Saturday 21 January 2012

OOTD - Slobby Saturday and a diet post....

I'm really tired today.....as is often the case at the weekend! So today's outfit is comfort based, not stylishly thought out at all! This is my go-to winter weekend look and occasional school-run outfit. I won't wear it to work though unless I've run out of all my clean clothes! The jumper was a gift from my mother on one of her USA trips - it's from TK Maxx in Florida (though I think it's TJ Max there) The label says "Extra Touch Collection" - anyone heard of it? Wish I knew cos it's my favourite slouchy jumper and my favourite colour!

The jeans were a prize from the lovely Lauren and appropriately enough were from last year's Plus London event - Torrid had sent a capsule wardrobe and I won it on Lauren's blog - these were my favourite jeans but they're almost too big for me now which is a shame! And I'm wearing those bloody boots again! But it was cold.....

Jumper - TJ/K Max USA
Jeans - Torrid
Boots  - Again....Uggs

I've been meaning to write for a while about my weight. I'm very pro size acceptance and HAES but I also have to admit I'm using Weightwatchers to eat healthier and to lose weight. Over a year ago I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes - early stages - which I was expecting after having had gestational diabetes in both pregnancies - very severely in the last one. I remember those days of injecting insane amounts of insulin and being scared to eat anything. I didn't want to go back there. I've been overweight all my life - was a size 16 at 16 and kind of kept my dress size/age ratio going. At the age of 30 and a size 30 I decided I wanted babies. So I lost 5 stone with WW and had my son. I put on weight in pregnancy and did WW a couple of times in between babies to get healthy for the second pregnancy. I kind of did the classic yo-yo dieting thing for a few years. But when I got the diagnosis of Diabetes I knew I had to change my life, not go on a diet. And that's what I've done. I've upped my exercise and discovered a zumba addiction. I still eat unhealthy food but in moderation. And I am not a diet nazi. I will never judge anyone on their size or their choices. I fully support and utterly admire a lot of the fatshion blogging community who have taught me to wear clothes that make me feel good, not to hide in a kaftan. And I love that they are proud of their bodies and love to flaunt them. If I wasn't 40 and looking at diabetes, I might have joined them! And I still am in a way - I've learnt a lot already and am starting to develop a real interest in fashion - something I always denied myself when I was younger because a) there was hardly any fashion out there for someone my age and size, and b) I didn't really think fashion referred to me as a fat woman.

So much has changed. I love the choice, the range, the acceptance that I've found online. And I'm hoping my "outing" myself as a Weightwatchers follower won't disqualify me from this community. I've already lost someone on Facebook who felt unable to associate with someone who was dieting as it was anti-FA. I disagree. I accept everyone. And hell, I'm never going to be a size zero! I've already managed to get my blood sugar back down to normal levels - HIGH normal levels, but I'm no longer classed as diabetic. And now my goal is to get fitter and I'm aiming at a size 16 - I haven't put a number on the scales as my goal. I just want to be healthy.

So there - I've said it - I've wanted to talk about this for a long time ever since I read this post by Eclectica and I'm doing what's best for me like she suggested.

Friday 20 January 2012

OOTD plus looking forward to PLUSLONDON2!

Hello out there....quick post to show off an outfit that was put together for me at the Big Fat Clothes Swap last year - I loved this skirt but when I put it on with the waistband on my waist I looked awful. So the lovely Monkey Fatshionista suggested I move it up to the under-boob region and LO! A lovely outfit! She's a genius...
Skirt: Swap
Boots:Ugg
Leggings: Primark (thank you so much Eclectica for that tip - saves me a fortune!)
Coat: Lands End (I've had it forever)
Vest: H&M from about 6 years ago

I know the Ugg Boots don't really go....but it was bloody cold yesterday and I couldn't bear to take em off! And it was just for a pub book club night! (have just realised I've worn these boots in almost every post on this teeny blog - MUST make better shoe effort next time)

And talking of the wonderful Monkey...I'm getting so damn excited for Plus London - I'm going to be on the catwalk! Eek! One Stop Plus are holding a fashion show and I am lucky enough to be one of the models. I've NEVER done anything similar before - I know I'm an actor but I'm definitely NOT a model! I'm really excited though. Hope someone will be snapping pics!

Sunday 8 January 2012

OOTD - Toby's Birthday

It's my youngest son's 5th birthday today so I wore something new! I bought this from Yours Clothing

I do love it - it's a lovely shape - it looks brighter on the website - not as PURPLE as I expected but still lovely. I love the pockets - feels kinda 50's to me!

Teamed with my always handy black leggings, Uggs and a backdrop of a soft play centre full of mad kids!
Top - Yours here 
Leggings - Walmart 
Uggs - Santa
Whaddya think? It was going to be my outfit for PlusLondonTwo but I agree with Monkey, that it's not smart enough. So perfect for today!

Talking of Plus London.... Will you be there? I'm utterly looking forward to it! The amazing Claire is doing a storming job organising a phenomenal programme of events - can't wait!