cropped lace-up sweater

When I saw this cropped lace-up sweater at Forever XXI, I was immediately drawn to it. The color is a really nice cool-neutral camel, the fabric is really soft, and the lace-up back detail is amazing (I’ll be honest, the super sale at Forever XXI wasn’t bad either 😉 ). However, even though I was drawn to it, I was a little nervous to make the purchase! It’s cropped, and I definitely don’t have that “I work out every day and eat nothing but kale smoothies” bod. I was nervous to wear something that *gasp!* might show off my mid section. But I made the purchase, and I’m so happy I did, because I realized what was really stopping me was my own perception of my body, so that’s what I wanted to talk to you babes about today 🙂

Body Image

cropped lace-up sweater

So if you guys have been reading along for awhile, you’ll know I’ve struggled with my weight. Long story short, my weight has fluctuated from 125-175 pounds since I was 18 years old (so about 8 years). Needless to say, with all the weight changes I’ve had in my life, I’ve had my ups and downs when it comes to self-perception and body image. When I was super thin, I thought I was unattractive cause my friends and family would make comments about how “stick thin” I was. They would even ask if I wanted to get a boob job when I turned 18…Looking back, I know the people at school who commented on it were most likely jealous, but still, when you’re 12 years old and starting your period and getting acne and someone starts commenting about your weight, are you gonna obsess over it? Yeah, of course you are.

cropped lace-up sweater

I definitely don’t want to turn this post in to a self-help story about my journey, but I do want to say that my self-perception of my own body has undergone a lot of changes, and it is still developing. I’m starting to really embrace my body type (and accepting the fact that I will never have a thigh gap because my hips are narrow and my thighs just are not shaped that way!), and part of that journey has been in my clothing choices. When I feel insecure about my body, I lean towards clothes that are loose and baggy and hide what I perceive as my flaws. When I feel good about my body, I buy things that actually fit, shocker!

Cropped Lace-Up Sweater from Forever XXI

cropped lace-up sweater

I decided to go ahead and buy this sweater, even though it is cropped, because I love everything else about it. I love the rib-knit texture because it feels super soft and cozy. I love the lace-up back detail because it adds a level of sexiness that isn’t too over-the-top for my style. I love the neutral color, and in all reality, I love the laid back vibes of a good cropped sweater in general. And you know what? I feel a-mazing in this sweater! Yeah it’s cropped and I still have love handles, but so what? I can throw on a pair of high waisted jeans, like I did here with this pair from Express, and rock a laid back “I’m trying to look cool without trying too hard” vibe. Oh and by the way, if you guys haven’t checked out these high waisted skinnies from Express, first of all why not, and second of all do it now (here) cause they’re on sale and they are SO flattering! I’m not kidding, my girlfriend Rachel is way smaller than me and they look great on the both of us.

cropped lace-up sweater

cropped lace-up sweater

gucci loafer knock-offs

Choosing to Feel Good About My Body

So basically, I’ve been on a somewhat “spiritual” journey to really re-focus on my self-perception and learn to love my body. I’m glad I’ve branched out in to wearing more clothes that accentuate my curves, while staying true to my personal style with a laid back vibe (umm, notice the mules? Yeah, I pretty much wear those babies every day!). I really want to encourage all of you to love the body you have! There is so much negativity in the media (and lez be honest, sometimes even from those closest to us) but really all that matters is your own self-perception. So send your body positive thoughts and vibes, and love it like it’s the only one you’ll ever have (caaaauuusee it is lol). I also want to put that little disclaimer out there that loving yourself and your body doesn’t mean you can’t strive for improvement, just make sure you’re setting goals for yourself, and not letting the media set them for you 🙂

I really wanted to be able to link this particular cropped lace-up sweater, but I guess I got it one such a great sale that it’s sold out! Anyways, I’ve linked a few similar ones in the widgets below if cropped sweaters are your thang! Leave me a comment below with your favorite tip for loving yourself, and I’ll see you lovelies on Friday!

xo,

B

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Photos by Rachel at One Pot Slop

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