30 Days to a New Life: Throwback Thursday
I was reminded this week of the “30 Days of No Repeat Outfits” project I did in October 2015 and thought I would re-post on it’s 3 Year Anniversary. I dedicate it to those who don’t like to be photographed, or see themselves in photographs, because they think they’re “too.” Too old, too fat, too whatever. You’re not. You’re just right. You’re YOU.
Sometimes it takes just one single event to change your life, or your outlook on life. For me it was a (what seemed silly at the time) photo project in the fall of 2015 that I called “30 Days of No Repeat Outfits.” It was a personal challenge to really use all the clothes in my closet* and see how many different outfits I could come up with. I’d gotten lazy and had 3-4 favorite outfits that were easy and comfy and I just kept cycling through them. Who cared what I looked like?? I felt like I couldn’t really look good no matter *what* I did, so why make any effort at all??
Part of the project involved photographing all the outfits. Photographing ME. Me, who had managed to avoid being in pictures for a long time because it was such a shock to see myself as the world sees me – FAT. But during the project I was having to look at myself in photographs Every. Single. Day. At first it was brutal. But slowly, I got more used to seeing myself – to seeing what I really looked like. And by the end of the 30 days, I was actually looking at pictures and thinking, “hey, I look kinda cute today!” I was finally not just seeing FAT. I was seeing ME. And Fat Me can look schlubby or I can try and look cute. And Cute Fat Me is definitely an improvement over Schlubby Fat Me.
So this seemingly silly project made me able to see past the fat when I looked at myself…when I *thought* of myself. And I actually had so much fun sharing the images on Instagram that I wanted to keep doing it – and that’s how the idea of this blog was formed. It wasn’t just about the pictures and the positive comments. I’m discovering there is such a strong community of plus-sized and 40/50+ women on the internet. It felt good to be part of a group of women who had such self-confidence – who didn’t judge themselves based on their weight or their age but on their abilities and loving hearts and kindness and strengths. It felt empowering to be meeting these kinds of women, and I wanted to “stay in the hood,” so the blog (and the Facebook…and the Instagram!) was created.
And for those who weren’t around for The 30-Day Project…here’s a look back at the photos from the challenge…The Good, The Bad…and The Kinda Ugly, ha. Hey, we all gotta start somewhere!
*caveat: A lot of the clothes “in my closet” are not *my* clothes at all, but are from a plus-sized rental service called Gwynnie Bee.
PS: GAH that’s a lot of pictures of me in one place! THAT doesn’t feel weird at all (note: sarcasm).
Nancy
I am glad that that cute funny project made you look different to yourself! It s a very nice project and very challenging I think! I see slot of dresses with cardigans! Love that!
Fashion Schlub
And does this answer your question about whether or not I ever wear bright colors? 🙂
Jodie
I really think everyone should do this because it’s true…once you see yourself over and over, you get past those silly obstacle you always think about. I shared it on FB, and I hope it help others!!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Fashion Schlub
I’ve been suggesting this to people for a couple years now – I know so many people who refuse to have their pictures taken cuz they hate the way they look! Thanks for the shout-out on Facebook, I appreciate it!
IrisOriginals
Love all those pictures – and you look great. You photograph really well. I’m one of those who hates to see myself in photos (what the world sees). Too old, too many wrinkles, too crazy hair, too, too too something.
I do love your story – and thoroughly enjoy your blog. Thanks for the look back in time.
Grace & Peace, Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
Fashion Schlub
I think if I “photograph well,” it’s only because I’ve gotten comfortable with it and I’m all in for a photo now! You could try it in private, take a photo of yourself every day for 30 days…maybe in your different outfits or out with Koda or whatever…and just save them to a little album on your phone…and see if you don’t feel differently about how you see yourself in photos at the end. Cuz the only thing you’re “too” of is Wonderful 🙂
Julia @ When The Girls Rule
Bettye, I felt the same way with photographs or catching a glimpse of myself in a window reflection. I’d think do I really look that fat? But when I couldn’t find anyone who looked like me giving any fashion advice I knew that had to be fixed. When I first starting to photograph myself I didn’t want to smile because it just made my face wider. And now after looking at thousands of photos of myself, it doesn’t matter! Is that all it takes? Just seeing yourself or someone similar often enough in pictures????? Me thinks yes.
And my favorite outfit of you is the pink sweater, pink floral top and white pants. Why? Because of your big smile!!!!
Fashion Schlub
Store windows are the worst! They really catch you by surprise, don’t they?!
But I think yes, just seeing photos of yourself over and over and over is the key…the image you see starts to normalize…it’s no longer OH MY GOSH I’M SO……no, you’re just another person. We get so used to seeing only certain images in the media – young thin pretty…white…that anything outside of that seemed….”less than.” It’s so great that there is FINALLY starting to be more diversity in the media – different races, different abilities, different sizes, different ages…there’s so much further to go but it’s such a good start. And it really starts with US. Being able to appreciate our own bodies and faces and beauty.
Ashley
This was such a cool project, lady- and ended up giving you a new perspective and a little self-confidence boost and I LOVE THAT.
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Fashion Schlub
Yeah, it was pretty amazing the things it put in motion in my life. Funny how things work that way…you just never know what little thing is going to spark something big!
Heather Bee
What a great idea! Your words are very inspiring.
Fashion Schlub
Thanks, Heather! So glad you stopped by!
Pauline starsmore
There are some fantastic outfits there and you look lovely, especially in some of the bright dresses.
Fashion Schlub
Thanks, Pauline. I did notice how much more colorfully I was dressing then. That was at the start of my time with Gwynnie Bee and I was trying anything and everything…and from that experience I was able to start honing in on what I feel best in and what I think I look best in.