On wearing exactly what you want and not apologizing for it!

I want to talk about something that happened this morning.

Here’s the backstory…a swimsuit company I collaborated with asked to use a video I created for my Instagram stories in their Facebook and Instagram ads. I said yes, they paid me, and I didn’t think much more about it.

The video was simple and fun…me in my hotel room in Florida, showing off a swimsuit I genuinely loved. I saw the ad this morning and made the mistake of reading the comments. Some were lovely. But others, from both men and women, were brutal and intentionally mean, and some were just plain inappropriate. My feelings aren’t hurt because I considered the source. I know exactly who I am. I know what I’ve been through in my life, and I stopped worrying about the opinions of small, stupid people a long time ago.

What does bother me is that this happens to women every single day …we are judged, picked apart, and dismissed based on nothing more than our appearance and our age. And it’s funny, isn’t it, how the people dishing out the cruelest comments are never the ones posting pictures of themselves.

So I’ve made a decision. I’m going to wear exactly what I want, because there will always be someone with something to say…whether I’m in a blouse buttoned up to my neck, a cute one piece swimsuit, or a two piece floral set with cutouts. The opinions of strangers on the internet (or elsewhere) are simply not my concern. This fabulous Farm Rio set I’m wearing is a perfect example. The navy background with those gorgeous florals and pink piping detail feels bold and romantic at the same time…perfect for a spring wedding, shower, luncheon, or any soiree on your calendar. The long sleeves balance the front and back cutouts beautifully, the fitted skirt keeps it polished, and I’ve paired it all with sky high platform sandals, a green lucite bag, and pink sunglasses.

Now, I’ll admit that for about a second I considered whether a woman my age should be wearing cutouts. And then…especially after reading those mean comments, I decided I really didn’t care. The idea that women are supposed to start dressing smaller and quieter at some point has never made a bit of sense to me…so here I am. You get one life and you get to wear whatever you want!

Society has a long history of making women feel smaller as they age. From workplace dynamics to media portrayals, older women are frequently told — both overtly and subtly — that their value lies in their appearance, and as we get older, that becomes a constant reminder that we no longer fit society’s idea of the “ideal” woman. The fashion industry is one of the biggest culprits. Women over 50 control over 70% of disposable income in the United States, yet brands continue chasing the youth market while ignoring the generation with the deepest pockets and the most brand loyalty. The message from the media is essentially to age gracefully…meaning look a certain way, or you won’t be seen. Well I’d like to officially opt out of that narrative. I feel better in my own skin today than I ever have and something tells me the best is still ahead! – Sources: Psychology Today, Cindy Hattersley Design, ASA Generations

I’m including a boutique below with this look as well as a few other pieces from Farm Rio!

At the end of the day, style is personal. Nobody gets a vote on what you wear except you. So whether it’s cutouts, bold prints, sky high heels, or all three at once…wear what makes you feel good. Your opinion is the only opinion that matters!

Thanks for reading today…I had to get this one out!

~XOXO Suzanne