A couple of months before I found out that I was pregnant for the very first time, I found the perfect pair of jeans. I was meandering in Old Navy one day back in 2003, and found this really cute pair of jeans. They were a size 14 and a little bit big, but the fit was perfect. They hugged my rear end just right to give me an apple-bottom. They slimmed my thighs and had just the right amount of flair at the bottom to make my walking boots look amazing. The perfect pair of jeans, y’all!
Then, I found out I was pregnant and started eating for two. They always tell you that “you are eating for two” but really they mean that you only need about 300 extra calories a day. I took the phrase literally and started eating for two adults. So my perfect pair of jeans no longer fit when I was about 3 months in to my pregnancy. And so I had to retire them, even though I had only worn them a couple of times.
Every year, I go through my clothing and give away a bunch of it. If I haven’t worn it in forever, then it should go to someone who can use it. That’s my philosophy.
Every year I come across those jeans and something inside just wouldn’t let me give them away. I kept telling myself that I *would* get back into them again. And that dream didn’t even come close to fruition until now. I can’t fit into them yet, but I will.
This afternoon I was thinking about them as I was doing my workout. I kept thinking about how good it would feel to be able to slip them on over my hips and button and zip them up comfortably. Just the thought of them gave me an extra push forward. And then I thought about all of the cute shirts that I could buy to go with them. And of course, get myself a new leather jacket. Leather jackets are awesome.
This is a big deal for me because for so long (ever since I gained all of this weight) I have stayed away from shopping for myself. I wouldn’t allow it. I would punish myself for being so overweight. And sometimes I was in denial and would not want to move up to the next size. Plus, when you are 300+ pounds, shopping is just not fun anymore. You have to shop in the special plus-sized department. And even though they are getting better at making cute fashions for plus-sized gals like myself, there is still that stigma that heavy chicks like to wear tents.
So, the day I get to put those jeans on will not be the day I hit goal, but it will be a day where I can feel like I *did it!*.
What is the one thing you are looking forward to being able to do or wear on your journey?
Oh yes! I completely 100% understand about the jeans AND the overeating during pregnancy. I too ate for at least two adults and maybe a small child. Such a huge mistake.
I think it’s wonderful how thinking about those jeans makes you stay motivated. My motivating thing was to fit back into my wedding dress. And when I did it was a sweet day.
You will get back into those jeans!!
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There are about a million things that I’ve never been able to wear that I can’t wait to begin wearing- SHORTS in particular. I think the last time I wore a pair of shorts and was ok w/ it was in…elementary school? Gosh- that’s not good.
You WILL be in your jeans and I WILL be wearing shorts one day VERY soon!
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I have a few pairs of those jeans too that I REFUSE to give away. They sit patiently at the top of my closet collecting dust. LOL I too can’t wait until I can grab them and fit into them!
And I know what you mean about plus size clothing. The hardest part for me (as I’m tall and have a long trunk) is finding shirts that aren’t so short. It’s like they make these hugely out of proportion tops that are wide but short. And the pants… Don’t even get me started on those!
I look forward to the day you post a picture of you fitting into your skinny jeans. I can’t wait to see it!!!!
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There are some amazing dresses by Lucky 13 Apparel that I love. Tending towards a more retro style, most of the clothes I’d love to wear just don’t come in my size. I’ve fought the urge in the past to buy a dress or pair of pants for fear I wouldn’t succeed, but wondrr if having it in the closet might provide motivation of its own sort.
I know you’ll make it back into those jeans.
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i hear ya! i have been hanging onto a bunch of clothes that are way too small. every so often, like you, i go through all my clothes and give away some. the last time, in october, i put some in bags marked ’10 lbs’, ’20 lbs’, ’40 lbs’ and when i lose that much i can try them on and maybe they will fit! i was so happy when i got into the ’10 lb’ bag, i even found a pair of jeans i don’t remember buying! i think i bought them when my weight was on the way up really fast last fall, and only got to wear them a couple times.
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I used to spend many hours looking for the right jeans! I liked Lane Bryant’s line of three different fits. I am smaller now than I have been in 19 years and most of my old familiar clothes don’t fit right anymore. Definitely hang onto those jeans– it’ll be a sweet day when you zip them up and do your happy dance!
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