Before, During and After Weight Loss-Clothing, That is...

I used to hate getting dressed. I mean I really hated it. When I was at my heaviest, if it didn't have an elastic waistband, I pretty much ruled it out as an option. I wore t-shirts with a windbreaker over them, even when it was hot outside...that just meant I had to switch into my elastic shorts instead of pants. I have searched and searched for a photo of said outfit(s). It really is a tragedy that I can't find one...you would've had the laugh of your lifetime. Gross.

Anyway, once I decided it was time to get off my ass and start losing the weight that I had allowed myself to gain, I knew I was going to have to start wearing things other than t-shirts and sweatpants/shorts. So, today I'm going to give my suggestions based on my own experiences for finding clothes during all lovely stages of losing weight.

BEFORE: 

• Old Navy is a great place to start. I especially applaud them for their size selection and variety of styles in different sizes. They carry a great supply of denim as well as slacks/work pants. They keep up with trends and the newest styles, which is important when you already feel out of place in your own skin. Their clothing is very reasonably priced, which is also important when you're beginning the weight loss journey since you're going to be awesomely successful and just breeze through the path to smaller sizes! I also highly recommend their workout clothing. I love the fit of their running shorts and they have a solid selection of tops and pants. The quality of their clothes isn't the very best, but the prices make up for it. 
• Lane Bryant is a place that I will always be thankful for. I'm ashamed to admit this, but I would be humiliated to have to shop there...a store dedicated to plus size women? I wasn't plus size! I had just put on some pounds! YEAH, RIGHT. I most certainly was plus size and I am so thankful that there was a place I could shop where I wasn't judged or felt that I was being scrutinized. Their sizes begin at 14 and go up from there. It's hit or miss with cute tops, but they have great fitting jeans and I love their dresses. But, my absolute favorite thing about this store is their lingerie department-Cacique. Their bras, underwear, pajamas, etc. are amazing. I was actually kind of sad when I couldn't shop there anymore...but not sad enough to gain weight back! Their prices are higher, but you get what you pay for...great quality clothing for plus size women.
• Target was and still is one of my favorite places to shop. They have a plus size section that is usually really well stocked and I am never disappointed by their prices. I appreciate that you can go into Target for some household items, groceries and pick up a sweater and a scarf while you're at it. 

DURING:

• I stuck with Old Navy and Target for a while during the "in between" stage of my weight loss journey for the reasons stated above. I only started to look at different places so I could branch out my wardrobe. I also started being able to fit into other clothes that different stores carried and that definitely kept me motivated.
• New York and Company was always hit or miss, but they have teacher discounts and usually had a nice supply of things on clearance so I always gave it a shot. I really liked their nicer work pants more than anything. Lately, I've noticed their prices going up and quality going down, which is sad...I don't really shop there anymore, but it was a good in-between place to grab some essential clothing staples.
• LOFT is my favorite place in the whole wide world to get my clothes from, especially now. I started shopping there as soon as I could fit back into a size 12-14. However, I still got things from LOFT during my "in between" phase because online they carry all the way up to a size 18. Their customer service can't be beat and they will order things for you that aren't in-store even if you just want to try them on. I love, love, love LOFT. I consider their prices to be average, but they can get a little high-however, they have constant 40% off everything sales and always have a great selection of things on clearance. 

AFTER/NOW:

• I guess you can tell from my enthusiasm above that LOFT is my go-to place for shopping. I love how they have so many different types of pants and that the description of each fit is right there on the tag so you can see which ones you want to give a try before taking them to the dressing room. Things definitely fit differently these days, and I must say, shopping is actually fun! Don't give up! When I go to my favorite LOFT location I now hear "oh, hey Sarah!". It's a little alarming. 
• I get all of my bras and underwear and other...things...from Soma Intimates. They have cup sizes from AA-DDD and underwear from XS-XL. My favorite thing about Soma is that their items are actually, and I mean this, true to size. It's not like Victoria's Secret when you see a size lg. and try to squeeze on butt cheek into the whole freaking piece of material. Not cute. Soma also has the BEST dresses in the summer!! I love them so much. Honestly, if you fall into those size options, you should go there. 
• Macy's is where I get some of my favorite jeans. Their International Concepts (INC) brand is wonderful. These jeans are so awesome and I wear one size smaller than usual in them, which is always a pleasantry. 
• I usually only go to Dillard's if I need a nice dress for an event. Other than that, the sales people get on my nerves royally and everything seems pretty expensive.
• I still shop at Target for things like solid color tops and cardigans for work. I absolutely love the scarves that Target carries. I also love the workout clothes at Target and always go there for new running pants. I like the other clothes at Target, don't get me wrong, but I just tend to gravitate toward LOFT before anywhere else. 
• I go to Academy for my running shoes and other workout clothes also. Old Navy is always on my list when looking for new workout clothes also. 

I think that's pretty much it. I know I get things from other random places, but those are my favorite. I know those in-between stages of losing weight are so annoying, but I promise you that the end result is SO worth it. I never thought I would enjoy shopping again. The thought of it made me want to vomit. Now I have to get "talks" from my husband about laying off the shopping and saving money! He is extremely supportive and understanding of my new body and he has no problem with me buying new clothes...especially lingerie! However, we are buying our first house in April so I know he has to pull me back to reality sometimes and I appreciate that.

Some really exciting things happened in my life this week! My cousin had her baby girl, Caroline, and I got to see them in the hospital. She is a beautiful baby! I want one!!! P.S. that top I have on is, of course, from LOFT-but it's their LOFT Lounge-wear line...which basically means clothes that feel that pj's but are acceptable to wear in public. Win.

My ABC class got to take a field trip to the Houston Zoo for the 2nd time. We had so much fun! The kids had a blast seeing the animals and I had fun hanging out with my BFF and her little boy, Eli, for the day. They met us there!

We went to the A&M game last weekend and I got this sweet picture with my Papaw. Isn't he precious?

Now, probably the most awesome thing that happened this week...I was nominated as one of the top 3 finalists for Teacher of the Year at my campus! It is such an honor. I was nominated along with my dear friends and co-workers, Jenny and Kacy. This is my second year at Austin Parkway and 4th year total teaching. I didn't win, but the right person did. Kacy is such an incredible teacher and knows way more about this business than I do. I can't wait to have the opportunity to be honored this way again, and I know I will. The process was pretty crazy. We found out we were the top 3 on Tuesday, had a 30 minute timed essay to write on Wednesday and had interviews on Thursday where we answered different questions (very difficult, thought-provoking questions) asked by 8 former teachers of the year from our campus. It was so much fun and I will always be thankful for having that experience! This picture is of the 3 of us with our incredible principal, Donna. She is competing in a 1/2 triathlon this weekend! She motivates me more than she knows!

And finally, just for some more motivation, progression pics. I am 5 lbs. away from my personal goal people! I am going to push myself further and lose 7 more lbs. after that so I will finally be where that stupid chart at the doctor's office says I should. Keep pushing yourself!!!