shopping

I've been doing a bit of shopping, i've decided that dresses through the summer will be more versatile, with changing sizes.

I went to reitmans, which has plus and regular sizes, and i kept feeling like i was out of place on the regular size (even tho i can fit into the right XL or size 16 - 18 dress). Today, i went to Joe, in Zehrs, and i was feeling the same thing, like i was in impostor. I did end up getting a dress, and a cardigan (dress in XL, cardigan in XXL, but it was the only one the right colour, and it was only 10 bucks). I think that's the last xxl i'll be buying. It's just odd, being in that section of the store.

Monica. Did you see my previous post about shopping? I was shopping in the 'regular' section today too, and to be honest, I also felt a little weird about it lol...

GO US!

yes, i saw your post... i should have said something, you're amazing. I wonder when i'll feel like i belong in the regular section.

Oh no worries! I'm just glad we are both inching closer to goal!

Well done, Monica!

I bet it felt weird.  I know my brain 'hears' the people around me when I walk thru the smaller section -- 'And just what is she doing in here?'  And I probably will for some time.

I know it really does seem very strange to shop in the "regular" size stores.  I still look at my size 16 pants and think I'll never get those on. I take them out of the dryer and think who's are these? Did these shrink?  They look so small, but not only can I get them on, but they are starting to get a little baggy. It is going to just take us some time to adjust to differences.

this is very exciting and it gets better and better!  It takes a while but you will feel comfortable in regular size stores eventually.  When I was close to my goal weight I needed fall clothes for work and was walking around the mall, popping in and out of different stores.  I had no clue where to start to be honest.  I needed everything for a fall wardrobe and was completely overwhelmed.  Eventually I found myself in Cleo because I knew they had petite lengths and after about 5 minutes a sales lady offered her assistance.  

I took a deep breath and said "yes, actually!  Last year I was a size 22 and now I'm a 6-8 on top and a 10-12 on the bottom and I have no clothes for the fall."  Well she took on this challenge like a trooper!  We walked around the store together grabbing things that I liked and she put me in a fitting room.  While I was trying on the things we chose together she was running back and forth bringing me other things to try and different sizes.  Two hours later I had a beautiful wardrobe for work and she had a fantastic sale!  I saved a lot also because of the size of my sale I qualified to cash in my loyalty points (which I earned on that sale) to get a discount.  

This was well worth the time for me as it accomplished a couple of things:  1) I got the clothes I needed, 2) because the sales lady had me try on different things I was exposed to styles I may not have otherwised tried, 3) it helped increase my comfort level in a regular sized store. 4) I felt GREAT after!!

Now I know this isn't always a practical option for everyone but if you have a budget you can certainly ask the sales lady to work within that for you.  Alternately you can have a trusted friend go with you but choose one who will push your clothing boundaries.  You will be amazed at what looks great on you!