My friend, Vicki, is back today with another fashion guest post so I’m letting her chime in and do her thing. You all enjoyed her last post so much that I want to get her back at least once a month. I know that many of you relate to Vicki and her weight loss journey.
Take it away Vicki…….
When Rhoda posted pics of me last time, many of you responded with such sweet comments that just really blessed me! Thank you!
Today’s Fashion Over 50 post features me in a pair of white cropped pants. I probably wouldn’t go out shopping for a pair of “cropped” pants but these are Rafaella brand I bought at Goodwill and were practically new and a great price so I bought them. For me as a full figured woman (for now) and over 50, I prefer full length pants to capris. Now I know in my mind this is totally crazy, but I don’t like my legs! I have knocked knees! Really! I get them from my grandmother! And I have freckles that have miraculously morphed into age spots! Imagine that! And I have really dry, extremely white skin, well, except for the age spots. Did I mention varicose veins! So…even when I reach a healthy weight you probably won’t find me in a pair of Bermuda shorts or a just-above-the-knee sundress or even capris. This goes back to my first article where I suggest we focus on our best features. I prefer to focus on my face and bring color up to highlight my hair and eyes.
Rhoda and I have similar coloring and both love to wear coral. She has mentioned how aqua and turquoise compliment coral so while there is no aqua in my coral tunic, I tried it and think it works. Seriously, every single time I wear the aqua necklace, I receive complimentary comments on it. Thrift store!!!
The royal purple tunic is Lauren brand I bought at Belk and I love to wear it but it wrinkles terribly. Just riding in the car to church wrinkled it for these pics. I did not buy the colorful beaded necklace at the thrift store! But it was definitely worth the splurge as I wear it with a lot.
Funny, the grocery store courtesy clerk, a teenage boy, commented on my “awesome” necklace just last night! That’s the beauty of thrift store shopping! We save so much money purchasing wardrobe basics like black, white or khaki pants, white blouses and jeans that we can occasionally splurge on accessories…or pedicures! The necklace makes a statement and matches a lot in my wardrobe so I will enjoy it for years to come.
Wooden bangles from the thriftstore.
Dance!
Please know I am very comfortable sharing my weight loss struggles and successes with you and really appreciate Rhoda giving me this forum to share my heart. As a writer, I am called to use my writing to encourage others and if I can say one simple thing that might encourage someone in their life struggles, then I’m a happy girl. Earlier this year I began a weight loss journey and experienced rapid success. I lost 15 pounds in a little less than a month. Naturally I was thrilled and perhaps became over confident which can be detrimental to my best efforts.
Short story…I haven’t gained all the weight back. I’ve lost 5 more pounds for a total of 20 pounds lost, but have gone up and down about 4 pounds from my lowest weight. Meanwhile, a wonderful lady in my weight loss circle has lost twice as much weight working the same program! She has truly “worked” the program and has reaped the rewards of her commitment to a plan. While I applaud her, I must admit it has been intimidating. So what am I to do? Do I watch her losing weight and think “woe is me” and wallow around in self pity and self-defeatism? If I allow myself to become discouraged I will just give up and gain back the 20 pounds! Or do I watch her, learn from her, and do my best, start over today, and love myself enough to get healthy? I choose love! I’m starting over! Again! Today!
Yes, I’ve lost 20 pounds! Let me tell you, 20 pounds is a lot of weight! Last weekend I enjoyed dancing with our son at my niece’s wedding! I could’ve danced all night! I truly felt much lighter on my feet having lost 20 pounds! Do you want to lose a few extra pounds? Now is the time! It’s never too late to do the right thing, like get healthy! Love yourself enough to take care of yourself. Find a plan that you can work consistently. Do it for you, for your loved ones, for God!
Dance!!!
Thanks for listening!
You can find Vicki at her blog, Mother Mom’s Musings.
I’d love for you to check out my guide on adding color without painting, with fabric and textiles.
I am so happy Vickie is being included in the fashion posts. Rhoda, you are blessed to be so trim, but many of us, not so much! It is good to see these outfits and give us ideas. You both are such beautiful women and I wish I lived in your area to be friends! I lost 20 pounds last year-took the whole year. Now, in the last 2 months, I have already gained almost half of it back. So, back to the basics for me! Thanks to both of you for sharing your fashion ways with us!
shar y,
You temporary gain is just a rabbit trail on your journey to optimal health! Learn from what caused it and hop back on the path to better health. Every mistake or shortfall in life is just a stepping stone to our best. Be encouraged! Do not be dismayed! You’ve got this! Check out my blog on more about my efforts. mothermomsmusings.blogspot.com
Vicki
I have fought my weight all my life. 4 years ago I found the best weight loss program. I lost 50 pounds and have kept it off for 4 years. Check it out for free at http://www.freeweightlossministry.com or for much more info the same program with a small price is http://www.myshibboleth.com Hundreds have lost 90 pounds in 90 days. I wish everyone that needed to lose weight knew about this wonderful program. You look beautiful!
Hi Cheryl,
I’m familiar with this program and had some success with it in the past. Thank you for posting. I’m so glad you’ve had success and are enjoying better health. Drop by my blog and say hello! mothermomsmusings.blogspot.com
Blessings to you,
Vicki
Hi Cheryl,
Thank you for posting. I’m so glad you’ve had success and are enjoying better health. Drop by my blog and say hello! mothermomsmusings.blogspot.com
Blessings to you,
Vicki
You look amazing, congrats on the twenty pound weight loss. I think you should try some of the capris, there are different lengths out there and some are only a little shorter than regular pants. And, they give a young look to an outfit on us women over fifty. I love Talbots outlet stores for their plus size clothing line – great sales and always wardrobe staples that can be paired with things you already own. I have found the Rafaella brand pants at Marshall’s and like the fit very much. Coral is a great color on most of us, it is very becoming on you. Here’s to continuing to feel good about yourself and wherever the weight loss program takes you – we are all rooting for you!
Thanks for the tips, Paula. I love Talbots too, and I need to see if there’s an outlet nearby to check out. I really appreciate the encouraging words! Support is important to my success! Bless you!
Vicki, you are beautiful lady! Congrats on the weight loss so far! I think you look great and when I first pulled up your pic, I thought, she’s not a full-figured woman! 🙂
Well, that’s because I’m wearing a tunic! As I noted to another poster, I’m wearing a 16W and 1X. But I did feel great in the outfit and received a lot of compliments. Again, the color enhances my hair and eyes! Hmmmm, maybe I should invest in more coral tunics! Thanks so much! You’ve made my day with your thoughtful comments.
V
You look beautiful, Vicki! You give me hope since I’ve been struggling with weight issues my whole life! Thank you for being so brave and generous with your story.
Dionne
Hi Dionne,
Yes, have hope! By writing the article and sharing my heart on this subject, I am encouraged and inspired to try harder to live healthy. With each word typed I am emphasizing to myself how badly I want this! And then to receive so much encouraging comments…I’m just blessed! So you decide now, for yourself, why you want to lose weight and be healthy! And take a step toward it. Just one step. I know you have it in you because you wrote a comment! God bless you as you choose health!
Vicki
Vicki, thanks for sharing outfits and information on weight loss. Congrats on your 20 lb weight loss, so encouraging reading about your progress. Love the outfits, especially the coral, looks great on you. Special thanks to you and Rhoda sharing clothing fashions with us.
Hi Theresa! It has been so much fun to share on Rhoda’s blog! She’s the fashion maven! I have always turned to her for advice since we were young. Only her idea of going out dressing casual was quite different from mine back in the day! I still laugh about how I’d show up in jeans with sneakers and she’d wear jeans with stylish boots or platforms, belt, jewelry, all glammed out! Love her!
Thank you for posting!
I’ve lost 65 in the last year. One hour on the treadmill six days a week without fail. I’m now running at 5.0 most of the hour. Eat clean-chicken breast, poached fish, salad, yogurt. No bread products, sweets, or empty calories. One day one meal a week-eat what you want within reason. Foe this meal I usually go to Taco Bell with my husband who also follows this diet plan. Not exciting but it works.
Mary, bless your heart! You’ve lost a tremendous amount of weight and I applaud you! Double WOW!
Thanks for sharing what you eat. You’ve found what works and what is sustainable for you and that is half the battle! Having your husband at your side following the same plan I know is a blessing. I really appreciate you taking time to comment. May you be blessed by ongoing strength to maintain your amazing loss!
Dear Vicki I have been in your weight loss shoes too many times to count. It is so easy to compare your journey with someone else that is seemingly making the same choices as you. I too have compared myself to those people. I suspect you are a part of the same “weight loss” circle as I. Comparison is not our friend. Your words here are encouraging to me. I need a boost. My weight loss should be for me and my health only. You look fabulous in these outfits and I thank you for being a part of Rhoda’s Fashion Over 50 posts.
Thank you, Mellyb! I think all women, especially younger women, deal with the comparison issue. I must say, growing older has helped me with the comparison thing, except maybe when it comes to my weight. I appreciate your comments on your own struggles. I, however, did not make the same choices as the lady I referenced. She actually adhered to the program with a strong commitment, whereas I did in the beginning but not after the first month so much. She definitely has reaped the rewards of her choice to work the program. I’m maintaining and am mustering up the where-with-all to press toward my mark! The encouragement I’ve received from Rhoda’s readers has been a huge blessing to me. Thanks for taking time to comment and sharing your thoughts.
What a beauty you are, Vicki – and it’s obvious that it’s not just outer loveliness that you have. Christ’s love shines out of you! Thanks for sharing.
Wow, Lori,
Your comment really touches my heart and brought tears to my eyes! I feel my light has been dimmed recently. Thank you for the encouragement as I do strive to be a blessing to others. I’m feeling very blessed by your comment and others here on Rhoda’s blog. Thank you!
That face! That beautiful face! Vicki, you are one hot mama, no matter what your scale says! I am sure that your son was proud to be seen with you on that dance floor!
As women, we beat ourselves up about our physical appearance, especially our weight. But you my dear are helping to empower all of us chubbies out here to accentuate the positive . I, for one, am sick and tired of feeling like others dictate my self worth based on my weight. Because of your appearance on this blog, I bought some jewelry, some bright coral and aqua tops, and am shedding my extra mommy pounds. (My last baby is 19, but I won’t tell if you won’t!)
LOL, Julie! My baby is 26! Mum’s the word! I’m so glad you’ve been inspired and are enjoying some new garments and jewelry. Thank you for your extremely complimentary comments! Yep, we must accentuate the positive. You sound like a really fun lady! Do you blog? If not, you probably should think about it. You’ve got a great wit about you and have really rung my bell! Blessings to you, sweet lady. You definitely brought a smile to my heart!
I’m a Plus-size over 50 too, Vicki and have lost 9 pounds in 2 weeks. I am already worried about regaining but I think my time has come to get serious!! I just get up each morning and say to myself…..just dedicate today to this challenge and hopefully each day will get better. Going backwards must not be an option. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, just take it one day at a time and realize that everyone’s metabolism is different. Blessings……..yeah, that linen stuff is pretty but a real pain to wear.
Wow, Karen,
Congratulations on the 9 pounds and in just 2 weeks! Yes, if we are looking back over our shoulder, we cannot see our destination, our goal ahead! There is no place for comparing yourself to any one else and their weight loss in your journey to health! You are you and they are , um, them? That’s awkward! Anyway, be you, your best you! Enjoy your journey!
Thanks for sharing! V
Vicki, you’ve inspired me to look at clothes in thrift stores. I’m mostly a discount store shopper but now I’m eager to look. Also, that twenty lb you lost, it turned up here in my house. I’m guessing you don’t want it back.
Ha ha! Nope, don’t send it back my way! Glad you’ve been inspired to try thrift stores. I prefer Goodwill even though they are more expensive than others. They group the plus sizes together and they colorize their clothes which really helps me. I shop by color first. I also look under the rack of blouses and see which ones are the longest. That helps me zip right through without picking item by item. There are certain colors I just do not wear like olive green and yellow so I skip them. I hope this helps.
Good luck to you as you shop. Thanks for posting!
v
Vicki that coral shirt makes your whole face pop. That color is really beautiful on you. The purple is nice but the coral is just the best! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Patty! I also love the coral and receive compliments every time I wear the color. Thanks for taking time to comment.
V
what a beautiful post – very encouraging, thx for sharing 🙂
Thank you, Sandy! Glad you were encouraged and I so appreciate Rhoda inviting me to share.
Bless you and thank you for your thoughtful comments!
V
Rhoda I’ve followed your blog for a long time & love it! I usually skip your Fashion over 50 posts though because 1 – I’m not a beanpole 🙂 2 – I really hate thinking about fashion 3- I’m 49. I decided to read today’s post though because it said full-figured & I can’t wait to check out Vicki’s blog. I still don’t enjoy fashion & my style is much more subdued than what you & Vicki wear but I look forward to reading her post more. I’m also trying to be healthier (I’ve lost 15 pds in the past 6 wks) – it’s a never ending journey.
Anyway, I really loved this post!
PS – I’ve loved following your dad’s garden too. THAT is my passion. give me some jeans & hoe & I am a happy woman. 😉
Hi Jen! I LOL on your comments about why you skip the fashion posts. Wow on you weight loss! That’s awesome! I know you’re feeling much better. It’s amazing to me how just 20 pounds gone has made me feel so much better mentally and physically. Twenty seems so little when I need to lose 35 more to be in a healthy range but hey, it’s progress and I’m thankful for the loss. I’m so appreciative of Rhoda asking me to be featured on her blog and allowing me to share my thoughts. I’ll be posting in about a month so drop back by and say hello. And as far as being 50+, it’s not so bad! I remember at my 40th birthday feeling so much wiser than I was in my twenties and thirties and imagining how wise I’d feel at 60! Ha ha! I’m less than 2 years from 60 now! How did that happen! Blessing to you and thank you so much for posting.
V
Vicki, you look just fabulous. Your weight loss is a major accomplishment not only in terms of appearance/confidence, but in terms of maintaining your health. There’s something about hitting 50 that makes the body mutiny. I need to lose 10# in order to get back to my historical weight, and absolutely cannot make them budge. Those pounds are right around my middle, and are enough put me out of my clothes. I can’t eat any less than I already do, and I eat only whole, organic foods (nothing “processed”), take zero meds, and get plenty of physical activity. It’s a mystery to me, and total aggro!
I’m 62 now, I had developed thinner thighs and thick waist in my 50s. After being on bioidentical topical hormones I got my waist back and yes, my chubby thighs returned. The horrible hot flashes are much better also.
Nancy, good for you, that’s great! Well, except the chubby thighs. Amazing how things shift around in our 50’s. Me too!
Hi Nancy,
I’ve not tried hormones of any sort due to some other health concerns I’ve dealt with. I’m so glad you’ve had some success. And don’t you just hate those hot flashes! And at what point do they cease? A friend of mine in her 80’s says she still has them. GRRRR!!! But by losing weight and improving my nutrition hopefully some of my “symptoms” will dissipate.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
Bless you as you continue your healthy life style.
v
Thank you, Jane! Rhoda’s readers have been so encouraging! As for your own struggles at 50, I so agree! My weight stayed within a 5 pound range but my belly grew. Such is life and menopause! Sounds like you’ve found a nutritious and healthy diet and congrats on being med free and active! A great example of lifestyle=good health. Thank you so much for sharing!
V
I also do not consider you full figured. Imagine if the titles were fashion for skinny women, short women, women with big feet, women almost 60, women in their 70s.
Labels make it harder to break through and just focus on being our best. I was called shy as a child and that label stuck with me for so long. Inner beauty is what counts.
I know you say that this does not bother you. But then, you say how often you are down on yourself. You are beautiful. Period.
Hi Terry,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on labels. I’ve not really considered how some might perceive such labels and your comments help me to think differently. When shopping at a major department store, the women’s apparel is divided into sections with plus sizes in one department, regular sizes in another, and petites in another. That is the basis for the labels when referencing fashion. I agree it is our inner beauty that counts and as women we must allow it to shine through our exterior. No, I am not bothered at all by talking about my weight and body image struggles and am eager to open up about my own in hopes I can encourage others and give a voice to someone who may not be comfortable talking about her own issues. Yep, I do get down on myself but I believe many women do and by being transparent I just hope to help one person. Sorry if I’m putting out mixed signals. I’m blessed that you see me as beautiful. I was labeled as a girl as over weight and called names in school like fatty four eyes and big mama. While I have overcome those labels, I may be more sensitive because of those experiences, and also more aware of how others may struggle. I’m just thankful for the opportunity Rhoda has given me to share my heart and her readers have been very responsive and encouraging. I guess I’m selfish because I’ve really been extremely blessed by participating here and look forward to posting again. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
V
LOVE Wednesdays now!
I love to wear linen and it seems to me that washing it on delicate cycle and letting it drip dry is best. Then you have vague generalized wrinkles and the dang seat belt doesn’t destroy your look. Also, after it’s completely dry put it in the dryer a few minutes, seems to even the wrinkles out.
Especially for tops like this, a structured linen dress or suit should probably be ironed.
This feature is so helpful to 62 y/o me. I’m not overweight but I haven’t worn white pants in years. I’m too timid with clothes, this is helping me branch out. And my husband loves it.
Hi Nancy! Glad you are enjoying the fashion posts on Wednesdays. I appreciate Rhoda inviting me to participate. Great tips on caring for linen. I have some linen drawstring pants that I do wash and hang for the “natural” look. Wear those white pants and enjoy the summer months with colorful tops and fun jewelry and scarves! Thank you for posting!
Vicki, You look fabulous! At this point I would kill to lose 20 lbs. That’s fantastic! And if you are plus sized, you’re certainly on the small side of the plus sized scale! LoL! You are a very pretty lady.
Dear Cathy,
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. As for you wanting to lose 20 pounds, please know you have the power to lose one pound. Yes, one! I challenge you to try something different this week. Just try one thing different. What can you do? Can you take the stairs? Can you drink more water? Can you park a greater distance than normal and walk into the grocery store or office? Can you eat a new vegetable? A piece of fruit? A handful of nuts? Can you just start writing down what you eat? I know you can do one thing. Each little thing we do to improve our health is a baby step on our journey. Take heart! You are not alone and I really appreciate you reaching out.
I think you look pretty even if you don’t lose another pound. We have very similar taste in jewelry.
Oh, thank you for your sweet comment.