Confession time: it’s very hard to be a fashion blogger when you don’t feel good about your appearance. The number of outfit posts on my blog declined severely last year in direct relation with my self-esteem.
To be quite honest, I’m glad style blogs weren’t around when I was younger. Most of my favorite bloggers are slim glamorous fashionistas who, while incredibly stylish, aren’t always the most relatable. In earlier days, my solutions for coping with weight issues were not the healthiest. It’s a struggle fighting the temptation to fall back on those bad habits, especially when I spend so much time taking pictures of gorgeous bloggers and perusing their sites.
What keeps me on the right track is the amazing support system I have in place. My Whole30 journey has been amazing, not because of the physical results I’m noticing, but because I’ve been so humbled by the encouragement I’ve received from my friends and family. Last month, my stress level and weight were at a peak. I ended up sitting out from the December Diversity Chic shoot. Well, not literally, because I was still taking the pictures haha. But, I was definitely feeling better behind the camera than in front of it.
I was nervous for my first month back, but getting to spend time with my friends (including our special classy/sassy guest, Christian) made the transition a breeze. On days when I’m feeling down about my weight, I remember that this is one of the very reasons we started Diversity Chic in the first place. Not every fashion blogger has to look like every other fashion blogger.
It also helped that the trend we picked this month is something I’ve been practically living in… the Poncho! The chic and versatile item may be one of the most popular of the season, and the best part is that it hides my figure. ????
Oh sweet poncho, how do I love thee? This soft grey one from Forever 21 was the best $25 purchase I made all year.
Even though the poncho has become my go-to item for when I’m feeling lazy and just want to be comfy, I decided to glam it up a little for this shoot. Shimmied into my magic Spanx leggings, put on a pair of heels, grabbed this chic cat purse (a gift from sweet Christina), a statement necklance, and topped off the look with a swipe of dark burgundy lipstick.
My monochromatic ensemble ended up blending really well with everyone’s outfits! Look how cute we are together! #ChristiansAngels
To get the details on everyone else’s amazing poncho looks, visit their respective blogs: Valery, Christian, and Sevi.
I’m so excited for year 2 of Diversity Chic! Any trends you want us to tackle in 2016? Let us know in the comments!
Jennifer says
I can totally relate to your thoughts on being uncomfortable in front of the camera. And maybe not being able to relate to all the gorgeous, thinner fashionistas out there. But that is why I love your blog series, especially Diversity Chic. I’m actually a follower of Valery’s, but she links to yours and Sevi’s pages all the time. So I’ve come to follow you both as well.
I really appreciate and am inspired by your work, the photography is beautiful, the fashion is to DIE FOR, and every post leaves me wishing I could look that gorgeous and dress that well. Thanks to Valery’s blog, I’ve taken away one incredibly good habit that is small, but makes such a huge impact on myself and my self esteem: filling in my eyebrows.
I hope this comment finds it’s way to her as well, but I wanted to comment to you directly and let you know that EVERYONE in your photoshoots and blog posts are beautiful. Yourself included. I love seeing the diversity (*Diversity Chic! get it!*) in y’alls appearances, styles, body types, etc.
It really helps me think that, with just a small amount of effort on my part and actually, surprisingly, not a lot of dollars, I too can look this good!
So thanks. And keep doing what y’all are doing. Whether it’s reaching just myself as one follower or 1,000s of followers, it means something what you do.
Stephanie Drenka says
Hi Jennifer- I’m close to tears reading your comment. This means the world to me, and I’ve shared it with the other girls as well. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Ginger Marie says
First of all, you have looked amazing since the first day I met you! Secondly, This poncho is SO adorable! Don’t get mad if you see me walking around in the exact same one (if I can find it). I love that you were so honest in this post, because a lot of women go through the same thing. But you are literally Superwoman! You have a bomb ass job and are talented beyond reason so keep being fabulous because you have a Lite-Brite future ahead of you. ๐
Valery says
SO happy to have you back – you are just exuding confidence now and I love it! <3