Fashion

Finding Confidence in a Postpartum Body

Bad Apple-11

Lately, I have not been feeling like myself. I’m struggling with third-kid postpartum body image, having a diastasis recti that I’m working to slowly heal while also being 60lbs heavier than I’m used to, and getting dressed and having to wear stuff that is nursing and kid friendly gets overwhelming. My hair is in that weird middle ground where it’s not long enough or short enough unless I style it so it’s up in a bun most days (and not a cute bun either) and my skin is doing that flare-up-with-acne thing it does whenever I stupidly try a new skincare routine. I’m just in a sweatpants rut. Or a “that one dress that is basically sweatpants but as a dress” rut.

I’ve bought about 20 different makeup items in the last month or two that I haven’t used yet. I’ve bought 5-7 dresses and skirts I haven’t worn. I wake up in the morning, throw on my usual stretchy dress with no bra, and ignore that I feel crappy as I get everything done. I’ve only really gotten dressed basically… when I have to leave the house for groceries or appointments. And we get groceries delivered weekly, so leaving the house is minimal these days.

Bad Apple-9 Dress, vintage (similar here, here, here) | earrings, vintage (similar here, here, here) | Shoes, Amazon | brooch, vintage (similar here, here, here)

Bad Apple-22Bad Apple-25Bad Apple-21

So I’ve challenged myself to actually carve out time for myself to get dressed and do my hair and makeup, and feel pretty. I love this dress a LOT and I’m wearing the new Colourpop Villains line — the Evil Queen and Bad Apple lipstick and lip gloss, and the Cruella De Vil jelly eyeshadow and highlighter. So of course, I had to do a slight nod to Snow White with the apple and roses. 

Today I feel pretty. And not because I had to go anywhere. I feel pretty for me. And that’s a good feeling!

Now if only someone could make a longline retro bra that was breastfeeding friendly, life would be a little more perfect. Because I’m still struggling to find a good bra for breastfeeding that gives a bit more structure than the one I wear without being super uncomfortable. Any suggestions?

Bad Apple-5Bad Apple-24Bad Apple-14 Dress, vintage (similar here, here, here) | earrings, vintage (similar here, here, here) | Shoes, Amazon | brooch, vintage (similar here, here, here)