The Budget Fashionista

I have a wonderful problem: I’ve lost 21 pounds since June. I’ve gone from a size 16 to 8/10, with 10 pounds left to go.

EVERYTHIING is too big. I’ve got a strange wardrobe in that I just got a new winter coat 3 weeks ago; I just bought a new robe this weekend. I’ve got to make things s t r e t c h a long way. Everything in my entire closet is going to have to go. Everything needs replacing!

I feel overwhelmed. I need basic classics, work clothes, date clothes, church clothes. And, I have a “schitzo” fashion issue: day work is corporate classic. I’m also involved in arts, so I want to represent my “artsy” side. That’s like two wardrobes!

I turned 50 this year and haven’t been this small in 15 years. My taste has changed. I want a “french” wardrobe i.e. few pieces but they really work and fit my life. I also collect vintage lapel pins, usually mid-century pieces.

How can I ensure I don’t end up with a mish-mash when I need to purchase individual pieces, a bit at a time, spanning several seasons? (I have nothing for spring/summer) I watch What Not to Wear and have learned a lot from that resource. I just don’t have the budget to replace everything at once. I also want to avoid purchasing sale items that are on their way out because I can’t afford to make errors. What should my strategy approach involve?

Believe it or not, you don’t need to buy a lot or spend a lot.

Start with items from TBF’s “Perfect 10,” such as a suit, basic black dress, jeans, white button-down shirt, etc. Stick with neutral colors like black, navy, brown, gray, beige, taupe, tan, cream, and white, and you really can’t go wrong. Use underpinnings and accessories to add color and really express your style. You can mix and coordinate all manner of wonderful outfits for work, dates, church, and more just from these basics. Then, as your budget allows, you can add to this.

Before you even start shopping for regular clothes, make sure you get fitted for a new bra and get new panties. The wrong ones will make even the best clothes look wrong.

By the way, CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss! One tip I learned from Dr. Phil about keeping it off is this: get rid of the clothes that are now too big. That way, if you find any of the weight creeping back on, you have no recourse but to work with your eating habits and exercise.

Congratulations on your success.  That is fantastic.  I have been loosing weight myself recently.  What has helped me is stocking up on some inexpensive staples untill I reach my goal weight.  I have purchaised some slacks and jeans through old navy.  H&M;is a great place to find inexpensive tops.  I also raid the clerence racks at department stores.