This post is sponsored by Playtex intimates. All opinions and views are my own.
This post is sponsored by Playtex intimates. All opinions and views are my own.
When people ask me why I got into blogging, for me, the answer is twofold. One, I love fashion, obviously. But more importantly, I love to empower other women. Before I started Two Peas, I wasn’t that empowered myself. And putting myself out there on the internet was really hard at first. The first year, I tried to stay away from the tough topics: body image, relationships, anxiety. But once I started feeling a real connection with our readers, I began to open up. I’ll never forget how scared I was to post my first body positivity post. “What would people think?” “I can’t believe I’m posing in a swimsuit on the internet.” All of these doubts and questions kept popping up in my brain. But it is because of all of you, that body positivity has become my most important job, and something that I am truly passionate about.
Before I quit my job, I remember taking a very exciting conference call during lunch one day. Fast forward a month or so, and I was signed on to take part in the Playtex Love My Curves #PlaytexPositivity campaign! If you recall back in June, I shared a lot of behind the scenes from my shoot in North Carolina. People kept telling me I was so brave to spend the entire day in my bra and underwear. Which is true, but it was for a REALLY good reason. This is without a doubt, the most meaningful thing I have ever been involved in and I feel so blessed that I was able to play a small part in this historic campaign.
When I first heard the premise behind the campaign I was giddy with excitement. It was all about loving your curves, embracing body diversity, complimenting other women, and feeling beautiful in the skin you’re in and your bra and underwear. YES PLEASE!
That being said, it wasn’t such an easy road. The week before I flew out to shoot this, I was hit pretty hard with some body shaming on the internet. That made me really nervous to put myself out there once again. Looking back now, I’m actually grateful that it happened when it did. It allowed me to really let my guard down, and allowed myself to be my most vulnerable self.
Something I have actually never touched on before, is the struggle for me to find a comfortable bra that I love. You guys always ask me on IG stories what bras I’m wearing during my try on sessions, and the answer used to always be embarrassing for me: “none.” I have always felt so awkward and uncomfortable in most bras. You always know that you’re wearing one, you’re constantly moving it around, adjusting the straps, and trying to pretend you don’t notice it digging into your ribcage.
This is something that never gets talked about. As a curvier girl with a pretty big chest — it’s a struggle; and near impossible to find a comfortable bra that fits right and is pretty.
When I first got the Playtex samples, I was pleasantly surprised. I managed to wear the bra the entire day without hating it! I loved having more support than with the bralettes that I usually wear. When we finally got to the set and got to try on the whole line, I was obsessed! Everything was so soft, smooth and supportive. I loved every single one! The fabric was all so smooth, and I loved all the colors and prints!
The whole day was truly life changing. I am so happy I got to meet Crystal and Nicole. I am so happy we got asked the tough questions — even though some of them brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy I had to truly think about why I was doing this and the impact I wanted to have on other women. I learned a lot about myself that day. Things I had never even thought about like when I decided to embrace my curves, why women have such a hard time complimenting one another, or why I get so awkward when someone compliments me. It made me feel so grateful for all of the supportive people in my life. It made me care less about all of the trolls and body shamers. And most importantly, it made me feel optimistic that the world is maybe finally taking the necessary steps to see beauty beyond size.
I left North Carolina feeling so fulfilled, proud and excited. I would never trade in my experience on set that day for anything. I left feeling like I can truly make a difference in women’s lives and that my message of body positivity is important. I am so excited to finally be able to share this campaign, and new Playtex collection, with you guys.
There is a way for you to get involved too! Post on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and share how you will spread #PlaytexPositivity by lifting up and complimenting a friend, a stranger, a colleague, or family member using the hashtag!
