When you're feeling less than fab...

So, currently I weigh 10 pounds more than I usually do AND I am growing out a short hair cut. I am also very limited as to what shoes I can wear (because of recent foot surgery, which contributed to the weight gain). As a result, I am feeling less than fab these days.

I spend most of my days in yoga pants and the one pair of jeans (that I don't even like much) that aren't too tight on me. Every day is a bad hair day.

I am taking steps to correct the situation
(beginning to work out again as my foot allows, and watching what I eat), but in the mean time...it's kind of depressing. I don't really want to buy anything new because I am determined to lose the 10, and I don't have money to spend on "temporary" clothes. But if anyone has any budget friendly strategies to get me out of my yoga pants and into real clothes, feel free to let me know. *g*

12 years ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from Jules

DonnaF

Veteran

Congratulations on taking steps to eliminate those new pounds. I think that since it is new weight, it may come off more easily than old weight. Let's hope so, anyway.

I am growing out my hair, too, but am still getting regular cuts in the meantime so that my hair still looks reasonably good in the interim and has some shape. I am also letting it go gray, so those interim cuts are essential so that I don't look like a street person.

I suggest scouring thrift and consignment stores for new to you clothing. You may have to go multiple times and on weekdays just after they put things out in order to find *treasures*. Just don't let low prices blind you to dated styles! It sounds as though *bottoms* aren't fitting you but that your tops (knits?) are more accommodating. On my body, skirts accommodate weight fluctuations a little better because they sit higher or lower. And of course, slouchy, baggy boyfriend jeans are on trend and will work for you now and through your weight loss journey.

Some people suggest keeping out something you love that is currently a little snug and trying it on periodically. Only you can decide whether that will be motivational or demoralizing.

12 years ago

Active Member

Thanks, Donna! Thrift stores are a great idea.

12 years ago

Kalli

Active Member

Hats and cool hair accesories such as scarf wraps make bad short hair days into good days :). Clothing such as skirts/dresses became my favorite friends when a health issue caused me to gain about 10 lbs too. Then I came to love dresses and skirts and never went back to pants as much. Find a beautiful inexpensive black wrap jersey dress and wear some gorgeous accesories. Flat sandals or even oxfords with an insole are super hot. I hope you feel better soon.

Also I hear this forum seems to have a good reuse items section.

12 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Skirts (not pencil skirts) are a good choice because as you loose weight they are easy to take tucks in. BF jeans would be another good choice as they should fit loosely anyway.

Having foot surgery is awful - When I had mine, I was in a cast for 8 weeks and I also put on 10 pounds. My 10 came off, and so will yours.

Even though you're waiting for your hair to grow out, treat yourself to a trim and styling now and you'll feel better in no time!

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Foot surgery. Ugh.

And congratulations for taking such a positive approach and looking for solutions!

I like the ideas you have received so far and might add, try to get yourself something in a really flattering colour. Even if it is just a scarf.

If you are determined and lucky, that extra weight might be gone in as little as a month. So hang in there! Maybe consider what your reward will be at the end of it all. Even just wearing old favourites might be a reward.

12 years ago

4babiesMe

Active Member

I am in a similar situation--losing weight and not having the budget for a whole new wardrobe that I will wear for a month or two. I have found that I feel ok spending money on things that I know will still fit me or be wearable when I'm 15 lbs lighter (cardigans, blazers, shoes, some accessories). These things make me feel more put together and add some versitility, even if I only have one pair of jeans that fits me.

Good luck! I hope your foot is feeling better.

12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

... I try to surround myself with positive people and try to get rid of those naysayers.

Foot surgery is no fun, but one or two key pieces could be helpful for you - what about a printed blouse in your favorite colour? The ones I am seeing for the summer are quite roomy!

12 years ago

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I think everyone has covered the bases on the budget friendly clothing strategies and the hair...

So I will tell you that when I am feeling awful, disheartened, down in the dumps, not-pretty.... I find a little mascara, lip color, plus a coat of clear nail polish and a little bit of scent that I love, go a long, long way towards boosting a girl's morale.

12 years ago

Active Member

Thanks all!

12 years ago

Jules

Veteran

I see wrap dresses have already been mentioned as forgiving of weight loss/gain. I got one for $20 at H&M last spring. They can be accessorized many different ways too.

12 years ago

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