First thing I did was kick up my exercise routine. I was already running over 30 miles a week, but I kicked it up to 40+ and started lifting weights again. On days I didn't run, I rode the stationary bike or did a combination of yoga and bellydance. I didn't eat all that many sweets, but I cut them out entirely. Unrefined carbs are a rarity for me as well, but I cut those way down too. I even stopped drinking orange juice in the morning, replacing it with V8.
Guess how much weight I lost. Go on, guess.
NONE.
I LOST NO WEIGHT.
No, I didn't lost fat and put on muscle. No, I didn't end up being more toned; I was as lumpy as ever. Yes, I did feel better exercising every day, and I would keep doing it even though I didn't lost weight, but it wasn't conducive to the red dress looking good.
I was despairing over getting to wear the thing to my company's holiday party (which was last week), when I came down with a nasty GI bug that left me eating nothing but bananas and rice cakes for a week. Not how I wanted to get trim, but I'll take it.
The gloves are from Target, purchased from the costume section many years ago (featured in the coffee dress outfit), the shawl is from Charming Charlie, and the bag came from Amazon. The shoes, which you can't see here, are from Leg Avenue. I wore sparkly white jewelry, right down to my nose ring. Crappy lighting, but my hair is orange here, and I wore it up in a sock bun. I wanted to do something more elaborate, but I didn't have enough time and/or skill.
It seems like the dress was a hit! But I think I will probably stay away from sewing strapless dresses in the future. Unless I lose my mind again.
I think it looks amazing, and probably would have even without that INTENSE exercise regime! Good grief, that sounds exhausting. Glad you finally got to wear it. I hate spending time on something I make that will never get worn/used. :)
ReplyDeleteExercise does more to improve my depression than anything else, which has turned me onto a gym rat. Also great for my physical health.
DeleteThanks for the compliment. People kept telling me I looked great, but I felt pretty self-conscious all night.
It is frustrating when you work hard and the number on the scale doesn't budge. But despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, your end result is fabulous. It looks so elegant!
ReplyDeleteThank you! If I wear this again, I might try to have my hair and makeup professionally done so they do the dress justice.
DeleteYou don't need to loose weight if you look so d*mn smashing in such a tight dress! You look amazing! I see that strapless is not easy to pull off - I never go braless, but this one looks just right on you. Maybe losing your mind is not the worst thing to happen?
ReplyDeleteThank you. I will probably lose my mind again, since I was able to pull this off once.
DeleteI only feel able to go braless because I'm flat-chested. I still have bra cups sewn into the dress so I don't look like a little girl playing dress-up.