update my wardrobe

I think I’m close to being done with this.

I got a few new sweaters; the 3 I bought just last year were large, and I’m now a small. I’m set with work clothes, including shoes. Some are even doing double-duty as casual. That’s my attempt to upgrade my image by not always wearing jeans and sneakers for “play clothes”. I got 2 new winter coats – 1 full length, 1 short, more casual.

So what’s left? Dressy. I don’t mean dresses; I mean fancy, something for “dress up”. I haven’t had the need for it but I think it’s time I thought about it.

Kind of like what came first, the little black dress or the place to where it to…?

I started this goal in June 2008, realizing I needed to update my image. At the time, my size was a bit of a hinderance to what I wanted to be. It wasn’t that large women can’t look good – it was me – I wasn’t comfortable in “nice” clothes. Plus they were always so hard to find so I never developed an image. But that has gradually changed.

This time last year, I began my weight loss journey. I was able to get into my existing smaller clothes by November and started replacing things by December.

Well, here it is Fall again. I took out what I had stored away and found almost nothing fit – all too big. I’ve given much of it away to friends and Goodwill, which always makes me feel good – knowing my clothes have more life in them.

Now I need to focus on winter. I’ve never been a sweater girl because of the added bulk but I’m excited to see what I can find.
Wool? Cashmere? Fun, fun, fun!

I’m wearing “new” clothes today – actually, most everything I have is new since the weight loss and this goal. I’m slowly figuring out how to make outfits: today it’s navy pants, a V neck 3/4 sleeve blouse with a floral print of red, navy, white and tan plus a pair of red open-toe flats. Casual, comfortable but still stylish enough for work. I’ve even received several compliments on it.

I mention this because a few people have commented that I must be spending a fortune on new clothes. Ah, if they only knew –
The shoes? $10 on sale plus 25% off coupon at Avenue..
The pants? Clearance at Kohl’s (love Kohl’s!) for a $5.95 plus a 20% off coupon.
The blouse? $3 at a garage sale (it’s an Old Navy or Gap shirt).
The entire outfit was $15.27
But it makes me feel like a million….

Not only did I take a break for a month but I returned a few items. I guess I was a little shop-happy. Blame it on the excitement of having so many clothes options.
I have a small pile of some of my larger clothes which I’d like to take to the tailor (once I find one!) to see if they can be re-purposed. It’ll be nice getting some of my old “friends” back to wear.

I’m starting to buy clothes just because they fit – gratefully this time in a small size instead of a large size. I’m losing focus on why I’m updating my wardrobe.
It’s not because I’m smaller, it’s because I need a style, an image, a way of expressing myself thru my wardrobe.
I need to take a break. Maybe I’ll use the internet for a little window-shopping?

I gave 2 co-workers some of my larger clothes (which they loved) and a few items to my sister, who in turn, gave me a bag of things from her closet. I gave my mom a few shirts (1 that my sister gave to me) and she gave me some of hers, which I gave to those co-workers. Confused?
I gave another pile to a friend who has someone else to pass it on to if it doesn’t work for her and then another friend gave some things to me which fit perfectly (2 awesome blazers!). I got a few things back which I’ll add to the Goodwill pile. Got it?
It’s like shopping without spending any money.
It’s like getting a new wardrobe without “consuming” anything.
It’s like recycling without destroying anything.
I think I started a trend.

Last weekend, I went through all of my clothes – the closet, my trunk, under the bed and in those vacuum-storage bags. I still cannot believe what I found and what I’d been saving.
I had things from my largest: size 22/24. Why? To remind me of what I once was? I won’t forget that…but I’m saving 1 pair of jeans and 1 T shirt and the rest goes away.
I had things from size 24 down to 10. I must have bought those about 5 years ago when I had gotten down to a 12, thinking I’d get into them. Well, I can now.
I have a pile for 2 friends, and I found a few things to keep.
The rest? Gone, baby, gone.

Since I’m trying to hold off on the clothes purchasing a little longer, I decided to focus a little on the feet.

I used to be a “perfect size 10” – on my feet. At my old job (retail), I was the size 10 shoe tester and was given samples. The only bad thing is they were usually only black shoes! I left that job 2 years ago so it’s time to update.

After cleaning out my shoes (chucked 2 pair, put 2 pair in a donate pile), I went to the DSW warehouse nearby. As soon as I walked in, a salesman said all clearance shoes were an additional 30% off. Now if that wasn’t a sign to shop, I don’t know what is….

I spent 2 hours in the clearance racks, asking everyone’s opinions (we ladies love to check out each other’s shoes). I even ran into a co-worker, who helped me decide on 3 pairs – 2 brown, 1 black. The tally? $48.

My feet are very happy.

My current clothes are getting too big but I don’t want to buy any Winter stuff now.
The Spring stuff I have in storage will be big too but it’s too soon for me to buy Spring stuff.

It’s leaving me with little to wear. Come on warmer weather!

Recently, my therapist moved her office near a small shopping center so I’ve gotten into the habit of shopping before my appointment. Sometimes, I just try on, sometimes I buy. There’s a TJMaxx, Dress Barn, Liz Clairborne outlet and NY & Co.
In the last 3 weeks, I’ve added 2 button down shirts, a black cardigan, a tan blazer and a black pair of pants. And just last night, I bought a dress (OMG!) – it’s a wrap dress from Liz Claiborne. Original ticket $69.99…mega-markdowns…final price? $10.57!!

Getting dressed in the AM is getting a little crazy because I’m pulling out clothes that are too big (yeah).

I need to accept that I’m fitting into smaller clothes and actually wear them. But I know me – until I get rid of the safe, big stuff, I won’t. It’s time for another clean-out and donation to Goodwill