So I have no idea what size I've been since I gained weight - once I hit size 6, I stopped keeping track. My closet was full of everything from 12 to 16, and I learned a long time ago to stop checking the tags.

My BFF has been on my case for weeks about getting rid of my old clothes. She finally went through my closet last week and I was left with near nothing - a few pairs of leggings and a dozen tank tops. I had a barbecue, a cocktail party and a trip back home coming up two days later. The brat knew this and did it to force me to buy new clothes. I was really, REALLY annoyed with her.

We headed to the promenade and started at Nordstrom, where I picked up 12s and 10s thinking, at absolute best, I MIGHT squeeze into a 10. As we're browsing, an associate comes over and picks through my choices; she asks if they're for me. I nodded, she looked me up and down and said, "you're an 8, love."

I literally burst out laughing in the middle of the store. Yeah okay lady, even on my best day, there's no way I'm a freaking 8. She handed me a white cocktail dress and said, "humor me." Sure yeah, whatever, this isn't humiliating or anything.

I slipped into it and, to my utter surprise, it fit - in fact, it was maybe even a little too big, because I didn't notice until after I took it back off that it had an invisible zipper up the side.

I'm a freaking size 8!

I promptly bought half the store. But in my defense, I literally had no clothes, so it was totally a necessity

That must have felt amazing. I bet you're gonna rock your new wardrobe!

I feel SO cheesy (and even more cheesy admitting it), but I have been washing, sorting and carefully hanging up every single article of clothing like they are Fabergé eggs and trying on ~everything~. I had two huge boxes of clothes from our last move that I never unpacked because I knew they wouldn't fit, and never got around to donating. I finally pulled them out last night and I have never been so excited to do laundry or organize my closet!

What a cute story!

Thanks for bringing a smile to my face on this foggy Friday morning.

No need to feel cheesy, I would do the same thing!

I started keeping a trash bag in my closet. When something is too big and should be donated, it goes in the bag. If something is too big but is nice enough to sell, it goes to a certain part of the closet. It's nice to only see the items that fit. And even better that you now have a closet full of lovely size 8s!!!

StarlightMintz aww, anytime - thank you

nonameslob, that's a fantastic idea, I think I'm going to steal it! I have a bad habit of leaving things that I know don't fit and convincing myself they do (or they will eventually)... and never actually wearing them. And then I wonder why I hate my closet, ha.

That's awesome, futureformerfisher! So proud for you!

I like nonameslob's idea as well. That may be something I implement when I reach the point that I need to go shopping. As for now, I am wearing my old clothes no matter how big and baggy they get, and I have vowed to use safety pins to hold them up until I am able to go down significantly in size. I want to experience what you did when I walk into the dressing room with a pile of size 16's and figure out I need a 14 or even a 12!

I love that!!

HeeHawHoney Thank you I was doing exactly what you're doing ever since I started losing weight and let me tell you, finally sucking it up and buying clothes that fit had completely changed my perception of myself! I went from not really seeing that much of a difference in myself, to suddenly seeing a HUGE difference, and I feel so much more confident - all because I finally put on some clothes that fit! I know money is a big reason a lot of us don't buy clothes (it was definitely my main reason), but even just a couple pair of jeans to tide you over until the next size drop would help And I have no doubt you'll have the exact same thing happen to you very soon at the rate you're going girl!!

woohoo! That is an awesome story! Congrats on the size 8!!!

Thank you guys After only a few days in my new clothes, I feel so much happier and more confident! It's amazing how much my mood and my dedication to staying on plan have improved

Love this story and thanks for sharing! To be a size 8 again is in my plan and know it will come some day. To shop in stores and not to go automatically to the "Plus Size" dept. will be nice. I also have an ongoing trash bag in my closet. Sorted thru some clothes and shoes last evening and took 5 bags to Goodwill. Very liberating...