Perfectly Imperfect
Isn’t it funny how our body confidence seems to change as we get older? We tend to have less confidence when our bodies look their best and more confidence when the wrinkles and cellulite have set in, right? But what’s wrong with being perfectly imperfect? Absolutely nothing.
In my late teens and twenties, I didn’t exactly like the way I looked. I scrutinised everything about my body, even though (looking back now), I had a perfect figure, smooth skin and looked pretty good in a swimsuit. Now, I don’t think I look so hot in a swimsuit but I don’t mind the way I look. I’m relatively confident to be on the beach or by the pool with a few little bits of fabric covering my bits! So much so, that when I had the chance to pose in some gorgeous new underwear, I jumped at the chance. Okay, so perhaps I didn’t literally jump but after giving it some thought I decided why not? Lingerie is just the same as swimwear anyway, right? Provided we’re not talking about the kinky stuff, that is!
Belle Lingerie kindly sent me a very pretty bra and matching knickers and asked me to write a post for them (as well as write a post here on my blog). So here I am… in all my near-naked glory and I’m absolutely fine with it. Even though these photos were taken towards the end of our holiday recently. After a month of barely any yoga. And a month of pigging out on Dunkin’ Donuts, hot chocolate drinks, lots of chocolates and way too much fried food!
Hopefully, the next time I have the opportunity to showcase some more lingerie I’ll be a bit more toned. But, like I said, I’m ok with this. This is me. And it’s so important to love who you are. To love you for being you. After all, this body is the only one you’ve got. You can’t ever trade it in for a better one. Well… in a few years that just might be possible but not right now. Patience 😉
Would you pose in your underwear? Seriously, have a proper think about it. There’s nothing to be scared about. We’re all the same underneath it all anyway. We’re all skin and bone, and fat and muscles, etc. So what’s the big deal? When you’ve done it once, you’ll find the confidence just oozes out of you.
If you’re a teenager or in your twenties reading this, now is the time to start loving yourself for who you are. Don’t compare yourself to the person next to you, and definitely don’t compare yourself to that person on Instagram or in the glossy magazines. They’re not real anyway, because they’ve either been photoshopped or they’re using so many filters! Just be you. You’re beautiful just the way you are. And so are you, my lovely 30 and 40+ friends. Don’t hide behind your clothes because you’re a little bit older. Embrace your body in all it’s glory. We are all beautiful in so many ways: inside and out.
By the way, I didn’t use any filters or anything for these photos. One or two might look a little different light-wise because the TV was on and it kept changing the light.
Be free to love yourself wholly. I know I do. It’s taken me a little while but I truly feel like I am there. I no longer feel inadequate because of my bunions, my crooked teeth, the many sun spots on my skin, the cellulite on my thighs, my wrinkles or my little tummy rolls! It’s funny when I list all the things I used to hate about myself. Now I love and accept that I am perfectly imperfect. Are you? I challenge you to write a post about how you are perfectly imperfect. If you do, please share your post with me in the comments below.
Visit Belle Lingerie online and check out the fabulous selection of underwear on offer.
By the way, these photos were taken in the AKA hotel room where we stayed in New York. It was a lovely place with such spacious rooms. I’d definitely stay there again! I wonder if they’d laugh knowing that a lingerie ‘photoshoot’ was taking place there he he he.
* This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions and entirely mine.
Come and check out my brand new WEEKLY TOP PICKS! Some of the things that have caught my eye whilst doing a little online shopping. I’ll be sharing exciting new things each and every week so do keep coming back for more!
LINK-UPS
You look great Suzy and good on you!
Author
Thanks so much Gail
Suzy x
Very nice post and beautiful photos!
Author
Thank you Nancy!
Suzy x
Great job. Though my body is not in the best of shape finding lingerie that fits and looks good is the problem. lol
Author
Thank you! I’m sorry you struggle to find the right lingerie but try not to be too hard on yourself! I bet it’s more in your head than anything. I bet you look beautiful in any kind <3
Suzy xx
I LOVE the message you are conveying, especially to the young ladies in our society, it breaks my heart what the media conveys. it is our duty to remind each other to love ourselves, we are all perfect no matter how we look. Beautiful lingerie adn an even more beautiful heart you ahve my precious fined1
Author
I agree, Andrea! I read so many horrid things about how today’s media is affecting the young women of this generation and it breaks my heart too. I wish they could see them the way we seem them!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Thank you for such an honest and inspirational post. Well said! Women need to hear this on repeat!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.com
Author
I couldn’t agree more, Debbie! Thank you so much for reading.
Hugs
Suzy xx
Suzy, this post is amazing! It resonates with me so very much because as you know I just shared a post this week from a lingerie shoot that I recently did. By far, the most intimidating photo shoot I have ever done, but I am so glad I did it. Because it is me, in all my near-naked glory, perfectly imperfect, and perfectly okay with that. You look fabulous, my friend! Your confidence shines through…as it should..and look at you rocking that cute little belly button ring!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Shelbee! I did think of you when I was writing this post, because I remembered you dd something similar a few months ago and I found you so inspiring then – and since then in every post you write! Thank you for being you, Shelbee!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Suzy, thank you so much for such kind words! I also linked this post in the first paragraph of my post yesterday about Good Health is a Blessing…I was talking about how we women empower each other with these types of posts, but we need to also give men permission to be comfortable with their bodies, too!
Author
You’re the best, Shelbee! I’ve actually mentioned in today’s post too!!
And of course, this post is a featured favorite on my blog post today! I couldn’t NOT feature it. It’s brilliant! Have a fabulous weekend!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thank you for this post. BTW you look fantastic and I envied your ability to embrace your body. So many of the things you said rang true for me. My worst somewhere between 16-25 and then it slowly got better as I matured, had my girls and though I am not completely always happy, I do let things go a lot more and I am much more confident being who I am (which is a lot more than my body). So I raise my glass to you and all the other women who are teaching and reminding us all to be kind to ourselves and each other. Thank you.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Author
You really made my day, thank you so much for sharing with me! I’m so delighted you enjoyed my post!
Hugs,
Suzy xx
You look amazing Suzy! I don’t know if I’d have the confidence to do a lingerie post, knowing that family and colleagues might see it! Lovely underwear!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Author
Awwww thanks Emma! And thank you for taking me on the challenge and writing such a fabulous post about being perfectly imperfect. You’re amazing!
Suzy xx
Can I just tell you how much I love this post and how freakin’ awesome you are?! You look so incredibly beautiful my friend and your words could not be more true. It is so important to love ourselves, imperfections and all. And it is the very “imperfections” that make us the perfectly unique individuals that we are.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Author
Debbie, you are such an inspiration to me so to hear you say this is really touching! Thank you so much, my friend.
Hugs
Suzy xx
Bravo! Why should we be worried about showing a little more flesh? Your photos are amazing too Suzy. I know exactly what you mean about being less worried and throwing hangups aside. I feel the same. Isn’t good to feel more confident in our later years. xx
Author
Thanks Laurie! I totally agree – it’s no different than being in a bikini on the beach anyway!
Hugs
Suzy xx
You look amazing dear and we should never based it on looks, skin and age.
We all look amazing in our own way just like you.
Much Love, Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
New Vlog Entry!
Author
Thank you Jane! I couldn’t agree more <3
Suzy x
Oh, yes, how I wish I could go back and shake my teenage and twenty something self and tell her to love what she had and not think it was less than. I love how confident you are to be able to share this post on your blog. You look great and the lingerie is beautiful!
Thanks so much for linking up with Fabulous Friday, Suzy!
Jennie
A Pocketful of Polka Dots
Author
Thank you so much Jennie! That means a lot to me coming from you <3
Suzy xx
What a gorgeous post! You look AMAAAAAAZING, and you should feel huge confidence in your appearance. You have a healthy yoga-capable body, and it will serve you well for a long time. I also wish I’d been more appreciate of my body and my metabolism when I was younger. Thank you for your great reminder here! xxx
Author
Lisa, you made my day! Thank you for such lovely comments. MWAH!
Suzy xx
This is pure brilliance! We all need to love our bodies more and stop being so self-critical! You’ve inspired many people with this post and you look gorgeous! Rosie x
Author
Thank you so much Rosie. I really hope so!
Suzy xx
Wonderful Suy – you look a-maze-ing! I’d love to look like you, so as I don’t i’ll be keeping under wraps. x Thanks for sharing this very inspiring post Hun. x Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
Author
Thank you so much Jacqui!
Suzy xx
I’m visiting from Shelbee on the Edge and I LOVE what I am reading. I recently turned forty and have had a lot of life changes and find myself really working on my self love and acceptance. I don’t know if I’d pose in my underwear…I’m not there yet. But I sure hope I can someday! Your photos are beautiful and your words are thought-provoking and uplifting!
Author
Your comments certainly make it worthwhile. Thank you so much for reading and for taking the time to comment. I really do appreciate it.
Suzy x
Popping by from Nancy’s link-up to congratulate you on those amazing pictures. Very inspiring. Will certainly share my thoughts in a post of my own soon. Will link to yours. xx Sabina
Author
That’s so kind of you to say, Sabina! Thank you so much.
Suzy x
You have an amazing figure and look stunning. I hate all the pressure we women have flung on us. Yay for loving the skin we’re in xxx
Author
Thanks so much Vicki! It means a lot coming from you, my friend <3
Suzy xx
It’s so great to hear women talking with confidence, not about their super-skinny, toned, perfect bodies, but about real bodies. Having said that, you look amazing! And this post is just fab for celebrating women and throwing off our worries and insecurities.
And congratulations because someone loved this post so much, they added it to the BlogCrush linky! Feel free to collect your “I’ve been featured” blog badge 🙂 #blogcrush
Author
Lucy, you’ve really made my day! Thank you so much. And how cool that someone added it to the BlogCrush linky?! That’s great <3
Suzy x