How has Ur style / self-perception changed since U had WLS?

I was thinking the same thing about Leesburg. I'll check. Maybe it was Williamsburg outlets.

Yeah, I'm afraid I'd be the preppy type for sure. We need to have a LW make-over trip with you and Ava leading the way!

I'm the opposite--I'm accessorizing more and I care way more about my appearance.  Previously, I was doing everything I could to not draw attention to myself.  Lots of black and very plain simple styles.  I still love black but its not making up my entire outfit.  Yay!--I no longer look like I'm going to a funeral every single day!!

I've always been blessed with an eye for style.  In my adult life, though, I've had to be very creative with how to get there, because once I got into the 18s (though for most of the time I could wear 16s) I had to find the larger items at some of the less well-made stores and then accessorize more expensively.  So that's what I did.  I have an enormous closet of designer shoes and handbags, which dress up the clothes I had to buy at Kohls or Old Navy or Target.  It was an interesting dance. 

I still plan to be a bargain shopper because it doesn't make sense to me to spend money I don't have on clothing.  At the same time, I am a public figure, and how I look matters a whole lot.  I HAVE to be put together or people won't listen to me.  So I've revised my plan a bit.  I thought I'd stock up on hand-me-downs for the next few months, but that just won't do.  Instead, I think I'm going to some closeout stores to pick up one (designer) suit per size (not ahead of time, just as I get there.)  Pants, skirt & jacket.  Probably black.  I have blouses, and blouses can "fit" even when they get too big.  Then, I'll just wear that 1 suit all week, alternating trousers and skirt, etc.  I might have to move that up to 2 suits, but hopefully no more than that.  On the off days, I can wear whatever pair of skinny jeans are fitting.  

Once I reach goal, I'm not sure what my style will be.  On the one hand, I need to look put together, but on the other, I like reflecting a bit of trend, too.  I usually incorporate that with my shoes.  But that may change!  We'll see.  

I guess the short answer is that my style is emerging.  

xoxo
Rosa

  

I was just talking about self perception with a nurse during my mammogram.  She said her friend who lost with WLS has become more confident and assertive and wondered if I found changes lik that.  I don't think so.  I know I have an inner confidence that I have not had for a long time.   I really just feel that I got ME back.  The me I used to be in my 20s.  This weight and look just feels right--like coming home.  Lin

I find that I'm dressing younger - not inappropriately so, but with closer fit clothing (not that when I was heavy anything was exactly loose - it was just tight tents!) and more casual heels, which lengthen my legs. I'm also actually putting on make up and styling my hair (what's left of it.... grrrrrr...) most days, which is a change.

The funniest thing is that I've become a label snob. I absolutely adore Gap jeans and khakis, and wear them consistently. I've discovered that Express and Jones New York tops fit me well. Ann Taylor or Loft... not so much. But I get all of these at GoodWill! I find myself giggling as I paw through the racks looking for the labels I want and ignoring all the rest!

Accessorizing - yeah, that too has expanded. Of course, most of that was DD working at Coach and corrupting me. For the past decade, my boss and I have frequently threatened during times of stress to quit and go open a private day school. If it's really stressful, we're going to quit and open a boutique store where she'll do custom candies and I'll do fabric bags (think Vera Bradley type). After learning about DD's discount, this year our threat is to go work for Coach instead. DD says we'd terrify the customers into buying. LOL - we're not THAT bad!

Overall, I wonder if I'm moving myself back to the 20-odd years I lost to weight in my dress and outlook. Either way, it seems to work for me.