Plus-size shopping is tough sometimes. Unless you’re into paisley (no), polyester (meh), and sequins (sometimes). What’s worse is that many “normal” stores do sell some plus-size clothing—but only in an on-line ghetto. Thank you, Old Navy. I’m talking to you. Don’t try to tell me there’s anything “exclusive” about your exclusively online plus-size collection. I know perfectly well I’m getting shafted.
At any rate, for quite some time now I’ve shopped online for clothes due to lack of many decent brick-and-mortar shopping options. The results have often been disappointing; no matter how accurately I try to take my measurements and compare them to the online size charts, there is simply no substitute for trying things on in the store! A lot of the time I’ll order something that looks cute in the online pic but in reality doesn’t suit my body shape, or is clingier than I thought, or else too voluminous. That being said, my “safe size” at Old Navy online has been a Women’s 2X for a several years; it’s what usually fits me when I order through their site.
Last week, however, I took a chance! I wanted to order some casual-but-nice tops to wear to work or for holiday stuff at home. I figured, I have about a month, maybe I’ll fit into a Women’s 1X by then . . . and so that’s the size I ordered for the sweater and the long-sleeved shirt I purchased.
Naturally when they arrived yesterday I had to rip open the package almost as soon as I got home and try them on, just for fun. I figured they’d be a tad tight . . . but part of me was hoping they might just fit right now . . .
First came the red sweater. I slipped it on over my head and cautiously peered in the mirror. What? Not too tight? In fact, a perfect fit?! I was totally psyched.
Then I turned to the black shirt, thinking, Well, sweaters sometimes fit more loosely, so this may very well still be too tight . . .
It fit! They both fit! Perfectly. I couldn’t stop smiling and checking out how I looked and asking my boyfriend what he thought (“They both look great!”).
The next time I “size down” at Old Navy, I will be ordering an XL from the “regular” section of the website—wait a minute, I’ll be able to shop in their actual stores. No more returns-by-mail! Oh, happy day ;).
18. November 2009 at 5:53 PM
How cool to go down a size! Pretty soon you may need to show us an updated photo, no? The pleasure you’re taking in your success is contagious, I really enjoyed this post. Keep working your plan, it’s clearly working for you. Best wishes!
18. November 2009 at 6:03 PM
Babbalou: You’re right, it’s TOTALLY time for a photo update! I will get on that!
18. November 2009 at 6:47 PM
Awesome!!! You must be so psyched! You’re doing so fantastic!!
18. November 2009 at 8:01 PM
Heather: Thanks, lady! Psyched it totally the word for it :).
18. November 2009 at 6:50 PM
congrats! A seriouisly great feeling!! :D
18. November 2009 at 8:02 PM
Deb: Thank you! I can’t wait to wear my new clothes out and about now—it really makes me feel great to have accomplished this.
18. November 2009 at 8:15 PM
I tweeted ya, but wanted to comment here too….That ROCKS!!!! Victory!! I second the above poster regarding a new pic…those mannequins aren’t doing that sweater and blouse justice!!
18. November 2009 at 8:17 PM
Photo update!!!! Congrats on sizing down. :) Just wait until you start getting frustrated that none of your clothes last more than a few months…
18. November 2009 at 11:34 PM
Sharing your excitement! That’s one of the best feelings in the world!
19. November 2009 at 12:52 AM
What a great feeling! I can’t wait to be able to shop in my very own basement where I have lots of clothes there that I long to wear again and will soon!
Enjoy!
19. November 2009 at 2:44 AM
I am so excited for you! Not only the clothes but -20 pounds, you are a rock star!
I agree that you need picture updates. Jealous!
19. November 2009 at 2:46 AM
Hey everyone! Just updated the Progress page with a comparison pic! I’ll do a post with a pic tomorrow, too :).
http://tinyglow.com/progressrewards/
20. November 2009 at 2:36 PM
Go Hilary! WHOOT-WHOOT! You rock! I never fit Old Navy stuff — even now; I think they *know* I’m not a junior or something. Do you think they have sensors in their clothes that go off when you hit 40? Is it like a game of Monopoly, where I can’t “pass GO” and must travel directly to….THE GAP?
Anyway, congrats on being so careless as to lose an entire “X” from your clothes. Brace yourself — that “X” will come back again…only someday, it will be followed by an “S”, instead of an “L” — trust me on this one ;-)