident is about being comfortable in my own skin. I only wear things that I feel good in, and I try not to pay too much attention to size! :D Great post!
Awesome!! I would love to win some bars!
Eating fresh foods everyday makes me feel confident in my summer clothes. There’s something about drinking water with lemon and eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies that just makes you feel good – anytime of year, but especially while I’m lounging by the pool!
I would love to win these bars!
I think putting on a favorite dress and showing off my legs is the best confidence booster.
I love shoes….even during those weeks I’m a little heavier than I want to be. Throw on a cute pair of heels and some bright red toenails. I feel sexy and confident.
Woo hoo.. a chance to win Glo Bars!
I loved Lisa’s post on being confident in summer clothes. I had the same epiahany with bikinis this year. I spent my whole vacation in a bikini. I wore it with confidence and pride then i posted pictures of myself in a bikni to thousands online on my blog. I didn’t care what they thought because I knew I looked great. Other years I would have shy and hidden, but I have thrown that attitude right out the window. :)
I favorite piece of advice is: Be a bit narcissistic. I often forget to appreciate my body (and thank it) for what it can do; how strong it is and how it fights off diseases!
Can’t wait to try those bars :)
I have really embraced the if you feel beautiful you are beautiful. So I always try on clothes before I buy them to make sure I do feel beautiful and comfortable.
I used to hate my legs because they are big and muscular but I’ve decided to embrace them and love wearing shorts and skirts/dresses in the summer because I have to show them off because they carry me around all the time. And I am proud of them! Hope I win the glo bars…
gahhh i would loveeeeeeeee to win this contest! your bars and co. website pictures of all the baked goods looks to die for! and the fact that the ingredients are all natural amazes me :)
my advice is to pair a cute dress with HEELS. i think heels (stillettos or espadrilles etc) make my legs look leaner and a dress can be the most flattering in the summer :D
I am so excited about the prospect of winning Glo Bars. I’ve been drooling over the pictures of them for weeks.
Lisa’s post was quite informative and made several great points. I am learning to wear my summer clothes with pride. When I pull something out of my closet I remind myself “You are dressing for you and you alone – if you like the way you look, you’ll be confident, and that’s what people see.” It doesn’t hurt that hubby gets a little sparkle in his eye when I put on my halter tops, shorts, and summer dresses.
I want those Glo bars in my belly!
My tip for feeling confident in summer clothes is to sometimes get a medium, even when the small fits. Clingy shirts when it’s hot out make you feel sweaty and icky. A larger shirt can be better for work (not as tight). Don’t go up a size if that means it will hang off you though!
My tip for being confident in summer clothes was recently learned. It is specifically about bathing suit confidence. Ever since I started swimming laps at the gym pool and having to wear one of those racing, high-cut bathing suits everyday, I do not think twice about wearing it anymore. There are swimmers of all sizes and shapes and people could care less about anything but getting a workout. Once you get used to wearing a bathing suit so often it does not seem like a big deal! (and surprisingly I have found that those high-thighed suits are a LOT more flattering than ones that cut your leg line off at the thickest part!)
Leslie has a valid point about loving the skin your in. While I’m still 15lbs from my goal weight, I don’t think I’ve ever been more comfortable showing a little skin! I’ve got a man that loves me, a family the supports me, and a body that is slowly but surely coming around. Tonight I’ll leave a sticky note on the mirror to remind me of Leslie’s last quip; dress for myself and no one else! I won’t over think my daily outfit!
I think the tip for finding what you feel your best in, not what the fashion mags tell you to wear is a great tip! I may not wear all the latest fashions but I always look for stuff that accentuates the parts of me that make me feel wonderfully radiant!
i really related to lisa’s mention of working in the fashion industry and how it can be hard to maintain good thoughts about your own body. living in a city where most the people you meet are tall, skinny, and primped 24/7, it can be easy to lose perspective! it’s important to remember that your body IS beautiful, and i’ve been trying to remind myself of that more often!!!
Oh I would LOVE to win some glo bars! I have been drooling over your bars for awhile now!
I think the most important thing is to be comfortable in your own skin and what you are wearing. Being comfortable and confident allows everyone’s beauty to come through!
Hooray! NO more teasing us with your Glo Bars! haha. I really enjoyed this post. I’m usually one of the ones who dreads summer for that very reason – skimpy clothes. Its good to know I’m not the only one. Thanks for this article.
Glo Bars to the US, how super! I am so happy customs worked out.
I agree with Leslie about getting dressed with your heart and not your head. There is nothing better then slipping on a little sun dress to make my heart soar!
“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.”
THAT is definitely an amazing tip – I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I think the best tip is to dress for your body! No one is perfect and you have to play up what is great about your body and not the parts that could use a little work ;)
Ignore what is fashionable and wear what makes you look and feel great!
Hilary
i think that often people worry too much about what they are wearing and they forget that their personality is what really makes them shine :)
Leslie’s post was great :) Sometimes if I’m not feeling to hot in the morning or whenever I get a good stretch in but I stretch in front of the mirror. It makes me feel beautiful to see that I’m flexible! And relieves the stresses of feeling gross! Next time give it a try!
great giveaway!!
I loved this post. I actually just had a similar experience this weekend. A lot of times when I would get dressed I felt like I shouldn’t be wearing whatever outfit it was because I didn’t look perfect in it. But then I would go outside and have a blast and completely forget about my insecurity. It’s so amazing when you can just live and not worry about that. Confidence comes from being happy from the inside out. Great post!
Great contest!
I love Leslie’s advice. I know for me, it’s all about FIT- you may have some beautiful items to wear, but you won’t feel comfortable in them if they’re ill-fitting. I always feel my most confident when I wear clothes that fit MY body well.
mmmm these sound yummy!
This is such a tough topic. It is so personal about comfort and confidence. There are so many styles now that everyone can look great…one thing I have learned, baggy does not cover up, it makes you look bigger!
I’m an American living in super sunny California, the land of bikini bottoms and plastic surgery. Although my frame is petite I’ve put on weight in the last few years and my midsection down to my thighs has become encased in cellulite. I haven’t worn a swimsuit in years. I just go without! Couldn’t resist. The truth is that I have super petite breasts and have never been able to find a swimsuit that makes me feel feminine and attractive, and now with the extra padding I just don’t go swimming anymore. Leslie’s post reminds me of how ridiculous it is allowing myself to buy into other people’s notions of beauty. Every day women inject foreign substances into their bodies in the name of beauty and sex appeal, and I refuse to join that camp. But now I want to take that one step further and refuse to partake in self-deprecation. I am beautiful just as I am. If I can’t find a swimsuit that fits me upstairs, then by jolly I’ll go make one myself.
This is lovely, hope I win this package!
I think Leslie has written some really good thoughts about confidence. I am a firm believer of the fact that you should carry off your own style, you don’t have to emulate others and dress just because it is in trend! Make your statement and carry it with 100% confidence!
Again I hope I win this package!!
Ooooooh yay for US shipping for Glo bars!
I would agree with Lisa – it’s all about confidence. I have the whitest legs known to man (I glow in the dark), but instead of hiding in pants all summer, I wear shorts and pretty dresses and flirty heels – and say screw everyone who makes fun of my legs ;) The older I get, the more comfortable I am in my skin. It’s a nice feeling.
I love the line “Dress Yourself with Your Heart” – it is so true!!
I’ve been waiting for you to be able to send to the US to make my first purchase but winning would be even better!
My confidence tip is to just STOP comparing yourself to the girl next to you or a random girl on the street because you never know they might envy something you have!
What a great post!
Though I must say I vastly prefer summer clothes. Shorts and t-shirts all season!
I hope I win the package! I love the bars I’ve made with your recipes and want to taste the REAL THING!
I have a couple scars that I sometimes hesitate showing but in the summertime, I go ahead and wear my v-neck t-shirts! Thanks for your blog!
What an awesome post! I used to be one of those people who would wear baggy long pants and long sleeved baggy shirts even in the summer. I wasn’t happy with my body and last summer I actually fainted because of the heat & my restricting clothing. My friends forced me to try on dresses, skirts, and short sleeved clothing. They forced me to look at the mirror and really see myself. This post hits home and reiterates the point that its important to be comfortable in your own skin and wear your clothing with pride :)
I’ve been drooling over your glo bars for months! Leslie’s post is so inspirational and she is right – as women we have earned the right to show off our beautiful bodies (in a tasteful manner!). Something that makes me confident is a cotton summer dress – it’s comfortable/stylish and allows you to enjoy summer!
I totally agree about wearing what makes YOU feel beautiful. Also, don’t try to squeeze into a smaller size just to be able to say that you wear a size X. When clothes are too small for you, they actually make you look bigger!
Dress with your heart….I think with women we get bogged down with so much stuff that it is sometimes hard to remember that you deserve to look good and when you look good you feel good!
Hi Angela and Leslie,
Angela, HOOORAY for this giveaway. You seriously rock!
Leslie, great post! I love the part where you said, “Quiet the negative thoughts and allow your clothes to reflect the person you are.”
We really should dress for our personalities and be proud to be the person we are!
Paige
I love summer because I can wear pretty, whimsical summer dresses! I always feel a little more dressed up when I’m wearing a dress, even if it’s a pretty casual one that I’ve tossed on to run errands.
I’ve been waiting for those bars to hit the states forever!
Also, a great guest post – I love the idea of embracing our “rights” as women to really be confident all year long. Another piece of advice is to splurge on some new summer clothes – not only will you feel great wearing something new and exciting, but it will motivate you to keep up with your workouts. And, a cute maxi dress goes a long way on days when you’re feeling a bit less than your best :)
I loved Leslie’s post! Living in Florida these are tips I could use yearround. I need to realize that half the time the only person who pays attention to my outfit (for more than a split second) is me. I need to just muster up some confidence and put on all those great summer clothes sitting in my closet ;)
My favorite part of her post is be narcissistic. She’s completely right in that our bodies do awesome things for us so we should show them off in return. As I have gotten a little older (I’m 27), I find that I care less about what people think. I am more focused being loved and loving those who mean most to me.
Leslie is 100% right, confidence is the key to the outfit. If you feel comfy in your own skin and confident about the way you look, it flows onto others. Know what cuts and colors look the best on you, and on days where you don’t feel quite as confident wear those outfits!
One other thing I’ve found for women is bras. So many of us wear the wrong bra that doesn’t support us. I know I feel better when I’m supported and wearing a bra that truly fits. They might cost a lot more money but can you put a price on that?
“With all that your body can do, why wouldn’t you want to show it off?” – love this!
I have been drooling over those glo bars for a loooong time now, so yay for U.S. readers =) I think for me it took a long time to realize that everyone is just as self conscious as I am. And that was just the beginning, because slowly I started realizing that I liked people for who they are not the way they looked. Friends stick around for who you are and not how hot you look in that mini-tube top!On a more shallow not… since I know my body and what works for it, I bring attention to the areas I love- which then magnifies the feeling of just how awesome I am before I go out :P instant self confidence boost!
Woo hoo! I guessed right! I’d love to win some of these infamous Glo Bars.
The best thing I try to do is look at my whole body in the mirror, not bits and pieces of it. Once I start to analyze my calves, freckes, or biceps I don’t see how my whole body fits together in it’s own unique way. This is especially important for me to do when trying on clothes. One part that isn’t perfect doesn’t mean that my body as a whole isn’t!
Oh,I so want to win! Summer confidence to me is finding clothes I love and feel fabulous in. I feel great in skirts and tank tops. Throw on a pair of pretty flip flops, and I feel unstoppable!
Hi Angela! Great post from Leslie. I used to HATE HATE HATE wearing shorts because I didn’t like my legs. NOW, instead of dreading wearing shorts and blah blah, I find things that fit me! Those longer shorts are in style now, so I’ve been stockig up on those. I also LOVE wearing skirts or capri pants with high heels- CUTE!! If you can find clothes that you’re comfortable in, you’ll be confident! Find clothes that fit YOU- YOUR personality. You can’t go wrong. Remember– those that mind don’t matter and those that matter don’t mind.
Confidence and a smile are the most beautiful things! If you work out, eat healthfully, and treat your body right, don’t be afraid to flaunt it in beautiful summer clothes. :) I love summer clothes, but I haven’t found a place to wear my bikini yet! :-0 I need to get on that. (And I would be SO psyched if I won Glo bars!)
Yay, a contest for the US!!
I can be pretty self-conscious about the way I look, especially about how my clothes fit me. But ever since I started training for a half-marathon, I’ve had more confidence. I don’t think there is a visible physical change yet in my body, but just knowing I’m doing something good for my health boots my confidence. =)
After going on a couple of cruises and seeing Europeans at the pool, I came to realize that I care way too much about what others think. Small and large Europeans stride the pool wearing very little with much confidence, showing off their beautiful bodies of all sizes. I thought ‘if they are having such a great time, why can’t I!?’ I still struggle with not wanting to wear a full wet suit to the pool, but I’m getting there!
I need to keep remembering that my body gets me through the day. It is what helps me serve people at the restaurant I work at. I t helps me run 6 miles. So what I may not have a 6 pack. I am proud that I have strong legs and a strong heart. Thanks for posting this. It means a lot!
xoxo
Lo
I’m in the US, woo! This is my first summer in a long time where I’m confident about who I am and comfortable in my body. I can wear shorts! I haven’t worn shorts in years. I want to buy a bikini even though I have no place to go! :p I’m loving it!
i have been waiting for this! i would love to receive a sample pack of glo bars here in the u.s.
leslie’s post is so true. too bad they don’t post more of these types of things in magazines. i totally agree that you should wear what makes you feel good because it’s confidence that makes any outfit work. the confidence you see in a woman masks any flaws on her body.
OMG, OMG, OMG! I’m so excited, I would LOVE to try some of your products!!
I know this sounds kinda corney, but whenever I’m feeling down about myself I think about all my family…husband, mom, dad, sisters, kitties and my dog and how much they love me! How can I get down on myself about slightly jiggly thighs when I’m surrounded by so many that love me? They don’t care about any of my (supposed) imperfections! So with that I smile at myself in the mirror and head out the door with my head held high! I am so blessed to be SO LOVED!
I think the thing I took away the most from Leslie’s post was the comment about knowing what your body does for you and not just how it looks. When I started running I looked at my body in a different way. It is not about being thin but about being able to carry me through a whole 5K or 8K.
Sometimes a smile and great posture are your greatest accessories!
Yummy! I hope I win these delish bars!
I love #2 Embrace your rights as a woman. I know it sounds a little strange, but I feel more confident with less clothes on! Cover up with pants and winter sweaters make me feel almost frumpy. I would much rahter wear shorts and tank or a summer dress!
P.S.-Angela, the site www.ruelala.com (an online boutique sample sale site) is have a boutiqu for Lululumon on the 24th. You have to be invited to join, I sent you and invitation. I’m not sure if you got it or maybe thought it was spam, but I wanted to let you know!
Mmm.. I would love to try these. My tip is to get your correct size in summer clothes (and all clothes). Nothing is worse than being in skin tight tees and shorts that ride up just because you want to feel better about your yourself. Great Messages in this post :)
I love wearing summer clothes! Wear what feels comfortable to you and dress with confidence.
What a great topic! To me, confidence is all about finding clothes that fit you and make you feel good about yourself. I know when I find that perfect pair of jeans or shirt that sits just right I feel amazing about myself. It is also about taking care of your body no matter what size or shape you may be. I may not be at my “ideal” weight, but I rock the body that I have and am proud of what I’ve worked hard for.
I think you have to go with your personal style and wear things that will make you smile. When you feel good, it shows.
i am all about point number three.
living in the cold midwest i know
that i have to cherish the days where
i can have the warm sun on my skin!
mmm. vitamin d!
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!
Great post by Leslie. I think #4 really puts things into perspective. Sometimes we really need to think about things like this.
U.S. reader here that would love some Glo Bars!
I’m so excited you may soon be able to send packages to the US – here’s hoping!
Summer clothes are difficult – especially when you live in Tucson, AZ and it’s regularly 100+ degrees. For years I thought I had flabby arms and untoned legs so I couldn’t wear cute, sleeveless tops or shorts and skirts. I finally decided to just embrace who I am and love it. No, I’m not perfect but event the super thin have cellulite (just look at them). If you walk with confidence and a smile on your face no one will be paying attention to your imperfections.
LOVE this post! I’m totally going to order some bars regardless of winning or not, I am constantly drooling over your Glo Bakery site… mmmm…
I love the “treasure your atmosphere” tip from Leslie. It seems so simple, but it is so easy to get caught up in things like the way you look (or other things in life), and you end up missing out on good company and beautiful weather. Live it up!
My tip would be not to let your lack of body confidence keep you from going out and enjoying your summer. Just because some girls will be out in teeny shorts and bathing suits doesn’t mean you have to feel insecure! You can be comfortable AND sexy without being a size 00. Show some shoulder/neck/decollete with a sleeveless top/dress– those areas are always beautiful (and probably the last place to gain weight!). and adding a smile doesnt hurt :)
Such a great post, Leslie! Thank you!!!
I completely agree with you! When I was pregnant with my children I had the pleasure of being in my third trimester during those hot summer months. So what did I do? I embraced the beautiful pregnant body and hit the beach in a bikini. Mamas, show off that belly!
I have a 5K race tonight, and I can think of no better celebration of my training then to be a winner with your OSG bars!
Loved Leslie’s advice on being narcissistic about yourself. I have 2 young girls who help me feel beautiful in every summer piece of clothing I wear, “Mommy you look beautiful” NEVER gets old.
Man I have been waiting for you to open the doors to the US for a long time, lol.
I think that the most important thing about fashion–above all–is confidence. If you feel hot, you are hot. So it’s important to wear what makes you feel good!
wow, what an awesome giveaway, angela! my tip is to wear what you love and feel good in. it seems like women get TOLD something would look good on them and feel pressured to wear those things, whether that’s from a fashion magazine or their girlfriends in the dressing room. but if you aren’t 100% confident wearing it, it will show.
OMMMMMGGGGGGGGG! I want this so bad. If I am feeling down about myself, I will go to the gym and get all sweaty and gross, and yet I feel hot, because I have a body thet is strong and does amazing things and if anyone says otherwise, I’m like so what, I just biked 15 miles, can you?
Yay I’d love to win!!
My tip is to wear what makes you happy. If you truly feel confident in what you are wearing it will show. Also wear clothes that fit YOU, not the stick thin model you think you should look like. Just love and accept your body for what it is and what it can do for you, because if you don’t love yourself first, how can anyone else?!
OH MY GOSH ITS MY DREAM COME TRUE! Ange, you know I’ve been waiting for this moment for forever. Thank you for offering it!
I really loved this post, because I tend to not relish the season either. I wear capris and pants all summer long since I was a kid. I just don’t want to wear shorts! This summer I bought a few pairs and I haven’t worn them yet – I wanted to get into better shape. But I have been wearing my running shorts occasionally in public. Despite my pale legs. Despite that they are not perfect.
I think Leslie speaks truth in the fact that we worked for this moment- to show our skin and be proud of our powerful bodies that can even bear life! Why cover up with pants? I need to try and live in the season more than I do.
Thanks for this post Leslie!
-Muffy
Ooo…I would love to win those bars! I liked how positive and cheery Leslie is about summer fashion. I have always enjoyed summer clothes – but I think it is because of what they mean – sun, long days, swimming…all the fun stuff that the warm months bring. I also think that buying bright colors that you love makes you feel more comfortable and happy in your clothes adding to your confidence level.
Fabulous Post!
Number 1: wear a smile :) sounds silly but it’s so true, when you are smiling you are happier!
Number 2: wear clothing that you love and you feel good in!!! This one is crucial.
Number 3: get rid of all clothing that doesn’t fit. You should not have “fat” clothes in case you gain weight. You also shouldn’t have “skinny” clothes that you are trying to fit into. Love yourself as is!
Oh I am so glad that you are almost able to sell your products in the US. I love following your blog and you are truely an inspiration.
Loved the post from Leslie. I tend to wear a lot of black because it is slimming. LOL I work out 6 days a week and I am just learning to love and embrace the body that I have been given. We are all individuals and not of us fit into the same round hole. I am learning to love the strength of my running legs. I love to wear shorts and dresses to show off how toned they are. I work hard for the body that I have been blessed with and when I feel confident about my self it shows in the clothes that I wear. It is kind of fun to embrace yourself and be proud of who you are.
Thanks for the wonderful blog and I hope that I am the lucky one chosen for the US test run.
Renee Boutwell
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG.
I WANT THOSE BARS! ;0;
I have to agree with leslie.
One great way to boost your confidence in summer clothes?
Recognize how awesome it is to be unique! Embrace the inner punk in you and stop giving a crap if your tan lines look like the ones of your bestie. Or if your arms are toned as Ms. Obama’s arms. If you’re taking care of yourself mentally and physically, you naturally put off a “Dude. I’m awesome. Don’t deny it” aura about you, and it doesn’t matter if you’re wearing crocs with a bikini. You’ll convince everyone around you “Hey, she’s awesome. I can’t deny it.”
Not only that, but attractiveness doesn’t revolve around one or two parts of the body. Got a flabby tummy? Doesn’t matter. Someone probably can look at you and think “Maann. Nice booty. And those arms! -swoon-” I don’t know about you, but when I see someone walking down the street, I don’t give a crap if they have arms that look like they’ve never done a push-up before. I can see a sexy smile paired with a confident stride and a body that he or she is obviously taking care of by being outside and showing it off. It’s rare to see someone who’s not taking care of themselves mentally and/or physically out in a tank top with confidence written all over their face and body language.
Too long didn’t read: punk it up and stop comparing yourself, recognize that people look at the big picture not the small petty things about your body, and a good attitude goes a long way.
That’s what I do, and man, the sun on my shoulders has never felt better. Though.. make sure you wear your sunscreen. Thank the heavens for the sunscreen. +___+
I loved this post! This is something I have had so much trouble with – like a few others, I have to just remind myself that no one is as harsh a critic of me as I am. And that life is too short to suffer in long pants/sleeves when it’s 80 degrees out!
Being active and healthy makes you feel better about how you look in all of you clothes. I would love to win this contest!!
Leslie’s sentence about overthinking clothing choices for hours rings true with me. I think about what I am going to wear way too much. My goal for the week is to not do that anymore. Think of all the stress I will save myself!
I think my best advice for looking good in your clothes (winter or summer) is to STAND TALL! No matter what her height or weight, a woman who holds her head high and her shoulders back always looks so much more lean than the same woman with a slump in her posture.
I would love to get some Glo Bars delivered to my house in Dallas!
My favorite confidence booster is SMILING at my reflection in the mirror! If you can look at yourself smiling back, nothing else really matters!
Thanks SO much for the opportunity!
Leslie’s post really hit home with me because I often get down on myself when wearing tighter fitting clothes or tanktops in the hotter months. This year has been a lot better, however, due to reading all of the wonderful blogs out there.
Count me in for the give-away! I have been drooling over your bars here in the US.
I love, love, love Leslie’s advice of supporting our body for supporting us! That is such a great way to think of body confidence.
I struggle with summer clothes, but not because I think I’m fat. I know that I’m still underweight and always think people look at me and think I’m still sick (even though I’ve come a long way).
So, I just decided that if I want to wear shorts or a tank-top, I’m going to wear it. No matter what weight you are, you deserve to enjoy the comfort of summer! If someone has an issue, then that’s their problem. I know myself and I know I’m strong, even if it doesn’t always look that way.
And YUM on the Glo Bars!
I’ve certainly embraced my body this summer – I’m wearing shorts, capris, tank tops, and anything else that is comfortable. Why should I care about what other people think of my body when it does so many wonderful things for me? It just ran 3 miles a few minutes ago! (I’m glad this is a US giveaway! I’ve been hoping that us stateside would be able to get some glo bars!)
Leslie’s article was so true and I love #5. I focus on this a lot!
www.alovefornewrecipes.blogspot.com
OOH! I would love to win! Your bars always look so delicious.
I loved that paragraph where she talks about clothing reflects the history of our gender—that was cool. I think in summer we should feel free to wear tons of skirts and dresses and sleeveless tops, just be sure that whatever you wear makes you feel good and comfortable. It doesn’t matter if you look fabulous in that tube top if you are going to spend the whole time pulling it up or feeling uncomfortable!
At the same time, be a little brave every once in a while, and try new things. You won’t know if you feel comfortable in a tube top unless you try it out…
(tube tops on my mind I suppose…it is just really hot here–most of the time I feel like the less clothes the better!)
I am new reader to your blog, but have been dying to try your bars. When I found your blog and started reading, I was ready to order some of your bars…only to find out that you could only ship to Canada. Talk about disappointment. I am so happy you will soon be shipping to the US and would love to receive a test package.
I love her first point!
For me, it’s all about CONFIDENCE. Who cares if this dress is from last season or anything like that? If I feel good in what I’m wearing, that’s what’s most important.
I agree what others have mentioned about posture. Carrying yourself with posture makes all the difference! I also love being able to wear tank tops to the gym. I used to be self conscious of my arms, but now I love them and like to show off my hard earned muscles!
I also like the way a cute pair of heels or strappy sandals make my legs look – and being able to wear shorts and skirts in the summer to see them.
This is my first time entering into a contest! Woo-hoo! I think for summer clothes it’s important to feel good. I refuse to buy a piece of clothing that I am not sure whether to buy it or not. If I’m the least bit uncertain, most likely I’m not going to feel confident.
Great post Leslie. Your posture says a lot as well as I don’t follow fads I wear what I feel comfortable and confident in. Nor do I compare myself to others. We are all unique, and that is what makes each and everyone of us special.
Would really like to win those bars. I can taste them already.:)
Leslie’s post is great! It’s so important to be comfortable- I live in swampy Florida, and if you’re outside for any amount of time, you cannot be covered up. It’s just not safe! I remember being so sad for a girl in college who would walk around in jeans when the temps were in the 90s and humidity was 80%! I so hope that wherever she is she’s developed confidence enough to dress more comfortably.
Thank you for having a US contest! I’ve been going absolutely crazy, wanting to get my hands on some of your glo bars :)
My favorite tips are 3 and 4. Covering up will just indicate that you’re trying to hide something when it’s so hot outside! I’m trying to embrace summer clothes without being critical of my body. When I look at my legs in the mirror and wish they fit into a smaller size, I tell myself, my legs are my legs and they can run and are strong. :) Feeling good about my body is better than my body looking “perfect”, both for my own self, and how others perceive me.
I laughed when I read Sarah Jayne’s comment, because I try to do that too! When I look in the mirror I give myself a smile. I always look better when I do. One time, a friend caught me doing that and exclaimed that she does the same thing! Seeing the happy version of yourself in the mirror helps you carry that image in your mind.
Being confident in whatever you feel like putting on is definitely so important! I love how she pointed out that we need to embrace our ourselves and letting our own SELF shine through.
Personally I feel the most confident and comfortable in bermuda shorts and t-shirts, but by golly if I feel like walking around in a swimsuit, I hope I would have the confidence to pull that off!
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Keri
OMG, I want to win SO BAD!!!! I have been absolutely dying to try glo bakery items! i was even thinking if having my parents drive up to your house and get them for me (they live just across the border in Youngstown, NY)!!!
anyways, great post Leslie! I think that feeling great in your summer clothes is all about CONFIDENCE! You are beautiful just the way you are (a la operation beautiful), and if you exude confidence, you will be beautiful no matter what.
I think the best thing that a woman can do for herself is to feel good in what she is wearing because if you feel good then you look good. I love #5. ” Quiet the negative thoughts and allow your clothes to reflect the person you are.” so true!
Leslie’s post rocked! I love how she talked about everything our bodies can do so why not show them off! Yay for a US Giveaway!
everything leslie said is perfect. i love how she talked about dressing ourselves with our hearts instead of our heads. women think way too hard about things sometimes, when in reality, they already KNOW what they truly want in their hearts. one of my tips is similar to this, it’s to think about YOURSELF more. it sounds a little bit selfish, but it’s not. we should wear things, buy things, watch things, read things that WE want to, and not always think about what other people consider cool or what other people want us to do. if we listen to ourselves, we’re bound to be more content with our lives and have more confidence. :)
LOVE skirts and heels in the summer. feminine, powerful, and great for warm weather conditions!
i would LOVE to try some GLO BARS!
I really enjoyed Leslie’s post. So true! I think it is so important to be comfortable in your clothes. If you’re too worried about a top falling down or shorts riding up your confidence won’t shine. And confidence is sexy.
Thanks for the US giveaway Angela. I am so excited to try your GLO goodies!
Great guest post! Fashion rules often just make me feel bad rather than better. If you look great in something and love it… wear it with confidence!
I love the ‘be a bit narcissistic’ line. we should flaunt what we have [love] not what we think we should have. I love wearing halter tops that show off my shoulders, arms, and back and shorts so my legs can get a peek of sunlight too :]
Every time you post about your bars, I want one more! I might have to make an order…
Great post on summer confidence!
I say find one feature of yourself that you love and want to show off. I don’t really like my thighs so I don’t wear short shorts but I like my arms so I wear tank tops.
Those bars look yummy!
Would love to win som OSG goodies!
Leslie’s “Dress yourself with your heart, not your head” insight – so true and so easy to forget!
When it comes to confidence, it’s all in your walk!
Yum Glo Bars! I love Leslie’s post. I think a little confidence goes a long way and as long as you are comfortable with your own self, that’s all that matters.
Thanks for the contest. There’s nothing like a summery dress (with a cardigan for a chilly office) and a smile!
Oohhh my goodness, I’d LOVE to try some Glo Bars! They’d be perfect for me to take on vaca ;)
Anyways – I love this post, and I think that nothing matters more than how you feel about yourself – whether you like the number on the scale or not. I think weighing yourself just causes problems, and you should only consider your ‘happy weight’ one in which you’re comfortable in your own skin! No matter what the scale says. Ditch it!
I love wearing dresses in the summer! I think they’re classy, casual and just beautiful on any body!
Have a great day!
Meg
Comfort creates confidence. If you have ill fitting clothes, you will appear uncomfortable. Wearing comfortable clothes that maximize your attributes and knowing that you have every right to dress any way you want, just like anyone else will build up your confidence.
I know this seems obvious but I feel best when I wear clothes that fit! Sometimes I try to squeeze into pants that are a little too tight and I feel self-conscious all day. I don’t like buying bigger sizes then I’m used to but if I get over the number, I’m more likely to find something I’ll feel good in.
Great post — I don’t have a tip to share but will definitely be taking Leslie’s words of wisdom to heart :) I think confidence goes a long way and it’s something I’m working on having year-round.
I love all of Leslie’s comments! I think that buying/making clothes that make you happy really does a lot for your self-esteem. If you fall in love with a gorgeous dress, chances are you’re going to feel gorgeous just wearing it! Wearing clothes that you love helps you love the way you look and feel in them.
I hope I win!
I think summer clothes are definitely all about the fit!
I am drooling over here!! I need those bars :)
I definitely think that confidence in the summer comes from taking advantage of the warm weather!! Whatever body part you are most proud of, flaunt it! For me, it’s my legs, so I wear tons of shorts and dresses! And I take advantage of wearing very little makeup and letting my hair air dry!
Leslie has some great advice! As for me personally, whenever I’m feeling a droop in my confidence, I remind myself to focus on my posture. Just by standing up straight and LOOKING confident, I end up feeling more confident, too.
BTW…so excited for a chance to finally try your GLO bars! Thanks!
Loved the article and fingers crossed to win the Glo bars… yum! I always dread wearing shorts, because I have HUGE, muscular thighs from running. But maybe the shorts make my legs look better since it shows off their tone. Reminding myself of my strength makes me feel confident. :-)
comfort is all that matters…wear what you are comfortable in… my favorite comment – throw out the rule book, so true…
I think Miami is the perfect place to ship the glo bars to ;)
These are great tips– I especially like the fifth, “dress yourself with your heart, not your head.” That is something for me to remember. Thanks, Leslie!
And the Glo Bars look lovely. :D
Loved that post – my fave is throw out the rules! Wear what makes YOU feel good, happy and proud!
Oh this is so exciting. I’ve been dying to try your products. I think Leslie’s post was incredibly appropriate and concerning a topic that is not discussed enough. Confidence is key- my mother always taught me that.
YAY for Glo Bars!!
I use to try to stay away from shorts b/c of my runner thighs but I have grown to love my runners thighs they have gotten me through a marathon!!
I loved the article. Definitely could have used some of these tips a few years ago. Confidence is key; if your confidence is high, they won’t even notice your clothes.
Those bars look sooo good. Shipping them to Southern California would be the real test! Pick me! Pick me!
When you go shopping, ONLY try on and pick out clothes that you KNOW will work with what you got!
I used to pick out spaghetti dress tops and dresses knowing that them straps were not gonna hold up the bubbies! I would then talk myself down because I couldn’t wear the cute tops! BUT now I keep in mind that there are cute and sexy tops and dresses that will work with my large chest and actually flatter my body!
So know and learn what works to make you feel good, relaxed, and confident in!
P.S. Nebraska WANTS the GLO BARS!!!
Great post! And man oh man those bars look delicious.
I agree with everything Leslie said, and I’ll add – wear a bright color to match your mood, or portray the mood you want to have! It totally changes my day. I’ll wake up feeling “black”, but I’ll put on a bright yellow or coral, and it perks me up, somehow.
What a great post, Leslie! Thank you for keeping it real!
Angela, I would kill to try your GLO bars!! yum yum!!! I loved Leslies post. I think that once i realized that life was about FEELING good, not LOOKING good, it all just kind of falls into place. =)
wooooooo!!!! only US-resident!!! You’re soooo nice Angela! I wish I can win and taste all these great treats that you made.
About how to dress during summer, I think it’s really important to keep authenticity and be yourself. There’s nothing more ugly than trying to follow other’s fashion if it’s not suitable for you. I never follow trends per se… just wear what suits and make me feel the best! :)
I think attitude makes a huge difference in how people perceive you. If I know I look good, others will think so too!
Its important to wear something you feel good in! When I wear something I don’t feel good in, I spend ALL DAY fretting about and forgot to enjoy my self! What a waste!
I too especially loved the point about enjoying the warmth of the sun on your skin! I have been taking a quick 15 minutes out in my back yard each day playing with my dog and reveling in the sunshine. SO GREAT!! :)
I like to wear fun sun dresses and skirts on the weekends and parade around town doing my errands. I think it’s fun to dress up a little to do mundane tasks. It makes me feel like I’m celebrating being a woman! It definitely boosts my self-confidence. :)
I hope I win!!!
I hope I win – I think I will be your first official U.S. customer :)
I feel best in the summer when I am wearing clothes that fit me (who cares about the size!!) doing things that make me feel good. I try not to wear clothes I will be constantly tugging on, or pulling up – because it only makes me more self-conscious about my body.
Leslie I love the part about treasuring the moment! I don’t do this ENOUGH!
My #1 tip is ALWAYS smile. It makes it any outfit look DARN GOOD :)
Thanks for giving USA a chance at the GOODIES Angie!
OMG! I’m so excited about this giveaway! I’ve been dyin’ to try some of your stuff!
I keep in mind the best parts of my body, and I don’t let myself get swayed by fashions that are “in” but make me look bad. So I wear shorts in a length that’s flattering, and only wear tops that look nice — rather than just whatever is popular!
Oooooooh my gawd, I need those bars!!
I think feeling confident in summer clothes has a lot to do with being active. It’s not so much about the physical results of an active lifestyle (though those never hurt the ego!)–but rather the amazing energized and accomplished feeling you get from exercise or even leisurely physical activity. Endorphins work wonders for the mind and body!
I think the key is wear what fits, be comfortable and show a little skin :) Summer only come once a year!! Hoping for some Glo Bars, lol :) They look yummy!!
I think the key for getting dressed in the summer is comfort! Wear what feels good – who cares what anyone else thinks?!
Great post on summer clothes! I’ve learned to live with my freckles!
Would love the bars in New Hampshire!
Lynn
I think summer confidence for me is being active outdoors! Being active gives me a confidence that spills over into other parts of my life :)
Confidence in wearing summer clothes is the key. If you have confidence then you look good in everything.
Yummy-looking Glo Bars!!
What a great giveaway! Crossing my fingers that I’m a lucky winner. ;)
This is my favorite part of Leslie’s post: “If you feel beautiful in it, then you are.”
Thanks!
This was a great post. I wasn’t familiar with Leslie’s blog so thank you for featuring her! I have a very hard time with summer clothes b/c I am not confident in my body, but I’m working on becoming that way! What struck me from her post was “If I remain indoors with the air-conditioning, warmed by a baggy sweatshirt, I am allowing the season to slip away.” I am often guilty of letting beautiful days slip away, but I am going to think about this quote the next time I’m tempted to stay inside b/c I don’t want to be seen.
Best summer tip–don’t wear anything you have to fuss with–shorts that are too short, tank tops that show bra straps. Fit means the most when you’re exposing your skin in the summer!
Oh, I have been waiting for this day! Pick me!
Leslie, a thought:
“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.”
WHAT?! The women’s movement did NOT fight for the right of women to wear skimpy clothes. Conversely, the fight was for women to be taken seriously! I certainly hope that the “history of our gender” is not reflected in “exposed skin.” Yikes.
Great post!!…In the summer I make sure to wear fun colors and clothes that fit me!
Confidence is something that comes from within. It’s the knowledge that you are unique and valuable just as you are, regardless of what you look like, what size clothes you are wearing, or what other people may think of you.
Great post. Making sure to be comfortable is a plus for being confident and not having to worry about bothersome clothing.
I hope I win :)
Great points! I love skirts in the summer- breezier and cooler than shorts, plus, more flattering!
Great post, I agree with tossing the rule book. Go with what feels good to you! Also, coming from someone that used to think she didn’t have the legs for skirts – everyone can look good in a skirt – there are so many styles out there now! Now, most days between June & August, I am wearing a skirt, I love how feminine it makes me feel!
Great post!
One tip – POSTURE. Throw your shoulders back. I look more confident and feel a million times better when I stand up straight!
haha I tried to bid on your bars at LiLRunners but they were CA only… oh boy finally my chance!
I really did love her post, especially about just taking the time to remember all the things your body does for you every day!
lately everytime i have thought something negative about how i look, i’ve remembered how my grandma always used to tell me “you’re built cute”. i say it to myself all the time now. legs aren’t thin enough? who cares, i’m built cute. don’t look perfect? who cares, i’m built cute. haha now my husband says it to me too, which is just wonderful.
I really like Leslie’s message about being comfortable and confident wearing summer clothes. People can sometimes feel a sense of vulnerability when they aren’t covered up. For me, it took a long time to feel comfortable wearing shorts because I thought my thighs were just too big; I just wasn’t confident. I purchased my first pair of shorts in YEARS this summer. The reason? I finally realized that my thighs are STRONG, not “big.” They take me through 5Ks, they took me through my first half marathon this past March, and they will take me through my first marathon in November.
Thanks, Leslie for the words of encouragement, and thank you, Angela, for this fabulous guest post!
HELL YES to wearing what you feel good in. you usually KNOW when something looks awesome and flattering, and if you feel great, you call pull off nearly anything. I love this post. I know that regardless of my weight, if i’m dressed in a awy that makes me feel fabulous, everything gets better. honestly — get out of your own head!! it’s the way to go. LOVED this post.
(i really want glo bars)
Leslie’s tips were sooo wonderful and TRUE! Its refreshing to hear that! I totally agree we need to embrace our bodies YEAR round!
I’ve been drooling over your bars since you first started making them! They look so good!
I thought Leslie’s post was great! She’s absolutely right that we need to enjoy the summer season while it’s here. It’s easier said than done to feel confident in summer clothes but I’ve learned that whenever I’m feeling insecure about how I look in my clothes, I need to do something fun that day. That way my mind isn’t so focused on myself and I end up having a great time.
I never need an excuse to dress up. I love wearing flirty dresses and fun shoes to make myself feel good about myself and for no one else. Walk tall, shoulders back, and be proud! Love your bars..heaven sounds….well heavenly! Crossing my fingers!
Man I’ve been loving looking at your bars…
I agree with Leslie’s post. I live in So. Cal, where “summer” is many many months long. It’s been hard to figure out how to dress. At almost 40, I can easily pick out the clothing that is appropriate for teens-twenties, and easily pick out the clothes for my mom. For me, it’s tough.
So I pick what looks good on me. When short-shorts were in fashion, I didn’t shop. I happily wear my calf-length pants and knee-length shorts because they are flattering to me. Same with sleeveless shirts, but with a v-neck. And when it’s required, I wear a bathing suit. Ya know, I have a big butt but it’s very strong and muscular too. And thanks to my big hips, I had a pretty quick childbirth. :)
I’m so excited! I’ve been browsing your bakery and everything looks so good!
I think something very important for summer confidence is to really embrace your natural beauty. Summer is so laid back with clothes, makeup and even hair. I think the most important thing is to become comfortable with your natural looks and not try to hard.
Absolutely agree with Leslie. Confidence is so important. A confident person can carry off any dress. I am guilty of being conscious, feeling every eye is on me judging me by the extra fat I am carrying. I realize I need to love my body! If my dress is a little snug, I feel depressed and demotivated. I am learning to leave all that behind. Life is much more than that. I am a beautiful person and if I don’t realize that first no one will.
I wish I win the glo bars!
Ah! I hate spelling errors. I meant try too* hard.
AHHHHH your bars are wonderful.
i try to think of the positive things that my body lets me do!
I tell myself one positive thing about my body daily when I look in the mirror. I try to look at the beauty part of it.
Oh my gosh finally glo bars in the US!!!!!
My feel confident tip is to focus on the one part of your body that you LOVE and play it up.. the rest of you will immediately feel better!
I want to try your bars so bad! I love Leslie’s post, especially the part about getting dressed with your heart, not your head. It takes me so long to get dressed sometimes. I need to be less critical!
I definitely agree with Leslie. Confidence is everything! W/o it I don’t think I could go to work and do almost-daily presentations.
confidence let’s me stand in front of the audience(students) and lecture.
I think being confident also boosts my mood. It gives me energy to socialize with other people.
Wonderful giveaway. Your bars look SO good.
Leslie’s post is so inspiring. You should not let body image issues get in your way/life. It is a downward spiral. It ends up making us and our loved ones sad and depressed. Take the focus away from your body/weight, accept yourself for what you are.
So this summer just let it go. Enjoy the outdoors. Take time to observe the amazing people and nature around you. You will find it truly liberating and you will ‘glo’ just from the happiness.
I want the ‘glo’ bars pretty please :)
I hope I win this giveaway. I’d love to feature your bars on my blog for review!!!!
I agree with Leslie 100%.
ah this is so exciting! I have been waiting for the day to come that I can finally try your goodies :) I luckily have always loved summer and been confident in my summer wardrobe! It’s all about being comfortable with myself and my body, I can embrace my flaws because I am HEALTHY and HAPPY!
Tell yourself how amazing your body is and how truly beautiful you are.
Works like a charm every time for me.
I can’t wait to try the glo bars. Please pick me.
I knew this was the giveaway when you said it’d be for US residents only!
I could not agree more with Leslie’s first point–find fun, pretty clothes that you love and you’ll feel great! I love fun, bright colors (oranges/corals, pinks, light greens and blues, yellows) and they’re so much easier to find in the summer!
Also, I learned this from my aunt–before leaving the room/house, she stops and looks at herself in a full-body mirror and says “You look gorgeous!” (I found a magnet I put on my mirror that says “I know, I know. I’m f***ing fabulous.” Love it.)
That would be amazingly delicious!!!
I, too, think about how beautiful my body is for what it does for me–I’m strong and healthy and that’s most important to me. =]]
I love how Leslie says it’s our right to bare our skin, something that we didn’t always have, so we should appreciate and enjoy it!
I get a little extra confidence with a cute nail color on my toes….seeing it peeking through my sandals makes me happy!
Great post, I wish I would have read it before going shopping today. I just might have bought a few pairs of shorts :)
My favorite all season tip is to find a HAPPY COLOR! A color that looks good on you, gives you energy and makes you smile. Mine is magenta!
Sara
Summer clothes to me are all about comfort and beating the hit. I love lightweight dresses and capris. I love anything sleeveless — it gives me the chance to show off my newly-toned arms thanks to SBC workouts!
Angela,
Congrats on the US shipping! This is a fab prize. In terms of being comfortable in summer clothes, to echo Leslie somewhat…pick what you are comfortable in and wear it with pride. That is what is in style-not what the magazines say is the latest and greatest yet you feel very uncomfortable in those “latest and greatest” clothes. So, embrace summer!
Summer is my favorite – I love being outside and feeling the sun and breeze on my skin. I’m always in my best shape in summer because all I want to do is be outside playing (and not wearing heavy sweaters stuck inside)! yay!
Oh how I would LOVE to try your glow bars. Leslie’s message reminds us to feel good in our own skin and not compare ourselves to the celebrity pictures we see in magazines.
I agree – you need to feel confident about your body in order to look your best. No one will notice those love handles and extra arm jiggle if you’ve got a smile on your face. Wear what you feel good in and enjoy the sun!
I want to win so badly-all your bars look so yummy! Great post about being comfortable in summer clothing. I’ve always hated wearing shorts, they’re just so unflattering, but sometimes necessary with the hot weather and all! This summer I decided to buy some new pairs and have felt confident all summer wearing them (doing my leg presses at the gym has helped too!)
Wow, thanks for the opportunity to finally sample the bakery!
To me, summer clothing is all about material (make sure it’s comfortable and breathes well) and accessories. You can wear the most basic outfit but have it ‘wow’ everyone with some funky pieces that you just can’t get away with in the winter.
Leslie’s post is so timely because I stood in the mirror this morning and wondered if my legs looked good enough in my shorts. I’m glad I took the risk and wore them today (its almost 100 degrees here!)
I want to win!
My trick for feeling good in summer clothes is to wear super-cute shoes … the rest of the outfit doesn’t matter as much when you have cute shoes and painted toenails.
My advice is to pick a “flattering” fabric (i.e. cotton) — so many shirts are made (cheaply) of thin, clingy, see-through material that needlessly makes even the fittest of us self-conscious.
Yay bars for the States! I enjoy feeling the sun on my skin, and I think that is my biggest motivation for feeling happy in summer clothes. Sleeveless = sun on my shoulders. :)
I feel like the best answer to this question would be “love yourself and have inner confident”, etc, but as we know, that doesnt ALWAYS work ;) and sometimes there are days when we just do not feel like wearing a bikin, shorts, etc.
On those days, self tanner works wonders!!! It truly makes a big difference in covering up cellulite and making your legs look more lean :) Hey, if it makes me feel more confident, it’s worth it!
Hi Angela-
What a great post by Leslie. This topic was great for me to see. I remember back in the days when I would dress to impress and be so uncomfortable, in my skin and in the clothes I was wearing. I love how she posted about being comfortable in what your wearing. My biggest tip this summer, is flowy dresses; long and short. Comfort is key, no longer am I the girl that dresses for anyone else, but myself.
I would love to win your Glo Bar package, so I can glow too!
The best advice I can give about being confident in your clothes is to wear what is comfortable to you! You don’t have to conform to what society thinks you should wear. Rock what you’ve got. Create your own style and you’ll be the most confident person you can be! Fabulous!
Such a great giveaway for US readers!!! Woo-hoo! I love summer time too. Since I’ve been a dancer, my body was never really bulky. Now, that I’m not dancing quite as much I’ve been trying to add some more definition and curvy mass, and I’m liking the little ‘extra’ muscle when I wear short sleeves or the little muscle over the knee from lots of bike riding :) And I always like a cute pair of earrings to brighten the day :)
-kristen
I’m so excited over here in Rhode Island!! I’ve been drooling over the bars and jealous of you Canadians who can order them!
I think the best confident tip is the being comfortable and confident in your clothes. YOU may worry about what you’re wearing or what you look like, but others hardly notice! I working what I think are MY body flaws – and I wore a dress that normally I think is too “revealing” of my arms to a friend’s wedding this past weekend. I got so many compliments!! It was awesome! It really reinforced that if you’re comfortable and enjoy what you’re wearing, you look and feel so much better – and people notice that attitude more than anything!
Wooohooo a glo bar giveaway! I like Leslie’s first tip the most, about wearing your outfit with pride. I really think that attitude is about 98% of the answer to being confident and comfortable in summer clothes.
my tip? wear COLORS. i made the mistake of only buying neutrals–i thought they would last longer style wise this way. that may be true but getting dressed in the morning just isn’t fun! clothes should be FUN, don’t end up looking like you’re in a uniform. celebrate yourself by being creative.
I don’t actually have a tip, but I’m so happy you’re addressing this! I’ve been struggling with this myself, so much so that I hardly have ANY summer clothes! I don’t like how I look in them, but I’m trying to find acceptance. Thanks so much for the positive messages!
The best way to feel good in summer clothes and bathing suits is to go to the beach! For a long time I would focus on just the women who looked fabulous in their bathing suits and feel inadequate, but then I started to notice that there are many people of all shapes and sizes on the beach, having a wonderful time swimming and sumbathing and chatting with friends, and other people’s happiness and confidence is contagious! I notice how others seem to be feeling great no matter how little they are wearing, and having a good time, and now I do too!
i think one thing that we all need to keep in mind [myself especially] is that the flaws we see on our own bodies are [almost always] not noticeable to everyone else – and to a certain extent, the shape of your clothes [pressed and polished so to speak] makes more of a difference in how people perceive and make an impression of you than whether you are “overweight” or not.
Such an awesome post. For me the ultimate tip is to wear what you feel good in.Confidence is the difference between feeling self-conscious or feeling great.I often forget this and can be critical of myself.
So excited for globar giveaway!!!!!!!!
A huge outfit booster is CONFIDENCE! I used to think I had to look perfect if I was to wear a bikini but I realize how crazy that is. None of us are perfect and we have to appreciate our bodies and what they do for us. We should be proud and show that off. As a mom I really hope to instill confidence in my daughter and not let negative body image affect how she views herself.
Confidence all the way!!! It’s all in our heads.
I like Leslie’s perspective… I think it is really unique. I think the key is to stop worrying about what others think – that just sets up a trap for yourself!
Really love Leslie’s post and it couldn’t come at a better time. I’m going on vacation next week and while I need some new summer clothes for my trip, I have been DREADING the shopping experience. This really lifted my spirits and I’m going to print it to bring with me when I’m in the dressing room and starting to feel upset.
I have been so dismayed that you are located in Canada – because your bakery items look soooo good!!
It is interesting reading about dress during the summer, and how confidence can make all the difference. I have ALWAYS had a muscular build (thanks to my dad), and that includes not having stick skinny legs, which I have always had a hard time not viewing as the ultimate body part. It always feels like skinny legs are a big attraction with men, and they are glamorized by models and magazines. Summer is hard because summer = shorts and skirts and bathing suits that show the entire leg! I have tried to embrace the body I have and feel confident wearing shorts, not embarrassed because I don’t have the tiniest thighs or calves. I try to think now of what my legs have allowed me to do – running, biking, swimming, walking, racing…and not wish away the figure I was born with.
I would LOVE to win this, like everyone else! I just ate a Kashi bar, and i’m sure it’s got nothing on your Glo Bars!
I love how Leslie talked about honoring the rights that feminists fought for. Bare those legs and shoulders!
What a great post! I’ve always hated wearing shorts in the summer (I’m short and self conscious about my legs). However since I started running more this past year I have notice a lot more definition in my legs. So this summer I am wearing shorts a lot more and showing off my hard work!
I think that shoes and a good hair-do can really brighten up any summer outfit, no matter how you feel in it!
LOVE THE SKIN YOU’RE IN LADIES!
Love the post and I think we all need to stop worrying about clothing sizes. If it fits well and makes you feel good, who cares what size it is?
I LoVe what she said about being narcissistic! It’s true, our bodies do so much for us, we should show off their hard work.
a few months ago i was at my heaviest, and travelling in vietnam where it was super hot. it was physically uncomfortable putting on a skirt because i wasn’t used to the way it felt when my thighs touched. instead of telling myself “you’re so fat, this sucks” i bought myself a flattering pair of shorts and made sure to enjoy myself. whatever size i am, and wherever i may be, it’s important to be comfortable and remind yourself to be present.
I think that being confidant is all about inner beauty the way that you feel about yourself demonstrates how truly beautiful you are!!
I hope I WIN..
I agree with Chelsea – I’m not sure our great-grandmothers think short shorts and tank tops are a result of her fighting for a right to vote.
The thing I love best about summer clothes – COLOR!
It’s so exciting you’ll be shipping to the US soon! I used to hate hate wearing shorts because I thought my thighs looked too big in them (silly). But they are so much more comfortable in the summer than dresses and skirts for me. So this summer I just started wearing them anyway. And I feel GREAT. I’ve even gotten compliments on them.
I love summer hippie sundresses. They are so comfortable and in this Baltimore humidity that is what I am most concerned about.
i think focusing on yourself and your health will allow you to bring the confidence necessary for summer clothes. knowing you went on a run or started your day off with a healthy green monster makes you FEEL good inside in ways clothes cant ever show. summer clothes are undoubtedly skimpier and sexier but with confidence in yourself, they are definitely nothing to fear!
I am slowly learning not to obsess over clothing choices. Confidence is key in any outfit…pick something that you feel good in (and is appropriate for the situation).
heck, i never know what the latest fashion style is. when i go out and shop, i get what feels good on, what fun colors are, what i truly believe in, and whatever im “feeling” it in, it’s like i instantly know. i also wont support company’s that continually turn woman into sex object and have look books such as abercrombie, etc….why give money to companies that are continuing to endorse negative body image.
WOw! This is almost too good to be true.
Leslie did such a wonderful job on this post. I agree completely on being entirely comfortable in your summer clothes. I hate when women say, “I wear tight clothing when I go out to eat so that I won’t overeat.” Seriouly, if you have to make yourself uncomfortable to enjoy a meal, then you aren’t really enjoying it, are you?
Thanks so much for this Angela!
Yay!! I would love to get the chance to try your yummy looking bars! I think Leslie hit everything that a woman should follow right on. It is so true- no one should feel ashamed and cover up in the summer with sweatshirts. It takes the joy out of the summer air and mood. I absolutely love how you always feature such great topics on your blog. Thanks for this amazing chance and always providing reassurance! :)
Yeeeeaaaaah for a US contest! I completely agree with #1, throw out the rulebook! Fashion rules are really the whim of designers and the industry anyway! I used to look through magazines and decide which outfits I wanted to recreate without even thinking about my body shape. Gah! Now I go into a store and look (really LOOK, with my eyes) to find things I LIKE and things that look good on ME, not things that the magazines say I should be wearing. Sometimes it’s tough, sometimes there are only skinny jeans and those ugly jeans with the tiger stripes on them. That is when I leave and find a store with awesome bootcut jeans with a touch of stretch!
I work hard for my body damnit! Leslie was inspirational though and was dead on with everything :) All of us should be confident !! Always play up what your momma gave you, right ladies?!
Being comfortable and confident are definitely the keys! Thanks for the great post.
“Quiet the negative thoughts and allow your clothes to reflect the person you are.” Heck yea! Definitely wear what makes YOU happy. Don’t wear something that is “IN” but you don’t feel beautiful and comfortable. Be creative! Be fun!
I love #5! The best tip I have is from “Fit From Within”. Stop comparing yourself to others. This is key for me as I find that I am constantly looking at those around me. There will always be someone prettier, skinner, stronger and faster than I am…so stop looking!
What a great giveaway! my tip is DOn’t look in the mirror!
Summer confidence usually escapes me…I love what Leslie had to say about being proud of what our bodies can do and SHOW IT OFF! I notice, as I treat my body better, that I think it looks nicer…KWIM?
I would LOVE to win some Glo Bars! *Excited!*
finally a chance to taste the GLO bars!!
i always feel the most confident when i wear things that i KNOW i feel good in, no matter if they’re ‘in style’ or not.
now, that’s not to say that i don’t like the trendy items, but i stick with my confidence pieces and then add little accessories of the current trend. nothing better than going out and KNOWING i feel confident and beautiful :)
Your bars always look so good I have been hoping they would get across the border soon!
Buy clothes that you feel good in, even if you like it on the rack, if you don’t feel good in it, you most likely will never wear it.
Such a great post. The thing about clothes is that the more you cover, the more you leave to imagiation and classiness comes into play. Women who think less is more want attention for all the wrong reasons.
I would love to receive the variey pack!!
Great post. I really do think when you feel confident you just exude such radiance and can pull off any outfit. I love how she made the feminst/political connection. We forget that our female ancestors (not that long ago) had to wear bathing suits with long sleeves and fully covered legs on the beach.
I have only been following OSG for about a week but I am completely hooked. Thanks Angela! It is a great feeling when you are able to be confident in your own skin. I must admit it has taken me awhile to get there but finally decided it does not matter what others think as long as you are happy with yourself, so bring on the summer clothes.
WHAT AN AMAZING CONTEST! OF course the bottom line of this contest is that US shipping is veryyyy close to happening so I will be happy either way!
Loved all of Leslie’s ideas! I figure summer is a time to show off all of the strength training I do during the colder months!
PLEASE PICK ME ;)
I love Leslie’s “Embrace your rights as a woman” because we all should be proud of our bodies as women! If we were stick skinny we wouldn’t be able to have babies — our bodies need to be treated right. I also love Meghann’s recent posts over at http://graduatemeghann.com/ about bikini confidence.
I love Leslie’s article. I agree that women in general tend to have a lot of unnecessary noise in their heads telling them what they can or can’t do. I think a big confidence booster is to listen to a song that gets you excited or makes you feel sexy, put on some lotion, get dressed and walk out that door. Oh another note, when all you ladies out there look in the windows and examine your reflection.. remember that a window is not suppose to be a mirror!!! Don’t let it get you down. You’re all beautiful :)
Great post and what an exciting giveaway! Light, flowing, soft clothing makes me so happy to get dressed in the summer! Everybody needs a flowing summer dress for the wind to twirl around!
Wear what makes you feel great that is all the confidence that you need. If you feel great in what you are wearing, you will look great too! I would love to try your bars. I did make my first batch of the banana larabars and they were pretty good.
I find that being comfortable in what you wear is the most important part. I love wearing sundresses in the summer because they’re usually flattering, comfy, and cool.
And, I really want to try your Glo bars. I’ve got my fingers crossed that I win. :)
Your bars look so amazing!!! I think it’s important to focus on the features that make you feel good about yourself. Great article from Leslie!
Hooray for US shipping! ;)
I love summer for the variety of outfits we get to wear! In the heat of the day, we can flaunt our beautiful bodies in sundresses, cute tops, and short shorts! In the evening, we can snuggle up in warmer clothes! What’s important is that we’re COMFORTABLE no matter what we wear. :)
xxoo
Heather
I love Leslie’s tips for feeling great in summer clothes. Wear what you feel comfortable in and clothes that fit well. I use a little Jergens Glow lotion in the summer…a little glow shows off all those muscles we work so hard to build and helps you look fabulous in anything! ENJOY summer and take advantage of lazy summer days, lemonade, long walks, and ice cream :)
I think the best summer tip I have is to just think about how you never judge anybody else as hard as yourself to help you remember that no one really looks that closely at what you think are your flaws!
I think its important to buy what fits and not focus on the size. I feel like a lot of women buy what size they want to be, but it ends up making them look worse. I really liked the part about taking pride in our bodies…they really are amazing machines, even if there is some cellulite or extra lbs!
Leslie’s tips are so very timely for me. I am feeling a bit self-conscious this summer as I’ve gained a few pounds over the year. But I’m learning that that has nothing to do with who I am as a person inside (duh!) Thinking about the “Operation Beautiful” message has really helped me out lately. Congrats on your bakery progress!
oh i have been lusting after your delicious bars for so long. my summer confidence comes from a great sweaty yoga workout. i love food/health blogs and for so long i felt as though i had to be an amazing runner like many food bloggers. i learned that running doesnt work for me, but yoga makes me feel wonderful about myself no matter what i am wearing.
OMG I can’t believe I almost missed this giveaway. All your goodies look unbelievable and I am dying to try them.
I think my summer confidence comes from enjoying the great things that are considered “summer” great fresh fruit and veggies and nice run in great weather and also a sun kissed glow that healthy screams SUMMER :)
What an exciting contest! I would love to try some glo bars!!
I definitely agree with the tip to wear what works for you. I know that I cannot wear most of the clothes that models do, so I have to wear what looks good on my body.
Thanks for the amazing post – and I can’t wait to try to Glo bars!
I love the encouragement in your article. It’s time for me, and all of us, to stop criticizing ourselves and LOVE and EMBRACE our bodies as women! BE PROUD!
I just shared your website with a friend, my comment being- I really want to try some of those bars, but i bet shipping’s expensive! It was like fate when I discovered the giveaway!
Leslie’s post made me consider how far I’ve come in accepting my body in summer clothes. I always hated to wear shorts because I felt my legs were too thick/chunky/muscular/etc. This is the first year i’ve started to appreciate their strength and think about all they allow me to do. It feels great to think about that when I look in the mirror.
OH I would love to win this!!
I think the biggest thing is confidence!! If you are confident and love what you are wearing everyone else will notice too!
Yay for a U.S. giveaway! :)
I love this post. I try to dress in things that play up the parts of my body that it’s easy for me to love. I might not always love my stomach, but I think that my arms are beautiful and strong and toned. So lots of sleeveless dresses and tank tops for me. :)
What a giveaway…fingers crossed!!!
I like what leslie has to say. Confidence must come from within. It shows in your posture if you feel good about yourself, so I try to stand up straight! I am tall, so it is natural to slump a bit when talking to others. Good posture makes your lungs expand, too, so you can take deep, happy breaths!!
My best advice is to wear what you feel beautiful in, and whenever i feel not so hot i think of all the blessings i have in my life, namely my family, friends and health. So what if i have a little muffin top, it’s not the end of the world!
I loved Leslie’s post! I live about 20 minutes from the ocean and I only got into a bathing suit ONCE last summer because I was so unhappy with my body. I have since started running and have so much more appreciation for how strong and capable my body is. This year I spent a week in the Bahamas with a group, different bikini every day, and have gone to the beach many times! I also have a Hawaii trip coming up over Labor Day and I haven’t worried about being seen in a bathing suit once! I’ve still got a ways to go, but putting your body to the test and seeing how amazing it can be will definitely help anyone appreciate it more.
Ooooo!! I would love to win the test package!
I really liked Leslie’s post. I’ve always had a hard time being nice to myself and to my body. But I’ve been working on it for a long time and it’s so much easier now. I eat healthy, I get some exercise, and now if I could just finally get rid of my head’s insistence that my body isn’t good enough…it’s much easier said than done though. But Leslie has some good points. I’m going to try to keep them in mind the next time I’m talking badly about myself.
I love the advice- I hate how people feel like they’re not “good enough” to wear certain clothes- we can all pull off whatever we want to wear!! and I love the globars, too :)
As someone who is always self conscious about what they wear no matter the time of year, summer is especially hard. However I have learned to wear what is comfortable to me, and if someone doesn’t think I should be wearing it, or doesn’t think I look good in it, then guess what?! They don’t have to look at me! I wear what I feel confident in, and have stopped caring about what other people think so much!
Dana
www.eatsleepgetfit.com
It’s funny but at 46 years of age and the heaviest weight I’ve ever been I probably feel more comfortable in a swimsuit than ever before. Much more so than when I was a teenager. For me, that calm confidence and lack of body obsession doesn’t come from having the perfect body, it’s more about just being comfortable and accepting of who I am–right now! I have recently re-ignited my healthy lifestyle pursuit and I trust that as I continue on this path my unhealthy eating habits, excess fat and flabby muscles will be transformed into a lean, strong, glowing with health, more vibrant me. I would sure love to win your test package of Glo Bars. Blessings to you and yours.
I love “embrace your rights as a woman”. As far as tips go, I always wear something to accent my best body part(s) so I will be confident and new clothes usually work. And for additional summer “glow” a little (or a lot) of bronzer and lip gloss.
How fun. The best advice I was given about coming across as confident is “shoulders back, chest out”–chest being the more PC way to say it… Anyway, when I do this as I enter a room I feel more confident, and that goes a long way.
Embracing a woman’s waistline is the greatest way of making her look and feel better in an outfit. Waistlines are gorgeous!
AHHH GREAT CONTEST! I want to try your bars so badly!
you know i’d drive to canada for these (seriously) so even if i don’t win hook me up girl… i’ll bring you buffalo shopping stuffs ;)
I wish I could be more confident than I am. I only wear a tank top when I run because I don’t like my arms. And I don’t wear shorts to run, only capris. But every once in a while, I’ll catch myself in clothes that fit well and are comfortable and I’ll think, hey, you look pretty good after all. I turned 30 this year, and I find I’m beginning to not care what other people think about things I do, what I wear, etc. So maybe those tank tops will show up in my wardrobe more often!
And your bars look so delicious! Thank your for this opportunity!
I used to be worried about the tan lines I get from my running clothes. Now I love them because they show the miles I’ve accomplished!
I love the line: “There is nothing more fashionable than a woman who pulls off her outfit with pride”. A confident woman ALWAYS looks good!
This is great! I have a lot of self esteem issues so all these tips will be put to good use. Lord, I hope to win those delish looking bars!
I completely agree and I think it can all be summed up in this, “If you feel beautiful, you are!”
And yay for a US Glo Bar giveaway! ; )
So excited for this contest!! Yay!! As for Leslie’s post– I think it was awesome! The part that touched me the most was appreciating all that our bodies do for us and concentrating on all the positive qualities they possess. We too often forget all that we DO have and take these things for granted. Thanks so much for the post! I’m going to go give myself a hug now! ;-)
I some how made that mental shift this year and starting wearing more feminine and summery clothes. I used to have my “uniform” of a tee or tank, under and button up blouse of some sort…. Not very fashionable, but I felt I had to hide myself. Now I am buying more cute little tops and getting TONS of compliments. What an ego boost!
I would love to win, it is so hard to see those yummy bars and not be able to order any!! This summer age 33 I am starting to live that mentality. Wearing tank top even if my arms are chicken wings, or comfortable shorts. I love summer and refuse to be covered up I love the heat. Best, Rebecca
I completely agree with Leslie. I belive that all too often beautiful, strong women are told by society that they “shouldn’t” wear certain items. It simply is not true! The times I have felt my best is when I follow my intuition in creating an outfit that represents a little bit of me. It may be funky, it may not match, but ultimately if you wear it with confidence and poise other people will notice and appreciate.
Keep inspiring!
Talia
Dress you yourself, smile, and be confident!!
So excited about your contest!!
Nicole
Dress for yourself, smile, and be confident!!
So excited about your contest!!
Nicole
I think the best thing I do that helps have confidence in summer clothes is to take them out of the dressing rooms and into the real light of the world. Dressing room light is so unflattering.
And I’ve been dying to try out some of the Glo Bars!
I’d really love to try your glo bars!
I agree with Leslie about not listening to magazines for tips on whats flattering for your body type, you’re the only one that you should be trying to please – so wear what makes you feel beautiful.
My confidence tip is simple: smile.
great pos/great givaway. Stop negative thoughts ~ remain positive and stand straight w/head held high. Acting confident will eventaully make you feel confident.
my legs might not be thin but they are full of muscle and have carried me through 9 half marathons and we are 4 weeks into my marathon training and they are holding up just fine :)
I would LOVE to try these bars! I find that I feel my best and am most confident when I work out at least 5 times a week.
This is a great giveaway! My summer tip is wear what makes YOU feel comfortable, not what the industry tells you to wear!
I agree with the part about making sure your clothes fit and are comfortable. I tend to wear shirts that are too big and baggy and it doesn’t make me look any thinner. It makes me look sloppy.
Great contest. I’d love to win.
Hey Ange, what an exciting give away! I find that exercise and eating well are the most confidence inducing tips I follow. I feel so much better about myself knowing I’ve taken care of this body and when I have tons of energy than when I don’t. I know I’m learning to treat myself right and that’s all that matters!
I hate going sleeveless in the summer because I hate my arms. No matter how many push-ups I do, they still look flabby and huge. I told this to my fiance the other day after he asked me why I never wore the sleeveless dress in my closet, and he was shocked — he said he loved my arms. I was floored. Flaws are always MUCH worse to you than anyone else. So my tip is: get a second opinion!!
I have favorite outfits that I wear when I am feeling ichy. THey can alwasy boost my spirts.
Oh please oh please oh please let me win!!! My tip for looking good in summer clothes is to buy clothes that fit your body properly. A good fit will flatter your body more than any trend or style.
I also like Leslie’s tip about dressing with your heart, not your head. I once bought a really cute red and white bikini from Target and was too chicken to wear it. But I didn’t have any other bathing suits either — I didn’t usually wear b-suits and only bought this one on an impulse as I walked by.
Two days before my husband and I got married (the day when family was coming in to town and they all had little questions about things they wanted to do for the wedding) my husband and I sneaked away to a water slide park. I loved this place as a kid, but as I started getting older and developing, I would NOT go. But I went with my husband because we love all amusement parks. I wore my bikini and had an awesome time. The funny thing was, there were women there with figure issues of their own and NO ONE CARED. No one was looking! Lesson learned: Life is too damn short to let vanity get in the way of a good time!
When you really think about it, most people are thinking more about themselves than about you. What you see, most people don’t–they are too busy worrying about their own imperfections. So, don’t fret because really no one notices. Instead, focus on the company and friendship or nature–something other than the physical self.
wearing heels always makes me more confident!
oops! Almost missed this one….that would have been terrible. Your Glo Bars look so scrumptious! All of Leslie’s tips were fantastic but I agree with her about missing out on the wonderful season it you are couped up in the air conditioning all day. Summer is wonderful for warming your body as well as your soul. Letting the sunshine wash away stress and bring light…there is nothing better!
I really appreciated what Leslie had to say. I especially valued her advice to stop worrying about covering up and to get outside with bared legs and arms and enjoy the season. She’s right — summer isn’t around forever, so we should embrace and enjoy it while it lasts! Thanks for the article, and for the giveaway!
Love who you are and be proud of it!!!!! One thing that I ALWAYS make a point to do is be comfortable – if I wear things that are not comfortable then my body just does not want to rock it!!
Hi Angela,
I have been reading your website for months now and I love it! It’s so inspiring and I’ve gotten so many wonderful ideas from you. I loved Leslie’s post. As a Mom of 3 young children, I embarked on a quest to get in shape so that I would feel good about myself. I have worked hard over the years with exercise and nutrition and am now in what I feel the best shape I have ever been. There is always room for improvement though and I am always looking for new ideas regarding exercise and nutrition and I have learned so much from the wonderful blogs out there, especially yours! I so love to exercise now and look forward to it each morning and I’ve always had a passion for healthful cooking.
Your bars and other items look fabulous. I would be so honored to win your giveaway. I’m sure my whole family would enjoy these healthful treats and I would feel good about giving them to them.
Thank you!
Jonna
Love this post especially #4! Whenever I get self conscious about my thighs, I think of my older brother who has Muscular Dystrophy & can no longer walk. He would give anything to be able to take a step whereas I can run marathons, run up flights of stairs, walk on the beach, etc. It’s very humbling and makes me appreciate every step I can take & the strength I have.
So always be confident & proud in what you have & what you are :) Thanks for the giveaway!!
Ah thank you Angela, for this generous giveaway :D
I agree so much that its all about wearing what makes you feel good AND is comfortable for your body type. I also think its good to keep in mind that no one else notices us/what we wear as much as we think they do.
One of the main things i have learned about confidence is that the days i get the most compliments on my appearance is when i feel good about myself and have a big smile on my face…. Glowing, I suppose :D
i absolutely loved reading this post! it came at a perfect time too! this weekend i am going away with some friends, and we will be at the beach a lot. i was very nervous about being in a bathing suit all weekend, but this post made me realize i’ve gotta flaunt what i’ve got :) i will be re-reading this many, many times before the trip to boost my confidence!
I just recently discovered your blog and have been wanting to try the Glo bars, so would love to win your giveaway! As for feeling confident in what I wear or how I look, it is a struggle every day, but I will be printing off Leslie’s advice and taking it to heart! Thanks…
Great post by Leslie! I think its important to throw outthe rule book on fashion trends many times! Lots of clothes that are trendy right now are NOT flattering to my body type…so why would I wear them just because they are the latest fad. I have become comfortable dressing for waht makes sense for me personally and I don’t really care that I miss out on what “everyone else” is wearing! And when I do this, I glow :)
That whole post was amazing! There need to be more sites and media like this blog! :)
I call in my friends/roommates when I get too upset about how I look, and they’re wonderful body-positive people, so they back me up, or just suggest another great season/occasion appropriate outfit when one really isn’t good. Also, I put a sign on my girlfriend’s mirror that was a picture of me shaking my fist with a speech bubble that said “Stop making that face!” (She would frown in the mirror a lot) “I can see you! You’re gorgeous!” and that helped sometimes.
tips on summer confidence? stop worrying about what other people think. if YOU think you look good, your confidence will show, and others will agree with you!
thanks for the great giveaway! :)
My husband picks out most of my clothes because I am style challenged and he has great style. When I put on an outfit he picked out I feel good because I know that he has chosen it to highlight parts of my body that he loves and I feel more confident. He is my biggest fan, so on those days when I’m feeling critical of my body, this little bit of clothing praise helps me to change my outlook.
my tips on summer confidence are to wear clothes that fit well (regardless of size, since no one but you sees the label)and have bright colors!
Hmm, isn’t it crazy how body-confidence can fluctuate so much in the course of a day (or an hour!). Something that helps me if I’m feeling good leaving my house but feel too bare a little bit later is having a scarf or cardigan along. That way, I can bust out my arms when I feel like it, and keep feelin’ good by covering up when I want to.
PS: Mmmm I really want to try those bars :)
I didnt used to like wearing shorts…I mean even when it was SUPER hot outside all the planets needed to be aligned for me to put on anything showing my legs. Then I realized that NO ONE cares if my legs have a little stubble or if they are not model tan…no one but me, I need to love myself and be confident that I am enough no matter if I haven’t shaved in a few day!!
Hope I’m not too late I’ve been dying to try your bars for far too long! Honestly it’s too hot to cover up lol I am pretty self conscious, but then I think this body is carrying me through a marathon SO show it of ;)
My tip to feeling great is to remind myself of what my body can accomplish. I have strong arms, legs that carry me for miles, and the flexibility to take on anything.
I think that just being confidant is absolutely crutial. Even if you ending up having to fake it, in the end it turns into real confidance. Stand straight, smile, and chin up and people will notice.