Always Buy The Shoes (or dress, or shirt, or purse. . . )

One of the absolute best physical compliments I have always received is how nice people always seem to think I am dressed! Regardless of my size I have always gotten compliments on my clothes, shoes and style. Normally when people compliment me my instant reaction is always “thank you, it was only (price) at (Walmart, TjMaxx or Ross!)”

I have ALWAYS been a pretty “thrifty” shopper! I love a good deal and LOVE putting together an outfit, shoes included, in my mind and finding all the pieces that go to it. When I was almost four hundred pounds that was a much harder task, however I didn’t let that stop me from finding the perfect outfit for any and all occasions at a discounted price, of course.

For work; I dress up. I love pairing a good black outfit with a pop of red with a tank top under or some red high heels. 👠 I love a good statement scarf or a pair of tall boots with a flannel dress. Basically if it’s girly, black, or has a heel- I need it. ( my husband will attest to this!!😂)

On the weekends I still enjoy dressing up. A good pair of jeans with a plain shirt and cardigan and a pair of booties; sign me up! I do wear leggings often, and hoodies some times. But even my PJ’s all mostly match!! ( I may have slight OCD about it all.🤷‍♀️)

Some of my friends even like to give me a little bit of a hard time because they tell me I don’t know how to “dress down.” 🤦‍♀️😂🤷‍♀️ When we all get together I usually have on leggings that match my shirt or sweatshirt and my hair and make up are always done. That’s just who I am.

Every morning my routine is always to do my hair and makeup. Even if I am just hanging out around the house I still have to pull myself together and get ready for the day. I don’t do this for anyone else. I do it because that’s how I start my day to feel ready for whatever comes my way. Some days I may only put my foundation and mascara on (rare days) and pull my hair back and throw a hat on, but I always have to do at least that! & yes, my hat 🧢 usually matches what I have on! 🤷‍♀️ oh and normally my nails are done and I try to match those to my clothes. 💅🏻

I do not necessarily care if others like what I have on, but hearing they others like my style is a wonderful thing. I dress how I do because it makes me feel good. Having a solid outfit on with killer shoes makes me feel like I can take on the world. When I like my outfit and my hair and make up are done my confidence goes sky high. When I’m comfortable and look in the mirror and know my outfit is an outward reflection of how I feel about myself; I am the happiest.

My point to this is to always look in the mirror and love yourself! Put on the red lipstick if that makes you feel good. Wear the hoodie and sweats if you are comfortable in them. Wear the heels to go to a dive bar if they make you hold your head up a little higher. Go all natural with your hair/makeup if you love yourself the most that way!

Do not let others dull your sparkle and don’t let them make you feel less because you aren’t as “put together” as they are. Don’t let someone tell you that you can’t/shouldn’t wear some thing based on your size or for ANY other reason. If you look in the mirror and feel good about yourself you go out there with your head held high and middle fingers up to any of the haters out there. 🖕

My style hasn’t changed much since my VSG, however, shopping has definitely become more enjoyable and I can actually fit into items in the store instead of always ordering online and hoping whatever I order fits by the grace of god. I am still a cheap ass shopper and never pay full price for anything if it can be avoided. I reward myself with continuing to get my nails done as long as I keep up with working out four days a week. And I still top it all off with my makeup being done every and all mornings of my life. VSG hasn’t changed this but it has made some aspects more enjoyable.

I remember long ago being told to dress for the job you want when attending an interview; that’s great advice. And better advice to me is to dress for the life you want!

& always compliment others when you like their outfit, shoes, make up, jewelry, style, etc. Build others up! Raise their confidence! Always remember how hard you are on yourself; others are just as hard on theirselves and a small compliment can change their entire outlook.

Life is short; Style lasts a lifetime.👠💋💄

Thank you to anyone and everyone who has ever told me they like my outfit, love my shoes, asked where I got my jewelry, etc. those small words make an everlasting impact. & the ones who don’t particularly like my style; thank you for keeping your negativity to yourself. 😘