Good morning!
Today we have a very special treat for the Summer Glow Boot Camp! Leslie will be talking about a VERY important topic that I think many of us struggle with- feeling confident in summer clothes! I know I always feel a bit self-conscious when I whip out the summer wardrobe. Society places so many expectations on women to not only be thin, but perfectly tanned, smooth, and cellulite free. It can make the most sane of us feel a bit crazy at times. Leslie is here to offer her awesome tips on how to get past those summer wardrobe fears and to embrace your awesome GLOWING self!
Hello Oh She Glows readers! My name is Leslie, and I blog over at the whole plate.
When Angela put out her “casting call” for the SGBC, I jumped at the chance. I’ve been an OSG fan for quite some time now, and I adore the positive message that Angela spreads.
On my blog, I often write about balance and self-acceptance. Last year, I found myself working in the high fashion industry, and as you might imagine, the atmosphere made both of those things difficult to attain. Nonetheless, I still harness a deep love for fashion, and like many, I used to dread the skimpy clothing that peppered garment racks as summer approached. The sudden exposure our bodies receive in summer attire can be intimidating, but over the years, I’ve employed a few strategies to relish in showing some skin.
1) Throw out the rule book. Fashion magazines often entice readers with promises of “seventy tops for your figure,” but I’m not here to tell you how to flatter your frame. Only you can do that. In my opinion, there is nothing more fashionable than a woman who pulls off her outfit with pride. Maybe your favorite dress isn’t the one fashion editors recommend for you. It doesn’t matter. If you feel beautiful in it, then you are.
2) Embrace your rights as a woman. I know, it’s easier to say the words, “I am beautiful” than to actually believe them. Summer arrives, and retailers suddenly ask us to reveal more than we do the other nine months of the year. Instead of complaining, I’ve finally begun to respond with enthusiasm. As women, our ancestors fought long and hard for the equality we have today. It is our right and privilege to bare our arms and legs. Put on that halter top, zip up those shorts, and feel your place in the feminine community. Your exposed skin reflects the history of our gender and the freedom we should be proud to enjoy.
3) Treasure the atmosphere. Summer is my favorite time of year. The long days, the heat, the opportunities to be outside – these are available to us for just a short period each year, and personally, I savor them. If I remain indoors with the air-conditioning, warmed by a baggy sweatshirt, I am allowing the season to slip away. Chances are, long sleeves won’t feel comfortable in the sun and hot air, and wearing them will cause you to fixate on your body, rather than the ambiance surrounding you. So shed those layers, and cherish the beautiful sensation of the summer heat embracing your bare arm.
4) Be a bit narcissistic. Your legs carry you up flights of stairs, on countless errands, perhaps on miles of runs. Your arms support every item held in your hands, help you reach high and low, propel you off the floor in a morning push-up. Your stomach digests the food that keeps you strong, and its core strength keeps you balanced. With all that your body can do, why wouldn’t you want to show it off? Take pride in the support it provides you, and wear clothes that let the world see its strength.
5) Dress yourself with your heart, not your head. You’ve been working hard, strengthening your body through the SGBC. Maybe your head is still arguing that you aren’t ready for a swimsuit or a skirt. Don’t listen. We women tend to spend hours overthinking our clothing choices – is this flattering, what is the size, can I pull this off. Fashion is a means of literally wearing our hearts on our sleeves. Quiet the negative thoughts and allow your clothes to reflect the person you are.
The next time you peek into your closet, I hope I’ve inspired you to toss away the layers and take a fashion risk. And if you have a free moment, I’d love to see you at the whole plate!
Thanks Leslie! I absolutely loved this post so much. I think this is such a great topic and I will admit one that I have not really addressed on OSG yet! When Leslie approached me with the idea I was just thrilled. I especially loved this part, “So shed those layers, and cherish the beautiful sensation of the summer heat embracing your bare arm.” Wow, what an amazing visual that gave me..a warm summer day…nice breeze..and feeling the warm sun on my skin. Who wants to constantly be all covered up and self-conscious all the time. Embrace it! :) I couldn’t agree more with ‘If you feel beautiful in it, then you are’…nothing is more attractive on a woman than confidence!!
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I have been a busy bee in the kitchen this morning as you could probably guess from my late post!
Today I was baking up some donated orders. The first one was for the Glo Bars I donated to Natalie’s bake sale for cancer. The second was for the SGBC Sidebar challenge, and the 3rd one I will be announcing below!
Classic and Revive…two lovely choices.
My new packing table! lol
A taste of heaven…
ATTENTION US READERS!
I know you have had it a bit difficult lately seeing all of these Glo Bars and not being able to order any yet! You’ve also had to deal with two Neal Brothers contests that were only open to Canadians. Well, today I want to say a little ‘thanks’ to you all for your dedicated support with Oh She Glows and your enthusiasm with Glo Bakery.
So today I am holding a US-ONLY contest on OSG! I will be sending another test package to the states and YOU could be the lucky recipient! You have a chance of winning one of these variety packs above (Heaven, Class, and Revive bars)!
How to enter:
- Leave a comment below about Leslie’s post on being confident in summer clothes. If you have any tips on being confident tell us what they are!
- Contest is open until TOMORROW, Friday at NOON EST.
- Open to US residents only please.
- GOODLUCK!
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I am off to pack and ship some stuff! Then it is back to calculating Nutrition Facts.
See you later for the winner of The Amazing Grass Contest! You have 1 more hour to get your entries in!!!
Also, just a quick note about emails- I am experiencing a large volume of emails lately for OSG, GMM, and Glo Bakery. Please rest assured that I am receiving all of them and I will get to them as soon as possible! Thanks so much for your patience. :)
I 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!!