NSV: The little black dress with pictures

MochaMixAZ · February 2013

I have always avoided shopping - I hate everything about the experience, not the least of which is the fact that I haven't had success buying plus size off-the-rack clothes.

So when my husband forgot our garment bag this weekend for a mini-holiday in Vegas, I was devastated. He is naturally tall and slim and looks amazing in everything... so "let's just go shopping and pick something up" seemed like a no-brainer to him. Not to me. Where would I find, within walking distance, a plus-size shop? Would Lane Bryant HAVE evening wear? WHERE on earth could I find my size on a budget and in an hour or less???

So we ventured to an upscale mall called "The Fashion Show." Seriously.... every size and fashion fear I have came rushing into my brain. Despite good success with weight loss, I'm not where I want to be. I hate my arms. I still don't have much of a waist. Would I be be able to find nylons to fit my 6'0'' frame? Ughhhh.

Well. I *found* a Calvin Klein dress... OFF THE RACK... that FIT. Not only did it fit, but I LOVED IT. OFF THE RACK. For those that have never struggled and been super-size, I can't find the words to explain what it's like to be able to find something in a REGULAR store, in a REGULAR size... and have it FIT. It's almost enough to bring me to tears.

Then I realized I didn't even snap a picture while all dolled up. So after our 5 hour drive home, I decided to pull on the dress as-is just to get a picture. Please keep in mind, this is without the proper undergarments (aka just a sports bra here!), no nylons, no shapewear, no makeup - just me and the dress with a phone and a camera. Someday I'll take a full on glam picture in the dress in all it's glory, but I needed to document this in the raw, while it was fresh.

I am SO PROUD. You might think after losing as much as I have that I take things like this for granted. But I don't. My brain hasn't caught up with my body. I see mostly flaws. I typically still see a 500+ fat girl. I tend to focus on what I have left instead of what I have accomplished. So, I'm trying to take a few moments and just.... celebrate. 'Cause damn.... I DID THIS.

Thanks for listening.

carey1986 · February 2013

You Look amazing in that dress!

so happy for you! I hope to join you in that happy place sometime soon!

Katersamo · February 2013

You look beautiful!

RMNPHike · February 2013

Well Done! You look amazing. Keep up the good work, and don't forget to post the glamour shot!

AlongCame_Molly · February 2013

Don't worry about the shapewear and makeup anyway. You're gorgeous without all that! What a great dress, btw! I have yet to find the perfect LBD for myself, so I'm jealous!

SmokinFlowers · February 2013

Congrats girl, you look so good! You've got to get all dolled up more often.

Verity1111 · February 2013

This is a really nice post and I am very happy for you. I like your hair style. :]

LMick1986 · February 2013

I hope your brain catches up soon, because you look stunning! So excited for you!

scamp76 · February 2013

A-MAZ-ING!!!!! You look fantastic and your story is inspiring!!!! Way to go! Keep up the good work!

princesspamelatransformation · February 2013

Love that dress and your inspirational story. Thanks for sharing. You look curvaceous...You go girl!!!

MochaMixAZ · February 2013

Thank you to all that responded - it is appreciated. Sometimes a virtual pat on the back really helps.

I also wanted to add another thought. We often speak in terms of "befores" and "afters." Well, I'm a "during" and I still consider myself a success story. This is in no way intended to diminish or cast shadow on folks that have achieved their ultimate success and are at their goal weights... that's *awesome* and I will be there someday. But for all the rest of us, I want each of you to feel the buoyant way I do right now... and that's still 40 pounds AWAY from my goal weight. This lifestyle is everlasting (I can't even say it's a JOURNEY that's LONG... that would imply there is an end to healthy living... and there isn't) and sometimes we need to stop and smell the roses... get that virtual pat on the back... and scream a collective "WE DID IT!" even if it's technically a "We're DOING it!"

So I'm calling on all those who are working hard and seeing success- post about those successes NOW. Celebrate NOW! Keep it going but send up a cheer and embrace your inner 'AFTER!' We deserve it!

beertrollruss · February 2013

Thank you for sharing your story! You're doing great. Besides the good work you're doing with your diet, your writing is excellent. I wish you continued success.

babeinthemoon · February 2013

YOU ROCK!!! WTG!!!

Mizzpeace · February 2013

BRAVO! Job well done! You deserve this moment. Take it all in. The dress looks nice on you! You have a reason to be proud. Hard work and consistency = results! Keep it up! The best is still yet to come. Such an inspiration :-)

BecomingElle · February 2013

OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS YOU ARE AMAZING

Not only is your weight loss amazing but you LOOK amazing here! Honestly, after reading all your down-talk (about not wearing proper under garments and not really doing hair or make-up) I wasn't expecting this! And I mean that in the nicest way possible ahahha :flowerforyou:

You DO have a waist and the cut of the dress is so flattering on you! You also pull off the colour so well! Not many can, in my opinion

Simply gorgeous! You make me feel eager to go out and get a Little Black Dress right now! hahaha

Keep going you're phenomenal! And I agree in enjoying the moment, instead of always looking ahead :smooched:

dhiammarath · February 2013

You are AMAZING and you ROCK that dress!!

LesleyGillan · February 2013

I'm glad you are proud of yourself, you deserve to be!!!!! You look beautiful :bigsmile:

PS if you look like that without all the fixings, I think people are gonna think you photo-shopped if you do a all glammed up pic! lol

Mrs_Padgett · February 2013

You look great!

Cherie7575 · February 2013

Beautiful - thanks for sharing!

xsmilexforxmex · February 2013

I have always avoided shopping - I hate everything about the experience, not the least of which is the fact that I haven't had success buying plus size off-the-rack clothes.

So when my husband forgot our garment bag this weekend for a mini-holiday in Vegas, I was devastated. He is naturally tall and slim and looks amazing in everything... so "let's just go shopping and pick something up" seemed like a no-brainer to him. Not to me. Where would I find, within walking distance, a plus-size shop? Would Lane Bryant HAVE evening wear? WHERE on earth could I find my size on a budget and in an hour or less???

So we ventured to an upscale mall called "The Fashion Show." Seriously.... every size and fashion fear I have came rushing into my brain. Despite good success with weight loss, I'm not where I want to be. I hate my arms. I still don't have much of a waist. Would I be be able to find nylons to fit my 6'0'' frame? Ughhhh.

Well. I *found* a Calvin Klein dress... OFF THE RACK... that FIT. Not only did it fit, but I LOVED IT. OFF THE RACK. For those that have never struggled and been super-size, I can't find the words to explain what it's like to be able to find something in a REGULAR store, in a REGULAR size... and have it FIT. It's almost enough to bring me to tears.

Then I realized I didn't even snap a picture while all dolled up. So after our 5 hour drive home, I decided to pull on the dress as-is just to get a picture. Please keep in mind, this is without the proper undergarments (aka just a sports bra here!), no nylons, no shapewear, no makeup - just me and the dress with a phone and a camera. Someday I'll take a full on glam picture in the dress in all it's glory, but I needed to document this in the raw, while it was fresh.

I am SO PROUD. You might think after losing as much as I have that I take things like this for granted. But I don't. My brain hasn't caught up with my body. I see mostly flaws. I typically still see a 500+ fat girl. I tend to focus on what I have left instead of what I have accomplished. So, I'm trying to take a few moments and just.... celebrate. 'Cause damn.... I DID THIS.

Thanks for listening.

Smokin! Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your NSV and all your progress! Good luck with your continued loss!

Adobogirl · February 2013

Dang girl! You look GOOD! Thanks for the inspiration. To NSV!

zoukeira · February 2013

Stunning!! I wish I looked that hot without makeup!!

Suzeboo · February 2013

Well done!!! You look abso AMAZING!!!! Love that dress it is gorgeous. Really pleased for you!! x:happy:

zealousmissjj_wechange · February 2013

Gorgeous!!!! Awesome job!

enchanted_daydream · February 2013

Beautiful! That must have been a great feeling

Keep up the fantastic work!!

HollyHobbitToes · February 2013

Lookin good! Keep up the good work!!

new2locs · February 2013

You my dear look absolutely stunning!!! I had to go to your profile to read the rest of your story. I just want to commend you on all of your hard work & continued success in this healthy lifestyle. I know what you mean about going backwards after coming off some of the medications. Definitely don't want to go back to that. I myself have been able to come off of two meds & get two med dosages reduced. Now it seems so hard to get off the two remaining meds but I shall push forward!!! You have inspired me to work a little bit harder!!!