If you read the post talking about changes you may have seen something you didn’t expect: I want to start posting about style. Allow me to justify myself a bit. 
When I was younger I had the “I can’t do so I teach” attitude regarding fashion. I would help my friends and family pick outfits, makeup, and other fancy style things. As I got older and wanted to cultivate my own style, I was overweight and so not loaded enough to shop where I knew I could find things that would fit me. Even if I was able to shop there, most of the plus size clothing at the time (and still, ugh) was basically shapeless with really weird patterns. Somehow designers wanted plus size women to both disappear and also scream “CAN YOU SEE ME FROM MARS” with their clothing. Designers have come a long way since then (and I’ve lost a lot of weight) but it still feels close to impossible to find great clothing options since I’m now in what feels like an in-between body. Not quite plus size and not quite “regular”. I also had an incredibly obnoxious aversion to wearing things that I loved. I didn’t feel comfortable showing off that I have curves even after I lost the weight. Growing up in performing arts left me incredibly critical of everything I do which lead to crazy negative not-fun-stuff.
Finally, within the past few months I’ve been able to start cultivating a closet for myself (I have more than 3 outfits now!!!), wearing things that I actually like even if I’m super uncomfortable about it, and even trying to do things to my face and hair on the daily. While I get a lot of inspiration from fashion bloggers, I find myself mostly just hit/missing to find what works for me in the end. It’s fun but also kind of not, no one wants to wear a bad outfit and then realize it halfway through the day when you can’t change. So of course I figured I should share some of both kinds of outfits here!
I’ll be focusing on clothing that isn’t super expensive for the most part and also on not having a huge number of items in the closet. Maybe not capsule wardrobe small, but I certainly don’t want to find a piece of clothing I forgot about buying in the back of my closet 2 years from now. I really want to purchase versatile items that I love and that work together. A minimalist traveling photographer does not need to be tied down by checked luggage! I’ll also be talking about makeup, hair things, and maybe even try to do a tutorial or two! I’m also quite excited because I believe these changes will tie-in well with vlogging. I’d love to also find some inspiration and other people with similar styles and budgets too, so if you have suggestions please don’t hesitate! It’s so easy to find clothes I lust after, but so hard to find ones that I can afford or that are in my size 
So, there you have it. My justification for starting to post about style! Was it self-conscious enough for you too? And to practice what I’m wanting to preach with a baby step, let me include an actual outfit that has been on rotation lately.
Date night in New Bern!
Cardigan: Charter School (exact)
Tank: Loft (last season, so never to be seen again)
Belt: Target (exact)
Skirt: H&M (similar-ish)
Shoes: Old Navy (similar but stupid pricey; similar-ish)
Bag: Patricia Nash/TJ Maxx (similar)
I don’t know what it is about this outfit but I feel pretty amazing every time I’m in it. The midi skirt goes just low enough to be modest but still fun, it’s swishy, and then there’s just enough color. Plus, I’m kind of obsessed with these heels since we magically found them after searching through three different Old Navy stores! We found them buried in the section we affectionately call “Get Out of My Store” Clearance. Surprisingly, they are crazy comfy. I’ve also realized since I got the mustard cardi that my life wasn’t complete until I received it. Thank you, Cardi Gods.
So there we have it! My very first baby style post. Very baby. Like, cringe-worthy baby photos baby because that’s almost literally what I included. Going forward I’ll have less justifications, a lot of tweaking, and more photos (hopefully better ones). Here’s to starting new things!
Share some of y’alls favorite style inspiration down in the comments! I may just do a bit of stalking
Wishing you the empowerment to wear what you love (and post what you want),
Shantelle
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