USA. The land where anything goes and you can be anyone you want to be.
I’ve been lucky to visit the states quite a few times over my career. Last year was a little different though. Whilst in NYC for Full Figure Fashion Week, my hair started to fall out and break leaving me with 2inch bits. This was an unexpected side effect from some medical treatment I’d had in Aus before I travelled.
It was a HUGE knock to my confidence. Especially because I was there to film and shoot content for CurvySam and wanted to look my best.
On the upside, of all places in the world to be, no one cares what you look like. No judgement at all from anyone. You could walk down the street wearing a garbage bag and no one would bat an eyelid. There is so much diversity everywhere in the way people look and behave.
So whilst initially there were tears. I embraced the situation, headed over to a wig shop and purchased a couple of wigs to wear to events and to shoot in. My blogger buddy Crystal launched her own range called Astra Signature at NYC fashion week so I purchased a top that was totally different to my normal style. (wearing this in the pic)
Travelling to the other side of the world is invigorating. From the surroundings, the food, the people. It’s all different, a new environment can make you feel invincible. Like you can be anyone without judgment or criticism. (also there’s less chance of bumping into Susan from accounts or your gossipy uncle Nev)
Fake hair is the norm in America. It’s normal to see women wearing full ‘weaves’ ‘wigs’. The first time I went to the USA for fashion week (2013) I was constantly admiring other bloggers daily hair styles having no idea that they travelled with a suitcase of wigs with them. Was genuinely baffled until Marie from TheCurvyFashionista explained it to me.
Kinda feel that in Aus if you wear a wig or anything too excessive its not socially acceptable. Not to mention they are expensive and not readily available whereas in the USA it feels like there’s a wig store on every street corner.
I decided that I would have a day of looking completely different. It might not seem too out there for some – but for this Aussie babe it was daring. I felt like a total BAD ASS walking around LA. Wig on, heavier makeup, stomach showing and wearing something totally different to my normal style.
Outfit details Astra Signature Top https://astrasignature.com – Lane Bryant Pants – Boots (vintage) Necklace (vintage) None of these items are for sale anymore
Reinventing yourself doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. Nor do you have to be on the other side of the world. Simple tweaks, many of which you can do at home can really change up your look which changes how you feel. I felt like a new person with a wig on.
And you know what. All of those bad ass empowered feelings were already inside me, I’d just lost my way a little bit.
Now back in Aus and in every day life I remember that day I strutted around LA. I often think of this experience when I’m getting ready for an event or public outing. I didn’t care what people thought of me on the other side of the world then why should I care now?
Focus on telling yourself you’re a total bad ass beautiful babe all the time, and you’ll be brimming with confidence and energy. And if you loose your way then change things up a bit. Try a new style, pop on some lippy. Just do you!
Here’s a few things you can do to changes things up without spending thousands on new clothes
- Part your hair a different way or try a new style
– this can totally change the shape of your face - Borrow clothes from a friend
– nothing better than trying new styles and having to go shopping - Give yourself a pep talk
– It may seem silly, but repeating positive affirmations to yourself in the mirror or saying things that you like about yourself will help you validate those traits and value them in yourself.
