Glam

Thursday, 3 July 2014

Turning 25 & Getting Naked....Obviously.

Today is my birthday - the day I turn 25.

And this second half of the year is where everything changes. There are so many things in my life that I am sat on the fence with - whether it be my career, blog, friendships, relationships or myself I just appear to find it near on impossible to make decisions based on me, because, well, what if it’s the wrong one? Well enough is enough.

Body confidence is something I’ve never had. I remember starting a new school when I was 11 and it was the first time I’d ever had sexuality pressed on me, looking back that seems so young, but these worries are inflicted on us early and from then until now I’ve been a nervous wreck about the way I look. 
There’s no denying I am a small build, to some it might seem a blessing and for the most part I’m grateful for it, but behind closed doors I have to fight to keep weight on and if my appetite slips I face battles with the public and my loved ones about how I look. 

Breasts? What breasts? That’s been my main demon to fight. I’ve been with Daniel for almost 7 years but for the first 6 months of our relationship my bra was firmly on, no touching, nada. I’ve been through a lot lately, none of which I’m ready to share but if one positive thing has come from it, it’s that I’ve learnt I need to love myself before anyone else can. I need to embrace my body, because it’s the only one I’ve got. I need to own the skin I’m in and celebrate what my mumma gave me (even if she was being a little bit stingy ;)). 

So when Laura shared her photos for project I almost died on the spot. She was naked and beautiful and confident.  My second thought (after thinking, good GOD this woman is the bomb) was: envy. Why didn’t I feel like that about myself? Why didn’t my body curve in that way? Why didn’t I look so utterly beautiful in my own skin? Because I hadn’t owned it. Because I hadn’t let myself appreciate those imperfections I’d detested for so long. It was like the universe was screaming out to me, that this isn’t the way it should be. I am beautiful and I am sexy and I am strong and so, when messaged and asked if I’d like to shoot with her, like, get naked and put it on the internet, I said yes. I mean, it wasn’t as simple as that, I fought with myself for weeks about whether it was the right thing to do and the night before was the only time I was 100% sure it was going to happen. But if there was anyone I was going to do it with, it was her. Her work is raw, emotional, you feel it – and that’s art. If I was going to celebrate my body I didn’t want it to be about being obvious, I just wanted to be me, what you see is what you get. 
 
Alex knew how utterly nervous I was and greeted me with the biggest squeeze and then we just chatted for half an hour about life and nothing to do with being naked at all. We started the shoot in one of my favourite dresses, because it makes me feel pretty. And then I tipped a bag of my undies on the floor and picked out my favourites. After posing in my panties I realised, it was my decision now, I just need to get naked, or don’t and so I did. I surprised myself at how blasé I was about it. My heart was pounding, my palms were sweaty and then I just let go – literally. ‘Sod it’ I said, ‘we might as well just go for it’. 'Amazing' she replied.

I felt empowered, free and liberated but it wasn’t until Alex sent me the edits through that I felt amazing. Everything I’d ever scrutinised about my body just fell away and it was (or is) quite possibly the best I’ve ever felt. 
Tears prick the back of my eyes as I write this down - anyone who finds themselves battling body confidence will understand the feeling of relief to feel comfortable, confident and beautiful. I am what I am and I’m making it work for me. From this day forward I won’t put my body down. And if I ever feel like it I’ll look at these photos and smile, because why shouldn’t I be proud that I can get butt naked in front of a woman I’ve never met and share the results of it on the internet? 
There are three ladies that made it happen. , who I owe everything, for giving me the push to believe – she already knows how grateful I am. 
The wonderful who’s skills are that of a goddess. There are few people in this world who within just a few hours can make you feel like an old friend, someone who simply understands and believes the way you do. That can capture your feelings, your life with the click of a button. She is a force to be reckoned with and I’m so privileged to have worked with her. 

Lastly, myself. Because I’m naked and ‘aint no-one responsible for that but me.
WHAT I WORE: Virgos Lounge Dress. Triangl Isabel Licorice Lingerie Set. Handmade Cream Set.
If you want to feel wonderful (naked or not!) and truly understand what an icredible photographer is made of then you're a lucky bean. Alex has kindly offered my readers a whopping 15% off any shoots booked before the end of August! 
Shoots start from less than £100 and all you have to do is quote 'Wonderful You' when you email her ().
To keep up with her work, follow her on , and . That girl can teach us all a thing or two about taking selfies!

Thank you, - you're a gem.


102 comments:

  1. 3 July 2014 at 09:35

    Megs you absolute BABE. You look beautiful, but more importantly you're such a brave and incredible lady on the inside. So much respect for you, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY you fabulous thing xxx

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:27

      Thank you so much sweetie. It was the single most scary thing I've ever done but felt so wonderful at the same time <3 xxx

  • 3 July 2014 at 09:36

    Amazing pictures! :D

    Reply
  • 3 July 2014 at 09:54

    You look absolutely AMAZING, you're so brave for doing this, I don't think I'd ever be confident enough to do it but you OWNED it!
    xx

    Salted Roses // UK Fashion Blog

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:28

      Thank you Amy. You totally CAN do it, I promise! I can't explain just how much I've struggled with it and I never thought I'd be able to do something like it, but it's hands down the best thing I've ever done. Totally recommend it xxx

  • 3 July 2014 at 09:57

    You look absolutely breathtaking Megs - you should be so proud of yourself! And of course, Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day :)

    SHY LIKE

    Reply
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    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:29

      Thank you sweet, I had the best day! :-)

  • 3 July 2014 at 09:58

    You look simply beautiful.
    So proud of you x

    Reply
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    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:30

      Love you xx

  • 3 July 2014 at 10:02

    You look absolutely stunning in each of these images, you go girl! x

    http://theressomethingaboutalice.blogspot.co.uk/

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:30

      Thank you Alice!

  • 3 July 2014 at 10:16

    I love this post, go you! I think most people struggle with body confidence, I know I do. You look wonderful in these photos, your so brave having them taken
    Lauren
    livinginaboxx

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:33

      Thank you Lauren. I'm sure more people than not struggle with it, but I certainly feel so much better for doing it xx

  • 3 July 2014 at 10:31

    Absolutely stunning, kudos to you for owning yourself and putting it all out there! xo

    Reply
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    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:34

      Thank you Jessica!

  • 3 July 2014 at 11:09

    You look amazing and should be so proud! You are truly inspiring :)
    Ceira x

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:34

      Thank you so much Ceira!x

  • 3 July 2014 at 11:46

    You look incredible on these pictures ! My favourite is the first one ! I don't think I would share my body with the internet but I understand the point behind the gesture. That's such a big move, I'm impressed you dared to do it ! The photos are beautiful anyway, amazing work ! Congratulations and happy birthday !

    Giveaway, win Sally Hansen & Cocoa Brown self tanning products !
    http://thecrimeofashion.blogspot.fr

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:35

      Thank you Sara. I'm surprised at myself to be honest. My blog and the opportunities it's opened me up to have totally changed the way I look at things. I feel very lucky :-)

  • 3 July 2014 at 11:56

    Wow! You are so brave. I struggle so much with my confidence and would never be able to do this.

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:35

      You TOTALLY could Char!! Please don't think you can't, I had the view for so long and I feel like a different person after doing it! xx

  • 3 July 2014 at 12:07

    You look so beautiful, this is such a lovely inspiring post. You should be proud of yourself - these pictures are absolutely stunning!x

    Electra-violet.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:36

      Thank you Jayne :-)

  • 3 July 2014 at 12:12

    I read this this morning, and it is completely inspiring. You look absolutely beautiful - I hope one day I have the balls to give this a go. And Happy Birthday!! x

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:37

      Thank you so much Holly. I never thought I'd be able to do it and have totally surprised myself. We have more strength than we believe and you could 100% do it, really, you can xxx

  • 3 July 2014 at 12:24

    I would never have the confidence to do something like this and I'm glad you found it, you look amazing! :)

    Reply
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    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:38

      YOU WOULD! I had this view for so long and once I started it I felt completely different. You could totally do it lady xxx

  • 3 July 2014 at 12:36

    These photos are so beautiful! Happy birthday and go you!

    http://electrikflowers.blogspot.co.uk/

    Reply
  • Cressida3 July 2014 at 12:41

    You look absolutely beautiful! You are so brave to do a shoot like this, you are an inspiration :)

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:38

      Thank you so much! :D

  • 3 July 2014 at 12:49

    Stunning - simply put, stunning!!

    http://www.luckyrainbowdesigns.blogpost.com

    Reply
  • 3 July 2014 at 12:55

    You look absolutely spectacular Megan, so beautiful girl x

    holljc.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  • 3 July 2014 at 13:00

    Absolutely beautiful! x

    Reply
  • 3 July 2014 at 13:06

    These photos are absolutely stunning - what a beautiful lady! Well done for plucking up the courage to do this! x

    Reply
  • 3 July 2014 at 13:07

    I love body confidence posts! Well done for doing the shoot, you look amazing! And just remember, you are an absolute beaut!

    The Velvet Black // UK Style, Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

    Reply
  • Marie Solveg3 July 2014 at 13:35

    Hello and happy brithday to you:-)

    Enjoy the day, and I hope everything will turn out great fore you.
    Lovely photos, you are beautyful with and without clothes:-)

    marie
    http://mariahoffbeck.blogspot.dk/2014/07/bubble-nails.html

    Reply
  • 3 July 2014 at 14:26

    You look amazing!! & this is such a great post! I think I need to work on some body confidence!

    Hayley xo | Sailor Stories

    Reply
  • 3 July 2014 at 15:06

    You look amazing!! I am so jealous you had the confidence to do that, I don't think I ever could!! And the photos are absolutely beautiful!
    Happy Birthday :) xxx

    myunforecastedstorm.blogspot.com

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:40

      Elin, take this post as reassurance that you totally CAN do it. I never thought I'd find myself in this position and I honestly feel like a new woman. Alex was such a joy to work with, she made me feel so comfortable. Don't be jealous, take the opportunity, just like I did :-) xxx

  • 3 July 2014 at 15:13

    Goodness me, you look utterly and spendidly RADIANT. Well done you for doing this - these photos are absolutely stunning. Happy, happy birthday xxx Bee - http://fillmylittleworld.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  • 3 July 2014 at 15:13

    This is both liberating and inspirational, so thank you! I only just launched my blog yesterday but I've been planning a few posts about self-confidence in order to help myself and others. It's not about changing how you look in order to feel confident, it's about loving who you are unconditionally - and I think you've shown that perfectly.

    Sorry for the ramble! You look absolutely amazing, and happy birthday to you! :) Feel proud and enjoy your day :)

    Hazel Jane x
    hazeljane.co.uk

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:40

      Thank you so much Hazel. So glad there's another lady out there with the same beliefs!! Go you! :-D

      xxx

  • 3 July 2014 at 15:16

    You look beautiful! I think it's great that you found the courage to do this. You're such an inspiration!

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:40

      Thank you, love :-) xx

  • 3 July 2014 at 15:42

    Babe. Totally. I love this post, I've always struggled with confidence issues and anxiety, and seeing someone being able to conquer it inspires me!

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:41

      I'm SO glad!! Honestly it's one of the best things I've ever done, I can't recommend it enough :-) you'll feel like a different woman!

  • 3 July 2014 at 15:51

    You are absolutely gorgeous! I think this photoshoot really captured the personality that you show on your writing as well. I think sometimes we need to look at ourselves from the outside much like how you first looked at your friend, Laura, to see that we too possess the beauty we envy from other women. It's not something unattainable because we already have it.

    Refined Lately

    Reply
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    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:42

      Ahh Alex, I love this, thank you so much. It means so much when people actually read my words, rather than just scrolling through the images. I'm glad you feel that from the images, too. Alex is a real talent and I'm so lucky to have worked with her! xx

  • 3 July 2014 at 16:05

    Speechless hun you look utterly stunning! Photos are classy and really do show emotional, I love them! Plsu you bod is damn fiiiiine girlll! xx

    fashiontatt.blogspot.com

    Reply
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    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:43

      Ahh thank you so much Abbie! xx

  • 3 July 2014 at 19:00

    Oh my god Megs you look incredible. Like, I'm actually lost for words. You are stunning and these photos are so artistic, not to mention how brave you are to do this! xx

    Sophie/ www.prettyandpolished.co.uk

    Reply
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    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:45

      Thank you so much Sophie! :-D xxx

  • 3 July 2014 at 19:35

    Great post.
    L x
    Http://workingmumy.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • 3 July 2014 at 19:40

    Body confidence is something I think we ALL lack at times and you have absolutely nailed this photoshoot and you look pretty damn hawwt!

    I take my hat off to you to be able to post this, you look absolutely amazing!

    xx

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:46

      Thanks so much Emma! x

  • 3 July 2014 at 20:31

    Happy birthday! You look so beautiful and I am completely speechless, they are such gorgeous photos. Well done to you for doing it, this is also such an inspirational post.

    Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

    xx

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:46

      Thank you so much Emily! :-D really glad you liked it!xx

  • 3 July 2014 at 21:30

    You are so lovely You are such a pretty woman and even if you had to wait 25 years to realise that, I'm glad you finally did.

    Reply
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    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:46

      :-) that's so lovely, thank you Joanna xx

  • 3 July 2014 at 22:11

    Happy birthday hun. You look stunning and gorgeous! Love this post <3

    Kiss me Sunday // Bloglovin

    Reply
  • 3 July 2014 at 22:18

    You look stunning Megan! The photos are so lovely - I'd frame them and hang them round the house! :)

    Reply
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    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:47

      Haha, thank you Sarah!

  • 3 July 2014 at 22:21

    Stunning. You look beautiful and the photography is just perfect.

    Reply
  • 3 July 2014 at 22:49

    Okay so you look AMAZING Megan! I'm glad to see that you're feeling more body confident, you have a fantastic figure and you're an absolute beaut!! Hope you've had a fabulous birthday!! Loves xxx

    Reply
  • 3 July 2014 at 23:53

    You look amazing! And she's such a talented photographer!
    Daniella x

    http://daniella-r.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  • 4 July 2014 at 00:29

    You are beautiful! Such an inspiration, you should be so proud of those pictures :) I am going to work on having this kind of confidence, like you! - Emily (drainedbeauty.co.uk)

    Reply
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    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:49

      DO IT Emily, you'll feel like a whole new woman, I promise :-) xxx

  • 4 July 2014 at 01:42

    This is my first time at your blog, and all I've got to say is, "Wow!" This is so inspirational. You are an amazing woman to be so courageous. Thank you for sharing with us your vulnerability.

    Reply
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    1. 4 July 2014 at 09:49

      Awe thank you so much Grace! That's so lovely of you to say xxxx

  • 4 July 2014 at 11:57

    You are stunning! Don't ever doubt about it :) Congratulations on being so brave!
    All the personal things you share on your blog relate to me so much. It's nice to feel like I'm not the only one. Love you Meg! x

    Reply
  • 4 July 2014 at 13:01

    I love the pictures, you are beautiful! :) It's incredible, that you did this photosoot, you are a real role model for every woman! <3

    Dorotthea from Hungary

    Reply
  • 4 July 2014 at 17:13

    You have such amazing courage! Alex takes such beautiful photos, and you look absolutely gorgeous. Congratulations on taking the plunge - it's so great that the shoot has given you more body confidence. I only hope I can build my own someday; it's so hard to embrace one's own body when one is faced with photoshoots of 'perfect' Photoshop bodies all the time. Happy birthday!

    Tamsin xx | A Certain Adventure

    Reply
  • 4 July 2014 at 19:01

    believe me, you look utterly amazing. so what if your boobs are on the smaller side, your tum is perfection! we all have our hated bits but there's always a good bit to balance it out, right? :)

    becky,

    accooohtrements.wordpress.com

    Reply
  • 4 July 2014 at 20:02

    This is such an inspiring post. I've never been confident with my body for all the wrong reasons (I know) but I still can't look at it and think I can be so confident as you did. I love the pictures, I admire your braveness, and couldn't be happier to have took a few minutes to read this entire post just because your words and thoughts were the best part. Happy belated birthday by the way, and thanks for this!

    x Giada | Miel Café

    Reply
  • 4 July 2014 at 22:22

    So glad i found this post on bloglovin! I'm also a very indecisive 25 year old and everything you wrote made so much sense to me. So happy you went through with it - you've owned it!

    Reply
  • 5 July 2014 at 04:57

    I saw this post recommended on another site and on the basis of this post alone, I think you are awesome. All girls suffer with body confidence issues and so I can totally relate to where you're coming from. I'm blown away that you've done this. Amazing.

    The photos are beautiful and are a massive statement of intent from you about overcoming your fears and embracing life. This is very inspiring.

    Gemma
    http://fleetingplanet.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  • 5 July 2014 at 11:32

    Oh, Megs, you look so beautiful! What a brave, inspiring post. YOU GO!

    Reply
  • 5 July 2014 at 13:37

    You look so beautiful (well, you do always, but these photographs are especially stunning!) - you're such an inspiration! Wish I had the confidence to do something like this x

    www.madeleineslittleblog.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  • Stefan5 July 2014 at 14:29

    you are absolutely amazing, greetings from germany

    Reply
  • 5 July 2014 at 20:50

    Wonderful pictures!
    I really really love your hair!

    Lisa xx

    http://lilaauskleinvenedig.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  • 6 July 2014 at 17:05

    You look absolutely gorgeous in these! I never knew that you were body conscious, but when I read that you weren't comfortable with your boobs, I could definitely relate to it! I feel a lot better already after reading this! So thank you for having the confidence to do this! :) x

    Reply
  • 7 July 2014 at 10:36

    I wish I could high five you - you are awesome!!!!!!

    Really Meg, you are beautiful & I'm really inspired by your courage and determination...it takes guts to do this and to share this. I take my metaphorical hat off to you!

    I love the second photograph here - your eyes! Wow!!

    Flora
    www.floraemay.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • 8 July 2014 at 13:28

    Awesome photos , a real model !

    www.gaweddingdresses.com

    Reply
  • 9 July 2014 at 18:33

    These are such beautiful photos. They really capture the emotion and have a lot of depth - very VERY lovely! x

    Reply
  • 10 July 2014 at 02:58

    This is really amazing (I'm genuinely in tears right now), congratulations on doing something so brave and positive and being willing to share it with all of us. <3 <3 <3

    Reply
  • Hannah Warder10 July 2014 at 08:38

    You look so serene in your photographs - they're perfect. This is something I'd love to do as it's always the case that I look back at old photographs of me and only them see the beauty in them. For some reason it is hard to accept it at the time they are taken! I'm the same age as you and I've only just started to accept who I am. You're an inspiration to many; keep it up :) xx

    Reply
  • 11 July 2014 at 12:51

    Amazing photos

    http://doinglifemyway.com

    Reply
  • 11 July 2014 at 20:23

    This is absolutely lovely; your are an absolute BABE! Also, you can tell the photographer is great because you look so relaxed and comfortable. Great idea to come to terms with yourself and feel comfortable in your own skin - something we all have trouble with at one time or another. thanks for sharing :)

    http://rainydaycupcake93.blogspot.ie/ xx

    Reply
  • 12 July 2014 at 18:35

    WOW. You look incredible!! Go you!! :D

    Sophie

    Reply
  • 12 July 2014 at 22:06

    Your are beautiful and so are the photographs!

    Love Emma xx

    www.collagemepretty.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  • 14 July 2014 at 07:46

    definitely strong and sexy, love the tones

    Herdiana Surachman

    FOLLOW ME : | BLOGLOVIN | | |

    Reply
  • 15 July 2014 at 18:15

    wow. congratulations on the confidence and empowerment to do that!! im in awe and you are beautiful xxx

    Reply
  • Anonymous15 July 2014 at 21:06

    your beautiful

    Reply
  • 16 July 2014 at 10:10

    These pictures are absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  • 19 July 2014 at 19:58

    Megan you're absolutely incredible. What an inspiration post. I have struggled in many ways like you- tiny frame, always being told I'm too skinny! It's just the way I am and now I'm comfortable :)

    Thank you
    Lindsey x

    Ropesofholland.com

    Reply
  • Eimear Rogers13 August 2014 at 16:41

    That just moved me you are an inspiration to so many young girls out there and some day I hope to be as confident and open as you your just amazing! It would mean the world to me if you followed me back on Instagram
    Thank you!,xx
    Instagram:eimearrogers13

    Reply
  • 17 September 2014 at 19:30

    love this - and also your figure is amazing, who cares if your boobies are small! :) www.thewanderlusthasgotme.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  • 20 October 2014 at 23:19

    I love this post - it's so inspiring and those photos are absolutely beautiful. What's best about them is that they're so natural and artistic - it basically is you stripped down with no photoshop or no handy lighting to 'show the best side of you' - you're lovely the way you are!

    I have some body issues too and used to hate my small breasts. Although I'm not at the point where I'm 100% ready to love them and my body, I'm getting there. They may be small but hey fuck it, they're still mine and still look amazing in my favourite lingerie. Some times I wish they were bigger, and other times I just accept that I can't do anything about them and that's that.

    I do however know what its like to get tears in your eyes when you find that relief and accept you are beautiful. Recently I've learned to accept and love how I look without make up (and okay, with a little help with an ace skincare brand) and that's certainly been tough for me. It makes me sad to know I used to dislike my bare skin and not find myself pretty. It makes me sad to know that people do still feel like this when they shouldn't.

    This post has inspired me to try to go one step further than just 'accepting' my body and accepting that I can't change parts of it. It has inspired me to start to love it too.

    Beautiful photos, very tasteful too and well done you for having the confidence to write this post. It must feel lovely to know you have inspired many others in doing so :)

    Reply
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