Shopping During Weight Loss

First, I'm going to post a few photos that aren't the best quality but I hope you'll at least get my point.

I want to talk today about shopping during weight loss. I have lost 103 lbs but I have 37 left to go.

In shopping terms, this means:

a) I've shopped more in the last six months than I have in the last 10 years (I've gone from a 24 to a 16).
b) Shopping has gone from something I hate to something I enjoy.
c) I'm starting to love clothes so I'm starting to have a very very full closet.
d) I expect with 37 lbs to go I'll be shopping a lot more in the future.
e) Thrift stores are my friend (I don't want to spend a ton of money while I'm still losing).

I wanted to do a series of blog posts about thrifty shopping and what to look for during weight loss that will help you get the most bang for your buck.

Today's tip is.... Ignore the size and try on a few things you'd never ever wear. Oh and be prepared to leave empty handed. Oh and if you see something you like, buy it...it won't be around long. So sorry for the lousy pictures. I was sure the ladies in the other room thought I was a creeper as they heard my camera going off.

First, a lesson in ignoring sizes. This top (below) is a size medium. It fit loose. (for the record I "typically" wear a size XL or 16)

Size medium and loose

But this top (below) was a size Large and fit tight. 

Size large and tight

This monstrosity was actually a size 2X. I wanted to try a maxi dress and it was the only one not a small so I tried it. It was SUPER tight and not at all flattering. I don't think my body is made for maxi dresses. 

Size 2x and super super tight

I decided to just try this one on because it's not something I would have picked. It was a size Large and fit nearly perfectly. I didn't buy it because it was just "eh" and I didn't really need something like it in my closet.

Size Large, fit well

 Another "just try it" top. This was a Gap Junior size Large. It almost came home with me. It fit well, I loved the color and I think it was flattering. But I felt a little self-conscious in strapless and I wasn't sure I'd wear it. I'm sort of regretting not buying it but oh well.

Size large, fit well

 I took another picture just to try and decide

 Then I put together an outfit. The yellow was a size XL, the belt was a 3x, the pants were size 16,  and the tank was a large. See, sizes don't always matter.

A crazy mix of sizes

 Not too bad.

Anyway, as you can see, sometimes size is JUST a number especially when thrifting. Some items have been washed and may have shrunk. Brand sizes run different. A lot of things play into it so visit your local thrift store or consignment store and spend some time. Look through several sizes and don't be afraid to try it on! (PS - if you're in Klamath my fave place to shop is Periwinkle!)

Just a Number

I'm rather quick to tell anyone who is interested that I've lost 85 lbs and went from a size 3XL or 24 to a size XL or 16/14. I'm really proud of my accomplishment and I know that I've made tremendous progress.

Then why is it that a number can throw me into a funk? If I know everything in my closet is a size XL or 16 at the biggest, why should I get depressed when something fits that is gorgeous and beautiful and looks stunning on but is a size 2x or bigger? Sheesh Heather, get it together....it's just a number!

I've lost 20 inches off my waist. 13 or 14 inches off my bust. 18 inches off my hips. The size of the clothing doesn't really matter.

So I'm trying to get over it. At my big event next Saturday, I'll be rocking two gorgeous gowns....(yes, two...I've lost 85 lbs and I deserve to feel amazing:)) One is a size 14 the other is a size 4x. Yes, you read that correctly.....a 4x. I didn't even wear a 4x when I was 300 lbs.