{Keeping it Real}: Why I am comfortable being myself ;)

Colorful Outfit 

  Hello everyone! A lovely reader asked me the other day how I manage to have the courage to dress the way I do without any fear of what other's may think. I thought it was a great question and I would love to share with all of you how I have become confident enough to be myself despite the opinion of others.

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In Panama most everyone dresses the same:

  First of all I think it is important to point out that in Panama (my home country in case you didn't know) most everyone dresses the same. You can find most women wearing jeans, a nice blouse, and a pair of heels; or a pretty dress with a pair of heels. Of course there is nothing wrong with that, but there aren't that many people here who dare push the envelope and make a statement. I would like to think that I am one of those people who step out of the box from time to time (blue tights anyone?!).

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I was raised to be different:

  I would have to say that the main reason why I am not afraid of what other people think of me is because of my parents. Ever since I can remember my parents have been encouraging me to be myself no matter what. My parents taught me that being different is a good thing and that this is precisely what makes us unique. Why would we want to be like everyone else in the world when you can be you?

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My brother also played his roll:

   Its funny for me to think that Tom, one of my three brothers, actually played a huge role in this as well. When we were children, Tom would tease me to no end. With the smallest of jokes or childish insults, I would always end up crying in a corner with my feelings hurt. My father taught me that the only way I wouldn't get hurt would be if I put a shield in front of my heart and wouldn't let anyone's words affect me. I know that sounds childish, but putting this advice to good use with my brother made me a master in not caring about what other people think. 

Note: in case you are wondering, my brother Tom and I get along wonderfully now ;)


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Having a supportive boyfriend or friend helps:

   I haven't always been confident enough to wear daring things you know. When I was in high school, I would wear your typical jeans + a t-shirt + sneakers combo pretty much every day. It was when I started dating my boyfriend Alejandro that I built up my confidence enough to step out of the box. The fact that he loves me no matter what I wear allows me to take risks without the fear of being judged.

   While my boyfriend and I were in collage together in the U.S., I started to test new styles and take more risks when it came to fashion. All of the other college girls would wear their Ugg boots, leggings, and North Face jackets (not that there is anything wrong with that); whereas I would strut down the halls with my bright printed dresses, bold purple tights, and funky looking hats. I got a lot of stares, but I knew it didn't matter because I was being true to myself.

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Live your life for yourself, not others:

   If I were to be completely honest, I would have to say that I actually enjoy being different from others. I  enjoy being the crazy girl wearing blue tights; or the wacky women walking around with a bold hat. That is who I am and I like to demonstrate it. I like to show others that they have no power over me and that I am free to live my life as I see fit. We only have one life to live, so why live it just trying to please others?

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   To sum up, I hope you all remember that being different is what makes you special! Never compromise who you are and what you love for the fear of what other people may think of you. You are perfect just the way you are, so don't be afraid to always follow your heart. 

Colorful Outfit


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42 comments

  1. I like your blog even more now, if it's ever possible. Thank you for this inspirational post, every word you said was very thought provoking and now I know that when I need someone to guide me through hard times, I'll take a look at this post. Thank you!


    http://www.le-young.com

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  2. You are a true gem, Marie. Keep up being yourself, that's what we all love about you! :)

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  3. So nice pictures! :)

    http://gabisade.blogspot.com/

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  4. LOVE THIS! You go Marie! Your style is gorgeous. Don't change a thing! Your use of color, prints and accessories is classy. Your support system is amazing. I love your style. Have a great weekend.

    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  5. this is a lovely post and sweet message!

    kw, ladies in navy

    jewelry giveaway!

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  6. What a great post Marie, i do believe that you have to be yourself and the way one dresses is a great way of doing so.

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  7. It had been some time since I visited web site with such quality information.

    Thansk loads for the helpful info

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  8. You are too cute. I agree with you 100%.

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  9. If your blog had a 'Like' button I'd definitely press it! Great post, great message. (Also, your style is awesome, so by all means, keep at it!)

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  10. i love this post, marie! whether you realize it or not, you are a huge inspiration to other people like your readers to be stronger and more individual, just like your dad and brother taught you to be! i hope you are having an amazing trip!

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  11. What a wonderfully amazing post, Weezie. You are a pride and joy for our unconventional family ;)

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  12. Great post! It was the same where I grew up- everyone dressed the same out in the country. I was the one dressed up in heels and dresses while everyone was in jeans and cowboy boots- haha. I agree that it takes self confidence to take the chance in dressing differently. I think most people conform because they are afraid to step out of their shell.
    I always enjoy looking at your posts because you dress so colorful! Keep up the good work. ;)

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  13. What a fabulous answer to the question, very inspiring. I love your style, the colours and prints and creativity, just so fun and happy. It is the same here; everyone seems to dress the same and very casually. I enjoy dressing differently too


    tia-cherie.blogspot.com

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  14. Wow, Marie, this is such an inspiring post! One of my favourites, definitely <3 I think it is amazing that you dare to be yourself, especially since there's nothing even a tiny bit 'weird' about you or your style. You always look fantastic and I've come to adore the person you are, because you are lovely and one of the nicest and sweetest people I've ever met! Don't ever stop being you, and I'll do my very best to keep your advice in mind when I'm in doubt about whether I have to courage to wear a particular outfit or not! :)

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  15. This is such a lovely post!!! I love love love that checkered red skirt. Wow, all of your outfits are beautiful though. I think this is such a positive and important post and it makes me really happy.

    iwantyourkittens.blogspot.com

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  16. I love this post, it's so inspirational. Sometimes I struggle with this so reading this was such a big help. I love your style and I love how you stay true to it :)

    ngofficial.blogspot.co.uk

    <3

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  17. You are such a sweetie. I've said it before, but your clothing matches your personality- you are so bright and sweet and fun. It shows through in your smile and in your clothes!

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  18. Excellent post & very inspiring :)
    Thanks for sharing...

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  19. Wao, thank you so much Eda! It really means a lot to me to hear that you liked this post. I really appreciate it!

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  20. Aaawww you are too sweet Julie, thank you so so much ;)

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  21. Thank you Lorena!! Glad to hear you agree!

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  22. aaawww thank you so much!! Glad to hear we both think the same on this matter. And thank you so much for always stopping by my blog and leaving such sweet comments, I really appreciate it!

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  23. You are too sweet Line!!! Thank you so much for your kind words!

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  24. Wao Heidi, thank you so much. I truly cannot believe that I could be an inspiration to others, I am so flattered at your kind words. Thank you so very much.

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  25. Thank you so much Ali!!! I am so flattered to hear that I may have inspired you to be yourself, that means so much to me. Thank you so much.

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  26. Thank you Becky!!! I miss you so much and love you very much!

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  27. Thank you Heidi!! I definitely agree that it takes self confidence to dress differently then others. It makes me so happy to hear that you were (and still are) true to yourself despite what other people wear. Congratulations!

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  28. Oh JB, you totally deserve the best dressed award!!! Congratulations for also discovering the importance of being true to yourself no matter what others may think. You have such an amazing style and I always enjoy seeing your unique outfits, so congratulations for being exactly who you are!

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  29. Thank you so so very much!!! It makes me incredibly happy to hear you like my style and that you enjoyed this post. It makes me even happier to hear you enjoy dressing differently and being true to yourself, congratulations!

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  30. Oh Jody, could you be any sweeter? I mean seriously!! I wish you could see the smile from ear to ear that is on my face right now. It has been a true pleasure to get to know you and I always enjoy reading your super sweet words. Thank you so very much!

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  31. Thank you so much Camelia!! It means a lot to me to hear you like my style and that you enjoyed the message of this post!

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  32. Thank you Natasha!!! Yaaaiii, if I could serve even in the smallest way towards you feeling confident about your own sense of style than all the hard work I put into my blog would definitely be worth it. You are so sweet, thank you so much for your kind words.

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  33. Thank you Katie!!! I definitely would like to think that I am a happy and cheerful person, so it really makes me smile to hear that you feel it shows through my style and the way I dress! YAI! Thank you for all your kind words!

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  34. Thank you so much!! So glad to hear you enjoyed it!

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  35. Thank you so much for this lovely post! After reading it I went straight to my closet and picked out a dress to wear to work - I am going to wear dresses regardless of what other people think! :)

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  36. This is a fantastic post! Your posts always radiate happiness and confidence. Thank you for sharing your secret. :)

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  37. Wao, really Camilla?!?!?! I can't believe this post inspired you to wear dresses to work, that is absolutely fantastic! You have definitely made my day!!! Thank you and keep true to yourself no matter what!

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  38. Aaawww I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this post. I really appreciate you saying that I radiate happiness and confidence, that is so sweet of you. Thank you so much.

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  39. What a great post! Love your style and attitude!

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  40. Marie! Loved reading this post. It's actually really cool to see a combo of things that have made you confident (and never afraid of a little color- I love that!). I can totally relate, having 4 brothers that grew up teasing me as well! Kinda makes any other insults not so bad :) I can only imagine you being a student in the US where, yes it's true, girls stick to Uggs and yoga pants, with your crazy bright outfits! That's awesome though. Thanks for sharing.

    perfectly priya

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  41. Hai Marie, I'm your reader from Indonesia. When I googled fashion tips for pear shaped body I found your blog and continue to write your posts then found this one. I thank you because when I read this I personally inspired. I am that person who constantly hesitate to dress up because I am afraid with what people think and talk about me. Thank you because your words encourage me to be confident and to be true to my self.
    I see you love to travel, hopefully you will travel to Indonesia someday because here we have many amazing and cool places other than Bali (it is just a tip of an iceberg) :D


    God bless you, Marie!
    Ester

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Thank you so much for visiting my blog and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it!