Let’s talk about something ugly: insecurities. We all have them. I’m not talking about how big or little you are, or how well an item fits or how good or bad it looks… This is all about how confident you feel in your clothes. I frequently find myself attracted to styles that I’m not necessarily comfortable wearing. Instead of being dissuaded, I react as I do to terribly tacky trends: Challenge accepted. (Seriously, the worse the trend, the more appealing it is to me to try to make it look good.) It’s all about finding ways to work it.
Let’s start with shorts. I once went a whole summer refusing them entirely. I actually remember wearing JNCOs over my bikini (it was 1997 – no pictures, thankfully). Recently, however, I’ve embraced the look. I practically lived in this leather(like) pair through the winter, but always with tights. When temperatures rose and it came time to bare legs, they suddenly seemed exceedingly – well – bare.
As for the lace pair, I’ve tried them on many times, but the narrow cut and minimal lining always deterred me from wearing them out. I’m fine with sheer fabrics when they have drape and flow – shrink-wrapped to my problem areas is another story.
Two pairs of shorts. Two wrongs. But together they look oh so right.
On my upper half, I applied the same combination of leather(like) and lace. A delicate top gave just enough coverage for a cropped bustier that showed off an inch or two more tummy than I was comfortable with.
The crowning achievement of this look, however, is the blazer. You thought insecurities could only be about baring skin? Oh, no. When you’re the odd combination of curvy and petite, a blazer is your worst enemy. Button it up and it pulls and buckles in the chest – or worse, takes on a corset-like form. Leave it open and it flaps about awkwardly. A taller, stacked girl might rock it, but anyone (me) under 5’3″ (5 foot and half an inch – yes, the half counts) can end up looking like a tree stump. To make it work, I had to get a bit crafty.
Since I don’t have a talented and affordable tailor on call 24-7 for such emergencies, I fashioned a fastener out of my DIY spike earrings and a scrap of chain. This managed to keep the jacket in check while giving it a more forgiving fit. With the added weight of the earrings, it actually hung rather nicely. And I’ve yet to find a wardrobe item that isn’t improved with the addition of spikes.
[Mikkat Market lace shorts, H&M faux leather shorts and jacket, Forever 21 leatherette bustier, American Apparel lace tee, Jessica Simpson shoes, DIY spike earrings as DIY jacket chain]
For this round, at least, it’s Insecurities: 0, Holly: 1. Ironically, today I’m facing the ugly task of finding a swimsuit to wear – in public – for the first time since college. I’m open to suggestions.
Holly! Tran at Beacon Hill Cleaners on the corner of Charles by CVS is a reasonably-priced and amaaaazing tailor! Tell her Amanda from the vintage store on the street sent you. The more you go, the less she should charge you. She’s great! <3
I keep hearing mixed reviews, although I guess a cheap piece like this would be the place to start.
You look amazing!! I am soooo glad that you faced your insecurities (sounds sappy/cliche, I know, sorry)! I just bought a bikini, which is something that im very scared to wear (never having worn one before…), I feel silly being scared. Anyways you look great (duh) and I love the shorts!!
Charlotte
It is silly and ridiculous, and I am absolutely scared to wear one!
This is awesome! You look great. Aside from the fact that I am so incredibly jealous of your hair color (two more weeks til I go blonder, yay!) I am absolutely loving that pairing of your shorts. It looks amazing!
I, too, had a whole summer where I completely ignored shorts. My insecurity was with my pale coloring… Being in a sunny state, a lot of people mocked me for my legs being very, very pale. I since have embraced my vampireness, ha. But I feel ya on the summer long no shorts thing. .
Those two pairs of shorts together are great. I also really like that fastener. What a great way to make your clothing work for you without the expense of a tailor.
Lauren
I never minded pale legs (although I’m lucky to have no one mocking me). I’m more nervous about exposing my extra-white midriff now.
Can’t wait to see how the hair comes out!
Try the retro trend a lot of people don’t have the shape to balance the high waist… But you do! Marc Jacobs makes a really cute one.
I was thinking about one of those, but I wonder whether they’re as flattering from the back as they are from the front (or whether they just look extra wide). I need to go try some on!
a few things .
1. i agree with the sentiment of nothing ever looking bad with spikes – and I’m going to have to give your spiked earrings trick a try.
2. i have the same urges to “make it work” when it comes to trends that walk the line of being ugly.
3. i love the spiked chain detailing on the blazer. Makes it look more badass. Going to have to give this one a go too.
4. Nice work overcoming an insecurity or two here – you look good!
i love your approach to dressing. i haven’t worn shorts in forever- and i am not about to start now! i often treat my hair with the same approach- i will make myself look weird on purpose and then play around with it. life is more fun that way!
xo
sami
Yes – hair is another great area to employ this approach!
I’m just over your 5′-3″ limit, but I can still look rather stumpy in a blazer, so I’ll have to try this out! Also, I am really looking forward to hearing/seeing the results of your convo with your boss, I think it’s totally worth bringing up, the pink hair just looks so amazing!
I haven’t worked up the courage to bring it up yet, but I am at least doing pink again for the weekend.
Great top!
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
“Two pairs of shorts. Two wrongs”. Looks like you were wearing the funny pants! Pun intended. You look great :)
holls…love this piece. Had no idea those were even two pairs of shorts! Also – if I can brave wearing a bikini and not caring about my beer belly, you can certainly wear one :) I always get mine at target though (cheap and though oft ridden with juvenile prints, they’re mix/match sizes – awesome because I’m a S on top and a M on bottom). Designer bikinis always make me feel awkward.
xoxoxo miss you and gregors so freaking much.
Miss you! Let’s go buy cheap bikinis and make vegan s’mores!
Such a pretty lace top and I love your studded clutch. Your blog is fab =)
xoxo,
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
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