My Current Journey With Body Confidence ft. Femme Luxe

AD – This is a paid advertorial with Femme Luxe but all thoughts are my own

Body confidence is always a bit of a triggering subject for me. And it’s something that can sway quite heavily either way, depending on the day and how I’m feeling. I’ve had a very long and tiresome journey with self esteem and body confidence. Even going as far as to write a blog post titled “I Hate Myself” back in 2017, which, looking back now, is incredibly sad.

My relationship with my body has been one of highs and lows. From disordered eating to body dysmorphia, it’s certainly not always been a healthy one either. But I think the thing with body confidence is that it’s an ongoing journey. You don’t just reach the destination one day and go, “right, I’m body confident now. What’s next?”

This post – actually more specifically the images in this post – have taken a lot from me. So before we get into what I’ve learned about body confidence, I want to talk about the items featured in this post. These two pieces are very different and make me feel very different, depending on which one I’m wearing.

The first piece I chose was the Pink Ribbed Belted Loungewear Set. Which I think is very appropriate given the fact we’ve just had a year and a bit of wearing nothing but loungewear! This set is super comfy and the colour is right up my street. I kind of blend in to my office whilst I’m wearing this!

I’ve definitely jumped on the loungewear bandwagon because although most of us have been working from home, it’s nice to have a structure to the day and actually feel good about yourself at the same time. Femme Luxe have an amazing amount of Loungewear Sets, of all colours and styles. I love the leggings and the long top combo of the one I chose.

And in regards to body confidence, this set makes me feel really good. Comfort plays a huge part in that as well, I believe. So if I’m more comfortable, I’m more able to embrace my confidence how I want to. The belt allows you to nip in at the waist as well and the leggings are flattering – but the long top allows for a bit of a cover-up! This set was a major win for me.

The second piece I chose was the Black Tie Front Organza Mesh Sleeve Crop Top. Now we all need a few black tops in our wardrobe as they go with everything, you can dress them up or down and they’re usually super flattering. But this is the piece that really got me thinking about body confidence – as it’s not the usual sort of top I’d wear!

This would obviously be saved for certain type of day / night out. You wouldn’t find me wandering around Tesco in something like this. But despite the fact I feel very much out of my comfort zone with this piece, I also found my confidence creeping up and up whilst I was taking these photos.

This pairs really nicely with a pair of jeans and heels. I think it’d also look fab with a skirt and tights with some chunky boots. You really could get creative with a top like this. The sleeves were a little itchy to start with but after a wash, they were much better.

I’ve never been confident with my body. Even when I was at my fittest and slimmest. And I’ve had a very toxic relationship with exercise and the gym in the past. But being in the blogging community, surrounded by inspiring women of all shapes and sizes – well you can’t help but look at them with awe and take a leaf out of their book.

When I look at these photos, I see someone who’s not quite there yet with their body confidence but is making her way down the right path. I see someone who’s started to experiment – ever so gently. And get in touch more with her own body.

I see love handles.

I see hip dips.

I see a bit of a belly pouch.

I see thick thighs.

And boobs that aren’t quite big enough to match the rest of my body.

But as I’m writing these things now, I’m not writing them with anger or upset or self loathing. I’m writing them as me. In this current time and this present moment. This is me. This is how I look. This is how my vessel to the present moment is presenting itself right now and as long as I can experience this beautiful world, then that’s all that matters.

Would I like to lose a little weight? Yes.

Would I like to tone up? Definitely.

Would I like to get fitter? Heck yeah.

But my health and happiness and experience on Earth is far more important. I love to exercise because I love to move my body. I love to sweat and release endorphins. I love to go for walks – because it’s good for my heart and my mental health. I adore Yoga because it tends to my spirit. And also feels really freaking good.

I know I’ll have days where I look at these photos and want to cry. I know I’ll also have days where I look at my body and think “you are freaking amazing”. I know I’ll have countless days in-between too. But I’m enjoying getting to know my body better every single day. And maybe one day I’ll be able to say, “right, I’m body confident now. What’s next?”

I’d love to hear your stories, thoughts or journey with body confidence!