black blazer and sunnies from forever21 // leopard print blouse and skinny yoga jeans c/o plum // suede flats with bow detail from joe fresh // gold heart betsey johnson bracelet // marc by marc jacobs watch // gifted necklace
whenever i don’t feel great about my body, my clothes are the first to blame (because apparently it’s easier to say i hate every single clothing item i own than to get my butt to the gym?) with a trip to hawaii in 15 days, i’m not feeling bikini ready and out of frustration, i’ve been pretty unfair to my wardrobe.
the temporary solution always seems to be shopping. new clothing, shoes, and/or accessories make us feel oh-so-good. but, those fuzzy feelings soon fade away, leaving us with debt and too much stuff. finally came to terms with the fact that the best solution is to just…exercise! spending the money on yoga classes instead of a shopping spree has really helped me this the past few weeks. feeling refreshed and excited about my closet again!
does anyone else buy new clothes to mask body issues? no? just me? i understand, i’m probably crazy… 😛
if you're crazy then we're both crazy. i need to go for a run, and not to the mall…
Aw I'm so jealous that you're going to hawaii, a new bathing suit or some summery outfits will probably make you feel better! I love the background of these photos and your red hot lips!
XOXO
styleworthwhile.blogspot.com
You look so beautiful Alicia! You wear all of your clothing so darn well I dont think you need to worry about a thing cause your gorgeous just the way you are my love. BTW…I never saw that leopo blouse at Plum. Did I miss it? 🙁
I for sure do! I adore this look! Anything leopard print is a favourite for me!
<3 Kastles
haha i totally get what you mean when it comes to body issues and clothing! it happens to all of us lol. I love your outfit, you look fabulous!
http://sarassweetstyle.blogspot.com/
UHHH, GIIIRL, I don't know what's up with you, but I think you're gorgeous!!! And your hair looks great like that. Keep at it with the gym, I swear you'll begin to love it, just give it some time. Go to intense classes with a friend, it's such a good time. Lots of laughter, and sweat. Such a great combo. HAha.
I've been looking for a sheer leopard print blouse for a while, I might have to make a trip out to Plum again!
Bonnie
http://ItsStrangelyMe.com
If you're ever in need of someone to work out with, I happen to be frequenting the Steve Nash Fitness World quite a bit these days.
In any case, you're still gorgeous, and I love love love the outfit.
Thanks friends, it's comforting to know I'm not the only one! Ahh, I think the Plum blouse isn't in stores yet..totally forgot that detail. It was part of their holiday collection, should be out soon though! Tina "I need to go for a run, not to the mall" …genius! My thoughts exactly! And Shannon, we should totally do a fitness world workout together! My membership is going to waste lately.
Hawaii I'm sooooo jelous.
Great outfit
Always following
The Dolls Factory
I am exactly the same!! And i often think to myself that I would save so much money and stop wasting the clothes I do have instead of buying more when I have these funny moments 🙂 Good on you for giving it a go this time! But one reason I follow your blog is because I think you dress AMAZINGLY and I love the inspiration you give me as a non-size-zero blogger. I wish you could dress ME! 🙂
Sadie x
Great outfits <3!! I really like your style, thats the kind of blog I like to follow 😀
do sweets count as a way to mask everyday life issues? I tend to lean towards the sweets whenever I am feeling extra stressed or when I feel like things have gotten out of control. Sugar highs always seem to make everything better(Cough), but sometimems I take it on my hair, I dye it a different color or cut it.
I am soooo with you on this! If I ever don't feel good in my clothes, it's obviously the clothes fault… And I feel the need to go shopping for something that looks better on me. Not always the best solution I guess…
So typical me! I have never been athletic or into working out a lot, it takes lots of effort to do it, so shopping for clothes seemed like the thing to do, just to realize in the end staying healthy and feeling comfortable is worth more than all the pretty shoes! Love this outfit, definitely something I'd wear, sunnies are so cool!
Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries
I do the exact same thing. My main source of cardio over the last couple weeks has been walking up and down Robson Street, in and out of stores. My debit card has been getting more exercise than I have. I totally need to get my butt back to the gym and put my wallet away for a while.
Love this outfit from head to toe- and the red lips totally take it up a notch. Beautiful! xo
you are defiantly not alone, I am pretty sure everyone has done this at one time or another!! I know I have!
jess
http://www.jesscauseblog.blogspot.com
If you want something that works and works quite fast Alicia maybe try weightwatchers? I've been doing it for a month now and I've already lost 12lbs. I was actually shocked when I started tracking what I was eating, how bad things really were for me and how ridiculously oversized my portions were. I lost 9lbs the first 2 weeks just from changing my eating habits. Any exercise you do on top of that makes it all go faster. Because I work such long days and am on my feet ALL day, exercise is incredibly unappealing and hard to stick to. I found it easier to control what I was eating, and as I started seeing weight (and holy man do my clothes feel so much better on) come off it gave me more incentive to want to exercise. Personally, I think you always look amazing and you have curves in all of the right places, but I understand when you have one of those "blah" days.
You look wonderful! I don't think I've heard of anyone feeling bikini ready when they are about to go on vacation. When you are in Hawaii relaxing on the beach you won't care if you are bikini ready anymore 🙂
xo Ashley
PS. I adore your leopard top!!!!
Don't worry, I totally feel the same! After Thanksgiving I was so sick of feeling "bleh" and decided to cut back on sweets and other not-so-healthy food. Feeling already better now and tonight I will have to drag myself to the gym (finally). No more excuses!
By the way… I was totally surprised when I saw that the jeans you're wearing are actual yoga jeans! I didn't know that existed! Might have to check those out before I board the plane in December 🙂
http://www.thesignaturebow.com
Like the other commenters have said already, you're gorgeous just the way you are! But I can understand feeling as though you can be a better version of yourself, and then feeling disappointed that you're not that better version of yourself at that very moment.
Shopping can be a quick fix for a lot of problems, but it's not the best fix. Lately I've been working OT at the office and running to an event right after work or going home to spend another 3 hours on my blog or on freelancing. It's stressful, yes, but it's also turned out to be a bit of a blessing in disguise: I don't have time to shop or snack out of boredom, so my bank account is getting fatter and my waistline slimmer LOL.
Have fun in Hawaii!
hahaha i always wear oversized shirts over stretchy jeans when i'm having my 'fat' days. i love this look! i saw your tweet about an exercise regime – have you tried hot yoga? it's fun and it's great exercise!
http://www.simplystylishmom.com
Have fun in Hawai!!!
love your sunglasses!! cool outfit!!
so thanks for your lovely comment in my last post!!
Happy holydays!!!
I have the same exact problem!
~Veronica
Retail therapy is my biggest downfall, it solves everything… until I leave the mall! Gah! You look gorgeous though and you should definitely not be worrying about a bikini body my dear!
I always look for clothes that I think will mask body issues, which is probably why I am such a shopaholic. I'm always looking for something that is cute and will make me look slimmer! Makes me want to online shop right this minute 😛
I don't buy clothes to mask body issues so much as I buy them when I'm feeling anxious about something… Having a new outfit always helps me to momentarily forget about whatever is bothering me. So bad for the wallet, though! Glad to hear you found a better way to deal with your body issues. I know you're going to have a wonderful time in Hawaii and look fabulous while you're there. Especially if you're wearing you hair in this gorgeous braided style!
xox,
Cee
Wow, love it all on you! You look gorgeous and I love the red lipstick and your sunnies. I also LOLed at the "non-lurkers" part – just followed you 🙂
I just did the same thing! I was feeling self conscious about my "love handles", so I went and bought high waisted jeans to cover them up. But usually I'm the opposite-when I feel bad about my body I hate shopping because everything I try on, I think "this would look better if I didn't have grandma arms or my legs were smaller" or whatever complaint comes into my head.
I've been trying to go to the gym as well, but it's so hard to muster up the energy to go after working all day. I signed up for a personal trainer at the Y but I guess they're backlogged so I've been waiting 3 weeks already….I really want to kick start myself but I feel like I'm on hold until I can meet with them.
I'm probably the queen of body issues and insecurities so I know exactly how you feel. But you look great and I'm sure you'll have an amazing time. And if you get some good workout ideas, please share them with me!
Great shoes!! Love the outfit!
Bella xo
http://www.chicinvancity.com/
I've been having issues getting my butt to the gym too… ever since I quit my gym membership, I've just been sitting on the couch. But I really love your hair and makeup as usual. You always look so put together.
I don't necessarily buy new clothes I just stock up with dresses. They seem to always fit despite me gaining weight haha.
-Ly
http://www.lyzhang.com
You look fabulous as always! I thought I had the same blazer as you but I got mine from H & M. They're very similar though. Your makeup looks beautiful, too! It's funny you're talking about spending money on yoga classes instead of clothes, that's the dilemma I'm in right now! Glad Yoga is making you feel better. It's such a high : )
That's awesome and you look great! I love the feeling I get after an awesome workout! I'm sure your trip will be amazing as well!
As for the outfit, I love the leopard print top, and those shoes are lovely.
Delaney
xx
buying clothes is always the best therapy.. for whatever it is you maybe feeling!
i love your hair in this post..
http://aartifiit.wordpress.com
when you go to hawaii, you won't have to worry about anything! you always look gorgeous!
oh and i love the random pig and elephant in the background haha. where in vancouver is that?
-laura
http://www.daydreamingupintheclouds.blogspot.com
I for sure do! I adore this look! Anything leopard print is a favourite for me!