Thursday, March 28, 2013

You Are Not Alone

Alone5

______The staggering amount of supportive comments I received on my last post was rather awe-inspiring; each one of your honest and thoughtful comments brought me a little smile, an agreeable hum, or something in-between. What was even more eye-opening was the fact that everyone has struggled with accepting their own image at least once before, or still does on a daily basis.

______Knowing that these thoughts have entered most people's minds is more disheartening than it comforting--we all think about these things and yet we fail to open up about them, perhaps because we don't want to seem negative, or perhaps because we dislike to sound as if we're fishing for attention.

Alone1Alone3Alone8Alone

______But on the up side, it also made me realize how many kind-hearted people I've met since I began blogging. So many! You're all really lovely, okay? And I'm going to work on accepting myself more, as long as you all promise the same. It will be a long journey--definitely one that's easier said than done...

Alone10Alone12Alone9

______That being said, you all should join me in my pirate ship of positivity, yeah?  Step up and enter with your head held high.  We'll be a gang of attractive pirate folk sailing the seas of self-confidence, gliding alongside the winds of acceptance, and landing on the island of "I don't care what these other wimps think of me". You dig?  Good, because once we're on our island of a lengthy name, we'll definitely be digging in the sands of self-love, and subsequently burying any distorted perceptions of ourselves that we may have forgotten to leave behind on the poop deck.  Sick of my extended metaphor yet?  No?  Excellent!

______From there, we'll scale the winding palm trees that dot this island, picking coconuts and collecting them like happy thoughts. Why coconuts? Because coconuts are flippin' glorious, that's why. And because coconuts, like people, have something on the inside that matters much more than the outside. Applying that concept to others is simple--of course, I'm only going to value someone based on the inside, not their exterior! But believing that the same thing applies to myself is what's difficult.

Alone4

______What I'm trying to say is thank you all for being such a lovely bunch of coconuts people.  Indeed, there are a many sketchy folk who lurk in the crevices of the blogosphere, but there are also thousands of kind people who eclipse the aforementioned.  You're all proof that it's possible to find goodness within the vast confines of the Internet.  Thank you, thank you, and thank you again.

Dress: Charlotte Russe
Tights: Hue
Heels: Liz Claiborne via TJ Maxx
Polka dotty silk scarf: secondhand
Earrings: Charming Charlie
Necklace: vintage

43 comments:

Katherine said...

I love when our posts are first to see when I open up Bloglovin.

Indeed, it's good to be positive and confident. Blogging has actually helped me worlds with that. Having to take photos a lot in public has made me a lot more comfortable with myself for sure. And I wanna be on your pirate crew. Can we add pineapples to this too? I think pineapples are more amazing that coconuts! I love you in blue - it might be like 'your color' but I bet I say that on your next post in whatever color because you can probably pull off like every color really well. And the little fancy brooch is such a fun addition

LyddieGal said...

I dig, and I love coconuts, so sign me up as first mate.

Love this shade of blue on you too, and your rhinestone necklace is gorgeous.

Katie Aman said...

Why that sounds like a splendid journey! And considering my friends and I already think we're pirates it's more than perfect :)
I agree with what you said about not wanting to see as if you're fishing for attention. Unfortunately so many people out there DO use their insecurities to fish for attention and so it makes the rest of us want to hide our thoughts sometimes.
This dress is a stunner! You always look great in a jewel blue like that. Plus, the accessories are wonderful! That clip on your sash is such a beautiful touch of sparkle. And colors girl? Probably the best combination I've seen-those yellow shoes wow!

Cheri said...

Love those bright yellow heels!

xox, cheri
www.CheriTrendyStyle.com

Caitlin M. Peterson of the (ef)Face said...

Great metaphor! ....but you really just wanted to say "lovely bunch of coconuts," didn't you? ;)
You look great, too! Loving the surge of positivity!

xoxox
theefface.blogspot.com

Natalie said...

I love the touch of yellow! I have been obsessed with yellow lately!

www.trendinginfashion.blogspot.com

The Braided Bandit said...

I totally would like to join your positive pirate ship :) We ARRRRRRR all in it together! (get it!?)
Anyway, I love this color palette and definitely want to try it out with some of my own items now! I hope you're having a wonderful day!
xo Hannah

Heather Belle said...

Lol this post is adorable. It is a little upsetting that so many of us struggle with these same body images. If none of us fit this image anyway, why do we try so hard to aspire towards it? As sad as it is, I still think its comforting knowing that we aren't the only ones feeling this way, that just means there are more people who can relate to this issue enough to stand up against it!
Your dress is lovely.
xo

A Very Sweet Blog said...

You have a wonderful group of readers that love, understand and support you. You'd be surprised what different people have gone through in life. What we see on the outside is only a glimpse to what is really going on the inside. You're a beautiful and smart girl Ali. Take one step and day at a time. Have faith and believe in yourself. It starts with you! YOU have to believe! I love your outfit. The colors are so pretty together.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Bold Barbara said...

WOW!!!I love your blog!!
http://ladybirdcastle.blogspot.ro/

Ivana Split said...

Now after an introduction like that one I have to read your last post:)

I do think it is an important thing to talk about and I was even thinking about writing something about that myself. I can write a decent paragraph occassionaly.

Personaly, I have never struggled much with my self image in the terms of looks. It is not that I think that I'm beautiful, I see myself as average, but I just feel comfortable in my body.

However, I like many other people, often feel unhappy with myself (true sometimes there is a reason for it) and probably could benefit from some positive thinking.

You look great btw, that blue shade is gorgeous!

The Dragonfruit said...

You are one lovely coconut Ali :)
Which totally made me start humming "I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts..." lol
Right, not what I was going for with this comment.
What I want to say is YES, let's all join on this journey and bury those nasty thoughts.
Did you know, you've actually inspired me to post something of the same sort? I'm still trying to properly word it, but you've made me realize just how much these negative thoughts can affect us. We've all struggled (and are still struggling) with acceptance when it comes to ourselves!

Oh right, so there was an outfit post accompanied with this, wasn't there?
I loooooove that belt! *_*

Enter my StyleGodis jewelry giveaway here!
Trendy Teal

Colur Me Bristol said...

What a cute outfit! I love the bright yellow heels, they're fab! :)


~Bristol

http://colourmebristol.blogspot.com/

Dasha said...

I join your ship of positivity :D
You are beautiful!
And I love the details in your outfit and I don't know who takes the pictures, but they are really good.

Daria from www.cinnamon-star.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

totes jumping on the pirate ship with ya'll. :D

Nieszka said...

oh i love blue and burgundy together! great mix.

MemoriesOfTimesPast

M + K said...

Love the yellow. Keep up the great work hun

www.mkstyleramblings.blogspot.com.au

Harlow Darling said...

You are so beautiful, I'm glad I found your blog! This navy dress is perfect on you and I love your cute little yellow heels :)

kobiecymagazyn said...

you are beautiful :)

follow each other? tell me please ;)

FASHION TALES said...

What a beautiful post dear, and no, I'm loving your extended metaphors! You look beautiful in cobalt! Have a lovely weekend. xx/Madison :-)

Penelope Prodafika said...

'' I don't care what you think about me. I don't think about you at all. '' - Coco Chanel

Some philosophical words from a very influential woman. Everyone should think that way. We should not let other people's opinion define us or bring us down. By having more faith in ourselves we will improve our self-confidence.

Your outfit is great. The polka dots scarf you used as a belt is amazing.

Greetings from Sweden! xx

www.penelopesfashion.com

SHOP STYLE CONQUER said...

wow you look gorgeous! so elegant in chic in bright blue!

x

♥ Ellen
SHOPSTYLECONQUER.COM
Facebook + Instagram

Ashley said...

Best. Post. Ever. I'm so ready to go to the island of positivity and pick coconuts :) Girl, you're amazing and brave and look absolutely smashing in this post!

xo Ashley

Imogen said...

I would love to come and join you on the quest for positivity. I am so glad blogging was able to help you. Thanks so much for your comment, you are so kind and beautiful. Loving your outfit too. The colour combination is flawless.

Unknown said...

wish i could follow back but i couldn't find you bloglovin button!!

Lindsey Louise Bales said...

i loved reading this post, and i loved reading you last post. so honest, that's what i love to see on blogs!
i also think blogging is a way to "over-coming" things like this, it has made me a lot more comfortable with myself! also, your necklace is so pretty!

lindsey louise

hellomrrabbitblog.com

Unknown said...

You look absolutely fantastic!! I love the colours you used! awesome dress and shoes. :)

Style Without Limits
Facebook

Xlovehappyx said...

i love finding the gems in this blog world. beautiful blue dress, too

Sofija said...

Simply beautiful! The blue looks great on you! :)

http://sofija-photography.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Me encanta el vestido!
Saludos
http://judithbysucre.blogspot.com.es

jess said...

The colors are great. I'll join your pirate crew.

joy said...

Hahahah I LOVE that metaphor, especially that part about the coconuts!And yup, I promiseto learn to accept myself more too and hopefully I will over time :)

And now on a totally different topic....THOSE TIGHTS and shoes! Ahhh I love the awesome color combo. I had no idea two colors that seem so different can go together so well. I usually just end up wearing a lot of blue and shades of blue without being more adventurous but I really like how you are able to combine colors in an outfit together so well :)

Unknown said...

Loved your little pirate story :) So glad we could all be here to send some honest and encouraging words. You are a really wonderful person, Ali! So glad we can all help you to see that :) I hope you had a fabulous Easter weekend, your dress and tights combo is so stunning and you look absolutely GORGEOUS in it. So beautiful!

~Alyssa
www.butterfliesonmars.blogspot.com

Larissa said...

Hey there!
I love that outfit! The dress is super cute!
Just found your blog and really like it... so let me know if you wanna follow each other :)

Happy Easter and happy start in the week!

xx

ROXTHEFOX said...

Freaking love the color blocking, and love what you wrote. I love whre this blogging journey is taking me, how much it's helping me personally and the amounts of wonderful people it's introducing me to!

WWW.ROXTHEFOX.COM

Unknown said...

Great post!
Fashion for Beauty

EIDesign Glamour said...

Hi! I love your blog, you are really stylish and this outfit is beautiful !!! If you want come into my blog, and tell me what you think about him, and if it likes you, what about to follow each other? If want follow me, text me and I sure follow you back ! I would be really happy!
EIDESIGN GLAMOUR
EIDESIGN GLAMOUR facebook fun page

mochaccinoland said...

very pretty! love the cobalt blue with yellow. that addition of polka dots is darling <3

xoxo
mochaccinoland.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

i like this blue dress ;)!

Really great blog,maybe if you like my blog we can follow each other? Let me know ;)!

Have a nice day ;)!
http://www.cristinasurdu.com/

Allie said...

I'm all for joining your pirate ship of positivity! This is a great outlook to have :) I love this look on you. The shade is blue is PERFECT on you !!

xox,

Al
www.sparklesandstilettos.blogspot.com

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Unknown said...

I'm always surprised about the existence of so many wonderful blogging people! The community is incredibly supportive and friendly. I know we're not all this positive all the time, but I like the positive vibe in the blogging community. At least in my circle of blog people! I think it's really awesome that you opened up in your last post about that. I know everyone has had issues with that at some point in time, whether the thoughts were persistent or just fleeting. For me, styling up outfits that I feel great in always helps me feel confident in my own skin. Ever since I started really developing my own sense of style I've had very few issues with body image. I know it's hard for a lot of girls though. But I stress and have anxiety over other parts of my life!

Just know you look great and you will continue to look great! Just like right now! This blue dress is the most gorgeous color ever and looks so pretty on you. The purple tights are so cool with it.

Mollie said...

Simple outfit but the color choices are sublime! I'm officially following you:)