Like many Moms out there, I have a wardrobe full of clothes in a myriad of sizes. There’s the pre-pregnancy size, the post-pregnancy size and the somewhere-in-between size.
The problem is, just when I started to get used to my current wardrobe, things changed. And by “things”, I mean the size of my thighs and posterior. (Damn you, Halloween candy!)
I should’ve known this was coming. Around the time my first child turned two, my body started rebelling and gaining back some of the weight that breastfeeding had miraculously shed. Soon after, I got pregnant with baby #2, so I didn’t have to think about my fluctuating waistline.
Lately, my pants have been getting snug and I’m finding myself rummaging through my old clothes, trying to find something that fits. Some stuff is too big, some stuff is too small… it’s like I’m in a sizing no man’s land!
It really is a shame because I’ve become attached to my favourite jeans and I don’t want to part with them. (I’ll be one of those hoarders you see on tv – holding on to every last pair of my skinny jeans, in the vain hopes that they’ll fit me again someday.)
I’ve started to come to grips with the fact that I’ll never again fit into those jeans, and instead of spending a ton of cash on new jeans, I hit the (unexpected) jackpot at my local second-hand shop.
You see, I was there to find items for my daughter’s Halloween costume and, while passing the women’s denim aisle, a few labels caught my eye. Seven… Citizens of Humanity… Juicy Couture… and more. I did a double-take! I was thrown for a loop, not expecting to see this kind of stuff at Value Village.
So, upon further inspection, I noticed a few pairs in my size – and I couldn’t resist trying them on.
I’ve got to say, I am truly a believer now. I scored two premium pairs of jeans – Citizens of Humanity and Gap 1969 limited-edition – for under $30!
I still pine for my old jeans, the way I do my old physique. But these new jeans fit well, look great and feel good, which is all a girl can really ask for.
It’s important to remember that being comfortable in my own skin and setting a good example of a healthy body image for my kids is really what matters… not some silly number.
I noticed the nice clothes in there while Halloween shopping too. Maybe I should take a 2nd look!
Shauna, I kid you not – there were so many designer brand jeans! I never thought I'd buy second-hand, but you can't beat the prices for such great pieces. Let me know if you score any great finds!! 🙂
I love Value Village! you can get some really great finds there. Like you, my size has gone up and down like crazy since motherhood dawned. Much better to just get some (cheap) clothes that fit rather than stressing about how your body doesn't fit into those old clothes. Donate them and buy some more!
Signe
We're definitely on the same page with this one!! 🙂 In fact, those jeans from Value Village have become one of my fave, go-to pairs. I find myself wishing they weren't in the laundry some days! Thanks for your feedback and Happy Holidays, Signe!