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?
While looking at magazines yesterday with a friend we discovered that several had articles featuring how to look good at 30, 40, 50 or hairstyles for 30,40,50. What happens after 50? As I approach 60 this year I was discouraged. So today your comments about body image and fashion were extremely inspiring. Thanks Vicky!
Thank you, Leslie! I have really enjoyed sharing on Rhoda’s blog. Based on the response to my article I decided to introduce my blog today. mothermomsmusings.blogspot.com
I’d love for you to drop by. I’ll be posting more now that it’s “out there”.
Blessings to you and yours!
Thank you for sharing Vickie’s story. What an inspiration she is! I am embracing that fact that I am 55+ now and not as thin as I use to be, and love thrift store shopping. I’m getting out my accessories and dressing for spring!
Signed a “W” !!
I’ve been shopping at thrift stores for years….more than 30 to be exact 😉 I’m 60 now. Good deals are always to be had there. One of my secrets is to look for good quality name brands because often they’re been given away by someone who’s merely gotten tired of them (or possibly outgrown them)…and there’s lots of wear left in them. 😀
I frequently will get hundreds of dollars of clothing, all stuffed in a bag, for around $30 🙂
I LOVE this story. I think Vicky looks stunningly beautiful!
Vicki, you’re doing a great job of dressing the body you have with style! Your message “we all deserve to feel and look our best at every size”, rings true for me too.
I don’t do much thrift store shopping (recently scored an adorable dress and sweater for three year old granddaughter) because I’m too busy shopping my own closet. I’ve got a lot of gems to dig out and wear. Nothing new can come in until a few more go out…
My husband was shopping for a Christmas present for me and he asked a sales clerk what the W stood for and she told him wide also…he said he thought about that and then said “I really think it stands for WOW! because my wife is not wide”. According to him, he said it jokingly but wanted to get her attention. And he came home with a beautiful red dress suit for my present and I still wear it.
I do think that the fashion industry does a big disservice with the styles and even fabrics they use for plus size clothing. I am a 14-16W and some of the things they have are just atrocious in my opinion. It has gotten bad enough that I have started sewing again just so I can have nice basics to build around. And goodness knows I wish they would raise the waistbands on jeans so that awful little fat roll would stay under the jeans instead of popping out on top. And all the super clingy fabrics, who wants to accentuate every little bump and bulge? At 50, I am trying to DE-emphasize those things!
Thanks for listening to my mini rant on fashion for plus sizes. 🙂
I love your choices of color, they make you look so healthy and vibrant!!
I love this story! Your husband sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing and try a body shaper for help with those little bumps and bulges! Thanks for posting.
Thank you for a beautiful post. I have shopped at the thrift stores on and off over the years. I’ll be making a stop now after seeing this post. Please tell your friend she is beautiful.
Vicki, you are absolutely stunning. Rhoda, I love your Fashion over Fifty and I mentioned you in my blog today along with my Wednesday’s Closet Tips. Thanks for reminding women that fashion is always fashionable at any age.
MJ
http://Www.mjonesstyle.com
Another classy lady no matter her size. Great restraint too on not slapping the *W* lady!
Rhoda, I think you and Vicky make a dynamic duo for these fashion posts! I’ve been so inspired to “perk up” my wardrobe with some pretty spring colors that Vicky was wearing today!
I think size, like age, is just a number. I’ve had weight struggles most if my life as well. I’m currently at my highest weight ever. It’s not always easy to be happy with the way I look, but I have always had confidence and worn trendy clothes, bright colors, embellished/blingy things, bold statement jewelry, and I think I came out if my Mom’s womb in a leopard-print diaper! LOL. I think it is possible to look attractive and stylish at any age or size. You just have to find what works for you and makes you feel good! I haven’t bought many clothes for myself at thrift stores, but I did find a new pair of walking shorts from Christopher and Banks recently. I used to find designer shirts by Izod, Polo, and even Charter Club for my ex-husband for just a few dollars each.
Vicki looks great in the bright colors and scarves bringing the focus up to her face (great hair and eyes). Rhoda- you have always inspired me with your “finds” at thrift stores and tag sales but I have not had the same experience. Perhaps it’s the area of the country I live in but I find the thrift stores are smelly and full of out-of-date clothing in poor condition. There was one upscale shop in a former hometown that had quality merchandise (and I sold many of my personal out-of-season/size clothing there) BUT it was a small town and you were very likely to be seen in someone else’s clothes. Maybe I should move to ATL! But seriously, I love your blog and inspiration and I’ll keep giving thrift shopping a try!
I have a tip that takes care of the “smelly” issue AND sanitizes at the same time…
In a plastic dishpan-type container, mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water in the quantity you need to soak the garment. Soak it 12-24 hours and any odor will almost always be gone. Then just wash the garment as you normally would. (It’s safe to use straight vinegar, but usually not necessary.)
Love the post today, Rhoda (and Vicki)…so much good information AND inspiration! To me, thrift store/Good Will/garage sale shopping is like a treasure hunt: some days you might not find anything you like, but other days you find something fantastic!
Thank you so much for highlighting someone who represents a large part of the population! Vicki is beautiful… inside and out! And her words encourage me today to love myself as I am and not worry about the scale so much. I am a 12-14 so I can definitely relate.
Dearest Rhoda and Vicki,
You have no idea how much I needed to see today’s post. I am much older than you two…69!…but have always tried to be fashionable. As most ladies who have ever had a weight problem know, age, bad knees etc can add to our problem. I have clothes from size 8 to size 22 in my closet. I hang on the the smaller ones hoping one day I will be able to wear them…HA. I tend to wear only black these days…trying to be less conspicuous. You have encouraged me to bring out the colors and keep smiling.
I was wondering if you might have a blog, Vicki. I would love to learn about your weight loss adventure and see more photos of your lovely face and wardrobe.
Thanks for brightening my day.
Hi Sylvia and thank you, sweet lady, for your thoughtful comments! I do have a blog but I have not posted much on it until recently. Because your your inquiry, I am encouraged to “go for it” and work at posting more! I am a writer and plan to feature my published articles on my blog but need tech support handling this. So for now, check me out at mothermomsmusings.blogspot.com. I do have posts regarding my weight loss efforts. Say hello! I recommend you purge your closet of the size 8 clothes. Is that small size relevant to your life today? I don’t mean “give up” on being healthier, just be realistic. I was very thin in my 20’s but do not strive to reach that size again, rather a healthy weight for my age and height. Of course any weight less than what I way today will be healthier! It’s all relative. Blessings to you!
That turquoise jacket is the bomb on Ms. Vicki (and that is a good thing). Okay…so I’m reading here -over and over- those of us who have passed the 55+ age and suddenly have pounds/bulges in places where they have never been! Our bodies change, obviously, but for the most part fashion is so geared to being rail thin. I have struggled over the past year with this issue and it is a daily mind-game of learning to accept the new bulges and throw out the clothes I wore just a couple of years ago. ~ Heavy sigh ~ I work a very busy job (9-10 hours a day/5 days a week) and spending time searching through racks and racks of clothing in thrift stores is too daunting, so I try and purchase all my clothing on the 30-50% off sale rack which helps somewhat. Happy thrifting to those of you who have the time. Thanks for the pics of your attractive friend, Vicki.
Hi Becky in Bama! My husband lived in Huntsville until he was 12! Yes, I get it about the time element involved in shopping at thrift stores. I did not shop thrift stores until my sons were out of high school. As a home school mom, they were with me all the time and shopping was strictly a necessity, not a pleasure. The year my youngest graduated from high school, we bought a house in a tiny town in Florida where there isn’t much to do except fish. The ladies at the marina suggested I check out the Goodwill store. I found a pair of brand new shoes for $4.00 so I was hooked! I had been to garage sales and thrift stores with Rhoda when we hung out but not with a purpose for myself. One idea for you with your busy schedule is determine the brand and style that fits well and you feel confident in then order it on line. Many of the name brands have on line clearance sales. and free shipping! Good luck and happy shopping.
What another fantastic fashion post! Vicki I applaud you and wish you the best on your journey! I have that same lime green Chico’s blouse for a few years now and have never teamed it up with a scarf! Aha-Light bulb moment! Thank you!
I look forward to your Wednesday posts, Rhoda. You always look marvelous in your clothes since you are tall and thin. But since I am not, I really enjoy Vickie and her upbeat attitude is a real example to others. She is beautiful just like she is but I am confident she will meet her goal since she is so happy and confident. I lack willpower but I believe she has it! Good luck to you, Vickie!!
Sorry I spelled your name wrong, Vicki, but didn’t find a way to edit and change it.
I loved this article! I can relate to Vicki! I have 4 children and 8 grandkids, so I’ve always put their needs before my own! Now that they are more independent, I am discovering my independence! Trying to lose the extra weight, for health reasons.
I, too like to shop thrift stores! Vicki, you are beautiful! I appreciate your honesty!
Thrift store shopping is my sport. I challenge myself to score big time every time I go and usually succeed. It can be great fun and I have found some phenomenal things for my home and myself. The best part is when you tire of them you can pass them on with no guilt!
Amen! When I have some extra time or am a little more wound up than usual and need to unwind, I go to the thrift store! It is relaxing for me to just browse even if I leave empty handed. My husband asks why I am so compelled to share with people how much I pay for my clothes. It’s no different than when he shares a fish tale on how long it took him to land a whopper or what bait he used, or how big the fish was! The hunt relaxes me and if I can leave the store with a great find…even better! Thanks for posting! Happy thrifting!
Awww. Thank you for this post. I have not commented in a long time, but I really appreciate this post. I am 42 and am over 200 lbs. as well. My body image is in the gutter and has been for awhile. I do not invest in clothes and shopping seems to be relegated to shoes, accessories and purses. These days, though, that has been minimal because my money will soon go for my oldest who is starting college in the fall. Thank you to Vicki for her willingness to share and encourage and to you for providing her with a forum in which to do it.
OK, Lori! Time to get positive! Congratulations on your oldest beginning college! A definite change in the family budget and dynamics! But you can still take time to improve your health and your appearance. I encourage you to find a few fun pieces this spring that make you smile! Or a change in hair or make up works! Just something, just for you! No matter your weight, you deserve to feel good about YOU! So please accept my challenge and indulge yourself with something personal and special. Even a bottle of nail polish can brighten our appearance and our spirits!
Thank you Vicki for such an inspiring post! Love all the outfits you modeled but that aqua jacket is just gorgeous on you! Believe me you are not alone on your journey. I am 56 and have put on 22 pounds since going through menopause. I am a size 14 but my goal is to get back to at least a size 12 again.
We recently bought a exercise bike and I just started using the I-Fitness program daily. I am also trying to eat healthier as well in my goal to lose weight. My husband and I also love to ride bikes so I cant wait for the warmer weather. Regardless of my weight, its not going to stop me from dressing well or enjoying life. We just had a upscale consignment store open in our area and it is fabulous!
P.S. Anyone ever tell you that you look like Martha Stewart?
Rhoda and Vickie, you are two beautiful and inspiring women. I enjoy these posts!I