So, this is kind of embarassing to admit, since Damien is a whole FOURTEEN MONTHS old today, but I just this past weekend tossed out the last of my maternity pants. I’d been wearing them for WAY too long. They made me feel terrible about myself. I was constantly making sure my top was long enough so nobody would see the elastic waistband that would give me away. I was constantly pulling my pants up because while I thought I needed some extra room I didn’t need THAT much. It was awful.
I didn’t realize just how much this was affecting my mood, my confidence, and my opinion on my self worth. That sounds really dramatic. I know. BUT IT’S TRUUUUUE. It wasn’t until I was in some new (non-maternity!) pants that I realized just how true this is for me. I suddenly felt cute! I felt put together! I felt more mature! I felt confident! All because of some pants. Huh.
I’m turning 30 later this year and I’m feeling ready to like myself. That’s a novel idea, no? I’m ready to put some effort into how I look and how I present myself to the world. Not because of what other people will think, but because of how it makes ME feel. I’m done with buying clothes that will just make do- either because they are inexpensive or because I’m ashamed about how many things I have to try on that don’t fit before I find what I’m looking for. I need to change what I’m looking for. And where I look for things. I wish I had a ton of cash to devote to this, but I so don’t so it’ll take me time to get there, but I’m ok with that. Mostly. Damn, I really need some new tops.
So. I now have 5 pairs of pants that fit me, are comfortable, and that I love. I haven’t felt that way about pants in YEARS. They are all Lucky Brand. Actually, Lucky made a new plus size line with fuller cuts that fit me really, really well. They are midrise, have good pocket placement for me and my only complaint is they don’t offer them with shorter inseams. (My local tailor is thrilled, however.) I have 2 pairs of bootcut jeans, both in darker washes, and then I went out on a limb and tried a few pairs of skinny jeans. I was hesitant (extrememly so!) but I found some REALLY great deals and went for it. I’m so glad I did! It’s still taking me some adjusting, but I love them. Lucky makes the most comfortable jeans/pants I’ve ever worn and I’ve felt like I was wearing pjs. It’s been so nice!
Not only did I go out of my comfort zone trying this new cut, but they are all in bold and different matterials for me. I got a pair of teal cords, cranberry jeans and a kind of silver/black jean blend. Here they are:
macys.com
zappos.com
zappos.com
Ok, so my question to you all is: what colors can/should I wear with the teal cords and the cranberry jeans? Because so far all I’ve got is black and white, and I bet you guys are way better at this.
For teal, I think peacock– so I wear a lot of purple, navy, emerald, gold. Cranberry is trickier for me. I don’t think I got much beyond warmer neutrals– tan, beige, maybe pumpkin orange. I tend to go with like colors rather than contrast though. But cranberry and blue isn’t too bad.
Nice- the color for the teal cords is actually called “Peacock”! I don’t think I would have thought to use that as a guide-thanks!
It is SO nice to have clothes that make you feel good.I bought all new jeans last year, and tossed all of my in-between jeans that I had been living on for the past five years. It felt GREAT.
Yeah! This makes me so happy. I think you can wear navy and white with either of those colors, and also grey. I think navy orange and teal would be lovely, Maybe throw some silver (shoes?) in there? Love it!
I’m no help here- I actually wanted to see what other people had to say about the teal! I bought a pair of turquoise pants and all I can think to pair them with is black or white.
Yeah! Way to go! I just bought more maternity pants so we are on opposite sides of this hill. I think your dressing for good feelings is a great plan. Work it.
I have a pair of teal pants that I adore–I wear mostly a leopard print top with them, but red shoes, which is a fun additional pop of color that works pretty nicely. Cranberry I think is a little harder to wrap my brain around–I keep defaulting to creams and whites and tans…
I was thinking of a golden rod color for the teal … a deep purple would be lovely too. For the cranberry? Gray? That’s a tough one beyond black and white. I have a hard time imagining new color combos but when I see them on someone else I think, “that’s awesome!”
So glad you found pants your like. I switched to dresses for a long time because I just didn’t want to wear pants. Now, I really need to invest in some.
Do you have a favorite brand for dresses? I need to invest in more of those, too.
There is perhaps no better feeling on EARTH than clothes that fit your body and make you feel good about yourself. It’s just…NICE.
I am so stinking happy for you! I did much the same thing a couple years ago when Beastie was about D’s age. Clothes that fit, such a revelation. It really is a little life-changing.