Who knew sequin shorts + a flowy blouse could inspire such deep thoughts?

78 Replies

Something I often hear from people I know in real life (who also read my blog) say, “I love reading your blog because I can totally hear you speaking as I am reading what you wrote.”

And then, on the flip side, I often hear from people I meet who read my blog first and THEN meet me in real life say, “You talk exactly like you write!“

And that’s true. The former high school English teacher in me often shudders at my run-on sentences, poor syntax, and egregious use of the word awesome and various exclamation points.

I made a pact with myself when I started this little blog that I’d stay true to myself and remove all self-judgement from what I wrote or shared. Because the truth is, we’re all our own worst critics.

My blog isn’t a book or an article in the Wall Street Journal, it’s my blog, and I’ll write how I want to.

There are times when I sometimes question whether or not that‘s a good idea.

You know, “that” being all of it. My writing, my openness, and my general laissez-faire attitude about sharing the bits and pieces of my life that I want / need / choose to share.

And no, I don’t share EVERYTHING, I keep a lot of things very private. I just mean in general.

All the while, my writing is often peppered with pictures of me in what I wore on a particular day. Nothing too fancy, often wrinkled, and more often than not, purchased on clearance.

I’ve spoken before about my struggles with body image and whatnot (you know, not sexy or hilarious stuff, just raw truth), and there’s still that small voice within me that tells me I’m nuts for doing what I’m doing and that I’m only opening myself up to humiliation and criticism.

And maybe that’s true and maybe it’s not.

I’ve definitely learned a lot over the last five years, but I feel like I’ve learned more in the last two than I had in the previous three combined.

It’s hard. It’s not easy all the time. I’m happy and positive and optimistic 93.2% of the time. But there are days when I’m certainly feeling frustrated or down or whathaveyou. I mean, who doesn’t have those days?

And it’s certainly been tough at times dealing with mean comments on the blog. And I mean, MEAN comments. Not constructive criticism, just mean.

At first I let them bother me. I stewed on them. But I’ve begun to learn to use them as fuel. Fuel to get better, to do better, and to love and serve people better.

Why tear myself down when I can, instead, spend time enjoying life and bringing a smile to other’s faces?

Right? Right.

I’m aware that this was way too much deep thought for a Thursday. Not to mention too much deep thought to be juxtaposed against an outfit that involves sequin shorts and a flowy blouse.

But, I just got to thinking. And often, when I get to thinking, I get to writing.

Sue me.

Or don’t sue me.

[Sheer Yellow OVI Blouse: Fab'rik Chapel Hill (similar) | Denim Jacket: LOFT | Sequin Shorts: Express (similar) | Boots: Italy (similar) | Clutch: Clothes Hound Chapel Hill | Ivory Bubble Necklace: eBay (here for $15) | Bracelets: InPink & JCrew]

+++

Looking for more outfit inspiration?

Check out some of the other ways I’ve worn the shorts…

[Middle | Right]

Or the blouse…

[Middle | Right]

:) – Molly

PS: There’s still time to vote for my look in the Date Night contest for Lucky Magazine! Thank you SO MUCH for your support, y’all!


“19 So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. 21 The whole building, being put together by Him, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord. 22 You also are being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.” -Ephesians 2:19-22

Follow on Bloglovin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

78 thoughts on “Who knew sequin shorts + a flowy blouse could inspire such deep thoughts?”

  2. Pingback: Layering 101: How-To Layer | still being [Molly]

  3. Simone

    I love that your friends and family hear your voice while reading your blog. My family says the same thing…. but a lot of my friends don’t read my blog…how funny is that? Anyway, every woman has self doubt, blogger or not. You are gorgeous and strong (and look fab in those sequin shorts, which by the way I absolutley NEED right now!) and should be proud of that. There are SO MANY negative people in this world it makes me kind of sad. What kind of people spend their time leaving a trail of negativity??? Seriously?? Choose joy people!! Life is much too short for that!! Negativity and meanness comes mostly from insecurity. Keep that in mind and don’t let them bring you down….feel bad for them instead. ;)
    XO- Simone

    Reply ↓
  4. SmartSavvyStyle

    girl, you rock those sequin shorts. serious business or not. :) I think we all have the same struggles, and bloggers open themselves up to it a little more. We are writers by nature (?) and tend to over think things at times. I get down sometimes too. I put a lot of work into my blogs, and I don’t always see the return on investment (I’m talking community, not moola). I think you’re doing great. You are touching people’s lives in a way that no one else can…because you are you, and you are the only person who can be you. hope you had a fab weekend!
    - Heather
    SmartSavvyStyle recently posted..Insta{happy}Friday!My Profile

    Reply ↓
    1. Molly Stillman Post author

      oh it’s SO true, heather. women are women and we struggle… big time… all of us. and you are so sweet. seriously. and i think you’re an AMAZING blogger. you clearly LOVE what you do! i say that as long as you are proud of what you’re doing, always improving, then who cares what other people think? it’s easier said than done, but definitely a mantra to live by :) <3

      Reply ↓
  6. Stephanie @twenty-something

    When I first came across your blog it was the personality in your writing and your confidence that drew me to it! Your posts and general outlook on life are so refreshing and fun to read. No, of course nobody can be positive and optimistic 100% of the time, but you’re honest about that too! You share both your struggles and your triumphs and that’s what I love reading. There will always be people out there who put you down or have something mean to say, but I’m glad you don’t let it get to you anymore. Keep on keepin’ on girl! :)

    Stephanie
    Stephanie @twenty-something recently posted..20 before 25: #1 Go on a CruiseMy Profile

    Reply ↓
  7. Annamarie

    Dear Molly, I FREAKIN LOVE YOU and your blog…I love how real you are…you exude a confidence that’s inspiring and that I want to emulate…You’re just great:). and you’re beautiful and sassy, which makes me love you even more. AND your one of the nicest people I’ve never actually met. But I just know you have such a kind spirit and I’m thankful to know you in the blog world:).

    Reply ↓

  8. Pingback: Twila! A Wedding! High Fives! Oh my! | still being [Molly]

  9. Terri E

    girl. I’m so glad I finally made my way back to your blog. I adore you. Seriously. I constantly put myself down because, well, I weigh a good 40lbs more than I did 2 years ago (stupid knee injury) but it stops me from shopping or buying clothes or wearing skirts/dresses/shorts because I feel horrible. You inspire me. Your bravery and ability to take mean hurtful comments and turn them into fuel and zeal inspires me.

    CAN. NOT. WAIT. to meet you next week.
    Terri E recently posted..Do you hate me?My Profile

    Reply ↓
    1. Molly Stillman Post author

      terri. you. are. amazing. for real. you are just wonderful and i was SO BLESSED to meet you last night!! i’m sad you’re moving all the way across the country but know it’s going to be a great experience for you! please keep in touch and you KNOW i’ll be keeping up with you through your blog!

      Reply ↓
  10. CC

    You look adorable. :) And you just keep doing what you do. Your posts always make me smile and encourage me. Don’t let other people’s negative opinions and behaviors keep you from being the amazing and beautiful person God created you to be. :)
    CC recently posted..DIY Dotty FunMy Profile

    Reply ↓
  12. Rachel

    Umm, yes, those are very deep thoughts for a Thursday! Nothing wrong with that though. I’m still learning though about how best to handle mean comments, because they really can crush you.
    And you look stunning as usual!
    Rachel recently posted..Red Leather Gloves.My Profile

    Reply ↓
    1. Molly Stillman Post author

      haha right? they really can hurt, but it’s definitely a process of getting better and learning how to handle them. thank you so much for your sweet words, rachel!

      Reply ↓
  15. Meredith

    First of all this outfit is awesome. I love the tights under the shorts and your boots are gorgeous. Second of all, you seem awesome on the blog, and I have no doubt you are just as fabulous in real life. So you keep being you!! You shine girl.
    Meredith
    createthatoutfit.com
    Meredith recently posted..Grey and Bright ColorsMy Profile

    Reply ↓
  17. Alyssa

    I can’t fathom how anyone has anything BUT nice things to you, but no matter how amazing you are (which you are) there are always bound to be people who try to reinforce their own self-worth by tearing down others. I hope you know (and I’m sure you realize) that this is only a negative reflection on them, never on you! I love your blog, and your voice! xo

    -Alyssa
    The Glossy Life
    Alyssa recently posted..let’s talk: soul matesMy Profile

    Reply ↓
    1. Molly Stillman Post author

      aw, alyssa. thank you!! sometimes the world just has mean / insecure people. but seriously, thank you SO MUCH for your encouraging words. it really is one of those things that helps to refuel me and it means the world!!

      Reply ↓
  21. Marissa

    You were wearing those shorts when I met you! I loved them then and I still do! You look amazing in them.

    I love reading your blog BECAUSE of your writing. It seems real to me, like I am having a conversation with you, only one where you can’t here me talking back. What? Am I the only one that talks back to blog post? *weirdo alert* #awkward :)
    Marissa recently posted..things i want thursday and a blog hopMy Profile

    Reply ↓
  22. Anne @ anne b. good

    Molly – Thanks for being true to yourself. It’s an example for so many. Not just an example in fashion sense (which is fab) but an example in true beauty – which I have been thinking a lot about lately. As a mom, I want my daughters to have examples like you. Thanks for being real about your struggles. That is beautiful too. And, puhleeze! don’t stop writing like you talk. It makes you – and what you write about – so much more accessible. I don’t have an English teacher background and my posts are filled with errors I am sure. I figure that unless I write a book it doesn’t really matter. Of course, I do not have the number of followers that you have. I think that when the numbers increase, so must the criticism. Because right now the only people that read my posts are my family and I get absolutely minimal comments. So maybe getting criticism is a backhanded compliment: your blog is good and people are reading it! Anyways, all that is to say, be encouraged! You are beautiful! Inside and out. I’m glad I found you and your bloggy blog.
    Anne @ anne b. good recently posted..A Post About Beauty and a Letter to My Daughter(s)My Profile

    Reply ↓
    1. Molly Stillman Post author

      anne, i seriously have tears streaming down my face right now – your comment blessed me so much. the fact that you think of me as an example for your daughter just touched me so much. thank you. thank YOU for being amazing. and it’s not about numbers or quantity, but YOUR authenticity in your blog is what makes you YOU and i love that. thank you. for real. <3 love you!

      Reply ↓
  24. Kristine

    I am in LOVE with your sequin shorts! I’m also jealous that you get to still wear shorts in October. No shorts here in Minnesota still! At least not for a freeze baby like me. Also, you are adorable so do whatever you can to ignore those mean comments!
    Kristine recently posted..Oh the Places I Will GoMy Profile

    Reply ↓
  26. Lindsay

    What that’s crazy?!? I mean who could possibly say something mean about you! You are fabulous! We aren’t models, we are real people who hopefully inspire other real people. I love this outfit. Never thought I’d be a sequined shorts kinda girl, but you definitely make me want to be!
    Lindsay recently posted..wardrobe workhorses.My Profile

    Reply ↓
  27. Tiffany

    Your blog has quickly become one of my favorites to read everyday! Love your style and your writing! Thanks for all the hard work you put in for us to have a great read!

    :)

    Reply ↓
  28. Always Maylee

    Every time I see you in these sequin shorts, I totally wish that I had a pair so that we could be shorts twins. Weird? I accept that. I love the way you write and I love YOU. We all have those days, it’s a part of life!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

    Reply ↓
  29. Laura @ Twelve by Six

    It’s so crappy that some people choose to be mean for no reason whatsoever, but I’m so glad you shared your thoughts – I think it’s so helpful to the real-girl blogging community to hear other bloggers talk about their struggles with this! And I agree with other commenters – I continue reading your blog because I enjoy that you’re real and actually do share things about yourself, and I admire that! I try to be real in my writing too, especially because that’s the type of blog I’m attracted to! Keep on with your fabulous self Molly! :)
    Laura @ Twelve by Six recently posted..BootedMy Profile

    Reply ↓
    1. Molly Stillman Post author

      it’s true – people are just mean sometimes and it stinks. but you you you you you are amazing. for real. thank you so much for the encouragement and the uplifting words. it means the WORLD to me!

      Reply ↓
  31. Lauren

    Your blog is easily one of my favorite daily reads because of the honesty in your writing. Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t let the one or two haters outweigh all of the people who love and enjoy your blog. You’re awesome, and your positivism is inspiring!
    Lauren recently posted..Apple Picking & Apple CakeMy Profile

    Reply ↓
  32. Lisa DeAngelo

    Hi Molly,
    I subscribe to various inspirational or motivating emails because I like the message and it makes me feel good. I received this one the other day that I wanted to share with you based on your blog today. I switched out my name for yours:

    On this day of your life, Molly, I believe God wants you to know…
    …that your light is seen, your heart is known, your soul
    is cherished by more people than you might imagine.

    If you knew how many others have been touched in
    wonderful ways by you, you would be astonished. If
    you knew how many people feel so much for you, you
    would be shocked.

    You are far more wonderful than you think you are.
    Rest with that. Rest easy with that. Breathe again. You
    are doing fine. More than fine. Better than fine. You’re
    doin’ great. So relax. And love yourself today.

    Then take in God’s love. Right now, take it in.
    You deserve it.

    Thanks for all you do! I love your blog and look forward to reading it every day.

    Reply ↓
  33. Beth @dot in the city

    So fancy with the sequins on your shorts! I still have yet to wear tights this season…I’m holding out which is weird for me.
    I love your honest and real thoughts, way to share your genuine self with us in an encouraging and real way! I’m always inspired by honesty :)
    Beth @dot in the city recently posted..a glance of heavenly dayMy Profile

    Reply ↓
  34. Ashley {The North Carolina Cowgirl}

    Love how honest you are in this post. I felt like I was sitting there having the conversation with you instead of just reading your thoughts. It always blows my mind when people say mean things to other people, especially to a person they don’t know. It’s sad that they don’t have more respect for people in general.
    You know what though, the people that say those mean things are just miserable and want everyone else to be with them. It’s hard to brush it off..I know..but you’re a strong, beautiful, LIVELY person and if that person doesn’t have something great to say about you, then they aren’t worth your time! Keep your head up and keep being you because that’s what makes YOU so special! :)
    Ashley {The North Carolina Cowgirl} recently posted..Camping and Trail Riding at Leatherwood MountainsMy Profile

    Reply ↓
  35. Katie

    I keep thinking about the same thing. I get apprehensive sometimes when I share personal things or even funny things – worried what someone will think (Or worried more people in my real life will find out I have a blog!) and then I just remind myself that i am doing this because I love it and am going to keep doing it! Don’t let those people get to you (who would write mean comments on your blog, seriously?) I’d be sensitive to it to, but it isn’t true! you are beautiful Molly and I’m glad you have a blog to read! and I love the extra “other ways I wore it” at the end!
    Katie recently posted..The little things and a giveawayMy Profile

    Reply ↓
  37. Lindsay Gaines

    Love you. Love the look. Love this post.

    I have to tell you that there are some blogs I subscribe to that I’ve noticed I skim and every time I click on your’s in my reader, I thoroughly read it because I do love your voice. (In real life and le blog) :o ) Keep on keepin’ on.
    Lindsay Gaines recently posted..Furry LoveMy Profile

    Reply ↓
  38. Monica

    Hey Molly,

    Girl, I think you are awesome and inspiring! Your realness, humor and creativity are so refreshing and I’m glad you started your blog and were willing to share who you are. After all, God has given you these gifts for the purpose of sharing them. I’m sure your relatability has encouraged others to be more authentic and confident. As for the mean people, just pray for them because they most likely have some sort of hurt or insecurity that they are dealing with.

    Now, as far as those shorts are concerned – You betta work! You look so cute! I have to admit I am intimidated by sparkly shorts, mostly because my legs are “curvy” and shorts usually ride up and I’m left looking like a 7 year old version of me. Lol. But pairing them with tights, like you did, might help!

    PS. I totally voted for you from a couple of computers already! ;-)

    XO Monica
    monismix.blogspot.com
    Monica recently posted..OOTD: Fuchsia & MustardMy Profile

    Reply ↓
  40. Ruthy T. (@DiscoveryStreet)

    what the heck? what is wrong with people that they have nothing better to do than leave something nasty on someone’s blog…I’ve gotten a few here and there and it totally bummed me out–I think you rock…and your beautiful! and i voted for you btw!
    Ruthy T. (@DiscoveryStreet) recently posted..Father FigureMy Profile

    Reply ↓
    1. Molly Stillman Post author

      right? some people just need to bring others down. and i totally know it. but you are AMAZING and always such a huge blessing and your comments mean the WORLD to me, ruthy!

      Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

CommentLuv badge