Boudoir, Body Positivity & Bathing Suits

March was a month of self-growth, self-love and embracing body positivity.  For over a year I have been contemplating scheduling a photo shoot with the amazing Cheyenne Gil. I had sent her emails and stalked her Instagram page a million times before I finally decided to take the plunge. So for March, my challenge was showing up and giving my all to a wonderful and freeing boudoir shoot with her.

Photo By Cheyenne Gil Boudoir

Although I don’t want to post all my pictures from the Boudoir shoot here… here is a sample. I would love to share some more to select people that are interested!

Partaking in the photo shoot with Cheyenne was both nerve wracking and exciting. I had to allow myself to be open and free and fully embrace and love my body. Since I had booked the shoot months in advance, I was slightly nervous about my decision. Just a week before I had completed the Disney Princess Half Marathon (read about my experience here) and pushed my body to do amazing things. But at the same time I was at the highest weight that I had ever been at.

Lost Bros Tee Trio Pic Casual OutfitI showed up to the shoot ready and willing to put in some work. I blasted some Beyonce on my ride down to Philadelphia and shifted into a mindset that it was now or never for me. After she took the first few shots, she showed me the back screen of her camera and I was in awe. I could not believe that the person I was seeing was me! I thought that I had made leaps and bounds on my self-love journey, but a shoot with Cheyenne took it to the next level.

Kicking WaterOne other place where I really have to channel my self-love and body positivity? Disney. Although the body positive movement has grown leaps and bounds lately, that has not always been the case. When I began to gain weight in high school it really took a toll on my self-confidence. I began to change and limit the things that I would wear. Shorts and sundresses quickly turned into long pants and slightly baggier shirts.

Mermaid Bathing Suit On DockWhen you think of Disney World, what comes to mind? For most people one of the top 5 answers on their list would most likely be hot & humid weather. After years of hearing people in my life tell me I shouldn’t wear certain things, I decided that not only was life too short- but Orlando was also too hot. I started wearing shorts to Disney World. And I was SO glad I did.

Mermaid Bathing Suit WaterfallI’ve come to the conclusion that 9 times out of 10 people are having too much fun on their own vacation to judge you and what you are wearing. Now, I wear shorts, crop tops, two-piece bathing suits, and whatever else makes ME feel comfortable in the Florida sun. It does not matter if you are a size 2 or a size 22- you should wear what is going to make you happiest.

Lost Bros TeeAs someone who has been plus sized for a decent chunk of their life, I’ve gone through a lot of trial an error with my clothing choices. Here is some advice I have for any of my fellow plus size babes who will be touring any of the theme parks in the near future:

  • My number one rule of thumb when wearing shorts is to always use something to help prevent the awful thigh chafing. My top two picks: Body Glide or Chafezone. I’ve also heard good things about Monistat Chafing Relief Gel.
  • If you are wearing a sundress, lightweight shorts or bands can also help prevent chafing. I recently heard about Bandelettes and they look awesome- I can’t wait to give them a try.
  • Always try on the outfits you plan on wearing while you’re packing or prepping for the parks. Test out all your movements- sit, bend, climb some stairs- any type of maneuver you may need to do at the parks. As someone with an ample backside, the WORST is when I go to sit down to watch a parade or the fireworks and my pants start falling down in the back.
  • This is not the time to test out new shoes. Make sure you’ve worn any shoes that you bring on at least one other occasion where you’ve done a decent amount of walking. I also make sure to bring at least 3 pairs of shoes so that I can rotate in case of pain or blisters.
  • Wear a breathable top. Don’t cover up with bulky fabric because you will SWEAT. If for you that means a loose, light weight tee shirt- go for it. If you feel comfortable in a tank, even better. For me, my core gets really overheated and wear a slightly cropped tee makes a world of a difference! On my last trip I wore and awesome crop top by Park Hoppers on Parade and I actually got compliments on my look!
  • For swimwear, wear what makes you comfortable. For me, it is a two piece with a slightly high waist and a supportive top because I love hitting up the water slides. That way, I am still cool and stylish, but feel secure when I’m zooming down the slides.
Park Hoppers On Parade Crop

The “Remain Seated Please” crop from Park Hoppers on Parade that I got compliments on!

I would love to hear what tips you have for dressing at Disney when you’re plus size. What shops have you found that accommodate to bigger sizes?

Collage Mermaid Bathing SuitFor this look, I covered a beach, casual, and going out look. I could rock these looks at home in New Jersey or at Disney when hitting up the pools, the parks, and a dinner at Disney Springs after.

Collage of Three OutfitsOutfit details:

Boudoir Photo By: Cheyenne Gil
Other Photos BY: Carlos Benavides

see ya real soon signature

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