The purpose of this blog post is to review a  jacket that I WON (yes, you read that right) on Instagram.  It’s funny, I just logged on one day and the giveaway was right there.  It was given by @fullfiguredfierce for @myleighanns .  I followed the directions for the giveaway and like the other participants, I crossed my fingers in hopes I’d win…and to my surprise I did!!

This gorgeous jacket by 17 Sundays was ordered in a size 16 and I matched it with a pair of harem pants, a bright tee and some pumps.  I felt super cute on this fabulous spring day!  In my opinion, this jacket is an excellent addition to my growing wardrobe because it’s so versatile and can be worn with a number of pieces. 

Feel free to check out the website to purchase one of your own…or perhaps follow her on FB, IG or Twitter.  Who knows you may be the next winner!!

I’ve never been one to follow the trends.  However, occasionally, something catches my eye.  In the case of this blog post, the crop tops were of interest.  Now I know you all are saying, but Nij summer is over…not to mention we’re in the middle of a snowstorm!  And yeah, that is true but I decided to try them out for myself anyway – in February (chuckles)!!

Let’s be clear, I wanted to make one last summer but didn’t know how and all the DIY videos I came across were rather complicated.  Even bigger than that is that I am not the owner of a flat tummy – which I thought was the prerequisite for wearing one!  So truthfully speaking, that was the main reason for my hesitation.  *confession time* Nevertheless last night, I just decided to make one and tweak it a little bit to suit my shape.  (In my opinion, it looked better with a tie, rather than just hanging down.  For that effect, I should have gotten a larger tee.)

More importantly, the lesson I learned is to not shy away from fashion that is normally geared towards slimmer women.  As long as it is figure flattering, and you wear it with confidence, then I say go for it!  So here’s a toast to my very first one and it won’t be my last.  

“If I could just lose this love handle, then I’ll be fine”…

“I need to lose 15 pounds, then I’ll feel better”…

“I hate my stomach…”

Admit it and be honest.  At one time or another you have said something like this about yourself at least once in your life or perhaps you thought you could never compare to one of the models in a magazine.   Well if you won’t tell the truth, I will because it’s time to expose this monster of low esteem and negative body image! 

Truthfully these are just some of the things I used to say about myself.  Whenever I would get into conversations with my friends or peers, the self-loathing would begin.  I would criticize this body part because it was too big, or that body part because it was too small…and so the cycle continued.   It is truly a vicious cycle that is so damaging to the human psyche.  I mean who said just because I’m plus size that I must have low self-esteem?  Who said that plus size women aren’t beautiful?  Where did this misnomer come from? 

For so long I believed the lies, hiding behind big clothes to make myself invisible.  I never felt good enough or cute enough.  My thoughts were all negative and it was pure madness!  If I continued to look at society and their definition of “true beauty”, I might as well have crawled under a rock and stay or the rock fall on me.  Unfortunately, society has not totally embraced diversity with respect to the plus size community, and rather than wait for them, I decided to be proactive. 

At that point, something happened.  I had taken my power back.  At that moment, I was Popeye right after he had eaten his spinach!  I decided to look in the mirror and point out what I liked about my body.   I was grateful to have my size double digit feet.  (Nine West became my best friend!)  I learned to appreciate my jiggly arms and non-flat stomach.   My chubby cheeks helped form the biggest smile ever.  I began to love me…I mean truly love me!  It was so freeing, fun and filled with ‘fabulosity’!  From that point on, it was no turning back.  Instead of speaking negative, I decided to speak life and words of encouragement over myself.    Once I embraced every flaw and every imperfection, I flipped the script.  It’s as if the blinders were removed from my eyes and I saw myself for the beautiful young lady who I was created to be!

Today I am a young woman who has embraced her flaws and imperfections.  I love life now more than ever.  I smile more, and it is truly from the inside.  As quiet as it’s kept, weight loss is NOT the anecdote for low self-esteem. 

So ladies, if you are like the old me, TODAY, IN THIS MOMENT learn to love you!  Listed below are a few of life’s lessons that I learned on my journey to self-discovery.

By practicing these tips each day, you will become empowered.  Know that you are beautiful! Own it!  “Chin up – you have a reason to smile!”  There are millions of girls all over the world looking for examples of confident curvy chicas…I challenge you to be one!