Eek! I'm going under the knife again!

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?

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?

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...

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!

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

...  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)!

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

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!

...  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!

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)...

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 =)

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!

 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!

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...

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...

... 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!!!

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...

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!"

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...

...  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.