New wardrobe or alter my clothes?

[zumbamama]

As of last week, I've hit my 50-pound milestone. Yes, three years ago, I was 50 pounds heavier. Anyway, I haven't shopped in forever because, well, I have 3 kids that suck up all my shopping money. Is it more economical to buy 5 new pairs of jeans or have the ones I own taken in? And if I should get them altered, any tailor recommendations in Arlington?

[Anonymous]

You've painstakingly lost 50 pounds! Go treat yourself to a few new pairs of jeans, girlfriend! You deserve it.

(And if the final tally freaks you out, get one "treat" pair and a couple of Levis/Gaps/whatevers for everyday wear.)

[zumbamama]

oh but I have to be frugal about it. I am tired of holding up these baggy jeans with a belt on it's tightest notch...but money is tight these days. I guess I could buy one pair per paycheck.

Oh and it wasn't painstaking...it was fun!

[Anonymous]

OK, so go get one new pair instead of five. Jeans aren't like regular trousers -- no amount of money can take them in a couple sizes and make it look halfway decent.

[zumbamama]

then there is everything else...shirts, bras, etc. I guess I should wait for spring sales.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You've painstakingly lost 50 pounds! Go treat yourself to a few new pairs of jeans, girlfriend! You deserve it.

(And if the final tally freaks you out, get one "treat" pair and a couple of Levis/Gaps/whatevers for everyday wear.)

I love it when people post like this. As if everyone has disposable income laying around to buy a few new pairs of jeans.

I know quite a few people who are on such tight budgets they have to ration out their thermostat.

I know your intentions are not mean spirited, but most of the people on this forum are in the upper stratosphere of tax scale. To some of us GAP and Levis are the "treat" pair, but whatever Costco is carrying that month is our regular clothing retailer. Planet earth is calling, please come on down.

[Anonymous]

Congratulations!!! This is such a great achievement. Don't know if you can get to Nordstrom Rack -- but they had some great deals on jeans -- $49 for Lucky Brand -- $39 for some Calvin Kleins. I saw these at the one in Shady Grove. Sorry, not so convenient to Arlington but just a thought.

[zumbamama]

yeah, I'm an artist/dancer...I don't have boo koo bucks to shop! I just spent $200 on after school activities for DS....I wish I knew how to sew! Maybe I should go raid my mom's attic and see if she has any of my highschool clothes...haha!

[Anonymous]

actually, costco sometimes has really great deals on designer jeans.

[Anonymous]

Congrats! You should be so proud of yourself!!

Places like target have some great basics and I bet they are marked way down at the moment. I know the kids stuff is - I got my daughter some sweaters for $3 last week and my son some cords for $2. Another idea is to go to a website of national chains (gap/old navy) with free or cheap shipping, order a bunch of stuff, try it on at home and return what doesn't work to the local mall. Saves time over traipsing around and going in and out of dressing rooms. Just make sure to return the stuff you don't want quickly so you don't get stuck with huge charges on your credit card at month's end.

[Anonymous]

zumbamama wrote:As of last week, I've hit my 50-pound milestone. Yes, three years ago, I was 50 pounds heavier. Anyway, I haven't shopped in forever because, well, I have 3 kids that suck up all my shopping money. Is it more economical to buy 5 new pairs of jeans or have the ones I own taken in? And if I should get them altered, any tailor recommendations in Arlington?

hi i lost 60 lbs as well. and well, i bought 2 pairs of jeans. but honestly, i wish i just bought only one. i do the rest of my shopping at target, the 70% off rack (and i still feel guilty). the 2 pairs of jeans - i splurged (splurging is gap and levis for me). let's face it, 50lbs lighter, anything looks good on you. Congrats!

[Anonymous]

I love it when people post like this. As if everyone has disposable income laying around to buy a few new pairs of jeans.

I know quite a few people who are on such tight budgets they have to ration out their thermostat.

I know your intentions are not mean spirited, but most of the people on this forum are in the upper stratosphere of tax scale. To some of us GAP and Levis are the "treat" pair, but whatever Costco is carrying that month is our regular clothing retailer. Planet earth is calling, please come on down.

Dear Sanctimonious Bitch:

The OP clearly stated that she was in need of five pairs of jeans. So I offered advice in that vein. I did not scold her for her proposed shopping or attempt to play misery poker by seeing her tight budget and raising her one income, thermostat at 65, and nothing but thrift store shopping. Instead, I congratulated her and suggested options that seemed to be in line with what she wanted. Planet Friendly Advice is calling, we'd sure like to have you back.

Kisses,
Someone who has no room in the budget for pointless attacks

[Anonymous]

well, this discussion went well. . .

[Anonymous]

Arlington has a Goodwill, Target and consignment shop on the corner of Washington and Pershing.

I'm guessing if she can afford Arlington, she can afford a $15 pair if jeans!

[Anonymous]

Check out jeans at Banana Republic. I've found some very good deals in the past during the end of the season (I think around $40 a pair). I bought a couple of pairs of designer jeans several years ago when I had "me" money, but I think the Banana ones are much nicer and much more comfortable. They've also held up well. I wear them at least three times a week, and I've had them for two years.

No matter where you get them, though, I would definitely recommend getting new ones. First, to treat yourself for a job well done. Second, as a motivation to keep the weight off!