Need last minute outfit inspiration for the 4th of July with a side of 3 backstories?

The 4th of July is coming up and I don't know if you're like me, but I was debating about celebrating this holiday. Partly because my plans are up in the air but mostly because America's history is stuffed with really bleeped up things. Not to mention it's current state isn't doing so hot either. My heart mourns with the families being separated at the border and the human beings being detained by ICE (#abolishice). But I also realize that one of the privileges I hold is being an American citizen and I am so so thankful for the freedoms and rights that come with it. It is up to us to make the future generation of America educated, kind, empathetic, and thankful. Anyways so after that internal debate, I was like what do I have to lose??

So here is my outfit for the 4th of July:

I picked a gingham print button up dress that falls right below my knees from TJ Maxx. (It also comes in red.) I paired it with some funky earrings I got from SheIn, rose gold Adidas shoes, and Maybelline Dynamite red lipstick to add a little flavor. I was looking for a midi button up dress and saw this as an opportunity to finally buy it.

Then I went to Home Depot to try out patio furniture with my mom and sister which is where the next few photos are taken L O L

This brings me to backstory #2: So I am going to be a little vulnerable with y'all because I think it is important to be transparent. While trying to capture my outfit, I was so dissatisfied with the way I looked in the dress. Normally, I have decent self esteem because I try to be intentional about being kind to myself. But that day I just was feeling down and my stomach rolls and double chin showed in at least 85% of the photos. However, I have been watching the Mindy Project recently and it has been building my confidence. Every time she is insulted about her weight or appearance, she reaffirms the beautiful woman she is-- even if she sounds vain. My favorite line is, "I am not chubby, I am the size of a modern American woman!"

This also made me think WHO THE HECK GETS TO DETERMINE WHO IS BEAUTIFUL?! Bodies are so diverse and comparing them to one another takes away worth and individuality. Comparing yourself to others only leads to discontentment. J. Cole says it best: "No such thing as a life that's better than yours" "It's beauty in the struggle, ugliness in the success" "But you ain't never gon' be happy till you love yours"

The Eurocentric/westernized standards of beauty freakin suck and are canceled my friends. They make people think that if they do not fit the standard, they are worthless. It also does not help that women are WAY too sexualized and taught to be viewed as sexual objects. It is rooted so deeply in our society that I will objectify myself and instead of seeing my personality, I only see how I will look to other people and if they think I'm cute or not. Like how messed up is that that one flaw can make me forget my identity and all the good I do have?!!! Who am I trying to impress?? Also can women not be both cute AND have compelling thoughts?! Women are some of the strongest people on the PLANET, my mom is a testament to that. Anyways, I am trying to be more aware of when I sexualize myself or even degrade myself so I can stop and correct the behavior and I hope you will join me. If you do, keep me updated with your progress!

Also, I heard recently from a pastor that if you are focused on your looks or impressing other people, it is not furthering the kingdom of God and is only derailing you from your purpose. It is so easy to be distracted by wanting to look a certain way or please people. Personally, I am a people pleaser and want everyone to think I'm cool. However, when I do this I give others permission to define who I am. And by others, I could even be influenced by a magazine or twitter (oh how I love twitter but how it can ruin my self esteem). When you are pleasing society's impossible and never satisfied standards, you are not living up to your fullest potential and exploring your passions and talents.

Backstory #3: So the reason I was inspired to do this blog post was one of my favorite people Elizabeth wrote a blog post about it and then gave me a shout out at the end. :') This made my entire week and I wanted to join in to create an environment of women supporting women.

Therefore I will be the plug for your next favorite blogs:

1. First is my lovely Liz! I have known her since middle school, and then became roomies my sophomore year of college. We had the best time living together and would spontaneously go to concerts in another state. Now, she is an elegant, fun n flirty mom to an adorable lil Theo. https://elizabeth-taylor-blog.blogspot.com/2018/06/lilly-pulitzer-does-fourth-of-july.html

2. Next is my friend Gabby!! We had a couple mutual friends and shared a couple classes, but did not become close until we were class leaders tShe is seriously such a light to the world and has the dopest, artistic, college blog. Gabby has amazing style, is a social justice, vulnerability kween. http://gabbykirsten.com/

3. Jaliyah was in my major but I did not meet her until senior year in Global Problems and when I tell you that I wish we would have met sooner. She is my favorite introvert and has the best fashion. Think Yara Shahidi with an endorsement of Elaine Welteroth. She also has great ideas for apartment decorating and tips on how to travel with anxiety. https://thejaliyahdrenise.com/

4. I do not think she has a blog *YET* but Laken is one of my favorite people on social media. She spits truth into my life on the daily. She is going to be the next editor in chief of teen vogue. Follow her on twitter and insta at: @_lakenhorton

5. One of my best friends from college Diana started a body positivity streetwear instagram. I look to it for fashion inspo and self love. Follow her on instagram: @dianasarmoiree

Here is a fun picture I played with on photoshop! I smudged the background to make it more abstract. Have a fun holiday y'all!! Stay safe and tell someone you love them.

PS: Are blog posts just really long facebook rants? Asking for a friend.

PPS: While writing this, my mom said she wants to read my blog and I said you can if you want and then she really accused me of trash talking her. IN MY BLOG. LMAO