I used to hate shopping.
Why?
Because I’m just not girlie.
Shopping is…
…a waste of time.
…a waste of money.
…a waste of living.
Instead of pampering myself with clothing, I chose to spoil myself with traveling, camera equipment, and records.
But the tomboy act was all an excuse.
Truth be told, I avoided the dressing room because I didn’t want to put on something that didn’t fit. Each article of clothing that was too small or too tight made me feel insecure and horrible about myself.
Clothes made me face the truth, the harsh reality that I am fat.
My frustration with my body turned into hatred for stylish, cute clothing because those types of clothes reminded me of everything that I wasn’t. I think a piece of me cried inside each time I couldn’t fit into a top I liked.
I masked my hurt and pain with dislike because hating something is easier than trying to fix the problem.
I was so convinced that I hated shopping. I think the last time I shopped for fashionable clothing was back in 2006.
Insecure much?
On Tuesday, I randomly decided to go shopping at Ross with my mom.
What the hell, why not?
I wanted new dresses. I wanted to feel good about my body, ditch the old clothes and embrace my feminine side.
And guess what?
Everything I tried on fit! The sizes ranged from 11 to 14 but it didn’t matter. Every dress and jacket I tried on zipped or buttoned.
I no longer have to buy clothes out of necessity. I can now pick my clothes and not have my clothes pick me.
I can choose to not buy something because I didn’t like how it fit, not because it couldn’t fit.
I ended up buying my first pair of leggings, and they actually look decent on me.
Who would’ve thought…
I realized that I thoroughly enjoy shopping, even though it is an extremely tedious and tiresome sport. Seriously.
Shopping is a workout in and of itself. An amazing one, too.
Here’s a look at me and my lovely haul (all for under $100) with special guests Monster Calves and Squinty Eyes.
Do you enjoy shopping?
What’s your favorite store to shop in?
How do you shop on a budget?
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Female. 23 years old. Chinese. Cook. Foodie. UCLA grad. Traveler. Musician. Scuba diver. Law student. Runner.
How beautiful are you??? I LOVE your new outfits and you wear them with such confidence. This post reminds me of the first time I was able to shop in the “regular” section (not plus-size). I had gone to a Lord & Taylor (not sure if you have L&T out there, but it’s a nice department store) and went to the plus size section because that’s where I always went first. And everything was too big. I had this amazing feeling inside as I got on the escalator and went to the “regular” section. At first, as I was browsing, I sort of felt unworthy, like I might have a big “fat girl doesn’t belong here” look about me. But I haven’t looked back! And neither should you
Those dresses look great! Especially #4.. so flattering on you!
I’m so extremely jealous! Those are all possibly the cutest summer outfits I have seen! You’re looking amazing girl! (Seriously understand about the squinty eye effect!) I LOVE the confidence in the last one!
OW OW!!!! Those are some fierce pics. I adore 5 and 7 totally my faves.
RETAIL THERAPY!!
You…look…MARVELOUS!
I’m so happy that you’ve gained a new freedom to enjoy…you deserve it!
LOVE Dress number #4, you look amazing!!
Love your pose in the last one!! You Go Girl!!
I live for Retail Therapy … it’s sad but true.
I would have to say my favorite place to shop is the Gap.
I ONLY buy from the sales rack or if I have a coupon of more then 30% off.
I love the term “retail therapy.” Shopping really IS therapeutic!
Sssssssmokin’!
I love to shop…when I’m thin. I haven’t bought much by ways of new clothes in a long time. And I already own a lot of awesome clothes, they just don’t fit anymore/yet.
I’ve always been a bit of Kohl’s-whore, but sometimes the outlets have some nice cheap stuff too.
Steve´s last blog Effin’ hell!
You look Great! Yellow and Black look amazing on you! Love all the looks!
Damn girl, look at those legs!!! You look strong and confident. I’m kind of partial to the Monster Calves, since I have a pair of my own. I’ve come to love them–most men are jealous of them. lol.
I love you in #5, and I want that dress for MYSELF!!!!
Elisabeth´s last blog On Putting a Moratorium on Moving
Look at you! Love that you are taking this to heart, put yourself out there and the world will respond. Don’t be surprised when men start holding opening doors or randomly smiling at you!
I love to shop, love being girly but even more love being a woman! I’m a big fan of thrift stores, vintage well made pieces are a thrill to find. Good way to shop on a budget. I have no one favorite store, more of a style and pick pieces to accommodate that.
JESS~
I really love these dresses. LIKE LOVE THEM
I want to steal 1, 2, 4 and 7.
Not borrow but steal!
You look so very cute and you wear them well. Made me smile. Keep it up you look oober fab and I am soooo not one of those who just says that
Oh and I love love shopping especially when I am feeling healthy and light and lean
I like stores like TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. I love to find cute things that are different and the help my pocketbook too.
You’ve inspired me!! Maybe I’ll share some recent cute finds too if I can get someone to snap some pics. Again great looks.
Oh and I love the shoes too…the pair in look #7 are AHAWT and scream summer :_)
The shoes are from Forever 21. I’ve had them for years (since 2006)! They’re uber comfortable and super cute though.
I love #4!
I’ve always loved shopping, but when the clothes and I don’t agree (ie: I feel too fat) I buy shoes and accessories. The last time I went shopping, though, things fit! Gave me a total boost. Someday soon I’ll be able to shop wherever I want.
SO CUTE!!! No … cute is an understatement … SMASHING!!! That’s it … you’re SMASHING!!!
I’m an Old Navy girl for shopping. Tom despises shopping & it’s so hard to go into a store & try stuff on with John in tow so I do most everything online. The two of them are going off to a waterpark with Tom’s dad Sunday/Monday … and I think I’M going shopping!!!
You look amazing!! I was never a fan of shopping when I was younger- a mix between not knowing how to dress my body and my mom “helping” (aka picking out the ugliest things imaginable). I enjoy it now, especially when I inadvertently grab a larger-than-necessary size. I love thrift shops and clearance racks, but I’m willing to look any/everywhere since you never know when you’ll find something you really love.
I need to start shopping at thrift stores, Good Will and Salvation Army more! I hear they are time consuming but when you find something, it’s a diamond in the rough.
Love all of your dresses! My favorite is #4! So cute! And love the last pic with the sunglasses and HOTT shoes!
I can’t believe you got all of that for less than $100 – Ross is the place to shop!
I absolutely love Dress #2! That is the cutest one of them all but you look great in all of them.
I understand completely how you feel, I am still working on that form of thinking but it’s great to see that you are doing so great in life!
All of the dresses are so cute!! And I too love the shoes in the last picture. I can’t wait to go shopping and have the same experience!
Melissa´s last blog A Rather Overwhelming Week
All of that for under 100 bucks – you’re kidding? You look great by the way – I’d kill for your legs! And dress #4 is simply stunning!
It was a tough call between 4 and 6 for my fave, but I think 4 takes it for the win, and not just b/c you’re standing like a model. I’ve always loved the classic black and white with one other color. And yellow looks fabulous on you. Rather than stealing them as someone above suggested, maybe you could leave it to me in your will? I think you should wear that dress at least weekly. And then add the others for the rest of the week! I don’t love shopping and most frequently go for Ann Taylor (or AT Loft), a non-chain boutique, or Nordstrom’s (a big dept store here w/ pretty good choices).
Pretty! I especially love number 4, the colour is great on you and it’s very flattering.
Work it girl!
I was just like the old you, I hated shopping too. It brought me back to reality, when as most of the time I chose to ignore it. Lane Bryant was the worst. I just wanted to wear cute clothes, that all my friends were wearing, not just shop there.
I love how you get appear more confident with each picture. What “monster calves” and who care about the squinty eyes? You look GORGEOUS. I think my favorite is 5.
That’s why I love clothes so much: when you wear the right things, you feel good about yourself, and they just give you the kind of confidence that nothing else can give you, in my opinion….dare I say, not even a good workout.
Now, as for your questions: I live at Ann Taylor LOFT and Gap. Have a great weekend lady!
Jess, you’re a full-on hottie. Good for you for having fun shopping! And seriously, you look great. I wouldn’t say monster calves; I would calves of an athlete.
I’m so glad you embraced your inner hot ass, you’re gorgeous! And as a proud owner of strong legs that could crack a watermelon, they are brilliant little legs.
Rita @ The Giggly Bits´s last blog Five Common Running Injuries and Ailments
Let’s practice watermelon chopping…with our legs! I bet we could be on some cool show about people with awesome hidden talents
You look awesome, Jess! I am not a shopping fan, but I *will* admit I like how I look in clothes now a LOT more than before!
SeattleRunnerGirl´s last blog Training Schedule- Progress Photos- & a Spa Day
I like dresses one and four the best. Well, shopping can get tiring. It is hard for anyone, I think, to find things that fit and look good and are the right size, all while fighting through throngs of frantic shopping women… I prefer to go with other people while they shop and keep them company. I actually like shopping online better, but then you run the risk of things looking different in person, or not fitting, etc. shopping tends to frustrate me though. I dunno what my favorite store is. I am bad at budgeting. Basically what I do is, when I get paid and have $, I buy a bunch of stuff. Then I run out of $. Then I buy almost nothing, till my next check comes. My roommate does the same, and since I get paid on a 2 week basis, and he gets paid on a random basis, it evens out so we usually have $. Ps what a nice pool! Is that yours?
merri´s last blog Is it cold outside
Hey Merri!
If by mine, you mean my parents, then yes. But I’m moving to Washington, DC soon so goodbye California weather and adios pool. Sad…
you look GREAT!!! I am turning into a shopping fan as well, so fun when the clothes actually fit and you buy them because you like them. I love New York and Company, Nordstroms and Ann Taylor
Them sum slammin legs runner.
Joe´s last blog The Growing Popularity Of The Half Marathon
HOT HOT HOT!!
I love that you’re rockin’ the shopping these days. I can’t believe the deals you got too! incredible!
Meegan´s last blog New Goals – New Program
YOU HAVE SEXY CALVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is all.
Oh, and one more thing.
You better check out my next post because…you’re going to LOVE it.
Wow, you are really looking great Jess! And those are quite the glamour shots by the pool
I’ve never been a big fan of shopping myself. My clothes are getting pretty big and baggy on me at this point, but I haven’t been able to bring myself to go clothes shopping, mostly because I just can’t stand it. If anything, I might buy a few new shirts online. Eddie Bauer is probably my favorite clothing store, but also on the pricey side, so I usually only buy stuff that’s on clearance there.
You look awesome! Can I come swim at your pool? Also, there’s nothing wrong with buying records and camera equipment and traveling. I’d like to shift my spending away from clothes and towards those things.
All those outfits are really cute, but I LOVEEEE #4. I don’t mind shopping for fun or dresses, but it seems like when I HAVE to find something specific, I never can. Or jeans, I loathe shopping for jeans. Even when I was smaller my body didn’t fit “right” in clothes, so I’ve learned to stick with certain styles and brands.