Oh yeah, you read that correctly. I’m not talking about weight loss. I’m not talking about bettering yourself. I’m talking about how dressing changes when you gain weight. I’ve gained weight. I’m just going to say it. I want other people to know that I’m now taking care of myself but also that it’s okay.
I purposely chose to show an outfit that I felt really confident and cute in, in real life, but it didn’t photograph well. Sometimes I will shoot an outfit and realize it looks completely different in photos than real life (confirmed by people who saw me in real life) and don’t blog it because it’s not the most flattering or something is off. Not this time. This is real life. This is my chin that wasn’t quite at the right angle so it looks a little big.
Winter has been hard to dress for as everything is all about bulky sweaters and I’m like, but what if I already look like a bulky sweater? I guess I’ll just photograph things from their best angles?
I’ve got booty that won’t quit, a rack that won’t go into button down tops without tape and hips that don’t lie. I’ve lost weight and gained it and this is about accepting where I am in life. I won’t say that this is the best version of me, but I will say that this is a really happy version of me. After a pretty traumatic year I’ve learned that I can accept that physically I am not the best me, but mentally I am so much better off.
Go to a REAL Bra Store and Get Fitted
Guys, stop getting measured at VS in 10 seconds. You want to know why you are always getting that weird boob spillage out the sides and the tops? Because it doesn’t fit right. Bras are boring. Basically no one sees them so it’s hard to really to spent $50 on something that just holds your boobs.
I went from a 34C to a 34DD and now I’m a 34D. It most likely doesn’t look like it because I wear bras that camouflage it and also, DD boobs aren’t nearly as big as you think. I could write a whole post on how flawed our perception of big boobs are but I’ll spare you. I was trying to shove my 34D boobs into a 34C and I cannot tell you how many times I texted my friends, “Well, my nipple just popped out again.” I actually looked at a lot of bras but I really love my black Soma bra and tan Soma bra for everyday. (Bonus: The black bra has pretty lace!)
Buy Jeans in Your Correct Size – Even if that Hurts Your Ego
The first thing I did when I realized I had to accept where I am was buy a bigger sized pair of jeans. Why? Because when your clothes fit, you don’t look like you’re trying to shove 10 pounds of extra weight into your previous jeans. For this I call it the, “Can you also breathe in these pants after having to jump around for 10 minutes to get them on?” test.
Really Think About What Makes You Feel Good
I have learned that I feel best in dresses and skirts. I love the femininity. I love the way they flatter my small waist with my larger bust and curvy hips. What did this mean for dressing as I’ve gained weight? I started focusing buying skirts that were more versatile, and dresses that I felt flattered my body but also could be worn multiple ways throughout each season.
I can’t always wear dresses and skirts (in the instance of this outfit, it was 15 degrees with a horrible windchill and I’d just gotten this sweater so I was all about it) and that’s fine. You can’t always wear what you want but on those days you are jumping into your jeans, just think about yourself more positively.
Choose Some Part of Your Body To Love
Despite the fact that I’ve felt like a tub of blubber bouncing around, I’ve realized that I really love my butt, eyes and hair. My butt won’t fit into everything but it’s what I’ve got. I really like my green eyes and I love my curly hair. As I’ve put more focus into those areas and flattering that I’ve realized I’m not just a number. No matter what the situation is, there is something positive and in this instance, if you look really hard, there’s going to still be something about yourself that you realize rocks.
Jeans: Old Navy (exact)
Bag: Madewell (exact)
Earrings: Bloomingdale’s (similar) (similar)
Lipstick: Too Faced (exact)
Heels: Zara (similar)
You are more than your body. Repeat. You and I are both worth more than our body. Surround yourself with people who remind you of that. I’m not advocating for ignoring health issues or saying to simply forget to take care of yourself. What I am saying is that I truly have a support system who makes me feel like more than a number or size.
I think that the most important thing I’ve learned is that I should never neglect myself and assume that my body can just handle whatever it is I throw at it, whether that be food, stress, trauma, not taking self-care seriously, etc. Your body is an incredible thing but sometimes it just can’t handle everything. I’m taking a step back in my life to a) thank my body b) slowly return back to where I feel healthy and like Alissa c)not beating myself up for where I am.
Scallywag Sprints
Brilliant post. You are stunning at any size (as you said- those eyes and hair! Beautiful!) but that isn't the point. The point is what you said- we only have one body, so we treat it right; and treating it right includes the things we say about it and the fabrics we drape it in!
Good luck on getting back to your healthy groove, whilst being happy with you in whatever stage x
Lauren {Fizz and Frosting}
These are such great tips. Focusing on the good can really change your attitude, but man, is it hard sometimes! I am guilty of beating myself up over weight gain!
You look gorgeous in this color, and I am in love with your earrings! GORG!
Fizz and Frosting
Beauty Follower
Nice outfit, love the heels!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
Breenah A
This post makes me so happy. Also, Old Navy jeans fit ridiculously well for curvy-ness. I was shocked. Also, ANA jeans from JCPenney fit well too.
Elle Sees
love this, love you, and thank you for commenting last night. it's all good today!
Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/)
These are such great tips, accepting and loving yourself are the first steps to doing what's best for you. So I'm happy you are happy. You look beautiful and emerald is stunning on you.
xo
PinkSole
Kayley Nammari
I think you look fab! Those jeans look amazing on you and are super flattering! Bravo for accepting yourself and loving who you are!
Ashley @ SedBona.com
I LOVE this post. First off, as a bra size 30F I understand how weird even the slightest weight changes can make my bras feel. I actually have several sizes always on hand — especially since it's Restaurant Week here in Chicago and I KNOW I won't be losing any weight for the next week or so…
And secondly I applaud the originality of this post! Since I work in restaurants in general my weight fluctuates quite a bit throughout the year and I've always wanted to write a post along these lines — bravo to you for being brave enough and articulate enough to make it happen!
Xoxo,
Ashley || Sed Bona
Alissa Kelly
This post is amazing. You are SO right and I love your take on YOUR body. Because, at the end of the day everyone is different – and that's beautiful!! These photos are stunning! Those jeans were made for you! I totally searched for those Zara heels after your Insta, but never found them 🙁 waaaaahhh!
Alissa
NaturallyMeBlog.com
Melinda
I think you look amazing, and your attitude is even more beautiful! Bra shopping is the *WORST* especially since my favorite bra was discontinued (I legit have been trolling ebay and Poshmark for replacements). Because VS doesn't seem to accept that A-cup ladies don't all want wires and push-ups in our tiny bras. <3
Lauren Farrell
Alissa, these are such great tips! Thank you for sharing! No matter your size, everyone is beautiful and it's just a matter of loving ourselves and recognizing that! Size is a number and that is that!! Love how carefree you look in your photos! Cute sweater and great jeans!!! You look amazing!! Happy Monday!
http://www.laurenfarrellny.com/blog
Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
I hate when you put on a really cute outfit and then go out, do pictures, come back and look at them and are like "what happened?!". Some outfits just don't photograph well! You look amazing here and loving those heels! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Kathrine Eldridge
Love that you are showing off your curves! I am dying over those shoes too. I totally agree that every gal needs to get measured for their bra size. Being a wardrobe stylist, I've seen too many women wearing the wrong size. Step away from VS! Lol!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Laura Bambrick
What a well-written and powerful post. My weight constantly yo-yos throughout the year. I am definitely NOT one of those people that looses their appetite when stressed either. Thank you for sharing these tips! I think you look amazing!
Victoria Fox
I am obsessing over this look! So simple but yet so chic! Those shoes are EVERYTHING!!! So fun for right now! Happy Monday!
xoxo,Victoria
http://www.coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com
Tara | The Mix
First off, you look amazing. Thank you so much for keeping it real. I constantly gain and lose the same like 15 lbs, so I know the struggle is real.
Closet Fashionista
I think you look great in this outfit! But I know what you mean about trying to send only the best looks, sometimes I shoot things and I say "WHAT WAS I THINKING?!" but it's usually the angles like you said, ha ha.
And yes, we are more than our bodies! Just because the scale says we've gained a bit of weight, as long as we're happy (And not being super unhealthy) that's all that really matters.
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
Straight A Style
Girl I love this post!! I used to be heavier and even now I go up and down five pounds all the time. I think loving our bodies is a universal issue women face and you are sharing some really practical tips. It's amazing what a WELL fitted bra can do. I too feel better in skirts and dresses. It's not that I want to be more girly or "dressy" that other people. They are just what make me feel best. You look awesome for the record!!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Jessica
Yes, yes, yes. As someone who has gone through this…yes! There are always going to be parts of me that I wish I could change or "make better" but I love the idea of focusing on the parts I do like. It's so important to treat yourself with kindness and that includes not talking poorly about your body. It's still something I struggle with!
26 and Not Counting
Simply Sabrina
I LOVE this post. Kudos to you for putting it together. This time of year is what I call my "in-between body" – I am working on being healthier and getting fit but it's a difficult process and finding what to wear in days like this is tough. Thank you for your post!
x. Sabrina // Simply Sabrina
Alyssa
And you still look as gorgeous as ever! And the fact that you shared all this in a posts shows that you're a gorgeous person on the inside, as well (but I already knew that 😉 )!
P.S. A thousand times yes to getting a proper fitting bra anywhere but VS!
Lauren Price
girrrrrl you look amazing! LOVE this post so much!!
xx,
Lauren
FashionablyLo
Karly @ Miss in the Midwest
You might possibly be one of the most gorgeous people that I know inside AND out. I love how you own everything about yourself – I definitely need to do a better job of that and taking care of my body. You go, girl!
Rachel Dinh
Great tips, weight gain is tough because it shows the most in your clothes! Let's work hard and bring our bodies back to where they should be.
http://www.racheldinh.com
Teal and Polka Dots
I can't tell you just how much I love this post! I completely understand where you are coming from – I've fluctuated quite a bit in weight from a size 8 to an 18 to my current 14/16 – and starting blogging at my heaviest, mainly because I wanted to show people (and remind myself) that you can look good and love your shape even if you are a bit more curvy. It's about fit and feeling great in your clothes. Recently due to some health concerns, I made some lifestyle changes and lost 20lbs. It's interesting me to, in real life I get a lot of "you look sooo much better now" and "you should just keep going, imagine how much better you'd look if you lost 20 more!" Kind of frustrating. Like you said, why can't you look great at a size 16 or 20? Only skinny girls can look good? I just don't buy that.
Okay rant over. 🙂 I think you look amazing and I'm so glad you posted this. Thanks for a fantastic post!
Kylie Mavrakis
You look beyond amazing in this post! And those are some seriously great tips! I definitely gained weight throughout college and buying pants in the right size was always a struggle!
xo Kylie
http://www.dressinsparkles.com
awhite
You are gorgeous and brave and killing it. The end.
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Alyssa Gap
You look fabulous! This post is also amazing. You're honest and real and so incredibly gorgeous and that's why I love your blog!
Alyssa | Glitter and Grey
Liz
Fabulous, fabulous post. From someone who has been a size 4, a size 24 and every single size in between in their adult life, I wish I'd seen this post back when I was still in the middle of eating disorder insanity and absolutely miserable (and, incidentally, a size 4. Ha!) You're beautiful inside and out. Thanks for sharing!
Liz
http://www.stylishdisaster.com
Franziska
All of this is so true. I've gained a bit of winter weight, hard as i try to eat vegetables and work out, but it all goes right to my face and love handles so here we are. proud of you for discussing it, keeping your sense of humor, and still be just as beautiful as you were before.
Whitney Damrau
You always have the most honest, posts. I love that! I just had a baby and the weight just isn't coming off, so I needed this. I think you look great in these pictures! And I went from a 32A to a 34DD, so I totally get the whole boob issue!
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Jennifer Laber
You're my favorite
►Nadush
great post ! 🙂
please follow my blog : THE COLORFUL THOUGHTS
Darcy
I love this post! There are so many valid points. We should dress for what makes us feel comfortable and that highlights are favorite parts about ourselves. Also, not looking at a size sticker/buying the right now for you is a great tip. They only cause frustrations anyways!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Elise Von E
Great post! I have been way up and way down and truly what it boils down to is wear whatever you feel confident in! Love your look, LOVE your shoes!!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Ali Hval
Your butt, eyes, and hair are all amazing. But you know what else it? Every goddamn thing about you. You are a ray of sunshine and I love it. I love everything about you. You're honest, you're open, you have a happy, infectious personality, and you make me want to be more like that. Because we all do it in blog posts–pick the most flattering pictures even if there are only a few.
This post is fucking awesome. Keep on doing your thing, lady. I LOVE YOU.
Kathryn
I seriously love this post! You have some really good tips, and I think it is so important to wear what makes us feel good. You are gorgeous, and those emerald earrings are so cute! Love it.
Shannon Jenkins
Loveeeeeee this entire post! So spot on! You don't need to have the perfect body to be happy and you definitely are rocking this look!! Those heels are to die for! Totally loled at you nipple popping out comment though not going to lie! That is something I think I will never get to experience in life…. #ittybittytitticommitteeproblems
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Adri Lately
You always nail your blog posts and this one is straight up real and that's why we love it! Wearing what makes you happy and what you feel great in is what we all should be doing. You can see how happy and confident you are and heck I think you might be a little hard on yourself about this outfit.
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com
Sara Strauss {Sincerely, Sara}
I've gained weight recently too, so when I look at myself at my pictures, even if it's a really great angle, I still cringe a little, but I think we're all just so hard on ourselves because looking at these pictures of you I see a woman who's rockin' this outfit! We're all our own worst critics! I love those heels!
~Sara
Fashion Love Letters by Denise
Such a great post and I can totally relate! I hate when I find an outfit that I feel super confident in, and then I take pictures for my blog, and realize there are so many issues. I can also relate: I prefer dresses and skirts as well. I am a bit curvier, so they tend to highlight my features a lot more. I find jeans to be much more ill-fitting on me, and I have to search for a good pair. I am so happy you posted about this, and I think this outfit is incredible on you. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
.Alejandra.
I really enjoyed this post, Alissa! it was a great reading and the pictures are lovely! You look flawless, I really like the outfit and the shoes are to die for! OMG! So glad I just came across your blog! Have a great week! xx
Ale | http://www.alemint.net
Ela BellaWorld
"You are more than your body"!!! I totally agree with that. Nowadays so many people judge by the body image without actually trying to get to know the person. If you are happy by the way you are, then just ignore what others think. This is what I am trying to do, I don't need these negative people around me.
I've never had that "nipple popping out" problem before… *small boob problem* lol 🙂
I really enjoyed reading the post, and the positive message you gave. You look gorgeous.
http://www.elabellaworld.com
Naomi Shapiro
Love this so much. Wish it hadn't taken me twice as long to come to those conclusions!
Hannah Rupp
You go, girl!!
Hannah | The Outfit Repeater
Classyandfabgirl
Love your authenticity! A Year from hell can really wreck havoc on us and I often have to be reminded to be gentle to myself. Grace is everything!
cpalmisanodillard
THANK YOU for sharing this post. Hitting my 30s and two kids have really changed my body. I've been struggling to be happy with it instead of trying to hide it.
Diana @ The Cole Collection
Love this post, and your words are definitely what the majority of women want to hear! I feel like a yo-yo at times in relation to changes in my weight. The struggle is real and its comforting to know I'm not in it alone!
x Diana
http://www.thecolecollection.com
fitfabfun Jane
Those heels are amazing! You look fabulous!
xo, Jane
http://www.fitfabfunmom.com
Aubrey
HALLELUJAH EMOJIS!!! I stopped posting outfit photos for a while after gaining weight. But then I thought, WHY??? It takes a lot of gumption to put yourself out there in the blogosphere, and we are who we are at a given moment in time. I don't want to miss out on documenting my life because I feel weird about how I look at some point, I don't want missing chapters in my book.
Rachel Emma
Honestly, you still look fierce as hell! And what are those shoes?? I MUST HAVE THEM.
Miranda Baum
Great post and I can completely relate to everything you said! Thank you for writing this.
Sarah Lagen
This is great girl and you look just as beautiful as always!! No matter your size there are always parts hard parts of focusing on the good and what you like is the only thing you can do! Sending extra love and support to you tonight! 🙂
xo, Sarah
http://www.thekissingboothblog.com
Jessica English
I found this post via Franish and I just can not say YAASSSSSS enough. 10 points! You're gorgeous.
Marg B
RESPECT!
Mary Edwards
OK, I just discovered you. I'm also from KS, went to KU, studied the same thing, and I'm the same age. You're a peach. Keep preaching the good word my dear. You are stunning!
readwriteteachstyle
One- you are beautiful inside and out.
Two- I love this post. I love the honesty, the message, and the kindness you show to yourself and others in it.
Three- this look is adorable
Stylin' In St. Louis
I loved this post because it is so honest and truthful! I think we all have our own struggles and giving ways to work through them is also amazing!
xo,
Jacqueline
Stylin In St. Louis
Jenny
I never comment on blogs but this is brilliant. As someone who has gained about 30 pounds in the last three years, your comments are spot on. I felt much better after purging most of my old clothes that don't fit anymore so my closet ONLY has things that fit me. And I got rid of my small jeans in favor of larger ones that fit. Thank you 🙂
Christina Lea Loves
This is such an honest and true post! I love it! Thanks for being so open and real!
Head to Toe Chic
I love how open and honest you are! You are gorgeous, friend!! and I couldn't agree with you more about getting fitted for a bra.
xo,
Angela
Anna Shirley
I like your post. This is the reason I started my blog – to feel good and happy with myself. Still I am working on my life style and health. It was very good that you mentioned the bra as well. It is true that many women just don´t have the right size. I didn´t as well. It is such a big difference now. And this is not only about bra. It is so important to have the right size of your clothes.
And btw – you look great! o)
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
Pat
I love how over the last year or two our relationship has grown and changed, sort of like our bodies! lol This last year or more has been a doozy for me too. I've gained weight and for the longest time was playing a "negative" tape in my mind. It was very destructive and depressing. I, like you, had to have a talk with myself & realize that personally I am not all that my body is. So over the course of a month I've ditched old clothes, donated ones that I knew I not only shouldn't wear, but ones that made me "play that negative tape" too much. I loved this post because it talked about real things. Things like you said, no one talks about. And I have to say, just for you record, you always look amazing. Quite often, you look hot, you're a little hottie. lol Now that I said that, I'm off to the bra store! <3
LyddieGal
I totally admire you for sharing how you feel about your body, and that not every outfit looks as good in photos as it does in real life, and perception about breast sizes – I mean, NO ONE understands that a cup size is not a fixed size and that it gets bigger or smaller based on the band size. It's really frustrating when you want your clothes to do one thing, but your breasts and butt have other ideas. I know you are absolutely right, we need to celebrate our bodies just as they are and stop wishing things were different!
Chic on the Cheap
Lacey
Thank you for writing this. It's okay to acknowledge the parts of yourself that you love and that you don't. I have struggled with redefining my style over the last year as my weight has fluctuated a lot. I basically have a whole new wardrobe now and I'm okay with that. As soon as I accepted where I am at now, I was able to think positively about where I would like to be in the future.
Also, I have major hair envy. Your curls are amazing and you radiate confidence with your smile. Keep it up!
Nicole Layne
I firmly believe that if you feel good, you will look good! There are so many outfits that I love in real life but don't "look" good on the blog, and I hesitate to show show them. However, if we all step back and remember that confidence is the best accessory, we would be able to rock these outfits and celebrate our looks! You look great as always!
Nicole
Nicole to the Nines
Mica T
I think you look amazing – especially in that last picture, you have an incredible smile.
I blog all the outfit photos I take too – the good and the bad and the awkward angles and the frowning face…we are more than just an outfit photo.
It can be difficult dressing wit ad coping with changes to your body over time, but no matter what changes we are still ourselves, and we should be prod and lucky that our bodies are giving us another day to be our best selves no matter how we may dress up the exterior!
Away From The Blue Blog
Maya McDonald
Get it girl! You look fabulous as always – no matter what any silly scale says. And I love how you're embracing your body and loving your assets – you're give me some serious body inspiration right now! xx
Hillary @ styleinasmalltown
First of all, you are totally rocking those jeans! Secondly, I disagree that this outfit didn't photograph well. I personally think that you look beautiful in this green color and your confidence shines brighter than anything! I do agree with you though that I've worn an outfit and felt really good in it only to find out later, it looked terrible in photos and did it really look like that IRL? Have a great week lady! 🙂
~Hillary
http://www.styleinasmalltown.com
C. Vaughan
As I attempt to pretty much starve myself in order to lose these new pounds I've gained, I really needed to read this. Thank you so much for sharing!
kate @ a journey in style
I feel like I've been wanting to write this post all year. I finally came to terms with my weight gain this fall and started buying new clothes. It sucks, but it sucks more to pick out something you used to love, try to wear it, and start swearing up a storm at your dryer for shrinking your clothes, all while knowing it's not the dryer's fault. The most valuable lesson I learned is this: Just because you can button those pants doesn't mean they fit. Thanks for sharing your lessons with us 🙂
Trang Do
You looks so gorgeous!! Love your sweater, jeans, shoes, lipstick!! You have beautiful hair!! 🙂
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Beautygirl 24
Couldn't love this piece or agree any more! I think we all spend far too much time beating ourselves up. Not even on each other, but on ourselves! I've gained almost 20 pounds in two years since getting married. That's a huge what the fuck for me. Excuse the language but that's the only term I feel suites my frustration. I'm slowly getting back down, and I'm starting to make better eating and work out choices. I'll never be the skinny girl. I'm petite, but I've got curves too, and I don't mind that one bit. We should all take your advice and just stand in the bodies we have now. Not yesterday, not a year from now but now.
Alice Warren
Great post!! I am struggling with my weight as well and I am doing my best to love this size of me but it's been tough. I have stopped shopping (which is a good thing) and is focusing on becoming a healthier me. This outfit looks amazing on you!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Katha Strophe // kathastrophal.de
Hi Alissa!
This was a wonderful read.
You look amazing and so very happy! I think you should love your body at every size – and you should always wear things that make you feel good 🙂
For me, blogging and finding bloggers with different sizes than those of all the models in the magazines has been such a big confidence booster and one of the reasons I started to blog.
Have a wonderful day!
All the best from Germany,
♥ Katha // kathastrophal.de
Michelle B
Such an inspiring post. You look beautiful! Also love those heels! 🙂
http://sparklestarcupcake.blogspot.co.uk
The Bandwagon Chic
You look stunning loves.
I love the color of your turtleneck top.
I think size doesn't matter in fashion, as long as you are comfortable, that would be great!
The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic
Amy Johnson
I think you look gorgeous! Love the photos and the outfit. Those shoes are amazing!
Chasity Zwicker
…thank you. Thank you for voicing what is not heard enough. That its ok to be happy in the here and now. Sure there are always ways to improve, but that doesn't mean that we still can not be happy for who and what we are right now.
You look fabulous, and by reading this I can tell you are an amazing person on the inside as well.
According to Kiki
You are an absolute gem! Women need to have an outlook about themselves like you do! With so much focus on how we "should" look we waste time embracing what great things we have. This needs to be discussed more often than not. Women of all shapes and sizes need to feel empowered! (:
Lily A.
You look amazing!! You are totally rocking it girl! I'm a plus size gal, and find it hard to style myself sometimes, but this post is so inspiring! Thank you!!
xo, Lily
beautywithlily.com
Federica Di Nardo
You look amazing, I love the color of the sweater ;D
The Cutielicious
http://www.thecutielicious.com
Federica
Jackie
I've said it before and I'll say it again, you're awesome! Even though you may not always feel positive, you radiate positivity through your blog (and social media).
I think you look gorgeous the way you are! I have boobs that are way big (like, much larger than DD) and a big bum, but that's what makes me, me….and even though clothes don't always work, they don't always work for tall skinny girls either!
Jackie
Something About That
jess
I gained a bit of weight when I changed jobs. I had to buy a new bra and a lot of my clothes didn't fit. I didn't really feel great.
I love the clear heel on your shoes.
Amy
I love, love love this! You're amazing and empowering. Also, a good bra is essential!
Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins
Chelsea Davis
I love your sassy heels! The clear heel is amazing, very mod looking. I totally have fluctuated over the years and always have a hard time finding the right bra that fits! You look awesome and you should feel good in your own skin. These are great tips especially finding jeans that fit. They can make you feel like a million bucks!
XO Chelsea http://www.shesaidhesaidfashion.com
Caitlin M.
Such a great post! You look absolutely amazing and I love your classic style!
xx, Caitlin
http://www.wandererandwolf.wordpress.com
Kelsey Bang
super cute post! I am with ya and think its important to love yourself and body at any stage! chic look!
kelseybang.com
Aditi Oberoi Malhotra
Absolutely Stunning babe!! I love this look!
Adi xx
http://www.fancycorrectitude.com
Elana
Like everyone else commenting, I can't tell you how much I love and relate to this post. College was a doozy for me. What I thought was the freshman 15 turned out to be the freshman 20, freshman 25, and so on. I've fluctuated and seen my size change inconsistently over the years, but I finally came to terms with it. Shopping definitely isn't always fun, but you know what? I really, really love chicken nuggets and milkshakes. I would rather keep buying larger sizes than give that up.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and beautifully written post! As I'm sure you can tell, it's really helpful for a lot of us 🙂
http://www.room-334.blogspot.com
Shira
I tried to respond yesterday but my computer was being weird. I really appreciate you writing this. I gained a lot of weight this year and went up two sizes so besides for none of my clothes fitting me, dressing my short and curvy frame has been really challenging. My weight has been all over the place (at my heaviest I was 75 lbs more than I am now and plus size) so I know the struggle. I work really hard to focus on BALANCE and health and not a number on the scale though.
Julissa Bernal
You are gorgeous! I am happy you are blogging again as I feel you are my (way better styled) style twin! Thank you for sharing as I have also had a hard year and gained weight. It is so important to remember to love yourself no matter what!! I appreciate the reminder.
Erica Wells
Good for you for deciding NOT to be hard on yourself because I think you look gorgeous in these pictures, especially with that beautiful smile and fabulous curly hair! If only I looked half as good as you do on my off days. 🙂
Erica
http://www.pumpsandpushups.com
Kelly Stevens
I love your post so much and it hits home so much for me right now. After two kids, life, and more life, my body is not what it ever was before. Sometimes I love that and sometimes I don't look in the mirror when I walk past because I just don't want to think anything negative and I know if I look, I WILL. Focusing on the positive is an amazing tool and one that will keep us healthy, mentally and physically. You're amazing and I love your perspective! <3
Rachel Heffington
I feel ya on outfits that don't photograph how they legitimately look! Thanks for this post – it's such a thing we all need to hear.
Elegance and Mommyhood
I love how you approach anything with positivism, humor and realness. I love your sweater, pumps and emerald heels and I agree, having the right bra size and knowing it is so crucial. You are a ray of sunshine, no matter what size you are, Alissa.
Besos, Ada.
LV
I love your honesty and transparency. Many of us are dealing with this since lots of us pigged out during the holidays (ok, maybe it was just me). I can definitely relate to the big booty issue and I have big hips, so yes at times its a challenge. You look well put together and beautiful in all of your photos.
http://www.foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com/
Meg - Life of Meg
Thank you for the post! After 2-3 years of gradual weight gain, I needed these tips for feeling good in my skin!
Jennie
I can totally relate to this post! Over the past year I've gained weight and have been struggling whether to buy new clothes or just work to lose the weight. I've done both! Loved reading this.
Sincerely, Jennie
BLovedBoston
Well you look gorgeous and I totally feel ya on being busty…these bad boys aren't going anywhere LOL!! Love those heels! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Kalisis Rising
OMG – I LOVE this! So so true. I'm heavier now than I've ever been, but guess what? I'm also happiest and at my healthiest, mentally speaking. I love the "buy the right size even if it hurts your ego" thing b/c when my clothes fit, I FEEL better and after I leave the store, I don't even worry about the size anymore. It's fleeting, buying that size, but the fit happens every time you wear it, so better make it right. You're gorgeous! Love it.
http://www.instagram.com/kalisisrising
Kyle Akeley
Girl, preach. Also, I read this while eating cheesecake, so yo to the lo
Nicole Joy
This is an important topic! Thanks for being candid and fabulous.
Meghan @ Hayes Days
Everything you said is so so true. Especially about bras and bra sizes. I think there's this mental block for women about thinking of themselves being any larger than a D, even though, like shoes, there's not a huge difference between a D and DD, but it's the difference between something being comfortable and fitting than something that kinda fits and gives you blisters. Or in the case of bras, jabs into your sides. You are so brave for putting this out there. I try to be as candid as possible about my weight and how much I've gained since I started blogging, but it's hard. You got down to the nitty gritty here and for that, you are so awesome.
Kate @ GreatestEscapist.com
I really like/need/appreciate this post. Thank you!
Irene Papadopoulou
love the post! love the meaning of the post! you look amazing
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com
Earth to Style
You look so gorgeous, girl!! Love your positive attitude <3
xo Lauren
http://www.earthtostyle.com
Luxlucky
Question is, how do you keep your curls looking so fabulous. I'm a curly q too. And I'm so happy I found a blogger who rocks curly hair! 🙂
Luckyluxy.blogspot.com
Heidi Knepper
I think you look fabulous and happy!!
sonneillon
I'm a newbie reader, but wow, I love your blog. It's relatable. I'm a copywriter, did my degree in English Lit and I'm so far past size 10, I'm basically on the other side. Okay, that's a bit mean of me, but really, seeing you absolutely rocking your outfits every damn time, looking absolutely amazing… I love it. It's just so… fresh and inspiring and motivating. It makes me want to get my ass out of these boring pair of jeans and find something that makes me feel as beautiful as you look. Keep doing what you're doing, and I'll be reading no matter what.