At the beginning of 2011, I made some promises to myself. I promised to challenge myself more. Get out of my comfort zone. Do things to make myself a better, stronger, more well rounded person. I’ve fallen down in some areas — nobody’s perfect, right? But in other areas of my life, opportunities have led me to rise to the occasion. And I experienced a perfect example of this when my friends at Bali Shapewear tapped me to MC their fashion event at the Circle of Sisters conference, alongside super famous celebrity stylist Jen Rade. Me. Alongside Jen Rade, who works closely with folks like Angelina Jolie, Pink and Cher. Jen Rade who’s styled many of the music videos that made a major impact on my life and probably yours. Songs like California Love and Regulator. Jen Rade who can personally tell you how awesome Tupac Shakur was, or what a sweetheart Nate Dogg was. That Jen Rade. She. Is. Awesome.
I don't love this photo, but hey. It's all I have of me and Jen!
We shared the stage, exchanged witty banter (I hope it was witty!) and introduced models wearing the hottest fall trends, all enhanced by select pieces of shapewear and undies by Bali Shapewear, made with high tech fabrics by Lycra Beauty. On day one I was even wearing the Powershape Fusion Hi-Waist Thigh shapewear pretty much all day.
Here’s my thing — I don’t believe in wearing ANYTHING that will constrict me or make me uncomfortable. That goes for shoes, clothes, and underwear. I have had embarrassing roll-down incidents with other shapewear brands in the past. I’m not looking for shapewear that promises to slim me 2 dress sizes…because that will mean me being hella uncomfortable while I wear it, and also because I don’t really believe any fabric is stitched with Hogwarts-quality magic that can effectively achieve that look. Sorry. I don’t.
Here’s why I wear shapewear.
1 — because I feel more confident when I have a smooth, lump and bump free silhouette under my clothes.
2 — I enjoy knowing that my underwear isn’t printing through my garments or that my clothes aren’t see through in a way I don’t want them to be. I had an incident this summer while wearing a maxi skirt on the bus…let’s just say that a black slip turned out to be a VALID investment after that.
3 — I don’t enjoy the sensation of chub rub, especially if I’m wearing a super cute dress. A good thigh slimmer eliminates that. Nuff said.
While Jen spoke more to specific fashion trends and the skinny woman’s need for shapewear (it all comes down to avoiding Visible Panty Line), I spoke to the bigger woman’s reality in wearing it, and which trends I’m LOVING for fall.
Polka dots! So sweet and innocent yet sexy and retro!
Floral prints — always on trend!
LOVE mustard and the other rich jewel tones — so gorgeous on brown skin!
And the shapewear is actually pretty sexy on its own, no?
I wasn’t able to get photos of every trend, because I was on stage talking about the fashion instead of taking photos! So these photos come courtesy of my Bali blogger friends in attendance, the fabulous MsVaughn of MsVaughnTV, Flor de Fashion, Viva Fashion, and the amazing Rainy Day Diva who posted not one but two great recaps. Don’t we all look great in the photo at the top of this post? Yay!
Normally I’m a more behind the scenes person — I’m a writer! Tis my nature — but lately I’ve been getting more offers and opportunities to do appearances and speaking engagements. This was my first time on stage MCing anything and I was pretty nervous at first, but working with Jen, the encouragement I got from everyone with Bali including my fellow bloggers, and the warm reception from the crowd truly meant the world to me and made me realize that YES, I was capable of achieving some of the goals I set for myself earlier this year. I did a pretty great job as an MC if I do say so myself (and if you don’t believe me, read this awesome recap. Thanks Calandra!) and here’s hoping I get the opportunity again. This is how we learn and grow and become better than we are — by trying new things outside of our comfort zones. That’s what living life beautifully is all about!
Thanks, Bali! Thanks everyone at Circle of Sisters! I had a BLAST!
Compensation provided by Bali Intimate Apparel, but these are absolutely my experiences and opinions!
Sounds like you had a blast!
And I completely believe in pushing ourselves past our comfort zones. I try to live life with the goal of always growing, and always challenging myself. Life is not perfect, but it’s hard to be bored, or feel stagnated when you live life like this!
I love that Bali has created shapewear that looks appealing and sexy! It also sounds like it is very comfortable to wear. What I like most is that unlike other “shapewear” on the market, the Bali brand is very affordable too! Thanks so much for sharing this, and kudos to you for stepping out of your comfort zone to MC the event!
You did a WONDERFUL job! We made sure to stay long enough to be there to cheer you on! Thank YOU for your kindness!
Bella, what brand was that cute black and white dress you had on? You looked very cute and it appears flat shoe friendly (my requirement for work clothes). Great post – as always!
Great looking shapewear,looks and sounds like they’re comfortable to wear. Good you did the event. keep up the good work.
Lovely post, like that dress you are wearing and the pop of colour in the flatties.
Being on stage and having to speak to an audience is something that will develop your abilities and services to that next level – keep doing more and keep enjoying what you do.
Excellent post. This was encouraging because I too have let some things fall by the wayside this year but there is still time to move out of my comfort zone. You look amazing in the forefront! I am sure you will be asked to speak/host more often 🙂
Sexy shapewear? Since when did that exist?!