August 1, 2010

Fashion For All



When I weighed 229 pounds fashion was the last thing on my mind. I hated getting dressed. I did not put on jewelry or think about color. Upon walking in my closet of a morning, basically it was: Hmm...wonder what will fit today? Or: What can I put on that will not cut the circulation off my waist? Or how about this: What should I wear that will still be comfortable after I eat enough food for a small football team at lunch today?

As the pounds came off, I became more interested in how I looked in my clothes. Even now, 50 pounds later and lighter, I am still dressing a plus-sized body. Size 14. But I have a few tricks, rules, etc. that I think help. I am not nor do I claim to be a "fashion expert." I just like it when things look cute. So these may not work for you but just take it for what it's worth.



Keelie's Fashion Rules for Fluffy Gals

1. You don't have to wear black all the time. You can see fat rolls in black just as much as you can in red. Tackle the roll problem from underneath the clothes. Which leads me to rule #2...

2. Invest in some Spanx. Wear them. They will make you look better.

3. Get a bra that fits. Sometimes the girls can make us look bigger than we really are if they aren't under control. Lift and lock, as Stacey and Clinton would say.

4. Do not wear clothes that are too small.

5. Forget about sizes. They don't mean anything. Right now I can wear a size 10-16 in various brands. The way it looks is what is important.

6. Accessorize. If you are going to wear all black, even though I told you not to, then for heavens' sake get some colorful jewelry and shoes and a purse to match.

7. Utilize a belt to highlight the smallest part of your waist. You can put a cardigan, vest, or jacket over it to camouflage any bumps or rolls. Really need to do that.

8. Get a cute, modern haircut. That will help update all of your clothes and it will make you feel confident.

9. Step out of your box. Try on stuff even if it looks ugly or weird on the rack. Many times those are the things that will look good on.

10. Take pictures of yourself. In the dressing room, at home. When you look at yourself in the pictures you will see what looks good, or needs adjusting (or needs to be thrown away) better than just by looking in the mirror.

11. Don't wear a small pattern all over. A little burst of a small pattern here and there (like maybe a t-shirt that you wear a jacket over) are okay but not good all over.

12. Buy jackets. Lots of them and in all colors and textures. Fall is almost here. Jackets really help to pull a look together. It's also a great way to add color to a drab wardrobe.

13. Check out stores other than the "big girl" ones. While these stores do have some cute things, often they do not and they are outrageously expensive. Macy's has a great plus-sized department. Some Ross, Marshall's and TJ Maxx have plus-sizes as well. I find these places to be a little more hip that The Avenue and Lane Bryant. Don't get me wrong, I have bought plenty from those two...I'm just saying--branch out.

14. Don't be afraid to put together an outfit. Trying to recreate something you see in a magazine can be quite fun. Remember--no one looks like they do in those magazines. Not even the models! So don't be discouraged if it doesn't look "perfect".

15. Wear your confidence. 99% of the success of an outfit is the way you wear it. Hold your head up high and walk around like you mean it. Pretty soon people will be asking you where you shop. Even the skinny girls ;)

This outfit applies rule #7.

I don't want you to think that I think its all about how we look. It's not. But I'd be lying if I said it didn't matter. Putting time and thought into how I dress has been one of the most fun and rewarding parts of losing weight for me. So I want to encourage you to do the same.

Let's do this: In a couple of days I am going to have a linky party. What you need to do is apply one of the rules from above, blog about it, preferably include PICTURES, and link it up here. You need to try something different! Change it up! Step outside your comfort zone and tell us all about it. You could also share a rule of your own. Again, I stress--we will NEED pictures.

Okay. Everybody show up on Thursday.
Photobucket

11 comments:

Patrick said...

Well, I'm a guy but some how, some way, I will participate in the linky party... Hhmmm, which rule can I work into a blg AND take a related picture with? Thanks for the challenge?

Keelie said...

Oh Patrick...pardon me for not including you! I think you will definitely be able to bring something valuable to the table. Judging from some of your pics I can see that you already have quite a sense of style. can't wait!!

99ToGo said...

I heard the rule, "just because you can zip it, doesn't mean you should wear it" and had to chuckle. I'm not one to stuff myself into anything (I'm more of a mumu-hide-under-the-fabric- sort) but I sure can call to mind images of ladies in jean shorts 10 sizes too small :)

Christine said...

I agree so much about wearing clothing that are too small..it makes you look BIGGER.
I wish people realized that more.
My mantra at my heaviest was the word 'skim'.
Not cling.
I love your outfits.
I don't wear spanx...I am trying to tighten my muscles to the point that people think I am wearing them. All my situps are paying off.
I like the pink outfit...It makes you look like a size 10

the GOWEN family said...

Love reading your blog - and am inspired by you! Just wondering though why you say you're still dressing a "plus size body" - I too am a size 14 and never considered myself "plus size".

Chris@Joyful Mother said...

Wow...thanks for the tips. I never thought about some of them like the belt wearing tip. Cool!

Scarlett said...

I really enjoy those tips - I am no fashionista! I am awaiting the linky party so I can think up something great to wear :)

Unknown said...

Keelie -- Looking good girl !!
This is an amazing post!!! I'll be there Thursday! I'm really excited to see everyone's blog and pics and how they apply to these tips.
also, LOVE your music selections here on the blog. you're blog and music always lifts me up.

Unknown said...

Thanks for being such an inspiration! I've nominated you for an award. You can redeem it by going to my blog!

love,
Deb

Kate said...

The bra is KEY. I seriously thought I was a b cup for years and years and years. And one day, a woman I hardly knew said, "You need a bigger bra." And I was all, "Why are you looking at my chest?" And she just repeated herself. And well? I went and got measured. And my D cups are so thankful. I look totally different.

Trisha said...

I love reading your blog and loved these tips! I wanted to let you know that I love the music on here and often leave your blog open while I work so that I can here it. I find it calming and inspiring.