Hi Sandy’s friends! I’m Christy, the blogger behind Sunnywithasideof. I’m so happy that Sandy has graciously given me an opportunity to guest post on her blog! As mutual followers, I may have met a few of you peripherally and I really admire the readership that Sandy has- a body of loyal readers who are sincere, supportive, and genuine. She is one blessed blogger 🙂

Briefly, I’m a Geriatrician and acupuncturist by day, and a mom to an 18-month old little girl named Grace. I’d like to say I’m a blogger by night, but in all reality I’m still slaving away with a lot of research work at night. I can’t remember the last time I’ve actually had a real hobby besides work! (Truly sad) Last year, I started this blog to document our lives in more detail, especially after our family went through a terrifying time with our daughter’s health problems. Along the way, I discovered an incredible blogging community full of supportive, creative, fashionable and innovative people. My eyes were re-opened to all the wonderful things in life that I haven’t had a chance to fully enjoy, and being able to share it with a great community of people whom I have learned so much from.

I’d say this year has been the biggest evolution of how I view fashion. Two years ago, before I had Grace, I was a dull, boring, overworked resident who hid behind her baggy white coat everyday. I mean, who was going to see what I wore underneath, right? Nevertheless, I still had a closet full of neglected clothes. I gained about 60 pounds during the pregnancy, and it wasn’t until then that I felt the heartbreak of not being able to fit into 90% of the clothes in my closet. However, I was also determined to revolutionize each piece of clothing in a different way in order to fit and flatter a different body type.

1. Motherhood changed my body: For those of you with children, you may notice that some parts are not exactly where you left them before pregnancy. At least for me, things are just a tad longer, flabbier, saggier…. I could go on, but I’ll spare you unwanted details. This is when I re-discovered the DRESS. Summer dress. Maxi dress. High waist. Anything with a flare. These are timeless pieces that define femininity, that continue to flatter your figure and hide everything else nicely. Add a belt to accentuate that waistline. It conveniently turns into a skirt by throwing on a top- a flowy blouse or loose sweater would be perfect! Also, you would think that LAYERING would add extra bulk, but I have found that layering actually adds an interesting blend of texture, sophistication and elongation to the entire outfit. Other pieces that have worked well for me are peplum tops, button up shirts, and cute heels to elongate those lovely legs you have!

2. Motherhood has changed my view on life: Long story short, our daughter almost died twice, but I’ll save that story for a different time. After we left the hospital the last time, I realized what a fortune it is to be ALIVE and HEALTHY. It’s strange how your perspective in life changes when something dear to you is almost taken away. I saw life differently that day. I had more appreciation for the things that were ordinary to me before. Things were more colorful and beautiful. My husband had gifted me a few designer pieces back in the day that I kept hidden in the back of my closet (because I was too embarrassed)… and now I AM going to ENJOY them and WEAR THEM dagnabbit! I learned to be more expressive, colorful, daring and creative. I learned that style is just another form of expression, and it’s okay to have more than one flavor of expression. I had more fun and felt more beautiful every time I dressed up for date nights or went out with friends. God has given all of us women beautiful bodies. Embrace them, and appreciate everything that you have. 🙂

Thanks so much Christy for sharing your heart with us!  To read more about Christy, you can follow her blog, bloglovin, facebook, instagram!