My goal is to fit into the clothes in my closet as well. With my pregnancies, the excess weight went predominately to my tummy / hips / thighs. I do think our "fattier" places are the last to lose, so we will have to keep that in mind ams we push through. Perhaps doing some light toning during this will help? Some walking lunges, squats and old fashioned calisthenics might help tighten it all up so we also feel good during the process?!
Oh, and as far as measurements go... They actually showed me gainined an inch in my hips. I don't buy it given that I am wearing clothes I couldn't. Don't forget that there is human error in each measurement - location of tape, how tightly held, etc.