Consignment Incomplete

As you all know, I cleaned out my closet recently. I got rid of things that were a.) unflattering; b.) repetitive; c.) unworn. One of my friends suggested I try to sell some of the clothes. So during my purge I put the unworn or gently used stuff in one pile and the cheap, overused items in another. This weekend, I looked up a few consignment shops in my area, made a list of 4 that had good Yelp reviews and that accepted non-designer clothes (the most high end label in my closet is probably Ann Taylor). Then I put all my clothes in a suitcase and prepared to spend Saturday afternoon on a consignment quest.

My first destination was Crossroads Trading. When I arrived I was actually pretty impressed (I'll probably go back there to do some shopping - they've got a great shoe collection). I was super nervous and as I pushed the stroller with my son in one hand and lugged my suitcase of clothes in the other, across the street to the store, I hoped that they would at least buy enough clothes to pay for the cost of parking on College Avenue.

What I didn't expect was that they would not accept anything. Why? According to the clerk, in really her nicest voice (no sarcasm) my clothes were "out of date from what they were looking for." Now granted I can accept that considering a lot of items had been purchased in 2008 or earlier. And I certainly was no trendsetter in 2008. But it was so HUMILIATING. I mean I already knew I was fashionably-challenged. But that was the FINAL stamp of it.

I sent a text to my friend telling her about my humiliation. I told her I didn't even want to go to any other stores given my embarrassment - and the waste of parking and gas. She suggested I just donate the rest. And so I did. Including the suitcase.

Sign me up for one of those "What-Not-to-Wear-Oprah's-Big-Makeover-How-to-Look-Better-Naked" shows. Please. I'm serious.

Baseball, Jeans and Dreams

So yesterday my friend calls me at work and invites me to accompany him to a baseball game that evening. Seems his clients have a skybox at the Oakland Coliseum and there will be food and drinks and an awesome view of the field. My main concern was whether or not the train would be late getting me home - the game started at 7pm and I wasn't going to get back home until 7pm. It wasn't until I made it back home and saw how chilly it was in Oakland (as compared to the 90 degree weather in Sacramento) that I realized I had not been thinking of my real issue: what the hell do you wear to a baseball game if you're sitting in the skybox?

Usually, when I don't know what to wear, I wear a dress or a skirt. I find that usually works in almost any environment. And I usually look good in a dress or skirt. But considering the weather (and the fact that it WAS a baseball game), I didn't think any of my dresses would be appropriate. I sent out text messages to friends and posted a message on my Facebook page asking for advice. I didn't have a lot of time to try on a bunch of different outfits or run to the mall to get an A's jersey. Everyone pretty much said to wear jeans and layers or a cute top or a t-shirt. Now, that might sound easy to most people but my issue is: I have no flattering jeans.

I have always struggled with buying and wearing jeans. I think I have written in this blog before that I can never find a flattering, affordable pair. And last night, I realized that none of my jeans fit well. They're all loose and don't really do anything for my bottom half. It was then, as I awkwardly struggled into (what I thought) was the least offensive pair, that I vowed to buy another pair when I reached my first weight goal.

This morning in the shower, I realized I have not made my customary list of what I want to do when I reach my first weight goal (I'm thinking it'll be 20 pounds - which is halfway there). So I am thinking about it - I know I want to take pictures with my son, I want to buy some jeans, but I'm not sure what else. But I know I will be celebrating.

By the way, I am about 4 pounds away from my first goal . . .