goldenpig

Some WIWs from the past six weeks

October 13, 2015

Sorry I've been MIA. I feel like a fat slob and I've sort of lost my fashion mojo. Three patients in the last month have asked me if I'm pregnant. (One of them while I was wearing the Vince dress!) No, I'm not pregnant, I'm just fat! Bleh! As I talked about in a previous post (with proof of my food baby), I gained 15 lb in the past year after I stopped nursing and it's all settled in my already ample apple belly, which is now huge. It's worse because I'm otherwise pretty slim. I've been trying to exercise more and eat healthy and cut carbs, but I can't seem to make any headway with the weight. Thyroid labs were checked and are fine, I have nothing to blame but myself and my aging metabolism. I'm trying to make do and just wear the looser stuff for now and repeat outfits a lot more. Good thing I bought so much stretchy non-maternity stuff when I was pregnant, because now I really need it! I probably should do a huge purge of my closet, but there are still lots of things I love and am still hoping will fit better if I can shed a few pounds. Normally I would buy something new to cheer me up and dress the body I have, but I hate the idea of shopping for "fat" clothes. Plus some unexpected expenses have cropped up, so my clothes shopping has had to slow to a trickle (an unfortunate back-up accident causing lots of damage to another parked car--still kicking myself over that one, some needed repairs to the house, and also I decided to start sponsoring a couple of children internationally, but in order to do that had to agree to cut monthly expenses elsewhere). I still have lots of clothes, so it's not like I'm going to be naked. I'm really sorry to be so down on myself, it's very unlike me. I'm not trying to throw a pity party or fish for compliments--normally I'm a very positive person (even now I'm still optimistic I'll eventually get back in shape!). I haven't been posting much because I haven't been feeling on top of my A-game lately. But I thought I'd share some of my WIWs anyways, just so you know I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. If I can post WIW's 3 days postpartum, I can suck it up and post food baby WIWs. But I'm sucking it in for these, just so you know. LOL.

1-2. Vince shirtdress. Stella and Dot rose gold necklace & bracelet. Longchamp bronze tote. Munro bronze sandals. I did get a lot of compliments on it, but no lady, this is not a maternity dress, dammit!
3-4. Allsaints Flora Mortis T shirt. Sam Edelman studded black gladiator sandals. Michael Kors studded black satchel.
5-6. Vince leather sleeve T. Zella capris. Topshop sandals.
7-8. Karen Kane asymmetric wrap blouse, H&M floral pants, MZ Wallace orange satchel, Michael Kors orange loafers, Alexis Bittar rose gold pendant. (I think this is my favorite version of the clown pants so far!)
9. Eileen Fisher cobalt tunic, Vince Camuto moto leggings. I think this was another one of the "Are you pregnant?" days.
10-11. Anthro winter tree dress. This is old but I originally bought a size up to get a longer length. I never did get this dress taken in, which is a good thing I suppose! Vince cardigan. Fossil floral satchel. Timberland boots.
12. Muse dress. Ugg black lace up ballet flats. 
13. Pattern mixing. Gingham shirt, WHBM floral pants, Kate Spade floral sneakers.
14. L48 sheath dress. Ugg cream lace up ballet flats. Kate Spade floral satchel. Alexis Bittar necklace.
15-16. Plaid shirt and moto leggings and Topshop peep toe booties. BR outlet necklace.
17-18. Vince tee, AG jeans, maternity cardigan, Stella and Dot Utopia necklace, Fossil floral satchel, Ugg moto boots.
19. Halogen floral sweater, Halogen hot pink eyelet skirt, MZ Wallace tangerine satchel, Ugg blue lace up ballet flats.
20. Target zip sweater, Target snakeskin skirt. This is my Target x Helmut Lang knockoff outfit, LOL. 
21. Vince Camuto tunic and moto leggings. Was this another pregnant day? Maybe I need to stop wearing loose tunics. But anything fitted is way worse for risking an unwelcome congratulatory belly rub.
22-23. Target zip sweater, VC striped midi tube skirt, Brahmin striped satchel, Munro Abby striped sandals. (Still haven't lost my love for matchy matchy!)

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Posted in the What I Wore category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

28 Comments

  • Joyce B replied 8 years ago

    You look fab in all of your outfits. My favorite are 7 and 20 but they are all good.
    Be kinder to yourself, talk to yourself and about yourself like you would talk to a friend. You got where you are for a good cause. You are a beautiful lady, you have to love yourself more.

  • rute replied 8 years ago

    always so pretty! My favorite has to be 22!

  • lyn67 replied 8 years ago

    No worry about a few pounds on, You always look so chic and gorgeous, GP! My faves are 1, 7, 9, 10, 15, 17, 20 and 22(still love the stripe tube) but from them nr 9 and 15 are the most fab, you surely know why:-).

  • Sara L. replied 8 years ago

    These are great!  I especially love the white blouse in #7.  You have a fabulous shoe collection and your choices elevate each outfit.  The only one I would change is #13.  I actually like the pattern mixing of the top and bottom but I would wear a plainer shoe. 

    I also gained weight when I stopped nursing.  I have found that it just takes time.  The weight is coming off (still have work to do) but it takes longer.  I go for walks, try to reduce drinks such as soda, beer and wine (unfortunately I don't drink that much of any of those so it's not a huge change to cut them out, however, it's one of the easiest changes).   Stay positive, keep up your exercise and diet changes and you'll eventually see changes.

  • shedev replied 8 years ago

    You look fab in a wide variety of looks and have an enviable closet. Love the Vince tee.

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    Oh sweet, Natalie. I get angry when people ask you if you're pregnant. It's SUCH a loaded question. It should be a forbidden phrase. People need to be more sensitive and mind their own business. (((HUGS))). 

    GOOD TO SEE YOU. I missed you. 

    TRULY, you look beautiful in all your outfits. I can understand that you feel less than fab about your weight gain, but that hasn't stopped you from looking fab in your outfits. Quite the contrary. You are very pretty and have a stellar sense of style. Rock on. 

    #7, 13, 17 and 22 are Killer Deluxe. Hang in there. We are here to support you if and when you need it. 

  • Susie replied 8 years ago

    Oh Natalie, please don't be so hard on yourself! You are a lovely young woman with a unique and captivating style. I think you are doing a fine job of dressing your different (not fat, not bad, just different) body. All of these outfits look great!

    I do understand the challenges of an apple belly...I suppose one blessing of being a good deal older than you is that no one is going to think I am pregnant!

    You've got a beautiful wardrobe and I have no doubt that you will continue to rock your style!

  • JAileen replied 8 years ago

    I don't know how you manage to look so fab with little teeny kids. Really! You look especially sleek in #14.

  • Maneera replied 8 years ago

    My heart goes out to you, Natalie. I know how that feels! I've been nursing a sprained ankle for over 2 weeks and have been indulging in food a lot more than I should be. And I can feel I've gained weight on the boobs and the belly. Not fab at all :(

    But your weight gain is not under your control. Soon your hormones will settle and your body will return to its normal size. You ARE doing the best you can with exercise and diet control, so cut yourself some slack.

    You're such a lovely person. Hats off to you for sponsoring some kids internationally and taking care of three kids of your own. It's a miracle you make any time for your own self!

    You still love lovely and stylish. Love 7, 12 & 14! You look fab in all of these outfits, though. You're doing a great job! Hang in there....

  • catgirl replied 8 years ago

    Oh, Natalie.  Why people ask such questions is beyond me.  Once when I was in college, a customer at my store job actually INSISTED a co-worker was pregnant after she denied it - like "Oh, don't be shy - you can tell us!"  Horrific and rude.

    You look fantastic.  Truly.  You have the style mojo and fashion skills to make anything look good.  You have a crazy stressful job and little kids and high standards, and I think it's easy for women to be self-critical rather than recognizing how amazing we are.

    And yeah, I have gained 10 pounds in two years at my new job.  I am so thankful that I always loved fluid and oversized fits, since they are my best friends these days.  But I do have to wonder if that's part of the problem for me - by wearing comfy pants and forgiving tunics, I've allowed the weight to "creep" up.  Most of the time I don't notice, but every now and then I'll see a candid picture of myself and cringe.  Not good, but just to let you know you're not alone.  

  • replied 8 years ago

    So lovely to see you Natalie! You still look as fab as ever too. I see a beautiful stylish lady. Faves of mine are 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 20, 22. Keep that positive thinking going sweet lady.

  • Cerinda replied 8 years ago

    You look as chic as ever!  Your style wows me, and the way you accessorize inspires me.  

    I'm so sorry you've been exposed to such a wanton lack of manners.  Sending good thoughts your way.

  • kkards replied 8 years ago

    well, I think you look great! love the matchy matchy shoes and bag in #3, and the black and white pattern mixing in #13 is awesome. but the white shirt and floral pants in #7 is my fav!

  • AviaMariah replied 8 years ago

    You look so fab Natalie.  Like everyone else has said, don't be so hard on yourself.  I'm sure you've looked into all possible health issues but I thought I'd just share that before I figured out I was gluten sensitive I used to get so frustrated because I would look 4 months pregnant no matter what I did.  It was due to the bloating and I still get a "few months" pregnant if I cheat and eat something I shouldn't.  So could you be having bloating issues due to something you're eating?  Also, I'm winding down nursing DD2 and am worried since I gained about 10 lbs after weaning DD1.  So not fair!!

  • Sal replied 8 years ago

    You have an awesome closet and look wonderful here in every look. I especially love 7, and you accessorising is just stunning. You obviously have the art of dressing an apple shape completely worked out, because you look great in all these looks.

    It is such a challenge when you are so busy with work and children, and some people are just so insensitive. No advice except be gentle on yourself.

  • Ginger replied 8 years ago

    I'm sorry you're not feeling as fab as you'd like. I LOVE your outfits! All of these looks are so interesting and so varied; lots of color and lots of interesting lines. As others have said far more eloquently, be gentle with yourself, and please be reassured that you really look wonderful to us. :)

  • rachylou replied 8 years ago

    That's kind of funny, Nat. I looked at the pics first and instantly thought how great and svelte you looked in the Vince. Also love the way you've got a bag that so perfectly patches your circus stripe skirt. #17 is so different from your lady-like style, and even your punkier UWP shadow style, but it's a tightly executed outfit. You look A1 in it. Last but not least - I'm not sure how I feel about YOU in the black/white floral and buffalo plaid outfit ... I see your style as more coordinated ... But it's fantastic and I definitely see it on ME ;) *Mwahaha*

  • deb replied 8 years ago

    Natalie, I have missed you!!! You look beautiful! I developed my food baby after my hysterectomy and found spanx helped me feel much better about myself. I even liked the tightness. Eventually I just accepted my body as is and dressed it as is. It is just a thought.

  • Karie replied 8 years ago

    We've missed you and it's good to see you. Sometimes people can be so rude - no manners at all. Please don't be so hard on yourself. Whether your weight is up or down, food belly or not, you look fabulous. 

  • unfrumped replied 8 years ago

    Oh, heavens, on you worst day you run circles around me, style-wise. All I ever see is overall fabness. You know exactly how to put things together that are flattering and super interesting.

    Here's what I can relate to, though--I also found some things "not fitting" as well--surely they shrank! and it was super important I not keep those in the main closet. I still had a number of things that fit and felt good--maybe it is a bit looser top or longer over lean or whatever--and it seems obvious, but I had to really make myself separate those out and say, wear these, goofball, these look great, instead of continually trying to make outfits of the items that didn't fit well.

    Some of these I've culled--another whole subject of how hard it is for me to do that--and yet am also saving a few things based on whether I totally loved them up until the point of oops. somehow doesn't fit right, and would buy the same thing again in another size or tailor or whatever. But it was also a good time to say, you know this skirt is shorter than what you would buy  now, or that color never really worked. 

    So keep up the good health work and only wear the things that feel great, even if you repeat.  That is good for mood!

  • Echo replied 8 years ago

    I always love your outfits and your sense of style. You truly look fab, though I am saddened to hear you don't feel it. I especially love outfits #7, 19, 20 and 22.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

    It's great to see you again, Natalie, and you are looking as fab as ever. Hope you are feeling as fab as you look very soon!  I understand your frustration, and I've certainly been frustrated by my body doing its own thing weight-wise, totally unbidden and unwanted by me! Bleah--not fun. (And random acts of rudeness--if only we could wish them all away for you.) I'm glad you are taking outfit photos despite how you feel about your style mojo, and extra glad you've shared them with us.

    I love your take on matchy-matchy, especially your spike-themed jewelry and accessories and your variations on stripes. You are stunning in the Vince shirtdress. And I have a particular fondness for florals, it seems, because 7 and 19 are two of my favorites here. Also the Helmut Lang look by Target--you do tough and girly equally well!
    Your little photo-bomber is so adorable.

  • kellygirl replied 8 years ago

    Just chiming in to echo the others. You look fantastic. I love your polished edgy style. Your outfits are a treat for the eyes! 

  • Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

    Natalie:  I'm coming back to your post later tonight, because there are four or five of your looks I want to adapt for myself.  You have always given me lots of inspiration, and, while you're struggling with body changes, you've lost none of your style sense.  You create such wonderful interest in your outfits, and your slender limbs (I envy those), shiny hair and beautiful smile standout. 

    You are a busy lady -- caring for patients and those lovely children!  Focusing on self care can be more difficult in this stage of life, but you will get there!

    The Vince dress is perfect for a west coast Autumn.  The black/white stripes is a great graphic look, and the echo of the stripe in the shoe is brilliant.  I also think you look terrific in your flannel plaid.   The shirt has a great fit in the shoulders (not sloppy) which makes it a bit more ladylike.

  • Carole replied 8 years ago

    Natalie, you look fantastic in all your outfits...so many great looks here it's hard to even pick a favorite but 7 stands out for me. You look amazing in the Vince dress and you DO NOT look pregnant. Sorry your feeling down about that...I'm struggling for the first time in my life to drop some weight and its just not happening:( no matter what I do. You have a beautiful wardrobe and you are beautiful!

  • replied 8 years ago

    I think being stylish trumps the food baby issue, and you look very attractive in these outfits. I also like how you mix it up, doing different styles on different days...I want to do more of that! Thank you for the inspiration.
    I particularly love 5, 11, and 21 :-)

  • Momo replied 8 years ago

    Wow! I think you look fantastic! Love these looks. Particularly liking the tougher looks on you.

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    Natalie, you lovely lady, so nice to see you again! Sorry to hear you've been feeling less than fab, you certainly look very fab. It looks like your various fashion personas are starting to play more with each other, though I do see a little more of your tough side coming through. Are there one or two pieces that would make more of your wardrobe work while you are at this weight? Even though you've said you don't want to shop for those clothes, having just a couple glue pieces might help things feel more put together in the meantime. *hugs*

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I'm a doctor and mom of three on the go go go who likes to have fun with fashion!