Old Navy gets a clue ... and so do I

[hiddenmuse]

Yes, Virginia, we do have actual figures...

This is causing a lively discussion in the ww_users community, with people discussing whether or not Old Navy is enabling the obesity epidemic by carrying Plus Sizes.

I threw in my 2 cents by saying that I was happy to see that they were doing this - especially since right now, I'm getting to be too small for most plus-size clothing stores, but still too big for the "regular" clothing stores.

While there were some people grumbling about how the availability of plus-size clothes at mainstream outlets would prevent people from doing anything about their weight, I expressed my gratitude at being able to actually shop at Old Navy, and finding decent, affordable clothes that fit. The fact that they have Plus Sizes makes it even better, because now I can buy their blouses - and they will actually fit in the arms and chest!


In the interest of full disclosure, I will say where I was, where I am, and where I hope to be, eventually: Before I joined Weight Watchers, I was probably close to 280 lbs., and wearing a size 22/24. Now - about 3 1/2 months into the Program - I am about 240 lbs., and wearing a size 18/20. My goal is to get down to 150 lbs. - no idea what the clothing size will be at that time. I don't care if I'm in a 10 or an 8, or even a 6. All I care about is that I am healthy (or, healthier than I have been in the past) and happy.


People go on about "getting into One-derland" (getting their weight below 200), and the excitement over wearing clothes that don't have an X in the size. Sure, those are big accomplishments - and things that I am looking forward to reaching at some point. Right now, I am focusing on continuing towards getting healthy. If I can cut back on my blood pressure medicine - or even eliminate my need for it altogether - that would be a wonderful goal to accomplish. If I can do something about my joint pain - short of surgery - that would be terrific.


I like looking at myself in the mirror and being impressed with how much better I'm looking, compared to how I was, once upon a time.

Comments

[mom-o-cass.livejournal.com]

Dear Carly,
you're pretty!
Thank you for the news about Old Navy finally getting clothes i can feel comfy in. i fit into the size 20's they rarely have in stock, but it will be awesome to have a real plus-size selection!
i'm totally with you and i feel the same way about the accomplishments we have made so far and i wish you continued success!

:)
jenne

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

Dear Jenne,

You, my dear, are pretty also - inside and out!

You're welcome for the news - I was glad to get it as well. I can fit into most of their 20s, and the tops sometimes fit, but I've had little to no success with anything beyond sleeveless shirts and t-shirts. So, it's nice to have the plus sizes to rely on for the time being!

Carly

[rachel7moon.livejournal.com]

Congrats hon -

Your doing wonderful :)

[mom-o-cass.livejournal.com]

beautiful icon!

[rachel7moon.livejournal.com]

thankies :) I love yours as well!! :)

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

Thank you muchly, dear! :^D

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the kind words!

I agree - plus-sized clothes certainly aren't the problem. If they were the problem, then why the hell have they been so ugly all this time?

The fact that we live in a super-size me, Jeroboam o'Coffee from Starbucks world certainly doesn't help matters much. When we seem to be reinforcing the idea of "bigger, better, faster, more" - especially in our food, that isn't working towards making anyone healthier in the least.

[among-the-waves.livejournal.com]

While there were some people grumbling about how the availability of plus-size clothes at mainstream outlets would prevent people from doing anything about their weight,

Grrrr! That's so dumb! If you don't have flattering clothes, you won't go out as much. And if you don't go out and get moving, you'll never lose weight. Plus, some people *can't* lose weight (due to screwy metabolisms). And some people are OK with being heavier. I think that feeling better about the way you look is better motivation toward being healthy and active (whether or not that involves losing weight).

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

Oh no kidding!

Even before I started losing weight, it was impossible to find flattering clothes, because everything is made to disguise the fact that you're fat. It's kind of hard to feel like going out and being social when all you have to wear is polyester and sackcloth (or something similar).

Sure, some people are OK with being heavier - and that's their prerogative. I certainly have no business putting them down for their reason(s) - just as they have no reason to put me down for wanting to lose weight.

Anyways, I was going to say that no matter what the situation is, it's always nice to have options when it comes to clothes. And considering that so many clothing stores that carry plus sizes only go up to a 24W, and Old Navy is going up to a 26W, well, I like that.

If it means that more women can go in there, and come away with bags filled with clothes for themselves - as opposed to bags filled with tchotchkes and clothes for others - then, even better, I say!!

[among-the-waves.livejournal.com]

I think there's a huge negative cycle when you can't find clothes that fit. Personally, if I feel like I look good, it does wonders for my mood. If I look good and feel good, I'll do more stuff, go out more, and be motivated to take care of myself. If I feel frumpy, OTOH, I'll get really depressed and have a hard time getting moving at all. I was heavier a year ago, and it really did wonders for me when I found decent larger size clothing at Target and a plus-size store that carried clubwear and other flattering clothes.

[nakedjester.livejournal.com]

That's what we like to call "flawed logic". It's not the same as McDonald's carrying "supersize gallon drinks", Purchasing and wearing plus-sized clothes does not make you plus-sized. Purchasing and drinking gallon sodas will help you on your way to a plus-size.

I can't believe people would actually use that as an argument.

UGH!

Then again, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

It's flawed logic, alright. Possibly a bit of jealousy - albeit, strangely misplaced jealousy...

And I certainly welcome and appreciate opinions around here! :-)

[cyndal.livejournal.com]

I've always appreciated going into old navy and not fleeing the store crying because the size 10 is for a size 6 and also for carrying a size above 13. I can still remember the time I went to the express to buy jeans and they told me they didn't have my size in anything I wanted.

So the logic is if we limit the amount of clothing available to plus size women...we'll just automatically turn into Jessica Simpson size? Right.

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think that's the logic - limit the amount of clothing available to plus-size women, and they'll turn into Jessica Simpson. ;)

It's only been in the past couple of months that I've been able to buy clothes in the women's section of Old Navy. Previously, if I wanted anything, I was resigned to the men's section, because those were the only items that actually fit (well, somewhat). So, I'm thrilled that I can shop at Old Navy - and especially happy that they're starting to sell some plus size items.