The YBIF series was started as a result of a book I started writing many years ago, “Your Body Is Fabulous: Dress Like It,” because I feel style and fashion is nothing if you don’t love the body you’re dressing. So, every Thursday I feature a lovely lady, bloggers as well as other gorgeous ladies I know or meet, who tell us what makes their bodies fabulous! The purpose is to empower women to to accept and love their bodies’ as they are by showing women with various body types, skin colors, hair textures, and more. This week I share with you the darling Monroe of Fashion Steele NYC!

What makes your body fabulous?
I like that my body is strong and fit. I don’t work out much but I do a lot of walking and lifting. I like that my body can tolerate everything that it does from carrying a heavy bag all day to walking up and down my 5th floor walkup. I work in health part time and I see how hard it can be for people who’s bodies aren’t strong. So I’m thankful for that.

What is your favorite thing about how you look? And why?
I like the gap between my teeth. I think it makes me unique and also makes me look younger. I like that its a trait of all the women in my family. I used to get picked on a lot about it in middle and high school. I was even asked by my mom if I wanted to get braces. But I could never imagine not having a gap. It is apart of my genes. The French really love it too.

What are your favorite things to wear to flatter your body or just help you feel good?
I have really broad shoulders so I love scoop neck tops that show off a lot of my clavicle and neck. It makes my shoulders look less boxy. I also love pencil skirts and just skirts in general. I think I have great legs and I like to show them off whenever possible.

When it comes to finding clothes, what are some issues you come across? And how do you solve them?
Anything that shows my shoulders makes me look boxy. So I stay away from those things. I love a good cap sleeve. I also have really big feet and sometimes its hard for me to find shoes in my size. So I do a lot of shoe shopping online.

What role do you think the media plays in body acceptance?
I think the media plays a huge role in body acceptance. TV is a part of everyday life and its kind of inevitable. People have to really have a sense of self these days to not let that get to you. That perfections doesn’t exist.

What are your thoughts on female body acceptance and appreciation?
There are all things that we don’t like about ourselves. I say either change those things or just accept yourself. Do what makes you happy. I love my body but I didn’t always. I have cellulite and pimples and stretch marks but I’m a real woman and I accept those things.

Isn’t she gorgeous? I love that she embraces her gap, as it suits her perfectly!!!  Monroe couldn’t be more correct, accept yourself or spend the money to fix it .  We are all flawed in some way or another; once we accept our flaws, we can truly learn to love our bodies.

Now it’s your turn! Send in your answers and pictures telling me what makes your body fabulous so that I can feature you and further share the body acceptance/love message!