Confession time. I’m a busy mama that doesn’t often take the time to shop. Is it ok to admit that I actually really, secretly hate shopping? Or would that require that my “woman card” be pulled? LOL
For starters I have two boys. I am not enduring the pain and suffering complaints that erupts when I even drive within 100 yards of the mall. They’re too young to stay home on their own, and since I homeschool, I don’t have a regular spot that they’re spending more than an afternoon. Which means that I have to take time out from one of the precious few days that my husband has fully off and we don’t already have jam packed with activities. Which I’d rather spend with the family.
For seconds, I hate the hit that my self esteem takes when I enter the dressing room and nothing fits. It’s SO much better than it was when I was much bigger. At least I’m happy with the size I am now, and I just have to focus on choosing clothing that’s flattering. But geez. One store I’m barely squeezing into a size ten, and another store I fit a 6 easy?! Come on. They just try to make this hard on us. Seriously. I don’t want to have to drag 5 sizes of the same pants into the dressing room with me.
After pounding the pavement {and dressing rooms} for more hours than I’d like to admit, I finally settled for finding a bunch of the staples that I needed for trousers and several fun tops. Accessories will have to wait for another day. Above you can see a bunch of photos from the dressing room. Yes. I photograph myself. I feel like I get a better idea of how I really look in something. Some of them I even text to my sister. Who is 1500 miles away. Are these too tight? Should I go up a size? What do you think of this color?
One of these days I want to start a series on choosing styles that flatter your figure. I’ve REALLY learned a lot about this over the last couple of years! Finding awesome clothing isn’t about avoiding certain colors – it’s about finding a style that flatters how God has made your body. There are things that I love, but will never be able to wear. I’ll salute all of the models that have permanently given up chocolate cake as they parade up and down the catwalk, and leave those styles for them. I’ve learned instead to find things that I love – that compliment the features I have. And guess what? I tend to look smaller than I really am. And that me makes feel good. Just like chocolate cake.
How about you + shopping? Love it? Hate it? Do share! ^_^
Becky Williams says
You are so cute, Leah!
Janicke says
Geez, do I share your sentiments about this topic! First of all you look great in all three photos. You look like you have a very nice figure, your arms look great from what I can see in the pictures.
I found your site from Shimelle.com’s giveaway this am. If I had a cool camera I’d totally want a strap but since I use my cell phone mostly a strap would be useless right now. Maybe some day I can afford a nice camera.
I have a 2 year old so shopping is kinda difficult. Also, I’m a size 8 but depending on the store I could be a 12 which really gets me mad. You know what I really hate, those fitting rooms with terrible lighting so it totally accents all your cellulite and yucky parts. Totally unflattering!
Like you, I usually snap a pic and send it to my cousin or a close friend. I have a hard time matching things like patterns or colors so I often have to send the “does this match” text and photo. It is so much easier for men. Clothes is loose and easy to find your size. For women it’s such a chore sometimes.
Good luck with all your future mall trips!