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Back to basics

anchie

Veteran

This post is kind of a rant. My weight has been fluctuating again and I am not in a happy place with my wardrobe - many items don’t fit me correctly any more but I don’t want to buy any new clothes until I am sure that this is my size now. Learned this hard way from experience. So I am trying to make do with what I have, and I am thinking of investing in basics. I need something to make me feel better in my ill fitting clothes. That means updating bras and underwear, change haircut and get a new glasses. So I have a few questions for you. Does anyone have experience with keratin treatment? Is it worth it? What color glasses should I get next, my current ones are neutral brown, so maybe something more statmenty? Any other ideas what to do while waiting for my weight to stabilize? Shoes would be good idea, but now very difficult because of custom orthotics. I have enough accessories and don’t wear much jewelry. Having kind of a grumpy day, need some distraction.

General

22 replies

Latest reply was from Barbara Diane

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This is great idea, anchie! Basics deserve excellent attention at least once a year.

Let's see the new specs up close.

Let's see the footwear collection divided up into work and leisure since there is little crossover.

Don't know anything about keratin treatments, I'm afraid.

OOOH, and lets talk hair.

anchie

Veteran

Angie - I don’t have any specs to show on yet. I went to my specs place ( can’t remember the word) and did not like any of the options - no colors and no statement frames. So was thinking of ordering on line. Never ordered specs online before. Have this 2 red pairs in my shopping cart, but very open to suggestions regarding shape and color.

Footwear is the big source of frustration at the moment and I almost gave up on it. My custom orthotics don’t fit in any of my shoes and I can’t find any that does. Ecco sneakers is all I wear this days.

And regarding the hair - I already asked about it in another thread and it seems that everyone is in agreement that angled bob suits me the best. It is safe and familiar choice but not the change I am looking for.

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Anonymous

Do you have weight fluctuation friendly (knit) dresses? Definitely can't hurt if you don't.
I can see you in light blue or blush frames, if you see any. Did not try keratin yet but have considered it. They have one that costs more but lasts longer. What would your ideal hair look like?

anchie

Veteran

suntiger - blush or light blue frames sounds very intriguing. I would never thought of that, thank you for idea.
My hair is fine, and doesn’t have much volume. Having more volume is my perpetual goal. Also it gets frizzy so would like it to be more smooth and shiny. I hope keratin can help with all those. I have a few knit dresses but they are more summery and weather is not cooperating.

Anonymous

Would you do layers? Layers make the hair look more voluminous. And brushing upside down-which sounds silly but works!

Lesley

Veteran

Definitely shoes and specs, you can never go wrong. Since you already have a neutral pair of the latter, DEFINITELY do something loud!

anchie

Veteran

I have two layers currently but not sure if this is making my hair looking more frizzy. When I colored my hair I always had layers but somehow color made my hair more smooth.

anchie

Veteran

Lesley - I am definitely leaning towards colored option for specs.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I have very,very fine hair and volume is my obsession too.My hairdresser cuts long layers into my hair but keeps the weight at the bottom if that makes sense so it doesn’t become too thin at the ends.My hair is currently shoulder length but because of the clever layering he s done I ve never had so much volume.lt might be worth having a chat with your hairdresser about what they think is possible.Also colour can sometimes help when one is feeling in the style doldrums .l coloured my hair with a strong semi permanent over the winter when I was fed up with my hair.l ve stopped doing it now but it helped at the time and stopped me chopping it all off!Funky new glasses will also help I m sure ,it’s just finding the right one s isn’t it?

Anonymous

I can commiserate with you over disheartening weight fluctuations . I have been there so many times before, and am in a bit of a funk over it again right now. What I can say , from tons of experience with this, is every time I buy some new "placeholder" clothes, or something different to distract myself from the issue at hand, it's a mistake. I buy styles and fits I never would normally buy, and convince myself I should be wearing dowdier, less modern clothes because I no longer can wear the "nice stuff". It's ridiculous, yet I do it every time. I vote to ignore clothes for as long as you can, and focus on something else. It all comes around again at some point, right? I'm all for changing up hair though - it's so much fun. And new glasses would be fun too - I agree with the blush or light blue look for you.

Sal

Veteran

I agree with LisaP.....I don't think immediate shopping is the solution - and weight often drops through summer with a more active lifestyle.

Sorry you are feeling this way - you look great but I understand feeling less than is hard.

Style Fan

Veteran

I don't know anything about keratin treatments. I thought they were to straighten hair (why I don't know about them). I have fine hair but it is medium thickness. I have long layers to give it more volume. If I blow it dry upside down (never do) and use volumizing gel (never do) I can get quite a lot of volume.
I don't know if you use volumizing shampoo and conditioner but I find they actually flatten my hair. I have read that others find this. I use shampoo and conditioner for normal hair or to moisturize my hair.

I like your hair. But I like long bobs. Very classic.

hereforthecake

Is the keratin treatment just to tame frizzy hair issues? Or is your hair damaged?
I'm obsessed with hair stuff, so I spend a lot (too much!) of time reading product and treatment reviews.
When I'm struggling with weight and fit issues, I find that making the most of accessories, hair and nails can help me feel better about myself in general.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I will throw two thoughts out -
I remember seeing pictures of you with short hair and perhaps you want to try that again? Your long hair is beautiful, but frequent cuts keeps the yellow at bay and your beautiful face would be spotlit.

Maybe consider creating a capsule of great pieces that fit right now, even if you need to buy new (or second hand ). Take it as a challenge rather than a punishment - 10x10 something like that.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I’ve had keratin treatments. I stopped a few years ago. They definitely smooth out your hair and straighten it. But they don’t add volume. My hair would look flat and smooth. It was great for summer.
On me it would last for about 4 months, with the best results in the first 6 weeks (it starts to wear off after that).
I stopped because it was expensive and the process was time consuming and difficult. When it’s first applied you have to avoid washing your hair (or pulling it back or getting it wet or exercising) for 3-5 days. And it feels awful during that time. Like having paste in your hair. Maybe things have improved since then? I did find it was good for my hair (it felt and looked healthier).

anchie

Veteran

Brooklyn - this is very useful info, it seems it will not hurt to try it. And I probably should time it so that last two days of no wash fall over weekend.
Shevia - My hair still has a yellow cast to it, and every so often I get so annoyed buy it and want to cut it all off.
StyleFan - I tried many volumizing products with various results. Shampoos and conditioners don’t do much for me, but I had great success with marrocan oil root lift foam.

I am on my phone and getting ready for work so apologies for not replying to everyone individually. But regarding the weight fluctuations- it is really frustrating for me and I have been struggling with it for the last 10 years. It is not that small weight fluctuation - it can vary 4 sizes , but I don’t want and can’t physically and financially support full wardrobe in all 4 sizes. And I rarely stay long on borderline sizes, and it was always a mistake to buy anything in my biggest or smallest size. I am borderline again but don’t think it will last - it never did before. So I just need to be patient and distract my self. I think I need a hair and specs project
But maybe I should put some kind of deadline on this - for example if I stay this size more than 6 months - then to accept it as my size? What do you think?

Liesbeth

Veteran

Can’t help with your sizing issues, I’m sorry you’re in a funk. I think a hair and specs project sounds great. I would personally try lots of specs styles in store rather than order online, the devil is often in the details (and it’s fun :)). Would also ask my hairdresser for advice, who knows if they come up with a great idea!
And maybe 1-2 new scarves if you wear them (as you’re saying it’s not hot yet where you are)? They can add structure too slightly baggy tops.

bj1111

Veteran

Dry shampoos directed at the roots can add a bit of volume. So can second-day hair.

No advice on shifting the weight. I lived in uniqlo during the inbetween times. Very good quality especially for the price. Plays well with Scandi style.

Ps do not look at any photos taken from behind...mine are dreadful. Keep focus on your beautiful face.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Facebook recently reminded me that 7 years ago, as my weight went up, I went shopping for "fat clothes". I gave most away as I lost the weight (I've since gained nearly half of it back, but am losing now) but there was one pair of shorts I only gave up very reluctantly as we packed for the move. They were long blue & white paisley shorts. They mixed with lots of things I owned (in Florida it's perfectly fine to wear a light jacket with walking shorts) and tended to add zazz to whatever I wore them with.

That's what I suggest you get--something quintessentially "you" that will perk up the other things you're wearing these days.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Anchie, have you had non-neutral statement specs before? A word of warning: you need to forget about them when you wear colourful outfits. Just let them be an extension of your face. That might take getting use to.

anchie

Veteran

Angie - never had a non neutral specs and it may be a little problem for me - I have matchy matchy tendencies But I will still have my current neutral ones if it sometimes feels like too much. What color would you suggest?

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Have you moved what doesn't work out of your closet and into a holding zone? As disheartening as it feels at first, it really lets you see what does fit and allows you to focus on the positive. I found I could make more outfits than I thought with what was left. I found it a fun challenge to make my clothes work, and if you have a glaring hole or two it will show you where to spend your money.

I always feel better when my clothes fit, even if I need to purchase a few items to hold me over. Often they are items I hate to stop wearing when I lose weight.