Sometimes I watch movies I used to love as a kid and find new insight from these things of my childhood. This time around the inspiration came from The Sound Of Music. Now, as a kid I truly loved the songs (minus Climb Every Mountain...This holds true today as well), my favorite being The Lonely Goat Herd. How can you not smile and sing along with marionettes and yodeling? The poignant song this time around was "I Have Confidence."

I have confidence in sunshine
I have confidence in rain
I have confidence that spring will come again
Besides which you see I have confidence in me

This past week I had a few different blows to my confidence.  Most were internal and fleeting thoughts I had about myself and my appearance – my face broke out, I didn’t like the way my clothes fit, etc.  Then there was one comment, not meant to make me feel badly about myself, but it hurt nonetheless.  A friend made a comment about a white sweater with black silhouetted flowers on it that I was wearing, saying that it made her think “Moo” every time she saw it.  What she meant was that it reminded her of cow print, but the fact that she said Moo instead…I really didn’t know what to say.  The worst part about it is that earlier that day I had mentioned to a different friend that I felt like I was having a “fat day,” so the offhand comment struck me that much more.

As I sat here thinking about it all, “I Have Confidence” popped back in my head.  Although it’s hard to always feel confident, I’ve found that on the days I truly feel like I have absolutely nothing in my confidence tanks, a smile really helps me change that feeling.  I love my smile.  I love that a true smile lights up my face and lifts my spirits.  And in that moment I realize that external influences really shouldn’t matter in terms of my confidence, although the reassurance from my husband certainly helps, but instead it’s up to me.  I need to figure out what it is that lowers my confidence and work to fix it.

So, do any of you have tricks to boost your confidence on days that seem like crap?

I know my younger sister will ridicule me when I disclose that I have an undying love for Target (even if they sometimes think it's necessary to cram the 15 items I purchased into a single bag like they have to ration them out), but it's true.  I love that store.  They routinely have cute, affordable clothes and shoes, a good selection of hair care items and makeup, and a pretty awesome return policy.  But what I love most about Target, aside from the astounding lack of walking zombies that clutter every single Walmart I've ever entered, is that they ALWAYS have killer sales.  Yeah, you may have to wade through a bunch of racks to find the amazing stuff, but I'm game if it means I find an awesome dress for under $7.  

Outfit:
Orangey-Coral Dress - Target ($6.48)
White Blazer - Luella for Target (I can't remember how much, but under $20)
Snake Print Almond Toe Heels - Target ($7.48)
Flower Pin - Made by Me!

Why yes, Target gave me an outfit I felt so amazing in for under $40. 

And while you're hitting up Target for fantastic deals on cute clothes, go grab a set of these spin pins.  Our lovlies here at Kaboodle sent these to me (along with some other fun items!) for participating in the Uniquely You styleboards/blog entries a little while ago.  I was worried they wouldn't work in my hair since it's much shorter than it used to be, but I had zero problems with them holding my hair in place all day long.  I didn't even bother to put my hair in a ponytail first; just twisted my hair into a bun, spun the pins in place and took off.  My hair stayed in place all day long without needing to be adjusted at all.  So, a much delayed THANK YOU! to the awesome guys and gals at Kaboodle who sent these to me.  You rock!

...As They Make Up Their Minds To Be" - Abraham Lincoln

Honestly, trying to figure out what empowers my every day confidence and how I stay uniquely me was so much trickier than I ever thought it would be.  Sure, I know who I am, but how in the world do I express that?  Well, let's start here...

Over the last 7 years my life has become more and more sedentary which resulted in my gaining quite a bit of weight. It’s embarrassing at times to think about because I was in such good shape from running cross country and track in high school and remained pretty active for several years following graduation and my first few years of marriage. Then I got an office job and all of a sudden it seemed like I ballooned up. At first I denied that it was happening until none of my clothes fit anymore. And here I am today.


Some days I love the way I look and other days I need a bit of convincing. The best way I’ve boosted my confidence while I work on getting myself back to being healthy and in shape is by buying clothes that I absolutely love, that fit and flatter my current size and shape, and make me feel absolutely beautiful when I wear them.

Color definitely brightens my mood and helps make me feel confident, even if it’s just a tiny splash of color in an otherwise neutral outfit. Since this winter I’ve been trying color and clothing combinations I might not have tried in the past. Lace edged tank over a button down shirt and slacks? Why yes, I think I’ll try that out. Dark teal mixed with mustard yellow? It’s become a favorite.  Who am I kidding?  I've always loved that color combo.  But mustard yellow top with a pop of red shoes? Yeah, it makes me feel a little like I’m wearing ketchup and mustard, but I kinda dig it. This has become one of my favorite ways to not only boost my confidence, but also stand out in a corporate bank office where basic suits and neutrals abound.

And on those days when I need that bit of convincing, I have my husband nearby, giving me that smile that makes my heart flutter a little and I can’t help but lift my head up and smile back. Corny, I know, but for a long time I didn’t have a whole lot of confidence and he has helped me feel comfortable in my own skin, whether I’m thin and in great shape or heavier and a bit squishier.

You know what else helps? Pretty shoes and taking some advice from that little orphan named Annie. You’re never fully dressed without a smile and in my experience it's completely true.


Outfit #1
Blue Floral Shirt - Kohls
Blue Lace Trimmed Tank - Target
Grey Capris - Victoria's Secret (previously full length pants but I shortened them)
Nude Platform Heels - Ross
Necklace - Target

Outfit #2
Khaki and Navy Military Dress - Target
Nude Back Seam Fishnet Stockings - Victoria's Secret
Red Peep Toe Heels - Gen X
Necklace - Target

Outfit #3
White Pintucked Button Down - Express
Black Pants - Ann Taylor Loft
Multicolored Sequin Sash - Old Navy Via Savers
Yellow Toed Purple Heels - Charlotte Russe
Necklace - Target