Day 11: Beautiful Browns and NEW SHOES!

So, I haven't been good about charging my little camera's battery at night, and yesterday it died on me! I managed to snag just two pics with that camera, so my apologies for the lack of detail shots. Also, this morning's post is sort of two posts in one, so bear with me! Fashion first, then weight-talk.

Would you ever believe that the camel colored wool gabardine circle skirt below is NEW - from the SPIEGEL catalogue? I bought it out thrifting, and it's so perfect in shape, weight and length that sometimes I double-check the label myself. I'm thinking about putting a metal zipper in it, to replace the stupid invisible zipper. I bought it, of course, because almost nothing I own fits me right now. But I'll probably have it taken in, and keep it long-term.

Now, some silly person told me, when I was quite young, that I was a WINTER and couldn't wear browns. No, all jewel tones and black for me. Well, I love jewel tones and black, and wear a lot of them. But I also love brown. I like the coordination with my hair and eyes, and feel that the look is fairly warm and inviting on me. Oh, those silly 1980s color chart rules!

On another note, I got my new Naya "Jada" shoes yesterday (wow, that was fast!) and so the brown outfit is really inspired by the fact that I can never wait to wear something new. I'm very happy with them, although I wonder if I should have gotten the Wide width after all - they'll need just a little stretching to be perfectly comfortable across the top of the vamp. But they came with an extra set of those darling satin laces! They were $51.95 (shipped!) after a $10 off coupon at Shoebuy here.

These shoes caused a pretty big stir on the fan page, and I got SO many compliments on them! I think I might go get them in black, too. They're just plain cute.

I finally got instagram. This darker setting on it helped hide the fact that my pretty curls got rained on.

So! Another topic completely. A number of you have expressed some concern about my 50 pound weight loss goal. I thought I'd try to explain where I got that number, and why I'm working so hard to get into the best shape I've been in as an adult.

I hope that helps clarify that I'm not setting an unrealistic or unhealthy goal. I'm the girl who researches until her eyes bleed, and I feel good about this choice! As to you (absolutely wonderful!!!) ladies asking where those 50 pounds are going to come from ... well, everywhere. I feel very lucky in that when I gain weight, I gain it very evenly. I am definitely sort of "rolly" when seen out of my clothes, but with clothes on, I look so very proportionate - I'm not an apple, or a pear, or top heavy. The fat goes everywhere, so it (sort of) minimizes the impact on my waistline. I deeply appreciate this fact, but it is part of why I've been able to be lazy, and get to the point where hundreds (thousands?) of dollars of fabulous vintage clothing in my closet DOESN'T FIT.

Another part of this, is that I've gained 30-35 of those pounds VERY recently. As in, over the last year and a third. Oh gee, thank you, wonderfully happy, blissfully decadent relationship! This is me, December 2010.... I sort of hate to reveal one of my 365 outfits early, since I love these pieces together, and know I'll be wearing it again. The pants are a tight 30" waist, and I'm only aiming for a couple inches smaller than that. Which would be good for keeping these pants long term - the previous owner nearly blew out the crotch, and I wear them pretty gingerly. They need to be taken in in order to make them staunch again.

So, there you have it. I really, truly appreciate the concern, support, advice, and encouraging words. That's why I'm doing this! I've been fighting with up and downs in my weight for the last couple of years, and I know that this is the best way for me to lose it slowly and healthfully, and keep it off. And fit back into ALL my pretty things, some of which haven't graced this body for gosh, three or four years!

Brown blouse: 1950's Ship 'N' Shore, purchased deadstock at a thrift store a million years ago
Skirt: Newish (modern) from Spiegel, purchased thrifting
Shoes: Naya "Jada" at Shoebuy.com
Bakelite: Four various, and two gifts from Jesse
I'll credit the western outfit when I can finally wear it again!