Finding new challenges to up my body positive game is starting to get a little difficult. I killed crop topping, nailed fuzzy pits, and totes conquered my VBO fears. Every new challenge has left me feeling freer with more adopted options on how to show my body. The only problem now is that it feels like I’m running out of flaming hoops through which to jump.
And then keyholes came back.
Photo credit: Jessica Shirley-Donnelly
That is one thing I appreciate about fashion. Some trends do force me out of my comfort zone. Low-ass keyholes made it impossible to find a bra that wouldn’t show, which led me to discover the futility of stick-on bras for D cups attached to fat women holy crap they are horribly useless.
Photo credit: Jessica Shirley-Donnelly
Epiphanies happen when I see myself struggling to look a certain way. Sometimes when I question why, I find there is no good reason. However, this time there was SOME substance behind the struggle. After figuring out that I wouldn’t hate showing the natural shape of my breasts (god forbid) or even the protrusion of my nipples (gasp), one very real concern remained.
“Hi. I’m boob sweat. We’ve met.”
Photo credit: Jessica Shirley-Donnelly
Luckily, I have also met Rachel at Re/Dress who introduced me to the miracle that is the Teggings cage bra. Before this shoot, I would basically use them as crop tops or as added visual interest to a top or dress, always with a bra underneath since they are not at all supportive. But by themselves, they are comfy and moisture-wicking AF.
Photo credit: Jessica Shirley-Donnelly
Photo credit: Jessica Shirley-Donnelly
I really liked how the cage bra peaked out of the dress in this look and the little pop of color it added. But before you go all “hey you said braless and that’s a bra meow meow meow” on me, let’s move onto the next couple of looks.
Photo credit: Jessica Shirley-Donnelly
There. I am completely without a bra here, clearly because I am smiling. God, bras suck. Anyway, you can also see it is quite sunny and warm and my boobs are not crying salty tears. How did I achieve this?
Step One: Rip off three squares of TP.
Step Two: Fold them over twice.
Step Three: Stuff them under one boob.
Step Four: Repeat.
Step Five: Go about your damn life.
Step Six: Chuckle heartily when they plop onto the floor after taking your shirt off for bed and completely forgetting they existed.
Photo credit: Jessica Shirley-Donnelly
Photo credit: Jessica Shirley-Donnelly
This is actually my favorite solution. I did a bit of research on how to go braless while avoiding excess sweat and the advice seemed pretty wack. Someone swore by argon oil (yeah no, at least sweat doesn’t actually stain my clothes) while others recommended spray antiperspirant. I don’t even wear that shit on my armpits because of how much it ruined my tops let alone would I trust it to not wreak havoc on the sensitive skin under my breasts. Hands down, toilet paper never fails. It stays in place, it does the job, and its cheap!
Photo credit: Jessica Shirley-Donnelly
Hello nipples! I really did think the world would stop spinning if people could see my nips. And by people, I mean terrible, leering, gross men. But I quickly learned that if my ample rack in a bra doesn’t get me harassed constantly (which it doesn’t, only occasionally, which is far too often because men suck ANYHOO), neither will my nipples. It’s just not as far as a leap and I thought it would be.
Photo credit: Jessica Shirley-Donnelly
Photo credit: Jessica Shirley-Donnelly
I mean, I still remember the episode of Oprah where she caught her own nipples poking out from underneath her turtleneck and had an absolute shit fit, like it was the most embarrassing thing in the universe. The next week, she was talking about pasties like they paid her Weight Watchers money. It is but one parable in my personal bible of body shame. Little by little, I’m ripping that fucker up. Join me?
Photo credit: Jessica Shirley-Donnelly
Shopping Linkies:
Teggings Cage Bra | Re/Dress
Floral Bodysuit | Forever 21
Ribbed Bodysuit | Forever 21
Gold Pointed Heels | ASOS
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