Don’t let December be the only time you’re actually social - while the holidays are important, your loved ones still want you to be happy, safe, and well year-round! I went to see my father, which was exciting in of itself, but it got me thinking about social engagements, dressing up, and meeting new people.

I’m not a social butterfly, but I do like to dress. I stick to the same rules in fashion as I do in writing, speaking, or anything else - “be yourself!” If you’re a schoolmarm that wears turtlenecks and coveralls, don’t feel pressured to become a cocktail dress wearin’, Cosmo sippin’, couture-aware jetsetter. There’s so many styles of dress out there, why not stay true to your style instead of trying to completely reinvent yourself?

I learned this lesson the hard way over the last few weeks. I’m a conservative dresser — I like flowy kimono style tops, long black skirts, and just a touch of skin showing. This isn’t always 100% the case, but overall, that’s me. As I grow more comfortable with myself, I may throw on a tank top and a skirt and walk clean out the door.

Without diving headfirst into a church sermon - I believe that you have to have peace about your actions. If wearing skinny jeans doesn’t give you peace, then save yourself the angst and don’t wear them. If a plunging neckline makes your stomach turn, turn towards a square neck or a cute button-up instead. I live on career-style blouses, myself. Ignoring that peace is what lands us in trouble most of the time. It doesn’t even have to deal with how we look, but how we treat others.

This is my “reality call” before everyone gets wrapped up into the social scene during this time - your family will still love you if you aren’t wearing the latest and greatest, and any significant other worth their salt will still crave to be seen with you.

Now, how’s that for “positive body image”?

Isabella Murphy wants each and every one of you to be the best you can be, all year round. As the year draws to a close, however, why not pamper yourself one last time? Enter the Makeup Madness $100 Cosmetics Giveaway today!