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.
Congratulations Vicki! That is a lot of weight to lose and don’t worry about how others progress — just keep thinking about how great you feel and look. Now, I’m over 60 and my legs aren’t anything to brag about but I do use body lotion with a tint. My legs don’t have that deathly pale look and it covers some of the imperfections. I use the tinting lotion of my lower body and Trader Joe Coconut Body Butter on my upper half. Love the feel and smell of that lotion. Keep up the good work — I’ve got a few pounds to lose myself and I ordered a Fitbit. I’m anxious to try it out. As a food blogger it is sometimes hard not to eat what you make so I thought I needed added activity. Love your jewelry and you look fantastic.
Hi Marissa and thank you for sharing the info on our skin care. I’ve heard good things about Fitbit and am considering one myself. I’m not very handy with gadgets. A food blooger! Wow! I will check it out! Thank you for posting, Marissa! Bless you!
V
I love this girls so much. She has an inner light that has shined through her actions since the day I met her 45 years ago. She’s kind, smart, strong AND beautiful. And the chick can dance. I saw her win a dance contest or two back in the 70s. Shhhhh – don’t tell her mom!!! It doesn’t surprise me at all that she is inspiring others here on Rhoda’s blog. She’s been doing it all of her life. I am so so grateful God blessed me with her friendship.
Wow Tiny! Your comments have brought me to tear! Yes, we used to dance didn’t we? I have to say both my boys got some moves!! And you are definitely “tiny” now! We are both so blessed at this stage of our lives with husbands, children and GRANDchildren! Thank you and I hope to see you soon!
I like both outfits, the coral is my favorite. Congratulations on the 20 lbs lost!
Thank you, Carol! I feel pretty when wearing the coral and I do get a lot of compliments. That’s how I know my best colors. Thanks for your encouraging comments!
Vicki
Hi, Vicki. You talked about how the purple tunic gets so wrinkled. Don’t worry about it. Linen, cotton and a few other fabrics are so natural and breathe so well when it gets warm outside that they are totally worth it in my opinion. Anyone who knows you will realize it’s just the fabric and not you being lazy. lol. I absolutely love the colors you’re wearing as they are some of my good colors as well. I’m a redhead with pale skin and have to pay close attention to how much sun I get. I want to encourage all of you reading this to please don’t forget the sunscreen no matter your age. I am 59 and have had 5 cancerous and precancerous spots removed so far.
I, too, am embarking on a weight loss journey of sorts…having just given up soda and trying to make better food choices. I love finding fashion over 50 for the plus size gal – your outfits are cute and I love the necklace! Can’t wait to find you here again!
Yes, Cheryl,
Baby steps like giving up soda is a great beginning to your journey toward health! Good luck to you as you begin. Thanks so much for your encouraging comments. Rhoda features me about once a month now. Blessings to you and yours!
Vicki
Hi Vicki,
You are lovely and I enjoy seeing your clothing choices. I’m challenged in that department. ahem
I thought I’d pass along a comment, not advice, that my nutritionist told me. She said if I gain two pounds in one day, I’m probably eating something I’m sensitive to. I do have sensitivities, which I used to call allergies, to gluten, dairy, eggs, soy and sugar. yep, beet and cane sugar. Since my weight fluctuates a lot,
I can tell when I’ve eaten food containing an allergen. Like Marisa, I love the coconut oil because it’s chemical free. All the best to you.
Hi Savannah Kay,
Thanks for the information! My body is sensitive to carbs and I feel it in my joints when I’ve over indulged in high carb junk. Great that you’ve consulted a nutritionist! Sounds like you’re on the right track. As for fashion, Rhoda brings lots of great ideas to her readers and I’ll be featured again soon so stay in touch! Thanks for posting! Bless you!
Vicki
Congratulations on your weight loss, Vicki. Losing weight is an everyday commitment for me. I take it one day at a time. You look fabulous. Keep up the good work. I love these Fashion over Fifty posts.
.
Hi Marcella,
Thank you for your encouraging comments! Yes, losing weight is a minute by minute battle for me but become easier as I persevere. I’m so glad you’re enjoying Rhoda’s Fashion Over Fifty feature on Wednesdays! She’s quite the style maven and I’ve learned a lot from her over our many years together!
V
Vicki,
You are doing well…I would love to lose 20+ pounds
I love that multi-colored necklace; I bought it myself…just haven’t worn it yet.
You inspire me in so many ways; and Rhoda has so many wonderful ideas that gives me courage to try . Well, think about trying
For some reason the blog posts are now going to my trash folder.
This just started a week ago and I don’t know why. Help?!
Karen, I’m not sure either, but maybe it’s a setting on your email.
Do I have to add something to my mailbox like the email address for the blog?
Karen, I wonder if you can mark it “Not Spam” when it goes to the spam folder. My email allows me to do that, so I think if you do that it will no longer send to spam.
Hi Karen,
Why of course you should wear the necklace! You will be glad you stepped out of your box and tried something new! I believe that as we age, we must try some new things to keep us feeling and looking younger. Did you see me in that print dress with the brown boots Rhoda posted? Well, let me tell you I was living on the edge when I wore it to church. BUT…I received so many positive comments that I couldn’t wait to wear it again! That was a big step for me. And…I’ve lost 20+ pounds since then and am ready to try more new and different fashion styles. Thank you for posting your thoughts, Karen. I encourage you to try something new. Summer is a great time for a new color in a scarf or lip color! Go for it, girl!
V
Congratulations Vicki! I know how difficult it is to lose weight since I have to watch mine closely. I feel so good when I lose weight and exercise. I try to walk on the treadmill 6 days a week. This helps loosen up my joints and I can tell the difference when I don’t walk. I have rheumatoid arthritis and I get so sore and stiff if I miss a day. The coral is so pretty on you. I enjoy the pics that Rhonda posts that show the different styles of clothing for us over 50 gals (I’m 66).
Wow, Tricia! That’s dedication to walk on the treadmill 6 days a week. You’re setting a great example for the rest of us over 50 gals! I don’t suffer from RA, but when I’m not active due to an illness or something, my joints also get stiff and uncomfortable. Glad you like the coral! Thank you for posting what works for you and your encouraging comments. Bless you!
V
You are beautiful at any weight! I’m enjoying your posts as not all of us are thin like Rhoda!
Hello Judy,
Hi Judy,
You’re right, we’re not all thin like Rhoda. But let me tell you about Rhoda. Yes, I believe she has some “thin” genes from her father but Rhoda has lived a very healthy life style. As we have mentioned, we’ve been friends since we were juniors in high school and met when we were just 15. Rhoda has always lived a balanced life and as an adult she began a strength training routine with free weights that she continues today as well as elliptical and walking for cardio. So while she’s been blessed with great genes and parents who have always been active and eaten very healthily, she has practiced a healthy life style and therefore reaps the benefits with a strong and lean physique. She loves fudge, but limits her indulgences! She is a great example of a healthy woman for her age and she maintains her trim figure by eating healthy tasty food and exercising. We can all learn a lot from her! Thanks for posting, Judy! I really appreciate your encouraging comment about me. I struggle with seeing my beauty but Rhoda’s readers have been extremely uplifting! Please look for future posts from me here on Southern Hospitality! Blessings to you and yours!
V
Could you please share the weight loss program you are using?
Hi Becky,
I apologize to all of Rhoda’s readers. I was gone all day yesterday and just didn’t make time to write on my blog. Many of you have dropped by to check it out but I just now posted the info on my program. So please drop by again mothermomsmusing.blogspot.com. Leave me a message and I’ll e-mail or call you! I’m eager to share the details.
Thank you, Becky.
You are beautiful Vicki, I love your style. Sometimes I wonder what my style will be when I’m in my 50’s and beyond (I’m in my 30’s now) and you have shown me women can have fun with fashion at any age. Thanks for sharing with us!
Hi Kelly,
So good to hear from you! In your thirties! You have so much to look forward to! Learn from my mistakes and take care of yourself in your thirties! I was homeschooling and running to and fro to ball games and co-op days, neglecting myself but doing what I thought I was supposed to do at the time. I just would not prioritize myself into the day and suffered from it. Of course hind sight is 20/20, right? Thank you for taking time to share a comment. Enjoy your life journey as it only gets more interesting with every decade!
V
Vicki you are beautiful!! I love your great attitude and that you are sharing your journey. Focusing on basics and adding accessories is so smart. 🙂
Oh, thank you, Stacey! My attitude does, shall we say, fluctuate! Glad you like the fashion post. Adding accessories is easy when you don’t spend much on them and find great pieces at the thrift stores. I’ll be back in a month or so so please stay in touch. I really enjoy sharing on Rhoda’s blog and appreciate her featuring me and allowing me to share with her readers.
Vicki, i love the colors. I too would like to know the weight loss plan you are doings. Thank You. Blessings
Hi Rachel,
I’ve posted information on my blog but after many of Rhoda’s readers dropped by. Please check out my blog mothermomsmusings.blogspot.com for info on my plan. Leave me a message and I’ll contact you by e-mail or phone. Thank you!
You look beautiful (especially in that coral) and congratulations on your weight loss! I truly believe the weight loss journey is made more difficult simply because our society does everything around food and temptations abound. We live to eat instead of eating to live. All the best on your journey and we will all be here cheering you on! You are doing great!
Hi Lisa,
Yes, you are so right about our lives being centered around food. I address the amount of time I’ve personally spent on food on my blog today. Many of Rhoda’s readers dropped by but my post wasn’t up yet. Please check it out. mothermomsmusings.blogspot.com
Thanks for your kind words! I’m blessed by the encouragement!
Congrats Vicki! You are doing fabulous! Keep up the good work. I know it is a challenge but you can do it. I also have weight issues and have been working on it for 11 months now. I am determined to reach my goal and I can tell that you are too.
Best of everything and I love your outfits and accessories.
Hi Anne Marie,
Thank you so much for your encouraging comments. Congratulations on your own weight loss efforts! May you continue to persevere toward your goal of a healthy weight and begin to reap the benefits of your efforts, like dancing! Why don’t you celebrate some milestones with some fun jewelry or mani/pedi? That always helps me to stay focused! Blessings to you as you reach your own personal goals of health.
V
Congratulations Vickie!! 20 lbs is a lot of weight…good for you, I know if it not easy! I struggle with my weight and so far it has taken me to the mat!!!! But, I will continue to fight it and I KNOW that one day I will win!!! I love the necklace – I think I like accessories more than clothes!! You can make anything look good with cute earrings!!! 🙂 BTW, I love the light in your face…you are truly beautiful!
Hello Donna Kay,
What sweet comments! If you only knew how often I find myself wallowing around in a pit of self loathing! My nature is more happy-go-lucky but it has been a struggle recently. I’m glad you found my “light”! So you need to get up off that mat and do something different toward your health goals! A different exercise or take away a food or try some new foods! You’ve got this! Blessings to you as you seek optimal health!
Thank you again for the wonderful article. You are a beautiful inspiration to me. Would you mind sharing what weight loss program you are doing? Again thanks for the fashion tips and another great article, please keep them coming.
Hi Sandy,
I posted information about my plan on my blog today, but after many of Rhoda’s readers dropped by. Please drop by and read my post, leave me your contact info and I’ll be in touch! Thanks for your encouraging comments! They are a blessing to me.
You look wonderful & are so pretty! Congratulations on your weight loss…..once you start losing I have heard, you just keep on losing! My niece & friends in college use to put bikini models on their refrigerator to remind them to not eat, LOL!
Hey Bonnie,
Well that’s a great idea! I say whatever works! One little thing I do is hang clothing that is too small out where I can see it in my closet every time I enter as a reminder of what’s to come once I can fit into them. I enjoyed pulling some clothes for summer out that I bought at the thrift store last year but never wore because they were too small and fitting into them! Yes! Happy dance, yes!!!
I can relate to you and the weight loss journey. I love your blog also .
Thanks Becky! I’m so glad you’re checking out my blog. I hope to add some pics to it soon and my published writing. I’m so happy for Rhoda’s blog success! She works very hard and loves her followers! She’s a great example to me of doing what you love and enjoying success!
Please leave me a comment sometime!
Blessings to you!
Congrats to Vicki – It is hard losing weight, don’t give up and learn from your friend. 🙂
Thank you, Dinelle. Yes, it is difficult to lose weight. I’m very close to a weight that will put me at the “overweight” label and not the “obese” label so I’m encouraged today to try even harder.
Thanks for your encouraging post!
Blessings to you!