A little bit of va-va-voom

After already having three separate conversations this week with my (gorgeous) friends who were feeling a little down on how they look, I decided that insecurity can come knocking on everyone's door from time to time.

That's why every girl needs a secret weapon, something that gives her a little bit of the "va-va-voom" factor. You know, that one outfit or dress in your closet you can count on that makes you feel beautiful and sexy and special. Because honestly, once you start to feel gorgeous on the inside, it begins to reflect on the outside. I know this sounds so cheesy, but I've found it to be incredibly true for myself.

When I pieced this outfit together for the Vedette video I made, I had no idea just how powerful it would make me feel. It's so retro and pin-up style. (in hindsight, I wish I had done my hair differently, maybe with curls pinned back. oh well) And there's something about rockin a bustier in public during daylight hours. You have to have confidence to do this and no one can deny how beautiful a woman with confidence is.

Don't get me wrong, confidence is certainly something I have always waivered on. Sometimes I feel unstoppable and on top of the world and other times I feel invisible and insignificant. I think about my friends I talked with this week and how unbelievably amazing and stunningly gorgeous they are and I think "how could they ever think negative thoughts about themselves?" and then I realize that they would probably say the same about me.

The thing is, women desire to be found beautiful, desirable and worthy and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact I believe we were designed that way. However, we just need to find healthy ways to help us remember all of our characteristics—both the physical and non-physical attributes—that make us attractive to others.

I'm about to get heart-serious with you guys. For me, when I'm down, I like to remember that I am beautiful because of who created me and how He created me (and everyone) in His own image. How He made the body to work so efficiently, no matter what it looks like. I think about how lucky I am that I can exercise. I can run and climb and when I get injured, I can take time off to rest and those wounds will heal. To me that is pretty incredible. As David said in Psalm 139:14—"I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

This knowledge is my "real" va-va-voom factor, and I will never forget that.

And now, here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Silvana Bustier c/o Vedette Shapewear
2. Peplum skirt, Lotus Boutique ($9.99)
3. Cream jacket, Parisian's ($29.99)
4. Tank top, GAP outlet ($6.99)
5. Nine West suede heels, gifted (thanks mom!)
6. Beaded clutch, gifted (thanks Joy!)
7. Vintage 1950s cateye Ray Bans, borrowed (thanks Laura!)
8. Beaded bracelet, borrowed (thanks Laura!)
9. Earrings, Charlotte Russe (??)

 

 

 

 

Photos: Laura Menconi

ps. What's your va-va-voom factor?