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Monday, October 8

better than a prince

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I know they say you have to kiss a few toads before you find your prince but if you ask me... the same rule applies for finding THE dress. You know. THE dress. And if you asked me which was harder to find, I'd probably tell you that the dress is harder to find and between the two, the dress is far more valuable. Everyone needs it, everyone knows it. It's the dress that no matter what, you know you just look good. It's your go-to, your back-up; your dress that calms your nerves when you have an awkward dinner to attend or your dress you wear because you know you'll be a bombshell. You wear it when there's nothing else to wear and it fits nearly occasion. You wear it when you are meeting your worst enemy. You wear it when you feel awesome and want to look that way on the outside. And, the best part, it's always there (whereas the prince may not).

I don't like to talk about self-image or preach about how great you all should feel about yourselves namely because I think those are two things that can only come from within. No one anyone says on a blog is going to make you change your mind about yourself, that's just something everyone individually has to conquer and go through on their own. However, I think in my own struggles and triumphs, hearing people outwardly say that they loved who they were and weren't afraid to say that they were awesome made me feel better about saying it, too. Like, what is wrong with society where feeling positive about who you are makes you feel guilty?! 

Because let's be honest, it isn't the dress that makes us bombshells, but sometimes it is that extra boost a single dress can give that carries on into our everyday life. YES, this is MY dress and how did I not realize I was this awesome before? And for that matter, why can't I feel this awesome in everything I'm wearing (or not wearing!)? I'll tell you a secret. You can. In my experience, it's one item, one shred of something so stupid as a piece of clothing that banishes all the 'i have terrible skin' 'i really need to go to the gym' thoughts from my head. You aren't who you are when you're wearing  dress, you're the person you feel when you're in it. I had my own personal struggles growing up like anyone else and it was the day I realized I didn't have to compare myself to anyone else and also realized simultaneously that there are much, much bigger things in the world than being 5'0" and my feet not being able to touch the ground when I'm sitting at a desk that things changed. There is no one else in the world I'd rather be, no other family I'd rather have, and no other life I wish I was living. Just mine. And being alive no matter how I look enables me to love all of it. 

And I'll tell you a secret: my dress, my secret weapon and confidence coach, was 99 cents at Goodwill.
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dress: vintage // belt: ruche // shoes: urban outfitters

18 comments:

maggeygrace said...

MARY! If you read this, email me pleaseee! I read your every comment and don't know how to reach you :) You've always been such a big support and I want to thank you sincerely for reading!

Maggie Shirley said...

That dress is so fab. You are too cute. And you're right—why do people make you feel guilty when you think you look good? Some days you just have to look in the mirror and admit to yourself that, yes, I am damn fine.

Two Happy Hearts said...

Stunning!!

Katie Burry said...

What a gorgeous dress! I thought for sure you were going to say that it's from Ruche - I can't believe it was only ninety-nine cents! I just love dresses that make you feel fantastic like that. I got one a few weeks ago (funnily enough my dress is lacy with a straight skirt, too!). I can't wait to post the pics of it!

Congrats on finding such a fantastic dress! <3

kylee said...

HOLY CRAP, picture number one! the dresssss!! the red dress! your hair... just everything! bombshell dress indeed. hooray for short girls who can't reach the ground when they sit, we're awesome because of it. i really do think so though, that because of our height we learn to be humble and powerful in ways that others (you know, those tall & regular sized people) don't. ps. i basically have that same dress in pink.

Unknown said...

These pictures are so farfin' adorable! Seriously, that dress is simply and utterly amazing. You found the deal of the century here, girlfriend!

xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Mags this is excellent! I actually just wore my dress yesterday, that's why I sounded so wise ;) anyway, can't wait to HTML it up with you soon!
xoxo T

Jen Hsieh said...

Oh, hello gorgeous! You look stunning in red - no wonder this dress gives you that boost of confidence! I think I have yet to find that dress. I've found plenty of confidence boosting dresses but not yet THAT dress. You're a lucky one! ;)

Abbey said...

LOVE that dress! Gorgeous color!

Lyndsey said...

I simply adore this post SO MUCH. Seriously how awesome can you get? You are a super mega bombshell in your 99 cent GoodWill dress. You make that thrift dress shine like it's a 10,000 dress from Gucci. STRUT IT GURLLLL. Hopefully I'll find a dress like this someday (and at such a bargain as well!)
xxxx

Kirsten Wiemer said...

oh my heck, this dress is perfect. you look soooo freaking good. now i need to find my dress.

K

Z said...

Agh I love this post so much! I so know what you are talking about (my own Dress was Modcloth's Frock a Day dress from last season...you know, the one with the apples?). I always feel weird talking too much about self esteem on my blog too...sometimes I feel like I'm rubbing it in people's faces that I feel good about myself, or trying to pretend that I don't have down days...but how stupid is that?! Why does society tell us we aren't allowed to celebrate our happiness with other people!? Bit of a rant, sorry - anyway, LOVE this dress on you and what a steal!!! Can't wait till next post :]]]
-Z
sometimesztakespictures.wordpress.com

Kate said...

You do look amazing in this dress!

Whiskey for Breakfast

Natalie said...

That dress is gorgeous. The cut and the lace and the everything. Definitely wearing something that makes you feel confident and like you look freaking fantastic is always a wonderful, wonderful thing.

shelbyisms said...

This post was so empowering. The whole time I was just like HELL YEAH I AM NEVER APOLOGIZING FOR MY APPEARANCE AGAIN! And also, it's adorable.

Bethany Kellen of bunnypicnic said...

such a perfect dress! and i can understand how great that can make you feel. i've got outfits/dresses like that too. but it's been a while since i've had a constant.

Meg! said...

Fucking incredible. Gorgeous girl. xx

Jennifer said...

I love everything about this post! You write so beautifully. This is exactly what I needed after a less-than-great day, so thank you.

You look amazing, just btw, and I LOVE that the dress only cost you 99 cents. I sort of want to steal it!

Much love to you and your amazing blog, Maggie xx