To mix things up a bit and share some different styles, my friend, Vicki, is back today to model a few things that she has found at the thriftstore. She started shopping at the thriftstores many years ago and has found some great deals there, adding to her wardrobe at very little cost. She shared the brands she has found there and I too have found some good brands at the thriftstores. If you are willing to dig a little, treasures are there!
Vicki and I have been friends since we were 15 and she wrote this beautiful article about her weight journey through life and I just know that so many can relate to her words. So, I’m going to let Vicki share her thoughts:
While browsing the clearance rack at Macy’s I struck up a conversation with a fellow shopper. Imagine that! She commented how she was shopping for her mother-in-law and she wore a size “W” for WIDE! Yes, she said that! She was totally serious. She truly thought the W meant WIDE! Well, bless her heart! I almost slapped her. How could any woman in today’s society be so uninformed about women’s clothing sizes? Granted she appeared to have never experienced any sort of weight issue and I’m happy for her. Sort of! But what about the 100 million plus sized women who wear size 14-34? Yep, that’s the figure quoted in an article by Margaret Bogenrief, December 21, 2012, Business Insider.
During my 30’s and 40’s, I took care of everyone but me and neglected my mental and physical health, resulting in obesity and a very negative body image. I just could not bring myself to spend money on fashionable clothing while so overweight. Maybe subconsciously I felt I didn’t deserve to dress better, feeding into the self loathing overweight women fight everyday. I think it was more about being wasteful not wanting to invest in larger sized clothes because surely I would lose the weight just any day. Now in my late fifties, I have finally accepted myself, my body, and want to dress fashionably for my age and weight!
My life long friend, Rhoda, has always been very fashionable and trendy and I have learned a lot from her over the years. Specifically, Rhoda introduced me to shopping at thrift stores. Now, no matter my size, I can spend very little money on clothing but enjoy dressing in name brand quality pieces for a fraction of what they would cost at original retail price. About 75% of my clothes these days come from a thrift store. So as I lose weight and move into smaller clothing sizes, I’m confident I’m not being wasteful at all.
Accepting and loving myself while weighing over 200 pounds has been life changing. Consequently, I have begun to lose weight and feel so much better about my appearance as I dress for my size and age. For me, forgiving myself for the damage done was necessary for change. I encourage all women, no matter your age or size, to accept your bodies and work with where you are and what you have right now. Don’t put off enjoying life until…you lose 5 or 50 pounds!
Dress to enhance your hair and eye color. Determine your best features and showcase them. One of my dear friends is about my size and age and she has great legs! She looks fabulous in shorter dresses and skirts, while I hide my knocked knees! Know your best colors, experiment with accessories or a new hair cut and color. You’ll be surprised how a new shade of lipstick can brighten your smile and your face! Spring is a great time of year to try new pieces, new styles! You are worth any time or money you spend on yourself!
As for the “W”, it represents “Woman”! I’m not sure what that says about all those who wear sizes 0-12! Happy Spring, y’all!
How I Shop:
I shop by color first. If the color catches my eye and is one that I feel compliments my hair and eye color, then I consider the garment. So I’m scanning the sale rack at Belk and the color and print of a dress caught my eye. I have a pair of brown leather boots that might work with this so I grabbed it and brought it home. The dress has chocolate brown trim so I found some chocolate brown tights to wear with my brown boots. I wore the outfit to church and definitely got the “wow” reaction from several friends. My daughter-in-law was the most enthusiastic with her encouragement. Mother Mom breaks out!
While I’m still over 200 pounds, my feelings about myself have improved from the positive changes in my style. My confidence is boosted and I’m encouraged as I begin a new project of self improvement…weight loss!
I loved hearing from Vicki’s heart and I know many of you did too. So today, we are going to share how just adding a colorful top with a basic pair of black pants can enhance your closet and allow you to mix things up for some fun just by adding different colors. Black pants are also slenderizing. This is especially good for this time of year, with Spring here now.
All of these thriftstore fashion items were found for under $10. This cobalt blue tunic blouse came from the thriftstore and it is by Calvin Klein.
Adding simple jewelry dresses up a blouse.
Another find that Vicki scored thrifting is this aqua leather jacket by Dialogue. Definitely her color (and mine) adding a pretty colorful scarf is a great way to bring color up to the face and highlights the hair and eyes. Vicki said she has had this polkadot scarf for years and wears it with so many things.
Here it is again with a lime green blouse from Chico’s. So keep those scarves in mind to add punch to a spring outfit.
Another longer scarf with aqua, red and green really wakes up that lime green blouse.
So, get those spring colors out and wear them proudly right now. They will wake up your complexion and make you feel better. I love spring colors and adding jewelry and scarves to accessorizing.
Vicki is on a weight loss journey now and I can’t wait to see where she lands!
Do you look for clothes at the thriftstore?
I’ve known Vicki (and Rhoda) since high school. They are both just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. You look mahhhhhvalous, sweet friend!
Thanks, Tiny! Congrats on the new grand! They are our conciliation prize for growing old! Our youngest will be one next month and Brandon (my overachiever) and Lauren are considering #4! Would love to see you! Take care sweet friend!
Thank you Vicki. You are inspiring lots of us size W’s and you are absolutely right, that stands for Woman!
I am Woman and this past week with another health crisis for my husband in the midst of selling one home and buying another, and moving, I have roared!:-) And if I do say so myself…did it with style.
Vicki your look is fantastic. As I approach my 50th birthday with more than a few pounds to lose, my daily wardrobe consists of beige, grey and white (and no it is not a uniform!). I am trying to just blend in with the background. You have encouraged me to add some colour to my wardrobe and wear it with confidence!
Maureen, Yes, you must experiment with color. You will feel so much better about yourself! Do it! Now! Add a smile and your appearance will dramatically change!
Vicki, you’re beautiful (especially in aqua!). All of these clothes look extremely flattering on you, and I applaud you sharing your story. I look forward to updates on your journey of self-love.
Rita C at Panoply
Hi Rita,
Due to the overwhelming responses to my article, I decided to share my blog site. I haven’t posted much lately until I began my weight loss journey in January. Drop by and say hello!
mothermomsmusings.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments! They are such an encouragement to me.
Thank you for sharing your feelings Vicky! So many of us feel just this way, waiting to lose the weight, before we can really live life. I, as you, took care of my family, neglected to take care of myself, thinking that it would be selfish to take time, or money away from my family, not realizing, that I need to take care of myself in order to take care of others.
My last year in my 40″s and I have finally realized , it is okay to take care of me., and it feels good! You are a real inspiration to us W” woman.
You are truly beautiful!!!
What a great post. You look fantastic and this was so,encouraging!
Vicki… You absolutely are gorgeous in those bright colors…. the aqua and the bright green with those scarves are stunning!!! Thank you so much for being transparent…. I am now 62 and just a little overweight… compared to what I was my whole adult life that is…. ( attempting to lose 25 lbs. ) …. the clothes / hair / make up say a lot at my age!!! You really encouraged me!!!! Excited for you !!!!
Thank you all so much! I am very blessed by your positive comments! But…Wow, I feel bad about my neck! The natural lighting does not lie, does it? And…I should have worn my body smoother for the photos. That’s another tip for those of us who are a size 14 or over. A body shaper/smoother does help smooth out the bumps and bulges. I don’t wear a body smoother every day but when dressed for church or a special event I’ll squeeze into one. My sweet mother, almost 83, always wore a “girdle”. Bondage! I’ve been delivered! I experienced a brief detour on my weight loss journey. You know if you don’t work the program, any program, the program doesn’t work. But I’m back on track now focusing on my goal of 199 lbs so I can feel less like a male professional athlete and more like a WOMAN! Thank you again for your sweet comments. My enduring friendship with Rhoda is a tremendous blessing to me and I have enjoyed her blog journey as you all have. Happy Spring!
Vicki, it’s not the natural lighting, per se, but the fact that it was in full sun. It does lie! Shade is better for photographs, as it casts less shadows. You look great in everything you showed today and it will inspire so many women struggling to look good…woman of all sizes!
Cut the poor woman some slack about the W. 🙂 I guessed that, but it’s sort of insulting to those of us who wear smaller than a 12 and consider themselves women, as well. It’s all marketing; can’t we just have sizes?
I’d love it if you could share what prompted you to get in better shape physically and how you’re going about it. I have a schoolgirl friend who’s very heavy and I so want to encourage her. I invite her for walks, to come swimming, but she’s too embarrassed to put on a suit and walking tires her. I tell her joining me would help keep me on track, but she doesn’t bite. I know it has to come from within, so I just wonder what was the turning point for you.
My heart breaks for your friend. My health has been the primary motivating factor for me. Turning 58 in December, just 2 years from 60, intensified my motivation. But life gets in the way of our best laid intentions! Your friend is blessed to have you care so. Maybe she can articulate what she thinks she CAN enjoy as an exercise. The recumbent bike helped me when I was recovering from surgery. Yoga can be done in a chair. If you go on line you might can pull up some exercise videos for obese people and maybe you can do them with her for encouragement. Walking at a local mall may be a safe place to start. Good luck as you seek to help your friend. Thanks for posting.
I think she looks so pretty, and love all the different colors she choose. All the outfits look great on her!
What beautiful colors and style! They are gorgeous on you (an already beautiful woman). I love shopping thrift/consignment stores and have found some amazing pieces. You are inspirational no matter what size. After all, it’s just a number. It truly is what is on the inside that counts.
Vicki, you do look great. Certain colors and styles always bring out our best features. I just turned 66 and I have had a weight problem for years. Right now I have it under control but it is a battle. I truly understand where you are coming from. I had to start changing my eating habits because of health problems about ten years ago. Now I feel great. I try to walk on the treadmill 30 minutes/day which is the key for me to control the weight. I still eat the foods I like but only when I visit with family or on special occasions. God gave us fabulous bodies didn’t He? Happy spring and good luck!
Hi Susan,
I live in north metro ATL. I prefer Goodwill stores because they do have “plus size” racks. However, let me caution you, it is not always organized accordingly. If I have the time and am in the mood, I also browse, by color, the blouses on the regular size racks. Sometimes I can wear a regular XL. Goodwill is not the cheapest, but having the plus sizes separate is helpful and less time consuming. Also, Goodwill offers 25% discount on TUE to shoppers over 55! Love it! Another helpful bit of info is each garment has a colored tag or “barb” attached. Each Sunday a new color is chosen for a 50% discount. I love to drop in after church on Sunday when the color has just changed and the selection is best for a
treasure hunt. This color discount applies to everything in the store, not just clothing. Be aware, not all Goodwill stores are the same! The selection often depends on the area of town. I hope this is helpful. Enjoy!
Hi Tricia,
Congrats on getting healthier! Your consistent exercising on the treadmill is an inspiration to me! I prefer to walk outdoors, which Rhoda and I do together about once a week. But we do have a small elliptical I should be using more so maybe I’ll try that today. Thanks for your post!
Thank you, Rhoda for sharing Vicki’s story with us! So inspiring and encouraging. I enjoy shopping at consignment shops, too.
Vicki, you look beautiful in all yours looks. My fave is the leather jacket, stunning!
One bit of advice that I learned from watching the tv show, What Not to Wear. You need to define your waist!! Try adding a belt or clothes with an empire waist. Wrap dresses, dresses with color block panels, peplum tops, are also slimming.
Hi Penny,
I love your ideas and have a wrap dress I bought at a thrift store (probably Goodwill) that didn’t fit at the time and hope it will when I try it in the next few weeks. As for belts, I have a mental block about wearing one when I’m so overweight. Maybe I’ll overcome it. I agree with you though, I’m just not ready. Thanks for posting and the great tips!
LOVE this blog post ~ Vicki looks wonderful in each of the outfits! The turquoise jacket is gorgeous: it definitely compliments her hair & skin color. Thanks to both ladies for sharing stylish tips that are helpful and practical for everyone.
Rhoda, please feature Vicki again. She is beautiful and her transparency makes her very relatable. I look forward to hearing more about her.
And Vicki, you rock! You will definitely meet that 199 goal! I’m looking forward to celebrating with you!
Loved the post, loved the different options shown. I also put my family before me…had a brief but not lasting weight loss. Working on getting healthier and losing weight as a side effect.
My question is, where do you go thrifting for Women sizes? I am in the Atlanta area.
Thank you for an inspiring post. Just what the day needed.
Susan, I know Vicki hits the Goodwills regularly. I’m sure they have Women’s sizes at all the thrift stores too.
Hi Susan,
I live in north metro ATL. I prefer Goodwill stores because they do have “plus size” racks. However, let me caution you, it is not always organized accordingly. If I have the time and am in the mood, I also browse, by color, the blouses on the regular size racks. Sometimes I can wear a regular XL. Goodwill is not the cheapest, but having the plus sizes separate is helpful and less time consuming. Also, Goodwill offers 25% discount on TUE to shoppers over 55! Love it! Another helpful bit of info is each garment has a colored tag or “barb” attached. Each Sunday a new color is chosen for a 50% discount. I love to drop in after church on Sunday when the color has just changed and the selection is best for a
treasure hunt. This color discount applies to everything in the store, not just clothing. Be aware, not all Goodwill stores are the same! The selection often depends on the area of town. I hope this is helpful. Enjoy!
Wow……..What a knockout in the aqua Vicki is! Go buy more of that color it is gorgeous on you. Love the lime green color also on Vicki. YOu have beautiful blonde hair and complexion also. Good luck on your journey of weight loss……once you start losing you just keep on losing I hear.
Vickie looks great! I also like to wear scarves to bring some color up near my face now that I have embraced my white hair! I think it perks a lady up and hides a neck that has lived for almost 60 years.lol. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Rhoda and Vicky,
I would love to know what Atl thrift shops you frequent and wonder if you do consignment shops too? I lost a lot of weight recently and wanted to share a great source. Embellish Plus Size Consignment used to be a storefront in Kennesaw but closed. They still have a great ebay shop and they are very easy to shop from still. There is such a niche for plus size consignment. There was a great store in Roswell that closed back a number of years ago and I still think that if someone wanted to do it they could make tons and offer a great service statewide.
Although i am still in my 40’s i appreciate your commonsense advice to dressing while still being trendy.
Thanks and have a great day
Mary Ellen
You look great..and the colors you wear are inspiring.however….
Why…is your weight brought up every time I see mention of your name? I never even thought twice about your weight. Your home, clothes. …..have nothing to do with your weight.
Terry, I can answer that. I’ve introduced Vicki on here numerous posts, she has been with me on trips and other adventures over the last couple of years. Her weight was never a topic on those posts, it was girlfriends sharing time together. However, with these fashion posts, weight can be an issue for so many people and that’s why her weight and body image issues have been shared and talked about in these fashion posts. And I know that many women relate to Vicki’s story, so I was happy to have her share here. It’s that simple.
I appreciate Vicky sharing her story – many of us can relate, thanks Rhoda!
Love the aqua leather jacket….great find and the color is great on you.