It’s been a long time since I‘ve written a fashion post, and to be honest that’s because I have lost my confidence in how I present myself a fair bit. Until the black Friday sales recently I hadn’t really bought any new clothes all year (choosing instead to focus on spending my money on travel) and I’d put on weight which meant the clothes I was wearing were all just that bit too tight and unflattering. I found myself wearing the same old things just because they were comfortable.
Recently I have been trying to eat better and lose a little weight, just so I feel better in my own skin. However sometimes you accidentally put an outfit together that makes you feel like your old self, and that’s what this outfit did for me. I threw this together when I was off on one of my favourite London activities, an Instagram walk and actually felt pretty good about myself for the first time in a long while. Sure I picked the photos which made me look slimmer and had my best angles but it still gave me confidence. These pics were when I was at the height of my weight gain, and yet I don’t hate them, I actually like them and I think that is one of the most important things in body confidence. Just finding something to give you that boost, whether it’s your hair, a certain dress, banging makeup, whatever it is and really letting yourself feel amazing. For my it was realising how curvy I looked in these jeans!
As someone who lives in 50’s style swing skirts, jeans are a new one on me. As a classic pear shape they actually totally intimidate me and I am usually stuck with memories of crying in dressing rooms as I tried them on as a teen. This is currently the only pair I own and I adore them. They are high waisted and slightly stretchy which make them super comfortable and wide legged so perfect for the 1940’s look. Collectif jeans aren’t the cheapest but they are worth every penny, I’ve worn them loads and they look and fit as if they are brand new. Fit and flare skirts and dresses have always been my safety net, this look still emphasises my waist which means I’m not too far away from my comfort zone (the skinny belt helps draw the eye there too), while being t more figure hugging then I am used to. I have hated my body for as long as I can remember, especially my thighs and butt after getting bullied about them at school but yet in this I actually surprised myself looking at the photos and not hating them!
The shirt is also by Collectif, I have it in black and white and don’t wear them often enough due to them currently being a bit too tight and my new found fear of body hugging clothes. I’ve found a way of placing the sleeves that means I can still wear a normal bra (hallelujah) and when tucking it in to show off that high waist suddenly I’d accidentally pulled a look together. 40’s/50’s looks are all about the waist and this is why i’ve been drawn towards those decades for fashion
You probably know by now that I can’t make my hair do vintage styles no matter how damn hard I try! So for this look just chucking it back with a classic bandana helps pulls together an effortless rockabilly look. Both easy and a bit badass!
These glittery brogues aren’t quite the perfect accompaniment but they do the job and I added this black plastic bead necklace simply became I love it. Say what you want but I will take cheap plastic jewellery over a gold and diamond necklace any day.
My relationship with my body has never been a good one, I’ve struggled with an eating disorder for over ten years now and it’s not something I talk publicly about very often but it’s like having a voice in the back of your head telling me I look awful all the times (it’s usually good friends with the one telling me everyone hates me too, what a charming pair!). It is not fun and I don’t know if I will ever really feel confident or happy in my own skin, but for the moments like this when I look at outfit photos and don’t hate everything about it. Well, those are the moments I have to cling onto.
What’s your favourite confidence-boosting outfit?
Fashion: Pin Up Picnic in the Park/Bar
What I Wore: Leeds Xmas Meet
Rockalily Styles: Styling Bar
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