~ The WLS Fashionista ~

Eek! I'm going under the knife again!

2010-05-14T07:51:00.000-05:00

Well, ok, I'm having surgery today, but I don't think I'll actually be "under the knife" seeing as the operation involves my face...

Today at 11AM (CST, where I am), I have to head over for surgery on my deviated septum, plus removal of my tonsils and adenoids. I have to wear a splint on my nose for around a week afterwards... I'm sure I'll look lovely haha. I'm nervous about this operation, even more so than the WLS and the hernia repair, because this one involves my face, but I know I'll be ok.

I look forward to sipping liquids for the next week (NOT!)~ and I'm pretty sure I won't be away from my blog!

~ R

The big return of the colored denim?

2010-05-12T08:54:00.000-05:00

I remember colored denim well when I was a kid/teenager (and I'm aware that this shows my age). I owned a lot of it, as a matter of fact. I have seen some colored denim in recent days (i.e. the last year or 2), but I only noticed them at Hot Topic and Torrid on the Tripp NYC jeans. However, judging by this latest True Religion ad that I received in my email yesterday, colored denim is looking as though it's about to make it's comeback in a big way. The ad featured Red, Purple, and Royal Blue women's jeans prominently and was titled "Color Your Spring".

My 2 cents on the whole thing is this... I'm not sure this is a trend I'll partake in for a 2nd time. Sure, I have silvery-grey jeans and black jeans, along with my blues, but I am 99% sure I won't fork out the $$ for the colored True Religions. Any thoughts on this one from my readers?? They are nice in pictures, but I've seen it come and go before.

~ R

Why don't more Designers offer plus size options?

2010-05-10T21:27:00.001-05:00

I'm sure this is a topic that has been covered a lot of times, but it hasn't been covered by me haha. Therefore, I want to get my 2 cents in on a topic that haunted me for years and now I just ponder it.

Years ago, I had a favorite store called Maurices (I still like this store a lot, but more on that later). Now, back then, Maurices really only went up to a Juniors size 13 and even those were limited. Size 11/12 was the norm for the biggest size they had. In those days, I was a 7 or a 9, and I could shop there without a problem so I didn't think about it too much until I started to gain weight and the 13's got too tight. Then many years passed before I could shop in Maurices again (post-WLS). By the time I could shop in Maurices again in the mid-2000's was about the time I noticed they were starting to sell plus sizes in there. I'm not sure why that infuriated me, but it did. I guess it was because of all the years I wanted to wear stylish plus size clothes and couldn't, then all the sudden there it was when I didn't need it anymore. Don't get me wrong... I'm thrilled to death there are more options out there for the ladies than I had, but still can't help but be a bit jealous.

I don't understand why more designer labels don't carry plus sizes though. I think it's something many designers could profit from, but I guess so many of them don't want to go "there" with their image. I have seen a couple of them that have extended sizes, like CJ by Cookie Johnson (that goes up to a 38) and PZI Jeans (that range in sizes 4-18). Silver Jeans has a seperate plus size line, but the same cute styles. There are also Not Your Daughter's Jeans and MiracleBody Jeans that are great for the "tummy tuck" effect and have a range of sizes, but so many still only go up to a size 10 or 12. The average American woman is a size 14 and that statistic is going up with the increasing obesity rates.

I will be posting more options for my friends who are looking for more options over a size 10/12 in the coming weeks, but if y'all have any feedback, please feel free to comment. I love feedback!

~ R

Just a couple of recommendations...

2010-04-14T21:43:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I thought I'd take a few minutes to give a couple of great recommendations for those of you who love shopping online!

1) Designs by Stephene (http://www.designsbystephene.com/): I most recently purchased a pair of Big Star Vintage Taylor Boyfriend crops from this website. The customer service is wonderful and the purchase arrived in the most timely fashion. They take added security precaution and want you to sign for the package, but I was very happy to receive such a great pair of Boyfriend crops. They fit perfect and I gave them a wonderful survey review. I would recommend this site to anyone looking for a great deal on designer denim. She almost always has a code up for some percentage off your purchase and free shipping over $100. In addition, there are so many great items on sale that this website is A+++.

2) Metropark (in stores and http://www.metroparkusa.com/): My most recent purchase from Metropark online is a pair of 1921 Janis Torn Bootcut jeans and a Red Affliction t-shirt (the Range Tee). I have made many, many purchases from Metropark online (and the store, as well, in a couple of locations). I love how fast they ship (even with standard shipping, it's usually on my porch in 3 days from when I order), as well as free shipping when you spend $150. There is also often a promotion or sale going on and, most recently, I scored 2 Affliction messenger bags and have received MULTIPLE compliments on it (2 of the same bag, FYI). I have told anyone who asked exactly where I got, so I am passing on the Metropark recommendation all over the place! A+++ to this site, as well!

I hope these reviews were helpful and even give a few of you a new place (or 2) to shop!

~ R

HALT! Stay away from the sales, Renae!

2010-04-14T17:38:00.000-05:00

So, GRRR! I hate when there are amazing sales going on and I'm in the middle of moving so I can't spare the $$. I got my last pair of jeans last night that I'm getting for a few weeks, at least. I got a great pair of J Brand flare jeans on Yoox. $59 plus shipping!! Go me!!

Now, I just ran across some J Brand skinny jeans I like a LOT on Singer22 (they are still having a great sale with clearance items up to 90% off) and also a great pair of 7FAM Roxanne skinny jeans. Grrr for needing to do the right thing! haha

I will just pass the next few weeks with blogging about great finds and take my mind off my denim withdrawal. Happy Hump Day, everyone!

~ R

My latest discovery: 6pm.com

2010-04-08T21:07:00.000-05:00

... So, I am quite sure that this site is not a new discovery to so many of you fashionistas out there, but I just stumbled across it a few days ago. I think it is absolutely wonderful and totally blogworthy. The denim on there is pretty "last season", but who cares! There really isn't a whole lot of difference (if any difference at all) in this season and last season, plus the prices are AMAZING! There are also a lot of other great items such as shirts, shoes, handbags, etc. I am truly in LOVE with this site and can totally see myself becoming a regular shopper here.

Remember the address: http://www.6pm.com/ ... and bookmark it! You won't regret giving it a try! Post a comment to me and let me know what you found! :)

Curvy girls CAN wear skinny jeans (and rock them)!

2010-03-24T17:34:00.000-05:00

I spent a good deal of time hiding from skinny and straight leg jeans after they became the "it" jeans. In fact, I didn't buy my first pair until January 2009 and I got those on clearance at American Eagle. They were a dark wash Skinny 77 jean that I got for 19.99 plus tax. I have a friend who is significantly heavier than I am and she talked about skinny jeans and how they are her favorites. I was always saying "omigosh, I'd never wear those!". I have large, muscular thighs and calves, as I played sports for years, plus I've had 2 kids. I might wear a size 4-8 (depending on the brand) or breaking it down in designer sizes, which I wear more now, anywhere from a 27-30, depending the cut/brand. (I have curves and I am proud of those curves hehe.) I didn't think I could pull off the skinny jeans and boots look, but lo and behold... I can! Not only do I pull off skinny jeans and boots, I wear skinny jeans and ballet flats, I wear skinny jeans and heels, I even wear skinny jeans with leg warmers and heels! Oh, and I totally rock the skinny jeans! I look GREAT in them, if I say so myself. Now I'm here to offer up some of my skinny jeans/straight leg jeans suggestions to the curvy girls out there =)

Big Star Maddie Skinny Jeans
Big Star Casey K Skinny Jeans
Big Star Vintage Nico Skinny Jeans *Have become my favorite skinnies/I think I bought every wash!*
BKE Kate Skinny Jeans
BKE Madison Skinny Jeans
Hudson Stella Straight Jeans *More like a skinny jean with a 14" opening*
Rock Revival Patti Straight Jeans
Rock Revival Debbie Straight Jeans
Rock Revival Tori Straight Jeans
1921 Carly Straight Leg Jeans
1921 Joni Straight Leg Jeans
1921 Chrissie Skinny Jeans *1921 are a top 3 favorite brand/flattering with a great rise*
MEK Edinburgh Straight Jeans
MEK Mazatlan Skinny Jeans
Lucky Brand Lola Skinny Jeans
Antique Rivet Mellisa Straight Jeans
True Religion Billy Relic-Ridin Dirty Dark
True Religion Billy Silver Rainbow-Body Rinse
Joe's Jeans Ex-Lover Skinny Jeans *Boyfriend fit*
Joe's Jeans Honey Skinny Jeans
7 For All Mankind Roxanne Skinny Jeans
7 For All Mankind Gwenevere "Gummy" Skinny Jeans
William Rast Rachel Skinny Jeans
William Rast Savoy Skinny Jeans
Silver Pixie Stretch Legging Jean *Distressed, medium wash and mid-rise*
Aeropostale Bayla Skinny Jeans *Great jeans, great price, almost always on sale*
American Eagle Skinny Jeans
American Eagle Straight Jeans

I know that I have found some that just don't fit me well because I have larger calves and also some that are just too low-rise for my liking, but others might really like them. I am only listing ones that I have found that I really like and that work for me and my figure.

Denim Review: Big Star Maddie Jeans

2010-01-08T19:21:00.000-06:00

I just LOVE Big Star Maddie jeans from Buckle. It's the only store I've ever found the Maddie jeans at, but they have a wonderful selection of them. Big Star Maddies were the first pair of jeans I ever bought from Buckle and were the jeans that got me really started on the designer denim. After I got them, I was admittedly hooked!

Maddie jeans have a little over an 8" rise (mid-rise jeans) making them not so revealing for those of us who don't want to show all our assets in every pair we own. They are slightly more eased through the hips and thighs for those of us who have curves so you might want to size down from the more slim fit jeans if you are used to those. I am normally a 28L, 29L, sometimes a 30L in designer denim, but I need a 27L in most of the Maddie jeans. They are definitely a more relaxed fit, without looking baggy on you. The price of the Maddie jeans are expensive if you are not used to paying designer prices, but not expensive compared to many designer lines. They start around $94 and go up to around $112. You will want to try each pair on as they can all fit different, even though they are the same brand.

I probably have 7 or 8 pairs of Maddie jeans and I wouldn't mind having a few more. I have recently noticed a black pair I'd love to have. They have a style and color for everyone, from flares to bootcut to skinnies. I highly recommend them for all my girls!

Buckle jeans are addicting!

2010-01-01T19:59:00.000-06:00

... Well, it's true!!

I thought I could go in that store and get just 1 pair of jeans and that they would not compare to my AE (American Eagle) jeans, which had been my favorites for YEARS. This was a year ago now, and I must sadly admit, I am hooked. I must have 25+ pair of Buckle jeans (Big Star mostly, MEK, Miss Me, Rock Revival, Antique Rivet, 7FAM, and some BKE Jeans (Sabrina and Culture) ). I don't usually even wear my AE jeans anymore. I do still wear my Aeropostale Bayla Skinnies, but I only have 2 pairs of those. I am totally hooked on buying my jeans at Buckle (and Nordstrom, too, but mostly Buckle)!

So I am penning this blog mostly as a direct result of hearing so many girls on my WLS message boards posting that they want to buy a PAIR of jeans from Buckle. Haha... That's how it started for me, too, and I hope they realize it probably won't stop at just. 1. pair. Just sayin'...

I love, love, love my Buckle jeans!

2009~ It was another year of change!

2009-12-30T16:32:00.000-06:00

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.

In pursuit of corset(s)...

2009-12-17T10:16:00.000-06:00

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!!

Lonnngggg overdue update =)

2009-12-08T06:56:00.000-06:00

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

Black Friday is almost HEEEEEEERRRRREEEEE!

2009-11-26T21:46:00.000-06:00

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

Ahhh, the pursuit of BOOTS!

2009-11-22T18:07:00.000-06:00

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!

Another Private Sale gone down in FAIL...

2009-11-19T10:18:00.000-06:00

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!

Hello, My name is Renae...

2009-11-18T18:38:00.000-06:00

... 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!

AG Jeans sale on Gilt Groupe = SCORE!!!

2009-11-17T15:40:00.000-06:00

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!

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

2009-11-16T19:01:00.000-06:00

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 =)

"Embrace Thy Curves!"

2009-11-14T20:07:00.000-06:00

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!

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

2009-11-13T01:47:00.000-06:00

... 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.

Just putting things into perspective ...

2009-11-09T15:20:00.000-06:00

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.

True Religion Sale on Secret Sales = FAIL

2009-11-06T06:56:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-06T06:43:00.000-06:00

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!

Thought of the day: November 2nd, 2009

2009-11-02T21:34:00.000-06:00

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!

2009-11-02T15:42:00.000-06:00

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!

PPD sale on Gilt = FAIL

2009-11-01T20:09:00.000-06:00

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...

2009-11-01T15:04:00.000-06:00

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!

MEK Denim in Zanzibar

2009-10-31T23:02:00.000-05:00

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.

Rock Revival Jeans in Amy White

2009-10-30T12:29:00.003-05:00

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!

The thought for today: 26 October 2009

2009-10-26T17:42:00.000-05:00

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?

WOW! It's been a while...

2009-10-24T21:16:00.000-05:00

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!

8 Lessons from "The Biggest Loser": Advice to Take Away from the Show ((From Sparkpeople))

2008-09-18T16:59:00.000-05:00

They say that people love a winner. Well, I love losers! In October 2004, NBC introduced the reality show called "The Biggest Loser." Today, after completing its fifth season, it is a fan favorite. The show features individuals, couples, and — coming next season — families, who sign on to get fit and lose weight. These individuals are assigned to weight loss teams (and trainers) and then compete to see who can lose the most weight and the title, "The Biggest Loser." Although there's only one winner in the end, all participants change their bodies and their lives and become winners by becoming losers, too.

The transformations that occur on the show are nothing short of extraordinary. The biggest losers of all typically drop more than 100 pounds by the end of the 12-week period and many go on to lose even more. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, these folks morph into totally different people thanks to their newfound lifestyles. As a personal trainer myself, it gives me great satisfaction to see them succeed and to recapture a healthy body, mind and spirit. It is not just a physical transformation, but a mental one as well.

Perhaps one of the greatest things about the show is that it offers so many lessons, whether you're striving to live a healthier lifestyle, make exercise a habit, or reach a healthy weight. Here are eight realizations that I think are worth noting:

1. You shouldn't go it alone. Do you think that the contestants would be as successful if they went at it alone? In season five, for example, the Blue Team was a serious force to be reckoned with. Roger, Mark, Jay, and Dan seemed to never lose a challenge or a weigh-in. Did you notice how they supported and encouraged each other to push harder, work out longer, and stick to their diets? The support and camaraderie they exhibited definitely helped them succeed as often as they did.

Lesson: There is strength in numbers. Doing everything by yourself can be lonely and discouraging. But having a buddy — or a team of supporters — can help you to stick to it when the going gets tough. Instead of just going solo on the treadmill or bike, consider taking a group fitness class or joining a team sports league. When you need a word of encouragement, post on the Message Boards or join a SparkTeam here at SparkPeople!

2. Your attitude matters. The wrong group can drain your motivation and energy. Did you notice the Black Team in season five? Granted, they were fighting an uphill battle and constantly facing the elimination room, but they were so down in the dumps that they often reminded me of a group of Eeyores. That negative energy could have contributed, on some level, to their constant struggles.

Lesson: Surround yourself with positive people. A fitness buddy with a negative attitude isn't fun to hang around, and that can be detrimental to your workouts and your consistency. And if you find that the negative attitude is coming from you, chances are you won’t stick with it. Change your perspective and stay positive for good results!

3. You won't always see results. It happens every season — some of the participants actually GAIN weight instead of losing. Whenever they'd stand on that scale, only to see the numbers pop up as a “plus” instead of a “negative,” I wanted to cry with them! But just like ups and downs are part of the show, they're a reality for the rest of us, too.

Lesson: Losing weight isn't as simple as a mathematical equation. Sure you need to burn more calories than you consume to lose weight, but even when you do everything right, sometimes it just doesn't work out that way. Is it frustrating? You bet! But when it happens, all you can do is accept it and continue on. Trust that your efforts will show eventually. Remember, that even when the scale doesn't budge, your efforts are making a difference. Try to focus on other ways to measure your progress — like how you feel, your health improvements, and how your clothes fit. If all else fails, take steps to bust through your plateau!

4. You have to train your brain. Bob and Jillian know that exercise and training will reshape the body. But they are great at training the contestants mentally too. Along the course of the show, they all learn to believe in themselves. Whether they make it to the end or get eliminated along the way, most of the "losers" say the same thing: What they had accomplished on the campus had previously been nothing more than a dream.

Lesson: Believe in yourself! When you're out of shape and overweight, it's easy to beat yourself up and lose confidence. But you don't need Bob or Jillian in your back pocket to change that. With every small step you take towards your goals, your confidence will build. With every goal you achieve, your self-esteem with sky-rocket. The key is to just start. It's always better to try—even if you mess up along the way — than to never try at all.

5. You have to change your lifestyle. The participants on the show understand that this is a complete lifestyle overhaul— a total transformation for life, not a diet for a little while. No matter how hard they work or how much weight they lose while on campus, it will come back if they revert back to their old habits at home.

Lesson: There are no quick fixes. Getting healthy and managing your weight it is not a temporary thing. It's a series of day-to-day, meal-by-meal choices that you have to stick with for the long haul.

6. You have to work hard. Sometimes when I'd watch the Teams work out I'd think, "Their trainers are heartless!" In reality, those trainers know that weight loss takes hard work. You see them exercise when they have nothing left, choose the healthy foods even though they'd rather have their favorite comfort foods, and even leave their families for weeks at a time — these things are not for the faint of heart.

Lesson: It won't always be easy. Lots of people want to lose weight, but most aren't willing to pay the price or make sacrifices to get there. You will not be successful with a half-hearted effort or by looking for shortcuts or the easy way out.

7. You can have fun! I always enjoy watching different challenges each week. Although they were often physical, they're not what I'd consider traditional exercise: trying to stay on a moving escalator the longest; running and placing empty soda cans from one bin to another; or traversing a ravine on a zip line.

Lesson: Boredom will kill your exercise routine. Mix it up and keep your body guessing and keep it fun. Instead on going to the gym for a mindless half hour on the stairclimber (more like the “stairmonster”), get outside and do some hiking or biking. Forgo the weight machines one day and head to a playground to swing from the monkey bars, climb, jump, run and LAUGH!

8. You have to be consistent. No matter how much the show changes from season to season, one thing is always clear. Those who lose the biggest are consistent. They make healthy eating and exercise part of their daily lives — even after they go home. And even when they encounter setbacks along the way, they don't give up.

Lesson: Consistency is key. No matter how close (or far) you are from your goal — or even if you're there already — the habits you learn along the way have to continue if you're to be successful in the long term.

Who would have thought that watching people sweat, exercise, grimace, and go through the rigors of losing weight could be so fun? Here’s to all the losers, and to hoping you can use this advice to be a loser, too!

What you don't know about depression ((from Marie Claire magazine))

2008-09-13T20:14:00.000-05:00

Antidepressants are among the most prescribed drugs in America. So why isn't everyone happy?

MYTH #1
YOU'LL GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS.
Almost half the people in the U.S. with clinical depression don't get diagnosed properly, says Wayne Katon, nosed M.D., of the University of Washington Medical School in Seattle. In part, that's because many clinicians use a test developed in the 1950s called the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale ("Ham-D"), which was designed to measure antidepressant effectiveness, not to diagnose depression, says Andrew G. Ryder, Ph.D., of Concordia University in Montreal. The test overlooks some symptoms that indicate depression (such as sleeping too much) and highlights others that aren't always relevant (such as weight loss). When trying to diagnose or rule out depression, nothing is more important than detailed conversations with your doctor.

MYTH #2
MEN AND WOMEN HAVE THE SAME RISK FOR DEPRESSION.
In fact, women are twice as likely as men to experience major depression. Scientists think hormones, an increased tendency to ruminate, and a possible heightened response to stress could all contribute to making women more vulnerable.

MYTH #3
ETHNICITY HAS NO BEARING ON DEPRESSION.
Differences in the way people from various cultures express depression can result in a missed diagnosis or the wrong medication being prescribed. For instance, "'having nerves' in most Caucasian-American cultures means you're anxious or stressed out; in Latino culture, it can mean you're depressed," says Carolyn Kaufman, Psy.D., of Columbus State Community College in Columbus, OH. So a Latina woman could walk away from her doctor with a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication when what she really needs is an antidepressant. The shocker: Doctors from the same ethnic backgrounds as their patients aren't always better at figuring out what's what. What to do? Make sure your physician can repeat back to you, in different words, what it is that she thinks you're feeling.

MYTH #4
ETHNICITY SHOULDN'T AFFECT YOUR PRESCRIPTION.
Most drugs are tested on white men. But about 40 percent of African- Americans and Asian-Americans actually metabolize drugs more slowly than Caucasians do, as a result of a genetic difference in liver enzymes, according to research conducted by L. DiAnne Bradford, Ph.D., of More house School of Medicine in Atlanta. The impact: They wind up with more of the drug in their bodies, which increases side effects (insomnia, diminished libido, and scores of others) without increasing benefits.

MYTH #5
DEPRESSION IS GENETIC.
Scientists think that both your genes and your environment affect your mood. No one has found a gene that's directly responsible for depression, but you can inherit one type of gene that can make you more vulnerable to depression after stressful events. So, while you may be able to blame your family for many things, it's not all their fault if you're depressed.

MYTH #6
ANTIDEPRESSANTS MAKE YOU FAT.
Most antidepressants do carry about a 30-percent chance that you'll gain weight, says Thomas L. Schwartz, M.D., of State University of New York Upstate Medical University. But one-- Wellbutrin XL (buproprion)--may cause you to shed a few pounds. Other antidepressants raise serotonin, the chemical that regulates appetite, and may make you feel famished. Even if you eat less, the serotonin might make you store more fat and sugar. But buproprion raises levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, not serotonin, thus avoiding appetite issues.

MYTH #7
DEPRESSION IS ALL IN YOUR HEAD.
Physical illness can trigger depression. One pathway may have to do with cytokines, a natural part of the body's immune response to illness. In fact, when some patients are treated with a certain type of cytokine, they become depressed or even suicidal. In addition, "a mood disorder can potentially affect the body's ability to fight an illness," says David Spiegel, M.D., of Stanford University School of Medicine. Stress can lead to arterial spasms and heart attacks, even if your arteries are clear. Depression is also associated with a poorer prognosis for diseases including stroke, epilepsy, and diabetes. Bottom line: Get treatment for both your physical illness and your depression.

MYTH #8
PILLS ARE THE ANSWER IF YOU HAVE A DOWN DAY HERE AND THERE.
Placebos have been found to work as well as antidepressants in people with minor depression--meaning you can get through the day but have a low mood for a couple of weeks and don't enjoy certain activities the way you used to. And yet drug-makers have been expanding the definitions of mood disorders so much that even healthy people who have the occasional bad day (and who doesn't?) think they should reach for a pill, according to Ray Moynihan and Alan Cassels, authors of Selling Sickness. Don't buy the hype: Some times, counseling or meditation is just what you need to feel like yourself again.
. . . AND TWO WE'RE MONITORING ANTIDEPRESSANTS RAISE THE RISK OF SUICIDE.
An analysis by Glaxo-SmithKline found that adults with major depressive disorder who took its drug Paxil had a higher risk of suicide than similar people who were in a placebo group. But that was only one study of one drug. Furthermore, the increased risk may not be directly from the pills: Oddly enough, psychiatrists think the boost that occurs when people are first treated for depression--with therapy or medication--might give some people the energy to carry out suicidal thoughts they had before the treatment.
ANTIDEPRESSANTS ARE DANGEROUS WHEN YOU'RE PREGNANT.
Most antidepressants have not been adequately tested in pregnant women, and some may not have undergone animal studies. But recent case reports suggest that babies born to mothers on antidepressants may be prone to jitters, irritability, feeding problems, and seizures. A report in the New Eng land Journal of Medicine recently found that a small percentage of babies exposed to SSRIs were born with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)--a condition in which too little oxygen reaches the blood. And the FDA warns against using Paxil during the first trimester. If depression is left untreated, however, babies may be born earlier and lower in birth weight because women are less apt to take care of their bodies when they're depressed, says Nada Stotland, M.D., of Rush Medical College in Chicago. They're also more likely to have postpartum depression and not bond well with their newborns.

Additional sources: Kenneth S. Kendler, M.D., of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond; Kurt Kroenke, M.D., of Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis; William B. Lawson, M.D., Ph.D., of Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C.; Bruce S. McEwen, Ph.D., of The Rockefeller University in New York; Eric Nestler, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas; Nick C. Patel, Ph.D., of the University of Cincinnati; Richard Shelton, M.D., of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville; Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., author of Breaking the Patterns of Depression.

Foods To Keep You Healthy (or not)

2008-09-12T12:39:00.000-05:00

Are you confused about whether what you’re putting in your body is making you healthier or killing you? Here’s the latest science on what’s up and what’s down on the food charts.

Artificial Sweeteners (↑/↓)
Surprising news for people trying to stay slim: New research suggests that even noncaloric sugar substitutes, whether “natural” or artificial, may contribute to weight gain. Researchers at Purdue University published a study in February showing that rats gained weight when fed foods artificially sweetened with saccharin. The researchers speculated that when the sweet taste of the sugar substitute wasn’t followed by lots of calories, it threw off the rats’ response to calories in general. As a result, they ate more food. Although this response doesn’t necessarily apply to humans, many dieters find that after eating sugar-free food, they compensate by indulging in other calorie-rich sweets.

Coffee (↑)
No need to feel guilty anymore about that double-shot Americano that gets you going in the morning. In fact, coffee is looking more and more like a health drink. Among its remarkable benefits, new research shows, coffee may reduce the risk of diabetes, heart attack, gallstones, Parkinson’s disease, kidney stones, and cirrhosis. One caveat is that black coffee may lead to thinner bones, especially in women, but the simple solution is to add milk to your coffee.

Chocolate ( ↑ )
Dark chocolate, which contains at least 70% cocoa, has proven health benefits. It contains less sugar than white or milk chocolate and is a rich source of health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoid antioxidants (similar to those found in green tea). Studies show that even a small intake of dark chocolate may reduce the risk of the blood clots that cause heart attack or stroke and may lower blood pressure. And, as many people know from experience, chocolate also can lift your mood and give you a boost of energy. Of course, chocolate is high in calories and contains saturated fat, so enjoy it in moderation—no more than 2 ounces a day.

Soda (↓)
There’s not much good news to relate about soda. Both the high-fructose corn syrup in regular soda and the artificial sweeteners in the diet varieties may kick your pancreas into overdrive, which boosts insulin levels and causes weight gain. Research last year from the American Chemical Society found that chemicals in beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup (called “ reactive carbonyls”) may increase the risk of diabetes. In addition, the caffeine and phosphoric acid in colas may thin the bones of those who frequently consume them.

Oatmeal (↑/↓)
Oatmeal is most people’s idea of a healthy breakfast, but you may need to rethink your morning meal. A controlled study at Boston Children’s Hospital found that eating only instant oatmeal for breakfast increased kids’ appetite and calorie consumption by more than 80% the rest of the day when compared to eating a vegetable omelet and fruit for breakfast. (Eating steel-cut oats did not spike appetite as much.) The study’s researchers attribute the results to fluctuations in blood sugar that occur after a meal consisting of processed grain products, and they stress the importance of having some protein at breakfast.

Pizza ( ↑/↓ )
Pizza isn’t exactly a health food, but it certainly is a food with healthy ingredients. Tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Recent studies suggest that lycopene may have a range of benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Adding veggies to pizza further improves its health benefits. But stay away from sausage, pepperoni, and other toppings rich in saturated fat—you already get that with the cheese. The biggest concern about pizza is calories and what they can do to your waistline, so order by the slice.

Eggs (↑)
Eggs get a bad rap. Their negative reputation started because egg yolks are a source of cholesterol. But studies have not shown that the risk of cardiovascular disease increases in egg eaters. For example, in a study of more than 115,000 men and women, there was no association between egg intake and the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke over an eight-year period, except among those with diabetes. Women who ate more than one egg a day actually had the lowest risk of coronary heart disease. Eggs also are a great source of protein, and many organic eggs are now rich in omega-3 fatty acids, thanks to a change in chicken feed.

Fish ( ↑ )
Eating fish twice a week may cut your risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiovascular death. Fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and inflammation. The best for your health are oily and small fish such as sardines, herring, anchovies, salmon (organic or wild), and mackerel (except king mackerel). Large fish such as swordfish, tuna, tilefish, and shark live at the top of the marine food chain and accumulate many contaminants. In general, canned chunk light tuna—lower in such contaminants as mercury than albacore or sushi tuna—is also a good choice.

Budget Cooking from the Pantry ((snag))

2008-09-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

Cookbook authors often provide long lists of pantry “must-haves,” those important ingredients that we supposedly can’t live without. But when food costs are up and it’s time to pay the grocery bill, those extra items can put the hurt on overextended wallets.

The trick is to stock what you know you’ll use. Not only will you save money, but storage space, too. After all, your own pantry may be just two crowded shelves in a kitchen cupboard.

Look for sales on your favorite ingredients, and then mix it up with a little creative multi-tasking. For instance, a jar of salsa that’s usually spooned on top of tacos or nachos can be transformed into a lightly spiced, gazpacho-style soup with the addition of a few fresh ingredients.

We all have different tastes, but when asked what five pantry ingredients they always have on hand, an informal survey of family and friends uncovered some surprising similarities.

Pasta topped most lists, and talk about a multi-tasker. It’s quick-to-fix as a main dish or salad base, and can extend vegetable or meat soups. A small selection is all that’s needed. Spaghetti, penne, salad macaroni or orzo, as well as fun shapes such as farfalle (also known as butterflies or bow-ties) or wagon wheels are just a few of the options.

• Toss hot pasta with a mix of diced, fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini and sweet peppers. Add some minced garlic, sweet onions, and shreds of basil leaves or coarsely chopped parsley with a dash of olive oil. Leftover cooked chicken or fish can be added, while a tiny dice of feta cheese changes things up from the usual mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
• Sauté broccoli florets and their peeled, sliced stems in olive oil until tender-crisp, adding dashes of crushed red pepper flakes and kosher salt at the end of the cooking time. Toss with hot pasta and finish with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
• Save about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water to add to the dressed pasta in case it seems too dry. Not only is it a lighter alternative to adding additional oil to the dish, it’s also lighter on the wallet.

Canned beans, whether Great Northern, pinto, garbanzo, or black, are another winner in the pantry. They’re versatile and a good source of protein.

• Substitute rinsed and drained black beans for the meat or poultry in enchiladas or tortilla casseroles.
• For salads, marinate the canned beans in a little of the dressing for 10 to 15 minutes before adding other ingredients. It’s surprising how much flavor they’ll absorb.
• Baked beans can be doctored with finely chopped sweet onions, hot sauce and maple syrup. Or stir in a can of black beans, add ¼ to ½ cup chili sauce and simmer until the flavors are blended.

Dry beans are less expensive than canned per serving, but not as convenient. With the exception of lentils and split peas, most need some soaking time before cooking.

• Dry beans will soak up all of the liquid they need within four hours, so a long soaking time isn’t necessary.
• Here’s a tip passed along by an Italian friend: Add a tablespoon of flour to the soaking water, which will produce yeasts that tenderize the beans.

Bless canned tomatoes, for what would the kitchen be without them?

• A favorite dish is inspired by cookbook author Ken Hom. Simmer chicken wings in a can of tomato puree that’s seasoned with 1 teaspoon of Five-Spice Powder, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 tablespoons honey and a tablespoon soy sauce for about 30 minutes until tender.
• Try these aromatic additions to canned tomatoes: a pinch of cloves; a tablespoon of finely grated orange zest; 2 teaspoons curry powder.

Don’t forget the canned broth. Chicken, beef or vegetable are the choices, depending on your personal tastes and diet needs.

• All canned broths can be freshened up with slices of fresh ginger, green onions and chopped garlic. Simmer together for 15 minutes, then drain. Use for Asian influenced dishes such as rice, soups or poached chicken.

Olive oil and vegetable or canola oil are “must-haves” in any pantry.

• Here’s something to consider: In warm summer months, oils can become rancid quickly, so store them in the refrigerator for the freshest taste. Although olive oil will solidify when chilled, it can be reliquified quickly by setting the bottle into a bowl of hot water.

A small selection of quality vinegars will add flavor notes that range from subtle to intense. Choose two or three of the following: balsamic, unsweetened rice vinegar, cider, white wine or red wine vinegars.

• A good, basic vinaigrette can dress salads or be drizzled over fish that’s hot off the grill. Its low acidity is perfect for marinating meat or poultry without changing their texture.
• Add 2 tablespoons crushed black peppercorns to ½ cup vinaigrette, add 2 pounds chicken drumettes and marinate overnight. Then drain and grill or bake in the oven until browned and cooked through.

Keep your options open. Just because a recipe calls for a specific ingredient doesn’t mean it can’t be substituted with another in the same flavor family. So if, for instance, a jar of honey isn’t on your shelf when mixing together the Balsamic, Orange & Honey Marinade, the same amount of brown or turbinado sugar, or perhaps orange marmalade, will flavor and glaze the meat beautifully. And if an ingredient is “optional”, that’s your cue to leave it out. Remember, this is your pantry, and your chance to cut down on the grocery bill.

Finding the Right Jeans for Your Body

2008-08-28T21:10:00.000-05:00

In the old days, blue jeans came in one style. But modern blue jeans are more than just the standard denim pant. There are so many options - color, rise, cut - that you might have to try on ten, twenty or thirty pairs before finding one that works for your body shape.

However, you can short-cut the process a bit by knowing which jeans are likely to look best on your body. Here's a simple guide:

Are you short?
If possible, choose a petite length jean so you don't need to get them hemmed. A cuff at the bottom will only make you look shorter. And, depending on your body type, you may want to avoid the boot cut jean. Not only are they harder to hem, they can make your legs appear shorter. Try straight leg jeans for a longer, leaner appearance.
Tip: Wear pointy-toed shoes with your jeans to make your legs seem longer.

Are you bottom heavy?
Avoid any major decoration on the back pockets of your jeans, like excessive stitching, buttons or little flaps. They'll just draw attention to your rearview. The same is true about any type of fading or bleaching. A white or light area on your backside will only spotlight what you're trying to hide! Smaller pockets are your best bet.
Tip: Balance a wider midsection with boot leg jeans.

Are you tall?
Lucky you! You can wear many different styles of jeans, although you may have problems finding an inseam that fits. Fortunately, jean companies seem to be adding extra length to their clothing these days. If there's a brand that never worked for you in the past, you may want to give them another try.
Tip: If you must get your jeans tailored, take them to a professional.

Do you have wide hips?
A boot cut jean will balance your body, making you appear slimmer overall. You can also wear flare leg jeans with success. To minimize your hips, avoid excessive pockets. Look for chop pockets in the front instead of the standard hip pocket, which can add bulk to that part of your body.
Tip: Too tight jeans will only make you look pear-shaped. Look for ones that skim without constricting.

Do you have a small bottom?
We aren't all blessed with Jessica Simpson's "Dukes of Hazzard" booty! If you want to create a rounder bottom, look for jeans with some embellishment on the backside. Flap pockets or bright stitching is a good choice.
Tip: You may be able to wear jeans without pockets if they fit snugly.

The most important part of finding the right jeans: Try them on! Just because they appear to fit doesn't mean they'll work for your body. Try on many different styles and brands of jeans until you find a pair that makes you look your best.

Find your perfect weight: Setting a healthy & achievable weight loss goal ((snag))

2008-08-27T08:44:00.000-05:00

You know that you want to lose weight. But how do you pick a goal weight that's right for you? Do you find a celebrity, or even a friend, whose body you like and try to reach the same weight as him? Do you aim for a previous weight of your own, like what you weighed when you wore that junior prom dress 25 years ago?

Unfortunately, neither of these are good ways to set a weight loss goal. Finding your best weight isn't as simple as plugging your height, age, and gender into a formula and getting a number spit back at you. Your body is unique to you, and so is your ideal weight. Because it involves factors that are both objective (like your health risks) and subjective (like your personal satisfaction with your appearance), your ideal body weight is much more than a number on the scale: it's more like a state of being.

You're at your ideal body weight when:

Your weight isn't causing (or putting you at risk for) any health problems
Your weight doesn't limit you from living the life you want
You can accept your body as it is, without feeling uncomfortably self-conscious
You can enjoy being in your own skin, without worrying too much about how you compare to others (or cultural ideals)

There are charts and formulas that can help you determine what the number on the scale tells you about your risk for health problems, and give you a general weight range to shoot for to decrease your risk. There are other standards and measures that can help you fine tune this big picture and focus in on optimal fitness and body composition. This article, part 1 in a 3-part series, will look strictly at these kinds of numbers—a great place to start when determining your weight loss goals.

How Body Weight Affects Health

In the best of all possible worlds, this business of picking a good weight loss goal wouldn't be a problem. In fact, bathroom scales wouldn't even exist. If you think about it, what does the number on your scale really have to do with any of the reasons you want to lose weight? Whether you want to look a certain way, be more attractive or popular, manage or avoid health problems, get back into all those smaller clothes you've got in your closet, improve your athletic performance, recapture the glories of your youth, or simply feel a little more comfortable in your own body, the number on the scale is not what determines your success or failure. There are much better ways than scale-watching to assess your progress along the way.

The only real reason to even think in terms of a "normal" or "ideal" body weight is because there is a statistical correlation between your weight and your risk of having certain health problems that can lead to premature death or disability. Although your weight may or may not be the cause of these health problems, it's clear that people who weigh more—or less—than "normal" are more likely to have these problems.

Experts who study these things have come up with several different methods of estimating your health risks based on your weight and size, as well as a set of calculations that are routinely used to determine whether your weight/size is in the normal range or not. Here are three of the most commonly used calculations:

Body Mass Index (BMI) is simply the number you get when you divide your weight (in kilograms) by your height squared (in centimeters). According to years of health research, the further your BMI deviates from the normal range (whether above or below), the higher your risk for obesity-related health problems (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, heart disease, and bone/joint disorders). Calculate your BMI here. Similarly, you can calculate your goal weight and see if it fits in with these ranges. If not, then your expectations might be unrealistic.

Height/Weight Charts, such as the HANWI formula (below), have been around since the 1950's. BMI has pretty much replaced the older height/weight charts as the most common way to assess health risks related to weight. But variations of these charts are still used today as quick and simple ways to estimate the normal weight range for your height. Here's a simple formula you can use:

Women: Allow 100 pounds for the first 60 inches of height, plus 5 pounds for each additional inch (i.e. 130 pounds for someone that is 66 inches tall). Men: Allow 106 pounds for the first 60 inches of height, plus 6 pounds for each additional inch (i.e. 154 for someone that is 68 inches tall).
The number you get above is the midpoint of the normal range; subtract or add 10% to get the low and high ends (117-143 pounds for the female above, 139-169 pounds for the man).
People of average frame size should weigh close to the midpoint number, while those with large or small frames should be closer to the high or low end of the range. To determine whether you are large, small, or average frame, make a circle around the wrist of your dominant hand at the widest point (over the bones that protrude) with the thumb and middle finger of your opposite hand. If your thumb and finger don't touch, you are large framed; if they just barely touch, you are medium, and if they overlap you are small framed.
Does your goal weight fit well within these ranges? If not, you might want to adjust it.

One potential problem with both the BMI and height/weight tables is that neither formula distinguishes between fat weight and lean tissue (muscle) weight. BMI, for example, may incorrectly put people with unusually large amounts of muscle weight in the overweight category (even when their level of body fat might be normal), and people with poor muscle tone into the normal category (even when their level of body fat might be excessive). Another drawback to these formulas is that they don't take into account where you store your fat. That's where this next formula comes in.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio is an important measure to use along with BMI and height/weight charts when considering your weight. Research shows that where you store body fat may be even more important than how much you have. Fat stored in the abdominal area, especially under the muscle and inside the abdominal cavity, is a lot more dangerous than fat stored in the hips and thighs, for example. One good way to make sure you aren't overlooking a problem is to calculate your waist-to-hip ratio. Your ideal measurements should also fit into the ranges of a healthy waist-to-hip ratio. Similarly, even if you're at a "healthy" weight now according to your BMI or Height/Weight table, you might want to consider losing some extra weight if your current waist-to-hip ratio is unhealthy.

All the methods above will give you a good starting point for setting a goal weight that is reasonable (and healthy) for your height, gender, and age. However, not everyone will fit well within these ranges, and there's no guarantee that a normal weight will mean good health everyone (or that being above normal automatically means you'll have health problems, for that matter). Your state of health depends on other factors as well, including the quality of your diet and your exercise routine. But if the goal weight or measurements you're hoping to achieve are very far outside the ranges you get from these methods, that's a good indication that you may need to think twice about how realistic your goal is. To make changes to your goal weight, based on what you've learned here, click here to go to your Start Page. Once there, you can "Change" your weight loss goal by using the link in your myTools column under the heading "My SparkDiet."

The upcoming articles in this series will examine other factors—besides numbers—that determine what kind of changes you can (and can't) achieve with diet and exercise, including the roles of your body type and genes.

A retrospective look back at all the reasons I am glad I had my WLS...

2008-08-23T10:11:00.000-05:00

** Being that I am now just over 4 years post-op from my Open RNY, I can look back and put a lot of things into perspective on the reasons of why I did take the "drastic measure" of having WLS. I know I definitely didn't take an easy way out ((as so many people have tried to say))... It's never been a quick fix, it's been a complete lifestyle change and it continues to be so each and every day. Here are just a few of "highlights" ((LoL)) of the last 4 years... some good, some bad... each a lesson learned. Everything I've been through can be an inspiration to someone who wishes to go on the same journey. **

I remember the first time I was referred to as "obese"... I was so insulted! I thought it was the biggest slap in the face ever. At the time, I was 5'6 1/2" and about 252 lbs. It was noted in my medical chart that I was obese. That was about 2 1/2 to 3 years prior to my WLS and that is the point where my "dieting" got more aggressive than ever and I began looking into alternatives to weight loss. I stumbled across gastric bypass surgery one night on the internet, but the thought of "stapling my stomach" scared the crap out of me. Lord knows, that wouldn't be the last time I thought about it.
In retrospect, I love Dr. Neely. He was the PCP I had in 2004 who finally told me that something had to be done about my weight. I had a laundry list of medical problems, not to mention the self-esteem from hell. I was infertile. I just had issues beyond belief and I was unhappy with life. I looked at him and said what do you suggest. He said gastric bypass surgery... I said I've thought about it on and off for years so what do I have to lose. He sent me to support group, which ironically was being held that day, so I could hear stories, and told me to come back to his office at 1PM to tell him yes or no. I was so impressed with the stories and they were so real and truthful, that I came back at 1 and told him to put in the referral. I was 297 lbs at this time. He put in the referral and, within a week, Tricare called me to set up an appointment with Dr. Kenneth Warnock in Wichita Falls, Texas. Little did I know, I was being led to an angel.
Now Dr Warnock and I have not always seen eye to eye, but he saw someone who was determined. It didn't take long for everything to get submitted for me to have my WLS on August 3, 2004. I weighed 275 lbs on the day of surgery.
From the moment I got home from the hospital, I knew my life had changed. I had friends that still wanted to go to restaurants. I remember walking into McDonald's with my ex-husband about 2 weeks post-op and literally having to walk right out because the smell made me sick. I remember my first attempt at Chinese food about 5 weeks post-op. I ate about 5 bites of different meats and I was so full I could have burst. I remember how I was scared of bread and, at 5 mos out, Dr Warnock told me I could eat it. I was still afraid I would get it stuck. To this day, I'm careful with it, but I eat it in small quantities. I see how every surgeon/nutritionist is different in telling patients no bread/pasta/rice ever. I can eat all of those and have been able to for a while... I just don't eat large quantities of them. The way the different surgeons/nutritionists do things has peaked my interest even more on going into the field of nutrition to work with obese and WLS patients. I want to help people monitor their "diets". I feel that I have maintained my weight for 3 1/2 years and through 2 pregnancies... I am living proof that it can be done.
I still remember my friends helping me go shopping the first time I REALLY went shopping after my WLS. They were trying to get me to break out of my "plus size" comfort zone and I was so scared, I guess you could say. I kept trying to buy sizes that were too big for me. Now, it's such a completely opposite ball game, let me tell you. Shopping is my sport of choice and most of my friends don't want to go with me because they will be exhausted by the end of the day lol. When I was at my highest weight, I was a 26/28... Surgery day, I wore a 24. Today, I am 4/6 ((5/7 in juniors))/medium in shirts. My maternity clothes are all small/medium. It's a huge difference, let me tell you and I have turned into a total fashionista! I don't know if I want to get any smaller ((say a size 2)), but I am very happy where I am.
Before my WLS, I had Type 2 Diabetes ((Obesity related)), GERD, high blood pressure, weight-bearing joint arthritis, asthma ((still have that)), depression ((still have that, as well, but much more controlled)), sleep apnea, PCOS ((in remission)) and infertility ((obviously gone as I am about to have baby #2)), and hypothyroidism ((now I have the opposite problem with an overactive thyroid)). I took so many pills, hell, I lost count. I hardly take anything now... so many things have changed and I am so much healthier! I had tried every "diet" and weight loss drug known to man... prescription, doctor supervised, and over the counter. I had been on some kind of "diet" since I was 12 years old.
The biggest change of all has been my self-confidence level. It has been phenominal! I learned that I no longer had to put up with abusive relationships and I could stand on my own 2 feet. I learned that I was more than just the "fat friend" and I learned who my real friends were and got rid of those who were not my friends. It's been a lot of changing for me... Some people have been supportive, others haven't been, but that's on them. I went through divorce post-WLS. I have since remarried. I am extremely happy now... I have my beautiful daughter and I have a son who will be here very soon. I know that I would not have my babies had I not lost the weight.
I know that my journey is not over... I am only 4 years into it. I have the rest of my life to maintain my weight and keep up my nutrition and exercise. I intend to stay a success story forever and always be an inspiration for others, especially my children... They are most important and I never want to set a bad example for them!

To anyone out there thinking about WLS, I say you should go for it~ It's been life changing for me, as you can see! If you are trying to lose the weight on your own and want support in doing that, I am here for you as well on that. I want to help anyone on any type of weight loss journey... nutrition is important to me, as you can tell.

My "Ideal Weight"

2008-08-17T12:41:00.000-05:00

5'6" tall female adult~

Your ideal weight is between 114.9 and 154.6 pounds.

If you're active and in good health, it doesn't hurt to be a little outside these ranges. Also, weight alone doesn't give the whole picture -- you need to consider if a lot of your weight comes from fat or from muscle. A woman's ideal body fat percentage is between 21 and 35, depending on her age (it's okay to have a little more fat if you're older). If you don't know yours, you can have it checked at a gym or sports medicine clinic, or try our calculator.

Our ideal weight ranges are derived from standard tables of body mass index (BMI), a score you get by factoring your weight and height. According to government guidelines, an ideal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, and this range is the same for men and women. To find out your actual BMI or learn more about BMI ranges, try our BMI calculator.

The fine print
Our ideal weight ranges assume you're an adult with an average build and activity level, and are based on standard BMI ranges. These ranges aren't relevant for children, pregnant women, very muscular people, or professional athletes.

Here's a Bud Light to You: Ms. Worst Fashion Offender!

2008-08-17T09:06:00.000-05:00

Here's a compilation of the worst fashion trends in history for y'all... enjoy!

We've all done it.

You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who has not fallen under the spell of a fashion trend that, in hindsight, was the worst faux pas ever.

We've compiled the best of the worst for your amusement — and, perhaps, horror. And while this collection of trends is undeniably awful, keep in mind this advice from Nicole Fischelis, Macy's vice president and fashion director: "Even [a] good trend worn on the wrong person is a bad trend." So beware!

Mega Shoulder Pads
In the 1980s, there was a sense that everything bigger had to be better. The result was a lot of out-of-proportion fashion, and mega shoulder pads were right out there in front. "I have to say that the mega shoulder pads weren't the most attractive," says Stephanie Solomon, Bloomingdale's vice president for fashion direction. However, Marylou Luther, editor of the International Fashion Syndicate, makes a great point: "Women loved, and continue to love, them because they made their hips look smaller." But that doesn't exactly justify sporting two miniature pillows on your shoulders.

Ponchos
They've come and gone with the seasons. Yet they just don't make anyone look chic but rail-thin runway models. "I think ponchos look ridiculous. They make people look like a tent," says Bloomingdale's Solomon. Cruelly, they can always be found in maternity stores, but should be banished except for use as rain gear.

Spandex Pants
Olivia Newton-John brought down the house in the finale of "Grease" wearing a second skin of spandex. Disco divas everywhere adopted the look in the 1970s. The pitfalls of wearing spandex pants that were styled like jeans, but fit like leggings, were numerous. Among them: visible cellulite, potential camel toe, and, for those over 100 pounds, looking simply enormous. With all that, it's amazing that they're returning. "I'm baffled by why shiny leggings are coming back," says Patricia Mears, deputy director for The Museum at FIT (the Fashion Institute of Technology). "You see them at American Apparel in bronze or orange, and I wonder, 'Who looks good in that?' Show me the one woman who looks good in that. I think we've lost it."

Midi Skirts
Each season, designers dictate skirt length. Women either wear what they say or risk looking dowdy — a boon for retailers who therefore enjoy a steady stream of sales from season to season. For example, in the 1960s, the mini skirt caused a sensation. "Minis meant that women could stride along and were no longer encumbered by hemlines. That was very liberating and inventive," explains Marylou Luther of the International Fashion Syndicate.

Then, in 1967, came midi skirts. They fall unflatteringly to the middle of a woman's calves. John Fairchild, the editor of Women's Wear Daily who had great sway when it came to fashion trends, pushed the midi as the next big thing . "John Fairchild forcing the midi in 1967 hurt the fashion world," Luther says. "Who wanted those hobbling lengths after a decade of liberation?"

Big Hair
There is nothing more comical than looking at pictures or music videos from the 1980s and seeing hair that defied gravity. Whatever would have possessed stylists across the nation to take a cue from spiky-haired punk rockers and tease the hair of regular women (and men) to impossible heights? Pray this one never comes back.

Stirrup Pants
First, there were elastic clips you put on the bottom of your pants to keep them smoothly in your boots. Then manufacturers had the bright idea to make them part of your pants. The problem was that women didn't exclusively wear stirrup pants with boots. Wearing them with flats seemed to make everyone's legs look shorter, and it all started to go pear-shaped from there. Simply put, pants are not meant to be attached to your feet — ever.

Visible Thongs
Two words — Monica Lewinsky. The fact that the mere sight of an intern's exposed designer thong could shake the American presidency to its foundation proves this trend is all wrong. A hint of lace peeking out from under a blouse is one thing, but this interpretation of "underwear as outerwear" is unacceptable. Trust us — no one wants to see it.

Mullets
It's two haircuts for the price of one — short and tidy in the front and long and flowing in the back. Billy Ray Cyrus and Michael Bolton fell under the mystical spell of the mullet and America sadly followed suit. Any way you cut it, it's a bad look. Remember, coming or going, you only have one head on your shoulders. Strive for one style.

Shrugs
This strange look took hold several years ago and it was puzzling. Was it a tie-front sweater, a bolero jacket, or, in extreme cases, simply arm warmers attached in back? Designed to keep your shoulders warm and hide your arms, the look was just all wrong. Either wear a wrap, commit to a cardigan sweater, or go bare.

Harem Pants
Overly pleated and hanging low in the crotch, harem pants, popularized by M. C. Hammer and adopted by everyone during his heyday, are just not a good look for anyone, really. Sure, they look good while twirling on a dance floor, but in the office or on the street, they're just all wrong. Unfortunately, a comeback may be in the works; recent YSL ads feature Naomi Campbell in a sparkly pair.

Acid Wash Jeans
Back to the need for jeans makers to keep sales rolling. They once thought it was cool to wash jeans in an acid bath, which gave them a frosty, whitewashed look. Blue jeans are meant to be solid blue (or, under duress, we can accept white or black). Jeans should not be acid washed, dip-dyed, highlighted or spot-worn. Period. End of story.

Low-Rise Jeans
Just about everybody wears denim. Despite the popularity of jeans, their durability can mean low sales for manufacturers. To keep the public coming back for more, designers are constantly tweaking their denim designs.
One such retooling resulted in low-rise jeans which exposed parts of the body we're sure should not be seen — even for those who wax diligently. Unfortunately for us, the only person who looked good in low-rise jeans was the teenaged Britney Spears (clearly no arbiter of good taste). Bergdorf Goodman fashion director Linda Fargo says, "Without a doubt, the ultra low-rise jean with the belly-baring cropped midriff tank-top is the worst look ever." ((ETA: this means the ones that are ULTRA low rise, not the typical ones you buy in the store))