I really feel for you because I've been there. I lost a lot of weight several years ago but put it all back on again after a lifestyle change. I swore I would keep the weight off, keep exercising etc but things happen and before you know it, you're running around trying to find something to wear because nothing fits....I ended up raiding my 80 year old mothers wardrobe one day when I couldn't find any summer clothes that fit. One of my colleagues questioned how it could happen...she is in her 60s and has been the same weight since her 20s, but sometimes life gets in the way of exercise and worrying about what you eaet.

I have pretty much lost the weight again, but the funny thing is a lot of people haven't really noticed the 15 kilo difference or else they are too polite to comment on my yo-yoing weight. As Sandy said, leggings are great...all you need are different tops to change the look and shoes always fit.

Anna I'm sorry you are not feeling so great about all of this, and I fully sympathize have been there myself.

For me not feeling good about my body is a constant yo-yo between "it really sucks" and "time to cheer myself up a bit". I'm just trying to get that damn yo-yo to swing toward "cheer" and stay there!

On a more positive note I am LOVING all the positive and encouraging comments here....what an amazing bunch of YLFers we have!

Somehow, I just know -- really know -- that whatever the hell you are wearing, Anna, you will always be the woman I notice on the street for her uniqueness and sense of fashion adventure. I'm sorry you are feeling so frustrated, and I have no words of wisdom for you, except my own selfish plea that you'll keep on keeping on. Just do you, in whatever way you can, using whatever tools work for you at this moment.

xx

It is tough being an Inbetweenie.
Feels like a forgotten part of the retail structure sometimes.
Even though apparently 14 is a very popular size in America!

Anna- don't despair. Find brands that fit, they are out there. And I say those who don't make clothes larger than a 10 are brands to be avoided anyway bc they are sizist! They are the problem. Not you.

Just to throw something else into the mix...speaking as a seamstress...have you thought of finding a great dressmaker/tailor and having a few custom things made?

So much advice! Lots to think about. Now it's time to make a plan. What are you going to do feel fabulous?

I really didn't want to make this sound like a pity party. This is my current reality and I need to figure out how to deal with it. Whining accomplishes nothing, and in some respects makes it worse I feel.
I know how to lose weight, but right now I have a ton of other things in my life that are taking precedent.
I just want some basics to get my through it however long this phase will be which could be quite a while, years.
Angie, yes it's a heck of lot warmer in Seattle than ever before. Sweatshirts would be very practical for me because of waiting for the bus early in morning it's still chilly. I don't want to spend big bucks.

Knowing your style Anna those SWEATS WITH BE THE MOST STYLISH THING EVER.

OK--cold, hard realism and problem-solving techniques worked for me once I realized my current body shape was what It was.

Stage one was deciding on a couple of silhouettes, or formulas, that I could experiment with that didn't stray too far from my style preferences. Limiting my options meant I could concentrate on finding specific pieces that I liked instead of just trying to cover my body.

Stage Two was finding new shops instead of relying on my old favourites. Some places I discarded after a few minutes but getting away from my beaten path did lead to a few pleasant surprises.

Stage Three was letting go of my previous style identity so it didn't overly prejudice my experimenting. I had always rejected "soft" looks and my mirror confirmed these feelings were usually legitimate, but I did discover a few exceptions which worked surprisingly well for my new shape once I wore the item my way.

None of this was easy but approaching the whole changing body shape as a logical, problem-solving exercise made it less emotional. I was dressing a shape using MY aesthetic preferences instead of listening to others. Instead of regretting what was lost, I tried to visualize where I wanted to take my future self--and that vision didn't include a life spent in a Walmart sweatsuit.

I think you look good in dresses, because you have great legs. Dress + cool footwear + cool accessory + sweatshirt you can pop over it in the morning. I guess you could put leggings under the dress too.

Anna, I so feel for you because I spent most of my life as an inbetweenie size who couldn't find anything to fit! You've gotten some great practical advice here so I will just send lots of hugs and encouragement!! You look fab at every size!

I understand your situation all too well, as I am up 25+ lbs. my highest ever. the closet is very depressing some days. the in-betweenie land of fashion can be pretty dim--there are some lines that are more generous, and ok, but part of me just wants to have regular clothing to wear. plus can be too big. The special lines are fine, but maybe not as inspiring. With a bit larger budget you might have better luck finding interesting items. Maybe look more at some Scandinavian designers-some go larger to a 42/12. I remember being in Italy and shopping was tough other than Marina Rinaldi

I do agree with everyone your shoes are killer & would make any outfit!

I think Gaylene had some good point about looking at dressing your new body, perhaps in ways you didnt consider before.

oh for sweats: you might like something from American Giant. nice price, better quality than the department store. I ordered them & the fabric is pretty soft and substantial.

http://www.american-giant.com/.....W1-7B-9_si