Drop A Size, Catch The Fashion Bug!

2 Comments October 4, 2013 Dot2Trot

Yes, I got a very conservative outfit for a business meeting…but it’s a size 20 baby!

It looks like the 1.8 lbs. I lost this week pushed me into a size 20 officially! I popped into my nearby Lane Bryant for an outfit to wear for an upcoming presentation (I’m helping a friend market her new business line).

My pre-make over consulting session isn’t until Thursday (followed by shopping on Saturday) and the presentation is early Friday. So I decided I needed to get something without my fashion gurus. I chose a simple but ~~cheap~~ low cost look – a pencil black skirt and shirt.

As I tried on the 22s, I realized how baggie the clothes looked. Awesome! The size 20 skirt fit fine and the shirt is a little snug in the chest, but not for long.

OK, it’s not real leather…but it’s a size 20 and I love it.

In all my excitement, I noticed a cute quilted faux leather jacket. Mistakenly I tried it on…and loved it. Cha-ching!

Then one of the all-too-freakin’-helpful sales ladies let me know that their 1/2 off jeans sale ends today. I tried on the 20s and they fit. Cha-ching!

Then I spotted boots in the corner. The last time I owned a pair of boots…1984, when I lived in Texas (I think it’s a state law). It’s not that I hate boots. My big-ass calves just won’t squeeze into any boot known to man.

I decided to give it a shot.

These boots had a zipper on the side, so no struggling sliding my fit into them. However, the zipper stopped mid calf.

Well crap.

I’m calling these baby boots since they only go up to my ankle. 1/4″ off my calves get me into the adult boots!

I felt a bit defeated…until I spotted the ankle boots. Cha-ching!

At the register, the same happy-I’m-spending-$$$ sales lady told me that they have a black suede heeled boot for wide calves online.

She had to tell me.

I think I need to go cash-only when shopping with my make-over gurus next week.

Head-2-Toe Makeover Next Month

7 Comments September 24, 2013 Dot2Trot

Kitty likes my new dress size. And really, who wouldn't? I just need some more lbs to come off below the waist, then it's new wardrobe time!

Kitty likes my new dress size. And really, who wouldn’t? I just need some more pounds to come off below the waist, then it’s new wardrobe time!

Today is an awesome day!

Thanks to a business meeting, I needed a new outfit. Lo and behold my new dress (and belt).

Oh, did I mention it’s a size 20 (woohoo!) and, more importantly, kitty approved!

I’m not quite there yet as far as pants, but most size 20 dresses and tops fit pretty dang good this weekend.

The timing is perfect. Next month I’m going in for a full makeover: hair, make-up, clothes and shoes. I’m enlisting the help of some good friends who do this professionally. I’m overly conservative in my selections and I need a fresh perspective. The weight loss gives me the confidence to try new styles and looks.

More details when we get closer to the event, plus you’ll have ring side seats.

Grocery Shopping + Hunger = Stupidity

Leave a comment September 10, 2013 Dot2Trot

Never shop while hungry. If you do, always go for salad or produce to splurge! Your waistline will thank you.

I was running very late this morning and didn’t head out to the grocery store until 11:45. I ate celery and 1 ounce of cheese before leaving the house. I thought that would tide me over. By the time me and my cart hit the produce section, my tummy started to grumble.

I knew I was in trouble.

Armed with my trusty grocery list, I made a mental note not to buy anything not on the list. That lasted 30 seconds. In produce alone I picked up 5 extra items. Hey, at least it’s produce.

I stayed away from the bakery where samples were a plenty and everything looked delish! However, when I hit the meat department, my stomach started cursing me out…very loudly. How loud? Five different people mentioned it. I loaded up the cart. I surveyed the damage and spotted a few items not on my list that magically appeared in my cart. I promptly put 2 rotisserie chickens and the pot roast back.

It seemed as if anything that caught my eye, my tummy got louder. Of course, everything did catch my eye since I was hungry.

I decided to buy a pre-made salad. At least I could count on a level of healthiness. Bonus, the dressing is in its own container so I can use my own at home. So I picked up the salad and zipped through the rest of my list in 15 minutes.

Mexican Avocado Salad with Steak. Tasty and pretty.

When I got home, I put everything away and stared at my packaged $6.00 salad – a Chicken Caesar.

I tossed it in the fridge, chopped up a bit of lettuce and avocado and added the tomato, onion and cilantro mix I had left over from last night. A quick Mexican Avocado Salad with 3 ounces of left over steak.

I’m proud that I took control of my hunger and just plucked some left overs on a plate for lunch. Too bad it didn’t happen before I spent an extra $20 at the grocery store.

Related Articles

Grocery Shopping While Full vs. Hungry (The Oatmeal)

Going Grocery Shopping While Hungry Could Make You Purchase More High-Calorie Foods (Huffington Post)

Flip-Flop & Fly Footwear (And Purses Too)

1 Comment September 5, 2013 Dot2Trot

Fancy flip-flops? You’re damn right!

With great weight loss, comes an intense interest in fashion. Hell, I just purchased my first Vogue – ever. What’s happening to me?

Simple: It’s the first time I can actually picture myself wearing outfits that don’t come from Lane Bryant. Not that I’m knocking LB. It’s treated me amazingly well all these years. It just would be nice to walk into a department store *cough* Macy’s *cough* and be able to try something on. Well that day is coming.

Right now I just window shop as I’m keeping a very lean closet. I’ve got 113 lbs. to go before I invest in a full wardrobe so no need to go crazy shopping…yet.

I love the orange polka dot (of course!), but the shag slipper flips are very comfy.

During my adventure in Texas, I splurged a little on some accessories. My sister introduced me to the Sam Moon, an amazing store that is impossible to leave without buying something. Purses, jewelry, hats, scarfs, and flip-flops – they have it all.

I ended up buying 4 pairs of flip-flops and had to ship them back to Virginia. Well they arrived and look more fabulous than I remember.

I'm giving my black purse a much needed break while I break in these sassy handbags.

I’m giving my black purse a needed rest while I break in these sassy handbags.

OK, Confession Time
I picked up some purses too. This is huge for me as I’ve never owned more than one purse at a time. Sigh…yes, I’m lame. It just seemed like a pain to move things from one purse to another. Well it is, but now I know looking fabulous makes up for the hassle.

Weekly Weigh In – April 27

2 Comments April 28, 2013 Dot2Trot

After gaining a 1+ lbs last week, I ended up dropping 5.2 lbs over the last 7 days. The difference? I stuck to my weekly menu – no deviations and no eating out. Plus I successfully completed week 2 of the Weight Watchers LiveLive Challenge. I stayed active everyday, and not just during my workouts.

I also credit my weekly Weight Watchers meeting. It’s amazing how gaining one little lbs can open up the flood gates of negativity. The meetings really do help me get back on track and keep the big picture in mind.

So now my total weight loss is 72 lbs. Not too shabby!