UNCONDITIONAL BODY BEAUTIFUL - PART 2: THE HEART (BUST)

The wonderful bloggers participating in #UnconditionalBodyBeautiful are back with a second installment in our series.  This month, in the month of love, we are discussing the heart of many women's bodies - the bust!

Skirt:  eShakti (Available here)

As I discussed last month and at other times on the blog, I haven't always loved my body, and truth be told, I still struggle with loving certain parts of it.  That said, my bust has generally always been a source of body confidence.

Blazer:  Eloquii (Available here)

Shoes:  Anne Michelle Giovanni (purchased from eBay)

Necklace:  Target

I remember wanting to wear bras well before I had any need for them.  Of course, with a sister three years older, I could sneak her old training bras and pretend!  As puberty began in fifth and sixth grade, and my tender bust began to grow, I felt excited.  In many ways, I equated womanhood with having breasts.  More than that, the idea of wearing bras was exciting! 

My breasts continued to develop, and I remember picking out pretty lace and brightly colored bras that made me feel a little sexy.  I think maybe wearing bras felt a bit like an equalizer.  I may not have had the most expensive or trendiest clothes, but I could wear a pretty bra.  It didn't matter that they were purchased from a discount department store.  

Belt:  Torrid

Ring:  shoxie.com

Overall, I was happy with my breasts, but I do remember thinking that my areolas were too large.  It feels a little embarrassing to even bring this up, but I really only wanted to participate in this series if I could be honest as I truly believe more honest dialogue by women about their bodies is sorely needed.  

As an adolescent, my areolas were a real concern to me.  I saw the breasts of my mother and older sister and would very seldomly get a glimpse of a peer, but I didn't have a lot of knowledge about the variation that breasts have.  Even though my mother assured me that all kinds of breasts were "normal," I still felt like perhaps my areolas weren't attractive.  I compared my breasts to Samantha Mathis in "Pump Up the Volume," Beverly D'Angelo in "Vacation," and to other women I would sometimes see in movies, and I knew my breasts didn't look like theirs.  I remember identifying with the breasts of Cordelia Gonzalez, the actress who played the prostitute from "Born on the Fourth of July."  It was the first time I saw breasts that looked more like mine, and this view gave me a feeling of normalcy.

Cami:  The Limited (Available here)

I had a group of friends in high school, but I was definitely not a popular girl.  I didn't date in high school, but I did have an awareness that even if boys in whom I was interested weren't interested in dating me, there were some who had an appreciation for my breasts.  Through the wonderfully immature gossip grapevine that is friends passing notes and asking questions to boys, I learned that at least a few boys (male friends) thought that I had a nice chest.  While worrying what boys thought probably wasn't the most progressive of me, I did actually receive needed body confidence from this knowledge.  There were boys who thought that at least part of me was attractive. At a time when I felt rather unlikeable, both in terms of my body and my personality, this was a good feeling.

Interestingly, in high school and college, the few compliments I recall receiving about my bust were from gay friends who weren't out at the time.  I remember being told by one friend how great I would look in a Renaissance-style costume, which I took as the intended compliment.


My breasts were not huge.  I was probably a 36C or D and I was overweight, but since I have such a petite frame, my bust definitely appeared larger.  I come from a family of large-busted women on both sides of the family, and sometimes, I felt like my chest was actually rather small.

Purse:  Forever 21

Earrings:  New York & Company

That said, I always felt like my breasts fit my frame.  I never really wanted them smaller or larger.  In my early twenties, at about 105 pounds and a full 34B, I remember my then-boyfriend telling me that a date of one of his friends had asked if I had breast implants.  She apparently thought that I was disproportionate.  While I've always had a fuller chest, I have never once thought that my body was out of sync in that way.  Throughout a lifetime of poor body image and negative self-image in general, my breasts were a source of feminine pride.

Weight gains and losses, having children and aging have taken their effect on my breasts, and I've watched them change over time.  Now, my breasts are at their largest ever, but as my body mass has increased, I still find them very proportionate to my body. 

I struggle now to find bras that fit me, and often I wonder back to my 10-year-old self and what I possibly could have been thinking when I thought that wearing bras was exciting!  LOL

Throughout my adult life, I have gone through occasional "bra-less" phases where I decided it was sexier or more natural to go without.  Even at my largest, I'm still not afraid to sometimes skip the bra if I feel the desire.  

Bracelets:  Target and Ann Taylor

While I've gotten a little more conservative in my wardrobe picks due to work and kids, revealing or hinting at my breasts, with or without the intention of being sexual in nature, has never felt like a big deal to me.  I try to stick to norms of professionalism at work, but I've never been one to care about errant erect nipples or other such issues.  Women typically have breasts - that's part of our biology.  Why should we have to hide in fear of eliciting inappropriate responses from men or worry about not being taken seriously because we have breasts?  

Being so petite, I don't have a ton of room between my clavicle and bosom, so sometimes small amounts of cleavage are an unintentional part of life.  For a while, I worried about this in relation to work, but now I just try to maintain a general conservative appearance and don't get overly hung up on a hint of cleavage.

I do tend to associate my breasts with sensuality, not necessarily sex, but with a feeling.  So, with that, I'm drawn to a slinky fabrics or the feeling that can be associated with a particular cleavage-bearing look. 

While I've had a few insecurities here and there about my breasts, they have more typically been a source of much-needed body pride, and at this age, I can unequivocally say that I LOVE MY BREASTS!! 

What has your relationship been with your breasts?  Have you compared your breasts to family members, celebrities, or peers? 

To catch up with the first installment of Unconditional Body Beautiful, see here.

For the skirt in another look, see here.
For the blazer in other looks, see here, here, and here.

Want to read more? 

Catch the other posts from the bloggers participating in #UnconditionalBodyBeautiful!

Rebequita Rose
http://rebequitarose.blogspot.com.es/2015/02/unconditional-body-beautiful-part-2-my.html

Natty Nikki
http://www.nattynikki.com/2015/02/unconditional-body-beautiful-part-two_20.html

Curves a la Mode
http://curvesalamode.com/2015/02/18/unconditional-body-beautiful-part-two-the-heart-bust/

BBW Generation
http://bbwgeneration.blogspot.com.es/2015/02/unconditioanlbodybeautiful-bust-from.html

Cool Curved Chrisandra
https://coolcurvedchrisandra.wordpress.com/2015/02/19/unconditional-body-beauty-the-heart-the-bust/

Katherine Hayward - My life with CP
http://katherinehaywardmylifewithcp.blogspot.com.es/2015/02/my-chest-issues-over-years.html?spref=fb

Josofab's Curvesity World
http://josofabscurvesity1.com

Clothe Your Curves
http://clotheyourcurves.com/2015/02/25/unconditional-body-beautiful-part-2-the-heart-bust/

Just Me Leah
http://www.justmeleah.co.uk/2015/02/unconditional-body-beautiful-part-2.html

Aarti Olivia Dubey
https://curvesbecomeher.wordpress.com/2015/03/02/unconditional-body-beautiful-the-bust/

Beca:  Under Construction!
https://beckamaynewbeginnings.wordpress.com/unconditional-body-beautiful-2-breasts/

I Resolve To...Show More Leg!!

Told you my style resolutions were fun!!

Sweater:  New York & Company (Sold out on-line; May be available in stores)

Over the last year, I decided that I love my legs, so this year, I'm resolving to show them off even more!!

Back in my early 20s, I used to wear mini skirts all the time.  After gaining weight, I thought that I was too big to wear them.  Being in my mid-late 30s, I also thought that maybe I was simply too old.

Tights:  The Limited (Sold out on-line; May be available in stores)

Heels:  Target

Then, I decided to ignore those silly voices and to EMBRACE THE THIGHS.  LOLOL

Paired with some mini fishnet tights, an over-sized tunic sweater turns into a mini-dress for short girls!!  The perks of being petite!

Ring:  The Limited

I enjoy wearing short skirts and dresses.  They make me feel sexy, sure, but they also just make me feel free...kind of a feeling of being naked while still being covered.  I like that feeling of freedom.

In general, it is just so freeing to get rid of the rules we have created for ourselves or allowed to seep in from family, friends, or the larger society.  Maybe you don't want to show off your legs, but I challenge you to find one fashion rule, whether socially imposed, self-imposed, or both, and break it with the reckless abandon and delight of a rebellious child!!

Do you have a favorite body part you love to flaunt?  A fashion rule you love or want to break?

P.S.  My plans for fun location photos are getting a bit delayed with our subzero cold temps.  My living room had to do.  It was only after taking the pics that I realized the corner of the floor had pine needles, wrapping paper remnants, and packaging bits from Christmas.  We had just taken down the tree a few minutes before.  Whoops!!  Embracing the imperfect life and imperfect photos!!  :-D

Summer Tuxedo Style

One of my favorite things to wear is a stylized tuxedo.  I'm attracted to tuxedo stripes, tuxedo blazers, and even tuxedo style blouses.

Pants:  New York & Company

I wear a lot of this type of look in the winter, especially around the holidays, but I was contemplating how to get a similar look for summertime.

While I came up with a few creative solutions, the more classic trouser look won my favor.

Blouse:  The Limited

My pants have a satin piping down the leg that adds a subtle dressy vibe.  I added a sleeveless button down bow blouse and played around with the buttons and tie to create slightly different looks for evening, depending on one's level of modesty or personal preference. 

Heels:  Target (Similar here)

I styled the look for evening, but an extra button (or two) would make the outfit suitable for work.

I added bold gold and black jewelry for a more dramatic feel.

Necklace:  The Limited (Available here)

I'm always a fan of an all black look, but I chose a color blocked clutch to add a little color.

Bracelet:  The Limited (Available here)

Do you like tuxedo looks?  Do you like the simplicity of an all black look?

For these pants in another outfit, see here.
To see the blouse styled differently, see here, here, and here.

Black for Spring: Cutouts and Lace-ups

Good morning!

With spring right around the corner and summer not too far away (I promise), today, I'm starting a series on tips for wearing black in the spring and summer. While I incorporate paler neutrals and more navy into my wardrobe in the spring and summer, I can never give up my trusty and reliable black.  It's a major staple in my wardrobe, so I see no reason to give it up simply because the mercury has started to climb.

Fabric choice, accessories, and other styling choices can take black from dreary winter to the vibrant and warm days and evenings of spring and summer.

Jacket:  Target

Dress:  eShakti (Available here)

The look I chose for the first post in this series shows that it is definitely possible to rock an all black look in the spring (in my opinion anyway). 

I paired a lightweight cotton dress with bare legs and strappy heels for a breezy effect.  The faux leather jacket manages to stay springy with the lightness of the dress and cutout details.  Spring evenings can still be quite chilly, so a lightweight faux leather jacket like this is a great choice for a spring outerwear piece.

Shoes:  Simply Vera by Vera Wang (Available here)

Coral and jade accessories add visual interest and add pops of spring color. 

Clutch:  The Limited

Earrings:  The Limited (Available here)

A few notes on the dress:  The Morgan dress is another of my recent purchases from eShakti.  I can't believe how perfectly this dress fit right out of the box.  As a curvy petite, I'm so used to clothes never fitting quite right (even after alterations) that when something fits this perfectly, it simply feels amazing.  I chose the custom fit options on eShakti's web site.  I also chose the "short" length as a custom option.

Bracelet:  Target (old)

Would you rock an all black look in the spring and summer?

For this jacket in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.

Denim Week 2: Tie-Dye and Fringe

Denim Week 2 continues today with a fun evening outfit.

Fringe top:  Wet Seal (Available here)
Jeans:  Torrid (Similar here)

This fringe shirt is completely sheer so I debated what to wear underneath it.  I opted for a beige camisole to show off the burnout print of the tank while still providing some coverage.

Jacket:  LOFT Petites (Available here)

Heels:  Target (Similar here)
Necklace:  The Limited (Available here)

These jeans are a favorite of mine, but I find them hard to wear at times.  The black print top and pink heels work here because they add more visual interest, but they don't overpower or compete too heavily with the jeans.

Earrings:  Express (Available in hematite here)
Clutch:  The Limited

Would you wear tie-dye jeans?

For these jeans in other looks, see here and here.
For this jacket in other outfits, see here, here, here, and here.
 

12 Days of Holiday: Out With A Bang

Hope you all had a wonderful New Year's Eve!

Now when I think of holiday fashion, I think metallics, glitter, silk, and sequins.  When you're hanging out at home or in another super casual situation, anything goes.  This is an unorthodox holiday look, but it's what I wore for New Year's Eve this year.

Sweater:  Target (May be available in some stores)

Pants:  New York & Company (Similar here)

We decided to spend New Year's Eve with the kids, taking a trip to the skating rink and enjoying a sparkling cider toast.

I wore this comfy outfit - perfect for watching the kids skate and lounging around the house after!

Clutch:  Vintage
Heels:  Target (Available in other colors here)

Of course, I wore flats for the casual evening, but the yellow heels would be fun to dress the look up a bit.

Bracelets:  Express

What did you wear for New Year's Eve?  Post your look on my Facebook page "Style Cassentials."  I'd love to see it!

For these pants in another outfit, see here.

Black and White Cutouts

Hope you've all been having a great week!  It's Thursday, which means the weekend is soon, and I, for one, am ready!!!

Blouse:  Ann Taylor Petites (Available here)
Jacket:  LOFT Petites (Available in regular sizes here)

Today's look is a recent work outfit.  I love this top with the cool cutout detail along the yoke.  The varied lines in the cutouts are pretty bra-friendly too.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Heels:  Target (Available here)

I wore the outfit with black pumps and jacket for work.

Purse:  The Limited (old)
Ring:  The Limited (Available here)

The neon yellow pumps add a fun pop of color that would work week for after-hours.

Earrings:  The Limited
Cuff:  Express
Heels:  Target

For this blazer in other looks, see here,  here, and here.
For more on spring/summer's black and white trend, see here.

One Year and Running Strong!

Wow!  Today marks the one-year anniversary of my blog!!

Skirt:  Handmade

On my blog's 1st birthday, I thought I'd celebrate with a special look that makes me feel like a bit of a cupcake!!

In the first year of writing, I've posted 250 blogs, learned a lot, and had so much fun sharing my love of fashion with you.


I'm so thankful to all of you who have supported my blog, and I'm excited to have "met" so many very awesome people over the last year!

I have some ideas and a few changes for my blog which I hope you will enjoy.  Details coming soon!

Top:  Forenza by The Limited

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

In celebration of my blog's 1st birthday, I'm offering my first giveaway.

One lucky winner will receive their very own tutu skirt!

I had my skirt hand-made by a local crafter, and you can get one made to fit you in the color or colors of your choice (maximum of 2 colors).

Here's how you enter: 

      1)  Leave a comment here on this blog post with the color or
           colors of your choice and a method of contacting you.

      2)  Like my Facebook page ("Style Cassentials") and leave a
           comment on the page with your color/colors of choice.

      3)  Share a link to this post on Facebook or Twitter and leave
           another comment here on the blog stating your method of 
           sharing.

Each method of entry will count as one entry with a possible number of three entries.

Last chance to enter is Thursday, August 1st at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Winner will be chosen at random, and the winner will be announced this Friday, August 2nd.

P.S. Tutu skirt not your style?  You can have one made for that special child in your life instead!

P.P.S.  These skirts are sheer - I am wearing a slip.

Please invite your friends to enter!  The more the merrier!!

For this skirt in another look, see here.
For this top in other looks, see here and here.

Sorry...This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.  Another giveaway coming soon that's open for everybody!