I dislike the word flaws when describing any physical thing on a body. I’ve learned that what we may see as flaws are actually stories and beauy marks. And while it takes a lot of time, patience, community, and hopefully, self-acceptance, the work is often worth it.
Lately, I’ve been happy with the insurgence of odd and glorious beauty-marks shown by celebrities and those with influence, with true and clear intention. I know, that as a kid, having large patches of white skin didn’t feel normal and it also wasn’t displayed on commercials or ads.
These days, there’s a book with me baring my body and my skin, and it’ll live beyond me. There are days that a book seems illusive, and I am challenged to wear things that push against an auto-body-response. A response that says, cover up, no one wants to see that. That, meaning the marks. Lately, that, also means thick thighs and invisible cleavage, too.
Whatever that is for you, I hope you can join me this summer in an attempt to shut off that response. Style the short shorts. Style the beauty marks.
Here’s what I did it with…
+ Vintage Paisley dress here and here + Short shorts here and here + Sandals I am coveting, and a signature bag (here too).
(photography by Amanda Petersen for LaTonya Yvette)
I think you look fabulous and I am continuously trying to live me, bohemian, showing some leg 48 year old. So good on you, keep being you.
This is amazing to read. Thank you for sharing the encouragement and as a reminder that we can do us at any age!
x
I’m exactly in this headspace right now, trying to push past the inner critic telling me what I ‘should’ and ‘shouldn’t’ wear for summer. It’s slow and difficult work with a lot of steps backwards, but I can feel the inner critic getting quieter.
And as always you look amazing, LaTonya! x
Katherine, I love this! It is totally about shutting the critic down.. slow and steady, for sure. I’m excited to see what you wear this summer?
x
L