Therapy through style and YLF:
It is coming up on my half year anniversary here at YLF and I wanted to share with you some of my trials and tribulations.
The three mantras Angie spelled out for us in this morning’s post: style is not a dress size, your body deserves love and respect and becoming stylish is learning to dress you body represents succinctly the essence of what I have learned and am trying to imprint on my subconscious.
In my mind I’m a willowy 5ft 10 inch perfect size 8 on top and bottom hourglass. In reality I’m a 10/12 wh needs to occasionally size up to accommodate apple lower belly. I’ve learned that its ok for me to buy a size up if I have to and not have orphans that I wish would fit me because “ they are my size” but just won’t co-operate with gaping buttons or camel’s paw or what have you.
I enjoy and love MaryK, Kyle and Jonesy’s posts to name a few. But I am also fiercely fond of AG’s occasional helplessness in getting the outfit together or Kari’s fearless embracement of her curves, Ornella’s gorgeous pear highlighted in all its beauty or Michelle’s amazing style while embracing her curves and her inability to look into a mirror: to name just but a few people who inspire me daily. All of you that comment on posts whether it be a boost or incredible wisdom; Aida’s scientific approach, Rae’s beautiful smile and emerging business wardrobe, Natalie’s wardrobe building, cobaltblue’s sometimes shy posts…all each and everyone of you that posts: huge, gigantic virtual hugs to you.
I’ve also tried many YLF recommendations and learned what does and does not work for me in my current style journey. I hate sweater dresses- they make me claustrophobic so I need to stop putting dollars down that drain. As much as I loved the BR Sloane the lining and fabulous detailing made me too hot. I do much better with lighter weight fabrics like the gap really skinny pants. I love Kate Middleton’s double-breasted navy blazer but my apple and ample bosom much prefer single breasted looser blazers.
So its been body acceptance, trying to envision what will work for me and my body with its needs including the need for lighter weight fabrics to avoid sweating like a NFL player at overtime and buying quality merchandise. Also incorporating my cultural heritage and love of jewelry into my outfits.
Most importantly I have gained 'therapy' through YLF, clothes, styling evolution and the warmth of this generous community with Angie at the helm. For the last three years in December I have had such a downward spiral in my mood that I have come close to being returned to ashes. “ Thence I came, thence I shall go”. This December has marked the first time that I did not go down that abyss: I looked forward to dressing up daily even if my outfits were failures, participating in the forum and listening to my wise mentor I hope to meet someday: Angie. This is an INCREDIBLE MILESTONE and I owe much of it to you: the community that is YLF.
And thanks to Mr YLF, Jasmine and Rosie as well.
Looking forward to more fashion therapy, fun and friendship.
