Odds 'n' Ends Thursday: A Weighty Issue

Of course we all remember this creep show of classic literature. In honor of tonight's final competitive Weight Watchers weigh-in, I've decided to resurrect the fine art of body watchin'.

For the past thirteen weeks my dad and I have been competing in the annual Weight Watchers Battle of the Badges, a friendly weigh-off challenge between police and fire fighters and their families. Tonight is the last weigh-in. While I know I didn't win top prize, my now baggy jeans and ill-fitting pajamas are prize enough for now. I've decided to stick with the program beyond Battle of the Badges and hope to lose another 50 pounds in the next six months. But after tonight's weigh-in I'm treating myself to a hefty dose of crab fries with cheese and muscles in red. It will be...glorious.

But come tomorrow morning, I'll be back on track again. I need to be. Because apparently, in accordance with Body Watchin' author and self-proclaimed "Chief Watcher" John L. Shirley, I'm a classic Endomorph. And given this eye-opening illustration, I am also incidentally a bowling enthusiast in drag. Who knew?

"Endomorph: The Fat One" is a chapter dedicated to we fatties who are "awkward in movement and prone to stumble," we who "have a strong aversion to yard work." And word to the wise from The Chief Watcher:

"Never aggravate the endos over their need for food and drink." We might get volatile and chew your arm off for a midday snack.

But don't worry, readers. John L. Shirley loves looking at all body types. This thrifted read is dedicated "to all the bodies I've watched...the knowledge gained has made the writing of this book not only possible, but a lot of fun!"

So keep in mind that next time someone is sizing you up, they may very well be drafting a book on somatotyping... one that will someday end up on the shelves of your local thrift store.

The Thrifted Life: A Lovely Surprise

Being involved in the virtual thrift community certainly has its benefits. I’ve learned helpful re-sellers tips, got answers to technical questions and shared mutual thrifted finds with bloggers all over the world. Occasionally I am even rewarded with lovely little surprises like this.

Routinely checking my inbox last week I found an email from Lynda of the innovative blog Something Created Everyday. She had just announced the giveaway winner for her blog’s 300 follower milestone. And as it turns out, I had won her previous milestone giveaway when I was on blog hiatus and never even realized to claim my prize!

Kudos to Lynda for realizing my absence during the previous giveaway and for shipping me this lovely handmade felt tote and vintage buttons. I love the lace detail and adorably crafted felt flower. It is the perfect size for holding craft projects that I hope to begin very soon. Of course I’m not nearly as skilled. And I can’t seem to get my sewing machine functional, a minor setback for the time being.

I still have a lot to learn when it comes to crafting, but I’m glad there are ladies like Lynda out there, who regularly shares her thrifted finds and crafty creations for other to appreciate and be inspired by.

Congratulations on the milestone achievement, Lynda!

The Week in Review: What We Wear

Since starting a new venture in fashion writing, I’ve come to nurture a heightened awareness of textiles, garments, ensembles, accessories and the overall look of passersby. I mentally note what works and what doesn’t. When reading fashion magazines I clip clothes, shoes and accessories I find interesting for my own Look Book—pages of which I will scan and share with you at a later time. I then use my Look Book to search for thrifty alternatives to high end designers.

While thrifted fashion finds were minimal this week, I’m still hopeful. Planning to fully utilize secondhand means to expand my wardrobe is especially important given the current size situation. I’m still losing weight, slowly but surely. But it’s not the most ideal time to commit to an entirely new wardrobe. I’m cautiously looking for clothes that fit…for now. But I am really searching for a few pieces that will fit even better… a few weeks from now.
In the meantime, I have been hitting the books for fashion inspiration.

I found this nostalgic book in New Hope, PA. While it wasn’t thrifted, I did buy it from an independent book store…on sale.





I enjoy the color and pattern of some of the fabrics, but will be the first to say that 70’s fashion isn’t cut for every body type. Some of the ensembles highlighted are ill-fitting, and judging by some of the hesitant body language in the models’ posing, they weren’t entirely comfortable either.

The women are amateurs at best, likely friends of the author and not models by trade. But that’s okay. Actually I think the real-woman look in outfits that border on costumes lends a little charm to the idea. And while I’m not limiting my fashion focus to just bell bottoms and polyester, there is a guilty pleasure in admiring the craze of past eras.

After all, fashion is a continuum of ideas and past inspiration. Take the shirt dress. We have the 60’s to thank for this current trend. Of course the modern take on the trend means a shorter hem and a skinny belt at the waist, but I love the look all the same.

Now if only I can thrift one in my size.

What thrifted fashion have you found?

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