Summer is just around the corner and I think it’s fair to say we could all do with a big dollop of juicy sunshine. The promise of lazy summer picnics, beach days and adventures fills my mind and I can picture myself leaping around with Little Button in the summer holiday sunshine like this…
Except, actually this is more like it…
And come to think of it, whilst I imagine myself like this on the beach…
I’m pretty sure the reality is this…
But on a serious note, for us larger plus-sized ladies, as the weather starts to heat up and the layers come off it can be a little daunting getting our lumpy bits out.
There is a lot of great fashion out there leaning towards slimmer body types, and I have yet to find a really good, affordable high street label with the same fashions, just altered somewhat to accommodate the extra curves and bumps in a truly flattering way. For instance, I love the idea of light billowy fabrics, but as you can see, (to me) it’s not always a pretty sight. A slightly heavier fabric and a different seam line could have made all the difference.
I live in hope that I’ve actually been walking around the last 4 years with my eyes closed, and there is in fact an excellent plus-sized high street label, WITH real high street shops a-plenty, that I have missed! If you come across this sparkly brand please do let me know, because I am itching to try out something a bit different this summer that doesn’t resemble a tent.
Well, I have finally come to the conclusion that even if you do feel a bit (ok ok, loads!) lumpy and bumpy, it’s all about confidence and strutting your stuff like you just don’t care. No one else will. Believe me. When was the last time you noticed a stranger and thought, blimey, look at their huge fat wobbly arms? Never right? Exactly!
So, shake what your mamma gave you, because if you feel great inside, you will look beautiful on the outside to everyone who matters. Trust me.
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* * UPDATE **
I absolutely love this post and all that it stands for. Lumpy, bumpy… who cares! We are all the same, but beautifully different at the same time. I know I wrote about confidence and strutting your stuff like you just don’t care, because no one else will. This is largely true, but not 100% fool-proof when it comes to ‘other people’. About a year or so after writing this post I was fat shamed, in public. It hurt at the time. Enough for me to write a post about it and get my knickers in an awful twist. But, a couple of days later and it had bounced off my well rounded self like a beach ball flying out to sea. Gone. But not entirely forgotten. Fat shaming is all too common nowadays, but don’t ever let the very very few and far between fools (?) ever bring you down. You are perfect, just the way you are.
WILD is now out in Spanish!
WILD – Our debut children’s picture book
Dad blogger Ross Good from The Stented Papa is the official storyteller for WILD!
Happy book birthday WILD!
I love everything about this post! I’m putting on a bathing suit and rocking it so I can take a photo of me in my dinosaur kiddie pool! #DreamTeam
Thanks Heather! x
I don’t think we’ll make it to the beach until September, so there’s still time! #dreamteam
Oh yes, most definitely x
I know what you mean about feeling a bit uncomfortable in summer clothes! I love the warm weather, but I’m not so excited about the prospect of putting all my stuff on display! #DreamTeam
Hehe! I’m still hoping that no one will be looking x
Hi, I really enjoyed reading this post. It’s very true if you feel great inside it’s reflected on the outside. Let’s hope the summer stays #dreamteam
Thank you! x
I’m the biggest I have ever been in my life (except the last couple of months of pregnancy!) and when the sun came out last week I worried about what I would wear. I pulled out the usual baggy tops and tried them on and realised fir the first time they actually made me look two sizes bigger than I was. For the first time in 14 years I put on one of the tight vests I usually only wear under a hoody, dug out the shorts I only usually wear on holiday (pregnancy gave me horrendous varicose veins that I always cover up) and decided screw it, this is me. And guess what, no-one stared or sniggered and my husband can’t keep his hands off. It was terrifying at first, then liberating. I still want to lose weight and get fit but I’m actually feeling more body confident now than I have since I was a teenager. I wish I’d done it years ago!
#DreamTeam
Go Alana! That’s brilliant lovely. It makes such a difference when we feel happy about ourselves. x
Haha I will definitely be holding my head up high, rocking my lumpy bumpy body and enjoying time with the children. 🙂
#dreamteam
Yes, exactly this xx
Love this! I think we all have insecurities but you are right, no one else notices! #DreamTeam
I’m pretty sure that most people don’t notice 🙂 x
Your illustrations are hilarious! Good post! #Dreamteam
Awww thanks so much x
Your sketches are fantastic – so talented and funny! This could not have come at a better time for me as I realise I’ve whacked on a stone in the last year and none of my ‘summer clothes’ fit anymore – yikes! Tents for me then till I attempt to lose some, but like you, I love cake and ice-creams! It’s all part of the summer vibe is it not? #dreamteam
Thank you Susie! Ice cream and cake is a summer must right xx
Yes exactly, own it! (: I love Kaftan’s ! They are just so comfy 🙂 #DreamTeam
I may need to invest in a Kaftan. Thank you for stopping by x
Love your post and love the end message. Spread the self love <3 #DreamTeam
Thanks so much Manny x
This is too funny! I love it! You are beautiful inside and out! #DreamTeam
Aww thank you, glad it gave you a giggle 🙂 x
Love this post. I’ve learned to love my lumpy bits and muffin top. I’m more body confident now in my mid-thirties, post baby body with wobbly bits than I was as a skinny insecure twenty-something. If you do get any recommendations for clothing lines/brands – be sure to share!! Xx
Oh I am the same too. Will definitely pass on any recommendations x
I just saw some pics of me that were less than flattering. Got some work to do here on these man boobs! #dreamteam
Haha! It’s always the photos that do it. Shall we blame the lens? Thanks for stopping by Jeremy.
This post is perfect! Perhaps this summer I’ll brave it! #DreamTeam
Go for it Chloe, there is nothing to lose 🙂
Totally agree, when it gets to summer I always freak out about my clothes and having to take layers off when I dont feel comfortable with my weight. It is so true about feeling confident on the inside, it makes a huge difference and I do try to stop worrying about my extra belly tyre as no-one else probably notices except me. Yes def need a good clothing brand/line though?!? Nicky xx #DreamTeam
I know that feeling of taking off the layers and wondering if anyone has noticed. I’m pretty sure no one does though. Let me know if you hear of any good brands… I’m still looking xx
I always take so much longer to choose clothes in the summer because I’m so less comfy when there is less fabric! Great post and great last paragraph! #DreamTeam
Thanks Jaki! I completely agree it takes much longer to get dressed in the summer. Less fabric doesn’t always mean we will be cooler. I’m still waiting for a brand to come along and wow me with something amazing and cool, but not a tent. x
Not gonna lie- my body took a straight beating this year. Not cute.
#dreamteam
Thanks for stopping by Kristin. My mum always says that if you are smiling, no one will notice anything else xx
BRAVO!!!
I have been plus size and I have been not so plus size…I can totally relate! I live in the south-it gets VERY hot & VERY humid in the summer…I’m talking boob sweat hot, ok? Embarrassing sweaty places hot! You just have to embrace it!!
#DreamTeam
Thanks Heather, I totally agree that there are times when you just have to go with it. We have just come through a mini heatwave here and the shorts came out! x
I totally get what you mean about floaty fabrics – you somehow think it’ll do amazing things to you and ends up just really not haha!! #DreamTeam
Hehe! Exactly my thoughts. Thank you for stopping by x
Great post, I hate the summer just for this reason! I get away with my trusty leggings for as long as I can, Its only when I am physically melting that I will pop some shorts on!
#dreamteamlinky
Sometimes you just have to get your legs out. I actually find the thought of leggings far scarier than shorts hehe! x
Summer is always more of a challenge isn’t it – no warm, cosy knits and oversized scarves to hide behind! But when it gets really hot, the need to be cool definitely overtakes my worries about wobbles!
I’ve been big and I’ve been (a bit) smaller – I swear I had just as many hangups! As you say – confidence is the best thing you can wear this summer 🙂
Thanks for sharing #dreamteam
Hi Laura, I love that saying. I’m pretty sure a smile will help too. x
Loving the doodles 🙂 I used to dread Summer the wardrobe and spent many a year boiling inside my jeans & tshirt rather than expose any flesh but now I embrace the maxi dress and sandals combo- oh and a bit of fake tan makes me feel instantly more confident! #DreamTeam
ugh, I hate flesh showing session, I am more then a bit lumpy and bumpy more like whalelike haha x #dreamteam
One of my colleagues asked me if I was bikini ready the other day. My cheeks still ache from the hooting at her now, a week later. I havent been bikini ready since 1992. No bikini has ever made me as happy as eating an ice cream with my toes in the sea. 🙂 x
Only me again. Back via #DreamTeam lovely. Thank you for being such a fab host! x
Haha, what a fab post – loving the doodles!! I think we’re all in the same boat…… #dreamteam
Boom! Nailing body confidence, shutting down the inner critic and owning your stuff in one fell swoop. LOVE IT and absolutely LOVE the illustrations 🙂 You rock, lady. #dreamteam
I am more of a summer person myself. That said, the only thing I love about winter is being able to cover all my lumps bumps and hairy legs!
I’m sure you’ll look fabulous and it’s far more important not to let your wardrobe stop you being present in your kids life. I’m sure you’ve got it covered! Shake it mama!
#dreamteam
these illustrations are so cute! I def feel lumpy and bumpy this year : / need to lose a few pounds before wedding we are due to go to! #bloggerclubuk
A great post with fantastic pictures! Love it.
#DreamTeam
#dreamteam totes down with strutting, although its rather sad that in 2017 the high street doesn’t have shops that are catering for all sizes 🙁
I don’t plan to ever let my stomach be seen in public again so have swimming costumes to cover up 🙂 I’m not oozing in confidence at the best of times but having my mum tum on display would be excruciating #dreamteam
I am lumpy and lumpy and my body has plenty of room for improvement. Recently I have felt liberated and thought sod it, life is too short and I am going to wear clothes that are comfy, show my body off if its and embrace it #dreamteam
next week we are going for holiday and I know I will feel not confident on the beach but hey who cares what people would say:D
#DreamTeam
Amazing post, and those drawings are fantastic!! I agree, it’s all about confidence, regardless of size. I hate this time of year and having to get my bits out, and whilst many people think I’m crazy for feeling that way being naturally slim, it’s due to a lack of body confidence. Maybe I need to take a leaf out of your book! #dreamteam
I recently got a few bits from boohoo, which I never expected too! I got a lovely jumpsuit and a couple of tops. I’ve still not purchased shorts though! I’m not that brave yet!
#dreamteam
I’m with you totally on this! I get so self conscious in summer. The shorts only come out if I am desperate. I get so so sweaty it’s horrible. Loose floaty fabrics just make me look like a tent, more fitted fabrics show my lumps and bumps urrrgh! X
#DreamTeam
Ohhhh I so wish I had this kind of confidence! This is the heaviest I’ve been since, well, every and I’m dreading getting my bits n pieces out on the beach!!!
#DreamTeam
Summer is a great time of the year loving those cartoons confidence is the key no doubt thanks for hosting #dreamteam
I always get nervous when it warms up, especially since having a baby, there’s no toned areas!! #dreamteam
Love this post so much, have you seen my pieces on being proud in your bikini? You are spot on about confidence. I have a mumtum (I always will) but I’m happy in my skin. It’s not about size either because whilst I’m a 10 now, my tummy isn’t flat and my arms could be more toned but I’m a mum of two and I don’t care what others think, I will wear what I want and I’ll enjoy being in the sun. Life’s too short to worry about my bingo wings!! x
Love this! And I am 100% sure you do not look wobbly or bobbly!! PS, the frizzy beach hair is totally me…I am never going to be a beach babe!! #DreamTeam
I can relate to this post. #DreamTeam
Last year i gave no shits as most of the time i was indoors, and other times it was to see people meeting Ben for the first time so they expected me to look like a new mum.
This year though, I feel the pressure is on especially as i’ve gained more weight than I had when I was full term! Here is to hiding behind Jeans and baggy off the shoulder tops! #dreamteam
This is very true! I’m taking Rory swimming tomorrow and I can already feel the anxiety never mind when we go on holiday in September! Loving the illustrations
Just popping back for a very late #DreamTeam! I’m so sorry, life just got the better of me last week!
The thing I love about your blog Annette is that you have this gentle sweet air about you and then you come up with titles that are so funny and posts that have a wonderful cheeky humour that take me by surprise. This made me laugh so much. And of course the images are fab. #dreamteam
Oh this post is just brilliant lovely – I’ve really been struggling lately with this perception in my head that I am still 22 and that it’s okay to have a mum tum because an entire human being was grown and came out of me!! You make me smile and it’s so good to know I’m not alone <3 Thank you as ever for co-hosting #dreamteam with me xxx
I totally get where youre coming from. Im a plus sized lady and summer can be a nightmare. Have you tried looking im Yours. They are online and have started opening stores in the larger cities (my localish one is in Cardiff) great value for money and properly designed for larger ladies. #dreamteam
This is the exact post all us summer folks need to read! Be proud and live out loud! I love it! We do have to remember we set the tempo for our littles — boy or girl, good body image is important! Go mama, go! <3 #DreamTeam #brillblogposts
I just love the illustartions – you nailed it!
Love this post! Definitely feeling a bit nervous about getting me bits out after three (or is it four??!) months of drinking wine and eating cake in lockdown 😐 Eek! #dreamteam
So sorry you were treated so poorly, and also glad you channeled the hurt into healing words for us to read!
Confidence and feeling good in your skin is a good 90% of looking good, if you ask me (and Augusten Burrows in his chapter on How to be fat in This is How). And I also think after lockdown, we don’t want to tarnish any enjoyment out there to be had with negative self image – we’ve lost too much to ruin what we do have…#Dreamteam
Love this illustrations in this post! And I completely agree that you have to learn to love your own body, whatever shape or size x
#DreamTeamLinky
Pity there’s no idiot shaming!!! Great illustrations #DreamTeam
Haha, can relate to this being a plus size. Boob sweat is the worst and I am grateful for the cooler whether this week X #dreamteam
Love your illustrations – very amusing! #DreamTeamLinky
I’ll tell you a secret, Annette, we all love cake#dreamteam
Excellent timing on this topic!
It absolutely is all about the confidence. I wrote a post once where I had these leggings I loved but decided I was too fat for them to look good in, but because I was in a hurry, I didn’t get changed and just rushed about my errands. This woman came into the shop I was in for no reason other than to ask me where I got said leggings because they were great and I looked fabulous! So I thought that was a really interesting lesson….
Yep I can relate to this but when you let go of caring you notice people tend to mostly not care and it is quite liberating X #dreamteam
Ah, I love your attitude! I too definitely wish fashion would be more inclusive of plus size (and I don’t mean modeling industry plus size, that’s just average) people. That being said, I don’t really care about my lumpy-bumpy body looking fat and most likely neither would anyone else. #DreamTeam