Thanks for the nudge, Suntiger!

I am dipping a toe into the holding zone today, killing a little time before we have to take Tippi to the vet (please send good vibes — something odd is going on with her, and with the absolute ****show this year has been, I don’t know how I would bear it if something happens to her).

I know many of you don’t use holding zones, but today this exercise proved why it is a good tool for me. My weight fluctuates *just* enough that what feels frustrating and bad one month can feel right the next.

These are not big ticket or fancy items — in fact, they’re years old and some are downright utilitarian — but I’m glad I kept some of these items.

1. super boring and utilitarian but these super lightweight EMS hiking pants were tight when I last tried them on. They fit now! I don’t know why, but they do. I’ll take it. One more useful pair of outdoor pants for braving the woods this summer.

2-3. old Gap cutoff white “shorts” — they were boyfriend-y when I first wore them probably 7 years ago, and fit closer now, but they’re not tight. The fit is fine and they are comfortable. Hubs approves too, so back they go into the closet.

4-5. Zara tropical print top. It’s a bit cropped and the neckline low, but I stitched up the neck a little but so it works better now. And with the higher rises on shorts and pants and skirts now, the cropped length works better. I think this was maybe a smidge snug when I last tried it on too, but feels fine now. I’m going to put it back in the closet and see how it feels to wear it. I love the colors.

6-8. ok, this one is still up for debate. I think it’s 8-9 years old? JCrew “Perfect shirt” in cotton, leopard print. I don’t wear button front shirts much anymore. I like the print, and it fits again (again, it was a bit more snug at one point but seems to be ok now). I think I did wear it once last winter? Layered under a vest or something. One of those things that has been in and out of my holding zone for years. Maybe gets worn once or twice a year. Opinions?

Also in those photos but not well represented are the Jag Nina Bermuda shorts that LisaP raves about. My existing long denim shorts are cutoffs from about 10 years ago and they are looking worse for the wear so I thought I’d try these. I sized up because I hate tight stuff in the summer heat, and they seem to work even in the larger size. Hubs approves so I’m inclined to keep.

9-11. Old shirt from H&M. I liked the print so much I got the tee style in it too, which now lives at the ranch. I kept this even though I’m way over this oversized style (back when everything was big tops over skinny jeans), because I thought I might try shortening it and taking it in, but who am I fooling. I guess I should finally let it go! So much fabric...

Pardon wild hair and no makeup or shoes. Hot and humid here today.