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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

2009~ It was another year of change!

I will say I did change a lot when it came to my own personal style this year.  I think that my changes were certainly for the better because, looking back on it now, I dressed very young for my age.  I think I had also quite outgrown the total "prepster" look I'd been sporting for some years now.

Amongst my favorite discoveries of the year are my Hudson Stella Jeans, Big Star Vintage Jeans(the whole line of them!!), Sinful shirts, Affliction shirts, Rebel Spirit shirts, Crash & Burn shirts, and all other cute shirts I find at Buckle, boots and more boots!, Joes Honey Jeans, Rock Revival Jeans, 7 For All Mankind Jeans, True Religion, Smashbox Cosmetics, and much more!  Thank you Buckle and Nordstrom for a great year hehe!!

Here's to an even better 2010~ I don't see a change in personal style coming, but probably an expansion of the wardrobe.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

In pursuit of corset(s)...

Actually, yes, I'm in pursuit of my FIRST corset(s).  I've been wanting one for a long time, probably about 2 or 3 years now, but I've always been afraid of how I'd look in them (call it's self-esteem issues, I guess).  I am over that now and I just really, really want a corset or 3!  I found 3 or 4 that I really liked on the Hot Topic website today (they are Tripp brand, for around $29).  I want to definitely go in the store and try them on and not just order them online blindly, as I am a bit top-heavy for my size, but I'm excited to see how they are on me!

Other than that, I just got a cute pair of Bayla skinny jeans from Aeropostale (on sale for 19.75) and a cute  button down tunic top from Forever 21 (for 15.80).  I just LOVE saving money!

If I don't blog again til after the holidays, Merry Christmas everyone!  And happiest day after Christmas shopping to all!!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Lonnngggg overdue update =)

Hey y'all...

So I have been terrible about updating since right before the Black Friday excursion.  I must say, it was a really successful shopping day, but it just didn't compare the bustle of shopping in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, or even Oklahoma City.  I miss fighting those big city crowds (and better stores, of course haha). 

I have not been getting quite as many outfits lately with the holiday season here, but I have gotten a couple.  I've also finally tackled the boots dilemma x 3.  Yeah!  I got Black UGG tall 5815 boots ($75 on eBay, new in box from reputable seller!).  I got Zigi Girl Sarah Boots in a Tan Leather.  They are tall boot with zippers all over them.  And then, I got these short little BKE Sole Muse Boots in Grey Leather.  They are a little short cowboy boot with rhinestone accents... SUPER cute!

I'm hoping to get some new outfits in DFW (Dallas/Ft Worth)~ Most likely at Nordstrom~ before we go out to California in March.  That's the goal of the immediate future since I am almost positive I gots the boots thing covered now. =D

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Black Friday is almost HEEEEEEERRRRREEEEE!

 I just LOVE shopping on Black Friday...  I wouldn't miss it for the world!   I like to scour the web and buy online specials there.  I love the bustle of the crowds in the malls.  I love the line at the Starbucks of people, like myself, who REALLY need their coffee.  I just love to take this festive day in for all its worth and savore it =D!

I have every intention of avoiding Wal*Mart at almost all costs tomorrow.  There is nothing I really need in there.  All the kids toys are already ordered and most have already arrived.  I just don't want to deal with that level of INSANITY.  The mall can get bad, sure, but it's NOTHING like Wal*Mart. 

I pretty much have the day already planned to a T.  We are leaving here between 530 and 545.  First stop will, of course, be Starbucks to get COFFEE.  After that, we are headed to the mall.  We are hitting up the Children's Place first of all.  I'm getting new jeans for Miss Krysten.  She's gotten too tall for most of her jeans and they sell really good quality ones with adjustable waistbands.  Then we are headed to my Personal Shopper fitting at Buckle ...  I look forward to it and dread it at the same time.  I look forward to looking at and trying on some great clothes, but I don't look forward to trying them on the day after Thanksgiving haha.  I feel bloated on Turkey~ ugh.  Maybe I'll feel better about it by morning, but that remains to be seen.  I'm also going to be hitting Maurices to get a couple of Tunics, Rue21 to get some socks & accessories, and Old Navy to get Winter Jackets for both of my kiddies.  After all that, we're going to need more coffee, I'm sure.  Jason and I are taking time out tomorrow afternoon to see Twilight Saga: New Moon (his first time, not mine).  I'm stoked!

I might not have an another blog with a full report in until after the weekend and Cyber Monday (the 30th), but there WILL be a good report coming =D

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Ahhh, the pursuit of BOOTS!

Yep, I am in pursuits of boots.  Yes, I have boots, but I need more boots.  I do not know what kind of boots that I want, nor do I even know what color I want.  I know I need chocolate suede boots, black suede boots, more black leather boots, and tan leather boots.  Right now, I am in pursuit of 1 pair of boots, but with a good deal, 2 pairs of boots =). 

So far, I've been scouring Nordstrom online (considering I'm just over 3 hours away from Nordstrom.. Bah-humbug!!) and also Zappos.com.  I've also just started to check out Overstock.com and, wow do they have SOME KIND OF SELECTION!  You just have to look hard sometimes to find your size and it can be kind of limited.  I'm also browsing around on Alloy.com and they have some cute boots, as well.  Shoes are one of those things I DO hesitate to buy on eBay at this point in time.  I also plan on checking out Famous Footwear, Shoe Dept., Payless, and, of course, BUCKLE (where I've gotten 2 pairs of boots already) when I'm at the Black Friday sales. 

I also don't know if I want booties or if I want a knee boot?  I am so open for all suggestions/opinions/ideas in my comment box!  I need all the ideas I can get to go along with my own on this!  I get really indecisive on shoes~ Basically, I want to bring home the whole store hehe.  My husband says I have too many shoes, but I say that a girl can NEVER have too many =).

Send forth those ideas, y'all!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Another Private Sale gone down in FAIL...

Well, I can honestly say I was pretty excited about the Joes Jeans sale on Beyond the Rack UNTIL it opened today at 10AM...

It really wasn't marked down as much as I'd hoped it would be (and truthfully, I should have known it wouldn't be).  I'd find better deals on eBay or even the clearance racks at Nordstrom or some of my favorite online boutiques.  I'm still just really happy I finally scored a deal with my AG Jeans earlier this week and I'm sure I'll get another pair of Joes soon enough.

Beyond the Rack (SO FAR) has turned out to be my least favorite of the Private Sale sites to shop at, as they seem to not have as good of deals as many of the other sites.  Do any of y'all share my sentiment on that one??  I just love Gilt Groupe/Gilt Fuse!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Hello, My name is Renae...

... and I'm admittedly addicted to eBay.

I love the thrill of the bargain hunt, I love the thrill of the last minute bid, I love the thrill of the win haha.  Yes, siree, I am addicted to getting great deals on eBay.

However...

I just might be the world's pickiest eBay shopper alive.  I watch multiple items at a time before I bid on them.  I won't bid over a certain price on any one item (and that depends on what the item is).  I just have my limitations on what I will and will not do.  Hey, it works for me and I have nothing but positive feedback for it.

So, I end with saying this.  If you've been hesitantly eyeing shopping on eBay, I say at least give it a shot.  You could be very pleasantly surprised with the results.  I have been so happy with all my purchases.  Read the feedback carefully of everyone that you are looking to buy from and happy bidding!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

AG Jeans sale on Gilt Groupe = SCORE!!!

O.M.G.!!!!!

I FINALLY got a pair of jeans at a Private Sale!!!  I cannot EFFIN' believe my luck! AND... it was on the sale I MOST wanted to get the jeans at...  the AG Adriano Goldschmied Jeans sale!!!  I got a pair of the New Legend Jeans for $68 plus shipping, which was one heck of a steal!  They are a beautiful dark wash in a size 28 with a 33" inseam.  I am totally in LOVE with them and cannot wait til they get here so I can wear them with a great pair of heels for the holidays.

I guess the moral of this whole blog here is that I was totally about ready to give up.  I was scared to buy at those sales because of my changing body type.  I mean, granted, I can still wear the same size jeans, but right now, I do know my body has done some changing due to going into early menopause.  However, I guess you just have to know what is going to fit your body type and what is not.  Don't be unrealistic about your figure and measurements and you should have no problems shopping at the Private Sales, outlets, online boutiques, online stores, eBay, etc.   Size is just a number on a tag and it does not determine your self worth.  It's taken me years to see this.  Heck, sometimes, I still have issues with this one, but I'm getting better about it all the time.  Shop for what fits you best, not for what the number inside the clothing says.  That will also help you on these Private Sales because designer labels definitely DO tend to run small.  Many people don't realize that and I was one them who didn't know that for a long time.  Just a piece of helpful advice for y'all.

I hope those of you who shop these sites have good luck and happy experiences soon~  For those interested in checking them out, send me a comment and I'll be glad to hook you up with an invitation to join (since these are invitation-only websites).  You won't regret shopping at Private Sales because you can save up to 80% off of normal retail price. 

More soon!

Monday, November 16, 2009

So, I'm seriously beginning to think that I'm not meant to shop at Private Sales...

No, seriously y'all...  I have had epic FAIL at every one I've been to and I've been shopping (well, trying to shop) at them for 3 + months now.  I am member at several different Private Sale sites:  Gilt Groupe/Gilt Fuse, Haute Look, Rue La La, Beyond The Rack and Secret Sales.  I am also on The Outnet and Reverse-Reverse.  It's frustrating as heck never being able to get in on anything good on these "Private (Member's Only) Sales".  I have no problem scoring deals at eBay.  I can walk into Buckle or Nordstrom and, trust me, I'm never going to walk out empty handed haha.  It's the same with many online boutiques I shop at and several other stores I enjoy shopping at on occasion.  However, I always come up empty-handed at the Private Sales.  I think it's perhaps that I'm too picky, but I don't know for certain if that's it.  I am really starting to think that the biggest part of it is fear of ordering the wrong size.  Yeah, that's it.  I don't want to order the wrong size.  For so many years, I wore ill-fitting clothes and now I don't want do it anymore.  I won't buy clothes if they don't fit.

I hope that my luck will change tomorrow.  There is an AG Jeans sale on Gilt.  AG is one of my FAVORITE jeans brands EVER.  AG Jeans ARE the sister company of Big Star jeans, which are only my very favorite brand jeans in the world.  (Just look in my closet for the proof on that one haha)   I hope that I'll finally be able to say I scored a deal!

More on this after tomorrow =)

Saturday, November 14, 2009

"Embrace Thy Curves!"

Well, aside from the old-fashioned title of this blog, it does have some seriousness to it.  I'm finally starting to getting better and better at accepting and embracing the fact that I am a slender, yet curvy woman.  I am not fat.  I am not skinny.  I will never be a twig.  I will always have curves.  I have boobs, I have hips, I have an ass.  I am not meant to look like a 12 year old prepububescent child.  This is not meant to offend those who are naturally just really thin, but I am just not built like that.  I have to just finally accept that and quit trying to get my body there with drastric measures.  I think having multiple doctors drilling it in my head this week is making it sink in.


And then today I got an ego boost along with it all~ I have always scoffed at the Big Star Vintage Nico Skinny Jeans (they are the slimmest fitting skinny jeans at the store) and all the ones I've ever tried on have not fit over my calves.  I have very large "dancers" calves, which I earned quite honestly.  Today, I was at Buckle and I was walking around with my associate/friend, Natalie, and she was trying her hardest to try to get me into the newest pair they got in of the Nico's.  They really WERE adorable so I decided to humor her and grabbed them off the shelf.  I couldn't believe it when I came out of that dressing room and I was practically dancing in front of that mirror in those jeans!  I seriously couldn't pay for them fast enough!!  What a victory for my ego, let me tell you!


So yes, I do think I'm on the way to embracing the curves once and for all.  I have been hanging out with a friend who has gotten thinner with the WLS than I have and you know, I don't feel an ounce of jealousy.  I feel happy with the way I look in my clothes and happy for her for how well she did =).  Now I want to take her shopping and get her some new clothes for her new body!


Life is looking up!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Ok, so I've gained a little weight...

...  Somewhere around 10 lbs to be exact.  I haven't changed sizes and most people say I look no different (except my OB/GYN, who says I look less sunken-in and more healthy/filled out in my face).  And I'm somehow becoming ok with this because I have to.  My OB/GYN says I am not at a healthy weight at 130 lbs.  My WLS surgeon has been saying for YEARS that 130 lbs is not my ideal weight (and yet all I've wanted to be is 130, or even smaller... go figure).  I need to be at least 140 lbs (per my OB/GYN), if not 150-155 lbs (per my surgeon) to be at my "ideal weight".  I think I can be ok with 140-145 lbs.  I think, anyways.

HOWEVER...

There's still this one "voice in my head" that I need to shut up with some 100 mph tape.  It's the one trying to tell me that I'm not small enough, not pretty enough, not this, not that, blah, blah, freakin blah.  She's been there for years and I really just want her to SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!!  I AM pretty enough, I AM small enough at a size 6...  I don't have to compare myself to everyone else anymore and I don't have to be a size 0/2 to be happy.  I need to be ME!  I have a husband and 2 kids who love me, I have wonderful friends and a wonderful family.  That is ALL I NEED!!  SHUT UP "VOICE IN MY HEAD"!  Leave me alone and let me be me!

I hope that all of you who read this don't think I'm completely nuts, but I have gone through a LOT of ups and downs with my weight throughout my life.  I just want to finally be able to be happy with me.  If there's one piece of advice I can offer up to anyone on the weight loss journey, it's to not compare your weight loss with that of others.  We all lose at our own different paces and when you start comparing, that is when you can really add a lot of unnecessary bumps to your road.  I tell you this from my own experience and the fact that hindsight is 20/20 and that is one of the things I would do over if I could. 

Monday, November 9, 2009

Just putting things into perspective ...

So I guess you could say I'm, at the least, a borderline shopaholic.  At the very least, you could call me a fashionista.  I am always, always, ALWAYS up-to-date on my styles.  Thing is, being a size 6 (size 6 being the size that I wear most often), I can shop anywhere I want.  The sky is absolutely the limit for me and there's not much that I can't wear and don't look good in (and I am not trying to be conceited).  However, when I was a size 24/26W, it was a TOTALLY different ball game for me.

For example, when I was a plus size...  I couldn't just buy out of any ol' store I wanted to.  Wal Mart had the WORST selection of plus size clothes, I remember that all too well.  I remember shopping at Lane Bryant, JCPenney's Plus section, Roamans and Catherines online, Avenue, Cato (the Plus side of the store), even JCPenney's Maternity section (and I DEFINITELY was not pregnant) trying to find clothes that would even somewhat flatter me.  Bra and panty shopping was absolutely the WORST!!  Well, I say they were the worst, but I think jeans shopping might have been a tie with them.  It was so hard to find cute denim when you're a size 24W/26W.  Actually, it was damn nearly impossible.  Then I had the surgery that turned my life around in August of 2004.  It still took me a little while to turn things around with my style.  After being big for sooo many years, I honestly had no idea how to dress at all.  I think I looked like a joke, to say the least, when I look back on the few pictures that I allowed to be taken of myself when I was at my peak weight.  I think I finally started to get the style thing down by about July of 2005 (right before I was 1 year post-op), but I still was not spending much money on my look so the quality wasn't there.  I guess about March of 2008, the quality started getting there and then it reached it's peak in February 2009.  Now I'm tweaking my look and experimenting with new things all the time.  It's soooo worth it!

I did this combined blog on WLS/style to show that, yes, I was limited by my weight before.  I have noticed, however, that since have my WLS, that more designers have opened up options for plus-size ladies and there are more and more stylish clothes out there for the plus-size ladies.  I do wish I'd had those options myself, though I know it would not have kept me from having my WLS.  I did for my health, first and foremost.  The side effect of being able to feel better about my looks is just a great runner up to the benefit of having my health and energy back.

Friday, November 6, 2009

True Religion Sale on Secret Sales = FAIL

So, I went to the TR Private Sale on Secret Sales (a UK website that I am a member of) and of course, FAIL.  I went there specifically for a pair of Becky jeans and that, of course, would be the first thing that sells out.  Well, back to Ebay, I suppose.  I seem to have better luck when it comes to that site anyhow.  Right now, I'm in the bidding for a pair of Big Star Maddie jeans and Forever 21 jacket (bidding as a set).  I guess now I will go on the lookout for a pair of Becky jeans for Christmas.

On another note, Buckle has renamed Black Friday to "Green Friday".  I've got a Get Fitted appointment for 7 AM on the 27th.  Works out fine for me since we were going to be at the mall anyways buying tools at Sears for the husband.  Gotta love buying things that I know NOTHING about haha.  At Buckle, though, I want to buy a bottle of Christian Audigier perfume.  I smelled it last night when I was there getting a new Sinful shirt and it was just amazing.  I think I might actually like it better than my Ed Hardy perfume and that's saying a LOT.  I'm sure I'll have a lot to write about after I hit the stores on Black Friday =D

Review: Sinful and Affliction shirts

There is nothing I am better suited to review at this point in time haha.  Since about February 2009, I have not worn much else other than Sinful or Affliction shirts.  I absolutely LOVE them.  I love the quality...  I love the designs...  I think the price is very reasonable in comparison with my other lines of clothing...  I could really just go on and on!  It all ties into my "rocker girl" image I guess I give off to my friends LoL.

There are only 2 other brands I even buy in somewhat of a close 2nd to either Sinful or Affliction and that is Remetee (a spinoff from Sinful and Affliction) and Crash & Burn (LOVE them!!!). 

I admit, I have a tshirt collection that will knock the socks off of most people.  I can wear a tshirt every day for at least 2 mos and still not run out.  I highly suggest anyone out there should try Sinful or Affliction for Women.  They come in sizes up to XL.  You should also try Remetee, Crash & Burn, and even Rebel Spirit (who makes a GREAT shirt!).  They also come in sizes up to XL.  They are all a slim fitting shirt, with stretch, and great for layering.

Check out the links for the Affiction store and Buckle on the right side of my page and that will give you a great firsthand look at these great shirts!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Thought of the day: November 2nd, 2009

Well, I decided I should put out my 2 cents and the thought of the day for today...

"Sometimes it is better to have fewer friends, than to have "friends" who only come around when it's convenient for them or if they need something from you"

... Strikes a chord, huh??

Ebay = Love!

I am so in LOVE with Ebay!  I have something like 12 items on watch right now hehe.  I got home from Ty's doctor's appointment today to see that both pair of my TRs have shipped (The Joey Super T and the Joey Rainbows).  I can't wait til they get here, which might be as soon as tomorrow!  Will post reviews and pictures soon!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

PPD sale on Gilt = FAIL

The Paige Premium Denim sale just started on Gilt 7 mins ago (Central time).  I can already come right out and tell you that it was epic FAIL.  They only have 3 different washes in the Laurel Canyon style and 2 washes in the Hollywood Hills style, and all of them are gone in my size (28 or 29).  UGH!  I did look at the Manning flare leg jeans, but I didn't really like them enough to pay $78 for them.

...  I guess onto the True Religion and MiH jeans sales later in the week and hopefully I'll come out on top with those!  *Sigh*  I always seem to strike out when it comes to the Private Sales, but I come up a winner every time on Ebay.  Go fig!

Private Sales on denim...

I've been following the private sales on the web now for a couple of months.  I have yet to actually make a purchase at one of them.  Thus far, I've actually been disappointed and discouraged at the finds I've made on them.  I would not think a 10" rise would flatter me, for one thing.  I do think that many of the prices on the Private Sales are very good, but others just don't seem to be marked down that much to me.  I could go to clearance at Nordstrom and find something I am certain to like for some of the prices I've seen.  I guess I'm just a bit frustrated and really hoping that soon my luck will turn around on them.  I know there's a Denim Brands sale on Secret Sales right now, but I didn't have much luck with it yesterday.  Also there's a J Brand sale on Gilt Groupe that is currently going on and, again, I didn't have any luck.  I need to go check out the James Jeans sale on Beyond the Rack, but I've been hesitant as this is a brand I'm not super familiar with, nor have read reviews on.  Gilt Groupe will be featuring Paige Premium Denim starting tomorrow.  I have never bought any Paige jeans, but they seem to be a very popular line.  Maybe I'll grab me a find with them.  MiH and True Religion are supposed to have sales on Secret Sales later in the week.  I just nabbed up 2 NWT True Religion Joey jeans on Ebay in the past 2 days for a STEAL so I'm excited to go see the True Religion private sale and see if there's more to be found.  I'll be sure to write more on this subject when I have more to say on it.  I think the Private Sales really are a wonderful concept, just hoping I'll be able to find something to buy soon!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

MEK Denim in Zanzibar

I never really read very many fashion bloggers write about MEK denim.  I, personally, LOVE the MEK line of jeans.  They are so comfortable, for starters, and then the style and the pockets on them just make the jeans!  I have this one pair of the MEK jeans in Zanzibar wash (It is one of my 4 pairs of MEKs).  They fit similar to the Big Star Vintage Miki jeans.  They do have stretch in the denim, but not to the point that they are "saggy" at the end of the day~ They retain the shape and fit to your body very well.  One feature I love the most on this particular wash is the use of red contrasting thread.  (Red IS my favorite color!! =D )  I highly recommend that more people out there should give the MEK denim jeans a try!  I got mine at Buckle, but I've seen them in many online boutiques, as well as Nordstrom.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Rock Revival Jeans in Amy White

So I'm giving this fashion blogging a real get-up and go attempt haha.

I got my first pair of Rock Revival Jeans in Amy White (size 29/6).  They offer a wonderful stretch without being all saggy at the end of the day.  I love, love! the rise on them (7 inches, I think) and the wash is GREAT.  I will have to post pics of them soon.  I'm still not the most comfortable at having my behind photographed, even 5 years after the weight came off.  I will say, though, I would definitely invest in a few more pairs of the Rock Revival Jeans in different washes/cuts.  They are a great investment and a great addition to any woman's wardrobe!

Monday, October 26, 2009

The thought for today: 26 October 2009

Today I'm just going to leave y'all with one simple thought on weight loss:

"It's not about how much weight you lose, but how long you maintain your weight loss"

... That quote speaks volumes to me... how about you?

Saturday, October 24, 2009

WOW! It's been a while...

It's been over a year since my last blog on here. A lot has happened in that time. Hmmm... I don't even know quite where to begin so I'll start at the beginning...

1. I had my son on October 3rd, 2008. After a 4 day stay in the NICU in Oklahoma City, Tyson Chance came home with us. He weighed 6 lbs 10 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long at birth. He just turned one (complete with his own cake and a party!)... He's a 20 lb'er now! He turned out to be quite the little blonde, blue/green eyed chunk. He is a very mellow, happy little boy.

2. I went through my 1st deployment with Jason from March to September. To say the least, I was soooo glad to get him home again and I know the kids were, too. I know there will be more deployments in our future, but I hope for a nice break from them.

3. I celebrated 5 years since my WLS on August 3rd. I am still maintaining my weight loss (170'ish lbs) and doing well. I have made several friends along this journey that I cherish a lot. I would not take my WLS back for all the money in the world.

4. I'm probably even more into my fashion now than I was a year ago (if that is possible). I know I discovered premium denim (no, I don't mean AE, I mean jeans that cost at least twice what their's do) around Valentine's Day this past year. I am in LOVE! My husband supports it, but he says he can't tell the difference between Wal Mart jeans and the more expensive ones (like my Big Star Vintage). Trust me, there IS very much a difference! I can blindly reach into my closet in the dark and tell you which ones are the AE jeans and which ones came from Buckle and Nordstrom. I don't know if I could go back to buying cheaper quality jeans at this point (not without a fight anyways). I know I'd do it if I had to, but it just wouldn't feel the same. I have several friends that share this opinion.

5. I went shopping today and I got my daughter the cutest little mini-skirts and tights at Old Navy. She is going to look SO adorable in them! I got Tyson some long sleeve onesies, jeans, and a few blanket sleepers to keep him warm at night since he likes to throw his blankets out of the crib haha. I looked at tools (of all things I know NOTHING about lol) and found the PERFECT tool set for Jason's big Christmas present. Krysten's big present is that she is getting her own clubhouse. She's at the perfect age for it!

Well, that's about all I'm going to bore you with at this point. I'll be back soon with my re-analysis on trends that need to die in the very near future. I'm going back to protesting ABC taking my Longhorns game off the air to show freakin' USC. Laters!