Is anyone else AFRAID of buying the next size down??UPDATE pg 2

[KimRaye]

Granted, for me, I'm just talking t-shirts and tops but, I still won't buy the next size down. I'm very happy with my now-huge t-shirts and, don't want to invest (right now) in a smaller size.

I did buy one pair of jeans, 2 sizes smaller and, they're already kinda baggy and, when I bought those, I was afraid to go down to the next size. I should've bought both sizes I guess.

And, for work clothes....I spent about $300 on clothes last fall specifically to go back to work and now, they're hanging on me. Very unattractive. I have the summer off tho and, will RE-buy again before going back....another expense.

So, is anyone else just hanging on to their old clothes and, waiting until the FINAL goal is met?

TIA

Kim

 

[KathyTX]

Kim,

Shopping for clothes that you don't plan to be able to wear for very long does seem extravagant, doesn't it?

But I think it's very important to have clothes that fit well and that we feel good wearing. If this means buying things that we won't be able to use very long, then I'd still do it.

If you feel like you look good, you will stand taller and have more confidence. And that makes you feel stronger, and THAT helps keep you motivated and working toward that final goal!

I try to always have a few outfits that will work, and I have concentrated on things that are versatile- basic black slacks and skirts that will go with lots of different tops and jackets, for instance. Simple dresses that can go to work or be dressed up for dressier occasions. The kind of stuff that allows you to have a few pieces that can mix and match to look like more.

And I try to always have a pair of jeans that fit well and that I can grab and wear with confidence. (Actually, two pair- one to wear with flats and tennis shoes, and one sexy boot-cut pair to wear with heels... the "casual dinner date with hubby" outfit. )

You DESERVE clothes that make you feel pretty and confident!!

 

[KimRaye]

Thanks Kathy! You really made me smile!

Did I mention I'm fashion illiterate as well? THAT doesn't help!

So, a FEW pieces will help, you say? I am SO NOT into clothes! I need ALL new summer clothes and, just the thought of shopping terrifies me. Besides the expense!

Thanks again, Kathy!

 

[tiggerlover]

Hi Kim!

Sometimes I get a size smaller as incentive and it is always a great feeling when they finally fit. But I know what you mean, buying new clothes when you are changing sizes is a real pain. On the one hand you want the smaller sizes because you will look and feel good, on the other hand it can get quite expensive. Have you tried shopping in consignement stores to get a few bargains? Or even eBay, I like to buy my Eddie Bauers and Tommy Hilfiger jeans from there because I am getting quality for a lesser price and to date I have not been disappointed in my purchases. I have also been very fortunate to have a sister and two friends that have lost weight (they've lost more than me) and they have been sharing some of their clothes. I still buy new clothes and I know it is probably a waste of money, but I just can't seem to resist because when you have clothes that fit well you feel so much better about yourself and you hold yourself higher and add a bounce to your step.

 

[KimRaye]

Thanks to you, too, Debbi!

So, is it weird for me to feel Good about myself and yet, unattractive, in the oversized, hanging down/falling down clothes I'm wearing now?

I have about a month left of working so, I can wait on work clothes but, for the summer?!?! Haven't even shopped yet. Everything I already have is too big, THANKFULLY. BUT, I need new clothes.

Is this the PRICE we pay, literally, for losing weight? Obvious answer I know but, looking for the positives, I guess.

Thanks Debbi!

 

[kaylajr]

i have been buying smaller clothes on Ebay and thrift stores
since i am still losing and don't want to spend alot of $$$

once i hit goal Wal-mart better watch out cause i'm going on a shopping spree and i hate shopping normally

i think that the confidence i get when i move to a amaller size is worth the $$ i spend

check out ebay i just bought 4 pair of new shorts for $12.00
definatly a good deal

 

[hlane]

I am having the same problem. I work in a hospital and wear scrubs, which are not cheap. Mine are all starting to hang off of me. I know I'm starting to look sloppy but I just can't bring my self to buy new ones yet.

 

[ohMom]

do you have a consignment store near by? i have bought and sold several things at my local consignment store. i have also bought jeans on ebay (brand and style I knew I liked) and my Mom volunteers are her church run thrift store and she's always getting great things for us there too. I have no problems with second-hand clothing

how about a TJ Maxx type store? I think Old Navy usually marks down to a more affordable price.

 

[KathyTX]

Hmmm... what would be some "basics" that would give you a good start on a small summer wardrobe? A way to mix and match some basic pieces? (And this is from someone who's not "into" fashion, but has moved through several sizes lately!)

The first thing I would do is pick a basic color scheme, with two or three main basic colors. Navy and khaki, for instance.

For summer, you could try to find well fitting:
* navy shorts
* khaki shorts
* khaki casual skirt
* navy slacks

* various tshirts and tops that coordinate with ALL of the bottoms.

That's the kind of stuff you can pick up very affordably at Target, JCPenney, Old Navy and the like.

For more special occasions, a slinky black knit sleeveless dress (August Max Woman/Casual Corner has some great ones) can be worn alone as a sundress, topped with a cardigan or blazer for a more business like look (or if you just want to feel more covered), and accessorized for different looks...

 

[webray]

Not afraid at all..I just pick up clothes to wear in the interim from Walmart and Target. Head to 2nd hand stores, shop the internet or garage sales. You could be surprised what you find.

You may not wear them long...but, getting something new will make you feel so much better about losing. Besides..show off that new slim body!

 

[ZerasPride]

What a great thread!

I was so afraid to buy new things. It was on at the encouragement of my sisters, my WISH journal buddies and some urging from co-workers who were tired of seeing me sag and bag that I went out yesterday and bought a few things. Just some basics like Kathy said.

Actually Kathy took the words right out of my sister's mouth. She said that I didn't lose this weight to go around looking like a bum and when I thought about it for a minute I realized she was right. You'd also be surprised at how much your loss shows up in the smaller sized clothes. I had so much fun yesterday at Lane Bryant trying on different things and was so surprised at being able to get into the sizes that I did. I'm just a few short months away from my final "swan song" shopping there because I bought 16's and 18 and their smallest size is a 14.

I bought 2 stretch "men" style shirts (so cute) and a short (so unlike me) black skirt and a pair of grey slacks, did I mention the slacks are a size 16 and I was wearing a size 26 back in December? Woohoo!!! Anyway, I wore one of the outfits to worship this morning and so many people came up to me and commented on my loss.

Again, like Kathy said, you just have a more confident air about you when your clothes fit nicely. Was this an extravagent purchase knowing I won't be wearing these clothes next year? Yes. I tried to be a fierce bargain hunter though and had a $25 coupon so my purchase came to $50 which I think is darn good for LB.

To sum it all up, I was afraid but not anymore. Kathy and my sister are so right about having a "few" nice pieces in whatever size you are and I'll feel good giving these items to someone who is either losing weight behind me and needs some things or I will give them to the Goodwill down the street.

Have fun shopping Kim, you deserve it!!!

 

[KathyTX]

Lisa,

You're down to a 16, from a 26 in December!!??? Don't know why, but the thought of that's bringing tears to my eyes now...

What a life-changing difference, and in such a short time!

I'm so proud of you. You are an inspiration!

 

[Robinrs]

Wow Lisa, you've melted aWAY!! That is awesome!

I realized you lost a big number but those numbers make it sound so amazing!!

I am also buying clothes from a great thrift store for Mike and me because we're not finished, yet! I am holding off buying him a new wardrobe until school starts back up in August, right now he's wearing his football jerseys and shorts from last year, and they're COOOOOL big! Also this is the first time in his LIFE that he was able to wear the same size from the year before!

Right now I buy pieces and mix and match. I'll know when it's time to buy a new wardrobe!

 

[sm4987]

I am afriad to try on the next size down. Once I put it on, then the tears flow and then I want it. However, I'm not buying alot. I don't plan on being this size for long

 

[ZerasPride]

Kathy and Robin,

Thanks so much for your encouragement! I took a nap this afternoon and when I woke up for a split second I was scared to death that yesterday's shopping trip was just a dream. My heart was in my throat until I realized it was okay, and it was real. I'm still having a hard time believing that this is happening to me.

I even went back to LB this afternoon just to try on the size 14/16 top to see if it would have fit since one of the 18/20's is pretty big. I was a bit disappointed it was a too snug but then I thought "hey, I am able to get into and wear almost comfortably a size 14/16 top when I was wearing size 26/28 just 5 months ago!" I realized I had nothing to be disappointed about and left the store without the 14/16 top but with a big smile on my face!

 

[luv2nascar]

part of it for me is just being used to be a size 26/28
I now have size 24 pants that are hanging off me
I did buy a size 22 top that is just about right
I was shocked I thought it would be too big
I bought size 20 capri pants that I will wear before summers end
I still see myself as a size 26/28 not a 22
I'm still the fat person in side

 

[catherine]

I used to HATE clothes shopping before I started losing weight. I'd always see really cute clothes that looked awful on me when I'd try them on. Now I just love shopping for new clothes because I can buy the clothes that I used to just look at! When I first started WISH in Aug. I was wearing a Uk size 26/28 (US size 22/24) now I am down to a UK size 12 (US size 8) I know that some of the clothes that I am buying right now will be too big in another couple of months, but I don't care! I am having too much fun!

Everyone is doing such a great job of getting healthier, and losing the weight. I know that buying smaller clothes is not the be all and end all, but it is a great incentive!

 

[PoohLover1]

Kim Raye, You should be PROUD of the weight you have lost. It's not easy. I got into a size 16 cords yesterday and I haven't been in that size since Big V and I got married 26 years ago. Between me losing weight and Elly getting taller everyday my Kohl's bill keeps getting bigger. I felt great when I could put on a pair of pants that had a zipper and button front. Haven't had any of those in 15 yrs. Stand up and be PROUD. I know I am. Pam

 

[KimRaye]

Hard to believe I posted this almost a month ago but, I finally bought some new summer clothes and, they weren't just the next size down but, 4 sizes down! (10 lbs = 1 size, supposedly!)

So, I'm feeling more familiar in these size 14's but, even a long time ago, I knew I needed to lose weight at that size so, interim weight is where I'm at for now and, pretty darn happy to know I have some things to wear in public that actually fit! Actually wearing a size 14 jeans is a HUGE deal since, I think we all know how jeans can be - - different makes, different models, LOL..One Make was a 16 so, I chose another Make that was 14! And, I bought Large tops rather than XL.

Work clothes will have to wait until August tho. Thank goodness I only have 1 more week of work.

Now, another bathing suit for this summer is another matter. The fact that I even BOUGHT a suit already, that's too big now, is causing me some stress about having to buy another in the same year! The last suit I bought before this year was about 15 years ago! Hey, maybe it'll fit now!

Thanks for all the great posts! I don't know where else I could post this stuff and, get such great support!

Kim