Today, I’m sharing a photo of myself in a dress I almost didn’t wear.

Why? Because I hate my arms.

The funny thing is, I wasn’t big my whole life. But as I entered my 40s, my body started to change in ways I didn’t expect—and now at 50, I’m learning to embrace it all.

Here’s what I’ve realized: it doesn’t matter whether you’re a size 1 or a 3X—every woman has something she picks apart about her body. We all have insecurities, little things we wish we could change, or areas we try to hide.

For years, I’ve said things like, “I’ll buy that dress once I lose a few more pounds,” or “I’ll wear sleeveless tops again once my arms look better.”

Truth: I just donated a pair of Guess Jeans I had in my 20's pre kids because one day.. oh yes and  I packed and moved them to each home like some heirloom....

But lately, I’ve come to see how much of life we put on hold while waiting for our bodies to look a certain way. And sometimes, weight doesn’t come off as easily as it once did—thanks to age, hormones, health, or just the curveballs of life.

And yet…we still deserve to feel beautiful and express ourselves through fashion. Right now.

For me, dressing up—even when I felt uncomfortable—has helped me feel better in my own skin. I’ve been losing some weight lately, but more importantly, my mindset has shifted. I’m done waiting for “someday.” and honestly embracing the skin I'm in now I've never felt more confident. 

Fashion isn’t just about clothes—it’s about how you feel when you wear them. It’s about putting on something beautiful and remembering that your worth doesn’t change with a number on a scale.

Here are a few things that have helped me feel more confident and healthier on my journey:

💫 Dress for the size you are now. Stop punishing yourself by waiting for “goal weight clothes.” Wearing pieces you love—right now—boosts your confidence and tells your brain you’re worth it. 

💫 Play with color and details. A bright scarf, a fun earring, or yes—a dress with pockets—can make you feel put-together even on days you’re struggling. Mood shift bonus.

💫 Ask someone you trust. A big part of me wearing this dress was thanks to Trish making me. I’m kidding… sort of! She encouraged me to do a try-on session, and I fell in love with this dress when It came in — but I was hung up on my arms and with the heat and the adorable bows I didn't want to cover it with my go to jacket. I trust her judgment completely, and I knew she’d tell me honestly, “No girl, not for you,” if it didn’t look good. You know which friend is that person in your life—the one who loves you enough to be honest and cheer you on. Let them help you see yourself through kinder eyes.

💫 Move in ways that feel good. You don’t have to join a bootcamp. A daily walk, dancing in your kitchen, or stretching while watching TV all count. 

💫 Focus on little diet tweaks, not deprivation. For me, simple changes like limiting soda down to one can or a treat for flavored or sparkling water, reducing sugar or switching to almond milk in my coffee, or adding more veggies to meals made a difference without feeling overwhelming.

💫 Mind your self-talk. I try to catch myself when I say harsh things about my body. Instead, I remind myself: “I’m allowed to show up and feel beautiful at any size.”

So today, I’m wearing the dress. Arms out. Smile on. And I hope you’ll wear whatever makes you feel beautiful, too.

Let’s stop waiting for someday—and start celebrating ourselves right where we are. Because whether you’re a size 1 or a 3X, you deserve to feel amazing.

💖 XOXO - Kimberly
Styled Reverie