Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Body acceptance is a journey. It’s not something that happens over night. This week, I thought a lot about my own personal journey. I remember being extremely insecure in high school about my body and about my skin tone. I’ve shared with you before how I had to learn to love my dark skinned complexion (Read HERE). My bestie used to think I was crazy. She complimented my looks all the time. She couldn’t understand why I couldn’t see my beauty. However, for every kind word about my looks my focus seemed to always be on the negative ones. If you lose a few pounds, you would look better. I used to try all different types of get slim quick programs until I had to just sit back and think how I honestly felt about myself.

When I took time to think about it. I realized was okay with me and the way I looked. Sometimes we can allow other peoples thoughts to affect us and throughout this journey to body acceptance I’ve come to the conclusion that I am comfortable in my own skin and it’s other people who have a problem. Not me. Once I realized that, I immediately started to become more confident. Clothes really helped me with my confidence. I know it sounds corny but I found clothes to be magical. Whenever I found a piece of clothing that made me look and feel my best, my confidence soared. I wasn’t thinking about dieting and losing weight. I was just thinking about how good I looked.

Recently, I felt my body confidence plummeting. Over the past couple of months I’ve put on quite a few pounds and wanted to hide my body. I didn’t want to let my body insecurities get the best of me so I went shopping to find a dress that made me feel good about my body again. I know most people shy away from clothes when they gain weight but for me I need them. My love for fashion is deep and nothing makes me feel better than slipping on a dress that hugs my curves in a way that makes me stand proud.

New York & Company Dress, Aldo Sandals, Bauble Bar earrings, Tory Burch tote

Case in point, this ribbed knit body con dress I found at New York & Company. Since I’ve packed on some pounds, I’ve been steering clear of body con dresses. However, I am big believer in trying things on because you never know how they will fit. So, even though I was skeptical, I tried the dress on.

I’m glad I tried on this dress because when I put it on, my confidence instantly soared. I love how it hugs my hips and the lace up detail added a little sexy flair. I also like how the olive green flatters my deep rich skin tone. For those of you that don’t know, New York and Company has begun to offer extended sizes up to an XXL and size 20 (Read HERE). Last month, I shared with you some of my maxi dress finds from them (Read HERE). I got the dress in an XXL and possibly could have gotten the XL.

All I had to do was put on some shapewear for a smooth look. I added a pair of lace up lime green sandals for a contrasting look.

For hair, I put my ponytail into a top knot. For makeup, I went with a gold and brown eye look and a bold red lip. I accessorized with a pair of drop earrings, a gold Kate Spade watch, and a gold cuff from Forever 21.

How do you guys stay confident?

All photos by: Pristine Finesse

This post was sponsored by New York & Company. All opinions are my own