“Real beauty truly comes from accepting yourself fully.” Lauren Scruggs is #AerieREAL!  Her strength and beauty inspire us every day, and her latest books show how she relates to girls everywhere. Read on below to learn more about Lauren, what #AerieREAL means to her and her picks for the holidays season.

Hi, Lauren! Thank you for chatting with us!  How did your personal experiences help shape your body positive message?  After losing my hand and an eye, I was faced with acceptance. It has been a process, but after four years, I am confident in my scars and my body, knowing that they are a part of what has made me who I am. My body now reflects my story, which is beautiful because it’s bigger than the shallow external; it’s a tool to bring hope and encouragement to others! What’s your advice to girls to find their inner strength and confidence?  After my physical appearance shifted drastically, I realized quickly that the worth I put in outward beauty did not sustain. As those around me still saw me as beautiful when I didn’t feel like I matched that adjective, it proved that beauty is truly internal. Wow! That’s really amazing and inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing. Now onto a holiday note: we can’t wait to spend time with friends and family. Do you have any favorite holiday traditions? Snuggling up to Christmas movies, making hot chocolate, baking often to Christmas tunes, playing dominoes or card games, and being around people I love! What is your favorite holiday movie? “Miracle on 34th St” and “The Santa Claus” are my two all time favorites. What’s on your wish list this year? Cozy pullovers for those chilly LA nights, new slippers, and a lightweight robe to lounge in! How do you give back over the holidays? We love inviting people over who don’t have a place to go for Thanksgiving or Christmas, and we have a mission to be extra generous (the way that plays out looks different every day!). How are you getting cozy this holiday? Those closest to me know that I change faster from my normal clothes into sweatpants than anyone when I get home. The perfectly snuggly clothes encourage my homebody mentality, and having the ability to feel cozy and “at home” in public is as real as it gets for me. Do you have any advice to leave with our girls? There is no benefit in comparing yourself to other girls. The most freeing thing is to be who you are and pursue your passions fearlessly!

Shop Lauren’s Look: Fringe Turtleneck, #AerieREAL Graphic Tee, Flannel Jogger, Faux Fur Vest

Thank you, Lauren!

xoxo,

Aerie