I Feel Pretty... and Confident

I don't make it to the movies too often. So, I try to catch things I want to watch when they make it On Demand. I just watched the movie I Feel Pretty this weekend. And I loved it.

I had heard great things about it when it first came out. And I have to say it did not disappoint. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and make the time to watch it. It's a great reminder that self-confidence is everything. 

We live in a society that makes us feel inferior for a thousand different reasons. The cards feel like they're always stacked against us. Confidence ends up being something we have to work for. 

Where do you draw your confidence from? What helps to remind you to walk tall? I've always found that a strong wardrobe can help me feel more confident. If I look in the mirror and feel that I look my best, it's that much easier to stand tall and face my day ahead. This is the mindset that I share with my clients. If you know how to dress to feel confident, you can face any challenge head on. That's the tool I strive to give my clients. It's an extra edge that helps remind you of the beautiful, strong and amazing person you are.

Maybe you don't even need to have the whole look perfected to feel confident. It could be as simple as your favorite dress. A structured blazer that makes you feel like you have an edge. An amazing suit that gives you superpowers. A perfect blouse, in the right color with the right neckline and silhouette to make you feel gorgeous. Or perhaps it's as simple as the perfect pair of pumps. In the end yours is the opinion that matters most. When you look in that mirror, how you feel is what truly matters.

So head up, gorgeous! You can do this. You are stronger than you know. And remember your struggle is shared. You're not alone. We all need a little pick me up. We all need a reminder that a little confidence can go a long way. 

Beth O'Brien Photography

In the market for a new Tee?

I love a soft cozy t-shirt. But I didn't always feel that way. There was a time when I almost never wore a t-shirt. I was much more comfortable in a structured top. I found t-shirts to be too form fitting. It just wasn't my style. 

Then I found a t-shirt with structure in a slightly thicker cotton fabric. This was more in line with my style and something I started to try. Then a couple of years ago, I found the J.Crew Vintage Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt. This tee had a nice deep V-neck that was form flattering on me even though it came in a much lighter cotton fabric. I fell in love with it fast. I found that I loved the soft vintage feel of it. And I started to appreciate the ease of a t-shirt.

I started shopping around for t-shirts. I found that I preferred certain styles, necklines and fabrics. I found that a flattering tee can be the answer to wardrobe hassles when looking for something simple and casual. I also found that my carefully chosen t-shirts could be dressed up or down for the right look. I realized I could layer on jewelry or a cardigan to get the style I was looking for. 

So here is my advice: Shop around for the t-shirt that flatters you best. There are plenty of options available. Find the fabric, neckline and color that works best for your body and skin tone. Don't settle. Finding the right tee is essential. It can simplify your wardrobe and make for a great standby piece. 

Below I've highlighted a few of my current favorites. Happy shopping!

Banana Republic Supima Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt

Banana Republic Crew Neck T-Shirt

Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee

J.Crew Supersoft Supima raw edge V-neck T-shirt

J..Crew Factory Flutter Front T-Shirt

Banana Republic Supima Cotton One Shoulder T-Shirt

A Little Confidence Goes A Long Way

For those of you that might be new here, I wanted to take a minute to introduce you to this blog. I give tips on what to buy now, what's trending and what's flattering. I love to introduce you to new brands when I find something great worth sharing. I talk a little bit about the kinds of services I provide for those of you who might be interested. And I do all of these things because I'm passionate about helping women feel confident in their own skin. 

You don't have to be a model to stand tall and look good in clothes. Let's get that out of the way first. And I'm not here to criticize your current wardrobe. I'm here to help you feel great when you get ready in the morning. I'm here to help you feel like the wonder woman that you already are. I'm here to help you see yourself as a strong gorgeous confident woman. 

Let me guess, you don't feel that way. You're not alone. Most of us don't feel that way all the time. And that's ok. But we should feel that way some of the time. That's the key. We need to recognize that the power to feel that way is ours. Others can influence us... that's where I come in. But in the end, you have to be willing to open your heart and mind to the idea that self confidence is in your grasp.

My approach is to help you see this by dressing your body in the most flattering way possible. So that when you look in the a mirror, you smile. And that smile will carry you the whole day. Because I'm willing to bet you're already an amazing, smart, strong, beautiful woman. You just need a little reminding. I'm hoping that seeing that image in the mirror of your best self will help you to stand taller, smile brighter and conquer the day. 

Here's to a little self confidence, ladies!

Picture by Carlee Kettell Photography