I am great at pushing others to step outside their comfort zone. Whether it is wearing colors you’ve never worn before, mixing prints or showing off your figure in a tasteful way, I’ve been pretty successful. But when it comes to me, I don’t really go outside of what I know. Over the years I have added more colors and pattern to my wardrobe, but you’ll never see me show too much skin….until this past Tuesday.
I was invited to a Hawaiian themed party and the first thing a friend asked was, “are you going to dress in theme?”I hadn’t planned on it because I didn’t have a grass skirt or coconut bra top, but she suggested I wear linen pants and a cropped top. Only problem, I didn’t have a crop top because I don’t show off my stomach. The most skin I show when going out is my legs, usually a short dress or skirt. But my stomach is always covered. The only time you’ll see my stomach is if I’m in a swimsuit.
So I entertained the idea of showing skin; I traveled to Urban Outfitters and found a bra top. It was cute and it was sexy but I wasn’t sure it was me (or that I could really pull it off) so of course I sought the approval of some friends. They all had the same reaction “hell yea, that’s sexy” or “need wear that and show off your figure.” Krystin of Be Loud Be You even called me out on twitter: “Ummmmm if yall aint know @DivaStateMind got a hot body underneath all those damn conservative clothes #ShowItOff” Are my clothes really THAT conservative???
So after all of the feedback and hoopla, I told myself I was going to wear the top. I know it may not seem like a big deal to many, but it was to me. I think all women are body conscious no matter their size and this was an opportunity to not be so shy when it comes to showing off my figure. Plus it was hot as hell Tuesday night so being half naked was not a bad idea! 
At first I was a little nervous because I was naked (in the words of my friend Jasmine)! But as the night went on, I became more comfortable. I really like my outfit and the way I looked. Others loved the outfit too. Who knows, more crop tops/bra tops may be in my future!
I don’t write this post to brag about my size or show off. I hope this provides some inspiration to those that have been a little hesitant to step outside their comfort zone. I may be a stylist but I’m also human so I know how uncomfortable it may be to try something new. I encourage all of you to embrace who you are and be proud. Show yourself off!
Hope you have a fantastic weekend!
