What I've Learned About Fashion, Body Image, and Wanting What We Don't Have

Do you love everything about your body? My guess is no. I don't think I've met a single woman who doesn't wish something was different about their body. Too tall, too short, too round, too skinny, too many curves, not enough curves, big arms, chicken arms, big thighs, thighs the size of a normal persons arm... the list goes on and on. This topic has been on my mind because I have never liked being tall. I am 5'9" and always wanted to be 5'6". I love heels, but I don't love being 6 feet tall when I wear them. I have gone back and forth my whole life about whether I am just going to rock being tall and not worry about it or if I'm going to try and mask it. Honestly, I think it changes every day. I know a lot of people out there would kill to be tall, and that just further proves my point that we always want what we don't have.

So, since I can't do anything about my height or my body type or the fact that 4 inch heels seem to have a gravitational pull on them, I guess I'll suck it up and work on the mental game behind it all. It's amazing that we can so quickly forget the beauty in being unique and diverse. It's so easy to look around and compare what we don't like about ourselves (or what we do like) to those around us. Strangers or friends, it doesn't matter. We still compare. I have been actively trying to catch each thought that goes through my head about wishing I was something other than I am. It isn't healthy and there is nothing we can do about it. If you have hips, guess what... they won't go anywhere no matter how much weight you lose, and they will probably look a lot better if you don't get to skinny. Your body is your body no matter what, the physical shape of your skeleton is not going to change and it's about time we stopped wanting it to.

The great thing about fashion is that you get to choose what parts of your body you love and want to show off and what parts you aren't too thrilled about and want to camouflage. Clothes are meant to give us confidence and give us an outlet to express who we are. If bright colors make you happy, than wear them. I don't care if someone told you that you are an "autumn" or a "winter". Ignore them. If you are tall, rock the maxi skirts and dresses with flats or wedges or whatever you love and pretend you are a super model. If you are short, wear clothes that make you appear longer and the fun part about your body type is you can wear whatever height heel you want and no one will even think twice about the fact that they can suddenly look straight in your eyes.

Country singer Miranda Lambert was just on the cover of SELF with extremely minimal photo editing (you can see it here: https://www.facebook.com/mirandalambert). She had little roles on her stomach and her thighs and butt look like a normal persons. Her headline was all about toning up and embracing your curves. I love this idea. Be fit and healthy and embrace your natural body type. Miranda has always been interesting to me. She is a tiny human being, but she is not a skinny tiny human being. Her weight goes up and down like everyone else's, but unfortunately for her she still has to be in the public eye no matter how she looks. I love that Miranda's cover photo made people feel like they could relate to her instead of see another unrealistically skinny actress or model who looks like that because they 1). Are photoshopped, 2). They only eat 1000 calories a day, and 3). They are paid to look like that. Hollywood cannot be our standard of what we should look like. We've got to let that go.

My guess is that this process of embracing your body type is a lifelong process. It is a daily mental game where you have to believe that you are unique and beautiful and made the way you are for a reason. Choose to focus on what is awesome about your body and learn to love what isn't so awesome. Believe me, I'm talking to myself just as much as I am to all of you. Insecurity is a universal struggle, and I think it's time we give it a little less victory in our lives.

Teaser Alert!

We've got another photo shoot coming on Monday to show you all how to accessorize your new Maxi dresses you just bought. Teaser: There will be two people in the shoot this time! A friend of mine is helping me out so we can demonstrate different body types as well. Check back in on Monday night (or maybe Tuesday morning...)!!

Maxi Dresses In All Their Glory

Sometimes I sit around and think about things that most people don't. Like maxi dresses. I love them, but honestly they have to be the absolute perfect length. They can be absolutely slimming and elongating or they can make you look like you are a short, frumpy, square of a person. Now, show of hands. Who wants the first one?

If you are short, watch your dress length! If you let the dress go below the top of your foot you will look like someone shrunk you in your clothes. If your clothes look too big they are not slimming. If you are short and your body is more of an apple shape choose a maxi dress that has a defined empire waist. If you are more of a pear shape maxi dresses are your best friend, although you probably want to stick with defined waists too. If you are more of a straight build than you can wear any style really. A defined waist whether it's true waist, hip, or empire waist will look awesome on you.

The key to looking amazing and glamorous instead of dumpy and frumpy in your maxi dress is to make sure it accentuates your best features and camouflages what you want camouflaged. If you've got great shoulders and fit arms than show them off! Choose a maxi dress that is either strapless, halter, or spaghetti strap. If you are well endowed, than be careful. Strapless is going to make you look saggy, a straight across neckline will give you the dreaded uni-boob, and a triangle top runs the risk of everyone getting a show everytime you move. I recommend going with a v-neck or scoop neckline and recommend choosing a dress that has atleast one inch straps to give you the ability to wear a non-strapless bra. If you are small chested (like me) than you basically get to wear whatever neckline you want. Aren't you lucky?

Here's a few styles to give you some visual aides:

The green dress is fantastic for pear shaped bodies with smaller chests and great shoulders. The ruching and angles on this dress draw the eye to the smallest part of your waist and the modified sweetheart neck helps to make your shoulders and chest look incredible.

The gray dress is just a fun example of what you can do if you have an awesome back and want to show it off. It still covers more than even a strapless dress would and gives you the support you don't get with a strapless but it still shows off a little bit of your back and shoulders. Both the green and gray dresses are from www.modcloth.com. They have some really amazing maxi dresses you should definitely go check them out!

The blue, red, and white striped dress is a great example of that waist definition I was telling you about for people with straight body types. The draw string waist and the extra volume up top will help to give you more curves. If you are a top heavy don't wear this dress. It will do absolutely nothing for your body.

This blue and white dress from Anthropologie is great if you have a larger chest. It's a bit of a deep V so if your really large chested make sure to wear a cami or a cami-bra (basically a cami but doesn't go all the way down to your waist like a cami would). If you need a suggestion for that kind of bra, I highly recommend checking out www.shopcoobie.com. If you are small chested and don't need a lot of bra support I would recommend checking these out as well. They are awesome. Ok, back to the dress. This dress allows for you to wear a more supportive bra and will help to minimize your shoulders and back if you are top heavy. Also, the defined waist will help give you a really great shape.

Maxi dresses are a great asset for the summer. They are cool but they still look great. Also, if you aren't a huge fan of wearing shorts or shorter skirts you can wear these and still be comfortable and cool this summer. Not to mention, you will be right on point with your fashion.

Kate Middleton: Fashion Fit for a Queen

I'm not sure there is anyone who has been talked about more over the past year than Kate Middleton. Her style is impeccable, she's always smiling, and she seems to be handling her new life with grace and ease. I'll be honest with you, Kate's style wasn't all that amazing before she became the Future Mrs. Future King of England. She was normal. Totally normal. However, I gotta admit she has some of the greatest outfits out there right now and she's got a serious ability to wear some crazy little hats. Lets take a look through some of what I think are Kate's best looks.

Disclaimer: I apologize in advance for the quality of some of these pictures... just squint. 

I don't think anyone will disagree with me that she looked absolutely stunning on her wedding day. Her dress was incredibly classic and was the perfect dress for a future queen that doesn't seem to feel the desire to make a statement by breaking the rules. Her second dress was gorgeous too. 

I am in love with this whole outfit. That dress is the most perfect dress in the world. She is wearing nothing but black and white and she looks incredible. Seriously, is anyone else a little sad that we in the US of A don't get to wear hats like that?

Although the outfit on the left is also kind of awesome and super classic, I have been in love with this floral dress she wore (I believe during their tour to the US and Canada) earlier this year. It is absolutely gorgeous. This picture does not even get close to doing this dress justice, but believe me it's beautiful. The pale floral print is understated and classic. The nude shoe makes her legs look a mile long. Also, how in the world is still walking across the grass in heels like that and being so graceful?!

This is what I was talking about when I said that she is seriously skilled at wearing crazy hats. Not very many people could pull this fascinator off without looking like a character from Dr. Suess. Love the classic cream suit dressed up with the belt too.

I loved this whole outfit when she wore it. I think she was doing something like digging a hole or something. Yep, that's what I wear to dig holes. I love the red flower and netting. Also, her hair is gorgeous. 

The key to Kate's impeccable style is that she doesn't try too hard. She follows the guidelines set before her by the Royal Family and just adds little flashes of flare. For those of us who don't have a Royal Family setting fashion guidelines for us we can follow Kate's example by embracing the classic silhouette she wears so well and so often. Ever notice how often she wears wrap dresses or dresses with belts? Kate has a thin athletic build but she gives herself a classic feminine body style by cinching in her waist and making sure her dresses are not too short. If any of you can rock one of those hats, send me the picture. I want to see it! 

Details, Details, Details!

I've had a few people ask me about where I found the items in my last post so I wanted to go through and give you the info on each one. So here it goes!

Dress:
This dress is from Dorothy Perkins. She has super cute stuff and it's very reasonably priced. However, it can go really fast so if you love something, buy it! www.dorothyperkins.com

Purse:
This purse is from a European company called Friis Company. The purse is sold out but they have a lot of cute things so go check them out! www.shopfrisscompany.com.

Shoes:
These are the Burgundy Afriene Flower Leather Flat. They're from www.oasis-stores.com and they are only 15 bucks! Not sure if they are still in stock because it has been awhile since I pulled this outfit together.

Bracelet:
Believe it or not this bracelet is from Wet Seal and it's 5 bucks! www.wetseal.com.

Ok everyone, there you go. Hopefully you can find some really great pieces at any of these stores!

Wedding Bliss: Wedding Exit

I put this outfit together months ago, and I've just been waiting for the perfect time to post it. This dress is the perfect dress to leave your wedding in. It's almost like a second wedding dress so you feel like a bride even as your leaving your wedding. Also, you will just look darn cute.



I love the idea of wearing a white or cream, super feminine dress when you leave your wedding. This dress is only (wait for it) 44 dollars! You can find it on www.dorothyperkins.com. You could also wear this dress for your shower or even the rehearsal dinner. I also love the idea of wearing white at the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, it just extends the whole "I'm a bride" feeling.

You can have fun with your accessories with a dress like this. My wedding colors involve the red of those shoes, so I picked these adorable red (15 dollar!) flats. If you are ordering flats on line I recommend buying them one size up, especially if you have wide feet like me. Too tight flats are even more uncomfortable than 5 inch heels, so don't make that mistake or you will be crying on your wedding day for other reasons than pure joy.

I picked a yellow bag and super simple jewelry. Because of the detail and the neckline of this dress I wouldn't wear a necklace, but you could wear fun dangly earrings and a fun bracelet. The yellow bag is simply because I like yellow. And it's cute. And yellow.

The bottom line is: Pick a neutral dress that still makes you feel like a bride, and have loads of fun with your accessories. Matching your wedding colors is fun, but not necessary, so do what you want!

Happy Wedding!!

My Favorite Things Part 2

In the midst of preparing better and better posts (i.e. attempting to one up myself) I decided it would be a good time to do another "My Favorite Things" post! This one is a little shorter and kind of just happened to be predominantly make up. Not sure why, sometimes these things just happen.

1). BareMinerals Make-Up: This make-up is a new (VERY new) favorite. A couple months ago a friend and I decided on a whim to go do make-up trials for our weddings at BareMinerals and we were both hooked. It feels incredible on your skin, and for someone with very sensitive skin like myself it's absolutely a breath of fresh air. I was always skeptical of the coverage you could get from only using powder, but I was amazed when she finished. Also, it is 100% mineral with no fillers or gunk. It's not cheap, but it's worth it. Another fun little fact is that because it is 100% mineral you can actually sleep in it and not only will it not cause your face any problems but it doesn't rub off on your pillow. It's actually amazing. I love their face and eye primer too. It makes your face so soft and bright. Also, because it's powder and has no gunk in it it doesn't go rancid and it lasts a lot longer than liquid make-up.

2). Stella & Dot Jewelry: I am in love with this stuff. They have incredible style and great statement pieces as well as everyday jewelry. I love all three of those pieces I have up there and wish I could afford them. I get to borrow them every once and awhile from a stylist friend to help her advertise, and for now I'll have to be satisfied with that. I do plan on wearing Stella & Dot jewelry at my wedding though! If you love what you see check out www.stelladot.com/debbieleander and let my friend Debbie set you up with the greatest jewelry you'll ever see.

3). Rocket Dog Flats: I have a pair of silver raw silk Rocket Dog flats that I am absolutely in love with. They are one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I own and I have worn the tar out of those things. I will cry when I have to put them to rest. The great thing is that TJ Maxx and Marshalls often have Rocket Dog shoes.

4). Orange Nail Polish: There really isn't much to say except it's fun, flirty, and fabulous. I'm wearing it right now.

5). Nude Lips: Sorry for the pouty lips in your face, but I gotta do what I gotta do. I LOVE nude lip color. It's so classic and beautiful and simple. It's understated but pulls together any make up look you like. Also, it doesn't stain your lips.

6). My Long Yellow Pea-Coat: Mine is slightly different than this one, but you get the idea. It's one of my favorite coats I've owned. It's fun and bright but simple and it makes me happy. Isn't that kind of the point of clothes and fashion?

What are your favorite things? Tell me! Go! Now! Seriously.

Coral is the New Beige

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this here before but I have been on a mission for either coral or mint capris. My journey had been increasingly frustrating since it is incredibly difficult to find pants in those colors that are made for anyone with thighs bigger than the average person's arm. However, I finally completed the mission! I found these glorious pants at H&M this past weekend. I still haven't found mint pants, but the coral mission has been accomplished. Because it's H&M I had to buy these pants two sizes bigger than my normal size, but I just keep telling myself that i'm okay with that. Honestly, when it comes to stores like that (and Target!) you might as well just subtract 4 from every size to get their actual size. If it says size 16 at Target or H&M it's really closer to a size 10-12. This isn't the case for every designer at these stores, but quite a bit of them. So, just take a deep breath and pretend that you aren't buying pants two sizes bigger than you normally do, because let's face it, you really aren't.

I started thinking about the endless outfits that I could put together with these awesome pants and so I decided to do just that. Also, I've had a few friends ask if I could post pictures of me in the outfits that I talk about so they could see it on a real person instead of some stick thin model or not on a person at all. I thought I would just go ahead and combine the two ideas! Today's post is dedicated to my new pants. I've put together six different outfits all including the same pair of pants. I could have gone on for hours with this. It's amazing how many different color combos you can do with coral! It's a great color. It's almost becoming a neutral for me. Seriously.

*Disclaimer: The accessories in these outfits are intentionally light. This post is really about the outfits, not about accessories. That post is coming later. I promise!

Outfit 1: The Nautical Look

The nautical look is super in right now, so I decided to pair my new favorite pair of pants with this blue and white striped t-shirt and flat t-strap sandals. 

Shirt: Target (unfortunately, last year!)

Pants: H&M

Shoes: Target

Bracelets: Cookie Lee

Necklace: An antique shop in Edmonds, WA

Outfit 2: Spring 70's Inspiration

You can't really tell it in the picture as much as in person, but this shirt has a really pale floral print that is totally inspired by the 1970's. The pale yellow and pale pink of the top compliment the coral beautifully. Also, aren't those shoes great? The neckline is dramatic on this top and has an off the shoulder thing going on so I didn't wear a necklace with this.

Top: TJ Maxx

Shoes: TJ Maxx

Jewelry: A gift from a friend. 

Outfit 3: Color Blocking 101

Color blocking is also a huge trend right now. Be bold! 

Shirt: TJ Maxx

Belt: Target

Bracelet: I don't remember.

Shoes: Marshalls (They are Sofft Brand)

Outfit 4: Professional

If you work in the corporate world or somewhere where you have to dress professionally, have fun with it! Just because you have to look professional doesn't mean you have to only wear black, grey, tan, and white. These pants are such a statement piece keep everything else simple. Yes, these are the same pants... just rolled down. 

Blazer: Target

White T-Shirt: TJ Maxx

Bracelet: World Market 

Necklace: World Market

Shoes: Tahari (I have to brag about this: they were $20 at Marshalls).

Outfit 5: Cute, Casual, and Colorful

The pictures for this outfit kind of got hijacked. My little partners in crime are my mom's sweet little pit bull and my sister's American Bulldog. They love that bed and weren't about to let me sit there without them. Anyway, once again. Don't be afraid of color. I love the combination of all the different bright colors. Notice my shoes are super simple. 

Shirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Rocket Dog

Necklace: World Market

Green Ring: An antique shop in Cleveland, Oh.

Outfit 6: Coral in the Fall

Coral is not just a spring and summer color! You can totally bring this color into fall and get even more use out of these great pants. The scarf has little flecks of coral in it so it really ties it all together nicely. Also, hello aviators. 

Sweater: H&M Ballerina Sweater

Tank top: Target

Scarf: TJ Maxx

Boots: DSW

Bracelet: Target

Necklace: World Market

Aviators: Target

There we go! Six totally different outfits all with the same pair of pants. As my friend's six year old daughter would say, "easy peasy lemon squeezy." Everything I put together in these pictures were pieces of clothing I already had in my closet from years of collecting clothes and accessories. 

If you look at this and think "I can't do that" than contact me. That's what I'm here for! 

Oh, and that giant rock on my hand... yeah that's my engagement ring. Just had to point that out. 

Teaser!

Hey to all my wonderful readers out there!

I just wanted to let you know that things might be a little slow on here over the next week or so, but believe me it will be well worth the wait! There will be a lot of new things going on at Southern Creative and it is just going to take a little time to get them up and going. We're really excited for all the fun new developments here and you guys are going to love it too! Please keep checking in and we will make sure you all know when the new fun things start. Also, the post about Stella and Dot jewelry is on it's way too! 

Thanks for supporting and reading Southern Creative and I hope that you are as excited about all the new things that are coming as we are!

Sincerely,

Ellie and Team

Your Biggest Questions

Hey Ladies,

I am curious. What are your biggest fashion questions that you would like answered? Do you have questions that you feel like you can't ask because you feel like you should know it already? I had so much fun answering your questions before so please ask more! Any question. Seriously. Any! The big question I've been asking myself lately is "Is it ok to wear black to church on easter? Especially when you are singing?" I probably won't wear black, but I was just curious. Is black ok if you brighten it up with your accessories?

Go ahead! Weigh in!

Have a great weekend and a great Easter. Also, be sure to enjoy your clothes and accessories! Easter is the holiday that you get to wear the brightest colors, so enjoy it! (I know, coming from the girl who wants to know if she can wear black this may seem like a strange comment... I would still wear bright accessories!)