Retro Bikini Moment with Torrid

FULL DISCLOSURE: It's really, really not easy to post this picture of me, being in a bikini and no makeup. The truth is that I agonized over it for 2 days. I contemplated asking a friend to photoshop me to smooth out my wobbly bits. I told myself I wasn't ready for this kind of post. That I just don't have a body that should be seen in bathing suit photos. But then I came to my senses. I was genuinely happy in this moment and so I decided I'm going to share that with you. And I'm going to tell you something about it as well.

Take me or leave me, this is how I look and who I am today.

I am not perfect and I don't fit society's standard of beauty.

I am bigger than what the dominant majority thinks I should be. And to make it worse, I dared to wear a two-piece bathing suit in PUBLIC and take a picture of it too. I don't have perfect teeth, you can see I have a little gap from not wearing my retainer years ago. My hair is frizzy. I have cellulite and dark undereye circles. I can't get a tan because I can't be in the sun without a hat and loads of sunblock because the Irish in me burns easily. The bottom line is, you don't have to be ok with how I look or who I am, but I am choosing to be. Because tomorrow I might decide to be smaller, or maybe I won't. I might dye my hair lighter or decide to never leave the house without makeup. Hell, I might even get some braces to fix my teeth. But I probably won't. And that's ok, because it's my choice and no one else's, even if they think it is.

In spite of all of those things, I am still the same Allie on the inside and I always will be. And guess what? I love her -- even in a bikini.

Bikini: Torrid
Hat: Strawberry
Sunglasses: Aldo
Smile: God

CONVERSATION

20 comments:

Jasmine E. said...

You said it ALL Perfectly ... Perfectly. You are BEAUTIFUL!

KevBailey said...

Do not ever be ashamed of presenting yourself. Just because some people in this world have a preference does not mean you have to live under their scrutiny. Be bold, be classy, and be proud, then the entire world can see things differently!

Ticka said...

First and foremost, you are FAB!! Secondly, I love your statement "I choose to be". Thirdly, the fact that you listed that you got your smile from "God" is priceless.

I live by the motto, "You are the only you that the world is going to know. Be amazing." I feel as though you are being exactly that.

There are so many wonderful ladies that are inspiring me to get in a two piece and blog about it. I'm going shopping this weekend in hopes of finding one that I love. While I know it's not easy to post the pics for the world to see, but I am inspired and will do it proudly. Thank you for being one of the inspriations.

http://ticka-spoonfullofsugar.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

There is so much I want to say right now. Mainly, you're gorgeous. I have the gap, and the cellulite and I'm not as thin as I used to be. I've got the under eye circles and some scars I could do without. But I love that you love yourself, and that you didn't photoshop anything. You're beyond amazing, thanks for having courage :)

Janai said...

Your statement and this picture is so inspiring...Thank you... You are beautiful!!!!

Destiney said...

Absolutely beautiful and very inspiring! I'm glad that you chose to love yourself because you are the perfect example of a real woman loving who she is!

Poeticallyillustrated.blogspot.com

Dion said...

You just gave me life Allie. You are so beautiful!

864 said...

I don't know when was the last time I took a picture in a bathing suit. You are beautiful

PensiveFashionista said...

You look fabulous!
When I went to see a therapist, she once told me that people are not looking at me as much as I think they are; they're too busy trying to get through the day.

I have my days when I'm self-conscious, who doesn't? Confidence is everything though. Fake it til you make it. =)

Thank you for sharing a part of yourself.

Candyce Nicole said...

I'm super envious of you. You're a gorgeous woman--point blank period!!

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Your words and photos are inspirational!

KimmyK4058 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
KimmyK4058 said...

COULD NOT HAVE BEEN SAID ANY BETTER. You inspire so many with your beauty & wit, though we all sometimes second guess what we see in the mirror knowing that we unique and beautiful in are own way is PRICELESS!! Thank you for encouraging me to try on...maybe not buy,lol but try on and look at myself in the mirror in a 2 piece.

griselangel said...

love this!! Absolutely gorgeous !!!

Tonyette said...

I recently discovered your blog (and your work as well). I think you are beautiful...and these pictures are yet another example! I haven't worn a two-piece bathing suit in years, but I think it's time I look for one again. Thank you for posting!

Makeup Junkie said...

IM TEAM ALLIE...SO DO THE DAMN THING MAMA...WERRRKKKK!

Nelly @ Brown Girl Decorating said...

Don't ever forget that you are here for a purpose. Some times you are up some times you are down, but you are always the person you'r supose to be. Thank you for inspiring this curvy girl. ROCK ON!

Lovngwomn said...

I love it girl!!!! Keep on being you and loving you and your world will be ok.

Jules said...

So cute... I think you look great without makeup :) I know how you feel about swimsuits though... I actually purchased the same top and it was a huuuuggge step for me. I did a post about it if you want check it out:)

Love your blog :)
J

Tené said...

The most beautiful thing a woman can do is be herself! You are gorgeous! I recently lost 40lbs and reading your blog makes me want to put the weight back on in hopes my body will be shaped like yours because you are gorgeous!!!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous !

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