So, ah, hmmmmm

I've had a very interesting couple of days here. 

I've gotten the opportunity to do some shopping this week.  And shopping is fun to do now, not a drudge as it used to be. 

I also cleaned my closet and dresser today, and got rid of anything that didn't fit or wasn't flattering.  See, I've been stashing away my fat clothes, holding onto them just in case.  And then it hit me.  There IS no just in case scenario here.  A Lifestyle change is a lifestyle change, not a lifestyle maybe.  And so I really went to town on the clothes.  When I was finished, I had five bags of stuff to donate and a mostly empty closet, and the freedom to go buy some replacement clothing.

The strange part was when I went to buy some new stuff.  I have a dysmorphic image of myself.  At store after store, I took clothing to try on, only to have to re dress and return it to the rack, and move down a few sizes.  The clothes look smaller, but in my mind, I still look the same.  I don't know if that will ever change.  I find myself asking The Hubster, "Is she my size?  What about her?" pointing to women we pass.  He finally asked me to show him what I thought I looked like, and I picked someone who was my old size.  He didn't get it, and I can't explain it. 

I've begun to pack for Blogher.  I find, though, that I'm short a casual, sundress type thing.  Can you recommend something?  I'm, I think, a size 4 or 6 now - at least that's what I was trying on this week.  I'd like something casual that I can wear with sandals. Oh!  I also need casual sandals, the kind you can wear with lots of stuff.

Help me, oh Internets.

Comments

[Tammy/Photography for Fun]

Oh! It's always fun to help someone else shop!

What about this?
http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/Flowery-Chiffon-Dress.aspx?PfId=83699&DeptId=15471&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0

or this?
http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/JG-Hook-Floral-Dress.aspx?PfId=31223&DeptId=15471&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0

or for ultra casual sundress:
http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/Denim-Halter-Dress.aspx?PfId=32000&DeptId=15471&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0

How's that for a start?

Happy shopping! Take a friend with you to help you see. I hate shopping because I have such a hard time finding anything that fits, etc. I've begun to shop with a friend who is close to my size and body shape and it's much more fun now!

[Melessa, also a Mommy of Four]

I am still about 12-15 lbs. from my goal, but I struggle with the size issue too. I will still instinctively head to the 1x and 2x sizes in any clothing store before I remember that's not my size anymore. I'm going to lurk around your comments section because I could use some of this advice too.

[Ann]

I always find something at Steinmart!!

[lyns]

My fav. store for just about anything causal to dressy and everywhere inbetween is NY Company... They have stylish clothes that aren't outragously priced and they have jeans, dresses, causal, you name it they have it....

As far as department stores go...Khols usually has lots of dresses...causual to dressy... they also have good sales.

good luck...xo lyns

[Katie]

NY Company is good, they can be trendy. I like Eddie Bauer (gah, I think I just aged 10 years) for well made basics. I also like The Limited, Gap, and Ann Taylor Loft.

[Jennifer]

The Gap has some gorgeous simple sun dresses this season. I also like AT Loft and AT, The Limited (believe it or not) and if you want to spulge a little, JCrew never fails.

[Gretchen]

I found a super cute casual sundress at Kohls yesterday for around $20. However, I am still 15 from goal and didn't buy it.
Good luck and have fun!

[stacey]

the last place you ever loose your weight is in your mind and in the mirror image of yourself. I do the same thing. I have lost over 30 pounds in the last 6 months but I still see myself as a size 12 and now i'm a 4. But it's finally sunk in and I look in the mirror and finally see what everyone else does. A new thinner me. and I now go to the smaller sizes instinctively. You'll see it soon. Hang in there!

[Esme]

Coldwater Creek has some cool, colorful, casual sundresses, and there are a few special offers going on right now (either get free shipping on orders over $100 or $25 off an order of $100 or more -- do a search for "Coldwater Creek code" and a bunch of them will come up). I also love Ann Taylor Loft, but find their color palette too limited for me...

[Therese]

I too am a Coldwater Creek convert, and they usually have lots of stuff in smaller sizes. However, watch out, their stuff tends to run large!

[Brandy]

Coldwater Creek is great. If you order IN the store the shipping is free.
Talbots had some summery dresses on sale this past weekend, you could check them out.
Kohl's is really great about all styles of clothing at reasonable prices. As for sandals, you're "talking" to the wrong person, I have a pretty pair of Birkenstocks, but I don't go for frou-frou shoes.
Best of Luck finding what you need! And great on cleaning out your closet and dresser.

[FishyGirl]

My all purpose go with everything sandals are Clarks - far and away the most comfortable sandals I've ever owned, and they are now getting more stylish. I will be bringing one pair of mine to Chicago.

I went shopping this past weekend for Blogher - NY Company and JJill did it for me. Good luck!

[Kristi]

Go to charlotte russe. they have the CUTEST sundresses of all sizes and cuts

[Michelle at Scribbit]

I'm afraid I haven't been a size 4 since I was in elementary school :)

Though I have a bit of an excuse being to tall :)

[Karianna]

Wow, a 4 or a 6!? :)

I look forward to seeing "the new you" at BlogHer.

[AJ]

Okay, what is UP with me and Penney's lately? Oh yeah, that's where they put the Sephora in my town which lead me to check out their dresses and actually buy one for an upcoming trip. It's very cute, cotton, empire waist, spaghetti straps and like 30 bucks. It looks very much like something you could pickup at LOFT. I'll attach a link at the end of this post. That reminds me, LOFT usually has cute sundresses, and White House/Black Market has cute skirts/tops, too.

Also, a couple months ago when I needed shoes for my friend's wedding I stopped by Marshall's on a whim and left with 2 pair! Nobody was more surprised than me! One very cute Nine West wedge heels with buckles on the straps for about 40 bucks, and the other? These hot Calvin Kleins for about 50 bucks that are selling over at Zappos for $135. (I'm a total sale shopper... I have no problem paying retail but if I like it and can get it on sale then? BONUS!) So, if you're still looking I would check those out. Oh, and if you need good, quality shorts? Lands End are my faves this summer.

You are totally inspiring me to get back on track... I have about 20 lbs to drop and just joined a new gym and am totally looking forward to spinning & yoga classes, trying to start running again (shinsplints) and weight training. There's no reason why I can't drop 20 when you've done so much! Keep up the good work - I saw your picture on the other post and you look FANTASTIC!

http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=35053&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=C&GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=11d6b4d&ProdSeq=17&Cat=fun+%26+flirty&Dep=WOMEN&PCat=DRESSES%2bSUITS&PCatID=28247&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=51&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0&RefPageName=CategoryAll%252Easpx&RefCatID=28247&RefDeptID=597&Page=99&CmCatId=597|28247|35053

[AJ]

I meant Eddie Bauer shorts not Lands End!