I ripped my pants - YouLookFab Forum

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I ripped my pants

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Boy, nothing makes you feel less fab than pulling on a pair of pants that newly fit just to have them rip from the crotch to the ankle - and not on a seam.
I've been having a downer past few days when it comes to my body and how I view it. I've never been in better shape in my life so I'm surprised I'm still dealing with body image issues.
I also received my NAS OTK boots and can't get them past my calves. I was really hoping I could wear boots this fall. Does anybody know if boots can be stretched?

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30 replies

Latest reply was from Sarah

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Sarah. I know the frustration! I also have issues with getting boots to fit over my calves (and instep too)!
Were these new pants you were trying on or old pants? It sounds like fabric is not of a good quality to rip like that and not on the seam. I think this is pants problem, not yours

Beth

Veteran

Sarah, I think this sounds like a pants problem and not a Sarah problem, too. And boots are a frustration to nearly all of us.

You ARE fab. Just remember that feelings don't always reflect reality:)

Itari

(website)

Oh, sorry to hear that. And I think that boots can be stretched.

Don't worry about your shape. You've achieved so much and right now you are really, really gorgeous. I think I told you that you looked younger than me?

Vix

Veteran

How demoralizing...but that sounds like a major construction malfunction and nothing to do with you! Can you march those back to the store or get on the phone with CS?

[FWIW, Mr Vix just had a huge rip from zipper zone to top of thigh happen with a pretty new pair of hardy Dockers (or whatever), and it was nothing to do with body shape...luckily for him I pointed it out before he left the house. But I was all "WTH??"]

Re the boots: Apparently the calf-stretching is pretty specialized; I have tons of shoes stretched in the instep/toe box zone and my place can't do boots, sob. But do call around.

Unfortunately I am in that place of too big for most regular boots and too small for the majority of extended-calf ones -- sounds like I'm not alone?

After years of frustration I know my exact calf measurement and won't order unless the circumference is +3/4 inch (with preference for a hidden stretch gusset). And after years of frustration I also get down on my (booted) knees to give praise for online shoe shopping!

When boot shopping at B&Ms I whip out my tape measure first and reject the suckers that won't work before they can reject me -- yes, I am THAT crazy woman but at 41 I've learned how to reduce heartbreak a little!

I'm not keen on most pull-on boots but last year I did find a pair that I liked, so don't rule (more of?) those out. But please please don't rely on boots to "stretch out;" I wear my boots HARD and after years 2 pairs have *maybe* stretched 1/2 inch. One borderline pair is still super-tight but dang they look good IMO, so I stupidly keep wearing them, ha.

Good luck!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Oh Sarah! I agree- take those faulty pants back. That is just a poor product and nothing to do with you. I can also relate to the body image issues- I don't know the answer to that, but if you find it let me know because I am right there with you. I didn't realize that you had a boot issue. Have you tried wide calf boots?

Lisa

Veteran

Have you tried boots with buckle adjustments? They may have more wiggle room size wise than a pull on pair. The pants, that stinks. The only time I've had pants rip not on the seams was from faulty or really worn fabric. I really doubt it has anything to do with you. You always look great in your photos to me!

marianna

Veteran

I think the title of this post should be: "These stupid pants ripped." The wardrobe malfunction has NOTHING to do with your gorgeous, enviable figure.

Rosie

Veteran

Oh Sarah! *Hug*

I agree - sounds like a pants issue and not a body issue. As for the boots, I have definitely been told numerous times that they can stretch the calf as leather does definitely stretch.

I am not sure that the body issues go away as easily as we might think when we lose weight. You have retrained your mind and body in one area, but it might take some training in another to realize that you really do look fantastic! It is a lot to overcome how you may have seen yourself before.

kellygirl

Veteran

I'm with Rosie, I don't think those body issues fully go away. We are so critical of ourselves, aren't we? As for the pants--it's definitely a defect. I've watched your transformation in your outfit posts for the last year or so--you look amazing!

Ariadne

Veteran

Hugs, Sarah, I know the feeling. BUT, and this is the important bit, you are gorgeous (and fit and slim!) and the pants are stupid. So there.

Which boots did you try? I often have trouble finding boots to fit my calves and I'm sure you're smaller than me. Wouldn't it be great if boots came in a variety of calf sizes as well as foot sizes?

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

You all are so kind, thank you. The pants are from Martin + Osa, so unfortunately I can't return them. My store closed last week, and it appears like their website is gone too.
I'm okay with swallowing the cost of them, but I'm disappointed that I'm out my skinny olive pants!
The boots are the Sam Edelman OTK. I'm going to call Nordstrom and see about stretching them. They are too perfect so I don't want to give up just yet. The knee part fits great, it's just catching at my calf and only a little.
I spend a lot of energy helping and encouraging others with fitness and health, and I think sometimes I still need the boosts too. I wish my mind progressed as much and as quickly as my body has. I'm complaining about the same things I did when I was five sizes larger.
Ahhh!

Debbie

Veteran

It was definitely the pants. You have a fabulous figure and have worked so hard. Please don't sell yourself short. You are beautiful inside and out.

Louise

Veteran

(((hugs))) hope you feel better about yourself soon x

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I just called Nordstrom and they will stretch my boots for free! Yay. I don't need a lot of stretching, so I'm still hopeful.

Anonymous

Sarah, please don't let this make you feel bad about your gorgeous self. Those items are wrong, and it is not you that is wrong. You are the envy of many women I'm sure. Please enjoy the gifts that you have.

Vix

Veteran

Great news!

Sparky

Veteran

Sarah, I can't believe those were Martin + Osa pants. Remember how Angie's fave summer dress from there ripped, and the tear not along the seams? It was clearly poor quality as she explained it. The same for these pants. The poorly made pants are to blame here!!

I must say, when I see your profile photo, I am blown away by your beautiful face. You have such classic beauty there that most women only dream of. I know it's so easy to be down on our own appearance, but please know that I think you are just gorgeous.

tarzy

Veteran

Stupid pants!

We all have those days. I can only add to your chorus of admirers. You always look so pulled together, with a killer style and a great sense of who you are. I hope you can find another pair of olive pants, now that you're on the hunt.

Let us know what Nordies says about the boots. As a fellow member of the big calves club, I share your frustration.

bj1111

Veteran

sarah--

it's so hard when our brains run away with us. it's like having a funhouse mirror inside my head reflecting a body that has no relationship with reality, but still affects me emotionally.

hokeyness alert--after i get out of the shower, i look at myself in the mirror, zoom in on all my cellulite glory, THEN i say, "i'm beautiful!" out loud. some days, i feel very body-dysmorphic and only whisper. sometimes, i really believe it that i shout loud enough to wake my husband. my husband giggles, but it makes me feel so much better.

you are a beautiful vibrant woman. something inside will click and you believe it.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Stupid pants!

Stupid boots!

So there

Scarlet

Veteran

Wow, I am sad to hear you are feeling so bad. You look like a really striking woman in the photos I have seen. If something is ripping not on the seam it sounds like the fabric was rotten. Nevertheless I know it would set me off as well if it happened to me when I was finally fitting in my favorite jeans again. The only thing I can say about the boots is that for some reason the only boot shapers I can buy here (in Germany) are spring-loaded so that they press out on the shaft of the boot (like these ones http://www.theshoelace.co.uk/a.....apers.html). This stretches them out noticeably over time, which is annoying to me, but might be positive for you. Also I know you can buy a spray for stretching out leather shoes, so maybe a combo of the two would work if you just need a little extra room. If you need a couple of inches, I don't think it would work.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Sarah, I tried on those boots and the top buckle wouldn't fit around my lower thigh - talk about depressing!

FWIW, they were tight in the calf on me, too, and I have a 14" calf and fit most boots with no problem.

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

Sarah - I've only ever seen you looking utterly fabulous. Style AND beauty (to reference the recent thread!) Sorry you've had a bad time with those poor quality pants and hope you get those OTK's sorted!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sarah, it's the quality of the pants and not your body. You have never looked better than you do right now.

Which boots did you try? Try these:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....APjdBkm39g

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Angie, link does not work.

anne

Veteran

Sarah, you might not be thinking it but you look great, and I am sure all of us are in awe of your fitness!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks, Sveta.Trying again. Keri (SIL) is modeling these and LOVES them:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....rchresults

Patience

Veteran

Sarah, it's the pants and not you. And *everyone * has body image issues no matter what size. It's normal. I know just my mood affects how I see my body day to day even if nothing has changed with it. Having said that, how can I lighten your mood? Can we get together on Tues?

Also I have been thinking all along that you NEED those Maryn boots. They are SO you! And gorgeous.

Tanya

Veteran

Sarah, it is so the pants and not you. I am even more certain after hearing they are from M&O - Angie had to return a denim tunic from them beacuse the underarm seams were falling apart. It is their bad quality .

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