I'm not even going to beat around the bush. I've put on a few (read 10) pounds lately. It's not like I'm surprised or anything. It's not my son finishing all the french fries on his plate, or the cake part of the cupcake that he only licks the icing off of, then discards to the side as if it were trash (a crime!). I would like to blame being raised to believe that you shouldn't waste food. I would love nothing more than to blame my father (he's so easy to blame) for making me eat everything on my plate because he had paid good money for it. But I'm not going to lie to you or myself. I ate because the food was delicious and because I exhibited zero self-control. Now I'm back on the watching-what-I-eat and exercise wagon. But in the interim I needed to address some very self-destructive behavior.

I've gotten to a point where my "go to" jeans are a little too snug. They still look okay on, but they feel tight. I've noticed that I'm loathe to put them on because in my head I hear "you're so fat you can't even get these on". And that's just not a healthy dialogue to have in my head! My initial inclination was to buy shoes. But that doesn't solve the issue, so I decided to practice what I preach to my clients. I bought the "Curvy" fit jeans from the Gap ($69.50), along with a new tee-shirt in a shade of red that's flattering to me and brings out the pink tones in my skin. (PS, I also got a pair of shoes... hee, hee.) Although I'm still a little upset with myself for acting like a human garbage can, I have at least staved off the evil voices in my head a little bit. And an added bonus... when I was trying on the jeans I stepped out of the dressing room to ask the twenty-something boy... um, man?.... for another style of jeans they carry. He responded with, "but I really like these jeans on you. They look great on your curves." Let me just say, I don't care if he was lying. I don't care if they pay him extra to say those things. Lie to me baby!

The point is, if you feel like the clothes you wear are bringing you down, don't settle. Forgive yourself and get a size that fits. If you lose weight and end up fitting back into the previous pair... then great. But don't feel the need to punish yourself in the meantime. Ultimately you will feel much better about yourself, believe me, I know what I'm talking about.

If you, or someone you know, are not living up to your style potential, consider finding your Style Success! http://www.stylesuccess.net

Have a phenomenal week!!

Jodi

When we first found out that we would be moving from Texas to Michigan we received all kinds of advice. But the one we heard that really stood out to me the most was, "just be sure to plan vacations for January, February and March." I thought, "where the h--- am I moving to that I'll need to escape it for 3 months out of the year??" Two winters in, I totally get it. GREY, GREY and oh wait, more GREY! And then, while walking through the mall last week, my spirits were lifted with little shots of imitation sun in the form of spring colors. Gorgeous shades of corals and teals literally made me smile. So here is a sneak peek at a trend for spring that you can buy and wear now.

A major trend for Spring 2010 is going to be lingerie, or "underwear as outerwear". The silky camisole is the perfect piece to get now to layer underneath cardigans or chunky sweaters for just a little peak of sexy spring to come. And need I point out that Valentine's Day is coming? Underwear can also just be underwear... know what I'm sayin'??

p.s. we're going on vacation to Texas in 2 weeks and all I'm sayin' is... there better be sun!!

Have a great week!!