What do you guys do when you drop a size or two? I can't afford to go out and buy all new clothes, and the thrift shops around here don't have a very good selection for anybody over a size 6. I just can't see spending a lot of money on clothes that I will *hopefully* not be wearing very long! Any tips or suggestions?

Ebay is great for big lots of a variety of clothing, though it isn't all high-fashion. Keep looking at the thrift shops...you may find some gems! Buy new staple pieces every few sizes, and a belt to keep them going in between. It is really de-motivating to wear baggy clothes, though, so do buy yourself a piece or two in each size, just so you have one rockin outfit that fits perfectly.

I am at an in-between size right now...I purchased 2-3 staple pairs of pants...one pair that was a bit too snug for me to wear for a couple of weeks, the others just right...it's the best I can do...I don't want to blow a ton of money on clothes that won't be around me for too long....I also shop at Old Navy (Cheap Cheap) or Gap Outlet...not sure if that is your taste...or if you have those near you...but I got a pair of jeans last week for $7.99 at Gap Outlet...

I see tons of clothing go on freecycle. Of course it may not be your style but the price is right! I often see posts of garbage bags full of gently used clothing in larger sizes, because others end up in your situation -- their clothes are too big!

Otherwise, ditto the belt and ditto the thrift shops and ditto the buying a couple of awesome pieces so you have something you can wear to show off your progress!

It's also clearance time at most stores since inventories are happenning in the next few weeks. Go hit the 75% off racks, especially with Minnesota, you'll get plenty of use out of those cheap sweaters.

Granted, I work it so I know how to shop, but I walked out with a pair of Tommy Hillfiger cords and 3 sweaters for under $50 last week. You can't beat those prices.

Yup, I belt it all up. It's really getting quite pathetic looking. But, I'm saving for a condo and have a SUPER tight budget until then. (I'm hoping to buy in September.) Fashion is just going to have to go out the window! If it wasn't the dead of winter in downtown Chicago I KNOW I'd be doing some yard sale shopping. You can get good stuff for 10 cents at places like yard sales and rummage sales.

The clearance racks at Old Navy. I can always find a $4 pair of pants if I have to.

I actually had super nice work dresses I had just bought when I first started losing weight out of college. I just took out my sewing machine and put some darts in the sides or took in the darts. I'm NOT a good seamstress, but they looked passable and I was able to use the $200+ of size 20-22 clothes I had just bought for my then-shrinking body.
If you don't have a machine maybe a friend or relative has one and can help you? Or take your favorite pieces to a cheap tailor to adjust. This is if you have somewhat expensive clothing like I did that is just worth it to you. I was too poor to get new clothes or even go to a tailor-- neccessity is the mother of invention (or desperation), hehe!

Congrats on your loss!! Woohoo!!

I went out and bought myself a new pair of work pants and a skirt in my current size, on clearance of course! We don't have a gap outlet here, I'm not even sure if we have a gap. I'll try old navy, I know we have one here, but I am just not much of a shopper, I go where I am comfortable. The Old Navy here has been open two or three years and I have only been in there once! I'll give it all a shot tomorrow. I do see some stuff on freecycle too, but I have never tried to take them up, so next time I see some I will. Even if they're not all that hot, at least they were cheap! That's probably where all my old stuff will go.

Thanks for all your tips!

Oh-and the belt thing is a good idea, I need a new one of those too!

Another store I might suggest if you have one near you is Steve and Barry, they have a new line by Sarah Jessica Parker that has a wide range of sizes for a really good price (just got jeans for like $9 dollars the other day). I'm not such a huge fan of most their other clothes personally but I bet you could find a few cheap basic staples there too to help you move through clothes on a budget. There and old navy for me always seem to have clearance or cheap pants for me during my adjustments up and hopefully only down from now on!

When i've been going home I go to my sisters closet for clothes she can't wear anymore since she lost 70 lbs. This way I can save money! I still wear some of my obviously too big falling off clothes, like my fav. pair of Seven jeans, b/c they're just so comfy!!!

you know, i have clothes from size 2 to 12 that i've collected over the years of loss, gain, loss, gain...i just keep cycling the ones that go to the attic vs the ones that stay in my closet!!

Anywhere I can!

• I check thrift shops weekly - the best pieces go quickly.
• Clearance racks - I bought 2 sweaters and 4 tops at Kohl's from the 90% off clearance rack. After my cc discount, the total was $12.
• My sewing machine - skirts in particular are very easy to take in.
• Friends - let your friends know what size(s) you are looking for. I have one friend that gave me a large bag of new clothes she never wore and are now too big for her
• Organize a clothes swapping party. Invite people of all sizes. Encourage them to bring clean, usable clothes - you can even specify "fashionable" if desired. You can include jewelry and/or accessories too - just in case certain sizes are in greater demand. I love to swap scarves, belts, purses, earrings, etc.
• Craig's List, Freecycle, Church bulletin or website classifieds, etc.
• Consignment shops

All of these ladies have excellent advice!! Good luck!!
*I love thrift shops*

I love the clothes swapping party idea! That would be a blast-and probably a great way to meet new people that are in the same boat!