Loving yourself is the greatest revolution.
I’ve been thinking recently: what does it mean to be revolutionary? I mean, what exactly does it take to be a revolutionary woman? And what does it mean to create a revolution inside yourself? How can you start your own revolution? Let’s start first with what in the world “revolution” means. Shall we? Hurray!
PS: This blog post is proudly sponsored by Empreinte, a French lingerie brand founded in Brest, France. For real! In fact, I’m wearing their Revolution line of seamless bras, made from gorgeous lace and the finest materials, which are designed to support and smooth. A revolution in the intimates industry, for sure, I like to wear them as part of my own personal revolution. Look for fit and shopping information along the way, with lots more at the bottom of this post. As always, I share my personal opinion and am here to help you say hurray inside, outside, and underneath™!
What is Revolution?
Style notes: wearing the Empreinte Cassiopeé Full Cup Bra in black, size 32D and matching boyshort. This is one of my most favorite styles from this brand, and in general. More information at the bottom of this post.
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it has several definitions for “revolution” and this one struck me: “a fundamental change in the way of thinking about or visualizing something: a change of paradigm.” In fact, this version was first presented to me by Chris Maddox, the founder of The Wild Woman Project, when she introduced the #TinyRevolutions theme that I, as a Wild Woman Project circle leader, would be leading my circle attendees through for 12 cycles. In the end, I decided that revolution, to me, is a powerful change. It’s a shift in the status quo. It’s a questioning of how things have always been and steps toward an updated way of being, doing, or viewing something.
The greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution of the heart, a revolution which has to start with each one of us?
And it’s my belief that revolutions can be far sweeping, national, and global. And a revolution can also be local, intimate, and even personal. There is an opportunity to start your own revolution within yourself. You can create a revolution on the inside, outside, and underneath™. Let’s explore how to start your own revolution!
Style notes: wearing the Empreinte Cassiopeé Full Cup Bra in black, size 32D and matching boyshort in Small. I’m kinda obsessed with this style from this brand! More information at the bottom of this post.
A quick history lesson: The United States and France have some similarities when it comes to revolution and freedom. The American Revolution was in 1776 and the French followed in 1789. In fact, Thomas Jefferson claimed France had “been awakened by our [American] Revolution.” {Source} The French gifted the USA The Statue of Liberty. And during one of my trips to Paris, I saw that they have a smaller version themselves. And in fact, they have their own “lady liberty”, personified by Marianne. Most famously depicted in the painting La Liberté guidant le peuple, or Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, the symbolic Marianne is fighting in the French Revolution bare breasted and barefoot.
Revolution is not something fixed in ideology, nor is it something fashioned to a particular decade. It is a perpetual process embedded in the human spirit.
So it’s with excitement and hurray that I am in Paris, wearing a beautiful French lingerie brand, Empreinte, and talking about revolution. Especially since the bras and underwear I’m wearing are from their Revolution line! You’ll find all sorts of information about the styles I’m wearing along the way, with in depth information on the brand and the fit at the bottom.
Women are perfectly suited for revolution. Our bodies and loving them is a revolutionary act, because it goes against what we are taught and told. Being ourselves in a world dominated by masculine power is revolutionary. For me, I declare my revolution by wearing and sharing undergarments that support my breasts and my whole being. I created a massive shift in my relationship to my body, my personal power, and my purpose and undergarments was my greatest tool to do so. Doing so has completely changed the way I talk to myself, show up in the world, and love my body. Once I started revolutionizing my own life, I started helping others to do the same. And I had a dream that I would have a global reach, sharing my revolution with others. And this work has taken me on journeys across the globe, on TV, and to more places than I could ever have imagined to spread my revolutionary ideas far and wide. By starting with myself and then those around me, my personal revolution grew and now I’m reaching millions of people all over the globe. Hurray!
Revolution only needs good dreamers who remember their dreams.
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Secrets to Revolution
Style notes: wearing the Empreinte Verity Spacer Cup Underwire Bra in blush, size 32D, though a 30E may be an even better fit. It’s so comfortable and lightweight! More information at the bottom of this post.
“Revolution is not a one time event.”
Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches
Want to know a few secrets about personal revolutions? First, they are not a one time thing. It’s not the result of one immense action, or one brave choice. The kind of revolutions that result in vast, lasting change happen a little bit every day, like how a tree grows. Or are the result of several spurts of great energy and focus, again and again and again. This is especially true when creating and growing a revolution in yourself. That’s why the “re” part of revolution, meaning “again” is so important to remember.
Another secret: staring your own revolution requires you to be truthful with yourself. It starts with really witnessing yourself, loving all parts of yourself, and giving yourself the permission and freedom of being yourself. And then, getting clear on your values and priorities. The best revolutionists stay true to their cause because they fully believe in the cause and themselves.
Another secret to revolution: you must stay focused and be willing to make some sacrifices, like letting go of old ways of being or outdated habits. Often the kickstart to a revolution is when you’re unhappy with the status quo and want to bring about major change. So if how you’ve been acting or living isn’t cutting it any more, cut it out! Match that with being willing to put in the work and the energy, and you, too, can have revolution.
Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach.
-Clarissa Pinkola Estes
A final secret to revolution: it starts within and then just around you. You may or may not end up reaching far and wide around the globe with your passion and purpose. And you may do that directly to millions of people on TV, or through a domino effect. All you are really responsible for is within your arm’s reach. That’s it. Let the revolution start there within your home, your family, your community, your closest friends and then see where it goes. Trust that ripple effects are spreading through the land and changes are taking place. Your part is important if it reaches 1 or 1 Million.
Are you really ready to start your own revolution? OK then, let’s do this!
Declare it now: “This is the {fill in your name} Revolution! I no longer accept the status quo. I am committed to shifting {fill in what you’re changing} in order to create and welcome in {fill in what you desire}. I believe this revolution is for the highest good of all involved, and I believe in the power I have to bring about the changes required. I will take consistent steps toward my personal revolution on the inside, outside, and underneath. I am ready for revolution!”
If I can’t dance, it’s not my revolution!
If I can’t dance, I don’t want your revolution!
If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution.
A revolution without dancing is not a revolution worth having.
If there won’t be dancing at the revolution, I’m not coming.
Style notes: wearing the Empreinte Verity Spacer Cup Underwire Bra in blush, size 32D and matching high waist panty in Small. This smooth cup bra has thin and flexible molded cups so you can dance all you want! More information at the bottom of this post.
Inside Revolution
The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are…There can’t be any large-scale revolution until there’s a personal revolution, on an individual level. It’s got to happen inside first.
A few ways to start a revolution, shift, and change within yourself:
- Update your thoughts and how you talk to yourself. Shift any negative thoughts or judgements to compassion, self forgiveness, and love. After all, loving yourself is the greatest revolution.
- Revolutionize your connection to the Divine, Source, Universe, or God by creating a relationship that uplifts and supports you. You’re not in this alone!
- Try using affirmations on a regular basis to guide your thoughts toward positivity.
To be yourself is truly a revolutionary act, and I think more and more people should try it, because it’s gotten me a pretty cool life.
-Lena Waithe
- If you deal with anxiety, like me, commit to lovingly working with it instead of pushing against it.
- Let go of the need to be perfect and learn the beauty of imperfection.
- Step into your power and uncover your confidence.
- Get clear on your priorities and values and set goals that are aligned with your soul.
Style notes: wearing the Empreinte Nikki Seamless Low-Necked Bra in Denim, size 32D and matching boyshort panty in Small. The floral detail on this bra is out of this world gorgeous! More information on fit and more at the bottom of this post.
Outside Revolution
By being natural and sincere, one often can create revolutions without having sought them.
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A few ways to start a revolution, shift, and change with how you look on the outside, and the things around and outside of you, like your job, relationships, and home:
- Revolutionize your home by letting go of the things that no longer serve you or (as most popularly defined by Marie Kondo), “spark joy”.
- Have conversations with people who believe different things than you. Listen with compassion. Share your thoughts with love. Learn from others and integrate what speaks to you.
- Use courage to share with others what you believe, how you’re changing, and what steps you’re taking on your own personal revolution journey.
- Be the person willing to stand up first. Support those around you. Do the right thing, even when it’s uncomfortable. Have the hard conversation. Be the example.
A social movement that only moves people is merely a revolt. A movement that changes both people and institutions is a revolution.
- Show up to your job with joy and use every day as an opportunity to fulfill your “why”.
- Plant seeds of hope in others around you. Trust me, one small conversation about your beliefs and passions can create massive change in someone, and even a ripple effect across nations.
A great revolution in just one single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a society and, further, will enable a change in the destiny of humankind.
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Style notes: wearing the Empreinte Melody Plunge Convertible Bra in black, size 32D and matching bikini. This lace bra is actually very seamless, and not stretchy! It fits like a glove. More information at the bottom of this post.
Underneath Revolution
To be nobody-but-yourself — in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else — means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.
-e.e. cummings
A few ways to start a revolution, shift, and change with your body and undergarments, and what’s underneath your clothes:
- Pay loving attention to what you wear underneath your clothes, meaning your bras, undergarments, and lingerie. Put on something that makes you say hurray each day!
- Learn your bra size starting points, and how sister sizing works so you can make an informed, loving decision about what to put on your body.
- Learn how to tell if your bra fits, and why it’s possible for more than one size to fit well.
- Learn to use numbers, like bra size and measurements, as information and not a definition.
- Make washing your bras a self care ritual.
- Build a loving relationship and become best friends with your body.
- Give your body gifts, and thank it for being there for you.
- Learn to Love different parts of your body, including those you may have previously disliked or ignored.
- Don’t apologize for your beautiful body. Let go of shame. Even though all the advertising out there suggests otherwise, take steps toward radically loving your body.
Style notes: wearing the Empreinte Melody Plunge Convertible Bra in black, size 32D and matching bikini. This is one of my most favorite styles from this brand, and in general. More information at the bottom of this post.
But I suppose the most revolutionary act one can engage in is… to tell the truth.
Revolution is a daily commitment. It’s small, consistent actions over time. It can start with rituals, habits, and daily routine. And one of the most common routines for many of us starts in the morning when getting dressed. Reaching for my bra and underwear each morning serves as an opportunity to start the day with intention. I choose to support and adorn myself, to stand up with confidence, to lead with my heart, to assert my power, to stand in my desires. I take ownership of my body. I don’t let numbers like my bra size define me. I trust and respect my body. This is all reaffirmed with my bra and underwear. And I wear them throughout the day underneath my clothes as a reminder of my truth.
It was
“Revolution begins in putting on bright colors.” But when I think about it, revolution begins in putting on your bra and underwear.***
Your Turn: How are you revolutionary? What changes and revolutions have you created within yourself, your community, or the world? What steps can you commit to taking today toward your personal revolution? How can undergarments supports your steps toward revolution? Leave a comment below and share with us. We are all revolutionists together!
Sponsor Spotlight
I am so thrilled to work with Empreinte on this blog post! For over 70 years Empreinte has offered the finest options in lingerie. Founded in 1946, Empreinte has distinguished itself as one of the most elegant brands of French lingerie in the industry, specializing in sizes that cater to 34C to 46H and are designed to comfort and support the bust in a unique way with an exquisite design, romanticism and innovation seen throughout the entire collection. And their Revolution line of seamless bras was a perfect match for this blog. Seamless doesn’t mean boring with Empreinte. Each bra is exquisite and wearable!
You can shop for Empreinte in the USA at boutiques, a few are on Amazon, and for sure on sites like Bare Necessities and HerRoom. If you can try them on in person with a bra fitter at a local boutique, I highly suggest it! They’re an investment, and a trip to a store to see them for yourself is worth it. In fact, if you’re ever in Paris go to their shop in town! I swung by during this trip and even had each of my bras custom embroidered with “Hurray Paris” and “Kimmay” or “Hurray Vacay” on each band. You can even add little tassels and patches or charms. It’s delightful!
Fit advice: Some of their styles use a more narrow underwire, which creates less shape or bulk on the sides (or as some say, a slimmer silhouette), and a more projected look. If your bust is very full on the outside, this may be something to consider. Mine are slightly fuller on the outside and most of their styles still worked like a dream for me, with one style not being a good match. All those shown here were lovely for me!
Empreinte uses European sizing, meaning cup sizes go up sequentially as A, B, C etc to H. I often wear a 32DD, which would be a 32E in this brand. However, I found the cups to run very full, so I sized down to a 32D. In fact, Empreinte uses very fine, beautiful materials for all parts of the bra, including the band. That means it’s slightly more delicate and soft than some more intense or firm bands, though it’s not as stretchy as a typical Victoria’s Secret bra (and of far better quality). That being said, if I were to wear these bras as my everyday bras (which many people do), or needed more firm support, I would size down in the band to a 30, and then up to an E cup for my sister size. If you’re in between band sizes, I suggest sizing down in the band.
Empreinte seems to be a more “mature” brand, with timeless glamour and sophisticated details. That also means their cuts can sometimes be more full coverage. That goes for the bras and the underwear. I often wear a Medium in most underwear but the small size fit very well in these. For reference, I wear a US 4 and have 38″ hips. I have a very short torso and high rise, and I very much liked the rise of these underwear, which varied per style. It was not TOO much coverage, but more than a skimpy, low-rise style.
The Styles Seen Here:
The Cassiopeé Full Cup Bra is a stunning bra! I never thought something so full coverage could also be so glamorous and sexy. The lace cups are very secure, and the shape is round without being pushed up. It almost has a minimizer effect, but minimizer bras distribute breast tissue closer to the body and then squishes it out to the sides and underneath the armpit. That’s not the case with this bra! It’s truly and innovative design. {If you’re concerned about nipples showing through, wear a pair of skin tone Nippies or other seamless covers. I’m wearing a similar pair in this blog post!} Also, I’m in love with the matching boyshort which has great side coverage and fabulous details. It’s also comfortable, to boot!
The Verity Spacer Bra uses 3D spacer molding, which is a lightweight and flexible, seamless cup design. Unlike other spacer molded bras, though, this one has a pretty swirl pattern! I found this bra to be a great t-shirt bra with a great dose of style. I also found it to be less heavy or thick compared to some other t-shirt bras out there. Also the fully adjustable straps are great (especially for petite people), and have a picot trim so there’s no slipping or sliding. And I’m going gaga for the matching high waist panty! I loved the coverage on these, and the blush color is so delicate and sweet.
The Nikki Seamless Low-Neck Bra is so pretty! The cups are made of a gorgeous floral lace (it looks like daisies) that is a touch more flirty than some other Empreinte bras. Just like other Emrpeinte bras, it isn’t stretchy in the cup so it has a really firm but lightweight fit. It’s also a lower cut on the bust, when most Empreinte bras are very full coverage. The “denim” color is a really soft blue and it has fully adjustable straps. Oh! And the matching bottoms are super cute. I chose to try the boyshort and they were so divine. If anything, they fit the smallest out of all the smalls I wore.
The Melody Plunge somehow still feels like full coverage but it’s a plunge style! It also has convertible straps in the back, which means you can criss-cross them. The lace used for this is very lightweight and not stretchy and may even seem scratchy to some. I have very sensitive skin so I give bras like this a quick soak and it softens up so nice. It’s very seamless underneath most clothes. The matching bikini was lower than some of the others, and still a great fit!
Connect with Empreinte: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest
Credits: Photos by Becky Yee during a #HurrayVacay in Paris. Special thanks to Tobi for the romper. No airbrushing or photoshopping my body. Ever.