Changes are definitely happening - my hips are still down, overall.
I generally measure in my birthday suit.
And, in a mirror, mostly because it's really hard to like, look down and see exactly where the tape is, you know? It's much easier to just look in the mirror.
I never ever looked like I had hips, but I carry the majority of my weight on my stomach. My sister (who is 12 and 5'4" and weighs 130 pounds...so jealous) is hippy, as is my mom, who is 5'2" and thin. I just always assumed I took after my dad's side of the family, even though otherwise my sister and I are built exactly the same (we're both comparable to Mack trucks, even though she's so thin - it's all muscle!). Maybe losing stomach fat is making my hips more noticeable. (Hope so)