BlogHer - The incredible shrinking woman: What to buy when you're losing weight - Comments

I will take the blame for that.

Susan Wagner — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:07:02 -0600

And then I will come to Canada with a big box full of Target contraband for you.

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also purchased

JenB — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:23:48 -0600

a few items that can be easily tailored, a-line skirts, not too much with lots of zippers or lining. i wish i didn't love buying clothing so much. i chose to blame susan.

thanks!

JenB — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:22:15 -0600

Thanks for the help! Might hit ON up soon for jeans that don't hang down my ass.

Also, I didn't have the lap band, i had the full on bypass like Amanda!

yay!

xoxoxoxox

Great suggestions!

Genevieve — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:34:49 -0600

Been doing the Weight Watchers and have lost 50 lbs so far -- clothes are really becoming an issue (in the RIGHT way). I've resisted buying new clothes -- but these are great tips I'll take with me to Target (love that store) and Lane Bryant.

Love the Target wrap dresses.

lauriewrites — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 14:20:44 -0600

I can't help it. : ) They're cheap enough that I can get some fun prints (the new ones for spring are cute), the fabric is forgiving and they wash great.

Also, I mentioned this on Twitter, but there's a brand called "Suzie in the City" that I've found at Macy's - lots of wrap blouses and flattering boho tops that are good if you're in weight transition. I get them on clearance alot (although shopping at Macy's stresses me out, the stores near me can get so junky now.) And since they're pretty cheap I can get some out-there prints or trendier styles and not feel like I'm wasting too miuch money on things that aren't basics.

I'm fully in agreement about getting yourself some reasonably priced jeans and pretty t-shirts and tops to wear while you're losing. It's important to feel good and take care of yourself and it is motivational, which is really key because this is such a "long haul" kind of process and it can be tough and exhausting at times.

That said, don't forget shoes and accessories. Even your feet can change size if you've lost a lot of water weight (this happened to me when I lost 50 pounds several years ago)...And updating earrings etc. is part of the program for me because one size definitely fits all. : )

Laurie
LaurieWrites

Mea culpa.

Susan Wagner — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 10:52:13 -0600

Apparently I was delirious from too many hours of TIVO'd What Not to Wear -- I apologize, Jen.

And YES those Boden dresses are the BOMB. And Target, it's time to GO TO CANADA.

Carmen, thrift stores are a great suggestion -- consignment is good, too.

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Oooh, Jen

Carmen S — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 07:23:34 -0600

You are going to get me in so much trouble with the dresses at Boden.

Great advice, Susan. When I was working on losing weight, I went from a size 18/20 to a 2/4. I bought a lot of clothing at thrift stores - I got some great transition clothes for very little money.

no targheeeeh.

JenB — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 23:39:03 -0600

p.s. not Target here in the Artic. Tis why I shop online so much. This dress from Boden in black would ROCK and drape ok for months : http://tinyurl.com/3465af

The incredible shrinking woman: What to buy when you're losing weight

Susan Wagner — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 20:30:48 -0600

My friend JenB has an interesting dilemma: she recently had the lap band surgery, and is now on the road to a smaller Jen. And she's wondering what she should buy, right now, to get through the transition period.

Let's start with some rules. When you are in the process of becoming a smaller, more fit, you, it is important that you not settle for clothes that are too big or too baggy or too many sizes larger than you really are. As your body changes, your clothes needs to change too.

Start with bras; as you lose weight, your breasts and upper body will change, and your current bras may not fit any more. You will need a new bra, fitted by a professional, AT LEAST every ten pounds. Buy a couple of really great bras, hand wash and line dry them, and then STOP WEARING THEM when they don't fit any more. Having a bra that fits properly will make your body look great no matter what your current size and shape. This is the place to really put your money right now.

What else?

Pants. Buy yourself a couple pairs of inexpensive yoga pants, for weekend and working out, and some jeans. Old Navy typically has jeans for under $30.00; since you KNOW that these will be temporary, don't break the bank on them, but DO buy jeans and yoga pants that really fit you. Not a jeans girl? Look for chinos or corduroys, but again, don't break the bank. Find a fit that FITS and pick up a couple pair of each. A mid-rise, wide leg trouser is the most flattering no matter what your current size or shape.

Tees and tops. Buy tops that FIT, right now. Choose interesting necklines -- scoop, V, ruched. Old Navy is a good source for tees and tops, as are H&M and Forever 21. Choose shapes and colors that look great on you, because seeing yourself looking pretty and polished every day will motivate you to keep losing weight. Keep hemlines at or slightly above your hip; resist the urge to buy big, long tees that cover your backside (they will only make you look bigger). When your tees start to bag, give them away.

Wrap dress. The wrap dress is a great transition piece, because you can wrap it a little tighter as you get smaller. Look for a wrap dress that you can wear for day or evening; choose a length that hits at the knee (just above if you are petite, just below if you are tall). Layer over a tank or cami for day, and pair with peep toe heels for evening. Target has some great jersey wrap and faux wrap dresses (yes, Target! I am entirely serious).

When you are in the midst of a weigh loss, the trick is to find some balance; buy enough pieces that you can get dressed every day, and dressed up every once in a while, but don't spend so much money that you are scrambling to wear too-big clothes because you invested your whole paycheck in them. Shop at stores that specialize in disposable, trendy pieces -- this is the ONE time I will endorse and encourage this. Enjoy your changing body, and take pleasure in dressing up -- you have earned it. And as you outgrow your clothes, pass them on to someone else who can wear and love them, and get yourself some new pieces, that fit.

You can follow JenB's weight loss adventures at Jen and Tonic; you can also read about Amanda's gastric bypass at Mandajuice (posts are linked in the left sidebar). And BlogHer's own Deb Roby has been chronicling her weight loss journey at Deb's Daily Distractions. They are three of my favorite bloggers, and three of the most beautiful women I know, inside AND out.

Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and The Working Closet and Fashion Find. She is in desperate need of a bra fitting. Yes, really.