I have always been a tomboy. I didn't own any dresses until a few weeks ago when a few companies were kind enough to send me some to try out for BlogHer. My wardrobe consists of mainly things that are black and occasionally dark blue, with color very rarely mixed in. Sometimes I will buy something will color, but I usually lose my nerve before I actually wear it out of the house. In short, I need some style help.

I have always struggled with low self esteem. Mostly from some horrible kids who teased me all through school and further made worse by my abusive ex-husband. Over the years, I have journeyed to find myself and to be happy with who I am. About three years ago, I looked like this. 

Then I started losing weight and worked really hard. Shortly after I started my blog I looked like this.

Unfortunately, losing weight didn't do much for my sense of style. It isn't that I don't want to be pretty and look like a girl. It is just that I don't really know how. I spent so many years trying to hide from the world, that I didn't bother learning how to be proud of who I am and stand out. In fact, I didn't know how to properly apply eye makeup until Lili at Bare Escentuals showed me a few weeks ago. If that doesn't scream I need a Windows Style Makeover, I don't know what does.

Now, I have done something I am incredibly proud of. On July 4th I gave birth to a beautiful little girl. I was a surrogate and helped to bring a little angel into the arms of a loving family. I was blessed enough to have the opportunity to really make a difference in someone's life and I want my style to reflect my new found sense of respect for myself and what I have done in life. The truth is, I have overcome and triumphed over a lot in my life and it is time I start feeling confident.

This is what I looked like on shortly after giving birth to the surro-baby.


Now a few weeks later, I look like this. Not perfect, but I am trying hard to get back in shape and lose the weight I gained while cycling and throughout the pregnancy.

Or this:


Or even get crazy with some trendy colored jeans:


I need help. Help to learn how to wear clothes with confidence, how to feel my best and how to be proud of who I am and the things I have accomplished. For once, it would be wonderful to feel beautiful and know that I am put together like those women that I so longingly look after when they walk down the street. Thank-you to Windows for the opportunity to enter this contest and to all of my wonderful readers for actually stopping by to read this. What do you say Windows? Want to help save this Ugly Betty?


In writing this post, I'm entering the Microsoft Windows Style Makeover sweepstakes for a chance to win a head to toe makeover!