It may look like a simple printed poplin skirt to you, but this is monumental, colossal, and maybe even a little silly all at the same time.
You see, for the first time in 20 years I tucked a shirt in.
Since doing this blog and taking outfit photos I've been inspired to step out of my comfort zone style-wise and experiment. I mean, that's kinda the point. And normally I'd have walked right by a full, flouncy skirt like this because of my midsection. Listen, you don't gain & lose major pounds, have two babies via C-sec, hit your forties and get away scot-free, lol. Nope, I have quite a tummy, tho I've learned to camiflouge it extremely well. I'm not disparaging my body, just dealing with reality. And the reality is a skirt like this is NOT belly-friendly.
But something attracted me to the skirt and for a lark I tried it on in the store. True, it fit, but it also looked ridiculous with the length shirt I had on. And ALL my shirts are pretty much that same length; just long enough to cover my protruding tummy area yet not come down over my crotch -- (covering the crotch is usually an unflattering length except for some tunics, fyi)
So when I got home w/the skirt (yes, I bought it despite myself) I started trying to find SOME shirt that hit the right spot with the fullness of it....to no avail. Then I tried belting some of my blouses. That worked better, but still not quite right. Eventually I just had to try, had to see what it would look like.
I felt like there should have been a drum roll. Maybe a heralding trumpet. Heck, toss in a choir of angels, lol.
And as you can see -- it's not all that bad. Ok, no, I didn't take a profile shot, lol...I'm brave but still have some modicum of vanity :) And I can't say I felt completely confident in this, which is key in my book. But it's a start...or a return -- both -- yes, that's it. This is the start of a return to normalcy. To an even deeper level of body acceptance than I've already achieved.
Gee, bet you had no idea all that could come from a poufy little skirt and a tucked in blouse :)
18 comments:
It looks great! And your legs look SOOOOOOOOOOOO long.
You look great! Before I read your post I was thinking that it was one of your best outfits to date - how about that?
I know what you mean about experimenting though - I wore a dress today for the first time in years and felt quite self conscious for a while. I think I'm getting used to it now though.
You look fab! Like notSupermum I though wow that's a fantastic outfit before I read your post.
Cute skirt! Is that from the new Go line? The combo of the skirt length, the tights and boots is very flattering and makes you look so tall. :O)
Agree with these ladies...you look great!
That is a great look on you! I hear you about the C sections - two here! Nothing is ever the same again. :)
The wide belt is extremely flattering as well!
I LOVE this outfit. You look amazing in green. This is a fantastic outfit.
I found your blog through notSupermum. Love your outfits. I'll be back to glean ideas from your postings!
So cute! I think it's a super flattering look, and way to go going outside your comfort zone - it has produced a wonderful new outfit!
I agree - this is one of your best looks. I LOVE this skirt on you and Why Have You Not Belted Before?? You look amazing and your waist looks so small!
Now, try tucking in and belting a thin sweater...you can do it!
I agree too K, this has to be one of your best looks! Wow you look like a model here!! Geez this makes me want to try tucking something in. I have seen a lot of those high-waisted skirts in stores lately, I think they would be great for work. You have inspired me once again!
Agreed with everyone above, you look amazing in this! More belting and skirting should follow. :) I love that new Go line...oh Thakoon, how I wish I could afford an actual piece!
Lady, you look marvelous. No lie. Isn't it rewarding when blogging pushes you to try new styles ... and they WORK?!?
Holy cow -- I had a busy day yesterday, cranky kids and all manner of mishaps...but then to finally get a chance to sit down and read all these lovely comments, well, you just each REALLY made my day -- THANK YOU!!!!
I'll be back to comment more, just wanted to put this out there before I go off to check out all your wonderful blogs (which I've had little time to do the last couple days, sorry!)
In the meantime, much love to all...
Kasmira -- thank you! And after reading what you said I went back and looked...even I can see my legs DO look long, lol!
notSupermum, thanks -- and gee, how 'bout that indeed! How did your dress end up feeling by the end of your day, did you get totally used to it? Bet you looked fab :)
Spiragirl....thank you sooooo much! It's funny how our preconceived notions really color our own perceptions some times I guess. What seems so weird to me was just a great outfit to others -- who knew?
OTG...thanks, and yes, it is from the GO line -- very observant. That's another thing -- to me this is very "juniors dept" and I would normally not choose it fearing it was too youthful. It is a little young for me perhaps, but then again what's age but a state of mind as long as something fits, lol.
V...thank you so much for the compliment :)
Kristen, thanks! Those C-secs are just murder on the bod, aren't they? Oh, and that belt is one of two that I call my "magic belt"...it has saved several outfits now. What I like is not only the width, but it's elastic so it doesn't move around too much yet is forgiving if I actually wanna eat :)
Le Belette, thank you so much! I just read something that said green eyed people (which I am) always love the color green. Don't know if it's true but I do love it :)
Tessa, welcome & thank you very much! I just checked out your blog and the 'over boiled' post had me cracking up (get it, eggs, cracking up -- GROAN, sorry, lol!) I can't wait to read more of your blog too!
Goober, thanks! And it really is out of my comfort zone, for sure. But you are right...sometimes that's the best way to come up with new ideas.
Sheila, lol, thank you!! And while I've become moderately comfy with belting certain things I must admit I'm still hesitant about the whole tucking bit -- tho I do have to say the belting actually helped me feel more...hmmm, covered, I guess? Oh, and you made me laugh by your cheerleading :) Now next time I try tucking in a top I'll imagine you saying, "you can do it, you can do it"
Trace, OMG, a model??? Geez, you just about killed me w/that one -- I may have to print this out and frame it!!! That really made my day :D I've noticed the high waisted stuff too and think next time I find a skirt like that I'm going to try it. This skirt probably isn't all that high-waisted by design, I just sort of placed it up a little bit high and the edition of the belt added some more height to the waist band. It's so cool how we keep inspiring eachother, 'cause you always get my creativity going w/your posts :)
Erica -- welcome back, and thank you! Yes, I really do like that GO line and I also bought two Thakoon cardigans which I can't wait to wear. Great stuff.
Sal, thanks so much! And yes, blogging has really gotten me to try all kinds of stuff...I get so much inspiration and great ideas from people like you and the other wonderful women who've commented. Plus you're right, it's especially rewarding when it actually works out, lol!
Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone -- like I said, this really made my day!!!!
I know i'm late, but you look fantastic! This is one of my favorite outfit of yours... :-)
Awww, thanks Lady D, I so appreciate you saying that!!!
I have to agree with the ladies! This is a rockin' outfit. The tucked in and skirt looks so good! LOVE IT!!! I think it's my fav outfit!
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