Who knew sequin shorts + a flowy blouse could inspire such deep thoughts?
Something I often hear from people I know in real life (who also read my blog) say, “I love reading your blog because I can totally hear you speaking as I am reading what you wrote.”
And then, on the flip side, I often hear from people I meet who read my blog first and THEN meet me in real life say, “You talk exactly like you write!“
And that’s true. The former high school English teacher in me often shudders at my run-on sentences, poor syntax, and egregious use of the word awesome and various exclamation points.
I made a pact with myself when I started this little blog that I’d stay true to myself and remove all self-judgement from what I wrote or shared. Because the truth is, we’re all our own worst critics.
My blog isn’t a book or an article in the Wall Street Journal, it’s my blog, and I’ll write how I want to.
There are times when I sometimes question whether or not that‘s a good idea.
You know, “that” being all of it. My writing, my openness, and my general laissez-faire attitude about sharing the bits and pieces of my life that I want / need / choose to share.
And no, I don’t share EVERYTHING, I keep a lot of things very private. I just mean in general.
All the while, my writing is often peppered with pictures of me in what I wore on a particular day. Nothing too fancy, often wrinkled, and more often than not, purchased on clearance.
I’ve spoken before about my struggles with body image and whatnot (you know, not sexy or hilarious stuff, just raw truth), and there’s still that small voice within me that tells me I’m nuts for doing what I’m doing and that I’m only opening myself up to humiliation and criticism.
And maybe that’s true and maybe it’s not.
I’ve definitely learned a lot over the last five years, but I feel like I’ve learned more in the last two than I had in the previous three combined.
It’s hard. It’s not easy all the time. I’m happy and positive and optimistic 93.2% of the time. But there are days when I’m certainly feeling frustrated or down or whathaveyou. I mean, who doesn’t have those days?
And it’s certainly been tough at times dealing with mean comments on the blog. And I mean, MEAN comments. Not constructive criticism, just mean.
At first I let them bother me. I stewed on them. But I’ve begun to learn to use them as fuel. Fuel to get better, to do better, and to love and serve people better.
Why tear myself down when I can, instead, spend time enjoying life and bringing a smile to other’s faces?
Right? Right.
I’m aware that this was way too much deep thought for a Thursday. Not to mention too much deep thought to be juxtaposed against an outfit that involves sequin shorts and a flowy blouse.
But, I just got to thinking. And often, when I get to thinking, I get to writing.
Sue me.
Or don’t sue me.
[Sheer Yellow OVI Blouse: Fab’rik Chapel Hill (similar) | Denim Jacket: LOFT | Sequin Shorts: Express (similar) | Boots: Italy (similar) | Clutch: Clothes Hound Chapel Hill | Ivory Bubble Necklace: eBay (here for $15) | Bracelets: InPink & JCrew]
+++
Looking for more outfit inspiration?
Check out some of the other ways I’ve worn the shorts…
Or the blouse…
🙂 – Molly
PS: There’s still time to vote for my look in the Date Night contest for Lucky Magazine! Thank you SO MUCH for your support, y’all!
You are too cute. And you’re not alone in not sharing EVERYTHING! People automatically think that because you’re a blogger, you’re supposed to share every bit of your life-NOT!!!! I enjoy reading what you do share. And clearly I need to remix more of my clothes-I’m loving how you are getting so much use out of your shorts!!
http://thriftyandshameless.blogspot.com
thank you so much, miss rockwell!!!
I love that your friends and family hear your voice while reading your blog. My family says the same thing…. but a lot of my friends don’t read my blog…how funny is that? Anyway, every woman has self doubt, blogger or not. You are gorgeous and strong (and look fab in those sequin shorts, which by the way I absolutley NEED right now!) and should be proud of that. There are SO MANY negative people in this world it makes me kind of sad. What kind of people spend their time leaving a trail of negativity??? Seriously?? Choose joy people!! Life is much too short for that!! Negativity and meanness comes mostly from insecurity. Keep that in mind and don’t let them bring you down….feel bad for them instead. 😉
XO- Simone
wow, simone. thank you so much for your encouraging and thoughtful comment. seriously. i don’t think you know how much that means to me. you are a blessing!!
girl, you rock those sequin shorts. serious business or not. 🙂 I think we all have the same struggles, and bloggers open themselves up to it a little more. We are writers by nature (?) and tend to over think things at times. I get down sometimes too. I put a lot of work into my blogs, and I don’t always see the return on investment (I’m talking community, not moola). I think you’re doing great. You are touching people’s lives in a way that no one else can…because you are you, and you are the only person who can be you. hope you had a fab weekend!
– Heather
oh it’s SO true, heather. women are women and we struggle… big time… all of us. and you are so sweet. seriously. and i think you’re an AMAZING blogger. you clearly LOVE what you do! i say that as long as you are proud of what you’re doing, always improving, then who cares what other people think? it’s easier said than done, but definitely a mantra to live by 🙂 <3
I absolutely love this outfit, so perfect for the Fall season! 🙂
xo TJ
thanks, tj!!
When I first came across your blog it was the personality in your writing and your confidence that drew me to it! Your posts and general outlook on life are so refreshing and fun to read. No, of course nobody can be positive and optimistic 100% of the time, but you’re honest about that too! You share both your struggles and your triumphs and that’s what I love reading. There will always be people out there who put you down or have something mean to say, but I’m glad you don’t let it get to you anymore. Keep on keepin’ on girl! 🙂
Stephanie
stephanie, thank you. your comment blessed me so much. seriously. you have NO idea how humbling it was to me.
Dear Molly, I FREAKIN LOVE YOU and your blog…I love how real you are…you exude a confidence that’s inspiring and that I want to emulate…You’re just great:). and you’re beautiful and sassy, which makes me love you even more. AND your one of the nicest people I’ve never actually met. But I just know you have such a kind spirit and I’m thankful to know you in the blog world:).
annamarie. wow. thank you. so much. you are just such an amazing woman and so encouraging and i feel like i know you even though i don’t know you! 🙂 thank you! <3
girl. I’m so glad I finally made my way back to your blog. I adore you. Seriously. I constantly put myself down because, well, I weigh a good 40lbs more than I did 2 years ago (stupid knee injury) but it stops me from shopping or buying clothes or wearing skirts/dresses/shorts because I feel horrible. You inspire me. Your bravery and ability to take mean hurtful comments and turn them into fuel and zeal inspires me.
CAN. NOT. WAIT. to meet you next week.
terri. you. are. amazing. for real. you are just wonderful and i was SO BLESSED to meet you last night!! i’m sad you’re moving all the way across the country but know it’s going to be a great experience for you! please keep in touch and you KNOW i’ll be keeping up with you through your blog!
You look adorable. 🙂 And you just keep doing what you do. Your posts always make me smile and encourage me. Don’t let other people’s negative opinions and behaviors keep you from being the amazing and beautiful person God created you to be. 🙂
thank you SO much, CC. YOU are so encouraging. ALWAYS. and your thoughtful comments and encouraging words are such a blessing. for real.
Dang, that yellow is perfect. Love the whole outfit today. Oh, And your writing, as usual. Love these really thoughtful posts. You go girl!
you are the best, elise. so thoughtful and wonderful! so glad i got to see you last night, friend!!
Umm, yes, those are very deep thoughts for a Thursday! Nothing wrong with that though. I’m still learning though about how best to handle mean comments, because they really can crush you.
And you look stunning as usual!
haha right? they really can hurt, but it’s definitely a process of getting better and learning how to handle them. thank you so much for your sweet words, rachel!
Love the mix of sequins and denim, Molly! you look stunning!
Love
Juneli from Fashionably Yours
thank you so much, juneli!
great outfit! love the necklace!
want to follow each other? 🙂
http://anightinnyc.blogspot.com/
thanks, olga! checking out your blog now! 🙂
First of all this outfit is awesome. I love the tights under the shorts and your boots are gorgeous. Second of all, you seem awesome on the blog, and I have no doubt you are just as fabulous in real life. So you keep being you!! You shine girl.
Meredith
createthatoutfit.com
first, thank you SO MUCH meredith. and second, thank you thank you thank you! you are a blessing!!
I love this look 🙂
and I just have to tell you – your hair is GORGEOUS.
xo
thank you so much, jessica!! you are so sweet.
I can’t fathom how anyone has anything BUT nice things to you, but no matter how amazing you are (which you are) there are always bound to be people who try to reinforce their own self-worth by tearing down others. I hope you know (and I’m sure you realize) that this is only a negative reflection on them, never on you! I love your blog, and your voice! xo
-Alyssa
The Glossy Life
aw, alyssa. thank you!! sometimes the world just has mean / insecure people. but seriously, thank you SO MUCH for your encouraging words. it really is one of those things that helps to refuel me and it means the world!!
I love how those shorts look with tights and boots! SO cute! I can’t believe you’ve gotten nasty comments because you seem like the nicest person ever! I’m happy to hear you’re not letting the haters get you down and you’re staying true to yourself. 🙂
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
1000 Followers Giveaway Extravaganza!
thank you so much, sharon!! and yeah it happens sometimes, but it’s just a learning process. thank you for being so wonderful, girl 🙂
I really love this yellow blouse, it is so bright and beautiful! Also love the other ways you’ve worn it 🙂 Cute sequin shorts too!
Happy Friday Eve Molly!
xoxo,
Rachel
thank you so much, rachel!
i absolutely love those shorts on you…..and i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again, screw those people that have anything other than wonderful things to say about you, because anyone that actually knows you knows that you are amazing 🙂
brooke @ what2wear
you. are. the. best. LOVEYOUMEANIT
You were wearing those shorts when I met you! I loved them then and I still do! You look amazing in them.
I love reading your blog BECAUSE of your writing. It seems real to me, like I am having a conversation with you, only one where you can’t here me talking back. What? Am I the only one that talks back to blog post? *weirdo alert* #awkward 🙂
hahaha i love you!! this is why we are friends. i totally talk back to posts. 🙂
Molly – Thanks for being true to yourself. It’s an example for so many. Not just an example in fashion sense (which is fab) but an example in true beauty – which I have been thinking a lot about lately. As a mom, I want my daughters to have examples like you. Thanks for being real about your struggles. That is beautiful too. And, puhleeze! don’t stop writing like you talk. It makes you – and what you write about – so much more accessible. I don’t have an English teacher background and my posts are filled with errors I am sure. I figure that unless I write a book it doesn’t really matter. Of course, I do not have the number of followers that you have. I think that when the numbers increase, so must the criticism. Because right now the only people that read my posts are my family and I get absolutely minimal comments. So maybe getting criticism is a backhanded compliment: your blog is good and people are reading it! Anyways, all that is to say, be encouraged! You are beautiful! Inside and out. I’m glad I found you and your bloggy blog.
anne, i seriously have tears streaming down my face right now – your comment blessed me so much. the fact that you think of me as an example for your daughter just touched me so much. thank you. thank YOU for being amazing. and it’s not about numbers or quantity, but YOUR authenticity in your blog is what makes you YOU and i love that. thank you. for real. <3 love you!
You’re great. Your blog is great. Your outfits are great. Keep doing what you’re doing because it’s working!
YOU are great. thank you, allyssa!! <3
I am in LOVE with your sequin shorts! I’m also jealous that you get to still wear shorts in October. No shorts here in Minnesota still! At least not for a freeze baby like me. Also, you are adorable so do whatever you can to ignore those mean comments!
thank you so much, kristine! you are wonderful!!!
I LOVE this outfit. It is literally one of my favorites. I also ADORE your blog the way it is….JUST YOU! I love tights and will wear them at any chance I get! I hate that I can’t wear tights in the summer.
you are amazing. for reals. love you.
What that’s crazy?!? I mean who could possibly say something mean about you! You are fabulous! We aren’t models, we are real people who hopefully inspire other real people. I love this outfit. Never thought I’d be a sequined shorts kinda girl, but you definitely make me want to be!
thank you so much, lindsay!! you are so wonderful!!!
Your blog has quickly become one of my favorites to read everyday! Love your style and your writing! Thanks for all the hard work you put in for us to have a great read!
🙂
tiffany, thank you so much. for real. you have no idea how much that means to me. seriously.
Every time I see you in these sequin shorts, I totally wish that I had a pair so that we could be shorts twins. Weird? I accept that. I love the way you write and I love YOU. We all have those days, it’s a part of life!
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
NO! not at all!!!! i love it. i wanna be sequin short twins with you!!!!
It’s so crappy that some people choose to be mean for no reason whatsoever, but I’m so glad you shared your thoughts – I think it’s so helpful to the real-girl blogging community to hear other bloggers talk about their struggles with this! And I agree with other commenters – I continue reading your blog because I enjoy that you’re real and actually do share things about yourself, and I admire that! I try to be real in my writing too, especially because that’s the type of blog I’m attracted to! Keep on with your fabulous self Molly! 🙂
it’s true – people are just mean sometimes and it stinks. but you you you you you are amazing. for real. thank you so much for the encouragement and the uplifting words. it means the WORLD to me!
Interesting blog. I didn’t read the whole thing but it’s neat to find out that the old HHS crew is doing well.
thanks, oscar!
Your blog is easily one of my favorite daily reads because of the honesty in your writing. Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t let the one or two haters outweigh all of the people who love and enjoy your blog. You’re awesome, and your positivism is inspiring!
lauren, thank you so much. so much. so so so so so much. wow. your comment humbled and blessed me!
Hi Molly,
I subscribe to various inspirational or motivating emails because I like the message and it makes me feel good. I received this one the other day that I wanted to share with you based on your blog today. I switched out my name for yours:
On this day of your life, Molly, I believe God wants you to know…
…that your light is seen, your heart is known, your soul
is cherished by more people than you might imagine.
If you knew how many others have been touched in
wonderful ways by you, you would be astonished. If
you knew how many people feel so much for you, you
would be shocked.
You are far more wonderful than you think you are.
Rest with that. Rest easy with that. Breathe again. You
are doing fine. More than fine. Better than fine. You’re
doin’ great. So relax. And love yourself today.
Then take in God’s love. Right now, take it in.
You deserve it.
Thanks for all you do! I love your blog and look forward to reading it every day.
gah! lisa! thank you for that. that was just the message i needed to hear. you are wonderful. for real. thank you!
So fancy with the sequins on your shorts! I still have yet to wear tights this season…I’m holding out which is weird for me.
I love your honest and real thoughts, way to share your genuine self with us in an encouraging and real way! I’m always inspired by honesty 🙂
beth, you are a blessing. so much! seriously. i’m so glad to “know” you!! 🙂
Love how honest you are in this post. I felt like I was sitting there having the conversation with you instead of just reading your thoughts. It always blows my mind when people say mean things to other people, especially to a person they don’t know. It’s sad that they don’t have more respect for people in general.
You know what though, the people that say those mean things are just miserable and want everyone else to be with them. It’s hard to brush it off..I know..but you’re a strong, beautiful, LIVELY person and if that person doesn’t have something great to say about you, then they aren’t worth your time! Keep your head up and keep being you because that’s what makes YOU so special! 🙂
ashley, thank you so much! you have no idea how much that means to me. thank you thank you thank you!
I keep thinking about the same thing. I get apprehensive sometimes when I share personal things or even funny things – worried what someone will think (Or worried more people in my real life will find out I have a blog!) and then I just remind myself that i am doing this because I love it and am going to keep doing it! Don’t let those people get to you (who would write mean comments on your blog, seriously?) I’d be sensitive to it to, but it isn’t true! you are beautiful Molly and I’m glad you have a blog to read! and I love the extra “other ways I wore it” at the end!
it’s so true!! it’s in our nature to be worried about those kinds of things. but YOU are amazing!! and so beautiful inside and out! love you!!
I love your writing style- it’s funny and real! Keep up the hard work, and don’t let stupid mean comments get to you.
thank you so much, rachel!! i try not to let them bother me 🙂 🙂
Love you. Love the look. Love this post.
I have to tell you that there are some blogs I subscribe to that I’ve noticed I skim and every time I click on your’s in my reader, I thoroughly read it because I do love your voice. (In real life and le blog) :o) Keep on keepin’ on.
love you! love you! love you. for real. you have no idea how much that meant to me!!
Hey Molly,
Girl, I think you are awesome and inspiring! Your realness, humor and creativity are so refreshing and I’m glad you started your blog and were willing to share who you are. After all, God has given you these gifts for the purpose of sharing them. I’m sure your relatability has encouraged others to be more authentic and confident. As for the mean people, just pray for them because they most likely have some sort of hurt or insecurity that they are dealing with.
Now, as far as those shorts are concerned – You betta work! You look so cute! I have to admit I am intimidated by sparkly shorts, mostly because my legs are “curvy” and shorts usually ride up and I’m left looking like a 7 year old version of me. Lol. But pairing them with tights, like you did, might help!
PS. I totally voted for you from a couple of computers already! 😉
XO Monica
monismix.blogspot.com
monica, you are a blessing. wow. thank you!! so much!!
Sometimes I feel like we really are our own worst critics! The mean people who leave comments just don’t get it, and I can’t help but let it get to me, too! But keep staying true to yourself, I love that attitude!
Xo, Rachel
Glitzy Blues
oh we TOTALLY are. i will ALWAYS be my own worst critic, but those mean comments can often get right at our biggest insecurities. thank you so much, rachel!
what the heck? what is wrong with people that they have nothing better to do than leave something nasty on someone’s blog…I’ve gotten a few here and there and it totally bummed me out–I think you rock…and your beautiful! and i voted for you btw!
right? some people just need to bring others down. and i totally know it. but you are AMAZING and always such a huge blessing and your comments mean the WORLD to me, ruthy!