BulgingButtons

Not bad for a fat girl

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Fashionista

I can hardly stifle the giggle as I type the word “fashionista.” It is a word that is so far from who I am that it seems ridiculous to even mutter it, but lately I’ve been really enjoying the world of fashion, at least the little bit of it that I’ve chosen to bite off.

It started with my curiosity about capsule wardrobes. I did some research on them and I liked the idea, but in my world not everything is mix and match. Hemlines from shirts have to be of a particular length to be worn with certain pants or skirts, or else the entire effect is quite horrifying. Maybe not to the casual observer, but unless the bulges are covered just so I feel exposed and uncomfortable. I find myself with the same go-to outfits over and over, as so many other women do.

I wanted to expand my horizons a bit, so I looked into the clothing subscription services. It didn’t take me long to find Dia & Co online, and their reviews were terrific. I read through their website, watched a few unboxing videos, and decided to give it a try.

For a $20 styling fee (mine was waived with my first box) items are chosen specifically for you and sent to your door. How do they know what to choose? You provide guidance by answering a series of specific questions and uploading some pictures of yourself. Just like online dating, the more you’re willing to share and be vulnerable, the better matches you’re likely to secure.

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kimono and skinny jeans

My first box arrived, and my initial thought was how can they fit five items to fit me in that little box? They did, though, and they were thoughtfully wrapped in tissue paper with a gold seal and a personalized note from my stylist, Melly. As I took out each item I got more and more excited. That first box contained a wrap dress in a funky geometric print, a brilliant blue blouse perfect for work, a cute striped top for weekend wear, a gorgeous flowing kimono type garment, and a pair of skinny jeans. Honestly, I don’t think I would have tried on any of those pieces in the store, but then again that’s why I wanted a stylist

I loved being able to try everything on in my own home, and I felt like a little kid putting on a fashion show. The only item I didn’t instantly love was the striped top because it felt a little snug to me. I decided to keep the rest of the items but try to exchange the top for the next size. The only glitch was that the next size wasn’t available, so I simply didn’t buy that piece. You only pay for what you keep, and if you buy anything from the box your $20 styling fee is refunded.

By the time I got my second box I was nearly giddy with anticipation. I figured the first one must have been something of a fluke, but there was bound to be something in there that I liked, so I opened it up with great fanfare and again felt like it was Christmas and my birthday all rolled into one. Melly sent me another beautiful dress,this one in vibrant tones that I just adore. She also sent a pair of “boyfriend” jeans that I was a little afraid of, because of the distressing. Her note assured me that they were on trend and age appropriate. I decided to reserve judgment until I tried them on. There was also a flowing, flowery tunic, perfect for topping leggings, and a black top with flowered sleeves.  Finally, there was a maxi-skirt with a Southwest type print in coral, turquoise, and black on a white background. Again, nothing I would have chosen, but off to the fashion show I went.

I have to say it, I loved it all. Even the boyfriend jeans. I feel adorable in them, and I’ve received several compliments on how cute they are. The black top with the floral sleeves? I would have NEVER picked that, but 1) it’s SO comfy and looks great dressy or with jeans, and 2) I’ve received more compliments on that top than any item of clothing I’ve ever owned (except maybe my wedding dress, but people HAVE to compliment those, right?). Needless to say, I kept the entire box. The nice part about that is when you do, Dia & Co gives you a 20% discount.

When you consider that you’re purchasing five items that are hand-picked for you, based on your size, body type, coloring, and preferences, and you don’t have to set foot outside of your home to do it, I think it’s a deal. My items have averaged about $40 each, but to have them chosen for me, fit me, look good on me, and not have the disappointment of rummaging through rack after rack to find items is totally worth it. Plus, with this company, I’ve found ways to expand my style to include new looks that make me feel confident, and, dare I say it, fashionable.

Listen, I’ve been blogging for a few years, and if you read BulgingButtons regularly you know that I don’t generally do product endorsements. I didn’t receive anything in exchange for this blog post, I’m just really happy with the company. And yes, if you’d like to give them a try you can use this code: https://www.dia.co/r/7gg5 . I think it gives me some sort of discount or something, but that’s not why I’m sharing. I’m sharing because as a fat girl who has literally shed tears in store dressing rooms it’s nice to have a positive shopping experience, and it’s nice to feel valued by a fashion company. Shopping has become fun again, and I want other plus sized women to know this service is out there and it might be the boost your wardrobe and image needs.

 


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Why Being Fat Sucks

(Originally published July 1, 2013)

Here are a few random and not so random thoughts of why being fat is a sucky thing. A lot of them are totally obvious, but there might be a few on here that you’ve never heard anyone say or maybe you haven’t even thought about them. In no particular order, I give you lots of reasons why being fat sucks.

1. Huffing and puffing with no intent to blow anyone’s house down.

2. The look you get at the doctor’s office when you head for the scale, even if, as in my case, all the staff are amazing and kind. Even if you don’t get the look from them, you imagine it in your head.

3. Getting in and out of your boyfriend’s Mustang is a chore.

4. Overheating and then feeling like a sweaty pig.

5. Having trouble keeping all your nooks and crannies clean and fresh.

6. Actually worrying about whether wall mounted commodes are fastened securely enough.

7. Never being able to use the tray table on the airplane because it forms a downward angle as it rests against your belly.

8. Speaking of airplane, living in fear of the seatbelt extender. I haven’t had to use one yet, but the last flight I took gave me a good scare.

9. Sitting very carefully or choosing to stand if furniture doesn’t seem to be sturdy enough.

10. People stare at you and are mean sometimes. They are.

11. Stuff is too small for you. All kinds of stuff that you might not expect, like boots that don’t fit over your calves or watches that have straps that are too short.

12. Trimming your toenails is like an Olympic event. Even tying shoes can be a real challenge.

13. People who care about you give you all sorts of well meaning advice and even give you newspaper clippings just to remind you about how dangerous and awful it is to be fat.

14. You take medications for things that you wouldn’t need to deal with if you weren’t hauling around all the extra weight.

15. Buying clothes. ‘Nuff said.

16. Not being able to ride all the rides at the carnival or amusement park.

17. Not being able to go horseback riding (but really, did you ever see Bonanza? Hoss was bigger than I am!).

18. Not being able to reach the top of the trail when hiking.

19. Feeling overwhelmed and “less than” when in fact I’m “more than.”

20. Sometimes it’s hard to remember to be kind and good to myself.

Feel free to add your own, after all the more we can keep these in mind, the more likely we’ll be to banish them forever!

Swings

Swings (Photo credit: brettchisum)

 


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The Purple Couch At Last

Portfolio-Kilby-Plum-Velvet-SoFast-Sofa-2baa0deb-7a1f-45d1-856f-ffdba1b1a0de_600Finally it arrived. The purple couch I bought from the internet on Black Friday has finally made its way into my living room, and I couldn’t be more relieved.

This poor couch has been hanging around town for the past week, just waiting to come home. It’s been in and out of the delivery company’s facilities and trucks, being manhandled along the way. How do I know? The combination of the scans it received along the way that made up its online “record” and the battered condition of its box when it finally made it to my doorstep. I’m a regular Sherlock Holmes.

Today was actually the sixth day that it was scheduled for delivery, but I held out little hope that it would actually arrive. I began to believe that it would eventually be sent back to the massive company from which I bought it, and I would never see it.

What lead me to this conclusion? After all, I’m the eternal optimist, the lover of flying pigs, the believer in the impossible. Well, I think the straw that broke the camel’s back was last night’s incident.  I was eagerly awaiting delivery (yet again) by sitting in the couchless living room watching the cars go by. Yes, I am that pathetic.

Well imagine my surprise (and yes, glee) when the delivery truck actually pulled up to our house. It was dark outside, and after 8 pm, but it was there. The driver turned off the lights, and did whatever it was that he/she did. I turned on the porch light, and kept myself from running outside. I was patient, but as the minutes ticked on, it occurred to me that my couch wasn’t coming off that truck.

After ten minutes the headlights popped back on, the truck made a u-turn, and it drove away. I was dumbfounded. I was stunned. I was numb. How. Could. That. Happen????????

That’s when I gave up hope. That’s when I decided I was not meant to have a purple velvet couch. That’s when I decided that it would never ever arrive. So of course, the next day it did.

I found out it was delivered at 4:28 pm. Of course I was still at work, and had to drive in the opposite direction to pick up my son. We arrived home after 6 and after dark. The whole time I was willing the thieves that steal people’s packages to stay away. Of course this package was the size of a fridge, but there are strong thieves with trucks, I’m sure of it. Lucky for me, it was still outside my front door when we arrived. I photographed the ripped box in case the contents were damaged, but fortunately everything was well protected. No tools were included, but we have our own, so that wasn’t a problem either.

My son and I built that couch with a few difficulties along the way, but it’s done and I’m satisfied. It looks terrific, but I’m pretty sure I’ll never buy a couch off the internet again. I just can’t take the drama and disappointment.