Hi friends,

I was hoping that you all could help me. I am having a few issues...as usual...but the two biggest ones surround clothes. First, even though I am looking ridiculous these days in clothes that are entirely too big on me, I am having a hard time letting go of these articles of clothing. WHY THE HECK AREN'T I HAPPY TO GIVE THEM ALL AWAY!?!?

The second is that I can't really afford a new wardrobe right now. I know it's a great issue to have. But with the weather here in the 70s and 80s for the next few weeks, I pulled out my summer wear and it's all entirely too big (like shirts showing my bra from all angles big). Even some of the things I purchased a few months ago are getting big now.

Does anyone know of any boards where you can exchange clothes with other dieters? I am in desperate need of work shirts and jeans!!! But can't see buying them at full price, only to hopefully be a size smaller in a few months. I also donate clothes to GoodWill however, I have a personal thing with not buying from them (I can afford a few pieces of clothing and feel badly that I am taking it out of the hands of someone who can't, you know?).

Thanks girls!

Hey Jenn-
What a good problem to have! Congratulations

Keep in mind that most thrift/consignment stores exist to make money on sales, not to sell cheap clothes to those without resources. I know our local place actually gives people vouchers if they need them but the thrift store is a huge money maker for them. If you donate and purchase you are more than doing your part to keep the agency afloat (our local Hospice gets the vast majority of its budget from their thrift store!). I also sold some of my better stuff through a consignment store to help replenish my wardrobe.

It was scary for me to get rid of some of those bigger items because I've always gained the weight back. Eventually I just did it though and it was definitely a smart choice. I know when I've put weight on because I am reduced to the "fat pants" and I only have a couple of pairs

Remember at Goodwill you often can buy BRAND NEW clothing, I have done it. Stores donate new clothing, people who buy something that doesn't fit or they decide the don't like, these are often donated.

Thanks Cyndi and Bargoo.

In my area, most of the thrift stores are frequented by those who are in a lower income bracket. Hence, my issue. I get that they sell new clothes (heck, I've donated some brand new things myself!) but I was hoping to get some other options.

think keeping around an item or two is a good idea to remind you of how far you have come, but let go of the rest.

And if thrift stores don't suit you, look for consignment shops - prices are higher, but clothes are generally nicer because they tend to be picky about what they take.

We have a Plato's Closet, which is for the Junior crowd, but next door there is a place called the Close Mentor which is for the grown-up crowd. No size prejudice, either.

We also have a couple of locally-owned consignment places.

Haven't heard of any dieter clothing swaps, though.

Meant to mention, I do all my shopping at Value Village and Goodwill - rarely ever buy new. That's been a plus now that I'm loosing weight and "down-sizing!"

Thanks. Not sure what's in my area by way of consignment but will take a look.

Have you thought about selling your clothes as a lot on ebay? Especially if they're all about the same size it really might be something to consider. I also often see women selling lots of clothes for a certain size, which seems like an easy way to get a good in between wardrobe. Certainly, it might not fit as well on something in store that you tried on first but it at least might get you by for a bit!

Have you thought of Walmart n Kmart for the mean time? They do have good stuff you can buy at a cheap price n use till you drop to another size. Or what about hand me down from family members??

Jen, I am so happy for you having this problem! Wow, success is great.

I know this may not help you, but I found myself sewing a dart on both sides of the back waist band of my jeans and that helped take them in, it worked for awhile, then the thighs just got too baggy. But it is one way to wear them a little longer. And you don't need to be a sewer to do that, just have a sewing machine or a needle and thread.

I would try Kmart, at least in between sizes. But try to buy styles that you can wear even if they get a little looser on you. Wear a blouse open with a tank top underneath, that will help.

Good luck, I always enjoy reading your posts, keep on going.

I go through the super sale racks at all the major stores and will buy some items if they're really nice even if they're a tad too small. I have also found great success with Kohl's, Ross and TJ Maxx for having a wide variety to choose from at pretty good prices.

It's definitely hard spending lots of money on new clothes, especially when you know it's not the size you want to stay at.

I have found two thrift stores in affluent areas. Both are at least 1/2 hr-45 min. drive but the clothes they have donated are often Coldwater Creek, Liz Claiborne and other very nice brands. Once again, I will often buy something a little too small if it is Very nice.

I always remember that when I buy at Goodwill, etc, that the cash that I provide is then being used to have other services being offered to folks who are less fortunate. I buy new stuff at a certain Goodwill in Denver quite often. One of my observations there is that there are lots of buyers who are obviously buying to resell. Our local thrift has to have super sales because they have so much inventory that they need to do something to stimulate sales.

I definitely have had a more difficult time with pants. I'm short and still need stuff that is comfy. The lower waist options don't fit very well. I did well for awhile because several pairs of pants were White Stag and I could buy the exact same pant online in a smaller size. They quit making them and I've had to look elsewhere. Penneys in my area usually has a good offering of jeans in all different sizes.

Best wishes....it's a good problem, but a problem still. Once the old stuff gets too big I find (for me) that they make me look bigger than I am. Once I get into better fitting clothes I feel (and think I look) better.

Jenn, I love Macy's clothes- I never buy full price- I hit their clearance racks and I have bought shirts for $3 before from them. The last time I bought 3 shirts and the total came to $23 bucks and these were shirts that cost around $50 full price each.

One of my favorite things to do on my Friday's off is to peruse our local Goodwill store, where I've found some terrific bargains on brand new and gently worn clothing.
Today I got 3 pair of brand new Talbots petite slacks and 6 really nice tops for a grand total of $33!

Hey Jenne1017

Are the large shirts (that show your bra) you own like a button up collared shirt, or blouse?

A good way to reuse these over sized tops is getting a cute belt that you can use for putting around your waist to cinch the shirt in, and you'll be right on trend too You could wear it done up, with the belt, or get a skinny belt, and have the shirt unbuttoned with a tank under.

I have a few over sized shear blouses I wear with a tank under and a belt, with leggings and boots or flats, or skinny jeans, boot cut jeans and heels, love the look!

Here is what I mean....

http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=oversi...1t:429,r:3,s:0

http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=belted...4&tx=104&ty=48

http://dynamite.ca/ProductsDetail.as...=16842&pfId=43

http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=blouse...:0&tx=47&ty=96

http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=blouse...t:429,r:21,s:0

Also - it's a super comfy style and hides my tummy!