Clothes shopping, information and a brag, long post

Any of the ladies that might be looking for casual clothing, the Avenue is having a pretty big sale. I wear uniforms to work (thank goodness, because of rapidly changing sizes), including chino pants. All but one pair of my work pants can now be pulled off and on without being unbuttoned, lol. My plan was to shop Goodwill and the Salvation Army for chinos, since I don't have the money to buy new pants once every month or two. But, I found them at the Avenue for $9.99 a pair yesterday, which was a welcome savings.   Now, on to my bragging... I started out wearing a size 22 pants (they were just starting to get tight). Last night, I bought size 16!  I was so excited. They fit, but are a little tight, but in another 2 pounds they will be perfect. The waist fits great, and the legs are good. It's just the rise, the fit between waist and crotch that pulls just a little bit. But, the 18s were too loose, YEAH! I'm not down much in tops yet, although the previously tight 24s are now quite comfortable, which is a bit of a victory in it's own right. I remember reaching this point on my last diet, which was Atkins. I was just about to move here to MD from California, so I decided that since my diet was going so well, I'd get rid of my size 18, 20 and 22 wardrobes (about 6 huge rubbermaid tubs full).  Who wants to cart a bunch of too big clothes cross country??? I never wanted to need them again, thats for sure.  Since Atkins was my most successful diet ever, I felt confident that I'd never get back up "here".  That was, of course, before I ate a carb again.  I was reflecting on this the other day. About finally having the tools to help me maintain my loss, about the pounds finally being gone forever. I haven't let myself buy much clothing other than work clothes, so I won't have huge wardrobes full of clothes to get rid of this time. But, the emotional baggage that I'm rid of is awesome. I have a lot of work to do both mentally and physically, but things like going down past the 20 something sizes for the last time are such great motivators. Those few days when I wake up wondering what I have done to myself and why, I will remember these little victories and look forward to the next one.

Wow, Kathy!  Great to hear that you are doing so well.  Congrats on getting those clothing deals.  Pretty soon, you will out of the Avenue, Lane Bryant and Catherines for good!   And yes, focusing on each achievement, no matter how small it seems, helps keep us focused and committed to our success! Taya

Kathy...that is great! I have a gift certificate to The Avenue for $50. I was going to purchase something for Christmas but found something at the Goodwill...lol. I guess I will be able to purchase other things besides clothes there...is that right? I have never been there. I am a big thrift store shopper. I just love a bargain!!!!

Kathy, how wonderful for you. Man a size 16, I wanna see pictures!!!

Hi Kathy,

Wow, that is so amazing.  Congratulations!  You are already down to a size 16 pants! woo hoo!  I haven't been there since many years ago.  You must be elated. Thanks for the heads up about the sale at the Avenue.  I wonder how many different sizes of work pants you got?   I, like you have been in size 22/24 pants and tops and I look so forward to getting down a few sizes.  For years I have not relished to idea of buying anything but work clothing and the bare basics due to not liking the clothes shopping experience as an obese woman.  It must feel so wonderful to have the large sized clothing be a thing of the past.  Also I want to tell you that I met with Dr. Moein Tuesday and you are right. He is wonderful.  My paperwork has been submitterd for insurance approval and now I'm just waiting to hear from Rose.  Talk with you soon, Jennifer

I would say that any Salvation Army is my favorite. They are much cheaper than Goodwill. I do go to Goodwill because they are close to my home and I have a discount card for there. I don't just buy clothes either. I get furniture, household items and games and toys for my granddaughters. I bought a pair of Docker pants the other day with the tags still on for $2.25. I get so excited. Everyone laughs at me because every time I show people things, I blurt out the price. I can't help it!!!! I am starting to not like to buy new things. I just bought a beautiful love seat and sofa off of Craig's list for $300.00. It was hardly ever used and it was just what I was looking for. Bargain shopping is the best!!!!!

Gail, I LOVE bargain shopping. I always brag about my deals. Some of my friends bring me with them, for good luck, lol. Oh, and Avenue sells a few jewelry things, and some skincare, I believe. But, they also have wonderful bras, if you need plus size in those, and wide width shoes.  I actually went in there looking for bras, and wound up with my great chinos.

Yeah Jennifer! I'm so glad that you and Dr. Moein clicked. I hope your approval is lightening fast, and soon we'll be seeing you on the losers bench. It's a GREAT view from this side of the bench!

Not Gail, but I love the Goodwill that is over on Belair Rd. I think it's not far from Moravia, if I recall correctly.  I live almost in Towson, and shop the Goodwill and Salvation Army on Joppa Rd. all the time. I know there is also a Goodwill in either Perry Hall or Carney.  There is also a huge thrift store just off Back River Neck Rd. I don't know whether it's considered Essex or Middle River. I think it's called Village Thrift? I haven't been by there in about a year, but when I used to take the bus from Essex to Towson every morning, people would get on the bus with arms full of bags from there. By 9AM they were loaded down with loot, lol.

Hi Gail, Yes, the Avenue has lots of other stuff - shoes (very comfortable), jewelry, pajamas, undies and bras. You said that you are a big thrift store shopper.  I haven't been to a thrift store since I was a college freshman, but I am in need of clothing.  Could you mention some good ones in the Baltimore area?