Sweater (I am wearing a M for oversized look) / Jeans Shorts (similar) / Shoes / Bag (old, similar) / Sunglasses (under $15)
I have always loved the look of a great summer sweater with jean shorts, but there is one problem. I don’t wear shorts. I’ve hated my legs for as long as I can remember and avoided anything cut above the knee. At only 5’2, my legs are definitely stocky and I often have to size up in jeans to fit my thighs even though my waist is a smaller size. I’ve gained about 15 lbs since moving to Durham four years ago and while I’m embarrassed to admit that (thank you Southern food) it is what it is. While I’m already thinking about kicking my butt back into shape once baby arrives, these are the thighs I’ve been given and the ones I’ll have to live with. Even at my thinnest weight, my legs were still big. My mom has the same legs, so do my sisters (although they are taller than me, so it lengthens theirs – womp womp). I have never really been someone that’s into “self-love”. I admit, I’ve looked at my thinner friends and literally have been so envious of their petite and small size 2 bodies that I’ve wanted to cry. They have made comments about my legs or boobs in the friendliest of manners that have hurt my feelings so bad even when they didn’t mean to….I’m sensitive because I lack confidence in this body of mine.
I tell you this not because I’ve found the magic formula for loving my legs all of a sudden, I wish. I tell you because I want you to know that I struggle too. I struggle with self love, acne, big thighs and even the changes that my body is going through to grow a tiny human. And some days I want to cry, but others I think “you know what, it’s 100 degrees outside and I may hate my legs, but I’m wearing shorts so I don’t melt.” I had a friend tell me recently that my social media didn’t seem authentic and while it hurt, I want y’all to know that all of it, the photos, the playfulness, it’s all a highlight reel. Yes, I have a great life for a 30 year old, but there are also dark days. There are days when nothing fits, that I feel “fat”, that I see a dot of cellulite and wonder why I spend time in the gym if it doesn’t even help. There are days I look at other bloggers and wonder, “why am I even wasting my time, no one wants what this short/stocky little 5’2 girl is wearing”. But while it’s so easy to fall down those rabbit holes, one sweet comment from a friend or reader is all it takes to put it into perspective, even if just for a little while. It’s in those moments that I remind myself, these thighs ran a marathon, these thighs have carried a body for 30 years and these thighs will carry a baby (hopefully) to full term for 36+ weeks. They aren’t cellulite free, they don’t fit into size 2 jeans and they are not long..but they are mine. It’s something I’m working on daily and struggle with daily, but I want you to know if you struggle too, you’re not alone.
I know this post is a little deeper than most, but honestly, I’m a little tired of always being a highlight reel. I’m hoping to take the time to write more like this because even if I inspire one person, it’s worth while to me.
And with that, I’ve linked a ton of my favorite summer sweaters below currently on major sale at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The sale opens to the public this Friday!
As always, thank you for reading, it truly means the world to me. XX
Oh Amy, we as woman are our own worst critic. I have smaller legs but an apple shaped top part (I carry most of my weight in my rib cage) and It is hard as hell some days.. I am getting to the stage in life, where it is what it is. I am just to tired to care what others think anymore. I am an upbeat, honest and caring person, I try to be a good human being everyday, and am there if someone needs me. (friend or stranger) You are going to go thru a lot of changes over the next several months. (I have 3 boys, twins were my last pregnancy ; D ) I look forward to your post’s every day. Candid, highlights or whatever it is you choose to write about. I am soo looking forward to seeing the next several months as you change and evolve into the joys of motherhood. I wish you and Aaron the absolute best..
I absolutely LOVE that you opened up about this! I feel like all girls can relate to this topic in some form or fashion. You’re killin’ it in those shorts, girl!!
I love following you because you have great style and best yet – I’m short with stocky legs too! (P.S. – I’d love to have legs that look as good as yours).
I love seeing fashion – but I love seeing it when I know it can inspire outfits I can actually wear. I am not 5’8 – so some fashion bloggers just aren’t relatable to me.
We are all hard on ourselves – but there is always someone out there that is looking at us wishing they had what we have.
Amy, You are beautiful. From your beautiful heart to your beautiful smile to your fabulous hair and your fabulous thighs! 🙂 (Those thighs also produced a pretty amazing hyper-extended toe touch, don’t forget that!) Anyone who looks at social media and thinks that is 100% of life is crazy. You are supposed to highlight the good stuff! We both know those people who post gloom and despair all the time on Facebook or whatever, and No.Thank.You. No one wants to read that. I’d rather read about Dr. & Mrs. Fabulously Happy and see what you’re wearing and doing and celebrate with you! We all have dark days and we share those with the people in our REAL lives who mean the most to us and who will carry us through them. Keep doing what you are doing, girl. I love you so and I am so, so proud of you. And your thighs! 😉
Oh I so love the transparency!! It helps to know even the women who look so put together are so human just like everyone else. I have always struggled with body image… I have a 6 foot frame but I have the big boned structure to how with it. I struggled when I gained weight all throughout college. I am not a size 2 but proudly a size 12-14 and want to show other women that you don’t have to be a size 2 to look great and be confident in clothing! I finally gained enough confidence in myself and started my own fashion and lifestyle blog about a month ago. I am inspired by bloggers like you who keep it real! Thank you for that and thank you for this message. I needed this today.
I love this post, momma! It is so hard to live in this world of perfect bloggers and compare yourself. I do it every single day. You are beautiful and true to yourself – that is all that matters!
Maggie @ Polished Closets
I love your blog. I’m 5’1” and similar frame. I love seeing what you wear, and the size– makes it easy for me to order things online!! Stop being so hard on yourself. Wait until that baby comes… these superficial concerns take a back seat to what really matters in life.
Your legs are strong! They are muscular, they are not “big.” Your calf muscles are poppin! It took me 28 years to realize that my body’s muscles are my best friends. They power my metabolism, they make me able to lift, and do everyday activities. You have always had a very petite, cute, and strong look about you. Owe it! If you want some tips on strength training after the baby is here hit me up. You knew me at one of the heaviest moments in my life and now… six years later and 100 pounds lighter, I am fit and so happy with my muscular body, it gives me curves in all the right places… yeah I have to size up in pants because of my quads, but it just makes me find a great tailor and the fit then is perfect 🙂 I wouldn’t trade my booty, legs, or arms for stick thin ever. Good luck with the baby and you are a beauty!
I love seeing “what this short/stocky little 5’2 girl is wearing” because it gives this “short/stocky little 5’2 girl” lots of ideas and confidence when I’m disappointed that I’m not tall and leggy. Thank you for that. On another note -when you’re back in Ohio, check out the Gap Clearance Store in Hebron, KY for maternity clothes. Their prices can’t be beat for jeans and the Gap yoga pants ($5-$10) which I loved when I was pregnant last year. I also rotated through their maternity Body tees with necklaces, vests, and scarves and they held up well. Keep posting and good luck with the pregnancy!
Thick thighs save lives!!! I’ve always thought your figure was great (sorry there’s no way to say that without sounding like a creep lol). When I get self conscious about my thicker thighs, I try to remind myself how strong I am. Yes my legs are thick, but they’re also powerful! They do lots of work and I’m so thankful to have a strong, healthy body.
You are beautiful! Inside & out! I dont remember how I came across your IG but I fell in love with your style. It was a while before I realized you were short…like me! It’s so frustrating to always see fashion on models who are tall which is why your style spoke to me. You are gorgeous! Your fashion choices are fun, current but not overl “trendy” and you have inspired me! I have a few years on you but you have inspired me to wear outfits I wouldn’t have before I discovered CB&BP. Last weekend I wore a beautiful black floral off the shoulder blouse with white pants. Seriously, I wouldn’t have dared to wear that before because I’m not tall with broad shoulders. But I did and got so many compliments!
We live in a world where we are sold a very narrow version of beauty…you are showing the world that GORGEOUS comes in many sizes & shapes.
Can’t wait to see you style your “bump!”
What a blessing to grow a new little person! 💕
Girl you are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this and putting things into perspective!! I’m short at 5’1 and carry most of my weight in my thighs & hips with a smaller waist and feel so frustrated and discouraged sometimes trying to find bottoms that both fit and flatter. If you’ve found miracle brands that work for you please share! Thank you for your empowering post <3
First of all you look fabulous in these pictures, I would have never noticed anything about your thighs had you not mentioned them and even when you did I saw nothing wrong with them. But I can relate to the concerns. I am an identical twin who is 50 lbs heavier than her sister and about to go on a beach vacation with my twin. She wears bikinis in her late 50’s for God’s sake. I wear skirted bathing suits….. I have cellulite and extra fat galore. I hope your article can inspire me not to compare but to let go and enjoy.
Yesssss to vulnerability!! This is your best post, yet! There’s so much beauty in the imperfections and the real. Get it, Momma!🙌🏻
I was talking with a friend today and she told me “there is no girl that is happy with their body” and it’s true! I’m a size 2 and I have issues with my body! I so so appreciate the honesty and vulnerability because it’s authentic! You are beautiful and I love your blog. We are all fighting the same battles ❤
Hi Amy,
This is the first time I found your blog from a FB post and I love how honest and open you are and as other commenters mentioned, you are beautiful and women are definitely their own worst critics. I feel like we all have something we’re insecure about or a certain style of clothing we avoid. You look amazing and I’m definitely a new follower. PS — Huge congrats on your baby too!!
xoDale
I love your blog! I have been following for a few years now, and am also at the beginning of my second trimester with my first little one. I stand at a whopping 5 feet and can certainly relate to all the physical (and emotional) changes happening currently! I appreciate the honesty! Thanks girlfriend!
Loved this post Amy! I had the opposite problem, my mom always said that my legs were too long and too skinny. For Hispanic culture curves are more attractive. I wasn’t allowed to wear dresses, shorts, or skirts as a kid and couldn’t wear heels but my sister could because she was shorter and with “normal” legs. Every now and then I catch myself wondering about my “chicken legs” and shrug it off. Everyone has their own idea of what beauty is and it changes depending on who you ask. We would go insane if we tried to make everyone happy or fulfill every expectation of what beauty is. Thank you for sharing your experiences – I think a lot of us can relate.
This outfit is so cute! Love how you styled it!
@samanthabowers_
http://www.thefitbrunette.com
You look great! I LOVE this post, it is so empowering!
http://www.taytayrose.com
I am so inspired by you! Your beauty, style and your authentic voice! I love this outfit and it is so nice to meet you!
xo Debbie | http://www.tothineownstylebetrue.com
We are ALL critical of ourselves – thanks for putting the conversation out there. And you look AMAZING in those shorts!!!
I feel that this was a great post that you opened up. I am very critical about myself as well. I think you shouldnt worry too much about wearing shorts. You look fantastic!
That sweater is so cute! I love it styled for summer with the denim shorts. I never really pull out my sweaters during summer but maybe I should.
Your story really touched me. I have struggled with the same thing my whole life and while I don’t have a lot of insight, I just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone. Somehow we need to find a way to love ourselves and know that every wrinkle, every inch of cellulite (ugh, found some the other day) and every pound makes us who we are and has a story of something we’ve experienced in life behind it. Keep doing you, lady! You have a beautiful feed and blog and I’m sure your story has touched many more! I hope you had a wonderful weekend!
~Hillary
http://www.styleinasmalltown.com