Before I get into my Memorial Day Fun at the beach this past weekend, I have a confession to make:
This post almost didn’t make it.
It’s because I’ve come down with a serious case of the self-conscious monsters! You see, when I bought my swimsuit, coverup, and hat from Target I was in love with it all and couldn’t wait to wear it! Then, being of blogger-mind, I thought the beach would be a perfect place to get some outfit pictures in for a cute post this week! So during my outing I recruited my sister to take my pictures for me and just when I thought I was good to go, I took a look at the pictures. My first reaction was that these pictures were not going up. I didn’t like them at all and it wasn’t because the swimsuit was cute because I still love it but I felt really self conscious. I know that I fell off my fitness wagon for the past two months and haven’t been eating as well as I should – which happens when you have a million things going on in your life. But anyway, I wasn’t happy and I didn’t want to post these pictures.
Then this morning I was catching up on my blog reading and I came across two blog posts on finding sself-confidence in a bathing suit that Afrobella and The Curvy Fashionista did in which these brave women showed off their curves in bathing suits. Both of these posts reminded me that there aren’t enough women in the blogosphere to show that fashion is gorgeous in all shapes and sizes. It reminded me that one of the reasons why I started this blog was to show that fierceness comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. So no matter how much I may still be flinching on the inside to show myself in a swimsuit, I”m going to do it. No, I need to do it. How can I support and preach about the topic of self-love if I don’t do it myself?
Now that’s out, I can get into this post like I need to! This past Sunday I spent the day at Hollywood Beach with my family. Like I said before I got this entire ensemble (sans the sandals) from Target. I loved the fact they had the cutest one piece bathing suits that are so on trend this season and carry them in my size too! I normally end up shelling around $100 for a swim suit that not only comes in my size but accomodates my “girls” as well. This one I got on the clearance rack for $18! It didn’t come with straps but had the hooks inside the suit so I just borrowed the removable straps from a strapless bra I own and voila! I have all the support I needed! The coverup was super comfortable and covered up everything I needed when I was ready to walk the boardwalk. The floppy hat not only looked super cute, it kept my frizzy hair out of site and the sun out of my face. Gotta love that!
Ladies, the water was super warm that day! Loved it!
Me and All my glory! It's me and I have to learn to love her more!
I think this is the first time on the blog I am makeup-less! It's all good because it was waay too hot for all that!
- I just love the architecture along the Hollywood Beach boardwalk
Here are a few scenic shots of the beach. It was such a beautiful day out there! Definitely one of the perks of living in South FL!
How lucky to have a condo this close to the beach?!
Polka Dot Swim Suit: Target
Linen Tunic Coverup: Target
White Floppy Hat: Target
Sandals: Payless
Fierce 
Tag
/ July 2, 2011You look GORGEOUS!!! im glad you decided to post this because it is really sad only seeing pictures of the “ideal” thin body type. We all need to learn to love ourselves and our bodies. Very inspiring!
MJ
/ July 3, 2011Thank you so very much!! I’m soo glad I went through with this post too! 🙂
Mary
/ June 27, 2011Great pics and a cute outfit to boot.
MJ
/ June 27, 2011Thank you! I appreciate that!
THE-LOUDMOUTH
/ June 22, 2011I love your bathing suit!!! Super cute.
Thanks for the mention in your post on Shine. 🙂
MJ
/ June 22, 2011Thank you! Love me some Target!
And you are so welcome! Thank you for tweeting Gala Darling’s post. I don’t follow her so if I didn’t see it I wouldn’t have checked that story out (and never would have written my follow up post to this! 🙂 )
wanda
/ June 20, 2011I love your post and I love Target!
MJ
/ June 20, 2011Thank you so much! Target is awesome!
Brenda
/ June 20, 2011MJ,
You are fashion FIERCE and absolutely stunning in that swimsuit!
btw: Your skin without makeup is flawless. How do you do it?!!!
MJ
/ June 20, 2011Awww thank you so much Brenda!! Your compliment is soo sweet!
beautyfromanotherplanet
/ June 20, 2011That is the cutest swimsuit! I followed this link from your article on “Shine.” I just wanted to say that you look beautiful.
MJ
/ June 20, 2011Oh wow! Thank you so very much for your lovely comment and thank you for stopping by on my blog here! 🙂
Alyson
/ June 19, 2011What a wonderfu post (and, SOO awesome to find a local blogger through twitter). I’m so glad you posted this — actually a big braver than me, though I’m working on it! — to share with women that we’re all beautiful. Funny that the more I read blogs I’m almost more comfortable in my skin instead of less because it’s so much more a real portrayal of women out there, not just the skinny minnie celebs and models paraded in front of us. If interested, I wrote a post about weight a few weeks back:
http://theaveragegirlsguide.blogspot.com/2011/05/pour-your-heart-out-weight.html.
Hope to meet you in person at our tweet up. 🙂
alyson
http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
MJ
/ June 20, 2011You know I felt the exact same way when I started blogging. I was in place where I was so unsure of myself and just continuing to blog and connect with other bloggers I felt like I was finding my place in the world and it gets a little bit easier to do posts like this!
I’m so stoked that in a span of one night on Twitter I found a whole bunch of Palm Beach bloggers! I’m so psyhced for the tweetup! 🙂
Angela
/ June 19, 2011MJ, I’m so glad you did your post. I think you are much braver than you probably thought.
You are such an inspiration to so many of us! I was impressed to the point of reading even your older posts, just to see what else this ” classy young lady: had to say. You’ve got the right mindset, keep doing Y-O-U ; )
Angie B
MJ
/ June 20, 2011Oh wow!! I am too flattered by your comment! Thank you so much! Even if I can just help one person, I have accomplished what I set out to do with my blog 🙂
Nicole
/ June 19, 2011Ahh! I love your swimsuit! So darn cute. And I’m so jealous you get to go to the beach already..it’s still too cool here in Canada :).
MJ
/ June 20, 2011Thank you! I feel you dilemma! I was born and raised a New Yorker and I hated that our summers were so short!
Anika
/ June 17, 2011OMG darling!!! You are stunning in every way, and so inspiring!!! I am so happy you are being brave enough to not only share the photos with us but also share your inner dialouge about it. Love it! I recently bought a leopard swimsuit, and when I post that is the day I blow my box into obliviation. Mwuah!!
MJ
/ June 17, 2011Thank you so much love!! I definitely blew my my safety net clear out the water but that’s cool! We are making strides already so who knows what more we’re capable of! 🙂
For Those About To Shop
/ June 16, 2011I JUST wrote a post about the way fashion mags talk about “flattering” swimwear and then proceed to post pictures of sculpted skinny models wearing them! Makes no sense…you are right there is a paucity of images of women over size 2 wearing swimsuits in fashion media and we need to increase that exposure. You look amazing!
MJ
/ June 16, 2011You are soooo right!! How can we know it flatters a woman wearing curves if we don’t see such a girl in them!
Thank you so much for the compliment! 🙂
Emily
/ June 15, 2011that swimming costume is gorgeous – such a 50s style!!
the setting is great too – the beach never looks like that here in the UK!!
MJ
/ June 15, 2011I’m loving these retro swim suits that they’re coming out with now!
The day was such a gorgeous day! The ocean is one of the things I fell in love with I moved down here!
Jessie at Fashion Limbo
/ June 14, 2011Well I adore that swimsuit and I think you look absolutely fabulous and kudos to you for celebrating yourself with a stunning piece of clothing, a lovely day at the beach and sharing your gourgeousness with us xxx
MJ
/ June 14, 2011It’s such supportive comments like yours that helped me put this post up in the first place. Thank you so very much!
Barbro Andersen
/ June 13, 2011You look so beautiful, I love your swimsuit! Your bravery gives be goosebumps on my arms, I wish I had the confidence to wear a swimsuit – or even just go to the beach!
MJ
/ June 13, 2011Thank you so very much! That really means a lot and that entire process has definitely helped me grow as a blogger and as a person! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Lola
/ June 12, 2011Thank you so much for your courage; I think you look gorgeous in your bathing-suit, very chic! Hugs to you from an overweight woman in Germany
MJ
/ June 12, 2011Thank you!! Hugs to you right back!
Kara
/ June 4, 2011Fierce! I don’t think it matters what size you are, sharing swimsuit pics with the world is intimidating for everyone. I’ve never been to that beach before, but it looks nice.
xx Kara
Sprinkles in Springs
MJ
/ June 6, 2011Thank you Kara! You have a great point and dealing with that challenge can teach people a lot about self confidence and loving yourself in your own skin, no matter what it looks like! 🙂
Hollywood beach is awesome! You should definitely check it out!
anupriya dutta
/ June 4, 2011I am loving the swimsuit on you 🙂
The best way to have fun is perhaps the time
when you stop being self conscious and this
post has made
my learn that.. I am glad I got to view this!
I am loving that dress 😀
MJ
/ June 4, 2011Thank you very much! You’re right, once you let all those nagging little voices go you can really have a good time! 🙂
designedbyann
/ June 4, 2011I’m glad those pictures finally made it to the blog!
This swimsuit is really nice and I like the hat too! You’re very classy, girl! 🙂
MJ
/ June 4, 2011Thank you very much! I’m glad I didn’t chicken out of this one! 🙂
GRIT & GLAMOUR
/ June 2, 2011I. LOVE. IT! The hat, the dots, the cover up (hello, I need that!)! It’s so put-together and stylish, even on the beach.
But let’s talk about this amazing, honest, beautiful post. I am so touched by it and so glad you didn’t let your inner thoughts keep you down. Just today I read a similar post by Anika that you should read too:
http://networkedblogs.com/iEebi
“…fierceness comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors.” You got THAT RIGHT!!! You are beautiful, inside and out. Don’t you ever forget it!
MJ
/ June 2, 2011I just read that post V and it totally tugged at my heart strings. I can totally understand where’s she’s coming from!
Honestly, its bloggers like you who offer so much support that help combat those inner voices and try to lead by example. Thank you so much and I’m really glad I did this – it has definitely helped me feel better! 🙂
Thank you soo much V for your support!!
WendyB
/ June 2, 2011You go, girl! Looks like you’re having some great weather and making the most of it!
MJ
/ June 2, 2011Thank you so much! I did have an awesome time!
Robyn
/ June 1, 2011Great article….
Two thumbs up to “girl power”
The whole “Target Glam” is super cute!
MJ
/ June 2, 2011Thank so very much! That means a lot! 🙂
Krystle
/ May 31, 2011WOO HOO!!! LOOKIN’ FIERCE, lady!! I’m so excited that you stepped out and posted these!! Not only that, but you were totally authentic about it. I love that you decided to be true, and say “hey, this was hard for me but I’m doing it anyway.” That’s beautiful!!!
Krys
Fierce|Fabulous|Fit
@FierceFabFit
MJ
/ May 31, 2011Thank you Krystle! This season for me is all about stepping out my comfort zone and I’m surely way out of that zone! But in the end I’m glad I did! Thanks soo much for your support girl!
Courtney
/ May 31, 2011You go girl! (Yeah, I said it!)
YOU LOOK FABULOUS!
It takes a lot of confidence to just take those photos, let alone post them for your readers. I’m glad you did it and I hope it inspires others to do the same.
MJ
/ May 31, 2011Thanks Courtney! I’m feeling a little better about it! I remember when you did a post without any make up and that took a lot of confidence too! 😉